Dear Friends,
I sincerely hope each of you had a very peaceful and loving holiday. The time we spent at the farm visiting with everyone was wonderful. I am overwhelmed by all of your support, love, and warm wishes to myself and MY TEAM.
I will forever be grateful to each of you!
In life, things may often travel an unexpected path. Sometimes, the surprises are wonderful and joyful. Other times, no matter how hard you work and no matter how hard you try, the result is totally out of your control and not as positive as you would hope.
I’d personally like to thank each of you for the concern and love you have expressed for CLOUD MAN. He definitely ‘knows’ how you all feel and the many candles and prayers you honored him with yesterday.
Needless to say, it is a very sad time for MY TEAM. They loved him very, very much…and he will be greatly missed.
Your kindness and thoughtfulness, as always, is deeply appreciated and means so much to all of us!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~(Special blessings…dear Cloud Man)
Z
Annie
I am so sorry for the loss of Cloud Man. I know your Mike did everything he could to get him pulled up quickly and safely. He is so caring! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Abigail from Montreal
Zenny, John, Dottie, the Mosses, Mike and everyone at Barn 55: I wish I was there to give each of you a hug, but please consider this a hug travelling through time and space. Having lost my beloved dog, Jericho, recently to events that were also beyond my control, my heart knows only too well what your hearts are saying. My dad, who was an accomplished Science teacher used to say: “Matter can never be created, nor can it be destroyed. It just changes into another form.” I have always found that comforting throughout my life. Science aside, I know that we ALL SHINE ON. When the clouds over Barn 55 are playful and romping, that is Cloud Man bringing his blessings. Love to you all at this very sad time. XXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOO
Sue in Indiana
So sad for many this past weekend. My thoughts are with the Z Team and Cloud Man and the others that sufferd catastrophic injuries this weekend. This is the part of racing that makes me cry.
Jake in Tennessee
So sorry, Team Zen, over the tragic events around Cloud Man. It seems many times that the worst things happen to the best people in life; not for anyone’s fault, but just Murphy’s Law, I guess. Thoughts and prayers with everybody…
Bryna Dambrowski
This is the part of horse racing I dont like. Thoughts and prayers for Team Zen and Barn 55. Yesterday was my birthday and it was a year ago that I got to come and meet you Zenny – what a special time that was – stay warm and cozy, you and Tasty.
Tracy
Sorry bout Cloud Man,it really tugs at my heart.I thought about you last night as I watched Secretariat and how they commented on him being in last place at the beginning of his races.Have a good day Zenyatta!
Cleone
So sorry about Cloud Man. My condolences to everyone who loved him.
Patty Smith
This is a very sad day and my thoughts go out to all of you at Barn 55. I so loved Cloud Man and enjoyed watching him each and every time he raced and I saw him win a couple of times too! He will be missed and I know how very hard this must be for all of you. I sometimes think of horse racing as my “guilty pleasure” because of days like this. I so love the horses and I hate when things like this happen. After the joy you all enjoyed on Friday, what a horrible way to end the weekend. Take care and hugs go out to all of you.
Carmela B
Lady Z–no one knows better than you that racehorses (if not all horses) give their all to what they are being asked to do…and Cloud Man was no exception. Hugs to you & yours, it’s always painful but I take heart in knowing that these wonderful creatures we call horses are forever & always magical mysteries to us mere humans.
Brenda
Dear Zenny, Dottie, John, Frank, Mikie, Ann and JM,
Emily Dickinson said it best, “Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.”
I have been up all night praying and searching. I should have known that you would let us know, Dottie, because you all know how much you mean to us.
Tears in Atlanta
Elizabeth S.
Condolences to all for the loss of Cloud Man. Always so sad to see a horse get injured/go down. Just make sure that YOU stay nice and safe in your Kentucky pastures, Zen.
Leiana in Santa Barbara, CA
Oh no. Poor Cloud Man.
Dottie, As you know (cause I waved at you guys, although I couldn’t hear what you said back to me) I was right at the corner in the paddock when Cloud Man was getting saddled. I’ve got some pictures, if you want them, just let me get them cleaned up and edited, and then I send them. Where to …?
Judy Sims in Florida
Such devastating news. RIP dear, dear Cloud Man. I saw him yesterday on live video dancing in the post parade and he looked stunning. My heart goes out to all of his connections. This is the real downside to horse racing but he was lucky to be bred, owned, trained and ridden by the best in the business. My deepest condolences to all at Barn 55. It is indeed a sad, sad day but comfort in knowing Cloud Man suffers no more and will be romping in the clouds for sure with the angels. I can’t see to type anymore through my tears.
Wendy Averill
We stood in front of him the entire time he was in the walking ring yesterday and then followed him out to the track. He was one of our favorites. His heart, his beauty, his courage, his class will be forever with us. We will miss you, beautiful Cloud Man. You will be one of the most memorable of all.
#1 New England Fan
Such sad news. Love and many prayers for Cloud Man and all the horses who were injured these past few days.
Heartfelt sympathy for all of Cloud Man’s team, and relief that Mike was unhurt.
I love thoroughbreds and horseracing, but just hate this part of the sport. I am grateful all over again that QUEEN Z was able to race safely for so long and retire in perfect health.
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
Your sweet kitty under your tree. So sorry to hear about
Cloudman. May the angels surround him forever in
Equine heaven as he continues the race without fear
Of injury. Hugs to all of his connections for taking such
Good care of him. XXXXOOO
Linda in NJ
My sincere and most heartfelt condolences for the loss of Cloud Man. A very sad day.
Celeste
My sincerest sympathy and condolences to all of you who have been so close to the beautiful Cloud Man. My heart aches and I only admired him from afar so I can only imagine the grief you all must feel. It is reassuring to know that he was so well loved by all of you who took such good care of him. Events such as this make me ever more grateful that our Queen was able to retire sound and healthy. May you rest in peace, beautiful Cloud Man. We will miss you.
Lauren
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Cloud Man. It has been such a sad weekend for so many wonderful horses. I am so thankful that you made it to motherhood safely and without injury. God bless you and your family!!!
Jeffrey M
I’m so sorry for Cloud Man. I can only imagine how saddened all are at barn 55 today. Thoughts and prayers go out to them and Mr and Mrs Moss.
Anna
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know Mike did the best he could.
Kathy S.
Oh, that is so devastating. I’m so sorry for your loss. As Gretchen Jackson said, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” I know all of the Team loved Cloud Man so very much. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Cynthia H./Where Zenyatta Danced
Dearest Zenyatta,
Your dear barnmate Cloud Man never looked more splendid or proud as he did yesterday prior to the Hollywood Derby. That he was called home before he could realize the full flowering of his potential is a mystery that only God knows, and that we will all someday discover. He was a most noble and beautiful colt, who gave his life doing that for which he was bred. HIs glimmer of time as a racehorse was endowed with as much loving care and attention as any horse could wish. Your dear John and his inexhaustible team spent every one of their waking moments ensuring that his days were as joy-filled as they could possibly be. Your devoted owners did all in their power to see that his every need and comfort was met. That he is now in a place to which we all aspire to be someday is his triumph. That we are left behind and bereft of his glowing presence, is our tragedy.
I cannot help but hope and believe, that somewhere over the rainbow and beyond the sun and stars, a heavenly announcer is shouting joyfully into a celestial microphone, “And here comes Cloud Man!”
Last night, candles of hope for a miracle were requested for Cloud Man. Today, please light them in grateful remembrance for the miracle of his life, with prayers of comfort for those close to him, who will miss him dearly.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=DIARY
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=CLOUD
Candace Jones
I did not know about Cloud Man, Dottie :( I am so sorry. I know how much you guys love your animals…and care for your animals. He runs with the angels now and will watch over each of you just as you did him.
Bobbie Graser
I hope that there is a “Rainbow Bridge” for horses too and that Cloud Man can romp and play in green pastures while he waits for all his family to join him. I noted that the Moss’ bred Cloud Man also so I’m sure that makes this loss even more painful.
Patricia Diers
Yes, horrible news about Cloud Man and many others over this holiday weekend. An apprentice jocky died also.
saharagold
Dear Zenny (Dottie).
You’re such a good mom!! It really helped (and prevented a sleepless night) when you know that you have someone to talk to who shares your grief. We have a supportive community here where we can share our feelings, and that is a rare and precious thing in this world! Thank you so very, very much for taking the time to write to us and keep us in the loop! We love you!
Jill Mabry
I am so sorry for your loss…this is the part of horse racing that I HATE!! RIP Cloud Man…you will be missed :( Love and Hugs to you ALL xoxoxo
mj
To all at Barn 55 my deepest sympathies for your loss of the beautiful Cloud Man. You had such a wonderful Sat., but I know the loss of this star has taken over your emotions. I also offer condolences to Bob Baffert and his owners for the loss of Irrefutable-a georgeous gray who ran a dynamite race. Poor Mike also rode him. Dear Z you are so fortunate, but someday you’ll be running across heaven with these 2 and you’ll win!! Hugs to all.
Audrey Canada
So sorry to hear the sad news. Sincere condolences to all at Barn 55.