Good Morning,
I hope all of you had a relaxing and pleasant weekend. My days have been absolutely fabulous. On Saturday, I had some SURPRISE visitors stop by and visit ME! My dear owners were able to spend the entire afternoon with ME. It was so much fun. The weather here has been so comfortable…surprisingly warm for early December! We will get some photos for you…’of our Saturday visit’… soon.
Racing has been moving right along! It is a ‘new era’ at Gulfstream Park as it opened on December 3rd instead of their normal starting date a month later. This is a new philosophy for this racetrack and we are wishing them well! Hollywood Park, Aqueduct, The Fairgrounds and several other venues offered very competitive racing as well. Between racing and getting ready for the holidays, we are all very, very busy!
As for Santa Anita and the wind damage, things are improving but as of this morning, several surrounding areas STILL do not have power. As of late last night, the power at MY JOHN and Dottie’s house was not yet restored. All of the local restaurants and businesses have been through some rough times. Hopefully things will get ‘back into a normal routine’ soon.
The webpage…ARCADIA’S BEST….will give you the current information on all of this. Per their sources, at one point the winds were close to 100 miles per hour. This site presents a 4 minute tour of the LOS ANGELES COUNTY ARBORETUM and their damage resulting from the storm. This area is directly across the street from Santa Anita….thus, we are extremely fortunate no people or horses were hurt. MY JOHN and DOTTIE live in the area directly behind the Arboretum…so this gives you an idea of how intense this wind storm actually was at their house.
Without power in Arcadia, they have spent time in Carlsbad with family during the last few days. MY JOHN is TOO CUTE and commutes to Hollywood Park etc. from Carlsbad during this time for work and to be with his horses. Last night, they went to a local restaurant in the Del Mar area, and a lovely woman was asking them about ME! (This is so sweet!) They had a lovely visit and Dottie updated her on how I’m doing. She also asked when my PLUSHIE was coming out! (Such a sweet fan!) Dottie told her in a few weeks…but to be sure and check on the web-site and visit the ZENYATTA SHOP often as new things are coming out all the time. How adorable is this! PEOPLE ASKING ABOUT ME!
Warm wishes from ME to YOU…my DEAR FANS!
With love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Roxanne Cook in CA
Hope John and Dottie get their power back soon. We were without power from Wednesday afternoon until Saturday night, but we have a wood stove for heat and could cook with our propane stove. It was very hard on Sunday morning (yesterday) to clean out the refrigerator and have to throw out all the food in these tough times.
Carlsbad to Inglewood is a long drive, but must not be too bad at dawn (or before) driving up 405. Then to Santa Anita? I noticed Oh So Macho worked out at Turf Paradise this morning (Phoenix), so is he with a different trainer now?
I always love to see new photos of you, Zenyatta, with people who adore you, especially Ann Moss. Take care and stay warm!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Great news about Royal Delta.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66475/royal-delta-reunited-with-trainer-mott
Gloria Jeanne - The O.C.
Zenny –
Happy One Year Anniversary in Kentucky tomorrow!!!! It’s been a year today since I’ve seen you in person!!! Miss you so much – This time last year it was snowy and cold – glad the weather is better this year.
How things change in a year – thanks so much for being a part of my life.
Hugs!!!
Gloria Jeanne - The O.C.
One of the most azaming sights to me is how much security Zenny had at her last 4 events – simply amazing I think only the President has had more security!!! Way TOO CUTE!!!!
Molly
Sweet Dreams, Zenyatta. Kisses to your soft nose.
The Kennedys in San Diego
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/25-most-intriguing/archive/2011/11/23/rank-the-25-most-intriguing-horses-of-2011.aspx
Zenyatta is now in the lead — Keep those Z votes coming. Interesting that fillies/mares are in 4 of the top 5 positions.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Dawn Conrad — HAPPY BIRTHDAY and our very best wishes for a healthy, happy coming year.
Jeanie
Kennedys
Can you vote more than once?
Jeanie
Cynthia H/
I was there too — a year ago today. Remember when they played “Thanks for the Memories,” oh, how bittersweet that was. Her career was light a bright star that shot across the horizon with such brilliance that it remains today. She is the living definition of the word “Magnificent.” She walked right by me and I could have touched her. Sometimes I wish I had. But at the time, I felt it would be disrespectful to reach out and touch something of such beauty and greatness without her consent. And I remember thinking she didn’t look as big as I thought she would. But my friend Bill Nichols said the perfectly balanced ones carry their size; you don’t really notice it. And that was so true of her. Their is a quotation on the base of the Seabiscuit statue that I think applies to Zenyatta as well: “He had intelligence and understanding almost spiritual in quality.”
Your humble J
Alene
Hi Zenny. I`m sure you had a great time with Ann and Jerry and vice versa. As soon as your Plushy is available I will be buying it for my baby granddaughter. I bought her a pink and white rocking horse and of course we named it, “Zenyatta”… Lots of Big Hugs and Kisses, Alene
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Wow, you must have had a very busy weekend with you Mom and Dad, Mr. & Mrs. Moss, there to see you. I bet they brought you lots of carrots. I bet they brought some carrots for Tasty, too. I can’t wait to see the photos.
I am sorry to hear that YOUR John and Dottie are still without power. You really appreciate the little things in life when you no longer have them. I bet as busy as YOUR John has been with the his horses and the clean-up at home he has found time to take lots of pictures.
You stay safe Zenny and enjoy this mild weather we are having!
@Dawn Conrad: Happy Birthday!! Sure hope you enjoyed your day. And thanks for remembering me and your good wishes. I started back to work today. It’s tough getting back into the swing of things.
@The Kennedys in San Diego: Great news about Royal Delta.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Cynthia H and Jeanie — Eloquent recollections of that day a year ago — can it really be a year? Cynthia, your last paragraph describes so well our feelings that day. Like you, we watched John, Mario, Steve and Michelle lead Zenyatta off the Hollywood Park track for the last time. We watched until she was totally out of sight. With very heavy hearts, we must admit. That magical,otherworldly being who brought such joy to us and so many was leaving the next morning. And perhaps we would never see her again. At best, our contact would be limited.
Karen Gogue
One year ago Zenny Hollywood Park had Zenyatta Appreciation Day for you, as you were leaving for Kentucky early in the AM the next day…as it turned out, your John allowed your fans one more day with you at Barn 55. I regret not going then early in the morn, as I was going to be there for you on your day to say goodbye later in the day. A bittersweet day Zenny, we all were so happy that you were retiring healthy and sound, but our hearts were so heavy at you leaving. BUT, we are so thrilled that you are with foal and the little – BIG – bundle of joy will here before you know it! I, and millions of others, can’t wait! TOO CUTE when that day is finally here, WHOOP – THERE IT IS! I love you more and more Zenny!
Doreen in CT
Dottie – I am glad to hear that all (humans and horses) are okay. Hopefully everyone gets their power back soon and life returns to normal.
Zenny – it is nice to know that you enjoyed your visit with your mom and dad. It is great to have owners who care as much about their horses not only when they are racing but also when they have retired from the sport. I hope Tasty was able to enjoy the visit (I am sure she had partaken in some of the goodies that your mom brought you)!!
Get well soon Chop Chop (Jorge Chavez). I hope you return to racing as good as ever.
@Dawn Conrad – Happy Birthday!! Wishing you a wonderful day and a happy and healthy new year!!
Sally B. (Wi)
Am I happy to hear from you my precious Z! You musst have danced with joy when you saw Ann & Jerry.
I looked at the video; so sad to see destruction. I am happy to know John & Dottie have family nearby to stay. I am waiting for the “likeness of you” in that plushie horse/foal too.
Take care sweet Z. love with 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
Wow — I just watched the video about the Arboretum. I have been there many, many times over the years and it is just shocking to see such devastation. It looks like a hurricane went through! John and Dottie are VERY lucky that there was no damage on their property!
Knowing that they live behind the Arboretum, I have to wonder: have they every had a peacock in their yard … and if so, what did Sophie think of it?! :)
I purchased a very tasty treat for YOU and all your friends at Lane’s End and at Barn 55 this weekend, Zenny. They will be in the mail soon!
Marty R / Colorado
How wonderful to have a visit by your owners on a lovely Saturday. Will be watching for the pictures.
I hope the power is restored soon so YOUR John, Dottie and Sophie can return home. I’m not familiar with California at all, so I’ve been getting a geography lesson through this storm.
It’s certainly hard to realize that you have been in Kentucky for a year now. I so appreciate that we have been able to “keep in touch” with your activities and new friends and experiences through this diary. Stay warm and dry.
Chris Balmes
Best wishes to John and Dottie and everyone involved during the troubling weather times……….Hi Zenyatta and Baby…………
Sunny Boyd
<3 <3 <3
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Such wonderful posts from everyone today. Isn’t it astounding how Zenyatta has changed all our lives for the better? I would never want to go back to pre-Zenyatta days.
Dottie/John and everyone involved–we do hope your lives get back to normal quickly!
Kim S in Tampa FL
So glad you had Jerry and Ann come visit. Sorry to hear about John and Dottie’s situation with no power. Hope everything is back to normal soon.
YAY us!!! Helping Marlene to save these horses. But also sad for those that are not as fortunate, blessed Angels.
And Zenny do you know that “your’ Mike is helping organizations across the country every day by listing a new one on his facebook for all of us to donate to. I enetered the rescue where my daughter and I volunteer, Equestrian Inc. Keeping fingers crossed they get lucky and are picked by Mike for “A Charity for A Day”.
@Dawn Conrad–Wishing you an early Happy Birthday, just in case I’m running late on the 7th :) How neat, my daughter will be 11 on the 9th and then I will be 49 on the 15th. No wonder we Sagittarians love our horses. Have a great birhtday!
@Abigail in Montreal–hope we haven’t missed your special day, Happy Birthday!
@Shari Voltz–thoughts and prayers to you and your Mom. Find strength in numbers so I guess that would be here :)
@Kari Bussell–thanks for the links and glad to see you posting. Hope you are feeling well.
@Terry Crow–good luck with the move, don’t overdo it.
Zenny, it was bittersweet when you retired last year. Watching you run was the most beautiful, exciting and scariest thing. But knowing that you were healthy and sound with never an injury was almost too much to ask for. It was a relief to see you head to Lane’s End and acclimate to just being a horse.
Thinking and praying for everyone.
Lotsa love to all.
Karen Gogue
Cynthia H.
Your words make me sigh and long for words as eloquently spoken such as yours….represents in words lost to me of that day. I only know that once Zenyatta disappeared from my sight, a hollow, empty place surrounded my heart with such dismal dispair… that this would be the last time I ever saw her. The tears would not stop once I put down my video camera….I could not hold back, to see her walk off the track for the last time just broke my heart….
HappyHarriet
Dear Zenyatta and all the Royal Family –
.
BAN HORSE SLAUGHTER. Sign the petition:
https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions#!/petition/ban-horse-slaughter/GnNH1pS4
.
Shine light in all these dark places.
.
Hugs ~~HH
Karen Gogue
The Kennedy’s in San Diego
Such beautiful words spoken of that feeling, you descibed it perfectly as well…I will post two parts of video of that day later on at Z’s FB page.
Jan S. in Houston
Zenyatta,
I bet you were so happy to see your family and show off your expanding belly . :-) Keep warm and cozy Big Mama. xoxo. Hoping all gets back to normal Dottie & John.
@ Dawn Conrad and Barbara Wood, Happy Birthday..
Karen Gogue
Kari B.
Thank you for that link to Z’s Day at Holywood Park…I only wish that mine was as great as the other videos I have seen of that day…..But I was there and it is one of my prized possessions forever! I could not find a better spot coming out from the paddock…so many people wanting to see the Queen out front. Thank you for your lovely words as well on the Queen…
Joan in Texas
This time last year I was sitting at LAX waiting to fly back to Texas after a fabulous day at Barn 55, touching you and seeing your retirement ceremony. Greatest day, I will never forget it.
Now you are happy and healthy and ready to be a Mom. What a glorious day that will be Z. I pray your little one will be the picture of health and have just half the wisdom and spirit of the Mom, Z. If so ,it will be one fine horse.
Love ya Z
Elizabeth
Dear Zenyatta,
Thank you so much for the updates! I’m so glad that you got to spend some precious time with your owners and can’t wait to see the pictures! I’m so, so sorry about all the damage in the Arcadia area and so sorry that John and Dottie and Sophie still don’t have power. So grateful that everyone – human and horse – is OK, though – that is the best news of all!
Take care precious lady. Love you!!!!!!
Elizabeth
Barbara Grimaldi/NJ
DEAR KAREN G: I just have a hunch that after Zenyatta has 3 or 4 foals, she will go back to CA for her forever retirement to be near the Mosses. I honestly understand your pain and feel that you will see her again, back home in CA. Please take heart that she will be near you once again.
Allie in Texas
Zenyatta, I am anxiously awaiting your little one. What a great year!! You retired uninjured, you are still remembered and loved by all of your adoring fans, you have a best, new friend named Tasty and your family visits you very often. What could be better?…Ok maybe a Guinness Stout, but you’ll have to wait till they give you a year off from breeding to enjoy one of your favorite drinks. What a blessing to all of us you are. Seasons Greetings to you and your connections.