Good Morning,
Last year, on this very date, was my first full day living in Lexington, Kentucky….at Lane’s End Farm. Here is MY JOHN walking ME around in the area right by my new barn. He was helping ME in the acclimation process to my new world. We were both so cozy and warm in our wonderful winter jackets enjoying quality time together…just as we had done so many times during the prior 5 years.
MEMORIES….they are truly something to hold dear! A charming friend of Dottie’s who was a very talented artist, Joy, used to always comment to her that “MEMORIES ARE ONE’S BEST PAINTINGS”!
It has been a fabulous year….and I am blessed in so many ways.
One very special way, which I deeply treasure is ALL of YOU. I am still in awe of how many special and loving FRIENDS I have….from all over the world.
Just yesterday, MY JOHN received a FAN LETTER from a 10 year old American girl, Tessa Mc Dowell, who lives in Moscow, Russia. She loves horses and horse racing. To quote Tessa, “I especially love the beautiful mare you trained, ZENYATTA. She is one amazing horse; one of the greatest ever.”
Tessa wanted to know all about ME….what it was like to train ME… how I was as a race horse and how I am doing now. This is so special. I feel very touched for several reasons. As I mentioned earlier in this Diary posting…I AM BLESSED IN SO MANY WAYS.
Additionally, as today marks my one year anniversary living at the farm, I’d also like to thank LANE’S END and ALL of the wonderful people here who have worked so hard to make this transition to my new ‘MOM-TO-BE’ life so relaxing and enjoyable for ME. To Charles, Matt, Sarah, and Donna….a special HIGH HOOF to each of you for all that you do for ME each day!
I am truly one very fortunate HORSE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(A special HELLO to Tessa in Moscow!)
Z
Stella Bagwell in South Texas
Dearest Zenyatta,
To know that you are so happy at Lane’s End puts a smile in my heart. You are truly, truly special to so many people around the world and you are still giving us such wonderful memories to cherish for a lifetime. Happy Anniversary on your first year at Lane’s End. I love you!
Kisses,
Stel
Kathy S.
Thank you for a heart-warming post to start our day, Dottie. I sure hope they will eventually make a movie about Zenyatta, her relationship to her Team and all of us fans. I would be first in line!
vicki in pleasant valley ny
this is my first post. have been a race fan for many years and own an off track thoroughbred. love them with all my heart. i really do appreciate all of your posts. Zenny you truly are the greatest of all time. i have been around mares in foal it is such a special time. you look great. to your connections: my you all stay well and safe.
Lexie
Hello Zenyatta,
Do u know what u are having yet? And do have any names for you new baby? I think you should have a contest and the name that u pick the winner gets a pic of you.
Yes you are a legend and you will be a wonderful mommy
Love you,
Lexie
Carolyn
another “day that will live in infamy”. It was a sad day for CA
Candace Jones
I cannot believe it has already been a year. I remember wondering how in the world I was gonna deal without Z racing? Thanks to Dottie and crew, I have managed due to all of the wonderful updates and photos that keep her very much in my life. Today’s post is just another reminder of what a blessing Z is, what a blessing the people are that gave her to us and continue to do so and how lucky we all are to have ANY horse in our life :) Happy holidays to everyone!
Eveline / Maryland.
Hi Zenny, a whole year already! Lots happened in that year .I’m sure glad I found you and your diary !
Candace Jones
PS Zenyatta is almost at 100,000 Facebook fans!!!!!!!!!!!
Gloria
I miss you being in California Zenyatta, but I’m so glad your team keeps us on top of what is going on with you! You’re right, you are blessed! And so are your fans!! XOXO!
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Zenny, we are all blessed to have been a part of the experience that is Zenyatta! Hugs, sweet girl! Ann Maree
Melinda F
Truly enjoy your posts and look forward to seeing your baby in the spring. Just wondered, is it white again this year in KY?
Delrene from Carlsbad - (California)
What an absolutely perfect start to a cold, but sunny December day. I’m so happy the little girl Tessa found her way to you via letter. I’m amazed how fast this year has gone by. Like so many, I do miss seeing you at the racetrack but knowing you are happy, healthy and on the Momma to be track is enough to compensate. With this website and Dotties fabulous entries, it feels almost like I get a chance to “see you” every day. And all the virtual friends? What can I say, it’s just a magnificent ride. I cannot thank you enough. Your snow picture today is very pretty. I have attached a review about the upcoming movie War Horse – it’s more about the humans in the movie, but it does look compelling. Have a wonderful day and hope things are getting close to back to normal in Arcadia and surrounding areas. http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-sneaks-war-horse-20111106,0,4027679.story
Ann
Hoping you are enjoying your life and having fun w/ your new pasture buddies.
You gave us so much,thank you for your fabulous run!!!! The best is yet to come.
You will be my most memorable race horse ever. Your entrances were magical!!! Hope to meet you one day when my daughter attends UK!!!!!! See Blue!!!!
Kathy B. (SoCal, FL)
Has it really been a year already? Wow that went by fast! I’m glad you are doing so well and keeping us all part of your life. The winds are better here in the Valley so hopefully Arcadia is getting back to normal too. Memories are wonderful things….every time I go to Hollywood Park I look over at your Barn 55 and think about what an exciting time it was when you lived there. Before the barn let regular folks visit, I went down every SundY to try and see you working out on the main track…and I think I even saw you once! I know I saw Lava Man every time so it was worth the trip! Plus Randy’s donuts was right on my way (although I’m not supposed to eat donuts). Take care Z and stay warm!
Kim Noble
We are the ones who are blessed Zenny!
Dawn Conrad - Colorado
Dear Zenyatta. December the 7th is your one year anniversary and my birthday, how special is that!! You look so beautiful walking in the snow with your John. I too am so grateful to all of your Lane’s End family for taking such wonderful, kind and loving care. I was touched by the saying you shared from Dottie’s friend Joy that memories are our best paintings. My memories of you are masterpieces!! It is so hard to think that a year has passed since we last saw you on the track. You have danced and raced your way into thousands of lives with you beauty, grit, determination, patience, kindness, breathtaking talent and always positive energy; but there has always been something more. That intangible connection, heart to heart. Love cannot be explained, it cannot be rationalized, it simply exists. In this holiday season there are many things to believe in. The very spirit of Christmas is based on faith. It too cannot be seen or touched, but it exists deep within each of us. Our souls rejoice in the simple beauty of our belief. So, it is especially fitting to think back on all the memories you have left us with, Zenny and to look forward to all the possibilities ahead. Your life’s path, the generous, amazing Team Z and all the people who surround you, the effect you have had on those that love you, the story that has unfolded is all truly miraculous. May your light continue to shine and may we all be blessed in seeing your “wiggly” foal, happy and healthy by your side in a few months. Are you an angel in disguise? I BELIEVE! Sweet dreams my love. Hugs and kisses to you and Tasty too. XXXOOO
@To All That Have Expressed Happy Birthday Wishes: Today is the day that I turn 55 and my heart is about to burst. Thank you all for giving me so much love and joy. I have expressed many times how much this diary site, Zenyatta, Dottie and all of you mean to me. It is a special place where a remarkable family has come together to rejoice in all things Zenyatta as well as each other. I have been blessed to be a part of it and my life will be forever changed by the friendships I have made here. Thank you!
@Trina – It was difficult to read your beautiful poem through the tears. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words. Special hugs and love to you for such a wonderful birthday gift. I will cherish it as I cherish you forever!!
@To All Those That Have Posted Special Memories of Zenyatta – Your words have been so very beautiful. The stories told have brought smiles and tears. So many deeply heartfelt moments expressed in remarkable prose. How blessed you all were to have spent so much time in her presence!! Thank you for sharing the love.
@Shari – My dear friend. I received my wonderful gift and immediately hung it up in my little den, where I am surrounded by books and all my racing memorabilia. Now I can look at my Zenyatta Way sign all of the time and remember my remarkable day at Barn 55 with John, the rest of the amazing Z crew, Ebby and all the other horses. Love you.
@DJ – What a wonderful blessing to see your post and prayer.
@darlene – Congratulations on the birth of your great granddaughter!
@LaurieK – Thank you for sharing your special pictures of Zenny’s retirement day.
@Ann Maree in TN – How very true Dottie’s words are. Zenyatta has not only carried the positive message of the racing world with her, but the world in general. Just look at all the amazing, uplifting things that continue to happen in her name! Thank you so much for posting all of the wonderful videos on Zenyatta’s Facebook site. The memories represented were amazing.
@JAG – Dear Auntie Judy, too cute!! I loved the beautiful words from your card. The time you spent with Zenyatta while she was racing is forever priceless.
@eastcoastkid – Many of the posts the last couple of days have brought tears, yours included.
@Sandy (Northeast Iowa) – It is not the time one loves or is loved, but the strength of that love which matters.
@Especially Horses – What a very special post! It is hard to believe our wonderful Z family has been together here for over a year. The time has passed so quickly.
@Kari – Hello, love. Thank you for posting Zenyatta’s final gallop video. So special!!
@Cynthia H – Your post was remarkable in its grace. Such beautiful words for our beautiful Zenyatta. You continue to touch my heart!
@Karen Gogue – Thank you for my special B-Day wish! You are one amazing lady!!! Your memories of your time with Zenyatta were very special.
@Abigail – To my fellow Don Juan Sagittarian, mum’s the word! I won’t say anything if you don’t! Too funny!! Thanks for everything, sweetie!!
@Peggy (N) – Hi, sis!!!
@The Kennedys in San Diego – I agree, it was wonderful news that Royal Delta was going back home to Bill Mott. You can tell how much he cares for her. She has the makings of a star.
Pam Green
Oh Queen Z we are so lucky to have you at Lanes End under such good care. Loved to watch you race but was always worried about you on the track and couldn’t wait for the race to be over so i knew you were alright. I very high hoof to Dottie for all she does to keep us informed about your well being. You have such a wonderful team.
Fran Doos
Hi Z! Wow, time sure does fly! I remember the day you landed in Kentucky and all the peeps who met you in the freezing weather. And, my favorite memory is of you the very first time they set you free in your paddock. That is my favorite memory of your retirement. It was if you were saying thank you, thank you, thank you as you sailed across the paddock free as a bird! Have a wonderful and peaceful day Z!
harriett (Oklahoma)
Dawn: Happy Birthday!
Zenny: Happy first Anniversary at Lane’s End!
Dawn Conrad - Colorado
@Vicki in Pleasant Valley NY – Welcome!! You have come to a very special place fellow Z-ster. How wonderful that you provided a forever home for an off track thoroughbred. Hope to hear more from you!
Shema
Dear Z, love this picture of you and your John. I imagine he talked to you quite a bit explaining the transistion that was happening. I imagine it helped quite a bit with your settling in with comfort and ease. that’s my hope. really, do love to see you and your John together, and also pics with you and your owners and Dottie, all feel so good and right!
Dawn Conrad - Colorado
@Tessa in Moscow – I loved hearing about your sweet letter to Zenny’s amazing John. How very special!! Your words were lovely and of course we all agree, Zenyatta is the greatest ever. Hope to hear from you again. We all share the wonderful love of horses!
christine from Va
Wow what wonderful memories. What a blessed girl you are. So many of your animal friends fight for each day to live. I know you and your team are aware of this. They have bought new hope to all animals and animal lovers. From the sky to the sea you and yours have touched a part of GOD’S world of animals. THANK YOU ZEN YOU ARE A BLESSING.
SHERRY D. WV.
@DAWN CONRAD A VERY BLESSED BIRTHDAY WISH FOR YOUR TODAY AND ALWAYS. GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS. ZENYATTA I THINK IT IS HARD FOR HORSES AND THE FOLKS WHO WORK WITH THEM DAILY TO SAY GOOGBYE. THINGS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME BUT GOOD ANYWAY. THEIR ARE NEW PEOPLE TAKING CARE OF YOU AND A EVEN LARGER FAMILY OF FANS. LOVE TO ALL SHERRY
Rosemary McCauley - Southern California
I agree that it was a very sad day in California when YOU left us.
HELLO TESSA! You have excellent taste in horses.
Karen Gogue
One year ago you were starting your new life away from your adoring fans and loved ones to begin anew….70 years ago today the world as we knew it would never be the same….Dec. 7, 1941….a date seared into the hearts of this great nation. To all the heros of that day, some still engulped in the watery tomb of their final resting place, the burial place of thousands, the warm depths of the calming sea shall hold memories of life lost too soon… passing ships that enter the harbor never fail to salute you as they enter, and thousands still come to see and pray and pay respect…Rest In Enternal Peace. To those men and women still with us, true heros of that time so long ago, we salute you forever more as a nation for you truly are the greatest generation among us today. Thank you, for you are a national treasure…thank you for we shall never forget this day that lives in infamy too….
sharon in seattle
and we may be the most fortunate TB fans in the whole world thanks to Dottie and Team Z!! 3 months to baby Z!!!
Jeanie
Dear Great One,
My friend Eileen and I were reminiscing about our trip from Sacramento to Hollywood Park for Zenyatta Appreciation Day. We left at 0-Dark:30 and arrived when there was only a very short line for Mikey’s autograph. We were so excited. I got my Zenyatta and Mike bobbleheads, got Mike’s autograph and waited for your arrival. I was right by the corner of the gate that opens to allow the horses and their entourages into the tunnel. You were magnificent. Everything I had imagined and MORE. When the gates opened to let you and your entourage through the tunnel, Eileen and I found ourselves on the Zenyatta side of the gate. I gave Eileen a nudge and we instantly became part of the Moss family and friends group. That is how I got so close to you. In fact, when I look at videos posted on UTube of that day, I can see myself on the track! It was a crime of opportunity. I wouldn’t tell just anyone this story, but I’m telling YOU because I did it for YOU — just to be near your GREATNESS and GLORY. Thinking about this a year later, would I do it again? In a heartbeat. Even though the drive down was so early and the drive back so late, it was one of the best, most exciting and perfect days of my life! THANK’S FOR THE MEMORIES YOU JUST DOESN’T SEEM ENOUGH!
Your humble J
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
@Dawn Conrad
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a fellow Sagittarian. The awesome poem by Trina N filled in a lot of holes for those of us who might have missed a couple of months on this site. I can’t compete with her original writings, but one set of descriptors I found seems to fit you well: Sagittarians are reputed to be drawn toward travel and philosophy, and to enjoy social contacts, and meeting new people . . . :-)
Best wishes for a happy, healthy year and thanks for all that you contribute to all of us and to your kind response to me.
Sandy
@Karen G and Kari B – many thanks to you as well.
Annie
Dear Zenyatta, thank YOU for all the wonderful memories of your racing career and your first year at Lane’s End. Happy Anniversary! Life really is all about memories. The old ones that we enjoy looking back on and the new ones in the making. All are so special.