Happy Wednesday Everyone,
Today is a day of CELEBRATION! Not only am I sending a HIGH HOOF to my horse pal, RAPID REDUX, for his win #21 in a row yesterday at Laurel, I am also sending one to my dear friend, Michelle, at Barn 55.
Rapid Redux’s victory yesterday has him tied for the modern-day United States record for wins in a single season…19. He tied CITATION who accomplished this in 1948 and Roseben who established this record in 1905. What a wonderful achievement. Congratulations, RAPID REDUX!
As for my dear BARN 55 friend, MICHELLE, she has just completed her MASTERS’ DEGREE in “Marriage and Family Counseling”. Throughout the last several weeks, in particular, she has been incredibly busy….working at the barn…and then studying for her COMPS. YEAH…the results are in and she passed beautifully. I AM SO, SO, SO PROUD OF HER! All of my dear friends who have worked with Michelle during the last several years are as well! This is very special!
When I was at BARN 55, Michelle was not only one of MY JOHN’S assistants…but she also studied massage therapy (human and equine) for 3 years. Thus, she was my personal masseuse while I was in training. Michelle and I spent countless one-to-one hours together. I must say…I enjoyed every moment with her….and I hope she felt the same about ME!
At this time, Michelle must complete a required number of hours applying her skills as a type of ‘practical training’. This is required by the STATE of CALIFORNIA for her to officially be LICENSED as a Marriage and Family Counselor. She is actively doing this right now…working with people on the ‘backside’ (meaning all people who work at the racetrack)…under the guidance of the Winners’ Foundation and it’s staff. The latter organization provides a place where people who work at the racetrack can go and get the proper ‘help’ of various types one might need in life. This assistance is provided at NO COST to the backside employees. It is truly a wonderful source of guidance, counseling, and help for so many individuals at a time in their lives when it is deeply needed.
On another note, Michelle is also a very accomplished rider. One of her wishes before I left Barn 55 for my ‘new career’ was to RIDE ME!
WISH GRANTED as you can see in this photo! MY JOHN said that she and I could take a ‘tour of the barn area’ together the day before I left for Lane’s End. SUCH FUN MEMORIES!
Cheers to RAPID REDUX!
YEAH and a HUGE HIGH HOOF to my dear friend, Michelle!
They both are achieving such special goals!
Have a wonderful day!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Gloria Jeanne - The O.C.
Congrats to Michelle!!! Congrats to Rapid Redux.
Zenyatta you are such a great horse Michelle is one lucky lady to have had a chance to ride you. John is such a great guy for giving you that time with Michelle, HIGH HOOF to YOUR JOHN!!!!
sue
Hi Z! RR has my vote for the VOX Populi award that was yours this year. Course, given the chance, it would be cast you again. Here is question for you. After you give birth will you and MINI Z be able to still hang out with Tasty? I sure hope so.And can they bring Dad over to see his offspring?
JAG ~ Zenny's Auntie Judy / So. CA
Zen ~ If your adopted brother, John Henry, has his way, your foal will be born on his famous birthday, March 9th! Karma and good luck come with his blessings…
We ALL wish you a safe delivery, that goes without saying, Mamma!
Auntie JAG
JAG ~ Zenny's Auntie Judy / So. CA
Review: HBO’s ‘Luck’ gets down and dirty at the track
http://www.drf.com/news/review-hbos-luck-gets-down-and-dirty-track
Dang! I missed the premiere show :-(
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
So love the photo of you and Michelle, a tour around the barn would be great on you. So wonderful that she can use her new skills as a counselor on the Backside. She is so very lucky to have massaged you for all those years, no wonder you always have such cute faces when humans scratch you in those special places.
HIGH HOOF TO MICHELE AND RAPID REDUX !!!!!
Hope you have a great day relaxing, munching and exercising wit you BBF Tasty Temptation.
XXXXXXOOOOO
Elizabeth G.
You are always thinking of others – you are so very kind hearted -which just contributes to you greatness. Hi- Hoof!
JAG ~ Zenny's Auntie Judy / So. CA
KY Derby Winner Strike the Gold Dead at 23
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66593/ky-derby-winner-strike-the-gold-dead-at-23
:(
JAG ~ Zenny's Auntie Judy / So. CA
Jockeys Injured in Spill at Penn National
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66591/jockeys-injured-in-spill-at-penn-national
Marty
congrats to R/R and Michelle. what a lucky girl Michelle was to get to ride you. Happy Wednesday!!!
sue/Va
Zenny, you are just too special for words. Congrats to RR and Michele for thier accomplishments. To me, Michele must have had the job of her lifetime just taking care of you…making you feel so good! Love you, big girl. You are in a league of your own.
JAG ~ Zenny's Auntie Judy / So. CA
Rapid Redux Ties Single-Season Win Mark (VIDEO)
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66589/rapid-redux-ties-single-season-win-mark
RR I hope you can enjoy some R&R now!!
Sharon Call, Atlanta, GA
Congrats Michelle! It must be sweet indeed to have gotten this far with your degree and the years of hard work. You are to be commended. You know you are the envy of so many people because not only were you able to be around Z but also to ride her. Lucky Lady!
The Kennedys in San Diego
BRAVA, MICHELLE! Well done. I know personally how difficult it is to earn a post-graduate degree while holding a demanding full-time position.
We do remember so well the day Michelle was granted her wish and given a leg up on “The Queen.” She was more than thrilled. I do believe Michelle was indeed the last person to ride Zenyatta, as that was her last full day in Barn 55 — the morning of Zenyatta Appreciation Day (December 5, 2010). I do remember being somewhat surprised that Michelle had not ridden her before. A bittersweet day indeed filled with “firsts” and “lasts.”
D Stuart
@Zenny: Strike the Gold has passed away in Turkey. Rest in Peace beautiful boy. You gave us some thrills.
diastu in tempe
D Stuart
@Michelle: Congratulations! Getting a Masters in anything is no picnic. Still working on my thesis, so I bow down to you! And I love the photo of you sitting all comfy on YOU KNOW WHO!
diastu in tempe
Julie DuVall / Ontario, California
Double high hoofs to Rapid Redux and Michelle! It is quite an accomplishment to complete a degree AND work. I just took finals for the classes I am taking (working on my AA degree with plans to go on and get a bachelors). Working full time plus school part time takes a lot of planning! I am fortunate to be able to take my classes ONLINE which helps immensely.
Because of studying I have not gotten your TASTY treats in the mail yet, but I will do that very soon!
D Stuart
@Rapid Redux: What a guy! I hope you get a long rest in a green pasture, and then find a fun and non-stressful second career for the rest of your life. Doesn’t matter to me what kind of races you ran – that many wins in a row would tax the most elite of the elite, and it speaks volumes about your makeup, and your trainer.
diastu in tempe
Jan S. in Houston
Zenyatta,
What a lovely picture. Congratulations Michelle.
@D. Stuart, Ditto on RR.
Terry Crow
@Sally B and Sue Fredrick-Are you willing to be charter members of the Wisconsin chapter of the club? @Debbie G-You are hereby designated as president of the Kentucky chapter. The fact that you lobbied for the position is rather unusual, though. However, that in itself is redneck. @signofthetimes and Judy Berube-Thank you. @Cynthia H-You always have a place. if anything happens to your job at SA we may have to occupy the place. @Kari Bussell-I replied to your email. @Rosemary McCauley and Diana S-charter members of the Arizona/New Mexico chapter, along with Denise in AZ-You might be a redneck if Hank Williams, Jr. was your commencement speaker. @Judy Berube, president of New England chapter-You might be a redneck if your dog has fleas on the inside of his ears. @Susan in Tn and Kari Bussell-You might be a redneck if people are afraid to touch your husband’s bathrobe. HYou might be a redneck if your still have clowns come to your birthday party (Applies to those of us over 42). You might be redneck if your idea of new siding for the house is more tar paper.
Marion
Congrats to Michelle and high hoofs to Rapid Redux…both of you done very well :-)
big hugs from Marion
Alex Bowdoin - MA
High hoofs to to Michelle and RR, the Iron Horse indeed!! HUGS TO ALL
HappyHarriet
Dear Zenyatta, The Living Queen:
.
Congratulations to Rapid Redux and Michelle and ALL high achievers who work with diligence and personal integrity – more of those people and horses, please!
.
Zenyatta, I had to tell you this bit of gossip: Yesterday we received our Stallion Register for 2012 and guess who is the stand out “looker”? Hmmm? RIGHT! Your handsome Bernardini. And, uh, “dates” with the Big Man don’t come cheap, if you know what I mean. I think the rates for the lovely Bernie are the highest in the catalog. But he loves you best, Zennie.
.
Horse Hugs to the High Achievers here ~~HH
Sally B. (Wi)
Michelle has fulfilled her dreams, especially riding you Z. Yes, high hoofs to all her efforts and to Rapid Redux’s momumental wins. It does not matter that they were all grade 1’s or not, it is remarkable in competition such as horse racing. Although my sweet Z, I believe your wins were all graded 1 stake races.
You still are no. 1 to me!! I love that you have so many friends and memories. Tasty and you will watch over each other too!! Don’t over do as you are carrying extra weight with baby z!!
love you with 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
Denise in AZ
@ Terry Crow- I am honored :)
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear, Zenyatta. CONGRATULATIONS to Michelle! All of the hard work and dedication is paying off. I know how hard it is to handle a full-time job and get a Master’s degree. I worked for the college, while I completed my MBA. Marriage and Family Counseling is so important in today’s stressful environment, what a rewarding career you have selected, making a difference in peoples lives. Here’s wishing you continued success!! What an amazing gift you and Team Z gave to Michelle before you left Barn 55, Zenny, everyones dream of riding you just one time. I sounds like Michelle was very important in your life, so what a fitting farewell! She looks so happy! It is so wonderful watching Rapid Redux in his record breaking season. What a mighty heart is on display. Both of the mentioned possibilities for his retirement home are wonderful and it will be so fun to see him in person and give him a pat and kiss for a job well done. All my love to you sweet girl. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Cynthia H and Kari Bussell – What a joy to see your posts. Of course I would notice if you were missing, I care for you both very much. Kari, thank you for posting your wonderful video again in remembrance of the “Vox Populi” award. Beautiful!! Love and hugs!!
@the Kennedys – Thank you so much for sharing lovely memories of Michelle’s special day.
@JAG and D Stuart – RIP Strike the Gold.
Sally B. (Wi)
@Jag, thanks for the link. To bad for Strike the Gold. He was quite the stallion sire. Hope the two jockey’s and of course the horses will be okay!!
Sally B. (Wi)
@Terry Crow; I’d be proud to be one of the charter members in Wi!! Sue F. is out of town at family, but I am sure she will be honored. She should be back by Fri. on the post
Stephanie Ritch
Hi Z! Just wanted to ask Dottie and/or John if anyone could tell us your approximate due date? I am figuring early March if I remember your breeding time correctly. I know they want to keep some information about you and baby “Zendini” (my name suggestion!) quiet, but I can’t hardly wait for this baby to make its entrance into the world. Seeing you with your baby by your side will be so amazing!
Terry Crow
@Denise in AZ and Sally B-Both of you will be acknowledged from here on as members of your respective chapters. When Sue Fredrick returns, she will be accorded the same honor. Sally B and Sue Fredrick will have to duke it out for presidential honors. Remember to keep January 27 as a day of recognition.
Victoria B
@Dawn Conrad – Thanks for the birthday wishes. I was very spoiled yesterday.
@signofthetimes – I am happy you were thinking of me. It means a lot to me.
@Barbara W – Thanks for the birthday wishes, it made me smile.
And to everybody else who wished me a ‘Happy Birthday’ or posted poems and stuff, thanks so much.