To all my dear, loving fans,
I want to THANK all of you for your support, encouragement and love.
I gave it a good GO in the Breeders’ Cup Classic…and tried my best! I’m home now at my Hollywood Park Barn. The flight back to California was great. My friends, Mario, Frank and Harmonious, traveled on the plane with me. It was a smooth trip!
The last week has been exciting and thrilling! I had a great time in KY and everyone was so kind to me. I posed for hundreds and hundreds of photos yesterday alone with so many fabulous fans. They brought me Z cakes, apples, peppermints, and carrots. They hugged me, kissed me, and made me feel so special. I am one lucky mare.
Then when I got back to the barn there was a great WELCOME HOME ZENYATTA sign hanging at the barn. People signed it with such sweet messages for me! Everyone makes me feel so special.
Today, I’ll walk and relax a bit and, of course, GRAZE! LUCKY ME!
Hugs to all…and again…THANKS TO ALL OF YOU for being so loving and supportive of me and all of TEAM ZENYATTA.
With great appreciation…
Love,
Z
Leslie Coolidge
First of all, I want to thank Zenyatta for being who she is. I am a horse person (I compete show hunters) and a lifelong racing fan. I love mares and her intelligence and her connection with people coupled with her competitive fire is truly a gift. I love the bit about her putting her head on Ann’s shoulder at Keeneland. She is the embodiment of what is special about animals in general and horses in particular.
Second, I want to thank Team Zenyatta for your superb handling of her and for your generosity in sharing her with her fans.
I was there Saturday and drove home to Chicago immediately after the race, but I would love to have been along that fence at CD with the crowd to see her Sunday morning.
I (and I suspect the rest of her fans) am suffering from withdrawal. The debate about HOTY is already tiresome, not to mention filled with a vitriol that I don’t think serves racing well.
You all deserve a well-earned rest and some private time to appreciate her assuming she is heading to the breeding shed, but some photos back at the barn and periodic updates would be much appreciated.
I also hope you’ll find a way to keep her available to her public. I remember Cigar and crew appearing at the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden when he was being retired and it was a thrill even though I’d seen him race a couple of times. I always visit him when I’m at the Horse Park and hopefully wherever Z winds up will accommodate her fans.
It would also be great for her to do some kind of tour so people can see her.
Just some random thoughts. Of course, these are all secondary to her well being which will always be first and foremost.
Zenyatta and team owe us nothing, yet we can only hope for more.
Thanks to you all for the transcendent gift of Zenyatta – here’s to her long and happy life.
Best regards,
Leslie Coolidge
Barrington Hills, IL
Karen Line
Congratulations, Z, on your superlative run at the BC. You created a story for the ages with that run — you left no doubt that you have the goods.
So rest up, girl! I hope you and your family will take the time to think about another race. If you’re still full of run, and you think you can handle it, why not make it 20+1?
You created your own history your own way. Almost all the boys retired after you passed them in a blink. Even Blame scooted out of a future challenge — one you would win given all you know now!
So, why not make 2011 YOUR way, Z?
We will all be there with love and appreciation — extreme appreciation for giving us so much wonderfulness in our lifetimes — for whatever choice you and your family make. No matter what!!!!
Beckie
I’m glad they gave you a rousing “Welcome Home” You certainly deserved it. Your race in the Breeders Cup was very exciting. I’m so thankful that you were not injured.
The dirt in your eyes must have been an awful feeling. In spite of that, you raced your beautiful heart out. Mike is blaming himself for 2nd place but please tell him that he ran a spectacular race and our feelings for him have not changed. He’s a class act, as you are too.
You have uplifted the spirits of many, many people including myself.
Take care and stay safe, Zenyatta. You and Mike are truly loved by millions. The journey isn’t over yet, but what a journey so far!!!!
Louise
Zenyatta, dearest, it was the thrill of a lifetime to see your spectacular performance at the 2010 Breeders Cup. Off-track, you charmed us completely. We know the Mosses, Mr. Shirreff, and Mike Smith will do the very best for you to ensure your health and happiness. You should be very proud — the only horse with a record equal to yours is Man-o-War. God bless you and keep you well. With all our love…
Riley
Zenyatta, what a wonderful journey you had. I wish I could be able to see you someday. You are so amazing. You ran those races like they were nothing. And you only lost one race. That will always be unforgotten. We love you zenyatta. I hope I will see you someday =)
Pat
Good mornin Lady Z!!!! I KNOW you are sooooo glad to be home and resting….I gotta tell ya darlin’…you ROCKED my world…all this year and the last race was the best!!!! Anyone that says otherwise is just stupid and doesn’t know a thing about race horses…..one of my favorites was Barbero….I KNOW hes lookin down on you and smilin….and Secretariat….you know they were watchin and cheerin you on…one more stride and you would have won…to me you are what stars are made of….you have the whole package and are destined to be Horse of the Year, Star of all time and simply the very Best of the Best!!! I was so worried about an injury, but everyone says you are fine, so thats all I needed to hear…enjoy your retirment and be well always….I hope you know how special you are, because you are…can’t wait to see the baby!!!! Thats gonna be a pistol for sure!!!! To everyone involved in your life, thank you….your groom is so happy for you , the owners, trainers and fans..you are the one STAR in a million…and I am so so so proud of you and for you…be happy and free Lady Z…thank you for being you and what you are…simply the Best!!! All my love forever!!!!
Linda
Zenyatta you are amazing, I’m so happy for you. You were much the best in the Classic. I love you so much and will miss you terribly when you retire. Hugs and Kisses!
Mary
Thank you for taking us along for the ride. And, oh what a ride it has been! You are truly a giving and gracious Lady. HORSE OF THE YEAR, HORSE OF THE YEAR, HORSE OF THE YEAR. Did the voters take notice of the ground you made up in the Breeders Cup Classic, to come within inches of the win? You are a winner for your fans, Zenyatta.
Judy Huffman
Dear Zenyatta, You are a magnificant horse; a beautiful lady with so much charisma. You are and will always be a winner and one the the greatest horses of all time.
Thanks for television and the computer that has allowed us to see you. Your public would like to follow you through the next phase of your life and wishes you the very best.
I’m sure you will miss your wonderful owners, friends, trainers, groomers, jockeys, and everyone who helped you become your potential. They show you so much love that you return to them.
Maybe I can come to Kentucky and meet you in person. That would be so exciting. Thank you for all you have done for racing and retired horses. You will be greatly missed. Love you Zenyatta. Judy
Jan Mitchell
If there was something wrong with my previous comment that you didn’t post it, can you tell me what it was? I don’t understand.
Jan
Jan Mitchell
Never mind I just didn’t see it. Thanks!
Joanna G.
What a wonderful career you’ve had and I’m so glad you finished healthy. But maybe the best is yet to come…I wish you beautiful and successful babies. The qualities you pass on are often the real testaments of greatness.
Jan Mitchell
OK sorry I’m wrong…I see my comment from 11-8 is still “under moderation” is there something wrong with it?
Joe Ann
To Zenyatta and her fabulous team –
Ever since the loss of the great Ruffian and the mighty Forego, the light in horse racing has diminished for me, been a bit less thrilling. But you brought that trill of watching a great horse run, and the beauty of watching a thoroughbred in motion.
You are poetry in motion. I am glad your owners and trainers have the good sense to let you have the rest you deserve. Tell Mike thanks too for bringing you back across the finish line safe and sound every time, and to hold his head high.
Be well and happy, sweet Zenyatta
Carolyn Allen
Zenyatta you are a real star. Thanks for all of the thrills and chills you brought to the sport of racing. You may have lost your final race by only a nose but you gave all those boys a run for their money. Enjoy your retirement and have lots of great babies. You will be missed but forever loved and always in our hearts.
Rosemary McCauley
I had the honor of meeting Zenyatta, the greatest racehorse of our time, in person and it is something I will never forget. What a great privilege it has been to watch her race. She is definitely Horse of the Year or as Mike Smith said, “Horse of the Decade.”
Pat
Dear Zenyatta,
So glad you’re back home. Love you so much and am so proud of you. You and all of your people couldn’t have been more magnificent on Saturday. You gave it everything you had and no horse could have done what you did. You are so special and I thank God that you came back safe. Many, many thanks to Mario and John and the Mosses for all they do to keep you safe and perfect and happy.
Debbie Bedosti
Zenyatta,
You have added a touch of class to a sport of kings. Your beauty, steeled with the strength of generations before you, charmed the thousands. Your grace under pressure was admired by the millions. You will forever be remembered as the Queen and we will always be your adoring subjects. Godspeed, Z. May you continue to grace us with offspring that will make their mama proud.
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
What a beautiful blessing Zenyatta is to all who have ever loved and appreciated the majesty, heart & soul of these “divine” gifts to our earthly plane. Her safe passage both in the race & return to her home should be enough to bring joy & comfort to her legions of fans. Live Long, Be Healthy. Have Joy in Your Heart!!
Monty Fisher
Thanks for everything Zenyatta, sure wish they would’nt retire you, I know you have a lot left to give, and you are a real gift to us racing fans ! Please tell Jerry, Ann & John you would love one more season to race, as I think you will get so bored of grazing, and really miss the limelite !I miss you already,best wishes your pal … Monty
Alicia
Zenyatta, you are truly a very special racehorse! I got to watch you win at Del Mar in the Clement Hirsch, what an awesome race. I hope to see you again some day!
Randy
Girl, you are STILL a rock star! And you actually did catch and pass Blame… just two strides past the finish line. Wish I could’ve met you but if you have a retirement ceremony at Hollywood Park I would love to be there. I’ll miss watching you run, and just wanted to say thank you Z… you took your fans on a great ride!
Ann Maree Matthews
Hey, sweet girl,
Thank you for all your wonderful and exciting moments you have brought to millions of your fans. I think you are the best. I couldn’t love you or care about you any more than if you were my horse. I will be coming to see you wherever you are with your broodmare doodies! You tell your new home folks to be sure to plan for your fans to come see you. More later. You keep us posted. Love you….hugs!!!!!!
Lille
Long live Zenyatta! You are a great champion with a special place in our hearts!
Sandy
Dear Zenyatta,
I must admit I am not much of a horse racing fan, but I saw your story on 60 Minutes, and I was just captivated! I was thrilled to find this website and hope that updates will continue as you move on to a new phase of your life. Can people visit you in California? Take care and thanks for all of the thrills and memories you have provided. You are one very special horse!
Kim Noble
So glad you are home safe Zenny. That night at the BC you ran the most gallant, magnificent race I have ever seen a horse run. No other horse would have even tried to make up all those lengths. What I learned that chilly night was that you have courage, heart and fire equal to your beauty and charisma. It has been an honor to watch you and I will always love you. You will be a great mom! Can you imagine-you will have someone all your own to take care of and teach to dance. Dance forever Zenny!
Linda Kraemer
Zenny, beautiful girl – Just because your wonderful nose didn’t cross the finish line first doesn’t mean that you are not a winner. In my mind you were the winner of that race. To come from so far back to where you finished was a feat unmatched by any horse in history. Some would say it was impossible – but you did it.
You are the most amazing creature I have ever seen. You are big, you are beautiful and you are insanely charismatic. You charm everyone who meets you and everyone who watches you. You have so much personality and intelligence. You are more ‘human’ than many people I know. To say you are adored by millions is an understatement.
The fact that you have never, ever been passed by a single horse is incomprehensible. Even race horses with winning careers and the most famous and adored race horses in history cannot say that. But you can, Z.
There has never been – nor will there ever be – another horse like you, Z. You are one in a million! I know your owners will enjoy taking care of you and pampering you for years and years to come. I will enjoy reading and seeing anything about you that I can find. You are retiring a true winner!
Take care, Zenny – I love you!!
dale steinmetz
We hope you enjoyed your apples that were sent from our store.we thank you for bringing the world to louisville kentucky and for the moss family sharing you with all of us!!with love from kentucky
Victoria
To me Blame wasn’t even there. You’re 100-0 in my book.
Dean Miller
What next?