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
Dustin Zierold, MD
Dear Zen,
YOU are the reason I have become such a fan of horse racing… never was this into the sport until you came along. YOU are the reason I made it through my time in Afghainstan taking care of wounded soldiers: your beauty, power, kind, calm demeanor, and your HEART and DRIVE motivated me to keep going. YOU are the reason my wife and I enjoy a hobby (horse racing) together, which has brought us closer. WE met YOU and it was the best moment we have spent together (remember when you nibbled my hand??) Thank you so much Zen, you are the greatest. GodSpeed, DrZ
Jonnie Moeller
Zenyatta,
You are so much more than a racehorse, you are an inspiration. You have proven than girls can be just as strong, competitive, and powerful as the boys. Your spirit is so powerful and it radiates all around you. I traveled hundereds of miles to see you in the Breeders Cup and I was moved to tears when you stepped onto the track. Whatever your plans may be from here, I hope that Mr.and Mrs.Moss will continue to share you with us in some way. Thank you to Mr.and Mrs.Moss, John Sheriffs, Mike Smith and the rest of the connections who helped to make Zenyatta the queen that she is. Thank you for recognizing how important she is to her fans and for allowing her to blossom in her own sweet time. She is truly a treasure.
Char
The first time I saw you in person was back in 2008 when you won your first Vanity, and I was able to see you race many times after that. It has been an honor and a priviledge to see you run. I also appreciate that you have some of the classiest human connections in horse racing. Love ya Zenny!
kristina ford
I love you Zenyatta !! No horse has touched my heart like you have, you are the epitomy of style, grace, and athleticism . I will miss you more than ever. Stay safe and warm, enjoy your retirement and please please keep all of us fans updated on your new life ..
Sally Rose
we will always love you Zenny. When ever you run, you run with all your heart and spirit and outmatch everyone of you opponents. So you can in second-more people were cheering for you than any other horse <3 all of my friends aren't that in to horse racing, but they watched your race just for me and when I came to school on Monday they all told me how gorgeous and amazing your race had been. Everyone of them believed you should have won and they all hope you win horse of the year. One of my friends even made me a card cause they knew how upset I was. You inspire so many people Zenyatta. You may not realize how many hopes and dreams rest on your shoulders.. You are one of a kind, unique, and down right the most special race mare in the entire world :)
Mary Reynolds
An Ode To Zenyatta
Regal Queen Almighty who rules the racing world know that we your servants bow humbly to your Majesty. Oh Queen, your beauty and grace will become the story of legends. Your long reign will stand the test of time in the record books. World famous and celebrated not only for your strength, determination and heart but for your ability to make us laugh and cry with delight as you danced your way into our hearts. Beloved Queen Zenyatta we look to the future – who shall be worthy to be your King?
Vivian
Mike Smith said at one time that Zenyatta was ” God’s Horse ” Well I know this to be true . Horse racing fans everywhere are so blessed by our Queen Z. We just love her.
Cynthia
The people have chosen Zenyatta Horse of the Year! Now, sign this petition to help voters from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the National Turf Writers Association and the Daily Racing Form to select Zenyatta Horse of the Year!
http://www.gopetition.com/petition/40507.html
Thank you,
Cynthia
carrie
Love Love Love that horse. I just hope she doesnt go somewhere that the public can not stay in touch. I traveled a long way just to see her in the BC and met alot of people that had done the same. HOY HOY HOY
Vicki Adams
we are among the millions who LOVE and appreciate you Zenyatta…your bold brave spirit which ran like the wind, overcame every obstacle in your path and to us YOU WON that race, forget the finish line, YOU WON…you are not only Horse of the Year, but of the decade, century and all time…it’s not just fabout finish lines, it’s kindness, gentle spirit, wisdom, beauty, interaction with those who love you, Zenny, you are the whole package and there is NO horse like you. Mike, please realize what a wonderful job you did with this great mare you love so dearly and we love you just as much. You are BOTH winners to all of us who really KNOW and THANK YOU Jerry & Ann, John & Dottie and the entire TEAM…your love for Zen and horse racing has not gone unnoticed…YOU are the true heros of this sport and bring honor to us…BLESS YOU ALL
Snoprinz
Welcome home Zenyatta and many thanks to you and Team Z. What I saw on Saturday was greatness, courage, determination and heart. I hope to visit you someday.
Halley Burke
Zenyatta we love you. You make our heats sing. Thank you so much for a wonderful time. It was such a pleasure watching you, loving you and cheering for you. I just realized why I don’t have a voice.
Jason McGee
TEAM Z! Although my 8 year old son cried his heart out,a great lesson was taught to him. BIG Z did not quit in adverse conditions. She has the heart of a lion. Mike has been great to my sons…always giving a thumbs up and even signing my son’s horse riding helmet. Thanks to teamZ. Will never forget this ride.
Gary Campbell
Lady Z, We once had a champion show horse named The Duplicator and when we promoted him we used “The Duplicator, Impersonated But Never Duplicated” and that, my majestic lady, would personify who you are and what you have accomplished during your racing career. My wife and I have always believed that the Mare has alot more to do with the off-spring than given credit for, with that thought in mind, your name, your career and now your off-spring will live on forever. LADY Z,you are truly “THE BEST OF THE BEST”. Gary
Becky
Even though Blame won that race, you won our respect, honor, and love here in Kentucky!
Ingrid
I LOVE those home page pictures of Zenyatta-if you look closely, it looks like she’s SMILING as she runs! If you look at the other horses in the pictures with her… no smiles. You just GOTTA love a horse that’s having fun while she’s racing! How many OTHER horses smile when they run?? None, I’ll bet. Just one more reason ZENYATTA will always be THE BEST!!
carolyn
Please dont retire her . Let her run another year. She only lost by a few inches. Blame is only an upset, he isnt the queen. She lost nothing in that narrow defeat, she gained everything, IF she is healthy and ready, let her run. let her face the boys in California. She has proven to the world that she is in the prime of her life. let her whip the boys again. NOw we know how good she is, she can whip on these boys another year. Even is she just does it in California. She dont have to run in the BCC anymore, let her run in Cali and beat the boys. The world isnt ready to let her go yet.
Gina Rizk
Sweet Zenyatta,
Just wanted to thank you for all the excitement and joy you have given us. Your intelligence, kind spirit, heart, athleticism, and physical beauty are all qualities of a fine racehorse. You possess an intangible quality, a personal magnetism that draws people to you.
I think it speaks volumes that fans are so emotional over your retirement. Your 2nd place run in the Classic was far more impressive than Blame’s win. The massive amount of ground covered in that race, that will to win, is a testimony to your true racehorse “heart”.
You had people roaring, jumping, screaming “Go, go, go Zenyatta!” in chorus, both on the grandstand, as well as in their living rooms! The Classic was one of the most thrilling races I’ve ever seen! When you crossed the finish line, the silence was deafening, as we watched in disbelief. You have earned Horse of the Year, in a breathtaking fashion!
Your wonderful connections did their best to let us get to know you through videos and interviews. The public is just infatuated with you! We are in awe of your physical beauty and captivated by your great athleticism.
I will miss your brilliance on the track, your intelligence, your gentle demeanor, the way you gracefully accept carrots from the children, the sweet kisses you give people, the dancing to the gate, bowing to the crowd when your name is announced, drinking a Guinness after practice—these traits make you so unique!
I will really miss you, girl! It is sad that the ride is over. More importantly, I am happy your have kept you safe and sound. I hope to visit you one day…
Gina
Gina Rizk
Sweet Zenyatta,
Just wanted to thank you for all the excitement and joy you have given us. Your intelligence, kind spirit, heart, athleticism, and physical beauty are all qualities of a fine racehorse. You possess an intangible quality, a personal magnetism that draws people to you. I think it speaks volumes that fans are so emotional over your retirement. Your 2nd place run in the Classic was far more impressive than Blame’s win. The massive amount of ground covered in that race, that will to win, is a testimony to your true racehorse “heart”.
You had people roaring, jumping, screaming “Go, go, go Zenyatta!” in chorus, both on the grandstand, as well as in their living rooms! The Classic was one of the most thrilling races I’ve ever seen! When you crossed the finish line, the silence was deafening, as we watched in disbelief. You have earned Horse of the Year, in a breathtaking fashion!
Your wonderful connections did their best to let us get to know you through videos and interviews. The public is just infatuated with you! We are in awe of your physical beauty and captivated by your great athleticism.
I will miss your brilliance on the track, your intelligence, your gentle demeanor, the way you gracefully accept carrots from the children, the sweet kisses you give people, the dancing to the gate, bowing to the crowd when your name is announced, drinking a Guinness after practice—these traits make you so unique! I will really miss you, girl! It is sad that the ride is over. More importantly, I am happy your have kept you safe and sound. I hope to visit you one day…
Gina
Ella Cinder
Zenyatta – a name never to be forgotten. Thanks for all the thrills you gave us, they are all unforgettable! You are and always will be a Star. All of your 20 races were breathtaking. Your magnificence knows no rivals. You deserve a special honour to highlight the joy you have brought to so many & to the sport itself. God Bless You my darling.
Julie Dodson
To Queen Z: I have followed your career from start to finish and have never wavered in my belief that you truly are the greatest racehorse of my time. It was a dream of mine to see you race in person and I had that opportunity at Breeder’s Cup. You are a beautiful, strong healthy horse, and I want to express my strongest thanks to your trainer, who let you grow that extra year. What a difference it made in your life and racing career. More owners and trainers should follow suit. Thanks Team Z for making Zenyatta available to her fans to meet and actually experience her personality up close. I hope the transition to a life as a broodmare is easy, and someday I plan to buy one of the Queen’s babies to call my own. I will never forget you and wish you a long, healthy life. We love you, Z.
Chris Marsh
Dearest Z,
I found out about you in May and have been infactuated ever since. I have watched your victories over and over again for inspiration. Never have I seen anything like you! You won some by a nose and the lastest Breeder’s Cup, you made an incredible try and lost by a nose. You have an incredible jockey in Mike Smith who shouldn’t feel bad though I know he does. It was an unbelievable journey and all should be proud. I know I am.
Many happy days to you and yours from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada!
xoxo
Kitta
Zenyatta, my heart is broken, not because you came 2nd by a nose, maybe just to show them all…. i am crying for you, your owners, trainer, jockey, grooms, every fan that love you so much. For me there is no words to describe you. And maybe now everyone would recognize how great you are. You are so noble, so beautifull, the best! I thank God for this gift that we could have witnessed. Thank you and your owners for sharing you with us. I will never forget you.
Matthew Young
Zenyatta’s career has had such a huge impact on my life. I was in shock after she lost at the BC this past weekend for several days. I don’t know if I will ever feel the same way about the sport again now that she is retired.
Dave
This horse is truly magnetic. The initial disappointment of Saturday has quickly been replaced by an overwhelming sense of admiration for Zenyatta. Her spirit, incredible heart and determination were in full view for all to see and it was something to behold. Horse of the Year. Horse of a Lifetime. A one of a kind and a legend to be sure.
Barbara Wood
I’ve always known you were great, but I completely lost my heart to you in last year’s BCC! I have been your faithful friend on the Bloodhorse blogs and was so lucky to see you at Oaklawn this year. You are the most wonderful ever, and I can hardly bear to see you go. You are proof that love is the most powerful force in the world!
Leslie Sworsky
Thank you for the thrill of my lifetime watching you in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last Saturday. You flew like the wind again even with dirt in your face and cold air in your lungs. You were a winner in every sense of the word, big girl. I hope the rumors are true that you may race again and give us more thrills. There’s always time to have babies! I am hoping to get to LA and visit you. Thanks so much to your connections who have loved you and shared you with the world. Tell them, Z, that you want to FLY AGAIN!! They will listen, they always have. Love, an adoring fan in Minnesota
Suzanne Parent
Dear Z: you stood tall & proud, and you gave us your heart in the Classic; the NY Times posted an article “The Measure of Love in Zenyatta’s Finest Hour;” (http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/08/the-measure-of-love-in-zenyattas-finest-hour/). There is no finer tribute to you than this!
To the Mosses, The Shireffs, Mike Smith,Team Zenyatta: thank you so much for sharing your gift of Zenyatta with us. Keep her safe & sound, and let us know what her future will be. She simply cannot disappear from our lives! Thank you.
Mellyn
I am still hoarse (no pun intended)from yelling for you last Saturday…you gave us the most thrilling race ever! You are simply the best!
Thank you and may you be as happy as you have made us.
Carol Olson
To Queen Zenyatta and Her Team,
I wanted to express my hearfelt thanks to you both for giving me such a thrilling and wonderful ride. You are truly THE BEST! Such beauty, grace, and spirit do not come along very often. Thanks for sharing all of it with us. You will be missed but we wish you all of the happiness that you truly deserve. We Love You!