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
Irene Caty
comment was made and posted earlier. what happeded?
Rose
MY DEAR ROYAL HIGHNESS, ZENYATTA,
DO YOU REALLY WANT TO RETIRE, I DONT WANT THAT. BUT PLEASE, DO WHAT IS IN YOUR HEART….FOREVER, WILL THE HEARTS OF MILLIONS BE WITH YOU!! WHATEVER YOUR CHOICE, IS MINE…LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU….I MISS YOU ALREADY….I LOVE YOU!!!!!HEARTS AND KISSES TO YOU!!!AND YOUR PEOPLE…..
Roberta
I don’t care what the official results are in January, you are my Horse of the Year and Horse of the Decade!! So sorry you missed a perfect record – a tough start and too much traffic – but you belong right up there with all the other greats: Man o’ War, Secretariat, Citation, Personal Ensign, Ruffian, Kelso, Native Dancer, Seattle Slew and John Henry. May you have a long & happy life as a mamma now. Your fans will look forward to cheering on your babies!! And all the best to your human connections who have been so loving to you and so gracious and giving to the horse world: the Mosses, John Shirreffs, Mike Smith, and the rest of Team Zenyatta.
Elena Erdman
Is there any way the public can see Zenyatta? Just a few at a time with an appointment….. if we don’t know someone personally or are not a horse owner we cannot see you and have a picture taken, could you do something about that beautiful Zenyatta?
Gerrie Pantle
Thank you for the most fantastic race at the 2010 Breeders Cup Classic. I will never forget Zenyatta flying to the wire.
Zenyatta is the Queen and beloved by many, many, fans. Please accept our gratitude for allowing us to celebrate such a champion.
Also, please let Mike Smith know his fans support him as well. I know he feels badly, but no other jockey would have cared or loved Zenyatta as he does.
Irene Caty
Dearest Zenyatta, many thanks for all you have done for everyone. I was truely fortunate enough to have seen three of your races at the track, one of them was #19. You are a beautiful lady. I watched your last race on T.V. and thought you were amaging. You ran all the way from the back of the pack and came chargeing through to pass all the horses and meet Blame head on. That is called greatness at it’s prime. Only you could do that and that is because you have such a big heart to win. Blame may have won the cup by 3″but you won the race. It was unforgetable with the mud flying in your face and all. You are one special Zenny in my book. I congradulate Blame for his 3″ cup race but you are HOY because you ran the spectacular race and from the distance you ran you surely caught up with him. Congradulations,Zen. You are Queen Zenyatta who has many talents and a big heart with lots of love in it. I will love you and remember you forever and so will many others. You have many fans. I’m glad to hear that you are in a happy mood back at your Hollywood Home. Thanks to the Z-Team for the care and love they have given them and the same with you in return. I wish you could stay right there and be happy as you are now with all the people who love you so and keep you safe. Tears will flow from many people if you leave us. It would be so nice for so many if Ann and Jerry could keep you here in Calif. Who knows if you want to hang out in a cold pasture in Kentucky grazeing. I think they should find out if you are ready to want babies. Maybe you still want to race, afterall you are in good health. Maybe you would want to entertain for awhile before races. who knows for sure. A great horse like you should have the first call. My message to you Zenyatta is we wish you the very best however it goes Be happy, be safe and never loose that beautiful personality that you have. I love you forever and will never forget you. Good Luck Queen Zenyatta and God Bless You Always. Your loveing fan, Irene
Rachelle Raymer-Gilbert
You are an inspiration to me. What you have taught me is that the important thing in life is the journey. It’s how you run the race, not getting to the end that I admire most about you. I aim to live my life with the consistent spirit and dedication you put into all your races. I love you, Zenyatta!
Anna Cottle
Dear Queen Z, Thank you, thank you. You and your dream Z team have given us all an incredible ride and special memories. You will always be the Winner and the Best. Your courage, charisma and big, big heart have made all our hearts beat. You truly are a gift from the Gods. Please stay in California if you can swing it!
Dylan
Hello. My name is Dylan. My favorite animal is a dog. I share you a good article, magic ticket is baDl8R8jjB.
Michelle Pinciaro
Dear Z,
I would love to read more diary posts. I think a “Z” Cam would be very cool so we could all see what you are up to in real time. I do hope this website keeps going after you move to Kentucky…we all really want to meet your new baby when the moment comes. We adore you darling Z!
Nik
Zenyatta and family, I think you have way too much talent and way too young to retire. Maybe you can continue as “Horse Racing Ambassador” for all to see and all you have to do is visit racetracks and just do your special “Zenyatta dance” – I’m sure attendance will skyrocket because soooo many of your fans can’t take their eyes off of you and love taking in all your special charisma and love. You won’t even have to race since there is nothing else to prove to the world – you are THE ONE and we can’t get enough of you!
Julia B
All I can say is WOW girl what a race!!! You knocked their socks off.. truley amazing! makes no matter to me that you missed by a wisker, you are awesome and forever “The Queen”. I wish I could have seen you in KY.. who knows, when you retire and come back to KY to reign in the breeding barn to make “little queens and kings” I might have the chance to see you ! Thanks to all your connections, John, Jerry & Ann, Mike for allowing you to mature into an outstanding, solid race horse! Love to the Queen and sprinkled with apples, carrots, mints oh yah and guiness stout! Glad your home safe!!
Sohni
Zenyatta,
You are such a good girl. You did really great in the Breeders Cup Classic!!!!!!! I am writing a book and your in it. You are always going to be my good luck charm. You will always be “The Queen of the Track” I’m glad your home safe,
Becky F
Feel the love, Babe!! Your spirit sings out to all of us. Let your Team know what you want to do, I know they will find a way to do it. I hope you get to go to Dublin for some really fresh Guinness! You will always be our Queen. Be happy always and keep talking to your mom and John, they ARE listening!!
Ben
We love you Zenyatta!
Cathy Tyerman
Zenyatta, I will miss you terribly! My heart was with you every stride,every thrilling finish,and you have rekindled an old racing fans interest. You,and your team are class all the way, and your fans love you big girl,and you too Mike. Please keep your page updated,as i would love to still be a part of everything you do in your post racinf life. Thanks for everything team Z.I love you big darling
Helen Rasmussen
Zenny, I have been so torn between you and Rachel and believe you are both great in your own rights!
I love you two so very much! You have nothing left to prove out there sweetheart and you gave me quite a thrill for the past years! In my mind you won that Classic hands down. Blame was actually starting to loose ground when you were making ground fast! Thank you especially to JS, the Moss’ for sharing you with us all. Unfortunately we don’t have owners or enough that want to share their horses with us. That’s sad because that is also another key in keeping the sport alive and well.
Big hugs to a big girl!
Mike, you did great so you shouldn’t beat yourself up so bad. I know Zenny loves you to death!
Helen Rasmussen
Zenny, I have been so torn between you and Rachel and believe you are both great in your own rights!
I love you two so very much! You have nothing left to prove out there sweetheart and you gave me quite a thrill for the past years! In my mind you won that Classic hands down. Blame was actually starting to loose ground when you were making ground fast! Thank you especially to JS, the Moss’ for sharing you with us all. Unfortunately we don’t have owners or enough that want to share their horses with us. That’s sad because that is also another key in keeping the sport alive and well.
Big hugs to a big girl!
Mike, you did great so you shouldn’t beat yourself up so bad. I know Zenny loves you to death!
Love that photo on the shirt with Lolo, Julie’s daughter!!!
Helen Rasmussen
I would especially like to commend John Sherrifs for an outstanding job bringing you up. He is rare in the fact he took his time with you and did not push you out there to race before you were ready. Other trainers need to take note of this. Thank God you were in his barn as others may have ruined you early on.
Jerry and Ann have been most gracious in sharing you with the world and I personally think other owners should take note of that. This has helped bring the sport back somewhat and new fans to boot.
You have a wonderful groom in Mario! You can see his love on his face and I think you love him in return.
Then there is you jockey….he is also to be commended for how he has ridden you and loves you. I think the two of you are a terrific team out there on the track!
Most important of all is for you to stay safe and healthy. Your team has made sure of this and should be very proud.
David (London, England)
Dear Zen, I’ve followed your career closely over the years – even from across the ocean. You have never ceased to amaze – your talent, speed and charming good looks have made you an icon around the world. Saturday showed one additional unique characteristic, your pure raw determination. You may have lost the race, but the manner in which you fought back proves what a real champion you are. We all like winners and we all like champions, you had already proven you were both of these. But most of all we all like those with passion, those that are determined to give it their best shot even when things aren’t going right. You have now proven that you have everything.
We would love to see you here in England – how about a day out at Royal Ascot next June? The Guiness is good here too!
Susan White
Dearest Zenny,
If only words could say how much a part of my life you’ve become over the last few years. I love you, WE love you! You are the greatest horse I have ever seen, and I will miss you so much. Stay happy, stay the sweet girl that you are, and I think you know, your fans will love you forever. Thank you, Queen.
Susan
PS. Please, Team Z, keep her page up to date, always. She is a living legend, and her fans need to keep in touch with our girl. Thank you, also, Team Zenyatta, and Mike. She deserves the best, and she got it with all of you!
Stephanie Quilichini
We Love you Zenyatta-I actually hope you get to race one more time so you can go out with a Win in your Career-A Big Thank You to Team Zenyatta for sharing Zenyatta with us. Without you we would have never realized how special she truly is:)
sarah
I have never seen such a great mare in my life. You are a truly magnificent racehorse, and I hope when you retire that you throw horses as great as you are.
Elaine Winter
I have a request for John Sherrifs. My birthday is Nov. 16th and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate my day with meeting Zenyatta in person. I live in San Diego and the drive up to Hollywood Park wouldn’t be a problem at all. Would someone please email me with a response to my request? Thank you!
Kim & Lawrence Gauvin
In our hearts you finished first, and you made history in the racing world, My husband knew of you, but now he has great respect for you and now has Zenyatta Fever. Thank-you and your team for the great ride.
Audrey C
Tomorrow will be a week since the amazing Breeder’s Cup Classic, and I can’t believe I am still searching to find any new article every day, as well as view the video of the race, among other Zenyatta videos, numerous times. This superlative mare – the Queen of people’s hearts – as been a top dog, and an underdog simultaneously. I have been an avid fan since last year’s Breeders Cup, and have watched every one of her races. Zenyatta has inspired many who are facing personal and economic struggles in this current most difficult time. Although she was defeated by inches in just 1 of her 20 races- the most challenging of her career, she was absolutely surreal in her comeback, and final stretch- one of the GREATEST. I am a horse lover for many years, and although I cannot afford to own one, I am leasing a nine year old appendix mare, who I am proud to say, is related to Zenyatta, through Raise a Native and Princequillo, on her thoroughbred damsire’s side. Like Zenyatta, “my” mare also has a very beautiful, chiseled, face with big eyes, erect large ears, and fluid, dressage-like moves. I have read numerous books on racing’s greatests, and I can’t wait for the book, which will certainly soon be written, about this incredible mare (as well,I am sure, a movie). History will speak of Man O’ War, Phar Lap, Seabiscuit, Native Dancer, Ruffian, Secretariat, and then, there was Zenyatta…. I truly believe Z should get the HOY award. But, whether she does or not, really does not matter. If Blame wins, then he, like Rachel Alexandra, each won a battle. But, dear sweet, amazing mare, YOU have, by FAR, won the WAR. Of course, Z could never have reached her potential, had she not had the right training, care, support, and stewardship of her owners, trainer, groom, jockey, and exercise rider, oh, and masseuse…a heartfelt thank you to all.
Don Robinson
From the man that delivered you into the world, I say that you have achieved the unimaginable. Thank you , and deep thanks to your magnifcent managers- Mosses, Shirreffs, Mario, Steve- and the great Mike Smith.
As far as I’m concerned, may you be free to do whatever you and your folks determine is best. They have always listened to YOU. Your “family” embraces you at your home in the Bluegrass if that is your choice.
Roberta Rivera
Dear Miss Z!
You are the greatest horse in the world of racing.
What a beautiful horse you are on top of being the Queen of the raceway.
Zenyatta, may you always be free in spirit.
Keep dancing and prancing and helping others. I’m glad you love children, hopefully you’ll be a mommy someday.
Robin Nelson
Z!! I have to say EVERY time I watch you race, I get chills and a tear comes to my eye. I never watched horse racing before you came along, SO THANK YOU! Thank you for being you and making me smile. I love you Z!! XOXO
Mary-Anne Bach
Queen Z – you are amazing! My hands went numb with all the excitement watching you race last Saturday. Think I forgot to breathe! :)
What an incredible career you have had…
I get tears in my eyes when I read all these posts and know that you have touched the hearts of people across the world..
Wishing you a long and healthy retirement..
Thank you for being such an inspiration!!