Good Morning, Dear Friends!
Last night, Dottie and MY JOHN’S copy of THE BLOODHORSE’S magazine…..The 25 MOST INTRIGUING Horses and People of 2011 arrived. When they opened the package…and saw ME…as the #1 HORSE of 2011…they were so, so proud.
WOW…ME….#1. I truly believe, as do they, that ALL OF YOU helped to make this possible. I can’t THANK YOU enough.
Then…to see that MY JOHN was #5 on the list of INTRIGUING PEOPLE for the year…was also very special. AGAIN…THANK YOU! We so appreciate all of your support, love, and kindness on so many levels!
The photos, the various highlights illustrated for 2011, and the stories about Rachael Alexandra and I now that we are MOMS-to-BE are all beautifully done and written.
I must say, both Rachel Alexandra and I look quite fabulous enjoying our ‘new looks’ for our current careers. ‘BEING IN FOAL’ rather becomes US! (Blush, Blush)
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone on each of these lists for their accomplishments and hard work throughout 2011.
***HORSES listed in the order presented in the magazine:
Zenyatta, Havre de Grace, Goldikova, Frankel, Animal Kindgom, Blind Luck, Shackleford, Drosselmeyer, Uncle Mo, Royal Delta, Black Caviar, Rapid Redux, Caleb’s Posse, Hansen, Cape Blanco, Flat Out, Union Rags, My Miss Aurelia, Stay Thirsty, Bernardini (MY BERNIE), Acclamation, Amazombie, Winter Memories, Ruler On Ice, and The Factor.
***People also mentioned in the order they appeared in the magazine:
Mike Smith, Bill Mott, Graham Motion, Bob Baffert, John Shirreffs (MY JOHN), Chantal Sutherland, Rosie Napravnik, Scooter Dickey, Steve Asmussen, John Velazquez, Mike Repole, Todd Pletcher, Jerry Hollendorfer, Aidan and Joseph O’Brien, Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Bobby Flay, Dale Romans, Corey Nakatani, Barry Irwin, Kathy Ritvo, Marylou Whitney, Rick Dutrow Jr., Benjamin Leon Jr., Bo Derek, and George Strawbridge.
Again, CONGRATULATIONS to ALL! Here’s hoping the year 2012 is memorable and successful for all of these individuals/horses…and EVERYONE else (both horse and human) who works so hard each day helping to make this a very special and wonderful sport!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
DmamaKlock
Z, we just LOVE that you are #1 ! ! ! And that your John is up there too. And your Mike is #1 also. All very well deserved.
We love that your connections are concerned in keeping you well and safe. Therefore, we are not disappointed you do not receive many visitors. The thing that does keep us connected is YOUR website and YOUR Dottie. Thank you so very much for all of the wonderful posts and pictures….love YOU.
Ollie
My Queen,
Yesterday I received my copy of the Blood Horses’s 25. So what I did was start
looking at the 2011 obituaries first and proceeded to page 57 and so on.
When I got to the page showing YOU as the numero uno intriguing horse of 2011
I lost it. So many many memories came flooding back, it was mindblowing.
I want to say I miss you very much but very happy knowing you are well and
enjoying your new role. Much love and appreciation to your JOHN,DOTTIE,MIKE
THE MOSSES,BARN 55 and everyone else who has had the honor and
privilege to care for you.XOXOXOXOXO.
Lou in Tx
Congratulations to our Queen Zenyatta , Mike and John. Queen Z will always be #1 for us and in our hearts. Have orderd a copy of the magazine and will cherish it along with all the others I have collected about you.
Hope you and Tasty are having a great day. We love you so much. Take good care.
Lou in TX
PatB from NM
Whenever you’re on the cover of Blood Horse, it shows up a bit later in my mailbox than normal; I think others in the mail chain must want to read it too! In other words, I don’t have my copy yet. My son visited the Met in NYC recently and sent me an iphone pic of a beautiful horse sculpture that was very reminiscent of you except that the head is less refined than yours (can’t seem to paste it here, though). I’m convinced you’ll be Most Intriguing of 2012 because of Baby Z/B, and if we have anything to say about, you could be #1 for many years to come. Your spirit is so fascinating/”intriguing” that we can’t get enough of you.
Love you always, Z.
Debbie G/Kentucky
You might have a point, Pat! I work for the post office and I have to admit that whenever I see a Bloodhorse or Thoroughbred Times with Zenyatta on the cover, somehow it just happens to fall open to her page!
Sharyn - Vermont
How exciting – you heading that list of wonderful and accomplished horses – and “your John” and Mike on such a distinquished list!! High Hooves to all of you!! So deserving…..you all are!
Robin - Ventura CA
You will always be #1 in my heart!
LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER!!!!
OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Kari Bussell/Tn.
My Queen you will ALWAYS be number one in my eyes and Your Dear John is my hero…and number one forever in my eyes. I am beyond thrilled that the rest of the world realizes you are number one… I hope you and Tasty had a good day in spite if the weather. I can’t wait to welcome baby Z/B into the world. I love you.
Kari Bussell/Tn.
Santa Anita Race -7
4:07-7:07e..
(1)-MAKOMA/ M Smith/JShirreffs/Moss
I am really attached to you Makoma….Love at first site….
A very heartfelt…
GO! MAKOMA!! GO!!!
Kari Bussell/Tn.
MAKOMA- Her race is this Friday….Jan.13th…I forgot to add that part….
Cynthia H./Santa Anita Girl
Thank you very much, Kari! 12th Heart
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
DIARY READERS: Please note I erred in my previous Diary post. Makoma is NOT to be sold on Friday at Keeneland, but will be racing (again—-hooray!) at Santa Anita! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Friday the 13th will prove a luck day for her and Barn 55!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Trina Nagele in So Cal
GO, MAKOMA!
Sue Colvin -NJ
high hooves to u queen Z for being #1 for 2011 <3 & to the rest of team Z
i've been sick w/ a cold this past week & am now getting caught up w/ your posts zenny.
i'm thankful for dottie sharing you w/ us.
@ JAG – condolenses on the loss of your friend-Cenicola
hugs/prayers <3
@Pati- your poem on #414 was beatiful :)
i saw star billing had cotton in her ears in her pic on #415
what's the purpose of cotton in the ears?
is it to drown out loud noises?
i never did that as a groom & am curious as to why.
@Shannon From Cool- sorry for your loss of your horse. hugs
@terry crow- glad your back :) for now at least.
thx for sharing your elvis story.
hugs/prayers to you all. god bless <3
Pati
Thank you! I’m glad so many enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed typing it up!
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Yes, the cotton is to drown out noise. Hollywood Park is directly under the LAX flightline.
Terry Crow
Sue Colvin-Thanks for the shout-out. My posts are meant to entertain the people on this site. I have as much regard for Zenyatta as any, maybe with the exception of Kari Bussell, as I have seen many great ones in person. I know my posts are a little (or a lot) off the subject.
Jane Wade (southern Ca.)
CONGRATULATIONS to all! You, Mike, John & Dottie will ALWAYS be #1 in our hearts!
~~~~~~~~~~
Have a wonderful day dear Zenyatta and baby “Z”!
~~~~~~~
xoxoxo Jane
Alex Bowdoin in MA
You are #1 and so is Dottie and John and Mike……I have not received that Bloodhorse issue yet. I am looking forward to getting it! @Rachel, I also like Rachel Alexandra. She
is lovely. @All who lit candles for my Tessie and my friend Amy, Thank You….
Marty R / Colorado
Oh would I love to look out my window and see YOU looking in. That’s what this entry’s picture reminds me of…..looking out a window. Thank you, John Shirreffs for sharing this and all the pictures before this one with us!!
Congratulations for the Bloodhorse awards to You and Your John and Your Mikey. I also agree that DOTTIE should be included in the awards. Afterall, it is she who keeps us up to date on all YOUR goings on and lets us know how intriguing YOU are. We need her as much as YOU do, cause as amazing as YOU are, horses can’t type. Thank you Dottie for all you do.
It’s been snowing here almost all day. I hope everyone is keeping warm and safe.
Elizabeth in Oregon
Congrats to the Queen and her connections for their well-deserved honors! You will always be #1 to us. :-) Can’t wait for our copy of this issue.
Thanks for the link to the dog rescue and kudos to that kind fisherman who took care of him. Hope the drunk driver gets what he deserves. ;-o
>
A belated Happy New Year to all, and an eternal thank-you to Dottie for this site!
Debbie G/Kentucky
Congratulations, Zenny, Mike and John! That’s fantastic. Dottie and the Mosses should have been on that list too, but all of you are number one in our hearts.
@Terry Crow – That’s a great Elvis story. My mother is a huge Elvis fan. He was supposed to be in Lexington the day before her birthday and my brother and I saved our money to get her tickets to see him, but he died two days before the concert. We were shocked. I think Mom still has the tickets. I’d love to hear more of your stories!
Terry Crow
Debbie-A redneck Elvis fan? You can include me in that number. There will never be another like him.
Paula Higgins
I need to get this magazine! Zenny is absolutely #1 in fact and in our hearts. Congrats to Mike and John for their inclusion int he magazine. Dottie should be right in there too, along with Ann and Jerry. Congrats to Mom-to-Be Rachel Alexandra as well.
Paula Higgins
I need to get this magazine! Zenny is absolutely #1 in fact, and in our hearts. Congrats to Mike and John for their inclusion in the magazine. Congrats to Mom-to-Be Rachel Alexandra as well. Dottie, Jerry and Ann should have been in that article too in my opinion.
Alene
Hi Zenny. Sorry I haven`t written in a few days but I`ve been a little down in the dumps. Some personal things. Anyway, yes you are number one. Look at the company you are in. Rachel,Goldikova,the Great “Frankel” (I`m sure Bobbie is smiling about that one), Black Cavier and of course,Harve De Grace (2011 HOY) fingers and hoofs crossed. It would be the 3rd. year us girls would have won!! The picture of you on todays diary post is so sweet. The kindness in your eyes just shines through. Your baby is so lucky to have such a loving mom. It is the love that your team feels for you. Anyway, have fun and take it easy. Monday is the Eclipse Awards and I can`t wait to watch it. Lots of big hugs and kisses to you. Alene
Pati
What a lovely picture of the Great Queen. It’s very flattering. ;)
I was on the ntra.com site today, and I must say, you are very much the hot topic, Miss Z. Even people who claim not to be your fan CONTINUOUSLY bring you up! Every horse that looks like they have a bright future or are about to achieve somthing great is compared to you. What a big shadow you have cast; it seems everyone, boys and girls, will have to run pretty hard to get out of it. :) I mean this in a good way, of course!
Only the all time Greats can cast a shadow so big, that ALL horses for many years to come will have to live in it, or do something truely miraculous to cast their own. You would be one of those all time greats. <3
Terry Crow
Pati-I have said this before, but when old-time horse players sit around and talk about the great ones they have seen, Zenyatta’s name will always be a prime topic. I will be among those singing her praises.
Pati
Of course, and I imagine your voice is a very respect member of that group. :)
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
First off, just love the pic of you Zenyatta that was used for todays diary entry, glad that your John took so many photos of you.
It is just great that you are no.1 in the top 25 horses in 2011 and your John being number 5 in top people, just so fantastic! It doesn’t at all surprise me though of you both being so prominent, as being a standout as you both are, but still, it is wonderful! I know now, that I should have ordered myself one of those books from Bloodhorse. Will have to go ahead and see if the Bloodhorse still has those special issues available as I so much would like to see and read the articles and pics of you, and all the other greats of 2011!
Well,you take care Zenyatta and hope you and Tasty are enjoying yourselves out in the paddock. Love & Blessings to you!
JJ from MN
hello zenyatta good job on another big win. The only thing i don’t get is how black cavir is not ranked higher? Also good job to mike and john on there big scores and berine too.
i also am reposting the video i left here over the weekend so anyone who missed it cand watch its called Zenyatta more than a racehore.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr4dD7v-Eqw
ps she really is more than a racehorse long live the queen
signofthetimes
Remember this is US voters.
JJ from MN
i know this is us votes but frankel even made the top 10. He did’t race here so why is penilazed for being from another country? Maybe it just me but some of these animal didn’t interest me as much. Like animal kingdom i know he was injured but he just didn’t seem that interesting to me.
Pam Homeier
That is a fabulous song and video!!!!! Man, I love that horse!!!!!
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
FYI ~
I love all the pictures ever taken of you, Zenny. The one BH used on Page 56 (Gallery) with your “icy whiskers” by Mathea Kelley is TOOOO CUTE!! :-D
Paul
Zenyatta, congratulations for being named the no. 1 horse for 2011 by Bloodhorse Magazine. They didn’t do that for nothing, you know. It shows what a fabulous horse you are. I would also like to congratulate Mike Smith for his no. 1 ranking of people for 2011 and for John Shirreffs’ high ranking. Also included in my congratulations are all the other horses and people mentioned as a result of all of their hard work as well. Keep up the good work everybody and every horse!
Carole #42 Eagle, Wisconsin
Z. you will always be #1 – love you. Congratulations to YOU and your connections. I will have to get the book.
@Shannon, so sorry about you TB, we have to keep our memories alive, when they cross the rainbow bridge.
Kisses on your peppermint nose and TT too and how are the kicking foals doing? XOXO
Max
Zenyatta. It was fun to vote for you as you deserve to be #1 always. Same for Mike and John and everyone on Team Z. The edition of Bloodhorse is bound to sell out as a collector’s item. I will also look for a copy.
Best wishes to TT.
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Zenyatta You are such a Very Special Girl with a Very Special Family. We are all so proud of you and all you stand for. I am so glad God gave us you. A High Hoof For John and Mike Smith. Yea !!!! What a Team. I have read my magazine cover to cover. It was very well done. Have a good day tomorrow and stay warm and dry. Hugs and Many Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Our class horse Mistletoe is practicing for her next race. RUN MISTLETOE RUN !!!!!!
Rosemary McCauley So. Cal.
Go Mistletoe!
Abigail from Montreal
Steve Byk of AT The Races is appealing for donations to help the horses that were seized in Louisiana. Here’s the link: http://www.teamkeen.com/manylahorseseizure.html
Be aware that the images are VERY disturbing.
I despair. I really do. How can this sort of thing (and it’s here in Canada too) be allowed to continue? Sometimes it just gets to me, you know? I have a house full of rescues and still the shelters are crammed with more. And all of us who try SO HARD to help animals in distress….and on it goes. I really wish that governments would step in and fine/punish people who do this and that every state/province school district be mandated to educate children & youth about animal abuse…….
Barbara Grimaldi/Skip & Juliet/NJ
unfortunately, our government promotes animal/horse abuse. look at what the BLM does to our mustanges and wild burros. BLM has decimated our range in the interests of the cattle lobby and the ranchers–even though statistics show that Americans are eating less and less meat. look at the continued attack on wolves. Fish and Game depts in all states serve the interests of the hunters and fishermen, not the animals. bills to protect our animals routinely fail to pass through congress. TB racing still has no rules to protect TBs from drugs or being sold to the meat men. Quarterhorse breeders overbreed year after year, so they make up about 60% of the horses sent to slaughter every year. And here’s the big one: the government is making it possible for horse slaughterhouses to reopen in the USA. Our government–no matter the party in the White House–fails animals over and over and sanctions their abuse. So if the government does step in, that spells doom for the animals for sure.
Kelly J. /ND
CONGRATULATIONS on being #1! You will always be #1 to me!
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
what a beautiful picture of you. Always makes me smile. Thanks to all those great people who take these great pictures of you and your buddies.:)
Congrats on your #1 & your John & Mikey.
Sleep tight & dream sweet
Celeste in TX
Congratulations on the announcement of being the Most Intriguing Horse of the year!! I must say you are the most intriguing horse of my lifetime and as has been said before, the horse of my heart. Congratulations to your John also. He is a most remarkable man and of course, your Dottie is also a treasure. Thank you for letting us share in the joy of this recognition you have received – I am so grateful to have you here in this diary, to share your life with those of us who love you so. Thank you!!
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
@Abigail – Which rescue group should I send a check to. I don’t like to use paypal or my credit card. When I went to your link I wasn’t sure which of the Rescue Groups is requesting the donation. I would like to send it to one that you suggest.
Bonnie – Yes, I agree Mario also ( and his wife) helped with the “making of Zen” A big high hoof to both of them. May you enjoy Zenny’s half-sister and all of those at Barn 55 love you so much.
And a super big “can’t thank you enough” to Dottie who helps us stay in touch with our big Mama.
It would be fun to go to the Eclipse Awards, even though it is quite expensive. Don’t own a formal gown though. Would rather give the money to a rescue group.
Can’t wait for my special Bloodhorse magazine and I also ordered the Horse Racing Divas while at it.
AND SO HAPPY TO HEAR THAT MAKOMA REMAINS AT BARN 55. Will put her right back into my Equibase virtual stable. go Makoma!!!!!
Celeste in TX
Delrene, I copied down the address from Donna Keen’s web-site today to mail them a check. It is Remember Me Rescue, 4100 Conveyor Drive, Burleson, TX 76028, Donna and Dallas are doing a lot of the coordinating and trying to find fosters for those horses who have survived well enough to be transferred. It is so horrible. I don’t do paypal either, but at least this way I can send them a check, so I jumped in to Abigail’s posting to help you out.
Abigail from Montreal
Delrene: Here’s the South Louisiana Rescue address (near bottom of page):
http://www.lahorserescue.com/id43.html