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
Kimberly
Zenny, you are #1 female horse OF ALL TIME!!!!!!
Karen Gogue
Horses in Louisiana, another article.
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20120110/NEWS01/120110019/Last-horses-removed-from-Sabine-Parish-farm
Elizabeth in NM
ZENNY – YOU are Number 1 Momma! Haven’t received our magazine yet either – NM must be at the end of the line – our post office is fairly ‘remote’ – can’t wait to see it! DOTTIE should be in the magazine also. We must think of a category for Amazing Women like her!
Have loved catching up on all of the posts. What an awesome group of folks in YOUR Z Fan Family!
Our mare (really our neighbors’, but we’re considered her family) is much improved. 30 going on 15 – kicking up her heals again – God is so good! Wearing one bright ‘blue’ shoe – hoof!
LOVE to YOU, Zenny and to your family – including all Zensters – Love you ALL! Thanks for keeping us inspired, informed and laughing!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof, for sure, to “your” mare!
Doreen in CT
Congrats Zenny, Bernie, Mike and John. I had no doubt that all of you would make the list. I want to second your CONGRATS to all who made the list as well as a successful and memorable year for those who make the sport so special. I also want to add safe trips to all this year (horses, jockeys, exercise riders, lead-out ponies and their riders, the gate crew, and to the trainers on their lead-out pony or the racehorse that they are training). May this year be safer than years past for all involved on the track and on the backside. I’m sure that both you and Rachel and your foals will be making the list around this time next year.
Zenny – I hope you and Tasty enjoyed your day and I’m looking forward to seeing pictures of how big the both of you are. Some of those mares in the Keeneland Sale looked like they were going to drop their foals right there in the sales ring!!
Congrats to Concord Point for being the sire of the first notable foal recorded this year, a brown filly out of My Brooklynne Rose (Indian Charlie) born January 9th at Hickory Hill Farm in New York. Most likely a sprinter in the making.
Zenny – It won’t be long before you, Tasty, and Rachel will have your foals added to that list too:)
Elizabeth in NM
What about The Moss’s – Jerry and Ann – was there a category for them in the magazine? I don’t remember voting for one!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Yippee Z, I never doubted that you would not be any thing else than #1 !! Hugs, love pats and kisses to you love. High Hoofs to Mike and John, whoopie!!! I did not doubt them either. There are alot of great horses that made the list. I can not wait to get my issue!! I will get one if I have an annual subscription won’t I?? Sounds so cute with you and Rachel in an article too.
Starting at midnight tonight the winter storm here in Wi. begins with cold temperatures and blowing winds. I hope this does not carry your way. If it would, both you & Tasty keep warm and watch your steps!!
You’ll always be “the horse of my lifetime”. love, 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
evy
I agree with the previous posters, you could never be anything but #1.
Love you, Zenny.
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
I think this would be the rescue organization for these horses in need mentioned by Abigail and a further article from Karen Gogue…http://lahorserescue.com/id43.html
Debbie G/Kentucky
@Kari Bussell – It’s a big week for the UK/UT rivalry. The women play tomorrow night and the men play Saturday. I guess I better get myself prepared to hear Rocky Top a lot! LOL
Kari Bussell/Tn.
If we beat you in both men’s and ladies ….You must video yourself singing Rocky Top and post it here…..just for that !!
LOLOL!!!
I honestly had to do my outgoing voice mail to me singing it after loosing a bet. I had to leave it on for a week. The entire world called me that week…..LOL!… Really, people I had not heard from in years.
Terry Crow
Kari-Post it again. I would love to hear it. After beating TN in football, UK has a right to brag a bit. Plus, UK’s mens basketball team is usually superior to TN. Hope it isn’t too bad a week for you.
Molly
Intriguing Horse, that’s you Zenyatta. You captivated audiences with your racing style, you fascinated women, men and children with your toughness on the track and warmness with youngsters and anyone in need of those big brown eyes of yours off the track. You aroused curiosity and interest and brought many of us back to the racetrack. I’m lifting a glass (oops a bowl) of Guinness Stout to you, Queen Zenyatta.
Stephanie in San Diego
Congrats Zenny (Dottie), John and Mike….WHere is my Bloodhorse? Checked the mail box and my neighbors (it’s ended up there a couple of times)….Hope it come tomorrow.
Vickie A Dana Point
I am in Dana Point and so far I have not received mine yet! Maybe tomorrow?!
cerb
Yes, congrats to Zenny, John, and Mike :)
Janet Newman
Zenyatta will always be number one! I am grateful that Dottie gives us a way to keep up on Queen Z. I would just love to see her in person, but this is the next best thing. I can understand Lanes End and the Moss’s keeping her under wraps so to speak. Claiborne had a similar situation with Secretariat. Early on in his stud career he was open to public viewing, but once it became a circus, Claiborne had to change it’s policy. Torture for the horse lover, but necessary for the safety of the public, the horse(s) and the operational aspect of the farm. One of these days I want to get to Kentucky and just drive around and see all those beautiful farms and maybe get a tour of one or two. Love to Zenny and Tasty too!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Sending heartfelt thanks (and hugs) to those who have opened your hearts and poscketbooks to help the Louisiana rescued horses. We have our Z. to thank for making us aware that love has a ripple effect. I was leery at first too about PayPal, but it has worked really well for me. My only problem is that sometimes it won’t let me send a note to the recipient, which I always want to do.
Congrats to all the winners–we know our Z. should of course be #1!
Something funny here–we always, every year, go to the Big XII women’s basketball tournament (in Kansas City this year). Well, this year I’m refusing to budge because it is March 7-10, and I’m going to be here at home on FOAL WATCH! First things first, of course.
Good night sweet Z and dear Tasty. Hope you have a restful night. Love you always.
Darlene Daniels
@Barbara, that is just too sweet. I also am hesitant in going on vacation for fear I will not get internet connection to keep up with my dear Zenyatta and Zsters. Love Darlene
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z and Z Fans:
Z, what a beautiful face you have. Congrats to you, No. 1, all the horses (the first three all beautiful girls) who made the List and to John and all the people who made the List. Love you Z and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z and TT,
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you very much, Judy and Russ
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Terry Crow:
So glad to see your back posting. We miss you and the jokes. Hugs, Judy and Russ
Terry Crow
Thanks, Judy. I do this for you.
M. Kern
I got my copy yesterday and I love it. You’re # 1. I love you sooooo much. Have fun outside with Tasty. I love you too Tasty!
Michelle
Well deserved accolades for Zenyatta and John Shirreffs! Congratulations and well done to all!
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
Thank you Celeste and Trina for additional info on La. horses. And thanks to the poster about the trainer Gary Contessa. We need so many more caring folks. He is a prince.
Will be sending some tomorrow to help these poor animals in need. I hope the trainer is banned from horseracing forever.
Sleep comfy Zenyatta and TT and know that you are loved. We are here to help those that are in need.
Jean Friedman
Dearest Queen Z…. All horses are beautiful, magnificent creatures, but YOU have danced your way into my heart, and there you live forever…Your kindness and sweet nature shine from your entire being…you are amazing. I’m so happy that you and your team are receiving the recognition that you all deserve. Love, Jean.
Suzanne Parent
When does the “baby” countdown begin? How many weeks left?
As always, you are beautiful Zenyatta.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Zenyatta is about 284 days in foal. She’s due to foal sometime around March 8-10, depending on what gestation length you use. First-time moms are often a little late, 10 days or so. The foal is considered full-term at 320 days, but normal gestation is about 340 days. I expect Lane’s End will start monitoring her for signs of early delivery around the second week of February. February 17 is her earliest date to be considered full-term.
signofthetimes
Suzanne
It is bad luck for a pregnant person or mare to pressure
Delivery at the end. Lots of things can happen and
We don’t need to have a countdown.
Dates according to the foal calculators I have
Used are Feb 27 to March 12, maidens often come
10-11 days late so there is quite a large window
for
signofthetimes
sorry did not finish last word:
Foaling.
Sunny Boyd
@Bonnie
judging by all the diary info on Z’s education to become a racehorse, there are so many people involved, all over the country, actually. And then all the good folks at Barn55. But you’re right the people who handle the dailies are the ones closest to Z. And one of them is Mario, but I think his son helped, and there’s really a little troupe that was around her. She was & is a lucky horse. I hope she’ll be always. But I bet Mario has a bunch of stories. I bet that backstretch is an interesting place. I bet there are great stories all over the place.
Mary / Lynchburg, VA
Love the post today……..that was fun to see…….look at you Z and Mike Smith are both # 1.
You and Mike made quite the team…..and gave all us fans so many thrills…..and still do. But there will never be any racing like you Z……coming from way in the back….giving us almost a heart attack at times. Now you and Dottie bring us so much fun daily with the posts…….thanks to both of you. That is great John is on there……we know he helped to put you in that lead!!! It is beautiful here today in Central Virginia …..and I hope it is there in KY for you Z. Hugs to you Z……..
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Good Morning Zenny, It’s raining today and the forecast isn’t good, cold is moving in a south easterly direction so I hope it stops moving before it can reach Kentucky. By my count it’s 57 days to March 9th and a foal on that date would send Auntie JAG into orbit and the rest of us will be breathing huge sighs of relief. I believe that if all the sighs, and there will be lots, could be sent in a northerly direction we could blow the cold air back to the arctic so that Baby Z comes into a warm world. I finally found time to order your plushie and the Blood Horse special magazine this morning so they both should arrive at my PO Box in Buffalo in about a week. Can’t wait!!! Have a good day with Tasty, stay warm and cosy.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
You wrote: “By my count it’s 57 days to March 9th and a foal on that date would send Auntie JAG into orbit and the rest of us will be breathing huge sighs of relief.”
I will be ecstatic if Z’s foal comes in the world on March 9th ~ not to mention John Henry will be so thrilled he will most likely do the “Zenyatta dance” in Heaven with the Angels LOL… picture that! :-)
I plan to be at Santa Anita for the photography day (March 9) and won’t be near a computer! I hope they post the news on the big screen at the track if this comes to fruition!!!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Judy, I hope the fates are good to you and John Henry. There’ll be lots of “Zenny dances” done whatever day it happens even if a two-legged version doesn’t quite look right.
Darlene Daniels
My angel Zenyatta. I am so proud of you and all your “family”. I am so thankful for you and Dottie and all you have given to all of us. So much love and good has come from your website it should also be award winning. It is total class and integrity and I look forward everyday to connecting with you and all my friends here. Dottie most definitely should be awarded the
Darlene Daniels
My angel Zenyatta. I am so proud of you and all your “family”. I am so thankful for you and Dottie and all you have given to all of us. So much love and good has come from your website it should also be award winning. It is total class and integrity and I look forward everyday to connecting with you and all my friends here. Dottie most definitely should be awarded the #1 woman in TB horseracing for all she has done. God Bless you all. Love to all. Darlene Daniels. P.S. Sorry the first post got cut off and posted by accident.
Beth McRae
Hello Zenyatta!
I was wondering if I might use the photos on this site (or any others you might be able to have your friends email to me) to use for a tribute video for you! I would give full credit to the photographers, and would be willing to let you use that video for this website, if you so wish.
If you would like to see other videos I have made my user name on youtube is GoldenOakFarm.
Please let me know either by my email or send me a message on youtube.
Thanks Queen Z!!!
Beth
GoldenOakFarm
Lover of horses
You are so deserving of that title, Zenny! You are so beautiful! It’s not long till your baby comes! Love you!
Karen Gogue
Beautiful new video Kari – very timely because of this post by Dottie!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Karen, I must have missed the link to a new video by Kari (and I went through this whole diary). Could you please repost the link? Thanks!