Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #417

OVER ONE YEAR LATER...……….. Photo by Michelle Jensen

Good Morning,

It is amazing how quickly the time flies by. Over a year ago, the ZENYATTA LOUNGE was created at Santa Anita to provide the women who work on the “backside” (meaning barn area with the horses) a special place to relax, visit, and have some time to themselves.

My dear owners helped to make this possible. Santa Anita graciously provided the space. Ms. Headley and Ms. Vienna worked with Dottie and the Moss’ to get all of the final details organized so the furniture, video / tech equipment, etc. could be delivered, and installed for the women to use and enjoy.

Over one year later, this LOUNGE has been a huge success! When Dottie stopped by on Christmas to drop off some See’s Candy for the ladies, everything was beautifully taken care of, the Christmas tree was lit up in one corner of the room, and the warmth and coziness of this space was quite special and inviting. She said you could really tell the women CARED about this LOUNGE.

The ladies are also having a great time. Special activities are planned for them. Each Tuesday is BINGO night…and the winners’ receive gifts of products especially designed for women. Once a month, all of the ladies are invited to a dinner party. A different restaurant is selected each month and the outing is completely sponsored by an owner, trainer, or group. A special THANK YOU for your kindness!

We’d also like to send a huge THANK YOU to THE SPERO FOUNDATION. For the holidays, all of the women who signed up each received a gift card from this Foundation to a store of their choice. The ladies voted and selected Walmart. I heard the shopping trip was great fun! The ladies not only had a wonderful time shopping, but they also enjoyed sharing the items they were able to purchase using these gift cards with each other.

TO THE SPERO FOUNDATION, again THANK YOU for this generous ‘gift’. This organization does a great deal to help ‘women’ and they have certainly been very kind during the past year to our ladies who enjoy the ZENYATTA LOUNGE.

I’m really so pleased to be able to share this update with you. In life, often people do charitable and loving things for others and never say a word. They just do it! They simply do these things because they have a kind heart and it is part of their basic nature to be thoughtful, caring, and giving…whenever they can and to whatever level they can.

At times, it is also very important to recognize the generosity of others. I’d personally like to send a HIGH HOOF to those who do so much ‘quietly and behind the scenes’ working with great devotion to assist others…both HUMAN and HORSE. From the bottom of my heart, MY TEAM and I…..THANK YOU!

With Love,
Hugs to All~ (A special HELLO to all of the ladies at the ZENYATTA LOUNGE!)
Z

Reader Interactions

232 Comments

  1. / Reply

    I’ve been watching the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages sale. Usually try to watch the auctions if I’m not working. I’ve noticed that when the yearlings follow their dams into the ring that the yearlings whinny and fuss a lot. Do they smell their dams and remember them? Do the see them in the waiting ring behind the pavillion? Always wondered about that one.

  3. / Reply

    Thanks for keeping us updated on this – if there is somethinhg the ladies need please let us know so we can donate :)

  5. / Reply

    the zenyatta lounge is a wonderful thing that your team provided for the ‘track women’ Z.
    i wish every track could have 1. thats something the backside women need everywhere.
    i would’ve loved that bwhen i worked at phila park & DE park yrs ago.
    hhigh hooves to you & your team queen Z <3.
    thx for all that you do :)
    god bless
    hugs/prayers

  6. / Reply

    I am so glad to hear that the Zenyatta Lounge is working well for the ladies. Do the ladies need donations of office supplies as well as any other kind of donation? Also, is it possible for everyone on this site to get together to sponsor a dinner party for the ladies? There are so many here, and I know times are tough for a lot of us, but there are so many Z fans on this site, even a small amount could add up very quickly. Zenyatta, if you find out what might be needed for the Lounge, please let us know. I hope you are keeping warm in Kentucky. It’s nice here in Southern California today.

  7. / Reply

    Dearest Zenyatta,
    Your loving and generous heart is the perfect example of how our world should be each and every day of the year. I’m sure the ladies who enjoy the Zenyatta Lounge think of you and thank you quite often.

    Hope you and Tasty are having a fabulous day! It’s extremely windy here and the horses are huddled behind the brush and trees for shelter. They do have a barn, but they get bored inside it. Sound familiar? I’m sure you two girls would rather be outside racing around in the wind, too. :)

    Love and kisses,
    Stel

    • / Reply

      Stella, where in SoTX are you located? I’m just NW of SA, in Bandera County…cowboy capital of the world (or so they say). Only place I know of where it’s not uncommon to see a Harley sharing tree shade with a horse or two.

  8. / Reply

    You can’t say enough good things about the Zenyatta Lounge and the [people responsible for making it the facility it is. @Abigail in Montreal-I am a fan of The Vault. You are definitely a talented writer. @Rosemary McCauley, Denise in AZ and Diana S, Charter members of the Arizona/New Mexico chapter-You may be a redneck if your property has been mistaken for a recycling center. @Marshall, president of North Carolina chapter-You may be a redneck if you are nauseated by the smell of a clean shirt. @Judy Berube, president of New England chapter-You may be a redneck if a tornado hit your home and did $100,000 worth of improvements. @Debbie G, president of Kentucky chapter-You may be a redneck if your lava lamp has a permanent glob at the bottom. @signofthetimes, president of Texas chapter-You may be a redneck if you shoot chickens out of a cannon at the windshield of an airplane. @Darlene Daniels, president of Indiana chapter-You may be a redneck if you have electronic singing fish in more than three rooms in your house. @Sue Fredrick and Sally B, charter members of Wisconsin chapter, presidency to be determined-You might be a redneck if, when you were children and played in the sand box, the cat kept trying to cover you up. @Brenda S, president, and Abigail ion Montreal, member of Canadian chapter-You may be a Canadian redneck if you can do a moose mating call from an orifice other than your mouth. @Susan in TN and Kari Bussell-You might be a redneck if there is a hot water bottle hanging from your shower curtain. You might be a redneck if, three weeks after the circus, you are still talking about the elephant taking a dump. You might be a redneck if there are engine parts on your coffee table. You might be a redneck if there are more than four hats in the rear window of your car.

    • / Reply

      When I worked in the Post Office many, many moons ago, in the wee hours of the mornings when I made yawning noises at my mail case, other carriers would speculate if it was a moose call, or hippo call, or what — but the noises never came from anywhere except my loud mouth, so perhaps that was why luckily no wildlife ever showed up in response.

  9. / Reply

    @Terry Crow – glad you survived jury duty. The following joke might fit in as a redneck joke: (1) How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator? CORRECT ANSWER: Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way. (2) How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator? Did you say, Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant and close the refrigerator? Wrong answer. CORRECT ANSWER: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. this tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your previous actions. (3) The Lion King is hosting an animal conference. All the animals attend … except one. Which animal does not attend? CORRECT ANSWER: The elephant. The elephant is in teh refrigerator. You just put him in there. This tests your memory. Okay, even if you did not answer the first three questions correctly you still have one more chance to show your true abilities. (4) There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and you do not have a boat. How do you manage it? CORRECT ANSWER: You jump into the river and swim across. Have you not been listening? All crocodiles are attending the Animal Meeting. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.

  10. / Reply

    I was honestly just thinking about the lounge earlier today Z!! You are a mind reader!
    Love the idea that this site could raise money for the lounge.
    Heres another idea: since we all just LOVE all things Zenyatta, How about selling a “special” newborn picture of YOU and your new baby (ZENADINI)? Perhaps you could both “sign” it with a LOW HOOF print or tail brush. Im excited to just think about it and all the proceeds split between a horse rescue foundation (selected by fans here and drawn by the ladies from the Z Lounge) and the Z Lounge.
    This could actually be repeated as ZENADINI grows up. How CUTE IS THIS IDEA?

  11. / Reply

    For those who have asked, here is another short story about Elvis. Since my late sister-in-law had an “in” with Elvis, I asked her if it could be arranged to see his show in Las Vegas that upcoming weekend. She said she would call and let me know. Somehow she got through to him and gave me the word. She said to call his suite at the Hilton and ask if it could be arranged. She was being funny, but I didn’t know it at the time. She said that, when you call, use the code word for the day, which was Vernon. Her explanation made sense. People probably called the Hilton all the time asking for Elvis and they only wanted to put through the calls that were real. Vernon was his father’s name. Well, I did call the Hilton when I got into town and asked for Mr. Vernon’s room. I was put through right away and a familiar voice answered the phone. I say familiar now because I did not recognize it at the time. I said that Elena had told me to call to arrange seating at the show that evening. The voice asked for my name and said yeah, you’re on the list. I was told to tell the Maitre’D to ask for Mr. Gladys’ table. Gladys is his mother’s name. Well, I thanked him profusely and he said to forget it, that any friend of Elena’s was a friend of his and he hung up. It was then that I realized I had been talking to Elvis himself. After kicking myself for not telling him what a big fan I was, I called Elena. She asked me if I had spoken with Elvis. When I said I thought I had, she laughed and said he likes to do things like that. Needless to say, it was a great show with all expenses being picked up by Elvis. Truly unforgettable.

    • / Reply

      Thank you Terry! I think our Zenyatta and Elvis have much in common. They are both phenomenal Superstars, both very generous and both very loving and kind. Have a great day. Darlene Daniels

      • / Reply

        Agree Darlene. Regardless of the other faults he may have had, Elvis was a generous person. Elvis and Zenyatta? Perfect match as far as greatness goes.

      • / Reply

        Elvis and Zenyatta both figure in my “real” birthday poem for Margie from So Cal (our birthday girl today) which is in progress—hopefully I’ll have it done by Saturday when she’ll be checking back in with us! Her “provisional” poem is at the end of #416.

        • If anyone can do justice to both Elvis and Zenyatta, it is you, Trina. Looking forward to the final version.

    • / Reply

      That is amazing! Thanks for sharing with us. I wonder if many people realize how much of a horse lover Elvis was also, just like many of us. I’ve heard that he loved to ride his horses around Graceland and I think they still keep horses there to this day for his family and friends.

      • / Reply

        I don’t know about today, but my nephews have told me that there were horses on the grounds when they visited him about 40 years ago.

  13. / Reply

    Happy Thursday, Z! I know you are so proud of the Zenyatta Lounge, which benefits all the wonderful ladies backside at Santa Anita. I remember seeing the photos in an earlier Diary Post and it looked like it was going to be well received and appreciated. Have a wonderful day! Big hugs, Ann Maree

  14. / Reply

    Good afternoon Big Girl, Dottie, TT, Babies-On-Board and my family of Zen-sters from a snowy, snowy Montreal (we’ll be getting a mini-ton of the white stuff by tonight with freezing rain — YUCCHHH! — to follow overnight…..)
    Just back from walking Daisy aka The Doodlebug who is VERY EXCITED about all of the snow! She hopped on it, dove into it (nose first, just the way Jericho used to do!), rolled in it and snow-ploughed through it. By the time we got back, The Doodlebug needed a Mario-style towelling off, Miss Zenyatta, and her mum looked like a snowbank on 2 feet!
    But the city is looking very pretty in its white cape of snow, I must say.
    This was a VERY INSPIRATIONAL post, Zen-Dottie. It just serves as a reminder that the good we do in this world comes right back to us. It must have given YOUR DOTTIE the warmest glow to walk into the Zenyatta Lounge and feel how it appreciated it is by the ladies of Santa Anita. These acts of kindness, from the smallest to the largest, are never forgotten and only add sunshine to our soul. There have been people in my life who blessed me with their kindness and generosity and, fortunately, I was open to learning from them. I just can’t imagine my life without giving back some of the riches bestowed on me!
    Well, I’m now off to make a cup of tea and snuggle into my favourite chair to read for awhile. (I should be doing laundry, but as a very wise doctor once told me, “Nobody in their final hours wishes that they’d had more time to do their housework!” Now, there are people who LOVE doing laundry, but I am NOT one of them …. )
    What is SEE’S CANDY?
    @ JAG: My thoughts are with you as you bid an earthly farewell to your friend, Lewis.
    @ TERRY: Thank you for your kind words about THE VAULT. I really appreciate it, since it wouldn’t be any fun at all to write it without readers like yourself. HUGS!
    Love to all

  15. / Reply

    Dear Great One,
    I remember last year when this happened and at the time I thought it was wonderful. Reading about it just now, I got emotional thinking about what this means for the donors to give and the recipients to receive this wonderful gift of love and respect. Thank you, Dear Girl, for giving us a look back at this wonderful event and how it has unfolded. It was just a lovely post to read and feel a part of. I would love to visit the Lounge one day and bring a gift to all those lovely ladies who do such wonderful things for the horses there at Santa Anita.
    Your humble J

  16. / Reply

    Dear Zenny,
    Thanks so much for this wonderful update. It was so kind and generous of the Mosses
    and your Team Z to develop this Women’s Lounge. As many of us know, racing is has more men involved in it than women; so it is wonderful the women have a place to
    share “girl talk/whinny” experiences; and share activities together. What a wonderful
    way for them to develop this very special comerodomy and provide each other gifts.
    Zenyatta you are an amazing Equine with a wonderful team that radiates the warmth
    and specialness of your nature; Can hardly believe your are a TB; guess YOUR JOHN;
    MARIO; STEVE and MIKEY know lots about that “wild” side of you.

    Now that you are in relaxation mode; have you had a great day with your best pal Tasty in the paddock. XXXXOOOO

  17. / Reply

    As always a heartwarming story. Your team is clearly so caring and have done so much to make good things happen. The daily diary truly inspires me. Stay warm and safe Z.

  18. / Reply

    @Karen – great video of the Queen, we can never get enough of them.
    Z. – nice to hear about the womens lounge, living in WI I never heard about it, sounds great. Z. wonderful that all your connections remembered the loyal workers.
    Z. hugs and kisses to you and Tasty on your soft noses. Take of those foals. XOXO

  19. / Reply

    Dear Dottie,
    Thanks so much for sharing this update with us and keeping us all in the loop
    with Zenny’s life; also learning so very much about TB and TB racing. You are truly
    a very wonderful, kind and thoughtful person. You are the best. Thanks to The
    Mosses as well.

    • / Reply

      @ Stephanie
      Thank you! It was a sad day for all his family and “horse racing community” who came out to pay their respects.

  23. / Reply

    Such fun we all have here!!! Helping others, making others feel good, making them smile or tear up with happiness, touching their hearts, inspiring to help other people and animals, such is Zenyatta! Queen Z you are heaven sent.

  24. / Reply

    Zenny, YOU and your owners are the gift that keeps on giving. All of Team Z deserve a high hoof for everything they do to contribute so graciously to others.

  25. / Reply

    This is what you and your beloved team are so special to so many people in the world.You are the perfect example of pay it forward.
    God bless and keep you all.

  26. / Reply

    I forgot my friends who are members of the California chapter, Shame on me. @Stephanie in San Diego and Vicki B-You might be a redneck if people hunt in your front yard.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Terry! I wondered if maybe we were “out of sight, out of mind…”. My front yard, I only hunt weeds — the backyard, a whole nother matter.

  27. / Reply

    To Kari Bussell, thank you for you advice, but I want you to know that I do know very well that the Moss are a wonderful people, I only hope they keep this way, if I offend some one I am very sorry, I care about Zenyatta to much and sometimes I worry. Ingrid.

    Dear Judy B, thank you for the link, you are a wonderful human being, hugs Ingrid.

  28. / Reply

    Abigail – See’s Candy stores mostly ( I think in the U. S.) I am old enough to remember when it was $1.10 a pound and that way way back. It may be over 16.00 or more a pound now. It is sooooo good. My grandmother from La. loved it and we would send it to her at Christmas time and other occasions too. If I go get it for me, I have to buy a small package otherwise, I could eat a pound at a sitting. The reverse item. My best friend from Canada ( Ontario) sends me some kind of special candy that she just finds up there. I wish I could remember the name of it!!! With See’s you can pick out what you like or buy the boxes already made up. Also she bought an ice-cream cake with a Canadian Maple leaf on it from one of your stores that was to die for!!!!
    Back to See’s – when I go to Hollywood Park I have passed the big manufacturing plant and store ( when I miss the turn off) My two addictions. Zenyatta and See’s!!!
    Go Tiz Gianni today in the 7th race. A son of Giacomo/or Giacamo?
    Z – such a wonderful gesture for the ladies who work so hard at the track. There own cozy lounge area. What a huge, kind heart you, your owners and all who contributed and help make a comfortable area for the ladies.
    Hugs and kisses to you and TT today and always.

  29. / Reply

    to the “z”team and fans,,,,,,,,,, thanks you so much for being the kind, wonderful, informative people all ya’ll are. reading this every day sure lightens the heart! the loyal dogs stories,,,,,,,,,, almost couldn’t watch them. sure love our horses and dogs! thanks again for all of you out there in “z” land!!

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