Happy Friday, Everyone!
This is the beginning of a very busy and exciting weekend in sports!
Today, OAKLAWN PARK will open for its’ 108th SEASON of racing. This track offers a very competitive stakes program which will conclude in April with the “Racing Festival of the South”. The “Festival” runs from April 11-14th. This is the week when the Apple Blossom G1…one of my very favorite races…will take place. Also, the Arkansas Derby G1 will run at this time. For years, the horses running contentiously in these events have consistently performed at a high level in stakes programs throughout country.
I’d also like to wish their new announcer, Frank Mirahmadi, all the best. Frank has called races in California and worked in television for the last several years. Frank is replacing their long-time race caller and the voice of Oaklawn for decades, Terry Wallace. Mr. Wallace called over 20,000 Oaklawn races during his career including both of my APPLE BLOSSOM victories. ALL THE BEST to both of these men in their future endeavors!
Jennifer Hoyt is the Media Relations Manager at Oaklawn and I know her very well. She and her husband, Rolly, were assigned by The Breeders’ Cup to ME and BARN 55 to work with MY JOHN on media events during the entire month before the 2010 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs. They did a wonderful job…and we couldn’t THANK THEM enough for all of their help and assistance.
On Saturday, we begin a 3 day weekend of great racing around the country. On top of this, the Pro Football Play-off games take place. This is TOO CUTE! There is a quarterback in Denver named TIM TEBOW. He is really getting people excited about football. From what I am hearing, even people who normally don’t follow the sport are tuning in to watch him play. HMMM…sounds familiar! I keep teasing TASTY that he has the same initials as she does…TT. HOOVES CROSSED for all of the teams to play their very best!
Sunday, the VOX POPULI award will be given to RAPID REDUX during a ceremony which will take place at Santa Anita. This year’s selection was done differently than when I received this award in 2011…..they had the fans vote and be a part of the selection process. Congratulations to Rapid Redux on being this year’s deserving winner of the VOX POPULI AWARD! He had a very exciting year!
Finally, on Monday night, the Eclipse Awards will take place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The ceremony will begin at 8 Eastern Time / 5 Pacific …scheduled to last approximately 2 1/2 hours. If you are unable to attend, they will be broadcast live on HRTV. You may also view them on DRF.COM, RTN.TV, and HRTV.COM from the reports we are receiving. The horses nominated in ALL categories are very deserving of this honor…and it will be so exciting to see who wins this year’s HORSE OF THE YEAR! Hmmm….could it be a FILLY or MARE again?
Enjoy all of these great activites! Have a wonderful weekend…and on Monday…may we all take a moment to reflect upon the reason we are having this special holiday to observe the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Marty
Happy Friday Zenny!!! Congrat to Rapid Redux on the award.
Yes I will be cheering for Tim Tebow….. Have a great weekend.
Alia Abu-Bakr
Happy Wknd, Beautiful Queen Z!! Racing with never hold all the beauty it did when YOU were racing. Best of luck to all your race buddies. I LOVE you!!
signofthetimes
Glad to see you got in first !!!
Pam Homeier
I will also be rooting for Tim Tebow! I am definitely NOT a Bronco fan but I really like Tebow! Go, Tim Tebow!
Gloria Jeanne - In The "O.C." SO CAL
I can’t wait until Monday and the awards – should be a great time. Great job to R.R. on a job well done.
Have a great weekend Zenny!
Dolores
Yes, Congratulations to Rapid Redux! He deserves it and he also deserves a wonderful after-the-races life like you!! Happy Friday Zenyatta~! :)
Gloria Jeanne - In The "O.C." SO CAL
oh, and football – New York Giants :)
rebecca
I love your blog Zenyatta, Happy day to you! These are so much fun!
Hope you are staying warm it is relaly cold here right now,
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Hi, Z,
Happy Friday! Big hugs. Someone on Facebook acknowledged that today is the anniversary of your first graded stakes win, the 2008 El Encino Stakes! Here’s a link to watch that race on YouTube: http://youtu.be/TBP4zIYMAew
Have a wonderful day. Love you bunches! Ann Maree
suew/Va
I could rewatch her races forever. There really never was, is or will be another quite like her.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Thanks for the link Ann Maree. I just love watching her races over and over.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Sorry Z, I love you but I will be rooting for the Pats in this game. Not a Tebow fan.
Congrats to Rapid Redux on both the Vox Populi award and the special Eclipse. Both are very well deserved!
Please ask your friend Sarah to get some belly pictures of you. I bet you’re very round.
Nina
Zenyatta, thank you always for sharing your thoughts with your fans. I love you and I am counting down the days to the arrival of your little dear one. I love Oaklawn too and I hope to make it up there this season; it’s beautiful there and the people are too. You have a great weekend too.
Gloria
Hope your Friday the 13th is a lucky one, Big Mama Z.! Have a great weekend to all of Team Z.
Shannon From Cool
Congratulations to Rapid Redux but, ah heck, Queen Z, YOU will always be the People’s Favorite Horse to me.
Lorri (Waxahachie TX)
Momma Z, I have to say that in no matter what setting, past or present, you just go with the flow! Ha Ha In the picture above, surrounded by all the people you are just grazing away! I love that about you.
I love all the attention Tebow is giving the NFL. “Tebowing” is getting quite the attention! I am a Giants Fan though and will be rooting for them against the Packers!
I also can’t wait to watch the Eclipse Awards. It’s exciting to see the connections representing our great horses, just as last year when you won HOY!
Tell Tasty hello!
xoxo
suew/Va
Lorri, I’m a big Giants fan, too. I hope they win …wouldn’t it be an exciting match-up if Denver played them in the SB?
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Hi from Waco, Lorri!
Celeste in TX
Seems like there are more and more folks from Texas posting here. How very cool!!
Pam Homeier
I am also a Giant fan but only because of Eli Manning. I like the Colts, too, but only because of Peyton. Good grief! My Chiefs need to get a team so I can actually root for a whole team! Anyway, go! Tim and Eli!!!!
Terry Crow
Pam-I am a big Eli Manning fan, too, because of the way he conducted himself after the Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl. I have told the story before but I will be glad to repeat it if you desire.
Marty R / Colorado
I am also an Eli Manning fan, even though he’s in the “other” league.
Terry, I would enjoy hearing your story. Can’t remember if I saw it when your told it before.
Pam Homeier
Count me in! I would love to hear your story! You tell great stories! I am also a big Elvis fan!
Pam Homeier
Actually, I have always liked the Mannings because I really admired their daddy, Archie. I think they are both like him. Was a little surprised that Peyton went to Tennessee but he was great. Archie was so loyal to the “Aints”.
Terry Crow
When the Giants beat the Patriots a few years ago, it was announced that Eli Manning would lead a parade at Disneyland. The event was to be attended by various youth groups. The weather was really bad in New York and Mr. Manning could not secure a flight to California. As a result, the event was cancelled. On his own, Mr. Manning contacted all of the groups that were scheduled to be there and arranged for them to attend an outing at Disneyland a few days later. He paid for all of the tickets and appeared as Grand Marshall of the parade and made sure all of those who wanted one got an autograph. As is often said, a good time was had by all. This was done without publicity. I do not know how many celebrities would do this, but the fact is he did. I have been a fan of his ever since.
Marty R / Colorado
WOW!! Now I like him even more.
I actually think the Manning family is pretty philanthropic. Peyton has a foundation and the brothers host a quarterback camp every summer.
Bet they’ll all be in the cold, snowy north this weekend. They support each other.
Pam Homeier
Wow! That is super! New faith and hope in people! Great family. Thanks Terry.
Pam Homeier
By the way, how do you find out about all this stuff? You must be a wizard! But I love it.
Terry Crow
Pam-I have just lived a long time. The Manning story was related in a sports column in the Orange County Register, a paper I used to subscribe to because of my good friend Steve Bisheff, who wrote for the paper. He has since retired and now I read it online.
Terry Crow
I guess I should have waited another 20 minutes. Since I am leaving home to take care of some business and won’t be back for awhile, I posted my informative narrative for members of the club at the end of the last diary entry. Enjoy.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Terry Crow; Ha Ha Ha, I caught your redneck jokes! Just so you know, there are times that I am so late to the computer that I don’t tell you how you can make me laugh or bring a smile.
This morning I read your latest story of Elvis!! Oh, my gosh, you actually spoke to him and was on his LIST to see his show!!! Wish I could have been so lucky. Elvis will always be King and Z, the Queen. I visited Graceland several years ago. I can recall seeing home movies of him, Priscilla, and then baby. He appeared to me as a fun loving guy, clowning, who loved being home at Graceland. I remember thinking, if I could have met him, would I had ever stood a chance! ha ha I do believe he was spiritual too. We had seen him perform a year or so before he died. How dare people call our King fat. Also saw the original house he grew up in. It was so teeny tiny!! The only positive was great cross ventilation!!
Terry Crow
I feel certain that if he had met you before he met Priscilla that history might have been different.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
I left you a message there too.
Terry Crow
Barbara-I think I might have been remiss all this time. Would you like to be added to the Texas chapter?
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Terry, that is amazing that you knew the King. I loved his music and I really enjoyed his movies growing up. In fact I still have most of them in my collection. Too fun!! I took mom to visit Graceland a couple of years ago. Amazing! I thought it was special too, that they still keep horses on the property Just as he did.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
ALL – Here is a link I found about Elvis Presley, Rising Sun and the other horses of Graceland.
http://www.elvispresleymusic.com.au/pictures/elvis_rising_sun.html
Celeste in TX
Very cool link, Dawn, thank you for sharing it. Breyer has started making several model horses in honor of those cherished by Elvis and even created a piece that depicted Elvis riding Rising Sun as a limited edition.
Marshall (in NC)
Thanks so much for the link about Elvis and the horses of Graceland!
I enjoyed reading about them immensely. So happy that these wonderful equines brought Elvis pleasure and that they were so well cared for! Most of them lived quite long lives — Well done, Priscilla and all the barn staff. I always knew The King had a heart of gold!
Terry Crow
Dawn-I feel fortunate to have spoke with him, but I didn’t know it at the time. I guess I should have added that the real thrill for me, and I don’t mind admitting I was thrilled to be in his presence, was when we went backstage after the concert.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Hi Dawn; When we had arrived at Graceland years ago, much to our surprise, Graceland was receiving much rejuvenation, that I never saw the horses! (What a bummer) Thank you for the link. No wonder Elvis appealed to me; not just for his looks, voice & moves and movies! I do think I saw him on his horse in a home video though.
Terry Crow
Dawn-Sorry to hear you were under the weather recently. Your posts exhibit a vast knowledge of various subjects. Always enjoy your historical references.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Terry – Thank you so much! Talk about a variety of subjects, that description fits you to a tee as well. I love hearing your stories and always appreciate your sense of humor!
sue and Tony
Zenny, your Apple Blossom races were definitely among our favorites. What excitement and style you brought to the racing scene. We doubt another four hoofs will ever follow yours…it’s exciting just to remember what you did on the track. Almost one year ago we screamed our lungs out when YOU won HOTY. It will remain one of our best memories.
Your Jerry and Ann were overcome with joy…as werre all members of your extended team who shared the stage with you. Yes, we’ll be watching the playoff games this wekend and agree this Tim Tebow guy is something else. Give our best to your BFF, TT.
Lauren
Have a wonderful weekend beautiful girl……hoping for the Giants and Denver to win. Also rooting for Shackleford to win 3 Year Old Horse on Monday night. He likes to dance before each race just like you Z.
Sue Colvin -NJ
happy fri the 13th queen Z :)
hope you have a good weekend.
i’m happy for RR & am looking forward to the eclipse awards result on mon nite.
i’ll be reading about it on tues :)
xoxo to u & tasty
god bless
Ingrid in MA
GO PATRIOTS!! GO TOM BRADY!!! Me, I’d rather watch horse racing than football! As for the Vox Populi Award – can there be ANY doubt in your mind that you would have gotten the award last year if fans voted? Heck,if given the chance, we would have voted for YOU again this year, ZENNY! We love you, big girl! And I can already predict the “Moment of the Year” for 2012 – the Birth of Zenyatta’s Foal!!
Congratulations to Rapid Redux and his connections on the VP Award! Well deserved!
Have a terrific weekend! Love you, Sweet Zen!
GOOOOO PATS!!!!!
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Zenny- you are so gracious, recognizing the people and places who have meant something to you personally AND racing. I am really glad Rapid Redux is getting special awards. Takes a lot of heart to go out there time after time and give it your all, as you know! I do like Tim Tebow. He has that “never give up” attitude that you have, Z. He has had a lot of naysayers, so I’m glad to see him have some success. Guess I’m pulling for the Giants now- I like those Manning boys! Thank you for the info on watching the Eclipse awards. Good luck to all! It must be so exciting.
Finally, thank you for mentioning MLK. For someone to preach peace when being treated so badly- that’s heroic, in my book.
Love you, Zenyatta Moss <3
Barbara Wood (Texas)
There you are, Susan. Welcome back.!You were sorely missed.
I am so glad you are feeling better.
When you’e able, it will take you forever to catch up on the reneck jokes directed at you from TC…….
signofthetimes
So glad you are feeling better; how are your guys and gal???
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Hello my friend!!! It is wonderful to see you posting again. I was getting very worried. You were definitely missed. Can’t wait to hear how Chester and all are doing! Heard anything about Rootbeer? He was such a sweetheart, I hope he is enjoying his new home. You take care sweetie!!! Love and hugs.
Terry Crow
To those who don’t know, Susan is the famous Susan in TN that I often refer to. Good to have you back.
Marty R / Colorado
So happy to see you posting again, Susan. I love “Chester and Friends”. I often go there when I feel I need to stop and catch my breath. It’s such a warm, fuzzy feeling place. Bless you for what you do .
Marshall (in NC)
YAY! Susan is posting again! Hope you are well; we surely missed you. Can’t wait to get the news of Chester and Friends.
Take good care of yourself!
Kelly, Allentown, Pa ^-^
Love you Zenyatta! ^-^
Chris H / Colorado
I am excited for Monday’s Eclipse Awards, and I’m also excited for the “Big” football game on Saturday night. True Denver Bronco fans are there in the good times and the bad. Tim Tebow is a very special individual. He may not at this point in his career be the best QB, but I’ve been told by sports coaches that you can’t coach “Heart”. That’s what he has. As for the “Tebowing” that everyone is doing, roughstock cowboys have been doing that for years whether they make an 8 second ride or not — down on one knee thanking the Lord.
Good Luck to all the Gridiron Players this weekend —
Marty R / Colorado
Chris, you said everything I would have said. I also watch the PBR (Professional Bull Riding) and couldn’t understand what all the fuss was about concerning Tim Tebow. Seeing someone take a knee and give thanks to the Lord seemed normal to me. I think he’s just a fine young man.
Barn 55 has some races this weekend. Good luck and may they all be safe.
Terry Crow
Agree on Tebow. I wish my daughter would bring him home to meet me.
Maryp (New York)
Looking forward to all the competitions this week end. I wish all of them good luck with no injuries and although we live in NY State we must say: GO PACKERS!!! REPEAT!
Just like you did Z, in the Breeders Cup!! Love you….enjoy your week end with Tasty.
Roxanne Cook - Boulder Creek, CA
I thought the Apple Blossom races you won were your best showings! Looking forward to seeing the races there this spring (online, of course). So glad that Rapid Redux is getting recognized for his accomplishments in 2011. As for football, go NINERS! Bay Area fan all the way. Tebow is just experiencing “beginner’s luck.” Ha ha.
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
It’s good to see another 49ers fan on here! Bay Area all the way!!! Tomorrow’s game is going to be a tough one against the Saints! Go 9ers!!!!
carol in utah
Best of mornings to you, zenny….wish I was at my moms….she lives in hot springs…stay safe on that snow…you and tasty be warm and take care of that special cargo…kisses on your soft noses…some for the soon to be babies too
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Happy Friday to you Zenny, Tasty too. It’s definitely Friday the 13th here, really strong winds that are blowing the snow so hard that it’s sticking to the walls and windows. Winter has certainly arrived on the Niagara peninsula. I expect that, as usual, Canada will not get the coverage of the Eclipse ceremonies but we will get some of the races and the football. Zenny, much as I love you and Tasty I will be cheering for the Patriots when Mr. Tebow meets up with Mr. Brady tomorrow, I will even be wearing my Brady #12 shirt for good luck. Have a wonderful weekend, stay warm and toasty and enjoy the sports. Hugs and kisses to you and Tasty.
Terry Crow
The Patriots will probably win by a landslide. However, that doesn’t detract from the fact that Tebow is a fine young man. So is Tom Brady.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Zenny ~ BRRRR it snowed in Lexington!! Cigar’s paddock is covered… no sign of him yet! I hope you and Tasty have very warm blankies on to keep your babies warm, too.
~~~~~~
Speaking of your last Apple Blossom race… that Sunday before (Easter Sunday), was my FIRST VISIT WITH YOU!! I took my posters and you looked at them as if you were reading them ~ TOO CUTE! I have pictures of us together; memories of a lifetime! XOXO
~~~~~~
I plan to be at the track either tomorrow and/or Sunday. HIGH HOOF & SAFE RACING! On Monday night I will be glued to the TV for the Eclipse Awards… remembering last year’s announcement that YOU were finally voted as Horse of The Year, Sweetie! :-D You are the Horse of a Lifetime to us!
~~~~~~
{{{HUGS}}} and peppermint kisses, My Queen and Baby Z/B XOXOXO
Judy G
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Check out the snow!
http://www.kyhometown.com/kyhorsepark/
carol in utah
maybe because of the rain yesterday and snow today…there could be ice under the snow….poss cigar is too smart to try to walk on that
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
carol in utah
I just spotted Cigar today (Saturday). The snow is melting and he is happily grazing once again!
p.s. I’m originally from Utah :-D As is Ann Moss :-D
sharon in seattle
My trip to Oaklawn to see Z race in the Apple Blossom (2nd time) was worth every minute! I met great people and we had so much fun cheering for Zenyatta. The place was packed! From the minute Zenyatta appeared, the excitement was non-stop! I got a place on the rail by showing up and getting in line at 8 AM! What a rush, even now as the memory is so vivid.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Hi, Sharon! I sure hope everything is good with you! Great story. I could almost feel the breeze from Zenny’s passing you on the rail. It sounds like a thrilling day!
carol in utah
Born in Wisconsin….go pack……love Eli….go giants…..married to niners fan…go niners…think Mr tebow a very nice young man…hope he learns to take care of himself…always afraid he is going to get hurt…But got to love da bears…no matter what
Lover of horses
God sure is with Tim Tebow! I’ll be tebowing for him! I hope Havre de Grace or Cape Blanco win the Horse of the Year award. Can’t wait to see who it is! Love you, my dear girl!
Susan
Hi Z!
Just wanted to tell you that I am a teacher in NC who teaches sports marketing……I have a Tim Tebew lifesize poster that hangs in my classroom….right beside the poster of YOU that I got at the Breeder’s Cup!!!!! It is a Very special wall, of course! I am going to buy the “Queen’s Dance” poster of you to go on the wall too!
It’s amazing when a special person, or a special horse bring people “together”…..thanks! Can’t wait until March!
Terry Crow
You couldn’t have better examples on your wall. I have a feeling that your students are very lucky.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
This picture of you looks so familar. I was fortunate to see you back there. The first time I ever saw your face, up close, and all your beauty with dapples, and not on TV, I was in awe!! I never thought I could truly love a horse as much as I do you. It was always dogs. Oaklawn is so fan friendly. I saw you dance before the crowd, and come from behind to win standing 20 feet from the finish line at the rail. I cherish this memory, forever.
You and your Z team are just so thoughtful to all those you have come to work with.
This week-end will be busy with excitement. Congrats to Rapid Redux!! I like Teebow(TT), but he is not on the PACKERS. GO PACK GO!!! Aaron Rogers is my quarter back. Have a fun-packed week-end Z with Tasty(TT) and your human friends.
love you, with 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
Bobbie Graser
Sorry Giants fans but Aaron and the boys from Green Bay are ready to rock! Go Packers!
I’m really enjoying the winter racing this year at all the tracks. It is finally winter in WI so it is nice to see all that sunshine in FL and CA. Got our first significant snow storm yesterday and some cold temps for the next few days. Hope it stays north of Kentucky for your sake.