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
Brenda
Hi Zenny,
Your Diary Entries Are Always So Wonderful!
I will never forget in 2010 when Terry Wallace introduced you at Oaklawn and you acknowledged the introduction by bobbing your head twice! Only you would think to do that!
Hope you and Tasty have a fabulous weekend, and may all of Dottie’s favorite teams (and horses) stay safe and win this weekend!
Brenda
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Zenyatta. Hi, Zenny. Gosh I have missed posting for most of this week and it feels so good to be typing away! I’m afraid I have been home in bed VERY under the weather. I couldn’t even focus on a computer screen without the words getting hazy until today. I know it will take me awhile to catch up on all of the wonderful posts I’m sure I have missed. I just love seeing the picture of you at Oaklawn Park with your amazing Mario and loyal fans by your side. What a time!! There are so many exciting things to watch this weekend. Since I will be staying warm and toasty inside, at least I have some great TV to enjoy. Having lived in Colorado most of my life, I have been a Bronco fan for years. Back to the Elway days! I’ll be cheering for Tim and Team to make it to the Super Bowl. I am so happy to see that Rapid Redux is getting the attention he deserves. He certainly demonstrates that dreams can come true if you never give up! I hope a lot of the Southern California Z-sters get to attend the ceremony for the Vox Populi award. How special!! Thank you for the information about the Eclipse Award coverage. As I do not get HRTV I will have to see if they show it on their website. I was hoping for TVG like last year. A YEAR I WILL NEVER FORGET WITH YOU AS HOY!!!! I agree, Zenny, having another filly or mare win this year would be fantastic!! Thank you for mentioning Martin Luther King Day. When I was in Washington DC this year, they were just completing his memorial. Many of his words ring true for today, not just for America but for the world. If only PEACE would be the answer. I love you beautiful. I hope you and Tasty have a great weekend and enjoy playing in the snow a little. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
Darlene Daniels
I’m glad you are back and hope you are feeling better. I must say I am also rooting for the Broncos.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Thank you Darlene! Go Broncos!!
Margaret
Okay I know I’m showing my age but that is EXACTLY what Peter Paul and Mary sang, wrote, Marched and Prayed for. PPM were with MLK at the 1963 rally. It was my birthday and I lived within an hour of DC at the time.
I had only hears the words “I Have A Dream” but not the rest of that amazing speech. Not til the day CNN a couple of years ago aired it. Seems to me that’s the only good thing about Obama (but that’s a whole mother story).
And sadly it wasn’t til about 20 years ago that I put it together how he gave that speech ON MY BIRTHDAY! One of my sister’s teaches school and I told her to tell the kids how utterly amazed I still am. How I didn’t know this til I was well past legal drinking age in CA! I give that only to tell you how badly I missed learning it in school.
Terry Crow
Margaret-PP&M was one of my favorite groups. They even did a song about a horse, Stewball. Things are not the same since Mary passed.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
I remember that song! I’m going to post the words below.
Margaret
No they aren’t. But Peter and Paul have gone on. I know it must hurt so bad. But they stayed committed to peace throughout everything. They have been arrested for standing for peace. They been places I’ve only read about and would be scared to travel too. They have truly been there and done that.
Several months ago I read how Mary had had a chemo treatment and didn’t respond well. My sister told me that this happens and that’s why chemo is so hard. The complications from that one treatment is what finally killed her. So very very sad. She had had leukemia.
I’ll find my t-shirt that I got at the last PPM concert I got. It talks about peace is the way.
I find what they talk about and sang about to be so true for our wild ones today. BLM has no handbook on care and humane handling. When horse advocates rally–we rally in peace. You will never see an advocate (a true one–not someone who suddenly jumps into the rally to stir up trouble) break windows, hit people or cops. Turn the thing into a riot. We rally in peace.
Sue Colvin -NJ
i’m glad ur doing better dawn. i’ll be praying you cont to feel better
hugs <3
Deborah Richman from So. Cal.
So glad you are back and feeling better, Dawn!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Dear Dawn, So sorry the hear that you are under the weather. Take care, stay warm and toasty and enjoy the TV this weekend. Hope Mom is well. Many hugs to you both.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dearest Dawn
I am so sorry you have been ill. That is a miserable feeling. So glad you’re better. Sending hugs.
Kari Bussell/Tn.
Dawn- I am so sorry you have been very under the weather. I hope you are on the mend now. I am sending you hugs,love , thoughts, & prayers.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Thank you all so much!! I can just feel those hugs now!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Dawn Conrad:
Didn’t realize you have been ill. Hoping you are feeling better. Hugs, JB
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
To Michael Blowen: As a lover of the thoroughbred horse, I cannot thank you enough for all that you, your wife and all the crew at Old Friends do on their behalf. You are all amazing individuals, giving so much of your time and hearts to the beautiful equine individuals in your care. You work tirelessly to keep the wellfare of ex-racehorses everywhere in the world at the forefront of our attention. Every year I so look forward to my visit at Old Friends, it is always good for the soul!! And of course I follow Val’s fantastic blog regularly! Bless you all!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR MICHAEL!!!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
ALL: Here is a link to the Old Friends blog site. It is absolutely wonderful. If you scan down to Sunday, January 1, 2012 you will see some words Val wrote about our Zenny!
http://oldfriendsblog.wordpress.com/
Karen Gogue
Happy Birthday Michael – time for another donation! :)
Get well Bode Baffert! You are a tough kid – takes after his mom’s side! LOL!
http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-baffert-has-long-night-better-morning
Karen Gogue
Kari
is it true?? People from Tennessee kill bears with their bare hands!! LOL! Bob Baffert is too funny!
Kari Bussell/Tn.
LOLOL!!!
Yes, but
Only when they attack someone we love!-LOL!
Leave it to Bob…..he cracks me up!
Karen Gogue
Thank you Dawn C. – you were very much missed GF! So happpy you are doing better now lovely one!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Karen, thank you so much for the welcome back my friend! Hope everything is wonderful with you!
Carole #42 Eagle, Wisconsin
Z. love you and Tasty, have a wonderful weekend, stay warm and keep the foals in waiting warm too. Kisses on your soft noses. XOXO
Margaret
Hmm Z? Tim Tebow has the same initials as TT. Now while I don’t normally don’t follow football– there is that. Glad you pointed that out.
Don’t know if Drosselmeyer is in the running for HOY but I think he and Mike definitely deserve Moment of the Year. I was so glad Mike was able to avenge his loss.
Hope we get some pics of you soon! I know LE’s is gearing up for the crazy time of year called foaling and breeding season!
Geez, my iPad almost did it again! Tried to pass of foaling as FOOLING! Yikes!, does anyone have any suggestions on how to give my iPad SPELLING lessons!
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Drosselmeyer’s BCC win was voted the “Moment of the Year.”
I don’t believe Drosselmeyer was on the list of finalists for Older Male, so I doubt he is in the running for HotY. I think Havre de Grace will get it.
Margaret
Moment of the Year isn’t so bad. Chris Antley and Charismatic started that award in 1999. Because of Chris’s heroic actions after crossing the finish line in the Belmont. Watching that video still makes me cry.
And Mike he tried so hard with Z. And she gave it everything she had. I actually find that one loss to be her best race EVER. She never gave up. Sounds weird I guess. I know it took awhile to get there–boy I was steamed that day. Not at Mike but Blame–he stole her race.
Moment of the Year to me is a GREAT award. It signifies that horse or rider did something outstanding. Maybe not “worthy” of HOY but OUTSTANDING nonetheless. Mike definitely deserved some recognition of that marvelous ride! And Drosselmeyer? well hopefully someone will his trainer (or groom if he’s retired now) to give him a hug for me–if he’ll allow it and not chomp the person’s fingers off!
Jan S. in Houston
Happy Friday Big Mama. Hope you and Tasty have your warm blankets on and are keeping warm and cozy.
Happy BD Michael Blowen. Will be cheering for my Houston Texans this weekend…..
Kelly J. /ND
Happy Friday Zenny! hope you have a great weekendXOXO.
Elizabeth in Oregon
Happy Friday 13th, dear Queen Z! It’s dry but freezing here in Oregon City, and we’re wishing we were back at Santa Anita watching you! :-) Thanks to Marian M. for the info about the new Vox Populi award poster. Will have to contact Chris Crocker–one of our favorite people.
#LynnMmartin, Congrats on your dogs’ JH awards! We’re anticipating a new Saluki puppy joining our 3 aging girls. I can’t show any more, but it will be fun to have a little boy here again. Congrats to RR on his special Eclipse awards, and good luck to Havre de Grace though nothing can top our joy at the Queen winning HOY!
Lynn Martin
I am pretty proud of the pups and their owners. Both are novice owners, thought hunting would be fun so jumped in! And here I am, the breeder, and have not put a foot in the field yet! But my Brook (I kept her from the litter) has 14 points (including a big win at our nationals!). One of the JH boys has 11 points, including both majors. Pretty exciting! Wish I could repeat the breeding but spayed mama! I love salukis, so elegant! Yet a twinkle in the eye.. enjoy the pup!
Debbie G/Kentucky
Congratulations to Rapid Redux for his well deserved Vox Populi award. I’m hoping Havre de Grace gets HOY. That would be so cool for the girls to win it three years in a row! I’m also cheering for the Broncos tomorrow. I’ve liked Tebow since he was at Florida. It’s so refreshing to have someone nice like him be so popular. He’s such a good role model. I like Eli Manning, too, but I’ve got to cheer for the Packers. I am in love with Aaron Rodgers! Hopefully we’ll see four great games this weekend. I
hope you and Tasty are staying warm enough, Zenny. It’s cold here in Lexington. I love you, big girl!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Good for you, GO PACK GO. I think Aaron is awesome too.
Kari Bussell/Tn.
@Debbie G – Congratulations to your Lady Wildcats for defeating my very , very , very , very, very ,very BELOVED Lady Vols….You don’t have to sing Rocky Top this time…..You may need to send me the Kentucky fight song as I don’t believe I was ever at a game where it was played……LOL!–Good one Terry C!
Seriously- I was thinking of you while watching…..it took the sting out a little bit to know it made You so happy…..men tomorrow… we will need a miracle..I do know all the words to “My Old Kentucky Home.”….
I have loved Tim Tibow since he played for Florida….I know strange for a Vol Maniac to love a former Gator, but I do….For obvious reasons I love both Manning boys…I am a honorary Cheese-head, but this year I am All about the Denver Broncos…who just this week beat my husband’s beloved Steelers…and I won a friendly bet with him (finally)….I may be a fan for life!!-LOL!
Marty R / Colorado
Kari, so glad you’re on the Broncos side.
A very little tidbit: The theme for my high school Sr. prom was, ” The Twelth of Never”. Our 50 year reunion is being held this year. That song is timeless.
Terri G. - Seattle, Washington
Hi Zenyatta – I’m a new fan. I love reading your diary each day. It makes me smile. Thank you for all of the information you share about horse racing and for the happiness and joy you give to others. I’ve learned so much. I’ve also enjoyed reading all of your fan comments. Yesterday, I followed a link from one of the comments to the Thoroughbred Horse Rescue taking place in Many, Louisianna (Thanks for sharing this.). So many horses that have been treated so badly. I take comfort in all of the wonderful generous people out there with huge hearts that are helping the rescue effort of these horses and many other horses around our country and world. (http://teamkeen.com/manylahorseseizure.html)
A Filly named Autumn’s Hope –
Following that story led me to search out rescue organizations in my home state of Washington and I found this wonderful story about a little filly named Autumn’s Hope – only a little over two months old now. Her mother, who had been abandoned, died giving birth to her in a feedlot. The foal was almost euthanized but the wonderful Whatcom County Humane Society rescued her and later took her to the people at Hope for Horses for long-term care.
Check out the story and the beautiful pictures of this sweet young filly at play now that she has grown up a bit and is feeling frisky in her new home. Perhaps you two could become Facebook Friends and get to know each other. :) Your new little one will be so lucky to have you as his or her fantastic Momma Z.
http://hopeforhorses.net/Autumns_Hope.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Autumns-Hope/182837895135123
Michele M.
Hi Zenyatta, you’re wonderful. I love reading your posts. Thanks for keeping me updated with all the horse news.
Did Steven Spielberg send you a special copy of War Horse yet? You should see it Zenyatta, it’s a beautiful touching story of the relationship between horse and human. And how animals can bring humans together despite differences.
Just shows us how wonderful horses are…
Thanks again Zenyatta!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Michele, I am suppose to see the War Horse this coming week. I can’t wait!
Linda M
Dawn – you will absolutely LOVE it! Finder’s Key is truly fabulous and shines in Speilburg’s beatiful and magical work. I’ve seen it twice and need to go see it again – it is that good!
dunie
Hugs to you and to Rapid Redux!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
All – As part of Zenyatta’s diary we have often read posts or seen videos which demonstrate how the human and the horse can come together in remarkable ways. Horses can make a difference in our lives and take us to places we can only imagine. Zenyatta has done that for us. About a week ago I came across this video involving Three Chimneys and the Make a Wish Foundation. It is a beautiful story of how horses have changed a boys life and how one horse in particular became his wish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAL2fahRPTA&feature=related
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Dawn, thank you for posting Patrick’s story. It makes me realize that there is always a special needs child more special than your own. I hadn’t seen the Patrick and Smarty Pants story before and Smarty is one of Vic’s favorites.
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
I should have said “whose needs are more special than your own” Each of us knows that we have the most special.
Marty R / Colorado
Dawn, That was a wonderful story about Patrick and Smarty Jones. Thank you so much for sharing the link.
JJ from MN
What a wonderful story. It makes thankful for charity like this you make children dreams come true.
signofthetimes
Make a wish foundation is so very special;
Working at a Cancer Center their are many
Lovely moments; children and adults have through
This wonderful organization.
Jan S. / Houston
Do you work at MD Anderson.
signofthetimes
@Jan S
Yes, I have in the past; a wonderful place; full of hope, dreams and life.
So many patients who come there are given their lives back.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
What a heartwarming example of what these marvelous animals can do for handicapped people. I bet he has a vivid picture in his mind of exactly what this horse looks like. Thank you Dawn for sharing. I hope you are feeling better I wondered why we hadn’t heard from you. Hugs
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Glad you all enjoyed the link!
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Happy Friday the 13th, big Mama! I hope the weather hasn’t been too bad in Kentucky! Here in N.Calif, it’s been dry and cold! Counting down the days until you’re foal arrives! Best of luck this weekend to all the horses running, may you come home safe and sound! Go 49ers!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dearest JAG – I am just getting caught up on past posts and had to let you know how sorry I was to hear about the passing of your beloved friend Lewis Cenicola. I lit a candle in his memory. He is together with his “Pappy” again.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Dawn~
Thank you very much. Having lost my husband in 1991, I have much empathy for his wife, Donna :-(
JJ from MN
I can’ t wait to see who this years horse of the year is? I hope it’s Havre De Grace or Game on Dude. Thay both had great season and I can’t wait until they return to the track this year. Zenyatta u also look stunning in this photo. I remeber when you won your two Apple Blosson.
love you zenyatta
ps. this day in history in jan 13 2008 zenyatta won the EL Encino stakes at santa anita park.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
My Dear Agigail – I just finished reading your latest entry to “The Vault” on War Admiral. It was amazing, as all of your articles are! I have stood in front of his grave along with his sire Man o’ War and been in awe! To the lover’s of horse racing history, you are a gift beyond measure!!!! Thank you so much! I loved the dedication to our John. He is a remarkable man in so many ways! His passion and respect for the past as well as his current exemplary character in representing the best of the sport is wonderful!
Abigail from Montreal
My sweet Dawn: THANK YOU so much for your support, encouragement and poetic commentary about THE VAULT. I love writing it & sharing some of the photos of the “old greats” and doing what I can to pour some history & pride into our struggling Sport of Kings (I like to think that the “Kings” & the “Queens” are the horses themselves!). So sorry to hear you’ve been experiencing a rough patch, Dawn. But glad you are back! I cherish our friendship & send you much positive energy and SERIOUS VIRTUAL HUGS!
Karen Gogue
Happy Birthday Bob Baffert!
Terry Crow
I remember Bob when he was a quarter horse trainer at Los Alamitos. My, how things have changed
signofthetimes
Sure have changed; he still has that flavor of “Texas” with a CA twist now.
Celeste in TX
Thank you so much for sharing the photo of your grazing at Oaklawn Park. My sweet hubby took me to Hot Springs to see your race, but I had no idea that there was even a possibility of going backside to watch you graze, but at least I will hold forever in my heart that I did get to see you in The Apple Blossom with your spectacular win. My heart jumps for joy just to think of that time!! My best wishes to Mr. Mirahmadi on his new beginning at Oaklawn Park. It is such a wonderful venue! Also sending my very best wishes to all the horses who are competing in races this weekend and also those who will be waiting to see how the Eclipse Award voting has turned out. My heart is hoping that Havre De Grace will become the Horse of the Year to continue the tradition that Rachel Alexandra and you have started! That would be so wonderful!! Thank you once again, Dear Dottie and Zenyatta for providing this beautiful place to share our love for our Queen.
Kimberly
Have a great weekend Zenny!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Alex Bowdoin in MA – Thoughts and prayers for you, your friend Amy and kitty Tessie.
helene
Stay warm this weekend, dear, sweet Zenny! Love you bunches and bunches!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Pati – Your tribute to Zenyatta posted on #414 was beautiful!!! Thank you for sharing!
Susie Cartwright
I can hardly wait to see your baby Z!! It keeps me warm on these cold Kentucky nights! I’m so happy to be your friend! xoxoxo SC
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Dear Zenyatta racing is exciting this weekend. Mistletoe’s Trainer has horses racing at Oaklawn. Tim Ice is Mistletoe’s Trainer and he is like John in that he really cares about his horses. I feel blessed that my class and I are part of this stable. It all started with you sweet one. Please thank Dottie for mentioning the reason Monday is a Holiday. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a GREAT Man. I hope you and TT stay warm. I love you. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Dawn I did not realize you were sick. I hope you are feeling better sweet women :)
@ Hi Susan in TN
@ Abigail you are so Talented. Everything You write is BEAUTIFUL :)
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Hello my dear friend. I think I am on the mend now, hopefully. My wonderful staff sent me roses today, wasn’t that sweet!! I received your wonderful e-mails and the great video of you with the Mistletoe plushie. I also watched the new video Mistletoe sent. What a wonderful couple Tim and Jennifer Ice are!!! They love their horses and they are so generous with their time doing the Peppermint Pal project! Thank you for your get well wishes. Love and hugs.
Abigail from Montreal
SHARI: Thank you so much, “ma belle” (my beauty) as we say to our fondest friends here in French-speaking Quebec. Wonderful to hear back from you and I’m always delighted to hear your responses to my work on THE VAULT. According to my “2011 Report” sent by WordPress, THE VAULT has had 21,000 visits since last February, with readers worldwide — even in South Africa!!!! This is all VERY exciting because it’s happened through the encouragement of friends like you to follow my dream. Love & hugs
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof, Abigail!
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXxLRJ1-CEU
I saw this video on a friend’s FB page and had to share it with YOU. The horse in the video is Falcon Scott, who was owned by YOUR DAD Jerry Moss. He was sold as a breeding prospect at Keeneland but ended up back on the track, running for a $2,500 tag at Fairmount Park. YOUR Jerry called Michael Blowen at Old Friends and they claimed Falcon Scott and shipped him to Kentucky for $3,600 total … and Jerry sent a check for $10,000! As you would say, Zenny, this is TOO CUTE! And a perfect example of responsible racehorse ownership. You are so lucky to be part of such a wonderful family!
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
Forgot to say that Falcon Scott is a 1/2 brother to Tiago and Giacomo!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof to the Mosses!
signofthetimes
Love that video; so glad Jerry was able to get word of this; so sad what people
do to make money with racehorses; selling them without their papers may be the best option; guess it is not always possible; especially if selling at Keenland.
Michael Blowen to the rescue; thanks for all of your work with retired TB