Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #422

The view from my paddock yesterday at 7:45 in the morning! Photo by Sarah Campion


Good Morning and Happy Friday to Everyone,

Photography is such an amazing thing! Today, I wanted to share with you some of the gorgeous views TASTY and I have each day from our paddock. We truly have such a beautiful environment…and we actually do take the time to appreciate how fortunate we are! Yesterday was a lovely morning, and our dear pal, Sarah, was kind enough to take some of these photos for US to share with ALL of YOU!

The sky is such an amazing shade of blue!

Along this line, I wanted to make ALL of YOU aware of a FILM FESTIVAL that is being sponsored by HRTV and SANTA ANITA. It might be something many of you, who are real film and photography enthusiasts, would like to participate in during the upcoming months.

To quote the HRTV/SANTA ANITA news release sent to Dottie, “Santa Anita Park and HRTV have announced plans for a first-ever non-fiction documentary competition entitled “A Day at the Races”, which will be open to film students and filmmakers wishing to make a five-minute or less Santa Anita based film. ”

Access to the grounds and credentials to shoot the footage one would like to use in their presentation is being offered as part of the package for the individuals who enter the contest.

Per their press release, “A Day at the Races” entries will be judged by a panel of racing and entertainment professionals and will offer a first prize of $10,000, a second prize of $5,000 and a third prize of $3,000. An additional $10,000 first prize will be awarded to the winner through an on-line poll.”

All details and specific deadlines for each phase of this competition are outlined in the official press release, which I’ve included at the end of this post.

This sounds so exciting! What a great opportunity for all of you creative fans who have a great sense of ‘film’ and a true love and appreciation for our sport. Just imagine the different dynamic approaches one could use in doing a DOCUMENTARY SHORT with “A Day at the Races” theme.

Why not…..GIVE IT A “SHOT”! (No pun intended!) HOOVES CROSSED to all of my friends who enter!

Have a wonderful weekend…enjoy the terrific racing around the country and all of the excitement happening in the world of SPORTS!

Here I am..taking in all of the beauty around ME!

With Love,
Hugs to All~(Please keep us posted on your FILM progress!)
Z

HRTV FILM FESTIVAL TO DEBUT AT SANTA ANITA,
OVER $25K IN PRIZE MONEY OFFERED FOR DOCUMENTARY
SHORTS WITH ‘A DAY AT THE RACES’ THEME


ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2012)—Santa Anita Park and HRTV have announced plans for a first-ever non-fiction documentary competition entitled “A Day at the Races,” which will be open to film students and filmmakers wishing to make a five-minute or less Santa-Anita based film.

“A Day at the Races” entries will be judged by a panel of racing and entertainment professionals and will offer a first prize of $10,000, a second prize of $5,000 and a third prize of $3,000. An additional $10,000 first prize will be awarded to the winner through an on-line poll.

Application entries, which must be made in-person, will be accepted beginning Jan. 20, with the first day of shooting scheduled for Feb. 9. Shooting will continue through March 25 and all film submissions will be due no later than March 28, with winners to be announced on Santa Anita’s closing day, April 22.

“We’re very excited to be partnering with Santa Anita to initiate this project,” said HRTV President Scott Daruty. “Dating back to its opening in 1934, Santa Anita has been synonymous with great film production.

“The movie Seabiscuit was filmed almost entirely at Santa Anita in 2003 and it was a huge hit. We’re now about to roll out HBO’s dramatic series LUCK (on Jan. 29). We think there’s going to be a great deal of interest in this first-ever film festival.” There is a general entry fee of $200 and students may enter for $50 with valid student identification by February 15. Those entering after that date may do so for $250 and $75 respectively.

“This project is going to enable us to reach a group of highly creative people who are anxious to help us tell our story,” said Santa Anita’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing Chris Quinn. “It’s exciting to think about aspiring film makers at a number of local colleges and universities, as well as a wide range of independent filmmakers, converging on Santa Anita to produce a short-subject film of this nature. It should be a lot of fun.”

Each entrant will be given two film festival credentials which will allow shooting access to all public area at Santa Anita. Additionally, each entrant will be given 10 Club House passes good for admission throughout Santa Anita’s winter/spring meeting.

Final submissions should be made to www.hrtv.com. All entries must be made in person at Santa Anita. Credentials must also be picked up and payment made in-person at Santa Anita

For more information and to submit finished projects, visit http://www.santaanitalive.com.

Reader Interactions

339 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Zenny, great pictures from Sarah and the one of you is especially nice. Please make sure you get plenty of rest. It’ll be March before you know it.

  2. / Reply

    My favorite photo subjects are skies and horses. What a gift in today’s diary.
    As usual there are great links and comments and interesting questions posed. I so enjoy this site.
    Hope everyone in Zenyatta Nation has a good weekend.

  3. / Reply

    Hi Zenyatta. First, the pics are gorgeous, especially the rear view of you taking everything in – just awesome. This is such a great idea. I heard the HRTV commentators talking about this the other day. I sure wish I had the talent to be involved in a project of this. I cannot wait to see some of the nominations – I am sure they will be spectacular. Love you big girl. We had cold here last week, but now it is warming back up to the 70’s. Please you and Tasty stay comfy, eat well for two and enjoy those beautiful surroundings and sunrises and sunsets. Love you, Angels.

    Everyone have a great weekend, hopefully filled with winners.

  4. / Reply

    Happy Friday everyone. Beautiful land for a beautiful girl. Zenny deserves this and then some. I am glad she has such a beautiful home. If anyone enters the film contest, good luck! I wish omeone would make a film about Zenyatta.

    • / Reply

      It’s an old link, from January of 2011. It was a just-for-fun, unofficial contest sponsored by the Thoroughbred Times. The winning entry was “Driven to Tears.” The most frequent was “Zendini.”

      • / Reply

        The young man who came up with the “Driven to Tears” name I believe was Tim “Tiznow” Reynolds, and his death last year evidently was sudden and unexpected. Never knew what the cause of his death was, but there was a Facebook page called In Memory of Tim “Tiznow” Reynolds. He was a frequent poster at Brian Zipse’s Horse Racing Nation. I was never fond of the “Driven to Tears” name, although it certainly does fit as far as how I feel about Zenyatta! Along with her thousands of other fans, as well!

        • did not know about old link thing….came up with
          BizZeeDancin
          guess i am way too late for the contest

  6. / Reply

    Thanks Ladies – for the help on the racetrack name. Of course, it’s in Texas. Should know my history better. Makes perfect sense….

    Loved watching the videos Abigal and re watching the one where all those people came and stayed ( her plane was late due to weather, I believe) standing in the frigid air waiting to catch a glimpse or touch greatness. What a moment to remember.
    I ache for how difficult it must have been for all Team Z to let her go, but for some reason, especially Mario and Mrs. Moss. What a connection. John too, of course, but Mario and Mrs. Moss really resonate with me for some reason.
    And Ms. Mommy to be – we do miss your presence at the racetrack…. but we know how happy and content you look and are……
    Got my “Diva” book yesterday and am enjoying it.

  10. / Reply

    I lov u z and I can’t wait to c how ur foal will run and how beautiful he or she will look like. I wish u were still RACING but u will make a great mom:) :)

  11. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta,
    Thank you for another glimpse into your world — Sarah’s photos are lovely! You are such a “Dream Girl”. Thanks to Dottie for continuing to be your translator and scribe, too.
    Hope your weather is to your liking. Here in North Carolina, we have had a weird, wet (as in rain) winter so far. ICK! My “innerchild” longs for the winter weather of my childhood (in NC); I want snow! The sight of snowflakes excites and enlivens me! We used to get several respectable snows during our winters. Too many people breathing out hot air, I guess!
    Have a wonderful weekend with Tasty T! Much love and warm hugs, beautiful!

  12. / Reply

    Good Morning Zenny, It’s still cold and we had a bit more snow overnight but the KHP site isn’t showing snow in Lexington so hopefully you’ve got nice blue skies. Lots of very interesting comments about mom and foal behaviour, do you wonder what ever is rumbling around in your tummy, are you going to be surprised when you suddenly have a foal at your side and do mares ever experience the post natal blues??? I’m curious but confident that nature and Lane’s End know the answers and make sure that all goes well.
    Yesterday I took carrots to Vic’s lesson, in a sealed plastic bowl. My sweetie, Sox, was rummaging around, looking for some hay, when I opened the bowl and immediately he heard the sound and his head came up, poked his muzzle through the bars, and fixed his eyes on the bowl. Reminded me of the story of you and the pizza boxes.
    @ Abigail, I got the best book deal on Thursday at the volunteer’s shop in the hospital. A $75.00 coffee table book “Monet, A Retrospective” for $10.00 and it’s in “like new” condition. How wonderful that Daisy enjoys literature.

    • / Reply

      Brenda — that’s a GREAT deal! And don’t you just feel like humming when great books fall into your hands like this one? As for Daisy, she really is such a good-natured girl. Jericho was a regular @ this bookstore but would only sit still if bribed with cookies! Daisy sits quietly and sneaks looks at my face to try to figure out what this silent, intense activity is all about! LOL!

  13. / Reply

    Have a safe and healthy weekend Z and all my Zdumpling friends. We had a pretty good snow here in North Central Indiana last evening. It was not a fun drive to work last night. @Terry Crow, Are you a redneck if you are dreaming of a 4 wheel drive pick up truck? Take care my angel Zenyatta and Tasty. I love you. Love to all. Darlene Daniels

  15. / Reply

    ATTENTION ALL DUMPLINGS PLANNING TO ATTEND RACES TODAY:
    AMAZOMBIE HAS BEEN SCRATCHED FROM THE PALO VERDES.

    • / Reply

      Gary M, remember you said that they were going to name a race in Zenyattas honor, what happen? Hugs Ingrid.

      • / Reply

        I tried but I lost my position on the naming board. I also said that the Broncos and the Saints would be in the Super Bowl. LOL. I thought Hollywood did change the name of a race for her and then they changed it back. No seriously, someone should name a race after the Queen.

  18. / Reply

    I’ll have to skip the contest. I just learned how to operate a Kodak camera and you can see what’s happening to them. @Don-I miss you, old friend. @Marty R-I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the club. Life as you knew it is over. @Rosemary McCauley, Denise in AZ and Diana S, charter members of Arizona/New Mexico chapter-You might be a redneck if you use your bowling bag as a suitcase. @Darlene Daniels, president of Indiana chapter-You might be a redneck if your boyfriend lives with his other girlfriend. @Judy Berube, president of New England chapter-You might be a redneck if you wear a collar and your dog doesn’t. @Marshall, president of North Carolina chapter-You might be a redneck if your family tree consists of you and your dog. @Debbie G, president of Kentucky chapter-You might be a redneck if your idea of fun is icing the front steps before your mother-in-law comes over. @signofthetimes, president of Texas chapter-You might be a redneck if you pet someone else’s dog and your husband thinks you are flirting. @Stephanie in San Diego and Vicki B, members of California chapter-You might be a redneck if everything you won at the fair is hanging from your rear view mirror. @Marty R, president of Colorado chapter-You might be a redneck if your best jacket has an advertisement on the back. @Brenda S, president and Abigail in Montreal, member of Canadian chapter-You might be a Canadian redneck if you think muskrat on a stick is gourmet food. @Sue Fredrick and Sally B, charter members of Wisconsin chapter, presidency to be determined-You might be a redneck if you ask for the honeymoon suite at Motel 6. @Susan in TN and Kari Bussell-You might be a redneck if your baby’s crib mobile is made out of beer cans. You might be a redneck if you have more than five magazines on the back of your toilet. You might be a redneck if you count a hammer as one of your cooking utensils. You might be a redneck if you rotate the tires on your truck more often than you take a bath. You might be a redneck if, after 20 years of marriage, you find out that your husband is your cousin.

    • / Reply

      Terry–Have you been in my coat closet?

      By the way, “My Big Redneck Vacation” premieres tonight ( Jan. 21 ) 9:30 / 8:30 C on CMT. We don’t have access to that station. I’m heart broken..LOL.

    • / Reply

      Dear Terry,
      It is early Sunday morn and I am cracking
      Up at all of the great red neck jokes.
      Laughter before going to sleep aids peaceful
      Resting. Thanks for great jokes today.

    • / Reply

      Terry, I think you’ve outdone yourself, this time. They’re marvelous. I only have one addition today, thanks to one of my favorites in the funny papers (Pearls Before Swine): You might be a redneck if you think “lactose intolerant” means you hate people who are missing toes.

        • Oh! Terry, I only like Rat when he gets what’s coming to him (like ending up in Yakutsk, Siberia in a suitcase)! I love Pig, he is such an idiot, but pure of heart. Thanks.

    • / Reply

      Terry,
      You nailed it!! However, make that me and TWO dogs!! LOL
      Great redneck jokes as usual!
      Thanks for the laughs, dear friend!

  19. / Reply

    Dear Z, TT and Z Fans
    Happy Saturday to you. Stay warm and cozy. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ

  21. / Reply

    Hi Queen Z…now where was I? Oh yes, talking to you, of course, which always makes me smile. :) I agree your home is beautiful! Before time gets away from me again, I want to tell the story of Rod visiting Rightful Image yesterday: gave him carrots and as he (Rod, not Rightful) was leaving, he hoped to give Caracatado a carrot also. BUT, as he walked by C’s stall, there he was (Caracatado, not Rod) lying down taking a nap! Did not even see Rod! Before I sign off for now, I want to say that while at the movies recently there was a promo for LUCK. Bye now, our QUEEN! Take a nap yourself!

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne from Paramount, CA:
      Really glad to hear from you. Your post today is TOO Cute. Rightful is feeling better I hope. Hugs, JB

  22. / Reply

    Dear Cynthia H. and All:
    “At Last” was my favorite by Ms. James. Don’t think anyone ever equaled her rendition of that song. RIP EJ. Hugs, JB

  24. / Reply

    Zenny, Today I met a very nice Percheron mare at the barn who is the same height as YOU. The reason I have to tell you this is that I know you are a big girl but I have never met you and so had absolutely no idea how tall and majestic you are. I can now fully understand why everyone who meets you is awestruck and why your gentleness towards your two legged admirers is so amazing.
    Terry C, I don’t think I’ll be ordering that dish anytime soon. Do I get kicked out of the Canadian Chapter??? Vic thinks you should write a Redneck Joke book and become a millionaire.

    • / Reply

      Once in, you’re in. I think Jeff Foxworthy has cornered the market, even though I prefer Pat Buttram’s type of jokes. Sort of a combination redneck and hillbilly.

  26. / Reply

    Happy Saturday, Zenny! My friend Anne and I were at Hollywood Park this morning and we got to meet your little sister Eblouissante. She is a big girl! Her coat is just as soft as yours … and those ears! Definitely your mother’s daughter :) E was such a sweetheart. Of course, the carrots and peppermints we brought probably didn’t hurt! We also got to chat with YOUR JOHN a little bit. He explained how synthetic surfaces don’t give horses the same rebound as a dirt track, so they have to use different muscles when running. I did not know that but it certainly explains why some horses run better on one surface or the other. He is certainly proud of you and Giacomo (and E too!). I will post a photo or two of E on your Facebook page so others can see it.

    We also got to spend some time with Lava Man, who was a very good boy except for stepping on my foot just a little bit :)

  27. / Reply

    Did anyone see Storage Wars (A&E television) this week? One of the bidders, Barry Weiss, found some horse racing-themed artwork in an abandoned storage locker he bought for $320 in Inglewood, California. He took it to Hollywood Park racetrack to have it appraised and it turned out to be the sketches for the artwork used outside and inside the clubhouse pre 1949 at Hollywood Park.
    One of the sketches was a racing scene. The second photo at the following link shows a bit of what it looked like at the track itself:

    http://www.lafire.com/famous_fires/1949-0505_HollywoodParkRaceTrackFire/1949-0505_HollywoodParkFire.htm

    As it turned out, a devastating fire at Hollywood Park in 1949 made the artwork very rare. The appraiser pegged the art’s estimated value at $5,000 and maybe even higher.

    • / Reply

      Especially Horses–I never knew about this fire. How devestating!! That was an enormous effort by all the responding fire fighters. That was also an enormous amount of money back then.
      I’ve never watched that program you were referencing. If I were that man I think I’d be shaking being in possession of that artwork. I don’t think it’s as simple as just keeping it. I think there has to be a rightful place for it and probably rightful owners…possibly the artist or heirs of the artist. I think there is some responsibility that goes along with that find.

      • / Reply

        Actually, I had no idea either that Hollywood Park had burnt down. I was just trying to find some early photos of the clubhouse to see if any of the artwork from the sketches could be seen.

        Vicki, sounds like you have some fond memories of Hollywood Park that involve more than just the racing. I agree with you when you write “The writing style makes clear it was a different era”.

        I enjoyed the following from one of the writings:

        “Fortunately, the horses weren’t harmed because the stables were located about a half-mile away from the grandstand. The swans and geese that congregated in the infield lake also were spared; the AP reported that “the fowl huddled safely in the little lakes in the infield” during the blaze.

        Santa Anita Park stepped in to rescue the 1949 horse racing season from disaster by offering its facilities, where the spring meeting began right on time on May 17, 1949″.

        Marty, I think it would be nice if the sketches went back to Hollywood Park to be displayed.

    • / Reply

      Especially Horses – Thanks for that — I never knew about that fire, as it happened before I was born, but I used to ride my bike in the parking lot as a kid, and my dad gave me my first driving lesson over there. The description of the fire included 3 firemen on the grandstand roof, which collapsed, two escaped through a hole in the roof, and one leaped from the roof to the top of a palm tree, and apparently used the tree to break his 100 ft. fall on the way down, altho he was injured, but recovered back to work. The writing style makes clear it was a different era.

  28. / Reply

    Dearest Zenyatta,

    Love the beautiful photos—thank you so much for posting them.

    Hope you and Tasty are having a wonderful weekend! Stay warm and happy!

    Love,
    Stel

  29. / Reply

    I so agree, Judy. There will only ever be one Etta James, and her rendition of “At Last” will never be equalled. I pray that she finds the peace which evaded her in life.

  30. / Reply

    Dear Zenny,
    What beautiful pictures. Tell Sarah “thank you” for sharing them with us. I love the one of you – you look so ROUND! Like everyone else, I wonder what you think about all these strange happenings in your body. It won’t be long now, and I have to believe that you won’t be one of these Moms who are “totally astonished” when you see your foal.

    @Barbara Wood (Texas)
    I’m so sorry about your Baylor loss today – it must have been quite a game, but dreadful to lose like that at home. Trust me, I feel your pain. My Duke boys lost at the buzzer and broke their 45 game at-home winning streak. I just couldn’t believe it. I know – why is somebody from NE Ohio rooting for Duke? Long story, but the bottom line is that it’s in memory of one of the finest men that ever walked the planet and in support of his widow who is the epitome of an “Iron Duke” (the really top echelon of Duke fans). Once I knew how happy it made her when they won, I had to “sign on.” Don’t think they are quite up to the last couple of years but still a pretty good team this time.
    Sandy

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