Happy Monday!
What an incredible weekend! So many fun and exciting things happened here in Kentucky…and the World of Sports! It is amazing how much can take place in just a few days! I hope your weekend was equally enjoyable!
Firstly, I want to wish MATT, my dear friend here at Lane’s End, a HAPPY “BELATED” BIRTHDAY! His actual birthday was on Saturday…and we all had a great time sharing it with him. He is such a special friend to ME and always so attentive to my every wish. I can’t THANK HIM enough and truly wish him a fabulous year in every regard! YEAH, MATT!
I’d also like to send a note of CONGRATULATIONS to my racing friend and colleague, RACHEL ALEXANDRA, on the birth of her first foal…a bay colt by Curlin. Per all of the reports we are reading this morning, she foaled January 22nd at 2:40 EST and all went very well for both MOM and FOAL. They say the baby ‘resembles’ his Mother. How cute is this! Heartfelt wishes to ALL involved with this lovely colt…and his dear Mom, Rachel Alexandra!
It is really something to ponder…the circle of life. Here we are, Rachel Alexandra and I….both such accomplished race horses…each honored by being named HORSE OF THE YEAR in consecutive years…and now to be broodmares at the same time. Rachel Alexandra has now foaled a healthy, 125 pound colt….and I’m due in several weeks. It is truly something to think about…how each stage of life has such special and unique qualities to enjoy, reflect upon, and appreciate.
I must say, I think the saying…”TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES” does have a very deep meaning.
To the PRO-FOOTBALL TEAMS who played so hard yesterday to make each of the Divisional Championship games so exciting for all of us…THANK YOU for 2 thrilling games. Congratulations to each team on a wonderful season…and to the victors a special HOORAY! Next weekend is the Pro-Bowl and the following week…the SUPER BOWL! It will be so much fun during the next few weeks to follow the New England Patriots and the New York Giants on their paths to the BIG GAME!
To all of my HORSE RACING pals…who won and or ran well over the weekend…a big HIGH HOOF to each of you. The 3 year old divisions, involving all of the Kentucky Derby and Oaks preps, are starting to really ‘heat up’ now. This is all SO EXCITING!
Here’s wishing you a lovely week!
With Love, Hugs to All~
Z
Abigail from Montreal
@ ALL: This is SO CUTE! Lane’s End just put up this photo-slide show of Curlin’s reaction to his son’s birth….
Hope this link works…it’s on FB …. just click thru the photos & read the captions @ the bottom.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.297118073670395.69155.130389357009935&type=1
Louise Castello
Abigail from Montreal, thanks so much for the mighty, muddy Curlin link! Hysterical and priceless. So thankful for all the Zenyatta fans with all the great links that I would never find on my own. THANKS
Celeste in TX
Thank you! That is just too cute!
carol in utah
Really cute….
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Too cute–thanks!
sharon in seattle
WAY TOO CUTE!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
GREAT LINK! The captions are TOO CUTE! High hoof!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Terry C.:
Laughing out loud (especially at the last one). Thank you. Hugs, Judy and Russ
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ingrid Arnone:
Looks like RA and her little one bonded right away in the photo. So looking forward to Z and her baby’s photos. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
Dear Judy, yes they are so adorable, I know our Z is going to be the same, hugs Ingrid.
WILD HORSES
I love you Big Z. You look beautiful!!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail from Montreal:
Thank you so much for the link to photos of Curlin. The new baby has the same rear white socks as his Dad and also I think he favors Curlin’s coat color so far. Love and Hugs, JB
Susie Cartwright
Keep yourself all beautiful (be hard for you not to) for your big day!! After seeing all of the Rachel Alexandra coverage with her little guy, I can only imagine the coverage of your Prince/Princess!! I’m as excited as if I were the grandmother! I’m still praying for your delivery, to be easy and routine! I love you Z!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
The more I’m looking at RA’s an Curlin’s new baby photos, he looks like a Bay and not a Chestnut like his Dad. In any event, he’s adorable. Hugs, JB
Especially Horses / Southern California
Judy, I agree with you, the little guy is a bay. If I remember correctly you can tell the color by looking at the muzzle hairs, but what really confirms, in my mind, that he is a bay (in addition to being told so by the experts at Stonestreet Farm) is that he has a black mane. The mane and tail of a chestnut horse are never black. Bays always have black manes and tails. Although his legs are mostly tan/buff at this stage, I can see some black already appearing on his legs. He definitely is going to have black points.
Pam
It won’t be long until you have a precious baby at your side! TT, too! I am so excited and I can barely stand the excitement every time I think of it.
You are so right about the stages of life, Zenny. I needed that bit of wisdom today.
Hope you gave Matt a big kiss on his birthday!
Love you! Take care of yourself and your baby!
Fran
It was a very exciting weekend, and I am so happy that Rachel had a nice healthy foal. It has rained here in Ca most of the weekend and is raining right now. Dozey is in her nice warm stall and all is well. Have a wonderful day Z. Sending you smooches!
Roberta Smith
Hello Pretty Girl! Now that Rachel has had her foal, it makes me so much more excited because it will be really soon for you and thousands will be so happy! Yipee the Giants and Pats playing in the Super Bowl…I am from CT and look forward to a great game! Take care pretty girl…I love you Zenyatta!
Celeste in TX
Oh, I love that photo of you so much, Zenyatta!! You are so beautiful as you go across your paddock to greet your friend to learn the latest news! How fortunate we all are that Sarah was ready with her camera to be able to share the moment with us. Thank you to Sarah!! And a huge belated Happy Birthday to Matt. I know I’m not alone in being so grateful to him for the excellent care that he showers on you, so I do sincerely hope he had a wonderful celebration for his birthday!! Also, along with many others I am thrilled with the news of Rachel Alexandra’s new son and happy to hear that everything went very well for both of them. Of course, we are all so very anxious for your foaling date and will be pacing the floors all over America and most likely the world as we await your big announcement. We are so blessed that Dottie and your Mosses are so generous to share you with us in this way. My heart is happy with you, my Queen.
Stella Bagwell in South Texas
Dearest Zenyatta,
It sounds as though you had a very nice and busy weekend. You look so lovely in the photo today. I can’t wait to see Baby Z—as the rest of your thousand of fans! And I’m sure you’re just as excited to see your little one as we all are.
Congrats to Rachel Alexandria and her beautiful colt!
Love and kisses,
Stel
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Matt–Happy belated birthday!
carol in utah
good afternoon zenny….how are you feeling today….hope all is well with you…
….belated birthday greetings to matt…..i am sure you were on time with yours…
…rachel’s baby is adorable….just saw the video of “first steps”….congrats to her and all of her connections…i am sure curlin is being the proud daddy too…
…..awhile ago…there was a race horse named Silky Sullivan….he had a lot of personality and kind of did his own thing on the race course…at the time the “sports writers” supposedly took an oath to always write about Silky “like he was a horse”…which everyone knew was riduculous….i think that the world thinks you are a horse…but those of us who talk to you know better….you are the unique Queen Z…and that is very different…so kisses for your soft nose and lots for tasty too…..
Randy
carol in utah – I remember Silky Sullivan… he was a come from behind runner like someone else we know! I remember watching his exciting stretch runs and feeling the same thrill I would have many years later watching Zenyatta. Thank you for uncovering that wonderful memory!
carol in utah
Don’t think Z was ever 41 lengths behind….still go to you tube ever once in a while to watch that comeback of Silkys…some set it to “stand on it” by McDaniel……it rocks
Gloria Jeanne in the "O.C." SO CAL
I’m so excited about Zenny having her foal – I must control myself.
I do hope that Baby Z will video of his/her first borness – being born – walking – nursing. It will be so exciting. Dottie, please try and make sure this happens. I know that foals come when they want to – but this is super important to the World. Baby first pictures with Mama Z – WAY TOO CUTE – I can’t wait – I can’t wait!!!! Joy to the World – Zenny’s Foal is Almost here!!!! YIPPIE YIPPIE
Abigail from Montreal
Of course it will! I mean, Zenny’s John is a techno-whizzo and Ann always has her camera handy. I wouldn’t even be surprised if Barbara Livingston was invited to do a portrait!!!!
Sandra Bennington
I just watched a montage of ALL your winning races & your dancing I still get goose bumps watching how great of an athlete you were!!Perhaps you can teach your lil foal to dance!!!!!! Love You:)
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Rachel’s lil colt is just adorable! Love the big white star and two white socks. He looks like a bay, not a chestnut. I love this time of year, good and bad! I’ve helped mares foal so many times and not all went well. I’ve seen many tragedies in the foaling barn and I hope and pray that you will have a safe and positive delivery! In the video of Rach’s colt (first steps), she seems to look at him like, who are you?? Let me sniff your behind. LOL.. Adorable! So, Zen, I’m hoping for early March for you to give birth to you’re bundle of joy!
So, she’s going to Bernie and so is Blind Luck. He’s becoming the MAN in the Stud world, isn’t he?!
Can’t wait for your baby!
Happy be-lated Birthday to your Matt! Matt, thank you for taking such wonderful care of our Queen!
Elena Erdman
Haven’t been active due to my husband’s passing, but am getting into it again.
Queen Z. Thank you for all the news. Happy Birthday Matt!
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
I’m so sorry for your loss!! My sincere condolences.
Judy G
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Elena… Soooo very sorry for you’re loss! Just know that when you come here, you’ll get the love and support to help you through this terrible time!
Celeste in TX
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
Abigail from Montreal
Elena: My deepest condolences, but I’m so very glad to see you posting again. Hugs.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Elena – I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. May you feel the warm support you will find here in your heart. Z love, Dawn
Debbie G/Kentucky
I’m so, so sorry for your loss, Elena. I’ll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Dear Elena, My heart aches for you at your loss. Sincere condolences to you. I hope Zenny’s site will help you cope at this time of personal sadness. Please keep posting.
Maryp (New York)
Elena, I’m so sorry for your loss. No need for sadness here….Zenny and Zsters will help ease the hurt and give you reasons to smile and be happy! Blessings to you.
carol in utah
Sorry for your loss…
Linda Edwards in NJ
I am sorry for your loss.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Elena–we are all so very sorry for your loss. Sending you Z-hugs. Maybe being back here will brighten your days and make them bearable one at a time.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
I am truly sorry for the loss of your husband. I hope time will heal and memories prevail.
Jan S. / Houston
Elena,
My deepest condolence for the loss of your beloved husband.
Elizabeth in NM
Elena,
So glad you are writing about your loss. This website of Zenny’s is such a helpful place of healing. Wish I could give you a hug. I will keep you in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your pain with all of us. We can maybe carry with you some of your hurt.
Kimberly Potter/Montana
Elena~ May you find comfort in knowing that many have you in their thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Stephanie in San Diego
Elena, like so many other, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my prayers and hope you can feel the love and support that is surrounding you here at Z’s place.
Darlene Daniels
Elena, I am sorry for your loss and so glad you are back to this site. There is much love here as I am sure you have already noticed.
Eveline / Maryland.
Elena, I’m very sorry to hear about your loss.
Jeanie
@JAG
I wouldn’t want to see Zenyatta bred to Curlin. I have my reasons too, which are probably similar to your’s. j
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
wink wink ;-) ;-)
Rosemary McCauley - So. Cal.
I also agree for a number of reasons that there should be no Curlin in Zenyatta’s future.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
{{{HUGS}}} Queen Z and Baby z XOXOXOXO
I missed seeing YOUR JOHN and DOTTIE at Santa Anita last Saturday… but I’m glad they had a “day off” – so to speak! I’m sure John was working hard at the barns as usual, and Dottie was busy with racing stuff, too!
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
I posted this late last night/early morning on the previous Diary but, I want to ask for more prayers and candles for my fallen friend!
“I want to mention a friend who was beaten and robbed this past Thursday. I found out about it Saturday and was told that he was transported to UCD, in Sac. A part of his skull had to be removed and replaced with a titanium plate then, his brain swelled more, so they had to go in again. He also has several broken ribs.
According to the PD, the extensive beating was that of a “Hate Crime.” Not just a robbery!
I’m not that religious but, I’m spiritual.. All the Dumplings, please, put forth your prayers and well being for Fred!”
Since I wrote that when I was dead tired I want to add a few things. Or, clarify.
The part of his skull that had to be removed was because, it was shattered. That’s when they put the titanium plate in. Then, his brain swelled and they had to remove more skull. He might loose his left eye as well. Plus 4 broken ribs. The outcome for Fred, does not look good at all! He’s no spring chicken! All of this because of someone’s sexual identity! It’s a Hate Crime and I’m actually happy that the Investigators labeled it as such, that way, they have to do a full investigation and find the thug responsible for doing this to such a fabulous man!
I don’t want to sound desperate but, I am! Please, pass this on so that we can have as many prayers possible and too light candles for him as well, or however you choose to help from far away! Fred is a very dear friend! Thank You!!!
pst… Zenny, love you big mamma to be!!!! :)
Celeste in TX
Aw, that is such an awful thing to happen to anyone and I’m so sorry that it has happened to your friend. All my good thoughts, best wishes and prayers.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Heidi – I am so sorry for what happened to your friend Fred. I will never understand such cruelty in the world. You certainly have my prayers and positive thoughts for your friends recovery and for your troubled heart. Blessings to you both.
Debbie G/Kentucky
Oh Heidi, that is awful! My best friend in the world is gay and I know how cruel people can be. Luckily he takes it very well whenever someone makes a snide remark, but it never ceases to astound me just how mean people can be. I pray Fred pulls through and that they find the bastard that did this.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
I have gay friends too, and it’s stories like this that remind me why I like animals better than people. Unbelievable!; Will pray for dear Fred.
carol in utah
A friend is a precious gift….like famlly we pick for ourselves…hope your friend recovers..just will never understand all the cruelty and hate
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Please join me in the online candle site to light virtual candles for Fred. I have started a group with the name FRED (“initials” as they call it on the site). http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=FRED
Click on an unlit candle, then follow the step-by-step procedure that will in the end allow you to light a candle in the group and see your message posted (if you hover with your cursor over the candle, or click on it) for 48 hours. You can light as many and as often as you wish
Eveline / Maryland.
Just lighted a couple candles for Fred. Thinking about you Heidi, take care.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dear Heidi–we can feel the anguish in your voice. I am so sorry. Praying for Fred AND that he gets justice.
Jan S. / Houston
Heidi,
I work at a trauma center, and unfortunately, I see this all the time. I’m so sorry this happened to Fred. Hoping there will be a good outcome. Many prayers coming his way.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Heidi; I am disheartened with the outragious act of violence to your friend Fred. Why on earth? Geez I will pray to God for his recovery and for him to lead a normal life again once all healed.
Darlene Daniels
I replied to you in a previous diary that I would pray for Fred and I will continue to do so. Rest assured, there is only LOVE on this site. Darlene Daniels
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Thank you for the prayers and the candles and thoughtful words. I’ll let you know more when I find out.
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Trina, thank you for the candle link. I had never done that before and that is very special! Please, everyone, light a candle for Freddie!
Stephanie in San Diego
Heidi, Of course I will pray for your dear friend Fred. Such a horrible thing to happen.
Please keep us posted. Sending Love and Prayers to both you and Fred.
Elena Erdman
Thank you Judy.
How many white socks does Rachel’s foal have? I saw two in the back, is there another one in the front?
Carmela B
Lady Z–RA’s baby is just adorable, with that white “headlight” star on his face…congrats to all, that mom & baby are doing well!
My prediction for you–a filly, born 3/1. Let’s see how good I am at this…my much-loved Quarter Horse’s birthday is on 3/1…he’ll be 22 officially. He’s a dark bay, like you, with a white diamond shaped star…and as special as they come. So as far as I’m concerned, if your baby’s born on 3/1 it’s an omen!
PatB from NM
Have to say, Z, that in this pic you look like it may be a bit harder to get around quickly! I remember the feeling well myself! TOO CUTE! Can’t wait for the pics/video of you and your newborn.
Love you always, Zenyatta.
Kelly J. /ND
HAPPY MONDAY ZENNY! and happy birthday to Matt.Congrats to Rachel Alexandra and her colt. I wonder if your foal will be a colt or a filly?
Carole #42 Eagle, Wisconsin
Happy belated Birthday to Matt and thank you for taking such good care of our QUEEN…congratulations to RA and Curlin on the birth of their boy….and Zenyatta. love your picture just strolling across your paddock…you and TT have a wonderful day and we can’t wait for the arrival of your foals…hugs and kisses on your soft noses. XOXO
Madi
I’d just like to know what we will be calling your baby when he/she is born. I know I’ve heard that you like Driven to Tears, but when will you defiantly have the name picked out? Also, can you give us your baby’s due date? Thank you!
Abigail from Montreal
@ ALL: Now this is really TOO CUTE — Mikey posted a photo of Rachel’s baby boy on his FB page!!!! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Smith-Jockey/122849674424919
It gave me the opportunity to cruise around FB a little and, according to Ellen Morrison (wife of Dolphus Morrison) the little guy reminds her (in colouring) of Samantha Nicole, Rachel’s yearling sister. I hope that’s true, because Sam is one GORGEOUS filly! But she is a bay, although an almost brindled bay, and her highlights are chestnut-ish. It will be fun to watch how he changes over time!
I was also thinking about ZenDot’s message about appreciating each & every day…. When I “discovered” Terlingua (and fell in love with her) she was already in her 20’s and I missed the excitement of her racing career and of her babies being born. But now I can taste what it would have been like through the experience of going through a first pregnancy & birth with Rachel & Zenny. Quite a precious experience.
Darlene Daniels
Abigail, very sweet post! Also, I didnt know Rachel’s sisters name was Samantha. I kind of got goose bumps because my only daughters name is Rachel and my only granddaughters name is Samantha.
Pennsylvania Misty
There’s soooo many wonderful things going on in the racing world!! How about our gals taking HOTY for several years straight??? The girls are getting tougher and tougher to beat each and every year!! And Rachel just had a beautiful colt and this just makes me even MORE excited that our Queen Z will be foaling very soon!!! Wonderful excitement!!! Let’s just admit, without the fillies packing in the excitement, racing just wouldn’t be the same!! :D