HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY, MRS. CHENERY!
Good Morning,
What a lovely way to start the day…wishing Mrs. Penny Chenery ALL THE VERY BEST on her 90th BIRTHDAY! From my entire TEAM and all of BARN 55, we would like to send her the warmest wishes and a big HIGH HOOF on her special day!
I was very blessed to meet Mrs. Chenery when she came to Hollywood Park in October, 2010. She was there to present the Trophy for the Ladies’ Secret–G1. For this meet, Oak Tree was held at Hollywood Park. In this race, I was competing to remain undefeated and for my 19th victory in a row. It was quite a day! Mrs. Chenery wanted to come and see ME in the paddock and be there for the event. She commented to the press that “SHE WANTED TO SEE ME DANCE”! She later told them, “I WAS IN HER PRESENCE AND SHE WAS IN COMPLETE COMMAND”. (Blush, Blush)
When I WON…the fans went WILD! This victory now highlighted my career record at 19-0! I remember these moments…all of them…so vividly. During the Winners’ Circle ceremonies, Mrs. Chenery was absolutely lovely. She posed for countless photos and joined in many interviews with THE MOSS’ and MY JOHN. Her comments about ME, my racing career, and my impact on the sport were glowing!
Can you imagine how PROUD I felt! These gracious remarks about ME coming from the woman who bred, raised, and raced the CHAMPION, SECRETARIAT! What a complete honor!
During the next several months, Mrs. Chenery created the Vox Populi Award to honor the HORSE in our industry who did so much during the year to captivate the fans! She personally selected ME to be the first honoree. This season, a committee of professionals in our industry along with the fans voting determined the winner. Rapid Redux was honored and presented with this year’s AWARD!
For all of your years of total devotion and dedication to our SPORT, the Thoroughbred Industry, and the entire breed of THROUGHBRED HORSES, Mrs. Chenry, we truly want to THANK YOU, HONOR YOU, and WISH YOU GREAT JOY on your special DAY! From the bottom of our hearts and souls…WE ADORE YOU!
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Happy Weekend Everyone! Enjoy RACING!)
Z
Gloria
So awesome to acknowledge Mrs. Chenery, Big Mama Z! From the picture above YOUR JOHN took, I was there that day and being in the presence of Penny Chenery along with Team Zenyatta made for one of the greatest days I’ve spent at the track! The only one missing was the Queen herself, but we got to see her via video so she was a part of it too. Great memories. Thank you for all of them, Team Zenyatta!
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Happy Birthday Mrs. Chenery! Wow, 90, that is something! Thank you for all that you have done and all that you will do. Wishing you the happiness and love and many more lovely years!
Happy b-day to Ebby as well.
Zenny, it’s getting closer to “pacing time!” LOL
Perky Green
Happy Birthday Mrs Chaney. We should all live as long. I always thought our big girl Z should have been the first to recieve this glorious award,and so she was.
SarahT
She is an amazing woman and ambassador for the sport. I was lucky enough to meet her a few years ago at an autograph signing, and she was so gracious to everyone. I hope her birthday was wonderful.
Alene
Hi Zenny. Wonderful post. I would like to wish Penny happy birthday as well. I met her at Belmont Park a few years ago. We talked about Secretariat and Riva Ridge for about 20 minutes. We were both going on and on. He was the “Greatest” and you are the “Greatest’ What company to be in. I was very friendly with his first exercise rider,Jimmy Gaffney. Unfortunately, he passed away a couple of years ago. We had a promise that when the movie, “Secretariat” came out we would see it together. He died about 5 months before. Anyway, on a happier note happy birthday Penny!!!90 WOW.. The queen of throughbred racing. Just like you Zenny. Hope your doing great and I love you!!!! Lots of Big hugs and Kisses, Alene
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Alene, thanks for the great little story!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Alene, how wonderful that you were able to spend some time with Ms. Chenery talking about Secretariat!! I am sorry that you and Mr. Gaffney did not get to see the movie together, but I am sure Jimmy is spending some time with Big Red now!
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
I join in all the good wishes for a very Happy Birthday to Mrs. Chenery. What a wonderful woman and such an inspiration to all of us.
Thanks Judy for the link to BC win! Love to see all the enthusiastic fans with their flags.
I was there on that wonderful day of your win and your award presentation. It was just an amazing day. I’m so glad I was at so many of your special days Zenyatta.
It is a lifetime of wonderful memories. Lookin forward to many more when your little bundle of joy arrives! You and TT enjoy your day.
Blessings to all and a safe trip for all horses and riders this weekend. Exciting races ahead.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Delrene, you are one lucky lady to be there on Zenny’s day!!!!
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
“whoops” typing and not proofing! “Looking”
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
Dear Mrs. Chenery,
Happy birthday, you are a very special lady, I thank you for the great things you had done for horseracing, I want you to know that the day Secretariat won the Belmont, my family and friends we were all watching him run and we almost fainted, I have many of his photos, Zenyatta and Secretariat, they are irreplaceable! Ingrid.
Christine in Placerville, CA
Happy Birthday Mrs. Chenery! I too was at Hollywood Park for your 19th win Z! Such an exciting day for all, to get to see both you and Mrs. Chenery in person!! And, without Mrs. Chenery I would not have my wonderful boy who is a great grandson of her wonderful boy, Secretariat. Happy Friday everyone!
Christine
Doreen in CT
Happy 90th Birthday Mrs. Chenery.
It was the love that I had for “Big Red” when I was a girl that made me a fan of horse-racing. The death of Ruffian took me away from the sport for a little while; John Henry piqued my interest again for the time that he was racing. Barbaro’s indomitable spirit, and having been invited into the winner’s circle in 2006 when I went to the Belmont Park for the first time and then a second time a couple of weeks later was truly rare and unbelievable, but it wasn’t until I watched Zenyatta race in 2008 that I would really fall in love with another horse, the way I did with Secretariat and Ruffian.
Zenny – I hope you and Tasty have a great weekend. Thank you for letting me fall in love again with another “great” big beautiful horse and all things thoroughbred. For me personally, both you and Mrs. Chenery will always be connected.
Good Luck and safe trips for everyone this weekend.
Congratulations to Black Caviar on her 17th win.
RIP Bellacourt – an up and coming talent gone too soon.
Congratulations to Summer Bird who sired his first reported foal – a colt out of She Cat (Bluegrass Cat) that was born yesterday at Watercress Farm in Paris, KY: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67186/first-foal-reported-for-champion-summer-bird
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Doreen, what a special post. Thank you for sharing the link about Summer Bird. I got to meet him at Paul’s Mill this last year. He was amazing!! They were very kind and gave me a mug with his picture winning the Belmont. I love it!
Michelle
Yes, she is a special lady indeed. I respected her so much more after seeing the movie “Secretariat”. What a strong woman she is. I remember her saying that you reminded her of Secretariat because he knew he was special and she thought you did too. She said Secretariat would puff himself up in front of people. She commented that your dance and mannerisms were similar in that way. They always say the “greats” seem to know that they are great. You certainly fit the bill Z. The best horse I have ever seen and probably will ever see. Love you always!
Suz CA/TX
How nice to see the picture if Penny Chenery. I was lucky to meet her and get her autograph on a 25th Anniversary poster of Secretariats Kentucky Derby win. Both Penny and the jockey were at the Kentucky Horse Park to honor and remember the victory. What a honor for me and of course the autographed poster hangs proudly on my wall……close to your fabulous picture I too got autographed at YOUR PARTY at BC this year. Such great memories.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Suz, how fun!
Pat Cannon
Happy birthday, Mrs. Chenery! I was lucky enough to meet this gracious lady a few years ago. Secretariat won the Triple Crown the year I graduated high school (I was at his Derby). Thanks so much to you Zenyatta for taking the time to keep all of your fans up to date on everything in the industry.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
That’s great!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Happy birthday to the great lady, Mrs. Chenery!
LeslieA
Thought everyone might enjoy this wonderful story about another champion!
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7506022/lingering-storm
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Chenery!
Cheryl Y
Leslie A, THANK YOU so much for the link to the great article about STORM CAT,I had missed that one. I had the priveledge to work for the trainer of Storm Cat and in the barn where he resided in Pa.It was kind of like barn 55 and anyone that visited wanted to know which stall was Zenyatta’s.In our barn everyone wanted to know which stall did Storm Cat live in.I worked with many of his progeny and most of them had the same attitude that he had and were as regal and beautiful as he is.A great horse who definately reproduced himself !
Max
Great article about Storm Cat. I like him and Dynaformer.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Leslie, thank you for the great link! Cheryl, that is amazing! I loved everyone asking what stall he had! I tried to see if Overbrook would allow visitors last year when I was in Lexington, but they said with the closer of the farm (which was very sad), they just did not have the staff available. I am sure he has a fantastic life, but I always feel a little disappointed that great ones like Storm Cat cannot be seen by the fans after their retirement.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Dear Kari Bussell— On Saturday at Santa Anita, Mike Smith will be up on a couple horses who made me think of you—Enduring Promise in the 2nd and Lady of Shamrock (appropriately the green #5 in the 3rd!).
Best of luck to them and to you!
casey
I had the pleasure of spending my birthday watching you race to your 19th win at HP. You gave me a great birthday present!!! I also had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Mrs Chenery at SA when she presented the first ever Vox Populi award. Such a lovely, charming lady. I told her that “Red” was responsible for igniting my love of horse racing. She told me that “Red” was a LOT like YOU!!! He loved people and would pose for the camera. I told her I wished I could have met Red in person, but I had gotten to meet you in person. We both agreed that you deserved the title of Queen :)
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Casey, love it!
SHERRY DRISH WV.
FIRST I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HELPED SAVE THE HORSES . GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS. MRS CHENERY A VERY SPECIAL HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. I STILL LOVE TO WATCH BIG RED ON YOU TUBE. I KNOW THAT IT MUST MAKE YOU SO PROUD TO HAVE BEEN THE OWNER OF THE MUST POPLAR STALLION. WE ARE NOW WAITING FOR THE QUEEN TO HAVE HER FIRST FOAL. THERE ARE SO MANY WONDERFUL HORSES IN THE WORLD. I AM PROUD OF MY HORSES, EVEN THOUGH I CALL THEM HAY BURNERS..GOD BLESS TO ALL, SHERRY DRISH.
Pati
One beautiful April day, in fact the first day, or April’s Fool, a very special filly was born. No one, not the breeder, not the care-takers, not the auctioners, not the buyers, not the trainer, not the jockey, knew that this gangly, fuzzy filly, with parts unproportional for one so young, would grow up to become a titan. One of the Greatest the Sport of Kings had ever seen. A daughter of Street Cry, she would make her daddy proud. Her mother as well. She would shake the ground, and all around her, even when relaxed, it rumbled like thunder. Her flashy dagger-like blaze would become iconic. Her high stepping action would be reprinted on posters and t-shirts alike.. Her ears were always forward, never back. She had her two socks on her back feet, and a song in her heart.
It is said that when God created this filly, a little angel sat in the back, and watched Him curiously. As God stroked the filly’s face, her dagger shaped blaze appeared, and the angel asked,” What is that for?”
He replied,” This will be her symbol of power, and her unending grace.”
Then He picked up, one at a time, the filly’s back feet. As He did, around her hooves, the fur became white. Again the angel asks,” What is that for?”
God simply replies,” This will give her a breath-taking, come-from-behind run. One so special, it will captivate an entire nation, and maybe, just maybe, even the world. It will also give her sound feet, so that she may be shared and enjoyed for years to come.”
Then He whispered into the filly’s ears. Her ears pricked forward and never went back again. The angel asks,” What did you tell her?”
“I told her to always look forward, never back. Always be gentle, and kind. Give your heart and soul with everything you do, and you will achieve greatness.”
Then, He did a rather curious thing. He picked up a silver flute, and played a lively tune. The filly began to dance to His music, and a bright, joyful light appeared in her eyes.
The angel clapped along, and when the music ended, he asked,” What was that for?”
God said,” This is her signature dance. One that will make people realise that they are not so terribley different from one another, and bring great joy and happiness. One that will bring a nation to its feet, and bring it together like never before.”
The angel considered this, and sat for a long time thinking.
As he did so, God said,”I have a family, a family who have done so much for others, and never asked for anything in return.”
“Who?” asked the angel.
“Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Moss. A trainer named John Sherieffs, and a jockey, Mike Smith.”
The angel’s eyes got very wide.
“The one you took his hair from?”
God laughed and the filly replied with her own form of laughter. As this happened, she absorbed some of His laughter, and forever more, anyone who came in contact with her, always experienced an aura they could never explain.
“What horse do you plan to give them?”
God smiled and placed his hand on the filly’s head, and said,” This one.”
I hope you enjoy it. It was not intended to offend anyone, it was just something I wrote in my spare time. Please don’t take any offense.
Oh, I finished another banner, this one took me three days.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2575149145783.2114878.1465966222&type=1#!/photo.php?fbid=2575149385789&set=a.2575149145783.2114878.1465966222&type=3&theater
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Very, Very nice! :-D
Where you from? You don’t list your State or Country…
Judy G
Pati
I am from the United States, and I am currently in North Carolina.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Nice!
Cheryl Y
Pati,nice story,it made me well up with happy Zenyatta tears !! Thanks for sharing!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Absolutely beautiful. Thank you!
sharon in seattle
I couldn’t open the link to the banner : (
Pati
You might have to highlight, copy, and paste to your browser.
Keta
That was lovely!
Thank you.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Oh, Pati, this is marvelous! Like Cheryl Y said, tears welled in my eyes too. So beautiful–thank you.
Like Sharon, I also was unable to view the banner—even with copying and pasting, it said “temporarily unavaible, ” I’m sorry to say.
Pati
Ok, I will try to doctor it up, and I will let you know when I have fixed it.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Pati:
Thank you. Hugs, JB
Judy from South Carolina
THAT was BEYOND words, Pati! You should be a writer. May I have your permission to print that out (only for my own use of course!)?
What a beautiful, whimsical, touching story of the creation of Our Queen. LOVED it!
Pati
Of course you may. Thank you so much for enjoying it!
Celeste in TX
That is beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us. Wow. There are so many talented people on this diary.
Sue Colvin -NJ
that was awesome pati
very beautifully written
i love it
Terry Crow
Wonderful and moving story.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
This is a beautiful story Pati! Thanks for sharing it with us. I gather that you are a “young” person. Hope you will pursue some type of career in writing. I couldn’t open the banner either, but i guess you know that by now.
Pati
Yes ma’am. I am 16, soon to be 17 in June. I want to pursue journalism as a minor, but I really want to major in equine business. What in that branch, I do not know yet.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Pati, that was one of the most beautiful stories it has been my joy to read. It came from your heart and touched mine. I hope to read more from you!! Bless you and thank you for your remarkable words!! Z love, Dawn
Pati
I’m glad you have enjoyed it. It really means a lot to receive such high praise from some of the greatest Queen Z fans in the world.
I believe the problem is that unless you sign in to FB, the banner will not display. My mom tried to access it from here, and she clicked on it, but it said unavailable. SHe signed in to her account, and it displayed. I don’t know why the other is displayed, and this one isn’t but I am doing my best to fix that problem.
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Pati:
What a very nice story. Really nice.
Robin - Ventura CA
I should have not read that at work, tears are streaming down my cheeks! That was so beautiful..
Thank you from the bottom of my hear!
Pati
Oh, and Mrs. Chenery, have a VERY VERY Happy Birthday. May you live a long and happy life.
Andrea
Beautiful!! That’s a wrap!!!
LeslieA
Beautiful, Pati! Thank you!
Rose Bucknet
Dear Ms. Chenery,
Happiest of Birthdays!! I hope you are celebrating in style, surrounded by people who love you. Judging from the number of good wishes on this website, it seems safe to say you are surrounded by love! I treasure the time we spent together in Lexington. I will never forget your warmth, graciousness, and most of all, your sense of humor.
Happy Birthday to you, and many more!
Warmly,
Rose Buckner
Chicago
Leewood
Happy B-day! Still trying to get a SECRETARIAT license plate in VA.
WHEN it happens, mine is Z20669 ;)
Donna from Baltimore
Happy Birthday Mrs. Chenery! What an example you set for ALL females! You are one of my personal heroes. Thanks, Dottie, for conveying the Queen’s gracious thoughts on this day (and every other one, too)!
Tabbie jensen
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mrs. Chenery! you are my role model and you are one of the most important people in this world. You are a great woman. I want to be just like you and make history in the horse racing world. I hope you are happy and enjoy life!
— Tabbie
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Rachel Alexandra makes precautionary trip to hospital :-(
http://www.drf.com/news/rachel-alexandra-makes-precautionary-trip-hospital
Get well wishes, Rachel and Baby Curlin! Rachel, your birthday is on Sunday, Sweetie! XO
Jan S. / Houston
Prayers and love coming your way Mama Rachel. Get well soon.
Margaret
Double that! OMG! Rachel I hope you get well soon!
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Fortunately, it sounds like she is just sore–nothing serious. As for the foal, well, he’s gotten an early start on trailering.
Pam Homeier
Prayers for you sweet Rachel!
Celeste in TX
Yikes! Stuff like that scares me, but I’m sure hoping they are just taking precautions with Rachel. Thanks for letting us know. :(
Carole #42 Eagle, Wisconsin
To a great lady HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mrs. Chenery, and many more.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Eblouissante and good luck in all your races. Zenyatta love to YOU always and waiting patiently ( Oh, my ) for the birth of Z/B. Love you too TT. XOXO
Barbara Wood (Texas)
THANK YOU< CANADIAN DUMPLING for putting us over the top to save the horses. What an awesome feeling it, is, and thanks to everyone who made it possible!
@Jeanie–looking forward to the pictures.
Prayers for Rachel and foal.
Margaret
Z what a LOVELY blog today. Today of all days I really needed to come to a safe place for some healing.
There are things that I will report on this weekend concerning Reno and Carson City the past couple of days. But I don’t want to poison the day by talking about it.
Happy happy birthday to Mrs. Chenery. One of the kindest most lovely lady you will ever meet. I met Mrs. C at Saratoga in Aug 2009. She willingly took a photo that I had brought with me from CA to New York of General Assembly. General was out of Secretariat’s second crop, came in 2nd in his Derby and set the track record for the Traver’s Stake which stands today. This was way back in 1979. He ran it in 2 mins.
General outlived his poppa. He lived til he was 29. While he wasn’t a top stallion (like Dynaformer) he was so handsome. He had the same red coat that his poppa had. He also had three white stockings (white leg markings that go up higher on the leg than just around the ankle). His front stocking was on the opposite leg than Secretariat.
He was so kind and gentle at Spendthrift. He let me pick up a foreleg and never tried to kick me or bite my rear. He nuzzled my hand but never tried to bite or nip. He let me scratch his neck on the right side and stretched his neck out and grunted and groaned. I had never heard a horse do that before. And then I realized that he was just loving it and felt very good. And that was a priceless moment for me.
I still have General’s picture hanging in my living room. While its not perfect (its underexposed) its the best one I have of him. And for that I’m grateful. Cause it helps me remember.
Thank you Mrs. C for all you do for the horses. For all the joy you brought all of us sharing your fabulous horse with us. I hope you have the best day ever.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Lovely post about General Assembly, Margaret. Thanks for sharing.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Margaret what a wonderful story about General Assembly!! It was too cute, that he stretched his head out and groaned. You both were enjoying each others company at the same time!! He loved the attention and you received a “priceless moment”, how amazing is that!
Linda Edwards in NJ
Margaret: This is a great story of General Assembly. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Eveline / Maryland.
An other great blog by Barbara Livingston celebrating the great race mare Moni Maker. Be sure to watch the video’s! http://www.drf.com/blogs/paying-tribute-moni-maker
Doreen in CT
Eveline – thanks for the link. Moni Maker is the “Grand Dame” of harness racing. We (Connecticut) received between 1 ½ to 2 feet of snow that morning. The majority of the snow had fallen in a span of six hours. When I heard the news the morning of the collapse, my thoughts were: Are they talking about Lindy Farms and could one of the horses be Moni Maker? All that was mentioned was that a barn roof had partially collapsed in Somers. I was relieved to know that Moni Maker had survived the collapse, but it was very sad that two of their other broodmares (mom and daughter) had to be euthanized because of their injuries. There are so few trotters (my favorites) compared to pacers in harness racing, which makes what she accomplished even more special.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Eveline, thank you for the great link. Moni Maker is amazing! I have to say the zebra was pretty cute too!!