Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #427

Mrs. Penny Chenery, her daughter, Kate, and Chris McCarron at the February 5, 2011 Vox Populi Celebration held at Santa Anita Park! Photo by John Shirreffs

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

Reader Interactions

497 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Zen, you spoke so eloquently in your birthday wishes for Mrs Chenery that I would just like to second them. What an honor to have her present in the sport of queens and kings for so long. We are all lucky.

  4. / Reply

    @ Maybe I missed it but what is wrong with Rachael and her colt? I pray it is not serious. Thanks, Shari

    • / Reply

      She is a little sore, that’s all. The trip to Rood & Riddle is for pain management. (Her owner calls herself a “Rachel-chondriac.”) There is nothing wrong with the colt at all. It’s normal practice that he accompany his mother.

  5. / Reply

    I’ve been working on a photo album project for a few months now, re organizing and sorting through family photos representing nearly 100 years of history. So I have a pile of black and white photos in the “California” pile since my parents, my sister and I lived in Los Angeles during 1948-1949. I turned over a couple of pictures of my mom hoping to find something written on the back identifying the exact location. In the pictures she is dressed in a very stylish suit, hat and heels!! On the back of one of the two photos she wrote “at the horse races, Santa Anita”!!!!!! And on the back of the other she wrote, “me with the winning ticket”!! ( I was only 4 at the time, so I’m sure my sister and I stayed at home).

    I was thrilled to say the least to uncover this connection! I had NO IDEA that my parents had ever gone to SA – most of the “California” pictures are of trips to beaches! No wonder I feel such an affinity for THE GREAT RACE PLACE, among many reasons!

    • / Reply

      Sharon, what a fun story. I love old vintage photos and there are a lot fun things you can do with them, such as reproducing the photo to use on Greeting cards, Christmas cards, etc. I also enjoy looking at the fashions of the day. I can’t even imagine myself wearing high heels for a day at the track!

  6. / Reply

    KARI, CYNTHIA H, SUSAN IN TN, AND ALL OTHER DEAR Z FRIENDS WHO ARE MISSING OR NEED A LITTLE Z LOVE AND SUPPORT, YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!! WHEN YOU HAVE DONE THE BEST YOU CAN, LET GO. YOUR MAKER TOOK DELIGHT IN THE MERE IDEA OF YOU BEFORE YOU EVEN EXISTED. BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL!!

    • / Reply

      Dawn: I too had missed your post on your angina attack and so I’m taking this opportunity to wish you only the best of support in coping with it. My Dad had angina and I know a fair amount about it. But the good news is that there is so much that can be done today for angina sufferers compared to the story in the 1960’s when Dad was afflicted. And thank you for reaching out to our “missing” siblings and soul-mates. I must confess to worrying about Kari, Cynthia H and Susan in TN when they are away from us for more than 48 hours….. I love the “delight in the mere idea of you before you even existed” — beautifully expressed, as always. Love & hugs!

      • / Reply

        Abigail, thank you so much for your post, it means a great deal to me!! There is nothing to worry about with me, I posted an explanation below concerning the the misunderstanding. Hope you have been enjoying a wonderful weekend! Love you, Dawn

  9. / Reply

    Dear Zeny: Thanks for telling us it is Mrs. Chenery’s birthday. Wow, 90th birthday.
    I was thrilled to see her that day at Santa Anita signing the posters. Unfortunately by the time it was my turn she had to leave and rest for the award presentation. I have been a fan of hers. The movie, Secretariat, portrayed her as a dedicated, loving daughter and mother and at the same time a strong and courageous woman. She is an inspiration to many of us. Thanks again Zeny. Hugs to you and Tasty.

    Happy Birthday Mrs. Penny Chenery. God bless you with many more.

    Marilu

  10. / Reply

    @Sandy in NE Ohio–no, I didn’t see your post. Have been really busy. Hubby went back to dr. They are doing a bone scan soon to make sure the infection isn’t coming from there. His major problem is side effects from the antibiotics. Thanks so much for caring.
    “Survived” is right! (for the boys). It looked as if they were trying to lose.
    The girls won handily 74-46 over Kansas. We’re not taking it for granted. It’s heady stuff for us Wacoans!
    Dear Z– love you always.

  11. / Reply

    Dearest Queen Z, thanks for your wonderful birthday greeting and tribute to Ms. Penny Chenery, who like you, is one of the all time queens of racing. You honor her as she has honored you, both recognizing the majesty of the other. I wish you also a long and glorious life like she has had. Given her relationship with two of the equine bests of the best, Secretariat and Riva Ridge, she recognized that special quality in you and proclaimed it to the world with the Vox Populi award.

    Ongoing thanks to you and your human voice, Dottie, for sharing all your experiences with us, bringing us news of the racing world and teaching us so much about it. And thanks for affording us a venue for sharing news, humor and info with each other.

    A nicker and a whinny to Tasty and a delighted shout out to Awesome Feather and Mucho Macho Man who have come roaring back to the track with emphatic victories.

    Another high hoof to Black Caviar in her quest for perfection. You set quite a high standard, Zen.

  12. / Reply

    @Dear Sis Dawn, and
    @Judy in South Carolina, Yes I still miss Barbaro so much.
    Dawn I read your post a week or so back and was going to post sooner, but this is so bizaare. You were talking I believe about having an Angina Attact, well I followd Barbaro I believe about from the beginning, saw him win his first race and just knew he was special. When he broke down I was devastated, Yep I was one of the hundreds sending flowers and well wishes. I think my eyes were swollen for the longest time. Well, to make a long story short. Right after he died I had to go to the emergency room several times. Didn’t know what was wrong. Hurting in my chest, It mainly happened at night and early morning. I took a baby aspiring one night and almost stayed up all night. It was a scary thing. It was just a thump or just something going on in my chest. Went to emergency room twice they kept me and checked me out good. Could not find anything. Had to make an appoi;ntment with an internist. I had to wear the heart monitor 24-7 . Dr Thomas asked me if I had anything to happen that was upsettin me really bad. And, I told him about Barbaro. Well they did find it. Didn’t take long, It started doing it while I was trying to sleep. Our Love runs very Deep doesn’t it. Love it is a great and wonderful thing. The human spirti is just wonderful. Our similarties are so similar, aren’t they. Just thought I’ld share this.
    Zenny its getting close, Love Ya very much.

    • / Reply

      My sweet sis. I agree, it is amazing what our heart can express even when our mind doesn’t really realize it. I am so relieved to hear that your problem was resolved with no permanent damage or continued issues. I only had the angina that one time the evening before Barbaro’s passing and it has been fine ever since. We will think of our boy Barbaro today and look forward to the birth of our beloved Zenny’s foal, with all the hope the future brings. Thank you for sharing, our spirits definitely are very much the same! Sending my love, Dawn.

    • / Reply

      So glad it was MVP, Peggy N;
      Usually non troubling medical
      Issue, but with stress can cause
      Chest pain. So glad you are better.

      • / Reply

        Thanks Dawn & Signofthetimes, I like Karen below have learned how to limit stress and yeah leave off as much caffeine as I can as that can aggravate it. It happened to me in 2007. What a scary feeling I can tell you especially when it first happened and I didn’t know what it was. When I got to the emergency room those two times, it didn’t do it at those times. Yeah, it was just trying to make a liar out of me.

    • / Reply

      I finally watched it and found it very engaging. Misgivings, though, because I knew they’d show breakdowns, but I thought they handled it well. It’s a quality product like most of what HBO does.

  15. / Reply

    Don’t forget this is a “special Zenyatta” day! Treat yourself to an apple pear today to honor Z and impending motherhood! This will be one of the last Sundays for a long time for Z without a baby around in one way or another.

    So let’s party!

    TO JOIN IN THE FUN ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS HAVE AN APPLE PEAR!

  16. / Reply

    Dear Dawn, Just read the post from Peggy – I obviously missed your post in which you mentioned the angina attack, it must have happened when I was away from the computer about the time my cousin passed away. How scarey, You were very much in my thoughts last night as I watched a program about a murder in Grand Junction, Colorado and now, this morning, I learn that you have been unwell. Vic and I send our love, best wishes and hopes that you are feeling up to snuff again and that your Mom is doing well. Hugs to you both.

    • / Reply

      Hi, Brenda. No worries. I have been under the weather, but no heart problems, just a simple respiratory infection. I posted the explanation below. Thanks to you and Vic for your concern and best wishes. Mom is doing great. Hugs!!!!!

  17. / Reply

    Good Morning Zenny, It’s snowing this morning and I think that YOU and Tasty would enjoy a nice romp in my back yard, playing in the fresh snow. It does look quite pretty but I’d be very happy if it disappeared by the end of the day. Lots of exciting racing yesterday, wins for YOUR MIKEY, MMM and Awesome Feather, you and Tasty must have been quite busy raising high hooves. Enjoy your Sunday, hope you get treats and join in the apple pear party. Hugs and kisses Zenny.

  18. / Reply

    @Dawn Conrad–I, to, missed the post about your angina attack. Holy cow! I am so sorry. Knew you had not been up to par, but I didn’t know the cause. Do hope you are much better now. Big hugs. My only excuses for visiting less have been work with EANDO and basketball season.

    • / Reply

      Barbara, hugs back to you lady! You are correct, I was under par, but no heart problems. I posted an explanation below. Thank you so much for thinking good thoughts for me!!!

  20. / Reply

    Happy Birthday to Rachel Alexandra!! I hope you have a great day and you’ll be back home romping with your foal real soon.

    • / Reply

      Yes, Happy Birthday Rachel Alexandra.
      Wishing you a speedy healing process
      So you can run in the paddock with
      Your lovely colt. Curlin will be proud!!!

  21. / Reply

    Dear Dawn,
    I hope you are feeling better and are
    Seeing some great medical Personel.

    Thoughts and prayers are with you.

  22. / Reply

    Just saw a wonderful Inside Information (HRTV)
    About Cigar. TOO CUTE, when he got to KY Horse
    Park; he and John Henry would compete for fans to
    Come to their stalls by banging feed buckets and
    Kicking their stall doors.

  24. / Reply

    Oops! I missed some birthday wishes for some Dumplings! Happy belated birthday Matt! You are awesome in taking care of Zenny and lovin’ on her like I would! And all the other Z Dumplings, I wish you all the best there is for the coming year until YOUR DAY rolls around again next year! Birthdays are so special because it is all about YOU! And believe me when I say that “WE” Z’sters all are special and have ‘that something’ which is unexplainable – WE just are!

  25. / Reply

    Dawn C.
    I too have MVP for years – quite common unfortunately. Fortunately, it is not life threatening … although it must be watched and monitored for ANY changes. I must say that I have never had the angina attacks with mine … it is just scary because of the weird things your heartbeat does at times, and it is not a comfortable feeling. It has sent me to the emergency room several times over the years – even to be carried out on a stretcher by the paramedics at work once! Until the doctors found out what it was and I learned to deal with it and that it can be manageable, it is totally hariy! No more trips to the emergency room for me – I just followed the doctors advice and got more excerise and delt with outside pressures and stress and calm myself until it stops. Fortunately I do not require any medication, but it must be checked out often for any major changes that may affect the heart. I do hope that you are much better now and that all is well from now on with you lovely one! Say hello to your dear mom for me too!

    • / Reply

      Dear Karen, I am sorry that you had to experience the scare that I know heart problems can bring. I am very glad that you have been able to manage your situation!! My wish is for you to always be happy and healthy my friend!!!!! Thank you for your concern on my part. I posted an explanation below. I will let Mom know you said hello!

  27. / Reply

    Well I had a yummy breakfast. Thanks Z for the suggestion yesterday when I saw the apple pears at Costco.

    Okay, rather than tell you all the negative that happened in Reno I would like to send you to RTFITCHAUTHOR.COM for a real synopsis of the happenings. Sometimes I see the glass as half full but you need to read for yourselves the dealings.

    Laura and RT also made a video blog that I highly recommend. With RT what you see is what you get. He is as sweet in real life as he seems on video. I know cause I finally got to meet him last Thurs!

    It’s always about the horse. Not me, not humans. Not our own egos. It’s about the horses. How we best can help them. What is ALWAYS first and foremost in their best interest.

    RT’s site is one of the best. Not sure what Ginger Kathrens has been doing of late but thecloudfoundation.org is also another VERY good site to visit.

    I do hope you’ll come and read and watch the videos. Become inspired and learn what is happening in the west.

  28. / Reply

    To all my fantastic Z-friends, I cannot thank you enough for the concern you have voiced for my health today. It means a great deal to me. I do have to clarify, however. The angina attack I described occurred on the evening of January 28, 2007, the day before Barbaro passed away. A couple of weeks ago I wrote a tribute to him and indicated that I was in the hospital at that time and that Mom was worried about telling me the news of Barbaro as she new how much I loved him. Although I have a deep family history of heart problems, my own has been doing great. No more problems since that day. My recent illness was a bad upper respiratory infection that kept me in bed for several days and called for a course of strong antibiotics. It has been slow to go away completly, but otherwise I am fine. Thank you all again for your encouraging get well words. You are all absolutely wonderful!!!!

    • / Reply

      Great news Dawn! But just so you know, in the “clinical phase” of my somewhat varied nursing career, I ran a coronary care unit so I’m always available for consultation!
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      ahhh. . .good news! except of course for the upper respiratory part — sounds like you’re taking good care of yourself – yay, team!!

    • / Reply

      Thank you for clarifying your health situation for all of us worried Z sters, our dear Dawn. So glad you are feeling better, and I send loving thoughts for your good health :)

  30. / Reply

    Dear Z, TT and Z Fans:
    Happy Sunday to you. Hope you girls are as comfortable as possible. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ

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