Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #440

I love looking at CLOUDS! Photo by John Shirreffs

Happy Friday!

I’ve shared the clouds and sky Tasty and I see from our Lane’s End paddock with you on many occasions. At about 5 o’clock Wednesday, MY JOHN and Dottie were running an errand in Arcadia and they just had to take this photo. The FOOTHILLS looked as though one could literally touch them…and the trees on the mountaintop were so precisely outlined. The CLOUDS were equally amazing. It appeared as though they were hugging the mountains in a soft and gentle way. What an amazing sight! It is so special to take a moment and enjoy views like this and all of the beauty they offer.

Thank you for the LOVELY COMMENTS about my life-size bronze that is going to be installed at Santa Anita this fall. I must say, I am truly excited about this. It is like I will still be with ALL of you each day at the races. I’ll be right there…by the path I took to the paddock for some of my most exciting races…including my 2 Breeders’ Cup victories. WOW!

I hope you are all getting ready for a FUN weekend of racing. There are 3 year old stakes taking place at various tracks around the country, ANIMAL KINGDOM returns to the races….and BLACK CAVIAR (Aus) goes for #19 on Saturday. She is running in the Coolmore Lightning Stakes-G1 at Flemington in Australia. The race is 1000 meters on the turf. She is shortening up for this race. Her last race was at 1400 meters. Black Caviar will carry 125 pounds in her quest for another victory. From what I’m hearing, the race will run at 12:10 a.m. EST.

I’m sending her a HIGH HOOF for GOOD LUCK! Her accomplishments are something to truly be admired. Etching one’s place in the record books is not an easy thing to achieve. All the best to you on Saturday, BLACK CAVIAR (Aus)!

Many of you have asked HOW I AM DOING? I am doing extremely well. I am due at the beginning of March…but from what I am hearing from Charles and Mike….maiden mares ‘can do their own thing’. Since I have never done this before, meaning have a foal, …it is getting really exciting. My pals here at the farm did tell ME to relax, it is still early. It is only February 17th. So, I am listening to their sage advice! I’m taking life easy, enjoying my time outdoors, and all of these precious days before the big event! The same concept applies to TASTY as she is on the exact schedule I am. This is all TOO CUTE!

Have a great weekend and enjoy the PRESIDENT’S DAY observation on Monday. Many businesses are closed…but several tracks will be open for an additional day of racing. Have fun, handicap lots of winners, and enjoy yourselves.

With Love,
Hugs to All~ (A HIGH HOOF to Chrissy and Steve on their wedding!…She’s Dottie’s niece!)
Z

Reader Interactions

813 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Hey Z, Happy Friday.

    I am tingling with excitement awaiting the “big day” for you & Tasty. I know it’s a little early yet, don’t want you girls to deliver before the babies are good & ready. I hope you will be able to share Tasty’s baby with us as well. How long will it be before you & Tasty will be in the same paddock after the babies are born? I know you will both be quite busy with your little ones.

    Still think about that magical night at Keeneland and get tears in my eyes.

    Love you, Big Mare

    • / Reply

      Kim, I think that night in Keeneland must be one of the most magical nights of Zenyatta’s life. That you all waited in the freezing cold to express your warm love for her and to welcome her to Kentucky with open arms was just amazing!!!

  2. / Reply

    Added to my last entry… Bernardini is so stunning to look at. We all know Z is too. This baby has some fantastic genes. Anyway, the video explained why they made a good match in various catagories. Perfect to see it again before the ” Big Day”.

  3. / Reply

    Happy Friday
    Love the view that you and Tasty both have congrats on the bronze statue in your honor. PACE PACE PACE the first thing I do in the morning when I get up is go to your facebook page to see if there is any news I pray that all will go alright for you any Tasty and you both have an easy birth. take care Zennyatta love ya

  4. / Reply

    Dottie and John, thank you for the photos you share. I hope to come to Arcadia and Santa Anita.
    I hope there is a Breeder’s Cup Zenyatta party?????
    Hugs and Prayers

    Anxious for the little one to arrive and for mommy and baby to be healthy

  5. / Reply

    Hi Zenny – I am just thrilled to hear you are doing well and RELAXING – I am trying to do the same.

    We are fast approaching the 100,000 FACEBOOK FAN MARK – We are short 1,517 as of right now 2/17/2012 at 9:15 AM Pacific Time. We have about 12-15 days depending on when Zenyatta has her foal – since she is a maiden mare – we don’t really know for sure since she can do her own thing – Too Cute!!!

    So again, please have all your friends – family – co-workers – students – Friend Zenyatta on her FACEBOOK PAGE to get her to 100,000 before she foals – this would be TOO CUTE and something that WE CAN DO FOR HER AS AWESOME FANS!!!!

    Thanks – Hugs to ALL

  6. / Reply

    Dear Zenny,

    After watching the Westminster i’m wondering what breed of dog the lovely Sophie Shirreffs is. I’m thinking that she is a Bischons Frise? Also, how old is Sophie? If any one knows please share. Also, any current breeding news about Life Is Sweet?

    Sincerely,
    Dan

    • / Reply

      Dear Dan:

      Sophie’s a Toy Poodle. Don’t know how old she is. I’m guessing around 5 or 6 years old. I have a tiny toy poodle myself, Lola Mae. She will be 4 years old in March. Hugs, JB

        • I didn’t know that LIS was bred to Bernie! Wow, can’t wait for that foal! Always loved LIS! Thanks for the update.

  7. / Reply

    Thankyou for reminding us to take time out each day to smell the roses. We have such busy lives that its easy to forget.
    Congratulations again on being honoured with a life size statue!!! I wonder what pose will be decided on and whether you’ll be wearing a saddle or not. Can’t wait to see it.
    Hope you and Tasty have a nice relaxing w/e hugs and kisses !!!

  8. / Reply

    hi Z! Happy Friday to YOU and Tasty! Have a wonderful long weekend! The Arcadia photo is beautiful! Thank YOU for sharing so so much with us, it truly is the highlight of my each and every day and I miss hearing from YOU on the weekends;) Will YOU ever be able to have visitors at Lane’s End? I so want to visit you!!! Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo

  9. / Reply

    For anyone interested in Black Caviar’s race….TVG’s website says they will be airing it live tonight. Go Black Caviar!!!! Love you Z!

  10. / Reply

    Yeah, those beautiful clouds. I remember living in the Santa Clara Valley, where San Jose sits (North Calif) and watching the clouds/fog roll in over the mountains from the Pacific. I felt like I was sitting in bowl. But then again, I guess valleys ARE a bowl :)))
    Have a great weekend all. Zen and Tasty, we’re all pacing in our respective places.
    Take care all.

  11. / Reply

    ♥♥♥ ♥♥♥ ♥♥♥
    Good morning Z One Z Only!

    I see that snow is in the forecast for you, Sweetie – you and Tasty be sure and stay warm! We are having nice weather here in California.

    I will be at Santa Anita tomorrow. I will stop by and tell John Henry about YOU arriving this year – I image he will give me a big smile LOL I just hope security keeps people off of you. John Henry has had more than one person climb on him (liability!), so I doubt that YOU will be an exception! Crazy people!!! Not only is it dangerous, it’s disrespectful!!!! HOWEVER, if YOUR JOHN puts little SOPHIE on the base like he did with JH, well that will be just TOO CUTE!!!

    March 9th ——– 3 weeks from today — could it happen?! We will wait and see what God has in store for you (and Tasty). It is also photography day at Santa Anita. My hope is that IF you deliver that day, SA will put the announcement on the big screen and/or Trevor makes the announcement ———– think PINK!!

    In my ♥ Always and Forever
    Judy G

    ♥♥♥ ♥♥♥ ♥♥♥

    • / Reply

      Is March 9th really only 3 weeks away? Maybe I will make it out to photography day this time, since I have the day off AND a new lens that needs to be put through its paces … It would be TOO CUTE if Trevor announced the birth of your foal on JH’s birthday! Do you think he would say “This is unbelievable!”? ;-)

      • / Reply

        @ Julie
        It’d love it if he did!!! ♥
        I’m so nervous I don’t know if I’d rather be at home sitting by the computer – or be at the track and get the news there!! :-P

        If the Z’sters at the track when we get the news, we’ll all be jumping up and down causing the rafters to shake once again……. just like BC 2009!

        MAJOR PACING………. and more gray hairs!!! :-))))

    • / Reply

      I love snow leopards. I’ve seen a film or two on Planet Green and Nat Geo Wild about these beautiful cats. Cheetahs are my favorite of the “big” cats. I saw on Westminster Dog Show that the Anatolian shepherds are being bred and given to the tribes around the Serengeti to take care of their cattle, sheep and goats rather than the tribes shooting the cheetahs and other large cats. I hope this is wildly successful as we don’t need to lose any more of these beautiful animals.

    • / Reply

      Thanks! Such a cool link. I love all those big cats, too and have a very hard choosing which is my favorite, but snow leopards are right up there.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for posting this Judy. I’ve been in love with snow leopards ever since I saw them at the Cincinnati Zoo many years ago. They are breathtaking beautiful.

  13. / Reply

    Zenyatta,

    Happy Friday to you and Tasty too.. I’m sure all the mom’s out there will agree with me, it’s only natural to get anxious and nervous as time gets closer, especially for first time mommy’s.. It won’t be long now Big Sweetie you and Tasty hang in there and get plenty of rest. Hope Black Caviar can win her raphotosce tomorrow. John takes some fabulous photos, he must carry his camera around wherever he goes. ;)

  15. / Reply

    Hey baby girl, so glad to hear about your lifesize statue. I can’t wait for the Breeder’s Cup so that I can see it and take hundreds of pics at different angles. You are so amazing Zenyatta, you have a great weekend baby girl. Love you.

  16. / Reply

    Zenny.. Can you feel your baby moving about and is he/she very active?
    Can you feel it when the baby has hiccups as with humans?
    I hope when the time comes for the arrival, that it will be painfully beautiful.
    The moment it happens, may your pain be forgotten and the joy begin.
    Good Luck Zeeny and see you soon.
    J

  17. / Reply

    What a beautiful photo of the San Gabriel Mountains. Did you know that for its size, the San Gabriel Mountain range is the steepest in the world?

    Anxiously waiting for the day when this blog announces YOUR big day.

  18. / Reply

    A wonderful reminder of the beauty that surrounds us!
    Here in the Valley of the Sun we have hills & mountains around us.
    The sunrises & sunsets can be breathtaking.
    Love the way the clouds nestle in.
    Thank you for the update on how you are doing.
    We care and are concerned for your well-being as well as your foal.
    So, positive news is very good news.
    Have a relaxed & peaceful weekend!

    Go Black Cavier! Go Jeremy Lin & Knicks!

  19. / Reply

    Just wanted to say HI! I’m sure your bronze will be as spectacular as you were. I saw that your little sister Eblouissante worked out again today. Cross your hooves. Maybe we’ll be seeing her race very soon now.

    • / Reply

      I read in Bloodhorse a day or so ago that a group called Thoroughbred Aftercare Association has been formed that will address on a national level the care of OTTB’s. In this last year, I have read about a number of individual associations that have been formed to address and start retirement funds for thoroughbreds. It’s a start in the right direction. Now, if we could only get Washington on board with this and stop the transportation of all horses to Canada and Mexico and, most recently, the sneaky signing of a bill to start back up funds to inspect horse slaughter plants in the US. One step/brick at a time. There is progress being made.

    • / Reply

      Dear Laura J.:

      Thank you so much for the link to Westpoint Thoroughbred’s new Retirement Program. That kind of program is exactly what’s needed by all the owners and breeders of TB’s in order to end the slaughter and throw-away mentality that exists now. I hope all stables follow Westpoint’s lead. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Laura J
      Thank you so much for all of the wonderful information and education you provide (especially to us horse “newbies”) not to mention your extraordinary PATIENCE and never mentioning that you’ve answered a question about a hundred times :-)
      Sandy

  22. / Reply

    Dear Z, TT, and Z family,

    My ankle is getting better. I can stand on it, but I have no forward motion in it as of now.

    James is quite the lady’s man. He has already dazzled some of the mares at the ranch in TN, and he has a few girlfriends. ;)

    I have joined the pacing commity, and I am wearing out a hole in my floor ( on one leg none of the less) and I am sooo very excited for the foal! Not too long now!

    I sent in my name for Rachel’s colt. Even if I don’t win, I can’t wait to see what they decide to name the fiesty little fellow!

    I started selecting colleges, as I have one year left in high school starting June 7th, and I must say, there is quite an over-whelming choice range! I found a school in New York, Kentucky, California, and one in my home state near the beach. I really want to go to the one in New York, but I worry about what the cold may do to my joints, as mine are not in the best shape. Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas when it comes to selecting a college? I know this is off topic, but it helps to have a second opinion.

    • / Reply

      Pati if I may be so bold to ask what is your major? At least as this point what do you think you’d like to do?

      Not sure if your arthritic but if so–anything with a wel climate will cause your joints a lot of pain. Funny enough it drizzled a bit earlier this week where I live and I was huddled into the fetal position for several days. Major pain and muscle cramps. It wasn’t fun.

      Then on Tues when we got the word that Laura Leigh had prevailed with the Ninth Circuit Court on Appeal for her First Amendment case I started very slowly getting better. It still hurts some but I can walk a bit better and my knee doesn’t feel like its gonna buckle.

      And again if I can be so bold as to ask what state you live in–have you given any thought to correspondence schools? A friend did that for their teaching degree and YES it was accepted and they have been teaching ever since.

      • / Reply

        I want to major in equine business i.e. bloodstock agent.

        ;o I am sorry that it causes you so much pain! I don’t think I am arthritic as my doctor hasn’t told me much about it, but my ankles are terrible, for example, the situation I am in currently is a beautiful example of my pathetic ankles! LOL

        I live in North Carolina. There is one school in my entire state that has equine business, and it is the one I mentioned that I had found above.

    • / Reply

      Dear Pati,,

      Of course your family and doctor can help guide you in the direction best suited for your health situations. I am not sure what your joint issue is, however my daughter has Lupus and of course joint inflamation is a large part of the disease. She is a California girl who had never really been in cold weather and I was very nervous about the weather, but she was bound to go to NY. The good news…is she did fantastic in NY. I am not sure why, but she actually had fewer (or less severe) flares in the the cold. You are at such and exciting time. Enjoy the process of finishing high school and investigating your college options. Will be praying for you and your future.

      I also sent a name in for Rachels little guy. Just fun….know I an not nearly creative enough to win ))

      Margaret…hope you are feeling better.

  23. / Reply

    A Birthday Poem for Betty
    (February 17, 2012)

    Our dear Betty
    Knows Z’s likely not ready
    To foal today—
    Otherwise she did say
    She’d love to share
    Her own birthday
    With the first-born
    Of the beloved mare.
    While little ZB awaits a later morn,
    We hope, dear Betty,
    On this, your special day,
    A wonderful array
    Of other delights will come your way.
    Happy Birthday, and many, many more!

  24. / Reply

    Dear Zenny,
    Nina did tell me your secret last year and no
    Information was let out of the bag. I have been
    Waiting for the big announcement from you.
    Nina is so very very talented; I love when
    She says at one point the statue comes alive
    And It did when she patted your rump. That is
    A wonderful gesture we humans bestow on our
    Horses, along with rubs between the eyes and rub
    “where the cats go” and “where the dogs go” like
    Monty Roberts says. I love when he says the horses
    Book is 5000 years old and his is only 3, alluding
    To the fact that we must listen to what our horses
    Tell us, so very important.

    Yes, please relax and take in all of the beautiful scenery
    Before your foal comes, as there will be no time
    To look at the sky, you will be ichasing and following
    That foal your every waking minute. So glad that the
    Soothsayers at LE are teaching you to relax and continue
    To exercise so that foal will “pop out”, I guess that
    Is the way horses do it so very lucky; humans not so
    Lucky. Have a wonderful day, keep knitting your pink
    And teal booties and run around that paddock.

    When humans walk during labor it makes every thing
    Go quicker; may be that will work for you.
    XXXXOOOO

  27. / Reply

    YEAH Big Z!!!!

    We are all anxiously on stand by!!! What a fabulous early birthday present for You (April 1st) and Daddy (March 23rd)!!! The first month of your baby’s life will be filled with glory, wonder, and beauty as you watch he or she take their first steps, their first gallop, and kick up there heels and become the little superstar we all know they will inevitably be!!

    CAN’T WAIT!!!

  28. / Reply

    Thank you for sharing your John’s wonderful photo – the color is lovely, too. What a scenic area to live in! I’ve always loved cloud pictures, too, but mine usually end up looking like out of focus gray blobby stuff – a skilled photographer I am not.

    It is great to see that you and Tasty are doing so well and enjoying your peaceful days as you wait for your foals. We are all so excited – I’m pacing just like everyone else who frequents this diary, but I want the time to be right so the foal is full term and healthy and you and Tasty have easy deliveries. We love you so much, my Queen!

  29. / Reply

    @ DOTTIE
    When I left the track a couple of Saturday’s ago, I was stopped at a red light. When I looked into my rear view mirror I saw YOU!! You had your glamour shades on. I wanted to wave, or turn around, but I thought it best NOT to because I didn’t want you to think I was stalking you OUTSIDE THE TRACK!

    I was wondering if you noticed my license plate frame: “I love Queen Zenyatta” It used to be pink but has faded. It’s the frame I took into Del Mar for Z’s last Clement Hirsch race when Ann saw it. The Benoit photographer captured me with my face in the middle of the frame and took a pic of me – blush blush! I bought the picture from Benoit, however, the way the sun (or lack of) hit my face, my eyes are darker than my face, so I look like Rocky Raccoon :o)))))

    I also have a John Henry decal on the rear window of the driver’s side of my car, and a Zenyatta decal on the passenger’s side – whenever I pay for parking at the track the attendants make a comment – TOO CUTE!

    I just put my car on “auto pilot” when I’m headed to the track………..

  30. / Reply

    Happy weekend ladies “Z” & “T”. We are due to get some snow this weekend. Yipee! So much fun. Stay warm and dry and do be careful. We tend to get a little less sure of our selves in the last months of pregnancy
    Love , hugs and kisses

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