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

    @Rosemary McCauley, Denise in AZ and Diana S, charter members of Arizona/New Mexico chapter-You might be a redneck if you pronounce all one syllable words with two. @Darlene Daniels, president of Indiana chapter-You might be a redneck if you think the Franklin Mint is an air freshener. @Marty R, president of Colorado chapter-You might be a redneck if you think doctorin’ involves momma’s sewing kit and a jug. @Stephanie in San Diego and Vicki B, members of California chapter-You might be a redneck if youi have a relative living in your garage. @JUdy Berube, president of New England chapter-You might be a redneck if you have a DVD in your collection titled “Hunting Dog Orgies.” @Marshall, president of North Carolina chapter-You might be a redneck if every vehicle in your garage is some kind of truck. @Debbie G, president of Kentucky chapter-You might be a redneck if you ever named one of your kids Junior, Jr. @Sue Fredrick and Sally B, charter members of Wisconsin chapter, presidency to be determined-You might be a redneck if you lost your camera lens during your colonoscopy. @signofthetimes, president, and Barbara Wood, charter member of Texas chapter-You might be a redneck if you had the word “finally” added to your mother-in-law’s funeral pamphlet. @Brenda S, president, and Abigail in Montreal, member of Canadian chapter-You might be a Canadian redneck if you think bluetooth is a disease hound dogs get. @carol in Utah, president of Utah chapter-You might be a redneck if you’ve ever pulled a tooth because it was too white. @Sandy in Northern Ohio, president, and Shari Voltz, charter member of Ohio chapter-You might be a redneck if you’ve thrown away your toilet brush and switched to paper. @Sue Colvin, president of New Jersey chapter-You might be a redneck if you go to Wal-Mart to see who can get the highest reading on the blood pressure machine. @Susan in TN and Kari Bussell-You might be a redneck if you wonder why there isn’t a hair style called “the hat line.” You might be a redneck if you know women with male names (Tommie, Jimmie, etc.). You might be a redneck if you never turn down jury duty because, chances are, it will be a family reunion. You might be a redneck if you have ever put a soap dispenser label on a bottle of hydrocholoric acid and waited to take a video to send to America’s Funniest Videos. You might be a redneck if your town put the new garbage truck in the Christmas parade.

    • / Reply

      Great jokes again Terry. I do happen to know a girl named Tommie. I guess I really am a redneck! I’m really sorry about the loss of your ex sister-in-law. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.

    • / Reply

      Terry, the one about throwing away “your toilet brush and switched to paper” really made me laugh, thanks! But the “bottle of hydrocholoric acid” I’m glad is only a joke here — I remember chemistry class, and that would’ve been too scary, no joke!

    • / Reply

      Terry Crow, Oh my gosh, now I lost all those once in a lifetime pictures ! LOL,LOL

      So sorry about the loss of your sister-in-law, this sure has been a tough year for you, my prayers go out to you.

    • / Reply

      Eveline, Thank you for sharing these pictures. Rachel looks good and it looks like they have their paddock time figured out pretty well. A little play time for exercise and a little down time for grazing and relaxing. I was never able to acess the video of “Fiesty” in the paddock at Rood & Riddle, so really appreciate seeing these photos.

    • / Reply

      How cute these photos are; her colt is so cute,
      He runs a few steps and is “pooped” and stops.
      Love the one where he is running after her;
      Looks like she is back in control teaching him his
      Lessons. He may end up being a light bay.

    • / Reply

      @Eveline: Those are such cute photos of RA and her colt! He is a sturdy little fellow – just like his dad, but that little face is so adorable. May he have a very long and happy life! Jess is smiling down for sure.

      diastu in tempe

    • / Reply

      Eveline, thank you so much for sharing the photos of Rachel and her colt!! I loved them, they were wonderful!!! I can’t believe how similar her colt looks to her at that same age. The resemblance is amazing!!

  4. / Reply

    Hi Zenny sweetheart, Dottie, Tasty, Babies & dear Zen-sters:

    I’m glad to hear that you’re moving towards “the Big Day’ in a kind of effortless way, Miss Zenyatta.

    The cloud photo is beautiful! It reminded me of Cloud Man and I wondered, Dottie and John, if this was his way of letting you know that he watches over Zenny and the Shirreffs family…..

    And my Daisy would like Zenny to know that they appear to share some similar character traits: Daisy likes to stop and just look at the world when we go out on our walks and I, of course, taking my lead from YOUR MARIO, slacken the leash and wait patiently for her to “come back” from her reverie. Daisy also dances, Zenny! And the other thing I’ve known since she first blessed my home, is that Daisy ALWAYS “chooses to be kind.”

    Have a good night, Big Girl & Miss Tasty. Kisses on your beautiful nose and belly rubs to you. Love & hugs to all

    • / Reply

      Great post, Abigail. Lovely parallels between your sweet Daisy and Zenyatta (and between you and Mario!).

    • / Reply

      Abigail, such a special post. Your Daisy sounds like such a wonderful dear little soulmate for you!! I thought your remarks about Cloud Man were very beautiful!!
      Hugs,
      Dawn

  6. / Reply

    @Abigail from Montreal
    Thanks for the great pictures yesterday of Square Eddie’s foals. The pictures are wonderful, and “kids” are all so cute. I especially loved the picture of Silar Rules with his ginormous Mom who must be very close to delivering another one and the one of Sarah Jade rolling in the grass! TOO CUTE!
    Sandy

  7. / Reply

    Good luck to MAKOMA, the Mosses, Mike Smith, and Dottie and John Shirreffs at Santa Anita Park—-February 19, Race 5 — 2:34 PM, Allowance Optional Claiming $62,500.

  9. / Reply

    Hi Zenny. You are TOO CUTE<GORGEOUS<AND SWEET!!!!!! I`m getting more excited then nervous as the time draws closer for you to have that baby, GIRL…She will be dancing as soon as she sees who her mommy is…You and Tasty have a nice relaxing weekend. Black Cavier WILL WIN.. lots of Big hugs and kisses, Alene

    • / Reply

      Dear Gloria Jean:

      Thank you so much for the Rachel and Colt slideshow. He is adorable. They both look wonderful. Hugs, JB

  11. / Reply

    Hi, Beautiful Zen, and Tasty, Have a great relaxing, weekend, time flys , and being Pregnant you never know, when or how, or what time, anyway, good luck for a great weekend, and Hope all your Horses win in those races i wish i could get them on my Tv, no luck, anyway, have a beautiful long weekend, and celebrate Presidents Day, with a lot of carrots, you two, in the padlock, also, love that picture , I ve seen that almost exat part, of that road, and I always, wished, i could go to Ca. no luck so far, just to see St Anna, and the races, Oh well, have a great weekend anyway, and Kisses and hugs, to you Tasty, and the team, for this, coming weekend… Keep High Hoofing, OH my Gosh, I forgot to tell you cangraulations, on the Broze, you , and how many people, will get to see you, close up for that track what a honor, thank you Team Z, and Dottie, and your John, again for these posts, we love them, makes our days, a little better, Prayers sent you way all the time,.

  12. / Reply

    Zenny, as your Ann has often said…YOU are a gift, pure and simple.
    I love this picture your John took for us. It’s just so nice knowing we are such a huge extended family…it feels good.

    Rest, relax and enjoy these precious few days before your little one is born.
    God Bless you and your BFF, TT.

  13. / Reply

    Hi, gorgeous Mommy to Be…yes, the time is almost here! We are all so excited to be sharing this special time with you and your team. We are sure you are following the expert advise to rest and enjoy these next few weeks.

    The picture your JOHN took is gorgeous. What a talent he has with the lens as does your precious Sarah.

    Have a wonderful weekend with TT. Bet you two have lots to nicker about these days.

  14. / Reply

    @All Z-sters (especially those in or near Ohio): There is a lovely 4-year-old TB mare named Win the Silver who’s adoption fell through – twice! Can you imagine? Anyway, please go to http://www.equi-army-ndo.com and click on the “Action Needed” menu to see a photo of this sweetie and her story. If you know of anyone who can give her a home, even a temporary one while things are sorted out for her, please contact the person in the story.
    And make sure you post here so the rest of us know she is moving to safe hands.
    Thanks!
    diastu in tempe (still looking for my winning lottery ticket!)

    • / Reply

      Dear Diana:
      Me too. Can you believe, as of today, the $336M Power Ball winner from Rhode Island has not come forward. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Judy berube. This is a great link. If you look at a photo of Nijinsky, you can see Frankel. Those two could be twins. Stay Thirsty also resembles Frankel. Storm Bird is Thirsty’s dam sire.

    • / Reply

      Very nice, Judy, thanks! There’s so much info, it will take me awhile to go through, with so many links.

  17. / Reply

    Dear Dawn,
    FORE! Thank you very much for your lovely post (they are always beautiful).
    You were absolutely made for the British Isles, and you MUST go! And be sure and put Newmarket high on the list. You will be transported (literally ) to horse heaven!
    All of us Zenyatta Austen/Downton fans should get-together for a tea clatch during the Breeders’ Cup (if we can find a spare moment). Perhaps we can rent the Zenyatta Lounge, hahaha! If impossible dreams come true, Colin Firth might even make an appearance in his wet shirt Blush-blush, I forget myself!
    I hope that you will have a terrific weekend, my friend.

      • / Reply

        Why waste your time on cucumber (ick!) when you can have SCONES (and strawberry jam, and . . . well, you get the idea)? :-)

    • / Reply

      Cynthia, I will definitely make it one day!!! I have a friend here in Cedaredge that was born and raised in England. She has been training, racing and doing three-day eventing all of her life!! Her family owned a great deal of property that they sold to Sheik Mohammed years ago. Her mother still has her house on the edge of the property. The last time Judy visited, they invited her to come over and took her around the stables in a golf cart with champaign. She said it was wonderful. She still owns around 8 horses, most TBs, but is not doing as much training. She said her body just won’t take the punishment any more. I will be so excited to get together any place, any time while in California. I am so looking forward to meeting you my dear friend and of course if you can arrange an appearance by Colin, well all the better!!!!

  20. / Reply

    Hi all….Zennys friend Rapid Redux is being honored at Laurel tomorrow….wonder how his vacation is going …hope he is well…
    …
    loved the plcs of Rachel and “JessSoFriesky”….my guess in the contest …
    …..
    hope everyone has wonderful and safe weekend
    PACE…PACE…PACE

  21. / Reply

    I’m a little behind on the posts and just starting to catch up. Congratulations on your statue Zenny! That is awesome! No one is more deserving than you. Santa Anita is a little too far for me to go, so I’ll just have to make do with looking at the many pictures I have of you around the house. I love you, big girl!
    @Betty – Happy Birthday!

  22. / Reply

    In case some of you don’t know about it, Equibase has a free website that you can join and access all kinds of information. You can enter any horse/trainer/jockey,racetrack. lots of info. For a small fee you can get video replays of races. The info comes to your e mail address. As the Kennedy’s mentioned since Ebby is in my “stable” they post her workout and you can access all of the racetracks. Just depending on how much info you want to have come into your e mail.
    Cal racing is another good one. Most of the information is free.
    I learned about it one morning talking to a lady at Del Mar – She was quite knowledgeable and mentioned Equibase to me. It’s really fun and informative.
    Just to let you know.
    Enjoy!

  23. / Reply

    I thought some of you might like to hear the latest about Rachel and Roscoe, the dear Bassetts that were killed last week by an intruder at their home. Jim wasn’t able to talk much about them last week without breaking down, but he finally told me more of what happened. Rachel was always the sweetest thing. She wouldn’t hurt a fly, but she was shot twice. (Roscoe was shot only once.) They said that it was because Rachel came after the intruder and tried to attack him. They know this because his flesh was still in her mouth. Also Jim, who has one of Rachel and Roscoe’s babies, Oliver, would take Oliver to visit Rachel and Roscoe every weekend. Right after he heard what happened he put Oliver in the car and went to the farm. He said he wanted Oliver to understand that his parents weren’t going to be around anymore. Jason’s wife had put both Rachel and Roscoe in their beds and laid them side by side. As soon as Oliver got out of the car he looked for them in their usual spot and when they weren’t there, he ran straight to where their bodies were. He laid between them and put his tail between his legs and let out the saddest, most mournful howl Jim had ever heard. He laid there a few minutes and got up and then was fine. They haven’t made any arrests, but Jason is still working with the police and has hired a private investigator.

    • / Reply

      Debbie, thank you so much for sharing. I had been thinking of them. Hope an arrest is made soon, as I said previously I think it be should be murder charges. These were not just dogs, they were family members.

      Also, Debbie. Sorry I did not get a chance to reply to you before. But yes I do go Mr. Sterling Court days. I used to go every year, but havent been the past several years. I love Court Days. Many wonderful memories for me. I only get to Mt. Sterling 2 or 3 times a year now, wish it were more. @Terry Crow, definitely very good source for redneck material. In the early days (I can remember this from when I was a kid) the real mountain people came down to town with their animals, dogs and guns over there shoulders. Everything was up for trading or selling. It was so much fun and like stepping back in time 100 years. It is much more commercialized now. Not quiete the same. Anyway, Debbie sorry to hog your post, just wanted to share this with you. Tell your friends I will pray for them and Oliver.

      • / Reply

        It’s good to hear from you Darlene. Don’t be silly, you’re not hogging my post! I always like hearing from you. You are absolutely right. There should be murder charges. Animals are not just pets, they are family. I call my cats my children and that’s exactly how I look at them. I don’t think the justice system in this country does enough to punish people who harm or kill animals.
        I know what you mean about Court Days. It’s not the same as it used to be. I haven’t been in a few years, but my mom and stepdad went this past year and they said it was so packed you could hardly walked through it. They said it was mainly just a bunch of junk. Nothing like what it used to be. Thank you for your prayers, Darlene. I’ll pass them on to Jim and Jason.

    • / Reply

      Bless Rachel, she got the DNA evidence! I hope the police will be processing it! Thank you for sharing, Debbie, and please tell Jason and Jim that we are still pulling for them as they struggle with this tragic loss.

    • / Reply

      DebbieG, what a tragic, tragic event. I am so sadden by the loss of those dear little souls to the violence of a human killer. I too would like to see such acts receive the maximum punishment. My heart and prayers go out to Rachel and Roscoe my they rest in the glory of heaven and to Jason and Jim, my they peace.

      • / Reply

        I’m not sure if they used it for DNA evidence or not, Sally. I’ll have to ask Jim. Hopefully they did. Thank you, Sally, Trina and Dawn for your sweet words. I think Jason and Jim both find comfort knowing that Rachel and Roscoe are waiting for them at the Rainbow Bridge.

        • My old hound will be there to greet them. This whole thing is a reminder of how fragile our existences are. Debbie, like I posted before. When they catch however did it, I hope they share cell space with animal lovers. Prisoners have a way of meting out justice.

  27. / Reply

    Hey Zenny! I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I am for your foal!! Its so exciting! I love you so much, you are a living legend and a true inspiration to everyone! I love all of you diary posts and I read them as much as life allows me! haha! Love you Zenyatta and best of wishes for your foal!!! :D ♥
    Forever and always,

    Sheri!! : ))

  28. / Reply

    HAPPY WEDDING DAY, Steve and Chrissie! The 2nd best day of our own life. The 1st being – knowing our Savior! Although at the time of our wedding, we didn’t realize the 1st – it happened ‘down the road’ abit!
    ZENNY, such a wonderful time of waiting for YOU and Tasty and both of your so-anticipated foals! Every day is a JOY beyond what I can ever express! Being a very small part of YOUR Life is such a wonderful experience!
    Thank you to everyone for your awesome news and posts. Can’t wait to catch up on Monday (or maybe Saturday night if we return home from part of our family’s reunion).
    Every day, I think I’ll get to ‘catch up’ on everyone’s posts. I’ve started going from the ‘bottom – up’ and I still just get a little way’s up the wonderful news everyone has to share!
    God’s many blessings and love to everyone this weekend!

  29. / Reply

    Good evening Zee & Tee,

    looks like you’re somewhere in western Montana, with the mountains so clearly defined. Great pic.
    Lifelong HAPPINESS to the NEWLY WEDS.
    Sleep tight and dream sweet

  30. / Reply

    HAPPENING RIGHT NOW!

    Evenstar a Gypsy Vanner mare at Freelandsgypsyhorses.com has a baby girl barely 20 mins ago. She still has yet to stand but is quite active and trying it figure out how her legs work! Mom’s beat fro pacing all night and day and bumping her camera all around–so she’s eating lying down!

    The baby is so CUTE!

    I’ll be back when the baby’s up!

    • / Reply

      Margaret, I clicked over immediately. What a cutie and very active!!! Doesn’t quite have those sea legs yet, pretty wobbly, but doing well. Amazing to see!! Looks like you can replay the foaling cams, so I will have to do that. Thank you so much for sharing!!

    • / Reply

      Thanks for that, Margaret, I had read these posts late, and finally found your site ref, so I just saw them! Watched fhe foal nurse, walk around while mom ate, nurse again, and try to romp and kick up heels a bit. Will be great to come back there and see more! Thanks again.

Leave a Reply to anita Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.