Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #444

Tasty and I....relaxing in the sun! Photo by Sarah Campion

Happy Friday Dear Friends,

I have always been one to enjoy an early afternoon nap! I was on a very definite schedule when I was in training at BARN 55. MY JOHN used to have the entire barn area be completely peaceful after our morning training hours and 10:30 a.m. breakfast. This way all of the horses could totally rest, relax, and nap. He would have the fans turned on so we would have lots of fresh air circulating and the entire environment was completely tranquil. This is a habit I have continued to enjoy since I’ve been at Lane’s End. I must say, I love my naps!

When at Barn 55, this was the time MY JOHN would walk around and just observe us while we were resting! It was sweet to see him always ‘peeking in on ME’ as he walked around the shed row and made sure everyone was A-OK! Here at the farm, when I’m napping in the paddock, TASTY watches over ME to be sure I’m safe and happy. I do the same thing for her when she is resting. We have truly developed quite a bond. It is all so very special!

FRIENDSHIP is such a wonderful thing….and a TRUE FRIEND is something to be cherished!

Amid all of our other activities over the weekend, TASTY and I want to keep up on the great racing. The Fairgrounds, Gulfstream, Oaklawn, Santa Anita and Aqueduct have some very contentious fields running over the next few days. Several of the races will help to determine more about the 3 year old picture. Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion, AMAZOMBIE, is running at Santa Anita and this should be one “fast” race. Good Luck to him and MY MIKIE who will be on board.

Don’t forget, MY MIKIE is getting close to win #5000! We have to keep current on his countdown as well! There is so much each day for us to do! This is really very positive as it keeps our minds busy as we progress through the next few weeks!

Enjoy the weekend of racing…relax, have fun, and here’s wishing you lots of WINNERS!

With Love,
Hugs to all~(Isn’t TASTY “TOO CUTE” in this photo!)
Z

Reader Interactions

836 Comments

      • / Reply

        signofthetimes – sorry about that. I saw today’s date on the article (not knowing that it was updated from yesterday) – my eyesight is catching up to my age. Yes, it is a great loss to California racing.

    • / Reply

      Since the Mosses try to see Zenny fairly regularly I can see why they would want more free time. I couldn’t let Zenny out of my sight if she were mine…in fact, I’d probably share the stall with her. ;-)

    • / Reply

      Mr Moss has contributed so much to California racing ( not to mention racing as a whole) He will be missed and I thank him so much for everything! A class act – he and Ann. I wish him time to relax and ENJOY!

        • Dear Doree, Pati, Andrea and Jan.:

          That makes since. It probably was a little shaved spot for medical tests he may have had. He is so adorable. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        It might be that they had to shave that little patch off to inject vaccines, or medicine. Sometimes, it might be hard to find the vain through the fur. That’s what happened to James everytime he got his shots. They had to shave a little piece off to be able to get to the proper area.

      • / Reply

        That’s what it looks like to be a IV site to give him fluids. If his dam, Rachel, was under a great deal of stress, he might have not gotten enough milk and was dehydrated. Or they might have given him fluids to prevent dehydration. I can’t imagine the responsibility of taking care of one of these foals.

  3. / Reply

    Zenny, this picture of you and your BFF is too cute! I checked in early this morning and there was no new Diary. I started to pace even more. I took a nap and came back, and here you are! Now, we just have to make it through the weekend without any news. Oh dear, how can we do it? Pace, Pace Pace…. Good thing that I have some b-day parties to attend over the weekend. Oh and plenty of great races to watch or catch up on too. Best of luck to Mike and Amazombie but, they have to beat my boy, The Factor! What a show down that will be and wow, did you look at the card for the Fountain of Youth? I don’t know who to pick in that race, I love Agorithms and Union Rags. Bernie sure is proving himself as a Stud Muffin!
    I’ll check in over the weekend to see if there’s anything NEW! lol
    Love you and Tasty too!! Stay safe, relax and take lots of naps!

  4. / Reply

    You and Tasty are 2 peas in a pod! Happy Friday Zenny and Tasty, hope you two moms to be have a great weekend. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!

  5. / Reply

    Oh, I love that wonderful photo of Tasty watching over as you lie down for your nap. I am a big fan of afternoon naps myself – lol! It is beautiful that you are in such capable hands as Lane’s End and you have such a great friend to share this special time with you.

    Yes, there are going to be some good races this weekend. I am trying to get excited about some of these horses who are running, but they all pale in comparison to the thrills of your career, my Queen. However, I will still keep watching and enjoying until the time in the future when we see your sweet colt or filly take to the track! What fun that will be!

  6. / Reply

    Z. Two cute and close friends enjoying the day and each others company, now what could be better than that? Anxiously waiting for baby news, so you and TT better get all the rest you can now. You have many aunties in waiting. Love you and TT, peppermint kisses on your noses. XOXO

    • / Reply

      Thanks Barbara! What a coincidence that the story appeared on the same day that I was wondering about horse friends (not to mention hearing about them from Time Magazine!) I didn’t see this until today (Saturday) which was an added bonus – got to see today’s pictures as well and then scrolled down to the latest pictures of little Jewel. All in all – way more than I bargained for :-) Not sure if you will check back here so I will also post this as a new post further on down. Hugs to YOU!
      Sandy

  8. / Reply

    Zenny – it’s very special to have a true friend who’s always looking out for you, so it doesn’t surprise me that you and Tasty have that type of relationship. You both are so sweet. Enjoy your weekend grazing out in the paddock with Tasty. Before too long, you’ll be a very busy and loving momma to your little one.
    Good luck and safe trips to all this weekend. Congratulations to J.J. on achieving 3000 wins: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67647/javier-castellano-registers-3000th-victory
    IMHO, J.J. is the best turf jockey in America. He was the regular rider for Bernie since the Withers. They were a great duo together, just like Mikie and Zenny. I was fortunate to be at the Jockey Club Gold Cup in 2006 when he was aboard Bernie (his last victory before he retired). I was also fortunate enough to take pictures of Bernie in the paddock and after his victory. Bernie was as stunning then as he is now.

    • / Reply

      Dear Doreen, Max and Sign:

      So great that you got to see Bernie and take photos. He is quite a handsome boy. Will be interesting to see how many of his sons are entered in the Derby this year. Hugs, JB

  9. / Reply

    Another Day Down,and again another day less to wait for the foals arrival. The both of you look wonderful. Stay healthy & warm and a safe delivery. LOTS’O’LOVE

  10. / Reply

    I’ve never quite figured out why we trust our entire national existence to folks who can’t seem to solve simple problems. A lot of folks can’t understand how we came to have an oil shortage here in our country and the gas prices got so high. Well, there’s a very simple answer. Nobody bothered to check the oil! We just didn’t know we were getting low. The reason for that is purely geographical.
    .
    Our oil is located in:
    Alaska
    California
    Coastal Florida
    Coastal Louisiana
    Kansas
    Oklahoma
    Pennsylvania
    North & South Dakota & Texas
    .
    Our DIPSTICKS are located in Washington D.C.!!! Any Questions ???

    • / Reply

      It would appear that we have had a salubrious winter and the oil on hand to be refined into gasoline is more than adequate. The problem is that the oil companies can make more of a profit by exporting their product rather than selling it domestically. I would think this type of a problem can be solved easily by those who are willing to take the flak for this type of action, politically speaking.

      • / Reply

        Sorry Terry, I did not see your post! I read from the bottom up – it’s a redneck Nanny-Granny thang! I posted something similar below. Love ya!

      • / Reply

        Terry Crow and Gary; I agree totally!!! Candidates should be discussing the price of gas instead of birth control. Govt. should have the guts to impose a tax on exported oil. Wouldn’t you know, we are driving all the way to Fl. I see dollar signs ringing before my eyes.

      • / Reply

        I have a little time right now. Don’t have any space left to put anything anywhere. I have to wait for the auction man to come and take everything going up for sale next month.

        Yes, I read they were looking for me. I’m not hard to find.

        Did you read my poem ‘The Animal Kingdom’?

        Here is a deep, dark one I just banged out last night.

        Our Path Is Not Quite Clear

        Regardless how you see the spin,
        On the Axis we’re all in,
        Going where we’ve never been,
        Our path is not quite clear.

        Soon time will be wearing thin,
        Gaither up your loving kin,
        Those willing to wait for HIM,
        Our path is not quite clear.

        It’s not our choice to bet the Shin,
        They will battle evil twin,
        Last time seen in West Berlin,
        Our path is not quite clear.

        Too late to turn the tail fin,
        Interaction of Yang and Yin,
        Early erosion will begin,
        Our path is not quite clear.

        Heedless who scores the win,
        Only those free from sin,
        Might have a chance again,
        Our path is not quite clear.

        g

        • Gary, Yes, quite right, we see through a glass darkly—great poem! Also I too have now found a little time, time to go back to reread your poem, The Animal Kingdom. It’s intense too, like Our Path is Not Clear. I have often reflected on how unfortunate it is that nature decrees that most animals (us included) eat others to survive. How I wish that this were really the Peaceable Kingdom—but that is what heaven is for, I suppose. High hoof on both the poems. Hope you find time to write more, and maybe you’re ready to share some of your epic poem. We are all ears!

    • / Reply

      Here’s my husband’s take on the situation. He works in the oil business…

      #1 all the easy to find oil is gone. It cost a lot of money to find the oil and get it out of the ground now.
      #2 demand is growing in countries such as China and India.
      #3 Iran’s threat to cut of supplies has everyone spooked.
      #4 the government can allow more drilling, but that will only reduce our dependency on imported oil not eliminate it.

      • / Reply

        Those a very good reasons plus a few others and the money.

        Who knows whats going to happen? I do know what will happen to the last Gallon on Earth. Two guys will use it to drag race, LOL

      • / Reply

        Hi Jan
        Thank you for that info. Question:
        What IF the President of the United States boldly told the oil companies that ‘we’ were going to heavily (and I mean heavily) hike the export TAX for all the oil they export to China and India (and other countries) BEFORE they take care of our own?? You know that could be done now – I really don’t think the oil companies think he’d do it. I betcha that we’d see $2.50 a gallon within weeks! Great post!

        • Karen,
          Hubby says : If they could be profitable and still have enough cash to invest in the technology needed for future exploration and production they would probably do it.. It would help if the government found someway to incentify the companies as well.

        • Thank you Jan and your husband too. But, I’m sorry, incentify and profitable for ‘them’? Now I am not a ‘oil hater’ and do believe that all companies should be able to make a profit in this country, but not at the American tax payers dime. These oil companies make billions of dollars a year in profits, and surely ‘they’ could do something to ease the American peoples plight right now regardless, ‘they’ will never go broke – are ‘they’ kidding me?? I’m sorry Zenny, I did not mean to take your site down this path – enough sad by me on this, girl!

  11. / Reply

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

    This is a beautiful photo and I loved hearing about the friendship between you & Tasty. I am just thrilled that you found one another!

    I really didn’t know a whole lot about the friendships that develop between broodmares (in particular) until I read Barbara Livingston’s wonderful book, “Old Friends.” There were so many great stories in there — about Viva Sec and her buddy, Water Lily, or the girls of Derry Meeting Farm, or Fanfreluche & Optimistic Gal:

    http://www.barbaralivingston.com/Stories_Fanfreluche.html

    Love & hugs to all, peppermint kisses to my two sweet girls, Zenny & Tasty

    • / Reply

      Abigail – I was told the story about Fanfreluche being stolen when I visited D’Accord this past June at Akindale Farm in New York before he was euthanized last October at the ripe old age of thirty-two. As mentioned in the story, D’Accord’s dam was Fanfreluche and his sire was Secretariat. As the story also notes, the foal that she was carrying when she was stolen was D’Accord’s older full-brother Sain Et Sauf. I guess Fanfreluche passed the longevity gene to her son since we don’t know how long Secretariat may have lived if he didn’t contract laminitis. Thank you for the link to this wonderful story about these two best “old” friends.

    • / Reply

      Thank you for the beautiful story Abigail. It certainly confirms the concept of horse friends (and evidently much more about that in Barbara Livingston’s book).
      Sandy

  13. / Reply

    Hi Zenny. Love the photo. You and Tasty look TOO CUTE…You both look relaxed and just chillin. Good luck to Mike this weekend. Take care sweetie…Lots of love, Alene

  14. / Reply

    Hi Z Family!!

    I have a trivia question!! But be honest and no Googling, Ask.com, or anything like that!

    OK:

    What island off the coast of North Carolina’s Outer Banks has a current racehorse named after it?

    I learned this today in AP Bio!!

    • / Reply

      I recall that there was some discussion during the Kentucky Derby and Preakness last year that Shackleford is named after some barrier islands near NC. Is it Shackleford Island(s)? I think that they also said that there were some wild horses there.

        • They have about 100 ponies, and the only way to get there is by boat. That is appropriate as Shackleford always looked like he swam to the island before every race, but always ran like he didn’t!!

        • This was a great idea to have a little quiz about TBs. I remember that I thought last year that Shackleford was a very interesting name for the horse. He was a real character at the Preakness, such as tearing strips off the side of his stall and acting out before the races. Shack is an exciting horse to watch. He is obviously a very hard worker and he tries his best all of the time. I hope that he does well this year. I like his trainer too.

        • Me too!! He is a peculiar horse, but he is exciting. I love his huge blaze, and how he prances after every race he wins, like a kid who knows he did really good. He’s a character.

          Thank you! I thought it would be fun to have a little trivia question. I have to think of more, and maybe a little harder ones for the memory gurus like Max. :P

        • Great characterization of Shackleford, Pati! Great memory, Max! High hoof to you both!

        • What fun. I can’t believe it’s Shackleford. I saw him last year at the Preakness and the Haskells what a beautiful boy he is. It was good they finally came him a little rest.

      • / Reply

        Hi Max,
        Just heard Shackelford is pointed toward the Carter Handicap at 7 furlongs;
        finally they have shortened him up. It took long enough. Dale Romans
        has a turf horse in the FOY, not as good as Shackelford, “to give him a
        chance to be a Derby horse”.

  15. / Reply

    Love you beautiful and gorgeous one! You are that on the inside and out. It makes me so happy to see you so very happy. You have no idea. You and Tasty look devine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Lori

  16. / Reply

    Congratulations to Blu Jon, the Mosses, the Sherriffs, and Mikie on Blu Jon’s second place, by 3/4 of a length. High hoof!

  17. / Reply

    Oh My ! Zen-ma, Your in my every days thoughts and prayers. I’m to old and not able to be the horse woman I once was, spending many nights on mama patrol for my horses and friends horses too. The moon I found to be a huge infuence in foaling. I have commented a few times, but always ‘keep up’. I’m so thankful for Dottie and all the connections for having your life for all of us that love you available to be envolved if only from afar. I had a mare that Ihad bred to Springside a sorrel grandson of the great Man o War, he was born on a full moon, he was named War’s Moon Blaze. I also keep up with Mike, John’s mounts and the Mosses and watch all the races every Saturday and Sunday on the betting channels even tho I don’t bet . I just love horses. Thank you for being you Zenny and the Lord be with you. Your admirerer, Jan PS, I’m an artist and plan a picture soon.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the lovely post Jan, it is so wonderful to have such experienced
      horse folks on this site. Love the story about the full moon, foaling and your
      Man O War relative. Was he a great horse to ride???? And what did you train
      him for???? Racing is fun if you have $$$$, but riding your own horse gives
      you an experience to which nothing can compare; even a win in the Breeders Cup.

      With racing everyone is doing something for the horse, when you own, train and ride,
      the horse is yours every day to interact with, learn about and become one with the most wonderful creature on earth. IT IS ONLY WITH THE HORSE THAT HUMANS CAN REALLY FLY !!!!!!

  18. / Reply

    Have a wonderful weekend, beautiful Zenyatta. You and Tasty are so adorable. It is a great thing that you are both so bonded and such dear friends. You look after one another and that is great. I love you. Hugs and kisses to you and Tasty.

  19. / Reply

    To all who are celebrating birthdays today and tomorrow …I may be a bit lazy with names but a sincere HAPPY BIRTHDAY to each and every one of you.
    I am thrilled to share mine with Z herself…we are both “April Fools” and because of her I can take pride in that. :-)

  20. / Reply

    Hi Zenny: First, I would like to thank YOU and Dottie and the Moss’ for the card. It was such a nice surprise when I came home from work tonight and found a card in the mail from YOU. I will treasure it forever!

    It seems like you and Tasty are doing just fine! Wow what great friends the two of you have become. It is very important to have good friends.

    Well Zenny, I am happy to hear you are still enjoying your naps. You and Tasty better take advantage of your naps now because both of you will be very busy once your little ones come along.

    This is another great picture of the two of you.

    Take care and I am sure all of us will be on Foal Watch this weekend–just in case…..

    Love you Zenny!

  22. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta I love the picture of you and Tasty. I feel because of You and the site I have made all kinds of friends. How blessed I feel for my new friends all over the US and Beautiful Canada. I am learning new things everyday. I showed every class the video of the new foal. I hooked up my projector and that was how I started each class. The children were amazed. I could watch it over and over again. I just hope they video your foal so we can watch him or her. I hope you and Tasty have a good night. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
    @ My students think Hansen looks like Pegasus. He is Beautiful
    @ I loved the cat story. I have a Bengal and his name is Oskar.

    • / Reply

      My grandma has a weiner dog (sorry, I couldn’t spell the official name LOL) named Oscar, but his name is spelled like the award. He is quite the actor though, so maybe there is ground behind the name. I love Bengal cats, they remind me of minature tigers.

      • / Reply

        Pati my Oskar was a Christmas gift 6 years ago. My Maine Coon Maddy had died and I was so depressed. My husband found him on the internet and suprised me. When we picked him up at the airport (he was flown in from Arizona) I fell in love with him. He is so sweet. He grooms the dogs and is very loving. He is on my lap right now. He always wants to be with us. He is very different from other cats I have had. He shows his love to me all the time : )
        I feel a home is not complete without a cat. I also have two dogs, Miesha and Maximus T Voltz.

        • I agree.

          I have an orange and white hamster named Sammy. :-D She acts like a tiger sometimes.

          She is picky picky picky!! However, she lives in the lap of luxery, so when she passes on, she can’t say she wasn’t spoiled.

          Sometimes, when your family member passes on (human or not), they realize you need something to mend your heart, so they send a guardian angel to you. :-)

  23. / Reply

    My dear lovely Z; You must be taking “power naps”, because you always displayed such power!!! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and when you love a friend, they are beautiful and sweet, just like Tasty.

    This may be my last note I can write to you for a while my dearest horse of my lifetime. You see, I am tagging along with my mate to Florida to go to warmer weather for the month of March. (He has to go!) This is bitter sweet for me. I will enjoy it I am sure, but truthfully, I would give it all up, if I was told I could come and be with you!! You would be my once-in-a-lifetime greatest memorable trip. My BFF would insist she come with me just like, together, we followed you in the past. She will keep me posted about you sweet Z and baby z. I will try to get to a library computer so I may see your precious gift to the world!! I am actually tearing; gee whiz!! I’m feeling lost without YOU! I have not felt this way before; the last time was at your last 20th race, when I thought I’d never hear about you again. (Bless Dottie)
    Here’s to a great run by Mikie with Amazombie! Here’s to all my friends on this post.
    Most of all, HERE’S TO THE ONE AND ONLY, Z, AND HER FRIEND TASTY FOR EASY
    DELIVERIES, HEALTHY FOALS AND BEST OF HEALTH TO BOTH OF YOU.

    I’m bringing my PLUSHIE of you along to Fl. Thinking, hoping and praying each day.
    Love you forever, 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
    Auntie Sally

      • / Reply

        Marty; The closest one is Tampa Bay Downs. We plan to go there on March 10th for the Tampa Bay Derby. Since hubby is the one who wanted Fl., I then asked him to also go to Ocala for the yearling sales, and hopefully to Mayberry Farm, where our Z. started out training. These will be my highlights!!! I wish my BF and her hubby could have made this trip with us. She and I have been the horse visitors in the past!!!

        • Sally,

          I think they’re very welcoming at Mayberry Farm, especially if you mention being a Zenyatta fan. I think the sale would be really interesting as well. Tampa Bay Downs for the Derby should be exciting, too. I hope you enjoy your trip.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sally B.:
      Take care and have a good trip. Good idea to try to use a computer at the library to stay i touch with Z, Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Sally B…safe travels. March should be a very exciting month around here. I’m sure you will get the official news here, there and everywhere.

      • / Reply

        Sally B

        I’m still catching up on the posts and just saw yours about coming to FL. Hopefully you can still see this but I will be at Tampa Bay Downs on March 10th for the Derby.
        I’ll have my Z Dumpling name tag so Sally and anyone else, be on the lookout. It would be great to meet some other Dumplingz :)

  26. / Reply

    Dearest Kari,

    I know that you loved seeing photos of Zenyatta and Tasty together. Zenyatta and Tasty are forever friends. ♥. They can teach us much about loyalty, sharing, caring, and truly selfless love.

    12th ♥

    P.S. Zenyatta, I have discovered that middle-age is all about wishing to take back those naps which one hated as a child.

  27. / Reply

    I am rooting for your babies to be born on March 9th. We had a beautiful chestnut colt with a ton of white foaled on that day 6 years ago.

    • / Reply

      I second the motion for March 9th —————— actually I’ve been hoping for the date since I heard she would foal in early March (wink wink) ♥

  28. / Reply

    Dear Z – I received a beautiful card from you and your family today with pictures of you and your dear Ann and with Tasty. How on earth you found my address I’ll never know but thank you for taking the time to do this…it really brought tears of joy to my eyes and especially after a tough day at work. I’ve been touched by an angel!

  30. / Reply

    Hi Zenny, you and Tasty are both just too cute and I love all the pictures of the two of you. The two of you are great best friends and that is so good especially at this time for both of you. Be happy and have a great weekend both of you. All sounds good to me so enjoy your rest time. Wishing Mike another win, he is a great person. Sending my love and thinking of you always.

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