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

  2. / Reply

    @All – keep in your thoughts Thiskyhasnolimit who broke down at the Fairgrounds today during the running of the Mineshaft. He is currently on the way to LSU for surgery. He has a right front fractured cannon bone. He is a close relative of our Bernie. His grand dam on his dam side is Bernie’s dam, and his great grandsire is A.P. Indy on his sire’s side (Sky Mesa).

  5. / Reply

    TOO CUTE!!!

    Tiga from France thought his gelding poney
    Was his latest girlfriend. Those euros don’t ride
    With ponies. Tiga was confused.

  6. / Reply

    Way to go, Awesome Maria!!!! She is so beautiful with that tail flowing. I have a special spot for the grays. And with his first win today, OUR MIKE is down to 9 on his countdown….wish I could get to CA to bid on dinner with him. He is strictly a class act, not only a great rider but a man who is so generous with his time in helping good causes.
    @Trina – thank you for the wonderful poem! You are amazing, and have such a memory for detail from long-gone postings! I did have a wonderful BD, and one of the highlights of last year was my trip to Saratoga, including a visit to the Frankel division of Old Friends. Wills Way, in particular, stole our hearts.
    @ signofthestimes, judy berube, barbara wood and linda edwards — thanks so much for the good wishes.
    I am a very lucky person, blessed with wonderful family and friends. I count my Zenyatta family as a special part of my life, a unique source of joy, good news, and heartfelt love for all things equine, most especially our Queen and her connections.
    Hugs to all!
    Annie B in MA

    • / Reply

      Thank you, Annie B, and I’m so glad you enjoyed your belated birthday poem. Now I have a confession to make—my memory really isn’t so good, especially these days. I compensate by taking notes for future reference.

      • / Reply

        There’s nothing wrong with taking notes, Trina. I do it all the time. I hate to think what would happen if I didn’t! Regardless, your poems are always beautiful.

    • / Reply

      Hi Anna: I am planning to go to the Travers in August. If you are planning another trip to Saratogo and will be there that weekend, please let me know. It would be fun to meet.

  7. / Reply

    Oh Great enjoy those Nap s Zen pretty soon, have to watch the little one, make sure, she stays out of trouble, out there with you running around, and Tasty, is just perfect friend, for you, shes on guard, and making sure you A Okay, that picture is to cute, High Hoofs to the two of you this weekend, have a great, Nap time, tomorrow too, hang in there, time is approceing, fast. Love to you and Tasty,

  9. / Reply

    Hi Zenyatta and Z Family. I loved the video of Rachel’s colt. That was so cute. I also watch Maria’s race. She kicked butt. Way to GO AWESOME MARIA. I love you Zenny. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
    @ To My Z Family My dog Miesha is losing all her nails. I just can’t believe this is happening to her. I picked up the paws that I thought looked normal and the other nails are pulling away too. This disease is horrible. I just needed someone to listen. We see the Specialist Monday. Thank God.

    • / Reply

      Shari,
      Will keep Miesha in my prayers especially tonight. For you and your family also. I’m so sorry that you all are going through such a hard time. Will keep praying.

    • / Reply

      I’m so sorry that you and Miesha are going through this, Shari. I hope you will get some answers Monday. I’m keeping the two of you in my prayers.

    • / Reply

      Shari, how horrible, your poor baby! I will say a prayer tonight for your dear girl. I’m going to go on the internet and look that disease up I have never heard of that and how does a dog get it. Hugs Sue

    • / Reply

      Shari. I’m so sorry Miesha and your family is going through this. I hope the specialist will be very helpful. Praying Miesha feels better soon.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shari Voltz:

      So sad for you and your poor Miesha. Hope the specialist can help. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Shari, it’s good you “talked”, when you “need someone to listen” about Miesha. You know, as you’ve read too, it’s an awful not well-understood auto-immune disease, and treatment takes a long time, but is effective. But maybe that’s not much comfort, at present.

    • / Reply

      all my best in thought and prayers for a good result Monday at the specialist How awful for you and Miesha to be going through this.

    • / Reply

      Best of luck with your dog Miesha. See what happens with the specialist. If it still is a problem, I would highly recommend going to College of Vetinary Medicine to see a clinical professor.
      I had the most wonderful experience taking my cockatiel to the University of Pennsylvania Veternary Medical School. They were able to correctly diagnose what was wrong with my bird after seeing a bird specialist.
      Best of luck

  10. / Reply

    @Trina, I know, the Peaceable Kingdom would be nice but like the ‘George Burns’ movie ‘GOD’ there has to be an up and a down, a left and a right, life and death, or it just wouldn’t work. Humans need to work together to keep it going to the best of their ability. The opening salvo of Bats, Birds, Spiders, and all the other insect eating Animals aren’t much of match. We will take that hill early in the conflict. But then it won’t be long until the massive insect populations eat every bit of vegetation on Earth, so you vegetarians don’t think you will get off easy, LOL

  11. / Reply

    Dear Zenny,
    Tasty is going to have to babysit your goal and take care of
    Hers so you can nap. Not sure if your little one
    Won’t bug you though. That milk is a very big draw.
    I just love Rachel’s goal grazing laying down. She is
    Even being a role model showing him to stand and graze.
    Guess he was born with a mind of his own.
    Hope you are relaxing and watching the races.

    • / Reply

      Abigail, I agree about Pulpit. My BFF and I saw him in November at Claibourne when we went to Zen’s party, he is absolutely gorgeous! Hugs Sue

    • / Reply

      I suspect they won’t go with Pulpit. Zenyatta has a Pulpit half-sister, Treasure Trail, who was a dud as a racehorse 4-0-0-0-, $4620. There’s not much there to inspire confidence. You never know–it could turn out to be a good match–but Zenyatta has so many options open to her that they will probably stick to more proven combinations with her female family.

  13. / Reply

    You and Tasty are “Too Cute” in that photo! Let us know about the big event ( the foal).
    Lots of xoxoxoxoxo from Southern California.

  14. / Reply

    Zenny,
    Love the two of you, You and Tasty, being angels for each other. Wish I could bring you both milk and graham crackers, while you both took naps.
    Am just starting to catch up on the last few days posts. It’s getting so exciting pacing back and forth here. Have thrown the carpet away because of the worn pacing path… just kidding… sort of!
    Will try to catch up on all of the racing news and posts tomorrow. Hope everyone has a blessed weekend.

  15. / Reply

    @Louise Castello–thank you for the info. on DynaKing. I had no idea, but I am so thankful people are stepping up to help him. I will write Three Chimneys and thank them and make a small donation to Heart of Tucson. I am stretched really thin this month, but that dear boy needs help Gid bless you, Judy and all at Heart of Tucson.
    Prayers for Thiskyhasnolimit. Someone please let us know how he’s faring. Trina, thanks for the link.
    @Shari Voltz–praying for answers for you and Miesha Monday. I know you’ll let us know.
    Dearest Z–another day coming to a close. We’re all pacing. Love you laways.

  17. / Reply

    Beautiful Zenyatta, I have been reading your wonderful diary and must thank Dottie for keeping us informed of your progress. The pictures and perspective and the Z nation have cheered my days. This diary is a demonstration of how to care for our friends here. We have met due to your good offices and loving heart. I so very much appreciate the continued civility, generosity, kindness, humor, and family spirit of these friendships. I don’t comment very often, but I feel that we can accept each other with open hearts here. I thank everyone for your wonderful links and for sharing your knowledge. Zenyatta, I have been so grateful for all your connections for sharing you with us in this way. If I were ever to be in your presence, I would probably be too tongue tied to utter a word or sound and would be so awed that I might not be able to lift my arm and give you carrots or peppermints. :) Whenever you do bring us your gift of a colt or filly, I have only had one prayer and that is for a healthy mom and safely delivered and healthy foal.

    • / Reply

      DMCQ, We can all be tongue-tied together. You expressed what so many, if not all of us feel about Zenny and her family of fans. I pray for God’s blessings for you and all of Zenny’s family.

  18. / Reply

    Happy Birthday to Annie B. in MA, Elaine and Shackleford! Hope the year holds good things for all of you!
    @Trina Nagele: You are amazing! Yes, my birthday was this month — the 9th. I had LASIK vision correction done on that day — my present to me. I am no longer tied to contacts/glasses, YAY! Not only are you skilled at poetry and writing, but you must have a mind like a steel-trap! Thanks for remembering. My birth year (1949) keeps getting left farther in the dust! WOW! Sure am happy to be here, though.
    @Shari Voltz: My heart breaks for your dear Miesha. Sincerely hope the specialist can turn this around soon for her. Thoughts and prayers continue to come your way. Hugs!
    @Thiskyisnolimit: All the best wishes that the fractured bone can be successfully repaired.
    Healing thoughts go out to Dyna-King, too!
    Zenny, hope the weather in Kentucky was nice for you and Tasty! Lots of wind today in NC!
    Best wishes today and always!

  19. / Reply

    Sorry, make that Thiskyhasnolimit and DynaKing. Apologies for the spelling goofs.
    Goodnight and pleasant dreams!

  20. / Reply

    Dearest Marshall, Here’s your belated birthday poem!

    A Belated Birthday Poem for Marshall in North Carolina (Birthday: February 9)

    “Marshall”–
    This time
    It’s not the name of a man,
    Nor is it a rank,
    But the name of a lady fine
    Who lives in North Carolin’
    And whom we today thank
    For her loyal participation
    Here in this Zenny Nation.
    Our dear Marshall
    With us does share
    Love for the incomparable mare.
    She’s an ardent fan,
    As are we all,
    Of the great Z.
    But please allow me
    To recall
    That she
    Additionally
    Is a big fan
    Of mammography,
    For that scan,
    With subsequent surgery
    Twelve years ago
    To the day,
    To her did give
    The opportunity
    To live
    And enjoy longevity.
    Dearest Marshall,
    From your every post
    We know
    You’re grateful to the utmost
    To still be alive!
    We full-heartedly toast
    That you did survive,
    And we pray
    You’ll continue to thrive!
    We hope on this birthday
    You continue to be
    A person who still does say
    WHOOPEE!

    Happy belated birthday, Marshall, and many, many more!

  21. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta. Hello sweetheart. I am afraid I have fallen a little behind this weekend. I caught up on some of the racing that occurred today. Awesome Maria was just that, AWESOME! It was great that Mikie won a couple more on his way to 5,000!!! I am really cheering him on, Zenny! My thoughts and prayers are with Thiskyhasnolimit. I loved your description of Barn 55, it reminded me so much of the day I visited. Your John was just finishing up with feeding and most of the horses were relaxing in their stalls. We had been outside watching Ebby being cooled out, then she came in and we went to visit her in her stall. Mr. Commons was having his carrot juice to drink which Steve had just made for him. The fans were blowing as you said and some others were already enjoying their naps, stretched out on their beds of straw. Your John is very special, Zenny!! The picture of you and Tasty is so lovely. You are too cute enjoying your nap, by the way, I enjoy naps too when I can get them. I agree my sweet Zenny, good friends are to be treasured as the beautiful gifts from God they are. I certainly am blessed to have you, Dottie and all of my wonderful Z-friends. My very dear friend, Shari, sent me a card that says just that. I’m sure she won’t mind me sharing part of it. It says:

    God made friends because stories, dreams and prayers are meant to be shared.
    God made friends to remind us to laugh a lot and be really silly sometimes.
    God made friends to help us feel loved and accepted just the way we are.
    God made you my friend, Shari! You and your sweet Miesha are in my prayers. Sending much love!

    Sweet dreams to you dear Zenyatta and your special friend Tasty. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO

    PS – I am so looking forward to receiving a special card too, Zenny! You and Team Z are so wonderful to be sending out friendship cards!! What special gifts and how very thoughtful, love to you all!!!!!

  22. / Reply

    Kelly – Allentown, PA
    When you asked about Zenyatta having a barn cat friend, it made me think of all of the great kitties I have come across in my visits to horse farms in Kentucky. At practically every farm I have toured, I am welcomed by at least one wonderful barn cat. They come walking up meowing a hello, giving my legs a good rub in greeting and then accompany me walking just a little in front, as if they are my official guides. I remember sitting in the grass next to the equine graveyard at Darby Dan Farm where the great Ribot and Roberto are laid to rest. It was a beautiful summer day, the sun was shining on my face and there was no one around. Here came a sweet old barn cat to keep me company. He curled up next me, purring like crazy as I rubbed his ears and we shared some quiet quality time together. What a sweet heart. With my love of cats, I think I have taken almost as many pictures of them as I do the horses. They each exhibit such character and are a real joy!!!

      • / Reply

        Hi, Trina!!! What a wonderful surprise to hear from you this early in the morning. Sometimes, I am a bit of night owl. When I can’t sleep, it is great to come here to the diary!

  23. / Reply

    My wonderful Abigail. I finally got a chance to read your fantastic piece on beautiful Havre de Grace. Like you, I have a great passion for the history of thoroughbreds and horse racing. Every time I read one of your remarkable stories, I am transported back in time, where I can celebrate those horses I already adore and also see and learn about some of the other amazing champions that have graced us in the past. Your writing is not only entertaining, it is enlightening! The amazing photos you post are fantastic, I study each one in detail. I want to thank you again from the bottom of my heart for sharing these priceless tales of yours. I love each one!! You have a truly wonderful talent!! Thank you for sharing the beautiful story from Barbara Livingston about Fanfreluche and Optimistic Gal

    PS – I absolutely love my boy Pulpit. I visit him every time I am in Kentucky. As another son of A.P. Indy, I would think him a great choice for Zenyatta and he certainly does have some amazing and talented offspring!!

    • / Reply

      Dawn: Thank you so much! This means a lot to me since I’m always thinking of you, signofthetimes, Brenda, Celeste, Delrene, Susan and others from my Zen family as I write! Now that I’ve wrapped up work on an education contract I was working on, THE VAULT will get more frequent posts. The next one will be dedicated to OUR KARI.

      Wanted to tell you & others here: If you ever want to download one or more of those photos & if the ones in question come from my collection, just let me know & I’ll scan it and send it off to you. They’re all copyrighted so you need to promise not to re-sell them anywhere, but I doubt any of you would….although gifting a copy is fine by me!

      Love & hugs

      • / Reply

        Abigail,
        So look forward to every blog you write
        In The Vault and anywhere for that manner.
        Very lovely piece on HDG and her wonderful
        Ancestors and Sire St Liam. He is looking down
        On her as a very proud father would. She can
        Carry on his line with style and fashion. Although,
        a very different talent than Rachel and Zenny, she
        Showed us great talent in 2011 and we are so lucky
        To see her again this year. It is always exciting to
        See a reigning HOY run again. She Is a wonderful
        Gift for Larry Jones and her connections.

      • / Reply

        Hi, Abigail. How kind of you to offer to share your wonderful photos. What a speical gift be able to add some of them to my collection. You can certainly trust me to treat them with the utmost respect, my friend! I will be looking forward to your piece dedicated to our Kari. I know it will be a moving tribute! There will probably be tears involved as I read it, but they will be tears of joy in remembering her amazing spirit and love of life!!

  24. / Reply

    Ann Maree, Annie B, Elaine and Christine in Placerville,

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LADIES!!!!! I hope you all had fun and enjoyed your special days immensely!!!!!

    Wonderful poems, lovely Trina! And thank you for the link to Dyna King that Louise Castello mentioned, I will certainly be praying for him!!!

  25. / Reply

    Kate Wheeler, how great that things worked out so that you can see the amazing Havre de Grace. I certainly envy you, wish I could be there! Hopefully, I will get to see her in person sometime this year, that would be amazing!! Have fun and tell us all about it when you get back.

    Keta, I am so glad that Trina posted the link to the story of your beloved husband, Bob. I had missed it also. He was a remarkably talented man. What a life and what a love you two shared. I thought your wedding picture was lovely. Thank you for sharing! I loved your Mondatta story too!!!

    JAG, I loved the story about Pudding the cat!! I’m glad you ladies enjoyed a great day at Santa Anita. You are all so lucky to have such fantastic racetracks nearby!! Sorry that you missed Cynthia H.

    Dear Friend, Karen G – Love and hugs from one “kid at heart” to another!!!

    Marty R, thank you for the links to Zenny’s and Kari’s candles. I made sure to light some.

    • / Reply

      Dawn,
      Thanks for reading. You always make such great comments.
      Here is a quote from Dr. Who that you might appreciate
      “There’s no point being grown-up if you can’t be childish sometimes.”
      And, I would add–child like.
      Keta

      • / Reply

        Thank you, Keta!! I certainly agree with the quote and the line you added, being child like at times brings a great deal of fun and joy to life!!

  26. / Reply

    Judy Berube, I read your lovely post about the Z-friendships we share here. Just wanted to send my love back to you and Russ. You are a wonderful friend to us all!! Thank you for all of your special posts!! I agree with everyone, we are so very blessed to have each other!!
    Hugs, Dawn

    Linda in NC, your saying from Helen Keller was wonderful!! Thank you for sharing!

    Hello, dear Brenda! Please let Vic know I’m wishing her a speedy recovery so that she is all healed up and ready to ride soon. I hope you enjoyed the piece on Northern Dancer. I thought it was beautifully done. He was such a special horse and his legacy is amazing!

    Love and hugs,
    Dawn

    Barbara Wood, hello my friend!! Thank you again for posting the link to “Horse and Man”. I always enjoy it so much. The story about Rojo and his special guardian friend was great. Of course then I scanned down to catch up on sweet, little Jewel. It just makes your heart melt to see her and her mother doing so well! How wonderful are all those volunteers who work tirelessly to make a difference!!!

    The Kennedys, loved the video of Rachel’s foal. I enjoy seeing each new one when it is released. It is kind of Stonestreet to be sharing him with us. Too Cute!! I also liked the pictures of Havre de Grace’s half-sister, a gorgeous little one. I have to say, I love Havre de Grace’s dams name, “Easter Bunnette”!

    • / Reply

      Hello Dawn, Vic thanks you, and all the Dumplings, for the good wishes. Her toe is still sore but is healing and she did manage to squeeze into her boots. I loved the Northern Dancer piece, he has had a powerful influence across the globe. I have been trying to keep up to snuff on what is happening with his grave site. The last thing I knew was that is on some property that no longer belongs to the Taylor family and so I hope we don’t have a repeat of the Noor situation. Good luck on Tuesday.

    • / Reply

      Dear Dawn:
      Thank you so much for you kindness, friendship and all the wonderful posts you share with all of us. Love and Hugs, JB

  27. / Reply

    My dear Cynthia H,

    Thinking about you always my friend. The posts for your Kari are beautiful!! Your words of love celebrate her joy for life.

    Love and hugs,
    Dawn

  28. / Reply

    Dearest Z, It’s very early in the morning of your dear friend Ann Maree’s birthday.

    A Birthday Poem for Ann Maree
    (February 26, 2012)

    Our dear Ann Maree
    Resides in Tennessee
    Though originally
    She from the Delta hails.
    She’s a true-blue Zenny-ite
    Who never fails
    To feel great delight
    At the simple sight
    Of any photo of Z
    Or the many videos
    Which show
    In every race
    The unbelievable might
    And magical grace
    Of the incomparable Z.
    Ann Maree
    Had the good luck
    To see
    Z
    Up close and personally
    When Z ran in Kentuck’–
    She’ll forever remember
    That thrilling November
    When, in advance
    Of the races,
    By good chance
    Among the thronged faces
    Outside the paddock,
    She John Shirreffs spied
    About to go inside,
    And she—
    Not wanting to miss her chance—
    Grasped his arm!
    And he, in his quiet way,
    With gentlemanly charm
    Graciously escorted her by his side,
    And on that glorious day
    She got to stand
    Mere inches away
    From where Z was schooling
    While hundreds all around were drooling
    To catch a glimpse of this mare, so grand.
    Oh, my lord!
    Ann Maree’s heart
    Right away
    Did start
    Thumping to beat the band,
    And her joy soared
    Beyond the nth degree!
    Now Ann Maree,
    Inspired by Z,
    Has become a racing devotee
    And with effervescent esprit
    Has leaped,
    Like our treasured Abigail,
    Into racing lore
    Like never before.
    She loves to read
    ’Bout race courses
    Long steeped
    In history,
    And she does find
    Many a colorful tale
    Of the Thoroughbred horses
    Who over them did always speed.
    She recently
    For us recalled to mind
    With infectious glee
    The noble Round Table,
    Whose lofty pedigree
    She was able
    Backwards to trace
    To King George’s stable.
    Each horse’s story
    Of how it did race
    For fame and glory
    Thrills her like a childhood fable,
    And, with every post from our dear Ann Maree,
    You are most certainly guaranteed
    An engaging read!

    Happy Birthday, Ann Maree, and many, many more!

    • / Reply

      Trina, thank you so much…..you do a lot of research for your wonderful poems. I am saving this Permalink in a safe place…in my blog! Touched a lot by your mention of the serendipitous meeting of John at the 2010 Breeders Cup on the Thursday prior to the Classic. That was just such a double joy for me, meeting him and his inviting me and my cousin to go inside the inner circle and stand about 15 feet from Z while she was schooling in the paddock area. You nearly ran through my entire life story in the poem!!!! You have a truly remarkable talent. Blessings to all who sent me blessings and good wishes. I was overwhelmed when I checked in here to follow up on your message to check Diary #444! Over 830 comments!!!! Wow. Glad I continued to near the bottom, as I caught some other messages near the top and those were special, too. I swear, being in Zenny’s world is like being sprinkled with angel dust…we are all so lucky to have her in our lives..

      HUGS TO ALL!!!! THANK YOU!!! Ann Maree

  30. / Reply

    Hi Zenny: Yesterday was a great day at the races!! Thank goodness for HRTV and TVG. That Awesome Maria is really awesome. What a race. And The Factor what a comeback after being off. All the races were great fun!

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