Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #449

HELLO ZENNIE! It's your pals from BARN 55! Photos by Michelle Jensen and John Shirreffs

Happy Friday!

The weather in Lexington has been quite ‘active’ lately and we’ve had several storm warnings. This part of my life is so different than anything I ever experienced in California. Lane’s End is exceptionally careful with us when this happens and our time outdoors is very structured and limited….if at all. Everything depends on the weather conditions and our safety.

Fortunately, TASTY and I love our stalls and are very comfy and cozy indoors. We do hope it clears up soon. This way we can get back into our ‘spending time outdoors routine’ …and things will be safer for everyone.

My days of ‘traveling alone…without a foal by my side’ are becoming more and more monitored. As of this morning, per the farm, my ‘bag’ is getting a bit larger. It is making all of the gradual changes necessary to increase in size…and I am ‘waxing a bit’. This all pertains to my udder and milk production levels which are consistently and carefully recorded all of the time now.

I must say, I never thought the words ‘bagging’ and ‘waxing’ would take on such great importance in my life! However, I have now learned when a mare is getting ready to foal…these terms become extremely significant!

From today’s report, it appears I am still on target to foal ‘sometime next week’…but nature is nature. I’ll keep you posted! As I’ve said so many times before, this is all so NEW TO ME! Thank you for your support!

This morning, my pals at BARN 55 wanted to send ME some fun….THINKING OF YOU…photos. They are wearing my NEW T-SHIRT and sending ME lots of hugs, warm greetings, and positive thoughts. They always do…but as it is getting closer and closer to my foaling experience….they really wanted to reinforce these thoughts and tell ME how much they care, think of ME, and MISS ME!

Michelle... dancing and sending ME a HIGH HOOF and hug!

I miss you guys too….all of you….more than I can say!

MY MARIO and CHEVA above... and now FRANK is also sending his regards!

So many stakes races are running the next few days…it is very busy! As always, I wish all of the horses running and their connections a wonderful time and lots of success! I’ll be really tuning into the Grade 1 races running at Santa Anita on Saturday and the Gotham for 3 year olds at Aqueduct. Focussing on racing over the weekend will not only be fun, but it will help to keep my mind busy!

With Love,
Hugs to All~(Thank you, everyone, for thinking of ME!)
Z

On a very serious note….. A special hug and prayer is needed for one of my other BARN 55 pals, Dr. Leslie… who checked in on ME often when I was in California. She had a skiing accident yesterday and all of our prayers are with her at this time!

Reader Interactions

915 Comments

  1. / Reply

    I was worried about you yesterday and glad you posted this. Last nite, I dreamt that your baby came in the worst of raging storms. Of course they kept you safe in my dream, but you were afraid and so was the little one. I thought maybe you were starting to foal and it was a premonition. Sometime next week….I can hardly contain my excitement!!!!

  2. / Reply

    Lovely Mama Z –

    I was worried about you yesterday and glad you posted this. Last nite, I dreamt that your baby came in the worst of raging storms. Of course they kept you safe in my dream, but you were afraid and so was the little one. I thought maybe you were starting to foal and it was a premonition. Sometime next week….I can hardly contain my excitement!!!!

    Julie

  3. / Reply

    So happy you are safe! As I watched the news and what was happening in Kentucky, I thought of you often and prayed you’d be safely harbored. Thank God for Cement barns, huh?
    Iknow you are due any day now, but it would kinda be Kool if you were to have your baby on your birthday too, don’t you think?
    Later Zenny We love you
    Jan

  4. / Reply

    Stay safe from the storms. Thank you for the update that you are safe in your stall.
    Anxious for you and your baby. Prayers for all to be safe.
    Cute pictures of your barn 55 family, and a prayer for Dr Leslie.
    Hugs and Prayers as always xoxoxoxo

  5. / Reply

    hi babe u ok,i think about you every day hope you are ok please email me back when you have had your baby

    love you loads laurynxxxxxx

    • / Reply

      Hi Lauryn Moore,
      Haven’t heard from you in awhile.
      Hope you are doing well In school.
      And with your riding or time at the
      Barn with Mom if I remember correctly.

      Let us know how Frankel and Black Caviar
      Do at Royal Ascot. So wonderful to have
      Someone “local” give us reports.

  8. / Reply

    So glad to hear you are safe and everything is on track for your foaling. I just can’t wait. Saying prayers every night for a safe delivery and a heathy foal. Also saying prayers for those who were not so lucky with the storms. Love you Z !!

  9. / Reply

    Thanks for your status up-date, Zenny. Best wishes for a safe and smooth
    delivery !! Wishes for a speedy recovery for Dr. Leslie, and Tyler Baze, too.
    Hugs to all and SAFE racing.
    Fondly, OraJean

  10. / Reply

    We weathered the storm okay-barn and horses intact. Thanks for all the positive energy! The day is bright and sunny but windy. I hope Zenyatta is getting some paddock time today, observed of course. Mares are funny animals and i swear they can wait until you leave before they will foal. Mine seem to hold off until i step out for a minute then bang the next thing you hear is an oddly high pitched whinny that your brain tells you wasn’t there when you left the barn the last time. Then low and behold when you peak in the stall there is the little guy staggering around and you have never seen such bright whites on legs and faces and such bright pink muzzles, in some cases. Brand spanking new. It doesn’t take them long to get dirty though. I can’t wait to see Zenyatta’s foal. I hope it has her lovely ears, sweet disposition, and talent for dancing as well as running.

    • / Reply

      Beth,

      I’m very happy you and your horses and property are all ok.

      You actually answered a question I was pondering about asking….when do foals find their voices? Apparently it’s very soon after being born. That must be TOO CUTE to hear.

      Again, glad you fared well yesterday.

  11. / Reply

    I always worry for all of the animals in this terrible weather. I thought about my favorite Zenyatta many times yesterday. I can’t wait for your foal to arrive healthy and happy. You are in the best of hands and we pray for a great birthing experience. After all you are a Rock Star!!!!!

  12. / Reply

    Hi sweet Z, ; Watching the news last evening I really began to worry about you in Kentucky. I pray for all those who have been affected by these raging storms-tornados. I guess I can only keep praying for your safety and then for that little happy foal of yours to be born easily, both of you “healthy as a horse” Take care my love and be well.
    Hi to all Z’sters!!! We are to get storms tonight and a big drop in temperature for Sun. I believe a 30 block lotion was not placed on my neck and chest. How could I forget? (another senior moment?) ha Ouch!!
    Dottie & John, I began yesterday evening to pray for your friend who was in the skiing accident. Please let us know how she is doing.
    My BF; It is not quite the same with out YOU down here!! Miss you.
    love you, with prayers each day, 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
    GOTTA GO!! Auntie Sally

  13. / Reply

    Congratulaltions to Its Tricky (Mineshaft) on her first place and Love and Pride (A P Indy) on second…….keeping it in the family!!

  14. / Reply

    This morning the first thing I did was call Lanes End, and they told me every one up there were in perfect condition, and I ask Zenyatta how is she, they said that you are in great health very soon you are going to be a mammy. I want you to know that last night I pray and pray for all of you. Love you Ingrid.

    • / Reply

      Ingrid,

      Tears came to my eyes reading your post. Partly from relief that Lane’s End confirmed all was well there and the happy news about Zenyatta. Partly it was from your action to call Lane’s End in the first place. You’re a very caring woman. Thank you for sharing the news with us.

    • / Reply

      Ingrid: Thank you so much for this update on Zenny! Like many here, I’ve been checking back in every few hours today, but have a miserable cold so I haven’t written anything else. But I’m glad to hear that all is well @ Lane’s End and that WE ARE ALL ON FOAL WATCH! Sounds like Zenny could foal any day now…..LOL….any hour…….GEEZ…..VERY EXCITING!!!!***!!!!

    • / Reply

      Hi Ingrid: Thank you for letting us know. I was very worried too. Last night around 8pm (ET) the news said more storms were hitting KY. I am so happy to hear everything is okay.

      – Linda

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid:

      Thank you for calling Lane’s End and letting us know Z is fine. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thank you, Ingrid, for calling Lane’s End. That is so sweet!
      Abigail, I hope you feel better soon.

    • / Reply

      Ingrid: Super! Thank you for your current update; it is comforting news for all of us on foal watch.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid, thank you so much for letting us know how our beloved Zenny is!

      Hugs,
      Dawn

      • / Reply

        To my dear friends, you are welcome hugs Ingrid.
        Marty R
        Abigail hopes you fell well soon.
        Linda ED
        Susan C.
        Marup NY
        Judy B
        Debbie G
        Especially H
        Valarie
        Signofthetimes
        Dawn C.

  15. / Reply

    I am anxious to hear that everything is okay! Sounds like it is, but I can’t wait to see another diary entry! Fun picture of Lava Man. Thanks!

  16. / Reply

    Zenny should be having a much better day today. Sun is out here. A bit breezy but after yesterday no one is complaining.

    Zenny-Remember, tomorrow is my birthday. That is the day for you to foal!!

    Love You, Big Mare

    Kim

  17. / Reply

    Hi zen! Hope the weather gets better out there soon! IL is also having some bad weather to:( So excited to see if hansen will win the gotham!! And il pray for your friend.LUV YA! oxoxoxo

  20. / Reply

    Sweet Zenny!

    This is all SO exciting! I am sorry I have been out of touch with everyone. My new job has me traveling quite a bit. So while I still read your Diary EVERY DAY, no matter what, I have been short on time to let you know I am out there.

    I think the day you have your Baby Z is a day to go down in the record books! We LOVE YOU, and now there will be MORE OF YOU!

    Hooves crossed for Mickie today; he has several mounts and Double Hooves Crossed for Mr. Commons and Mickie together!

    Enjoy your final days of being in foal and relaxing. As a MOM you will be quite busy and PROUD.

    We send our love to YOU, TT, YOUR TEAM, and all your friend at Lanes End, particularly those that care for you. Linda & George

  23. / Reply

    Hi Everyone:

    Will keep this short as I have this yucchy cold and am happier beached out on the couch today. But I did want to say that I’m thrilled that all of you who experienced the tempests of yesterday and perhaps Thursday are well. Like others who posted above, this Nervous Nelly was on CNN most of yesterday & hoping all was well with her extended Zen-ster family.

    Have visited here every 2 hours or so today, when not popping Tylenol, to see if there was any Zenny news. Thank goodness for OUR INGRID! …..SO….who’s calling Lane’s End tomorrow??????

    Kisses to my sweet Zenny & Tasty. Love & hugs to all, be they near or far!

    • / Reply

      Abigail- hope you feel better soon! I’ve been checking in frequently but quickly, too. No news is…well, no news :P

    • / Reply

      Dearest Abigail, I hate to hear you are under the weather my friend. I am sorry you have such an awful cold. Feel better soon my friend!!!

      Love and hugs,
      Dawn

      • / Reply

        Oh, I also wanted to tell you I loved what you wrote about Strider’s picture! Doesn’t he just take your birth away!!!

  24. / Reply

    An unusual 3rd Race at Santa Anita
    ARCADIA, Calif. (March 3, 2012)—Santa Anita stewards declared Saturday’s third race, run at 6 ½ furlongs down the track’s hillside turf course, a no-contest, with all single-race monies wagered on the seven runners refunded.

    The trouble started when No. 3, Muny, broke through the gate prematurely. Just as he broke through, the rest of the gate doors opened, resulting in assistant starters holding on to their respective horses, No. 1, Lord’s Minister, No. 2, Circle Drive and No. 4, Crossing The Line.

    In making their ruling, stewards Scott Chaney, Kim Sawyer and Tom Ward cited CHRB rule 1544 b., which stipulates that if “due to mechanical failure or interference, the majority of the field is effected, then the race is to be declared a no-contest.”

    • / Reply

      I don’t recall ever seeing this happen at SA before. I’ll have to watch the video rerun. Thanks for commenting on this unusual circumstance.

    • / Reply

      @All: Some who know me from the EANDO group call me Miz Bossy Pants. Have no idea why – – – :-) But Mr. Bossy Pants (my “cousin”) has become a favorite of mine. I’ve won on him every time he’s raced. Auntie Judy placed a bet for me today. Wouldn’t ya know it the little poop won in an asterisk race! Was on the phone with Judy for the play by play. Couldn’t decide if I should laugh or cry! Craziest race I’ve ever heard of!
      diastu in tempe

      • / Reply

        I’m with ya GF! I also had Mr.Bossy Pants across the board! I was like, yah Booyah!! I was so into the race that I didn’t notice that there were only three horses to cross under the wire! DUH! After that, my day went down hill (like my face) I had Willyconker, BUT did not get to window in time to bet!! Guess what he paid! Sheese, karma is a B—-!

    • / Reply

      A common-sense ruling by the stewards, unlike the clowns at the track where only one horse finished the race. In that instance, mutuals were posted and paid on the one horse which finished.

      • / Reply

        I don’t about that…in the Miss Fifty race…everyone started and a horse going down in the turn for Home caused the problem….in yesterday’s race the problem was suppose to be a gate malfunction ..so the race did not even get started

        • One time I was at the Pomona Fair Grounds and a horse got loose on the backstretch barn area, which at that time was very close to the track itself. The public address announcer made a plea to the riders to take their horses to the outside so no one would get hurt. One rider ignored the plea, stayed on the rail and won. The stewards quite properly declared it a no contest and refunded all bets. My opinion in the Miss Fifty race is that all bets should have been refunded. The ruling may have been proper in that case, but it wasn’t right.

  25. / Reply

    Dearest Queen Z, I have been checking everything online today to check on you and Tasty too. Can’t find anything. If someone reading this knows how you made out in the storms please post a comment here or email zenyatta290@gmail.com and let know. Z, anyway now you’ll be a mom. Wishing you the best. I’m sure your wonderful family is there with you I and you haven’t had a chance to update us today. Love Ya.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Z’sters:

    Thanks for the info on Hansen winning the Gotham. Congrats to him. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Judy, loved seeing both It’s Tricky and Shari’s Pegasus, Hansen win!! Thank you for your early thoughts for Mom. I ended up cancelling her appointment with the surgeon last week as the weather was terrible and we have to make a hour long drive to Grand Junction from where we live. They rescheduled it for this coming Tuesday.

      Hugs,
      Dawn

  28. / Reply

    Happy Birthday, Jeanie and Allen!
    Great poems again, Trina. I hope you and your fellow Dumplings had fun at the track today!

  29. / Reply

    Trina,
    Wow! Thank you so much for the wonderful birthday poem. I have never had a poem written in honor of my birthday before. This is indeed special. And I now have someone to share my birthday with — Allen of Tennessee! How great is that!

    And thanks to all of you for birthday wishes and for your support for horses in need of rescue. Marlene did not conduct a rescue last month and I have been trying to get a hold of her to make sure all is well.

    So far I am having a great day. I got my hair cut and colored this morning — we have to keep up appearances, don’t we? Then some dear friends took me to lunch. I came home to find my dear son had sent me flowers and my brother and his family had left me a crazy voice mail singing happy birthday to me. Actually, my nieces were meowing happy birthday. It was interesting…I am going out this evening with a friend who will not tell me what we are doing. I am a little nervous, but I should be able to get through it.

    I kept hoping the Great One would have her foal today so they could name it after ME. I even had a name picked out. I believe it was ZeeBeeJea (pronounced Z-B-J). I thought it gracious of me to go last. But I guess it is not to be.

    Trina, thank you again and thanks to Karen, Barbara, et al for your kind wishes.

    Your humble J

  30. / Reply

    hi Z! I’m watching the races- yipeee It’s Tricky! yipeee Hansen! GO MR. COMMONS & MIKIE!!! LOVE YOU GORGEOUS MAMA!!! XOXOXO

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