Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #457

Here WE are! All of today’s photos…Courtesy of Mathea Kelley and Team Zenyatta

Dear Beloved Friends,

Wouldn’t you know those EARS anywhere? I love looking at THEM and every single part of MY adorable colt! This entire experience is very precious to ME and to my entire TEAM!

On this day, I wanted to share a few more of my favorite photos with YOU. After all, I think this fortunate foal is blessed to have the most GODPARENTS of anyone in history. I truly can’t THANK YOU enough for the way you have embraced both of US….ME for so many years….and now my ‘Dumpling’.

Many of you have asked about HIS NAME. At this time, my colt does not have an official name. Per the standard practice in our industry, he is referred to as “12 Zenyatta”. His halter tag reads this way indicating year born…and Mom’s name. I know Ann and Jerry so well and can only imagine how many countless hours they will spend discussing this to make sure he has the perfect name. I trust their judgment completely!

The most fun he and I’ve shared so far is when he ‘takes off’ to run in the paddock. Just like in MY RACING CAREER, I give him a head start (on purpose)…and then I catch him in a FLASH! This is one FUN GAME we play…and I’m loving every single stride.


I must say, having been a MOM now for a few days, I’m already applying some of the basics of MOM 101. (A HIGH HOOF to my Lane’s End pals for tutoring ME with some special GREAT MOM TIPS.) I’m really doing very well at ‘my new career’ and am rather proud of myself. (Blush, Blush)

My baby is by my side every moment….and I am loving it! We walk together, eat together, cuddle together, and learn together. I’m getting a daily education on all of the right things to do for him…and I’m hoping in return he is learning to be ONE FINE COLT from ME!


In life, things go FULL CIRCLE. I have gone from being a foal…to now having one of my very own to care for each day. In between these 2 stages of life, I have been incredibly blessed to achieve countless amazing accomplishments, a great deal of success in my profession, and to meet and share MY LIFE with some of the finest people one could ever hope to call her FRIENDS!

I do feel at this time, it is extremely important for ME to take some time off from my daily DIARY writing and allow myself the opportunity to BOND EVEN MORE to MY NEW FOAL and FOCUS on being his MOM. (I think in human terms, this is called a child-rearing leave!)

From the bottom of MY HEART, I want to THANK YOU for the joy, support, and love you have brought to ME over these past years. As I’m putting my “writing hooves on the shelf for a bit,” I also want to thank the countless people who have submitted photos (Sarah, you have been so kind) and written so many treasured responses in relation to the Diary entries.

Dottie and I wrote the very first Diary entry on November 1, 2010. We have cherished every single moment of sharing all of these experiences and memories with you….OUR DEAR and TREASURED FRIENDS!

Again, THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING! I will think of you often during my time off…and I hope you will do the same of ME….especially when you see the letter “Z” or hear any of my favorite sayings as ….”Too cute…Blush, Blush…It’s ME…Wink, Wink, BARN 55, High Hoof and I’m a MOM.”

WHAT A RIDE WE’VE ALL SHARED!

Until next time…

With Love,
Hugs to All~ (I so mean this from the bottom of MY HEART!)
Z

I’d respectfully like to add a SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS and a HUGE GROUP HUG to all of the people who have done so much to orchestrate and guide my racing career…and now my life as a broodmare. It is such a large and loving group which would include but not be limited to: all of my dear pals at BARN 55, LANE’S END, MY ANN and JERRY, MY JOHN, MY MIKIE, MARIO, FRANK, CHEVA, MICHELLE, DAWN, STEVE, and so many others!

Then, of course, I’d like to send a very special HIGH HOOF and one very BIG HUG to my writing partner, DOTTIE!

Reader Interactions

1,307 Comments

  1. ohh zenny I’m so sad I missed you already, your my inspiration you made my day for the whole year because of dottie generosity for her time I salute to dottie. But I’m anxious everyday to update you and your prince what you been doing that you are safe and happy and heathy.I pray that we can get in touch again soon,I thank you to mr.and mrs moss for their generosity as well and the lanes end and barn 55 ,I thank you and apreciate to john and dottie.My lady Z and prince I pray that we can get in touch again soon ,we love you so much as always.Candi

  2. Oh Zenny, Dottie and Baby Z, the pictures are absolutely beautiful!! A BIG THANKS to Ann, Jerry, Dottie, John, Sarah, Charles, Matt, Lanes End, Barn 55 and all of Z’s connections for the wonderful privilege in being able to share Zenyatta’s life experiences. Sending a HIGH HOOF to you, Dottie, for all your hard work and dedication in being Zenyatta’s voice. I have learned so much about the Thoroughbred world and my life is forever changed because of you and Zenny. Thanks again for EVERYTHING . . . . you all have touched my heart in a way I cannot explain. I do understand the need for a break, to rest, regroup, bring a sence of normalcy and privacy back into one’s life (human and equine). . . . that is really important. Sending lots of love, hugs and nose kisses to you Zenyatta and your sweet baby foal!!!!

  3. Thank you, Zenyatta, for sharing the absolutely adorable photos of yourself and your young son – these are images my heart will treasure. We have been so fortunate to have loved you and followed your career through the kindness and sharing of your human connections and to be allowed into the world of your present career as a mom is something that is pretty unbelievable since most fillies are rarely ever seen or heard about once they leave the track. My brain is telling me that time off from your duties of keeping the diary up to date is a good thing for you and your sweet colt, but my heart is saddened by the loss that I will feel from not having you be a part of my daily life, my little routine, my break from the pressures of every day out here in the real world. Just reading about you and learning from Dottie’s wisdom has been such a bright spot that I will miss this connection. You are such a very special horse and have meant so much to me, well….I just don’t have the words to express how this makes me feel. The horse comes first, though and also in this case I would say that your Dear Dottie comes right up there too because I’m sure it hasn’t been easy to always come up with some new way of entertaining and educating us about your life and racing in general. I’m trying to set aside my selfish feeling of wanting this good place to keep going on and on, but still the sadness remains. I will miss you, my Queen.

  4. Thank you, Dottie. You created a masterpiece that many people have loved, looked forward to, learned from, and just plain enjoyed. The Zenyatta Diary would make a wonderful book (someone must have thought of that!), but your entries live on in cyberspace. Much love to your wonderful owners Jerry and Ann, John and Dottie, Mike, Mario, Barn 55 and Lane’s End. And of course, so much love to you, Zenyatta, and your baby. You brought so much love, joy, and hope to so many. You are among the very greatest Thoroughbreds who ever lived.

  5. @ALL: See the NEW post! It is not over!
    diastu – breathing again in tempe!

  6. omg feel so sad will not be reading your diary after today, but you need time with your son to teach him things esp the “”queens dance”” he is just so handsome Z and you look just wonderful. thank you Dottie for the pics, and would like to know of Tasty’s new foal when he/she arrives.
    love you lots Z and Zenyatta 12
    may god keep you and bless you both always

  7. I don’t know where to begin. How do I express my feelings and my “Shock” better than what has already been said?
    When I read the Diary today, I was taken aback and confused! I didn’t comment until I read every single post, all 820 comments. I’ve held onto every single word and took my time to absorb all the emotions as well. But, this is so abrupt and it makes “one” wonder what happened? Makes no since, what so ever!

    Dottie, you have been and always will be the voice of our Queen, Zenyatta! I just think that US Fans need more of an explanation to why this all the sudden occurred? No warning or hints?? From the interview you gave the day after the Prince arrived, sounded like there were a lot of plans in the works for the Z dumplings/fans? I guess that I won’t understand until an explanation is given. The sudden news also makes “one” wonder if YOU and JOHN are OK?!
    Please, Please, Please, don’t let this journey end this way!!!!

  9. Dear Zenyatta. How do I begin? When I opened the diary site this evening, I was not prepared for the message within. In two short minutes, my heart was touched by both joy and sorrow. The photos of my Zennie and her “too cute” little Prince were amazing. (I just love all of your sweet says, Dottie.) It brought such contentment just to gaze upon them and to read how very happy my girl and her boy were. As I read on, it was then that I realized a change was taking place and I have to admit that tears began to fall. I am not sure if I am understanding this as an ending of sorts or simply a new beginning, but I did want to share some thoughts with you all.

    When our lives have been touched by something truly unique and amazing, we want to hold onto that feeling. It is a gift we cherish and wish to go on forever. But, change is inevitable. As I look out my window, I can see the last remnants of snow slowing melting into the ground, providing life giving moisture to the tender young things beginning to grow. It is the time for seasons to change. The beauty of white diamonds sparking in the afternoon sun is now giving way to the amazing color of purple crocus against a muted backdrop. Tree branches once coated with shimmering ice are now turning red from the sap inside. Soon, the landscape will resemble a Monet painted with a fusion of color. Zenyatta’s time with us has been much the same. She went through her own Spring at her mother’s side, then there were the golden California days of Summer, she entered the Winter at Keenland and ran in the snow at Lane’s End and now as a mother, Spring has come again. These and so many more are the memories I will never forget, I know we will continue to make new ones in the future!
    I am ever the optimist. As one of my favorite songs says, “I believe in tomorrow as much as today.” So I will look forward to what the future holds for you, Dottie, John, Jerry, Ann, Mike, everyone at Barn 55 and the crew at Lane’s End, how I love you all. Thank you for everything, what a difference you make in my life each day. I will hope that we remain close and that in the not too distant future we will once again be together. At that time things may be similar to what they are now or they may be entirely different, that’s the adventure. There are so many things that we will continue to share and rejoice in. I know soon many of us will be at a celebration on Breeder’s Cup weekend, taking pictures in front of Zenyatta’s statue with our Dumpling tags proudly displayed for all to see!

    Zennie, I remember that very first post in 2010 and I have cherished every single moment right along beside you and Dottie. I have written many times about what this diary site and everyone involved with it mean to me. We are family, there is no doubt. Though I have not met many here, I consider you the best of friends and dear to my heart. How I enjoyed every day sitting down with my cup of tea and beginning our talks together. We spoke of good and bad, happy and sad, history, horses and horseracing. There were health issues and heartbreak, joys and jokes, loss and recovery, life and death. We educated, enlighted and when asked we joined together to make a difference. We touched each other’s lives in a very special way. We even called one amazing women “Our Kari” because we loved her so. Every time I look at your babies beautiful face Zennie, I will think of Cynthia H describing his star as “Kari’s Kiss.” Many of us have formed very special friendships, such as the one I share with my sweet Shari Voltz. Such blessings to treasure!!!!

    We would not be true Z-ster’s if we let that end. Zenyatta never gives up. So I know that while Zennie and Dottie are having a much deserved break, we will find a way to carry on. It would be wonderful if it ends up that we can continue to have our discussions and posts here on Zenyatta’s site, maybe we will get more information as things progress. But, there is also Z’s Facebook, Abigail’s and other blog sites and individually contacting each other. I know I am writing down all of the e-mails that have been shared so far. Don’t be surprised when I contact you!

    We all share a bond too strong to break. The bond of loving our Zenyatta, her fabulous Team Z and everything they represent. Secretariat raced in 1973, yet when I stood in front of his birth stall in 2010, I was surrounded by a crowd of young and old alike who still loved him and remembered him and honored him. So it looks like you are stuck with us Zennie, through thick and thin, we will always be together. I will never say goodbye.

    Say hello to lovely Tasty who will soon join you with a baby of her own. Sweet dreams to you and the little Prince. Hugs and kisses to everyone!!!!! XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
    Love,
    Dawn

    PS – I haven’t had a chance to catch up on all of the posts yet, but I will be trying to leave some additional messages. Here are my e-mail addresses for anyone who would like to contact me:

    Work: dawn.conrad@usbank.com
    Home: gidget12@tds.net

    Here’s that song I like:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgN6_aDkoCc

    • Today my heart is hurting and I can’t stop crying.

      Thank you Dawn and Everyone here…. what a side time.

      I keep saying this – Dottie I hope you are okay.

    • Dawn, your generosity of spirit and your verbal elegance have added so much to this Diary. And now you have so eloquently summed up the way most of us feel… I don’t know how you do it, but you are indeed a treasure. Thank you :)

    • Tears tears! Even after I took a long breather and regrouped myself. Beautiful!

    • Dawn,
      Beautifully expressed sentiment. As usual, your writing is absolutely spot-on!
      I am optimistic, also and look forward to the next chapter of communication from
      Zennyland. Take care and all the best, always. Til we meet again, Hugs!

    • Gary,
      Very well put! This IS just “so long” — look forward to hearing from you again in the future. Take care!

  11. All of Kari’s videos were visual poems, but I think that this one was truly her masterpiece. It illustrates more powerfully than I can say why we came here, why we stayed, and why the chain of Zenyatta love which links our hearts will never be broken.

    12th ♥

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6z_AW7Cr58

    • Sweet, Cynthia. Your words are beautiful! I have missed talking to you my friend. We will have to get caught up. This is such a wonderful video by Kari. Tonight she feels so very close, the diary site meant so much to her and she always made each of us feel so special. She reflected the joy we find in Zenyatta and each other. It is a bond that will last a lifetime and beyond. Love to you my dear.

      Hugs,
      Dawn

      • Dear Dawn,
        Your words are beautifully eloquent and gracious, as always. The most precious gift which I and many others have received from Zenyatta’s Diary, is that of forming new friendships. Thank you for warming my heart and enriching my life.

        ♥

    • YES! YES! YES! YES! YES! Just got back to my computer and saw the NEW TWEET!! The Diary won’t be the same, but that is Ok, if we still get news about Zenny and 12 Zenyatta, we will all be Ok. Go read the Letter To Zenyatta Fans!!!

  14. I just heard the good news.
    @Diana S.~ You can start breathing again as you already know.
    @Karen Gogue ~ You still knock my socks off!
    @Zenyatta’s Legions ~ I am going to take this headache and go to bed. I am happy for all of Zenyatt’s Dumplings, that you will continue to have a place to get together and share your love and stories of the “fair Lady Zenyatta.”
    @Jeanie ~ Bad day turned into good.
    @Check out the post in Archives 2012 from the Mosses and toast the good news with one of Zenyatta’s favorite beverages, Guinness; after all St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner. This day has been one for the record books . . .

  16. Thanks, Zenyatta and Dottie! I will sure miss my daily diary fix, but I’ll keep thinking of you and the little one!

  17. OMG…please take the time you need but don’t forget to update us occasionally…don’t know what we’ll do without the Diary Posts…we are so thankful for all you have done to keep Queen Z in front of us daily and we are sooooo thrilled with her colt…..can’t wait to hear his name and of course the upcoming news of Tasty’s foal…we love you all and pray for your health and happiness….love you Z

  18. BREATHE PEOPLE!!!!!! I finally am after taking a looong break! WOOOWHOOO!

    • Hi, dear Karen. Boy I was right there with you. Zenyatta and Z-friends like you, mean the world to me!! I will miss the diary so much, but I will join you in a YIPPEE for what is in the works!!!

      Hugs,
      Dawn

      • Awww, and I love you too, the lovely Miss Conrad!

  19. Dottie, you are amazing and there are no words to thank you for all the delightful Diary Posts you have written for our Queen. I am so grateful to you and to the Moss’s and to all of Team Z for sharing her with her adoring fans and educating us about the fascinating world of Thoroughbred Racing. The Diary was always so precious, and I will miss reading it every day, but can certainly understand that Z’s life now must be concentrated on just being a mama horse….not a writer :)

    I am just so happy knowing that Z is happily living her life as a mom with a new colt by her sidel. Looking forward to seeing photos and news updates on this website.

    Z Family…you have all come to mean so much to me. As a newby in the racing world, many of you have taught me so much with your fascinating explanations, stories, and links to videos and articles. And the love and kindness expressed here has been a haven and tonic for the soul. Thank you ALL so much!

  20. It is now 12:18AM here in Sun Valley and I am just now getting to write! Why,you ask? Because I read the post this morning at work,started crying and couldn’t read any of the comments without crying MORE, so tried to get back to work. As I’ve said before,some of my duties entail talking on the phone and announcing things over our paging system. It is very hard to do this when you are crying!! Several times during the day,I tried to read a few of the posts and started in again. I had a rehearsal tonight and when I got home,I sat down at the computer and read all of the posts–it took a long time,as here I can let go and REALLY cry,which I did often at the beauty of the thoughts conveyed by all of you!!

    I tried to send a post the day “the most beautiful baby in the world”,as YOUR JERRY called him, was born,but the site kept crashing and I could not get it to send. YOUR PRINCE is simply magical–and,OH,those magnificent ears!! Thank YOU and all of your team for sharing all you have with us!! I pray that the web-site will stay up,so that we can replay the videos of your races,order things from your shop,and replay the Diary entries so that we can relive the precious moments,pictures,and links that you have shared with us. Being able to do that at will,will surely help us in dealing with our “withdrawal pains”. Please,PLEASE allow us this privilege–it would mean SO much!!

    I surely hope that there WILL be a Zenyatta party at the breeders cup this fall. I am SO looking forward to coming and to connecting with other Zsters!! I will be looking for Dumpling tags!! Do you know,I don’t have one yet–I kept thinking I would be able to get one before I come. I will order a Z cap and bracelets and look for everyone.

    How can I ever explain what this blog has meant to me? I knew it was important,but never really knew how much until today—-just can’t stop crying!! To all Zsters–I will use the e-mail addresses and suggestions for keeping in touch and will look forward to November,when I hope to finally meet LOTS of you!!

    Thank you Dottie,for all of your devotion to the Diary.I look forward to whatever you share with us in the future. To YOUR JOHN,Zenny,to YOUR ANN and YOUR JERRY,to YOUR MIKE,to ALL of your team,at Barn 55,and at Lane’s End,my eternal thanks for all you have shared with us!!

    To Queen Zenyatta and YOUR beautiful PRINCE–may today,after the sun comes up,find you two having a perfect day,with the sun on your backs and a soft breeze to ruffle your manes—-LOVE YOU FOREVER!!!

    • Dear Sue, I am just getting ready to sign off for the night, but wanted to send a quick hug your way. {{{{{{ }}}}}} Your post is beautiful, I think we all shed some tears today, I know I did. No fear, we will continue to reach out to one another. Sleep well and sweet dreams, my friend!

      Love,
      Dawn

  21. “A long days journey into night” …….
    Thank you all from A to Z from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful heartfelt posts … they are too numerous to mention and too many to individually respond to. BUT, I want you all to know I appreciate each and everyone of you and will continue to enjoy having you all in my world! ♥♥ I will take comfort in this then, as it indeed has been a looong days journey into night!

  22. Dear Dottie, just a short personal note to let you know how very much you are loved!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, there are no words! You will be missed, dear friend!

    Love and hugs,
    Dawn

  23. Dear Zenyatta. Good night my beauty. I will love you forever more!! Kisses to the baby! Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXXOOOO

  24. Oh MY–now I’m just sobbing!!! But,in relief!! Between the time I signed on and the time I finally finished my post,there came the wonderful news!!! Tears upon tears fo joy!!!

    THANK YOU,THANK YOU,THANK YOU dear Ann and Jerry for letting us know that the site will continue!!! You are too wonderful for words!! I keep re-watching the HRTV interview,loving hearing you talk about YOUR GIRL and that MOST BEAUTIFUL BABY IN THE WORLD!!–and those sweet videos of the two of them–I’ll never tire of seeing it!!

    I think I can go to sleep now and wake in the morning with a happy heart!! Love to you two–and my eternal gratitude for all of your kindness!!

  25. “It’s ME!” … Huh? … What’s that you are whispering in my ear Zenny? girl? Is that you? … Mmmm? … …. YEAH! heehee, BOY! I do ever have egg all over my face! PHEWWW though! … Uhmm? … DUH!!! YEAH, DO I EVER FEEL SO DUMB! haha … Mmmm? … I know, I never click onto the NEWS at your site, or I would have seen it! haha, good one on me, huh girl!? my BAD!…. now good to sleep, cause you’re gonna need it for the mornin’ with that little fiesty star Prince of your’s! … Mmmm? … Awww, I love you too, and the little guy! Goodnight O love of my heart! ♥♥ TIMES TWO!

    • Vicki-Thanks for the link. It looks like we won’t be cast adrift after all. At the end of “The Wild Bunch” Edmond O’Brien, one of my favorite actors, says to Robert Ryan “Well, it’s not the same but its not bad.” Hopefully, it will be that way for all of us.

  28. Ok, if we all lost touch, here is my addy.. hkruckenberg@yahoo.com.. MY facebook is Hedi A. Kruckenbeg. Enjoy some of my “works!”
    btw.. If you send a message, make sure that I know that it is from here. Otherwise, everything goes to trash!

  29. Thanks Vickie for showing us that letter. I guess we better check the ‘News’ tab on here daily to see whats new or when they have added some pictures and videos. OF course we’ve all become so spoiled to our ‘daily fix’ that we just can’t seem to think we’ll survive, but we will have to and now we know Ann & Jerry will do what they can to keep it updated. Dottie had done such a marvelous job and spoiled us terribly. Zenny will be rebred in a few weeks and then we have to accept the fact that prince will be weaned from mommy in a few months but we know that. Maybe in hindsight this transition will make it easier for us to accept. Dottie , we love you and wanted to let you know how much you’ve spoiled us all. We love you and Zenny and baby Prince so much.