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. Zenny, Sweet Zenny…I love you so, and now your little colt, too. You’ve shared so much with us, been so generous with your time, photos, teaching us, uniting us. One heck of a Queen, that’s for sure. I will miss coming here every day, but I am so thankful for the time we’ve been given to be a part of your life. You should have all the time in the world to be the perfect mom that you are already becoming, and the most gracious Dottie deserves a break, too. I don’t know if you’ll be back here, but I will never forget my time spent on this site. I’ve enjoyed reading fellow Z’ers posts, learning, laughing and crying. We’ve shared some amazing things on this diary site of yours, Zenyatta. I am grateful, too, that I met you in person at Barn 55. I will never forget that experience. Thank you to all of your connections for your good care and willingness to share you. I will be looking for new photos of you and Baby Z, and news of Tasty’s foaling. I will hold you in my heart forever, and never say goodbye but, instead, until we meet again. God bless you, and everyone of this site.
    Love, Margie

  2. Prince Zendini is a spunky fella !! He is so CUTE :) Thanks for the photos. I love his BIG Bright Star on his forehead and those ears…just like his Momma’s !! He is Very Intelligent looking.

  3. To Zenyatta, your Family and Team,

    Thank you for sharing your world with all of us.

    I will miss you!

  4. Happy for you……..sad for us! How will we ever be able to keep up with you and your son. We were looking forward to updates about him. maybe you can have Ms Dottie post at least once a week or even Sarah. I feel like I did when you retired, like a family member is leaving home for good…………….. we will miss you dear girl.

  5. I’ve been following Zenyatta’s diary from the beginning and only recently have I made a comment or two. And now, as I read through the comments left for this diary entry I find my eyes welling up! Dottie/Zenyatta, I wondered how this day would finally happen. The diary entry was written with such grace and class. And, today’s respondents, no matter how sad, answered in kind.
    Zenyatta, what you have done with the help of all your connections is pretty amazing. Through this diary, over 100,000 followers have had the opportunity to learn about horseracing, breeding, training, day to day life in the industry and even the options or pitfalls horses may experience at the end of their careers. Horse racing really needs this. It is up to us to carry it forward in whatever way we can. And, others in horseracing appear to be picking up the Moss model of sharing their horses as well as themselves with the fans.

    We’ll look for future photos/videos on your web page and other dot coms, and maybe we’ll find diary entries as you find time. 12 Zenyatta is so handsome and appears to be already a clever fellow. We’ll be watching for him in whatever line of work he chooses…wink, wink,.

  6. I am going to miss you Queen Z baby Z and Dottie! Reading the Diary has been one of the highlights of my day! I thank you for letting us into your life. Please keep us posted on important events and future happenings! You brought so much joy into so many peoples life’s!!

  7. Thank you all so much for this extra bit you’ve been doing all this time for Zenyatta’s fans. It has been an absolute delight and will sincerely be missed, but we understand that everyone must move on. Fingers crossed that there will still be occasional photo updates on Facebook or wherever. Again bless you all

  8. THANK YOU Zenny/Dottie for sharing a part of your lives with us. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Moss, Barn 55, Mikie, and Lane’s End. Take care all of you.
    Although it will be hard for us, you have to do “right by the horse”, or in this case the horses. Zenny’s foal needs to grow and thrive in an environment where he can simply be a “horse”, as does his mother. Her focus needs to be on taking care of her foal and teaching him how to be a horse without having any interruptions because we want to see how they’re both doing. Speaking for myself, that would be selfish of me. As always, Zenyatta’s team has always been up front with everything that is going on with Zenny and I don’t think that will change. I’m sure that they’ll let us know when there’s anything that’s news worthy. Again, THANK YOU for sharing your lives with us over this past 1 ½ years. It definitely has been a MOST pleasurable ride.
    Zenny – I know that you will give your foal all your love and more that you yourself have been given, and have returned tenfold. I wish you all the success and happiness in your new career as a MOM. I know that you’ll excel in being a mother and teacher to your offspring. You wouldn’t be Zenyatta if you didn’t. Enjoy your time with your foal. Until we hear from you again, HUGS AND KISSES to you and your little man.

  9. I will miss your posts Queen Z, but understand. You need to concentrate on being a mom now and in the future.
    Please, ask Dottie if she will at least keep up some information on your Facebook page so we will all know how you are doing, how your beautiful son is doing in the future.
    thanks again Queen Z,,for your Diary posts. Will miss you so so much.

  10. Thanks for keeping us in the loop of Zenyatta’s life. I hope we will still get occasional updates about her. That colt looks so much like her, same front end, neck and head (and ears, of course). If only he has even half her talent and heart.

  11. Dear Great One,
    Please let this just be a break for you and your little one. You are so much a part of my life, I can’t bear to think you will go away and never be heard form again! We all love you so much and had such hopes of watching your Little Prince grow up and the cycle of nature unfold itself in your life again. Please don’t leave us for long.

    And please don’t take this Diary away from us. It is a place where we can all share the inspiration you give us.

    I had no idea this was coming. It really makes me sad.

    Your humble J

  12. Dear precious Zenyatta (and baby) and Dottie and team! I do feel like a godparent, this as all been so special. Please let us know when Tasty gives birth, and pics of your babe and Tasty’s babe playing together will be so special. I’m so happy all is well and healthy. Hope your baby leave is wonderful. Please post pics on your FB page. Love and appreciate you all so much, thanks for all the joy you bring. hugs, shema

  13. Darling Zenyatta,
    You and your treasured son are so beautiful together. The sight of you makes my day and gives me something to look forward to. Dottie, you have been so kind to write for Zenyatta this past year and let us share in her transition from the track to motherhood. It’s gonna be hard to let go for awhile. The Mosses have been great! So incredibly generous to make Zenyatta a part of everyday life. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. You are forever in our hearts as a true champion and queen.

  15. It has been a pleasure to read your daily updates and will truly miss them. Dottie, you have done a wonderful job of keeping us updated (in the 3rd. person party) I looked forward every day and often times it would bring me a chuckle not to mention it was very informative as well. Enjoy your reprieve and I’m hoping that once in awhile you could give us an update or let us know if and when you might resume. Best of luck and thanks for sharing.

    Arnita from Colorado

  16. Very sad to hear your diary is ending. This new chapter of your life is exciting and I was looking forward to sharing it. :-(

    Thanks to Team Zenyatta for sharing you with us. Thanks to Dottie for doing your typing as I know it’s hard to type with those hoofs.

    But most of all, thanks to you, Zenny. You are such an inspiration to all of us. I feel blessed to have taken this journey with you. Favorite Trick got me into horse racing in 1997 and I’ve been a fan since then. I will never forget the joy you brought me.

    I love you, Big Mare

  17. Diana S from Arizona asked me to post a request:

    Does anyone know how to set up a blog so that us Z’sters can stay in touch? Especially with the upcoming Breeders’ Cup where we planned to meet and celebrate Our Queen :D

    Any suggestions or ideas – thanks! ♥

    Judy G

    • @JAG, I really don’t see Zenyatta.com going away. The diary is taking a break but I feel certain with the new site, merchandise, etc. we will still get news. Why can’t we just keep this diary page going…it may be long but what the heck? :-)

      • Unfortunately, Diana S is not on FB and I don’t think she’ll sign up any time soon… I have FB so i will be checking in there!

        • Please tell Diana S that I thought I was the longest possible “hold out” as far as Facebook is concerned but found that it is possible to join without providing ANY sensitive information (I did it with a slightly unusual version of my name), and the privacy controls really seem to work. Once you’ve “liked” Zenny and Zenny’s prince, you will get a notification on YOUR FB page anytime that they post something new. It’s really worth it.

      • Dear Alex B.:

        I don’t belong to Facebook. But, want you to know how much I have enjoyed your posts and knowing you through Z’s Diary. Hugs, JB

        • Hi Judy,

          I have a picture of one my cats as my photo on facebook. I do use my
          real name with no info other than my bd and the town I live in.

      • It’s very easy to sign up for facebook without using your REAL NAME!! I know more than one person who has done this!! However, you have to use an email you are comfortable with because it will show in the “info” section of your page. I think some people use a secondary email just for fb!

        The privacy hasn’t really been a problem with me. I’ve had to remove (and block) 2 or 3 people in the 3 years I’ve been on fb. I won’t go there… LOL

        Diana just needs to set it up from her home computer and email, not her work computer! Sharon, you should try it too!

  18. Shimmering moonbeams from the full moon on the winter winds, breezily dancing, blows across the starry night – mystical beams of light appearing, the horizons light – fireflies wispily flowing through the gentle blowing breeze, shines penlight shadows throughout the coming daybreak of dawns dewy light …..moonbeams dreams …. rainbows of rainbows …. moonbeam dreams …. All else is a silence, absent tomorrows, the last recorded time , all our yesterdays, and yesteryears, life’s walking shadows ….
    There was a surge of love, her soul that somehow defied termination – something we can’t understand. The atmosphere around is all HER – a miracle unto itself … waiting to be written, a story inside you, it lies articulate, until behind you your silence … and your joy, your life you did share, but no more … waiting to be written tomorrow … tomorrow … that last syllable, waiting, waiting …. waiting to be written …
    Zennyland dreams ….. waiting ….. the Zennyland of our dreams … all our yesterdays and yesteryears, life’s walking shadows … the last recorded in time … waiting to be written ……… alas, it is our sorrow …….

  20. Dearest Z,
    Just finished listening to news of your foaling experience from the “Talkin Horses” broadcast. I think the Lane’s End crew was very impressed with you as a maiden mare. How could they not be?! When they answered the question about separation from your foal, weaning @ 5 months, my first thought was if you were ever going to behave “badly” that might be the time. After all, having someone you love taken away from you can be a very difficult period of adjustment. Having thought about this, I then come back to read that your “Daily Diary” is coming to an end, and “weaning” is imminent. I can’t lie – I am sitting here feeling sorry for myself about this decision and the loss of regular contact with you & all the amazing people here. Like sunshine, this place simply makes you feel better. The feelings, friendships, events, information, updates, anecdotes, web-sites, weather reports etc., etc. March Madness is upon us once again and I thought back to your contest last year and all the posts we shared describing the impact you had on so many lives. I hope this site will remain up for re-reads & contacts. Good luck & love to all who made this village happen. Best of wishes to Tasty, still waiting. I feel like I’m losing a good friend & saying good-bye to my “sanctuary”.
    IMMEASUREABLE THANKS from the bottom of my heart to Dottie, John, Barn 55, Anne, Jerry, & Lane’s End – for all you have given us, the time spent, the love shared, the tears cried, (even now), by what you have created through the “The Voice of Zenyatta”. YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE!!!

    LOVE, LOVE, LOVE

  21. Thank you for sharing everthing with us and Congratulations!
    I am bursting with happiness for Zenyatta and her new son.
    What a beauty he is, and Zenyatta has never looked more beautiful and HAPPY!
    Love to all,
    Liza

    • @Liza G Fly: Your song will forever be our anthem. Thank you for contributing your talent to Zenyatta’s “lexicon”.

      diastu in tempe

    • Dear Liza, Diana and Barb W.:

      Liza, love your wonderful song about Z. Diana and Barb W., will keep in touch. Your friendship means so much to me. Hugs, JB

    • Love your song also Liza G; Zenny could not
      Look any more beautiful; her coat glistens and
      She is so happy to have her baby with her. He
      Definately has Bernies gorgeous trade mark head.
      Zenny has her daddy Street Cry’s head. This was
      Truely a beautiful mating. He had those Kris s ears and
      Will be Bernie’s size around 16 hands with Zenny’s
      Long body.

    • Liza-The rendition of your song for Zenyatta at her retirement party at Hollywood Park was unforgettable.

  22. I decided today I had to buy the photo of Z called “Flying”! 11×14 signed by Mike. It is
    my 60th birthday present to myself wihich is on the 16th. Please TT, have your foal on
    my birthday!! I am so sad right now knowing that I will not be reading the diary every day, but I understand how busy you are Dottie. THANK YOU AGAIN from the bottom of my heart. HUGS TO ALL

  23. Zen: You are and always will be perfection.

    Coming here to visit has been the best part of the day since the diary began. It never failed to make me smile. Thank you for this wonderful haven of happiness, joy, hope and all things Zen. It has been very very special and will be much missed.

    Thanks to all connections for sharing Zen and her foal with us and making us feel so much a part of her life. So kind and generous. Thank you for everything.

  24. How I will miss reading about the great Zenyatta .Thanks to Dottie, who has almost convinced me, that I was indeed speaking to Zenyatta.
    Thanks to all of you for giving us, the fans, the thrill of our lives, to be so close and intimate in the daily life of a horse and her team.
    I hope that Lanes End will keep us informed about Tasty and Zenny.
    I sure hope 60 Minutes continues her story, that is where it all began for me.

  25. You looking well Lady Z. Motherhood becomes you, and don’t forget large ears means that this horse will be generous in his many talents just as you were to your many fans. His barn name should be Rabbit! So glad that everything went well with you and yours. From your friends and fans at Spring Creek Ranch high the Rocky Mountains

  26. How will we be able to keep up with you and your son???? I love the pictures! Good luck with everything Zenyatta!

  27. Thank you for giving us a great time with Zenyatta. So sad to see it end. Hope you come back later after a much needed rest. She is loved by all and her baby and she need to be protected for awhile. Thanks to everyone associated with Zenyatta.

  28. how sad after all this time getting so connected to zenyatta, it comes to an end. right at the moment people really want to see and watch the foal grow. isn’t there someone else who can “help” zenyatta continue her diaries. especially with updates on the colt and tasty.

    it seems rather cruel to just stop now while everyone is so heavily invested emotionally in the wellbeing of zenyatta and the baby.

  29. Dear Zenyatta (Dottie),

    All good things must come to an end eventually. I will greatly miss the daily updates on your status and what is going on in your life. You have allowed us a great learning experience about many different aspects of the horse racing industry and getting to know you and your entire team. I so appreciate you taking the time to keep this diary updated. I know it has to be a lot of work! I will check the facebook page to see if we get some updated pictures on your new colt. Thank you so much for including us in your transition from race horse to broodmare. It is an honor to be one of your “god parents”. I am planning on attending this year’s Breeders Cup at Santa Anita. I hope they still are planning to have a party in your honor during that event. Thank you again to everyone involved. You have put a smile on my face or a tear in my eye with your very elequent diary posts.

  30. Well I must say I cried tears of joy and tears of sadness. I shall truly miss my morning Z Diary over my coffee but totally understand the Mom time you need. I hope this is just time off and not a permanent goodbye. We’ll all go into wihdrawals if that happens.

    Your foal is sooooooooooo precious and I love the “head start” game…if anyone can teach him abotu speed and stamina it is his glorious mama!! Be sure to give yourself and him our virtual hugs and kisses and know that I think I speak for all of us when I say we will still think of you and keep you and him close to our hearts every day.

    I cannot thank Dottie enough for putting yuour voice into words! She’s amamzing! Thanks DOTTIE!! I cannot thank Mr. & Mrs. Moss for sharing you with the world…John Sheriffs for opening his barn…MArio, Steve, Carmen and the rest for letting us see the behind the scenes side of you! I shall neveer forget sitting in Barn 55 on the day ofter the 2009 Breeder’s Cup CLassic when my friend Bree and I stood with John Sheriffs in between the two stalls of the LAdies and Breeder’s CUp Classic winners and snuggled with them. Such a private time when all was quiet but to stand next to megnificience and glory and beauty and grace was truly an awestruck and magical moment…then again during your final farewell at Hollywood Park and at Barn 55 again. OH Z!!!! I shall miss your beautiful voice (as translated by Dottie) every morning but you will NEVER be far from my heart….EVER.

    You and your baby hang on my desk so I can see you every day and I do SO hope you will return from time to time to share news about you and your precious little son with all of us who adore you so much. I don’t think there will evere be ANY horse that will be so close to our hearts because of the way you have opened your stall and paddock and shared every aspect of your life with us (with the beautiful Dottie’s help of course).

    You are MAGICAL Miss Z….always have been….always WILL be. Just know I send love, hugs and kisses across the many miles from me to you and on the gentle breezes. I am blassed to have met you Dear Z and I shall cherish those moments all the day sof my life.

    THANK YOU…THANK YOU…THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for us and for racing…it is good for the soul and MANY thanks to you and the amazing Bernardini for bring such a beautiful and treasured son into our world. It truly doesn’t get anymore perfect than that.

    Don’t forget about us…Come back again someday very soon.

    WE LOVE YOU ZENYATTA (and TEAM Z)…..some things will NEVER change!

    HOOF HOOF HOORAY!