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. Dear Dottie,

    I know you are aware of this but wanted to say it anyway. You have been a very bright light to all of us!! You have created a place where we could all come at anytime and feel up lifted, to get support, to feel a moment of joy and a safe place to relax. Our place to watch and follow Zenyatta. Before Zenyatta’s diary, I never posted on a blog, never would have shared information about my self with people I had not met. Between your committment to and genuine kindness in the diary and even in person, the patience that John shared with all of us during Z’s racing career and to this day, Jerry and Ann’s openness to share Z with us and of course Zenyatta’s example of doing your best at anything you attempt and giving it your all with gentleness and grace…We all (z’dumplings) have been given the a great gift and if we take your example we will take it outside our homes and be better people to each other and those we meet. Thank You all for your example . We will be FANS (friends, Aunties, Uncles, Godmothers….) forever.

  2. Dearest Zenyatta,
    I too will miss your Diary…it has been the highlight of my day to read about you and now “Dumpling”. I often laughed at the cute and funny things you would say …and since the birth of you adorable son, I have had misty eyes more than once. It has been truly amazing to me that I could connect with a horse that is hundreds of miles away and whom I have never met as though you were in my little band of “brumbies”. I had that same connection with the immortal Secretariat. There is just something special about some horses that touches our hearts and our souls and you, Zenyatta, are one of those special horses.
    I so enjoyed the “special moment” pictures…I felt like I could reach out and hug your neck and kiss you and the baby on the nose…smell the grass and feel the sunshine.
    And yes, I think he looks very much like you…down to the warmth in his eyes. He is as handsome as you are beautiful.
    I look forward to more pictures and updates on both of you and will be checking your website for them from time to time. Once again thank you and “Dumpling” and your remarkable humans for allowing me to tag along on the journey..it has been a joy and a blessing.
    Hugs and Kisses and God Bless you all!

  3. You’re absolutely right to take some time off and enjoy your new role, Dot-Zen. You’ve shared so much with us, thank you, thank you.

  4. My dear Zenyatta: Thanks so much for the beautiful photos of you with your little colt! Time to say thank you for including all of us in your life. It truly has been wonderful for you to share so many great stories about yourself and your wonderful life and your fabulous Team Z and Barn 55. We hope you will come back to us someday after your much needed rest. We will miss hearing all about you and now your precious little guy. There’s been nothing like this in the racing world and it accomplished something really wonderful for many people. THANK YOU ZENYATTA (and Dottie). We love you.

  5. Please keep writing! Even if it is only once every week or two. I will go into Zenyatta Withdrawal otherwise! And I need to see plenty of photos of the Dumpling as he grows. Now I am waiting to see if Tasty has a filly to play with him. Can’t wait!

  6. I have enjoyed this site so much and greatly appreciate the time, effort and love that has gone into it. Hopefully between the newsletter and Facebook page we will be able to keep up with the goings on of Zenny and her son. Thank-you Dottie and Zenny.

  7. you start my day each day. I will miss you Zen but hope we will follow you in the news and hear about your little one and his place in history. PLEASE STAY IN TOUCH

  8. We will miss your upbeat attitude. Your diary has been the highlight of the day for many of us. Your team has done so much through you to promote the thoroughbred industry. I know many people who knew nothing about horseracing, but everyone knew your name. Bless you and your connections. Wishing you every success.
    Peg

  9. A new life begins with the birth of Z12, a future champion with stellar credentials and Zenyatta’s new life will be devoted to nurturing this little guy for a while and all her other progeny in years to come. Somehow, the end of her diary is like reading the last line of a book we don’t want to end.
    Thank you for sharing the greatest race mare who ever lived with us.
    All of you deserve a well earned rest. I cannot recall a phenomenon like Zenyatta Fandom/Friendom, ever.
    To: Jerry, Ann, Dottie, John, Mikey, Team Z, Barn 55, Lane’s End- I thank you from the deepest part of my heart.
    You are missed already, but I understand. Bye with love, Helen

  11. I feel like crying. I have grown accustomed to my daily Zenyatta update, and I always look forward to reading about her adventures. It’s a valuable little moment of goodness and pleasure in the world. Especially since the arrival of the little Prince, I have looked forward to every photo I can find. I dream of meeting Zenyatta in person someday, but I know you cannot accommodate everyone who loves her. But everything must come to an end. I hope to still see occasional updates and photos. Thank you so much for sharing her with all of us.

  12. Knew this day might come. It is going to be hard not knowing what is going on, but we all share in your right to have some time to yourself, just hope some how we will get to see how you and baby are doing from time to time. In joy your time off we hope to see the diary back again, but I’m pretty well sure this will be it. Thank you Dottie for briging us into Z’s life to us for all these years. Change is hard when we are so spollied. From the bottom of our hearts Thank you :) with all our love from all the aunts, uncles, godparents around, peppermit kisses to you forever. Nancy

  14. I expect it’s other things going on in their lives. Can we blame Dottie? NO. we can’t. Look folks, she didn’t say it was final. I look at it as a way to wean everyone from it being a ‘DAILY’ diary, this way , she and Lanes End will get a much deserved break. and not having such a demanding job as to having constantly having to snap a photo and writing something each and every day. Dottie and LE are both very busy this time of year. Dottie is a manager. I couldn’t have done what she’s done for as long as she did it on a daily basis. Also, she has to have the help of LE daily too, they are the ones snapping the pictures for her. I think right now for all involved that it will be more interesting to talk on a weekly , bi-weekly, monthly, basis, this way it gives them all more to talk about and capture more pictures. Actually, mommy Z and baby Z need some time alone every day without someone snapping their pictures all the time. It’s not fair to all involved.

  15. Dottie, you have given so many people so much enjoyment out of these blogs, and I want to add my thanks for your time and effort. Zenny has become a member of everyone’s family because of you – and we are all aunties and uncles to her new baby. Or godparents. That works too. Realizing the time involved in dealing with this blog on a regular basis has taken you away from other tasks which are important, and now that the BIG event has occurred, this is a logical time to step back. I hope you will write something periodically, and post photos here and there so we can see Baby Z as he grows up, is weaned, and begins his life as a racehorse-to-be. AND, we will ALWAYS want to know how our Z-girl is doing, if and when she’s bred again, and when, and all the rest that goes on with her. We will care about her the rest of her life! Thank you again for your generosity – Anne B.

  16. I feel so blessed to have had this connection for so long. You deserve a break, Dottie. Thank you so much for including us all in the life and times of Zenyatta.

    love to all,
    Selene

  17. Good morning Z and little “dumpling”. It is us, your fans, who need to thank you, Dottie, John, Jerry and Ann, and your entire team and Lane’s End for allowing us in all of your lives. You have all been so accommodating to all of us. We will never forget you and your entire family. I will think of you always, and I certainly understand that there comes a time when you want to step back from the limelight and just live your very happy life. Indeed how lucky we have all been to be able to share so many aspects of your life. You are amazing Z, and your entire family and team are absolutely awesome. So, I won’t say “good bye”, so I will say “until I see you again, I am sending you smooches and hugs that will last a lifetime. xxoo And, sending Tasty love and hugs and hope her foals is healthy and well.

  18. Zenny, one last conversation between you and I (tears!) There ARE no words … but THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! Our love for you dear Zenny will never dwindle nor die …. Mmmm? …. What’s that girl? ….. Ahhhh, we will miss you so much too! …. yeah, I know … they are tears of joy really … from getting to know you and getting to love you more, and visiting with you everyday …. Uhmm? …. yes, and from seeing the greatest gift of all, YOUR little guy, the precious foal you are now going to love more than you can know …. Mmmmm? …. Yes, WINK! WINK! he sure is a cutie! And I’ll miss seeing his antics everyday too! …. What’s that you say? …. Oh! Why Zenny!! That was the biggest love lick ever! and the snootie hugs, ahhh, and biggest smack right on my lips!!! I will miss you so much … yes, a tight, tight, hug around your beautiful neck! THERE! mmmm squeezzzzz! …. Mmm? … I know, I can’t help but to cry girl …. you are such a part of my life, a good part, that I don’t want to let go of …. Mmmm? …. I know there will be news of you somewhere, but not like this! It is going to be so lonely without you girl! A huge hole that will never be filled …. to send you, girl, and Zenyatta.com into the pages of history … OH! It is so sad, because that’s what it feels like …. Mmmm? … I know, it is not goodbye really, but …. Mmm? What did you say? … oh, you are so sweet! I will miss you too! Can I get a snootie hug from your little guy too? ….. Ahhhh! That was so TOO CUTE Zenny! … look at him go, RUN! little guy, RUN! oops! Not too steady yet, huh girl!? … haha … he’ll do fine in this world girl, and with a mother like you! WOW! Look out world here he comes! Why, Zenny, is that a BLUSH BLUSH! from you? …. Well, it is true, you are the best momma and the love you have for him will have no bounds!
    Mmmm? …… Yes … Dottie … “THE VOICE OF ZENYATTA” …. one special, special lady indeed! There ARE no words Zenny, to say what is in our hearts – the love she has poured out to all of your fans can never, ever be repaid … Ummmm …. yes, and your Jerry and dear, dear Ann too …. what a joy and blessing it has been to ride along in their dreams, and in your world …. Uhmmm? … Yes, Zenny, it has been said, “It is YOUR world and we all are just living in it” … well, WERE living in it …. let’s hope that this is the beginning of a “MIRACLE PART 2” with your little guy …. Mmmm? …. I know, but one can dream again ….. dream …. dream …. Oh, what a wonderful ride and a wonderful world Zennyland has been! … the Zennyland Dream of Our Dreams ……. I LOVE YOU ALL! ♥♥ And will miss you all terribly! ♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥ ♥♥

    • I will miss Karen’s magical prose. Yes, there is a big hole needing to be filled now.

    • I KNEW I should have gotten up and gone for the Kleenex BEFORE I read this, but did I? NO! Now I can hardly see, but thank you, Karen, for another wonderful conversation with Z that says what we all might say if we were so talented!
      Sandy

  19. Another thought,

    We all talk about how it is Dottie writing these posts and that is true of course but Zenyatta’s participation in the picture taking and being ‘watched’ by a human with a camera has been a big part of it as well.

    I am thinking back to something Ann Moss said about how usually Zenyatta would have been at the fence line visiting with her people but now, with 12Z at her side she was off with him, focused on him. Zenyatta’s owners and her caretakers have always put her comfort first and it could be that Zenyatta has indicated she’s had enough of the cameras and the human ‘lens’ being turned on her and her new baby.

    It is time for her to have some space. I am sure that in a few months Anne E will be out taking more formal pictures and B-H and DRF will make sure that as there is news it is reported but for now it is time to put the camera down and let Zenny and 12Z be mare and foal.

  20. Dear Zenyatta:

    I have just been told about your latest post where you plan to take some time off. On behalf of *Noor I want to “thank you” for caring about my boy and posting the ceremony that took place at Old Friends on your website.

    I feel sad for your “legions.” You are their North Star and like the legions of Rome they follow your star regaling everyone with stories of your conquests. I am heartsick; this feels like such a permanent goodbye. If that be the case then may angels watch over you and your colt and all those at Barn 55. With deepest respect and love to you, “the fair lady Zenyatta.”

  21. Dottie and Zenyatta, I hope ‘hanging up the writing hooves for a bit” means that you will still write when there is breaking news about Zenyatta and her offspring. During the Lanes End Interview, one of the staff gave us a “Maybe” about being able to see Zenyatta just one more time. Oh, Dottie that would be so wonderful. I hope this retirement from writing doesn’t mean there won’t be another Plushie as I was looking forward to purchasing one with the markings that Z-12 has. Thank you for this haven where I was able to learn so much about thoroughbreds and racing. I thought I could never feel as badly as the day of the 2010 Breeders Cup Classic. I was wrong.

    • Germain – I was there at the 2012 BCC – crying right along with *most* folks. I agree with you. Today is worse.
      Perhaps Z has indicated that she is not so fond of the attention right now. I hadn’t considered that since she’s always been such a people-horse. At least the thought that that is the case does make me feel a bit better. I’m going to go now and distract myself from the crying, if possible. Good luck to you! I think we all feel it down to our bones and that’s something that only WE can understand. Perhaps a Z-Anon support group? :-)

      • Zenny let us know in her first photos with her
        Foal in horse language ( glancing up for only
        A brief second) and went back to grazing. Her
        Human connections other than those at LE are
        Not a priority anymore. Her son and all of her future
        Offspring are. She has now returned to the equine
        World she was born into.

        Have a wonderful life with you child and future children.

  22. So sad that we won’t be hearing anymore often. Though I guess we got to hear more than we have about any other horse we have liked. Hope they return, but I can see why. The mare might be getting a bit grumpy or protective with everyoe bothering her. Or they just want to let her be a horse. Hope she is well and if they don’t want to do diaries of her. I wish they would post pictures still often. Sucks and very sad almost in tears. Thanks Dottie for everything and hope everything is alright.

  23. Every day I’ve been coming to this site to see what wondrous things Zenyatta was up to. Being at work was a handicap in that I never had time to read all the comments following each diary entry… the best I could do was to skim down the list and read here and there. But today I went through each and every one of the wonderful comments by people whose names have become familiar. I do hope the diary will eventually return… maybe not in a daily format, but something that will help to satisfy our appetite for Zennie news. I didn’t see this coming but perhaps it was the plan all along… to take us up to the birth thus completing the full cycle, and then taper off. Dottie, you’ve been absolutely amazing! I’ve been with horses all my life but knew very little about the world of thoroughbred racing. I’ve learned so much here, not just about the details and intricacies of horse racing, but valuable life lessons as well. You’ve been a great educator and you have affected people’s lives more than you will ever know, and I hope you’ve enjoyed being here as much as we have. Until we meet again I’d just like to thank you and every single person on Team Zenyatta for sharing her with us. I think the fans will always be allowed in her life in some fashion… I truly don’t think we’ll be cut off completely. So until you return and we see what the next chapter brings, we’ll be right here sending love and best wishes to everyone who takes such good care of Zennie and now her baby, and who has always taken such good care of us. Thank you so much and bye for now…

  24. Z, Dottie and all…Thank you all for this treasured diary. It has been so wonderful to be on this journey with you. It’s understanding that you would need a break. I will sure miss the daily diary. I love the pictures!
    Zenyatta has been such an inspiration to me in so many ways…She continues to touch all of our hearts. Her little colt is something to behold. I sure hope that you write now and again. I will miss this blog terribly.
    Let us know how Tasty is doing when she becomes a mom!
    Blessings on all of you!

  25. Zenny – I’m just crushed that there is no more daily diary from you and Dottie!! I do understand you do want to spend more time with your handsome fellow!! Just know that here in Roswell,NM I love you and will think of you every day!!! I have my breyer horse of you that I look at each day, you are the first person I see when I set up in bed :). Hugs and Kisses and forever lasting love!!!!

  26. Needless to say you will be missed.You have brought so much joy to so many. Many thanks for your thoughts and efforts,as I’am well aware of the demands of your profession and I know thats not easy.Good Luck & God Bless in all of your future endevours. LOTS’O’LOVE

    • Why would she tell us she need a break, a rest….and then tell DRF it is over, done? I am confused, is it really gone or is it really a break? Dottie said in the interview we all saw that there was alot more to come for the Fans…..I am confused, I am heartbroken and do not know what t believe now, I really do not think I can survive the end of My Queen’s Diary. I am so confused, how can we get answers?

        • I know how you feel. I am addicted to the fun and joy of this site. It will be hard going for a long time without a daily visit with Z and her fans. I was hoping that we would hear from the colt prince himself at some point about what it was like to grow up with Z as his mother. Sadly not now.

    • Wow. Seeing that article at DRF sure makes me glad that I read the news here at the diary first instead of just that short little blurb. I understand. But I am still so sad. Thanks for the link.

    • I agree. The DRF article rings with more finality, than Dottie’s post above. Dottie, I have to wonder if you were having a hard time telling us the news, above, knowing how nuts we “all” are for this place? Or did the DRF article get different information, if they heard it earlier than we did?

  28. Dear Dottie, Z and Little Boy Z:

    Thank you so much for allowing us the privilege of being a part of your life for a while. We will follow you and your beautiful colt as much as we can in the Equine Press. We wish you and all of your Team in CA and at Lane’s End the very best. But most of all, we wish you and your little son the best health and long, happy lives. Love you forever, Judy and Russ

    • Judy-You were always one of the main contributors to this site. I consider it a honor to have known you through your words. Bless you and Russ.

      • Dear Terry Crow:

        I don’t think you realize what a joy you’ve been to us and everyone else on Z’s Diary. You made us laugh and brightened our days with your wonderful jokes and sense of fun. Thank you. Love and Hugs, Judy and Russ

    • I will miss you, Judy. You did a great deal of work to provide lots of interesting information. Best wishes and good health to you and Russ.

      • Dear Max and Debbie G.:

        Thank you, the feeling is mutual. Let’s keep in touch through The Vault. So great knowing you and being in contact through Z. Love and Hugs, JB

    • I will miss you too, Judy. You’re always so kind to everyone. May God Bless you and Russ. Hugs, Debbie

    • Dear Judy B., you have been saying goodbye to so many people here, but you remain so positive, upbeat — I’m a bit surprised I haven’t heard you say if or how much you will miss this place. I mean, I know you have plenty to do, with Russ, and Equi-Army-NDO, but still you have been a mainstay of the Zennyland “community”. Anyway, I guess I’m worried there will not be “enough” continuation here or at The Vault, or at HorseRacingMania, or wherever, and that we will lose touch. I hope not.

      I don’t want Terry Crow to just “go away” either, or fade into the ether. The Redneck Club is not nearly done, yet!

      • Vicki-I will have to consult Criswell for his prediction. At least I introduced you to this fabulous character who used to bring me so much laughter when he was on TV.

    • Dear Judy B.,
      Thank you so much for all your posts! You provided us with wonderful links and much information. It has been a pleasure to know you, too. Take care! All the Best to you and Russ. Hugs back to you!

  29. Oh Zenny I will miss your daily posts but you deserve a holiday. A huge thanks to Dottie and all your friends for their hard work in keeping up with your daily activities and tons of beautiful photos. Stay happy and healthy big Momma…..you’ve given the world so much love.

  30. I want to thank everyone on the Zenyatta team for everything you have shared with us. I understand that a break is needed, but I hope this isnt good bye? I know I have totaly enjoyed every moment reading the diary. I hope going forward you could share the next steps of Zanyatta’s life and her colt, or maybe more babies to come. Its not everyday that you get a horse or her team that is as amazing as this one. It has brought so many people together and is great for the sport.

    Thank You