Good Morning,
You are all being so sweet about everything pertaining to ME! I am so touched. In yesterday’s photo, Joan, and several others of you, worried I had on bandages while in the paddock. You are so kind. I am fine and doing great!
Here is a picture taken while I was at Barn 55 showing how much WHITE I actually do have on my hind legs. In racing, they refer to white on the legs like this as ‘socks’.
Many of you may not have realized this…as I wore ‘white hind running bandages’ in all of my races. They were trimmed with 3 blue…’Shirreffs’ stable color’…tapes. The tapes help keep the bandages in place…and I think adds a bit of a design to them as well.
The purpose of these hind running bandages is to provide a bit of protection as John didn’t want ME to brush my ankles behind while running. This adds a precaution in preventing this from happening.
You may also have noticed from earlier photos of me that in the morning, I would wear BLUE POLO bandages on my legs. This is done for the same reason. Just a precaution to keep ME from brushing my ankles behind while training.
Many trainers use these types of bandages and for the same reason. The color of the tape and the polos usually ties into the barn’s stable colors. John’s stable color is ROYAL BLUE…so our tapes and polos are in a royal blue color.
The same is true of the saddle towel that a horse wears in the morning while training. Each trainer has a personally designed saddle towel which his/her horses wear each day while on the track. This is done so the ‘clockers’ at the race track have an additional baseline in identifying the individual horses for workout purposes. John’s saddle towel is royal blue with white lines. You may have seen it on me in photos.
Thus, when Shirreffs’ horses go to the track each day, they wear this saddle towel. They usually have on blue polo bandages as well. All of this is done to help the clockers be able to accurately monitor each horse. This way they can report the works and activity properly for the fans to use when handicapping. During the morning training hours, so many horses are on the track, training, breezing, galloping….that these tools are very helpful in making the horse identification process easier for them.
Have a great day!
With Love,
Hugs to all~
Z
Jenna
Someday.
suew
Hi Zenny…thanks again for another lesson…this time on socks! I have to share something with you. We were at a New Years brunch this past weekend at a friends home and EVERYONE…all the other guests…knew and loved you. You should have heard their stories about watching the BC. To a person they said you really won. :) I’ve mentioned before that you and Dottie need to write a book. After reading these posts I think everyone agrees with me. You continue to insprire us …don’t ever stop. I’m also waiting to hear when visitors will be allowed to see you. Sleep tight…sweet dreams….Dottie, too.
Sheri
Thats cool Z! Thanks for that! Love you! Cant wait to read your next post! :D
Jane in Seattle
Hello Beautiful!
You mentioning clockers brings up something I always wondered about: your Beyer numbers and other speed figures always seem unrealistically low. Has anyone ever timed your speed in, say the final quarter mile of your races? Does anyone ever time individual horses in an actual race? All the years I’ve followed racing, I have never known the answer to that. Thanks to Dottie and your team for all the wonderful info.
A great night and a wonderful day tomorrow to you all!
myrna miller
Zenny, you and your connections are the best! I love reading your diary, it is one of the high points of my day. You and your connections are truly enchanting and magical, and so loving, generous and kind.
One of the high points of my year was spending time at barn 55 with you in november before you moved east. I brought you a bunch of carrots in a gift bag, and when i wasn’t looking you put your whole head in the bag and very quickly pulled out the whole bunch of carrots still wrapped in cellophane. I panicked for a moment but in a flash mario grabbed them from you and put them back in the bag. You can be a little devil too,zenyatta!
And congratulations on all your year end honors; the AP and Espn and especially sports illustrated naming you the #1 female race horse OF ALL TIME. What i don’t understand is the female athletes who got all upset at espn for being mentioned along with a female horse. They should have been honored. I also don’t understand the hoy voter who voted for blame because you’re not only the horse of this year you’re the horse of the last 3 years. Doesn’t make any sense to me, but then they don’t have your breeding and class. And yes Zenny, you look stunning in your royal blue duds.
HUGS, Myrna
Mary McQuire
As always, a great post.
Tim
Every time I have a bad day I read and watch your races and diary …Thanks
Kendra
Dottie thank you for giving Zenyatta a voice.
You are a special person to take the time to do this. It still gives us, Zenyatta’s fans, a connection to her now that she is no longer racing. You have a wonderful ability to give Zenyatta the human like quality.
Happy Harriet
Hi ZGirl – So many wardrobes and special looks you have! Thanks to Ms. Dottie who gives you a voice and gives fans the joy of continuing contact with the most special of all horses – YOU! Dottie – please collect these posts and other significant memories, with pictures of course, and consider a book or better yet – several books. There will be ongoing stories for Dottie and Zenyatta to share for so many years to come and we’ll all be here looking for every crumb of information. Dottie – you have a unique (and I’m sure completely unexpected) forum/platform to educate us, enlighten us, inspire us and oh my! You do it so well. THANK YOU and a big CALIFORNIA HUG to our Miss Z. Truly, truly – when you left California the whole energy changed here – we all felt it. Yes, we are the folks that love to talk energy here in California but that aside, the vibrancy was gone from Hollywood Park. :( And the sun wasn’t quite as bright, either, the day you left. :( So we’re all talking of moving to Kentucky! See you soon, Z!
Linda / NJ
Hi Zenny: So good to hear from you!! Hey, this is great seeing photos of you back in the “good-old-days of racing,” which of course is not all that long ago. Lol. Your markings really do look like your wearing white socks. I think you got those markings from your daddy. I also noticed the blue strips, but never really knew what they were for. In fact, I thought it was part of your racing outfit–just for looks. Thanks for explaining all this to us. I never realized the colors you worn training are the colors of Barn 55, and the reason was for the clocker’s. Very interesting! Zenny, I was looking at some of your old videos back at Barn 55, and in one of them I thought I heard John say you had on your ‘ice boots.’ What are ice boots? And why did you need to wear them? Thanks again for today’s update. It is always fun talking about your race days. But, I am glad you are in KY enjoying the outdoors running free in the paddock. Take care. We love you Zenny! Love, Linda
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z” and Dottie. Thanks for all you do in putting these posts together. Nice Photo. Let’s call it “The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxxer Zenyatta” Ha! Ha!
I too heard about the open house at many of the farms. Let us know if there will be visitors allowed.
Again, thanks for the updates they are truly enjoyable reading and quite informative.
Stay warm and dry.
Hugs and Kisses
maryann
Hi Z girl, another beautiful picture of you.
I really enjoy reading your posts.
Dottie you are doing a wonderful job, thanks
Love you Z
Judy Gadwood Loves Zenny/California
Hi Zenny!
Wow you’re up to post #49 – cool!
Since I had the pleasure of watching you get a bath (Easter Sunday, 2010) I knew you had white “socks” on your beautiful hind legs ;-)
I’m sharing your diary with my friends who may not have the time to read them daily.
I was wondering if you have grown any taller or gained any weight since you moved to Lane’s End??
XOXO HUGS & KISSES
victoria
The treat for me every night before bed — is looking and finding your name — that very special one-only name Zenyatta! then I settle in and bei=gin reading your diary post. It’s the best calming and joyful part of the day. I treasure the feeling it gives me — feeling connected to you and your team. you have brought immeasurable joy and beauty and grace to all of us by just being the magnificent spirit that you are. here’s to countless more nights of reading your posts.
jahlgren
Very interesting information about the works. In all the years I’ve been handicapping, I never really thought about who was noting the fractions on the work tabs, trainer or a clocker. I also didn’t know that each “trainer” had their own colors/towel design. I’ve been going to the track since 1972, and that’s news to me, and I’ve visited the backstretch a couple of times. Thank you! Lotsa luv, Jan
Dawn Conrad
Dear Zenyatta, been under the weather the past week, so just getting a chance to say hello for Colorado. I am so glad that your New Year has had a wonderful beginning. The pictures John has been providing are just beautiful, I especially enjoyed the snowy LE. Of course the one with the boys and Miss Sophie were both adorable. I loved the interview with Susan when John said that we have been able to get up close and personal with you because you have choosen to allow it, you are so gentle and kind and happy to be with people. It is so important that such connections between those of us who love the thoroughbred and the thoroughbred itself continue. There have been many great ambassodors from the past and present including yourself, Man O’ War, Secretariat, Pulpit, Giacomo, Smarty Jones, Serena’s Song and of course the Old Friends superstars just to name a few. You allow us to pat your sides, give you treats, take your pictures, marvel at your beauty and make memories that thrill us old fans and develop new fans for a lifetime. It is a very special gift given by some truly amazing horses, one touch and we are goners. I hope everyday that I will get a chance to visit you. I know LE has to sort out alot of details, but I trust with their expertise they can come up with a solution that may provide some access while keeping you healthy and happy. Your welfare is the most important thing. I have enjoyed some time with broodmares and foals and it is always so very special. Thanks to you Zenny and to Dottie for all of the absolutely great information you have been sharing about your wonderful breed and the ins and outs of racing and farm life. When I visit KY,I am always full of questions and in awe of the history surrounding me. My library is full of books on the subject. (Have any suggested reading, Miss Z?) It is great how this site blends facts and fancies from the many responses subitted by both experts and novices to equally share. We are learning everyday and everyone has something wonderful to contribute. What a special place! HOY is getting close and all my wishes are for you to win. Of course Zenny you are always #1 no matter what the outcome, but it would be such a fitting recognition for all that you have done (on and off the track). The acolaides you received at year-end were spectacular. The SI picture of your lovely self and the Moss’s was very touching. The smile and look of love that Ann has on her face when she gazes at you is simply magical and always heartwarming. I was so glad to hear that Mike is planning a trip to see you soon. How wonderful!! I can’t wait to see some pictures. Best wishes to everyone. Sweet dreams and sleep well Z.
Bobbi
This is such great information for us who are new to the sport. Thanks!
teresa kuproski
love the updates. love zenyatta teresa
Angela
I love learning more and more about racing, thanks Zenyatta! You are answering my unanswered questions : )
~~~~I do have a question…How come on race days, thoroughbreds have a rubber type of rope in their mouth along with a bit? Also, I believe Zenyatta wore what looked to be a tie on the bottom part of her mouth during a race, almost like it was holding her tongue down? I have always wondered why so many things go on with the horses head on race days (rubber rope, a tie, and even a halter over the bridle…)
Debi Hamari
Beautiful Queen Zenyatta,
Thank you for sharing the photo and educating us.
You look beautiful in the blue. How fitting that the Queen should wear royal blue. I would imagine that you stunned the “clockers” with your amazing speed and grace.
Love and hugs!
Jan
Zenyatta,
You never dissapoint. You look bluetiful in your pics. Stay warm and cozy big girl. What do you eat at Lane’s End.
Paula Higgins
Another very informative post Dottie/ Zenny! Love the pictures too. Just saw a video of Zenyatta being fed some carrots by some children at Lands End over New Year’s. A very nice video of the sweetest horse on the planet. For those of you wanting Zenyatta’s Christmas Breyer ornament: I got mine on eBay. Granted I spent $66.00 on it, but it was worth it. Check out eBay.
Ann Maree
Hi, Z-girl,
Well, I’m proud of myself…I knew those were your “real” socks! I remember when I first saw the picture thinking that I loved the fact that your natural socks were more prominent than I thought. I found one of the pictures of you from your Farewell ceremony, which shows you from the rear, with bare legs, and I posted this on your Facebook page. Can’t wait to see more videos….still looking to watch you roll in the mud and snow! Love you, Zen. Hugs. Your friend, Ann Maree
Linda
I love finding out about your life at Lane’s End. Just wondering if there are any cats in your barn and if your barn is heated and if they keep a radio playing continuously. Would love to come and find these things out for myself and just gaze at you in your paddock.
Bonnie MacRaith
Hang in there Zenyatta!
If you don’t get HOY remember this:
There have many, many great athletes,
writers, artists, who never were given
their due, who passed under the radar
of the general populace but had a very
dedicated and passionate following of
those who recognized greatness. And as
Mike Smith said “she’s horse of the
decade!
lisa
Love all the teaching you and Team Z provide to all of us. Your diary is my night time entertainment- love to end the day with you and yours!
Tiffany
Zen please tell us when we may be able to come see you :) I really really want to visit <3
Cathleen
What an informative post Zenyatta! And here I thought you were always in Royal Blue because it was such a good color on you and went so nice with your eyes and coat!
Question, when you wore the white bandages on your front legs, what was that orange/red stuff that looked like it was finger painted on? Just Mario having fun with bandanges?
Retrospectiv
@ Cathleen,
.
The red or orange stuff on Zenyatta’s stall bandages was probably hot pepper /spice or another type of chew deterant. Race horses often get bored being in much of the day and some find it fun to chew at and/or remove their groom’s hard work ;-)
M, LB & RL
Someone above in the post said, Zentucky! Funny and thanks to you for making us LOL.
Zenyatta and Dottie, we appreciate your posts so much. We know too that keeping us updated adds a task to your day. As you can tell – it is very much appreciated by so many!
Little Bit and Ready Lady (the horses) send their regards. BTW, we now have your picture with theirs in the tack room. Aww!