Good Morning, Everyone!
I was just thinking…YIKES…it is one week, 7 days…to the ECLIPSE AWARDS! One more week to go!
I know my TEAM is getting a SPECIAL ECLIPSE AWARD. It came as a complete surprise to them when they heard about it…a wonderful SURPRISE!
As you know, MY TEAM includes quite a few people. In addition to the names the media mentioned when announcing the AWARD…I wanted to be sure to acknowledge some of the other people who have worked with me along the way.
CHEVA is one of them. I asked Dottie to share this photo of ME WITH CHEVA at Del Mar. Carmen walked me in the mornings…but Cheva walked me often as well…especially in the afternoon. He, along with Mario and Frank, would graze me each day. In this picture, I am ‘playing one of my games with him’. I would rest my head right on top of his head. Then we’d just stand like this and observe everything going on around us. Cheva would just laugh….and play along with me. Our carrot game was also quite funny. Needless to say, Cheva and I spent a great deal of time together. He is a very dear man!
The other photo shows more people who helped me quite a bit while I was at Barn 55. FRANK LEAL is one of John’s ‘main guys’. He works with all of the horses, grooms and staff as needed. In general, he helps John to oversee everything that is going on in the stable. FRANK spent a great deal of time with me! He’d help John and Mario as needed…and worked with me daily to be sure I was ONE HAPPY HORSE. Frank also travels with the Shirreffs’ Stable when John’s horses go out of town to run. He is in the Kentucky Derby photos with Giacomo, Harmonious at Keeneland, and my photos at the Apple Blossom in Arkansas, and Breeders’ Cup in Kentucky. He is ONE DEVOTED AND TERRIFIC GUY!
ISABELLE (left) and JENNY (right) are in this photo with Frank. They are both exercise riders at my barn and wonderful horsewomen. When STEVE was off for 4 months or so last year, it was ISABELLE who rode me every single day! Also, during that time, she was the one who would be on me in my workouts…or be on one of my workmates when Mike would be on me! Later, when Steve returned and John would have me work with 2 other horses, in a ‘team drill’, ISABELLE would be on one of my workmates. She and I got along beautifully…and we are great friends. Jenny also helps ride and work with many of the horses at the stable. It has been my great pleasure to work with these people and everyone at Barn 55!
I did want to mention JEANNIE AND APRIL MAYBERRY who taught me my first lessons at their training center in Ocala. They knew me when I was first starting out.
Additionally, I can’t forget DAVID. It is through DAVID that I met my TEAM way back when I was HIP # 703 as a yearling! LUCKY ME!
It is amazing how in life…if one thing takes a turn or twist in a certain direction… how things in your life can completely change. That is why this morning, I just wanted to be sure to say an EXTRA THANK YOU. John has always believed it is important to stay focused and in the moment! He wanted the barn to do just that each day when working with me…to help me reach my goals! EACH of these people worked to make this happen. They are ALL truly a part of TEAM ZENYATTA!
7 DAYS and COUNTING! I’m off to go play with Alys, P.Q, and Sea Gull!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Rosanne Glynn
Hi my gorgeous mare! I want to watch the Eclipse Awards on TV. Except I don’t know what channel it’s on. Does anyone know? I just ordered a bunch of Zenyatta merchandise I purchased off ebay. I can’t wait to get it! Shirts and DVD’s and a photo of Zenyatta that Mike signed!!! I love reading your blog every single day. Stay happy and well Z and enjoy your beautiful life now as a retired race horse. God Bless you and I love you more than you will ever know. oxooxxoox hugs & nose kisses
Sharon
On the one hand, I’d like to “poo-poo” awards as sort of after-the-fact and superficial!! BUT, boy oh boy will I and millions of others be heartbroken if you are not honored as HOTY! I’ll be wearing my Z t-shirt and buttons all day Monday at work – GOOD LUCK!
Wonderful thank yous to ALL of Team Z for your care of the fabulous Z.
Jena Hobert
Zenyatta you are very lucky! You are right it could have gone the other way. But it didn’t and you are one of the greatest horses in history. You have the best Team in the world. They let us talk to. See you. Touch you. In the big leagues that was/is not the norm. All of us Zenyattaholics are so greatful for Dottie who keeps us in the know. For John who has to rank as one of the kindest people on Earth. And for the Moss’ that allow us to love you as they do. You should be HOY. John should be TOY and The Moss’ should be OOT. Thats my take on the Eclipse Awards. We love you Z!! God Bless the Queen. Secsea Dance, Salawgi, Simon and Picasso.
Happy Harriet
Thank you to ALL THE TEAM Zenyatta has introduced to us today. Each individual has poured their goodness and love into you and you’ve received it fully, creating the “Circle of Love” that draws us to you like a magnet. If the horse community is listening to the voice of the people – as in, the PEOPLE WHO MAKE HORSE RACING POSSIBLE – there will be a one time special never-to-be-duplicated award for our Queen. Lucky Cheva, having you, Zenyatta, rest your head on his head!! You connect with your Team and connect with your fans in a manner that transcends human understanding. You are a Divinely Inspired creation, and that Divine has been brought to the surface by your unique Team who most deservedly are to be honored. Congratulations to ALL! The future is bright for those who love you – we have Zenyatta’s long road ahead to share with her each step of the way through precious Dottie’s beautiful words that we cherish each day.
Judy Gadwood Loves Zenny/California
Hi Zenny! I met Cheva more than once when I came to Barn 55 to visit you! He showed us the carrot “trick”.
Before your big win at Del Mar last year, I met a man named Miguel, who said he worked for John. He took photos of my “Zenyatta Manicure”; don’t know if he ever showed them to John.
BTW I saw John & Dottie interviewed on HRTV yesterday morning at Clocker’s Corner. They briefly discussed who your future “love” is going to be ;-) but still wouldn’t give specific details on who the Lucky Stud To Be is :-)
XOXO Hugs & Kisses
DEBBIE GUSTAFSON
ZENYATTA MONDATTA, YOU ARE MAKING SUCH GREAT FRIENDS,,,,,,,,,SO HAPPY FOR YOU, YOU WELL DESERVE THE HORSE OF THE YEAR!!!!!! GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED FOR YOU,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Rebecca Case
Could you please put up some pictures of you and your friends at Lane’s end grazing together? (if you can)I think a lot of people will enjoy the photo’s. : ) I love you Zenyatta!
Suzen
Zennie,
You are an inspiration to us all.
Thanks so much!
Tory in Georgia
That is so GOOD OF YOU to be grateful to the whole team and share who they are with us. But that is the kind of girl you are – GENEROUS.
Liz Mahoney
Z~ love reading your posts, I look foward to them everyday! I’m still waiting for some more video of you outside? Hope Hope!
I too would like to know what all goes into deciding upon whom your 1st baby daddy will be. I’m certainly hoping for A.P. but would like to know what Jerry and Anne are taking into consideration?
Sissy
Hay Z! What do you think about Tiznow?
You and your team are the best!
Would love to hear more about the future of Alys, Pirate Queen, and Sea Gull.
Merrill O'Neal
If the voters have a brain you will win HOY. If you don’t I will never watch another Thoroughbred race. You are the only one for me and I love you. I will be so happy if they give you what you deserve. You are the greatest horse I have ever seen. I have a colt that paws like you do and I have great hopes that he has other similarities. Best of luck to you at the awards ceremony. You have already won it in my heart!
Lynette Lucas
Queen Z you and the rest of your team are very special and thank you for sharing this story!! I love reading your diary every day!!!
Gloria Jeanne
Zenyatta-
Your Team sounds just wonderful and a JOY to work with. They all put so much time, hard work and love – and in return you became such an awesome horse. You and the Team have brought so much to the racing world and everyone of you deserves a HUGE THANK YOU and JOB WELL DONE.
I too am counting the days until the awards. It’s important for you to know that no matter what you will always be a ROCKSTAR and the BEST HORSE EVER. And that sometimes things happen for a reason and that reason may not be visable right away. NO MATTER WHAT ZENYATTA – YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST HORSE EVER – NOT JUST IN 2009, 2010, 2011 OR WHATEVER YEAR WE ARE TALKING ABOUT. YOU ARE BETTER THAN ANY AWARD OUT THERE AND ANYONE WHO KNOWS YOU OR YOUR TEAM REALIZES THAT.
Please know that you are loved and you have done so much throughout your career!
I KNOW YOU WILL GET THAT AWARD!!! My fingers are crossed as I know your hooves are crossed too.
LOVE AND HUGS- you’re the best ever!!!
Shannon
Very nice. I so enjoy these daily updates and learning the history behind your success. Thanks!
Linda Moss
Dear Team Zenyatta – please follow this link, which sums it all up; congratulations to all!!
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=2719795682645&source=jl999
Maureen Feely
Congratulations to your team and I’m keeping all fingers and toes crossed for you Zenyatta. You are so generous towards all those who have helped you through the years.
Andrea from Germany
I can imagine that all those people who are around you every day love you so very much for you are a special mare. Love you too Zenny, keep you dapples shiny.
MaryAnn
Z Girl, I tooo am counting the days, You so deserve to be HOTH. You should have gotten it last year, but that’s long gone!!!! We can only hope that you get it this year. No matter what, you will be forever HORSE OF A LIFETIME in my heart.
Have fun playing, love you Z
Maureen
HOY….HOY…HOY….
Patti and Don
AN OUTSTANDING TEAM WINS A VERY COVETED AWARD. NO GROUP OF PEOPLE DESERVE IT MORE. WE’LL BE WATCHING TVG NEXT MONDAY. WE WANT TO CLELBRATE WITH YOU AS YOU ALSO RECEIVE THE HORSE OF THE YEAR ECLIPSE AWARD. IT IS LONG OVERDUE :)
Susan
I can’t tell you how angry I will be If once again the league of political and biased voters get it wrong and vote for the horse that didn’t run in all grade 1s, ran on only one surface and never carried 129 lbs.
I know, it’s just an award but it matters to us and it matters to the people and it should matter to the industry.
Zenyatta 2010 Horse Of The Year has a really nice ring to it.
Theresa
I love listening to the games you like to play – too much fun Zenyatta!
Linda B
Dear ZEN Queen & Z Team,
You have brought new meaning to the word Thoroughbred. Not just the right genetics, form and motion but personality and spiritual presence. This team Z has carried on with pride the best in the sport of Kings. Zenyatta has taken up the torch to light the way for others that will certainly follow. This gift from God has raised the bar on what is expected in her field.Congratulations to all of you no mater what the “judges” say. ZENYATTA AND TEAM Z ARE NUMBER ONE.
Gloria Jeanne
Hi Zenyatta-
I can’t wait to see new pictures of you playing with your friends or just hanging out by yourself.
I love the games you played with the Barn 55 Gang. Maybe you can share games you are making up for the new barn team.
Thanks
Maria
If Zenyatta does not get the award, then the HOY award should be redefined. If there are no criteria in the selection process then the selection is subjective and any horse is entitled to win the award. It’s so ridiculous that some people think that the “Horse of the Year” title should be based strictly on the horse’s accomplishment in the track. If that is the case then perhaps the title of the award should be changed to the “Best RACE HORSE of the Year”. Otherwise, the title “HORSE of the Year” must ALSO include the horse’s contribution to this DYING sport. Zenyatta has given so much to this sport. She has brought the attendance up and new fans at the race tracks (Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, Del Mar, Oaklawn Park & Churchill Down). It’s obvious that her participation has been a significant contribution to the success (higher attendance, higher TV rating and money wagered) of the Breeders’ Cup for the last two years, particularly in 2010. If we continue to make wrong decision this sport will definitely head to the graveyard and there will be no debate who should be the HOY. Queen Z is the only horse that truly deserved the HOY for 2010.
Jenna
Every day until 1/17 I will hope & pray the girl gets her just rewards. East coast needs to get with the program (and I LIVE on the East coast, honestly).
Luck luck luck with you.
Khara Covington
Each member of Team Zenyatta inspires me to be a better coach to my “human” athletes. Thank you for sharing.
April
I hope you win Horse of the Year you deserve it. I will be keeping my fingers crossed. You are the best lady Z! I would love to do a drawing of you for your owners if you would let me.
Mary Stanford
I am waiting for the Eclipse Awards. I get TVG and I will definitely be watching. Congrats to Team Z….and let’s hope HOY will be your award…but like people have said…you are horse of the century…horse of the lifetime…and you are those to me. With you special personality and fun ways you like to play with people like taking John’s hat…resting your head on Cheva …which by the way is so funny…this is what makes us fans love you so much. I think you are more important to us off the track….well …I know me for sure. Love to you Z……. love the post.