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
Quarterhossgal
Dottie…thanks for all the pictures and information about Z. All of us are keeping our fingers crossed for next week’s announcement of HOY for ZENYATTA.
Zen has received so many honors and the best one is the love and care she is given by all her thousands of admirers.
YOU GO GIRL!
Barb France
Congratulations to ALL your friends who contributed to your success! Love the picture of you and Cheva, you are a jokester! It’s nice to see faces with those you know, Frank, Isabella and Jenny all have smiles on their faces. I don’t know anyone who could be around you and not have a smile glued to their face. In my heart you are Horse of the Decade! Thank you David for your “inner” feeling when seeing her! Congrats to you all!!!
Linda Shull
Pictues of them grazing would be great. Wish they would telecast the awards.
Roberta
Zenyatta is indeed a very lucky horse! She has spent her life among good people who love her and have made all the right decisions for her health and happiness. And we are grateful not only to have to have the pleasure of watching her race so successfully and retire completely sound, but also to have watched such a fine Team. I wish all horses were as lucky in their owners!!
And I agree with those who say Zenyatta is not only the Horse of the Year but the Horse of the Decade and one of the absolute all time greats!!
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, one week until award time for everyone and you to. I cant’t wait to see all from Barn 55, as you say they all did so much to teach you and groom you into the Queen you are today. This was all done under John’s direction and I can say that he did a marvelous job on striveing to help you meet your potential. You are the greatest and you cant ask for more than that. We all love the Team-Z and it was good of you to point out some that helped work with you that we may not know about. It is so good to know about all the fun and games you had with many of them. You are right, it is funny how and where you might be some day and luck was with you every step of the way to end up at John’s Barn 55. He took his time with you and let you develope properly and you had the love and the spirit for thr game to want to be a winner. That is as good as it gets my dear Zenyatta. Have a great day with your friends. My question to you is do you dance at all while you are with your friends in the paddock? Maybe you can teach them to dance also and who knows, you may all be out there danceing together one day. Sarah better be ready for that one! ha ha. I thought you might like that. Love and Kisses to you my sweet, loveing Zenny
melanie
It is so nice to see team Zenyatta be so appreciative of all the people who worked with her along the way. If only ALL former race horses could be so well taken care of in their retirement, which we know is not the case. Perhaps more attention could be brought to the forgotten ones!!! You are so lucky Zenyatta to be surrounded by such a great team…
Ann Maree
Hi, Zen, Sure do miss seeing regular videos of you. Can you please let somebody know we are very hungry to see more videos of you and your daily activities? I know LE is a working farm and they are busy, etc., but heck, if they need more help, let me know! I would come and work for free! Hugs, Ann Maree
Linda Deutsch
What a wonderful post this is, to acknowledge all the kind and caring people involved with you, Z and thanks to Dottie for doing this – how special to be surrounded always with love and commitment. Dottie, you and John are awesome and that’s why these amazing people gravitate to you. You get back everything you give and it is so well deserved. The Eclipse Award is yours, but from us fans, we give you OUSTANDING in all you do. Thank you and to our Z, carrot flavored kisses.
Sheri
Thats awesome Zenyatte that you have so many great people with you and loving you! You must be so proud! Guess what Z! My very first Zenyatta shirt arrived today! It has a beautiful painting of you on the front and on the back it says “Zenyatta- Fan Choice Horse of the Year!” and it says “Queen Z” as well! I love it and I love you Z! :D
Dawn Conrad
Dear Zenyatta. Good morning from sunny, but really cold Colorado. How fun to meet some more of the great Team Z! You certainly have had some terrific people watching out for you every step of the way, what a blessing for you, Zenny. The picture with Cheva is great and I love the smiles that Frank, Isabelle and Jenny have on their faces. You just bring out the joy in all of us. Z, please say hello to Sarah and David, love the pictures and videos they provide. How lucky are they to spend quality time with you. I can’t believe HOY is almost upon us. I know all of us loyal fans are generating enough positive energy to light up New York City in the hope you receive the recognition you all so richly deserve. Thanks again for all the information and for keeping in touch, Zenny. It just makes my day!! Have a wonderful time with the “girls”. Hugs and kisses.
Rosanne Glynn – I know that TVG did broadcast the Eclipse Awards last year and I am sure they are doing it again this year. I am not sure of the broadcast time, however.
Ann Maree
Zen, P.S.: On Jeannie and April Mayberry, I read the cutest quote…I have it saved somewhere. But the way I remember it, they called John to report on the horses they were working with, and you in particular. It seems they did some sort of workout to take a look at the horses, and I think they told John something like, “We have either a whole bunch of slow horses or one really fast, big one! The big one needs a name!!” I loved that quote and get a chuckle everytime I think aobut it. Tells me everyone from Don Robinson to your Florida farm crew, to John’s barn, all recognized you as something very special, indeed! I’m pulling for you on the 17th! Hugs, your friend, Ann Maree
Patty Stinnett
I went to see you at the Breeder’s Cup, Zenyatta! All my friends wanted to know what it was like, so I wrote this letter about you!
Most of you know I went down to Kentucky and Churchill Downs to see the Breeder’s Cup, and of course, Zenyatta, the beautiful mare who captured my attention when I saw her first race on TV about 3 years ago. I remember that race well; and the comment from the man calling the race that she would be one to watch in the future. Boy, did that turn out to be an understatement. In the sport of Kings, Zenyatta is truly racing royalty, plain and simple.
I was fortunate enough to see Zenyatta on the Thursday morning before the Breeder’s Cup; she was being tended to by her groom, Mario Espinoza behind her barn. I stood there with a group of people who were all just quietly taking pictures of her and looking at her as they talked in hushed tones, while she looked back at us. She is magnificent was my first thought; her coat gleamed in the morning sun like sinfully rich dark chocolate shot through with dappled bronze and gold tones as she surveyed the small crowd. She clearly has presence, and knows it, too. I called out to her and said “hey gorgeous” and she turned and posed, head up, ears pricked, while cameras clicked away, then she pawed the ground a few times like a show girl, causing yet more photos to be taken, as all there wanted to record this special moment.
As Saturday dawned and I made ready to head to Churchill Downs for the last day of the classic, I was so excited that when I parked my car I left it running and walked off, intent on getting to the race track; thank goodness the man whose lawn we parked on stopped me and said “Mam, I think you need your keys”. He told me he too wanted to see Zenyatta run, and we stood there talking about her for a few minutes, sharing our excitement.
We arrived at the track at 11:30 am, and as the final race of the day slowly approached, the crowd kept thickening until we were a sea of people. A woman whose name I will probably never know sat on my right; she had flown in from Denver with her ten year old son to see Zenyatta race. An hour before the race she showed me her stash of Kleenex packages in her purse, and said she felt very emotional about seeing Zenyatta run this last time, and I told her I understood perfectly, because I felt the same way too.
Finally, it was time for Zenyatta to make her way to the paddock to be saddled, and what a show she put on, playing to the crowd, prancing, pawing, tail swishing, simply Zenyatta. Cameras flashed like Oscar night as she power walked by, and the love and admiration flowing from the crowd for this special girl was palpable. I realized that we had become Zenyatta’s paparazzi, with the difference being we all wanted her to shine tonight, and to come back to us safe and sound. As she walked down the track to the starting gate, she looked at the crowd over the neck of the stable pony, and it struck me that for all her size, she looks like a girl, she is feminine.
The moment had arrived, and the crowd roared as Zenyatta burst from the gate, and, to me, it looked like she was pinched back by the boys, but she kept running. As the race progressed, the crowd was somewhat silent, and then people started saying “come on Mike” and “move her up Mikey” as we watched an unbelievably huge gap appear between Zenyatta and the front runner. At one point I thought it must be an outrider on the track, and I realized it was Zenyatta…what was wrong? A couple of people were scared that she had been hurt, and some wondered if her Jockey knew there was another bunch in front of the bunch he was trailing. As they came around the turn Zenyatta started to pour it on as she hooked to the outside, and she was incredible! I will never forget seeing her fly past me down the stretch, her legs reaching out like giant pistons, muscles rippling with the effort, gobbling up the ground as she went. The screaming was incredible, we were all shouting to her, leaning forward towards the wire, as if our very will would help her to do what looked to be impossible. When she hit the wire, there was a sudden silence; the photo finish sign lighted up, and people were looking at each other, hoping for a miracle. When Blame was announced the winner, strangers turned to each other, tears in their eyes; the lady from Denver looked at me in silence, tears streaming down her face, and I stared back at her, for I too was crying. When Zenyatta galloped back, the crowd gave her a standing ovation, and Garrett Gomez, the winning Jockey, saluted her. When her jockey got off her on the track and she didn’t go to the winners circle, she looked confused. Understandable, as the winners circle was the place she always ended up, yet she found herself being led back to her barn. I left Churchill Downs and though I didn’t feel much like eating, I went to dinner with a few friends. A replay of the race came on while we were sitting there, and we ended up once again shouting for her to win, cheering her on, watching her run her heart out, then we just sat and sighed.
The next day I went to Old Friends Equine for a barbecue and horse memorabilia auction, the proceeds of which would go to help the horse retirees. I walked over to Bull inthe Heather, a retired stallion, and asked him if he would like Zenyatta for a girl friend. Well, Bull shook his head up and down a lot about that idea every time I asked him, so, I think Zenyatta has already added another admirer. While at the barbecue, Michael Blowen of Old Friends told me he thought Zenyatta ran the greatest race of her entire career Saturday, and, I for one agree wholeheartedly with him. I can’t think of a single horse who could have made up that huge distance, and come that close to pulling it off. Saturday, November 6, 2010, Zenyatta forever silenced her critics that said she couldn’t run on dirt; she not only ran on dirt, she devoured that dirt track as she went streaking down the stretch towards an even higher level of greatness, if such a thing is even possible.
I feel privileged to have been there, to have experienced Zenyatta, the gorgeous mare who danced her way into my heart. I personally feel that Horse of the Year would not do Zenyatta justice…she is clearly the greatest Filly ever, and the Horse of the Decade.
Patty Stinnett
Grand Blanc Michigan
Ann Maree
P.S. Well, I’m just running off at the mouth today….guess I’m just missing you more lately. I sure hope someone is thinking about writing a book about you and everyone’s experiences with you. Your story, and that of your Team and everyone associated with you, are all a real gift to the sport. I can think of several biographers/writers who would be great, including Bill Nack, Laura Hillenbrand, and I’m sure there are others. Maybe even Abigail Anderson! Now, that would be nice. If someone started working on this project now, they might have it finished in time for your first foal! That would make a great picture on the jacket of a new book, Zenyatta and her first-born! Hugs, your friend, Ann Maree
Ray
Yes, one more week for the big day in Miami.
Would like to let the fans know that Oaklawn Park is having a Zenyatta Bobblehaed giveaway on Monday Jan 17.
Suzanne G
Great letter, Patty. Thanks for sharing it with all of us!
Jan
Zenyatta,
Can’t wait to watch the awards on 1/17. Sounds like your having fun with your girlfriends at Lane’s End. Please send more pictures from there. Oh, by the way, we think you are the best Horse of All Time here in Texas. xoxo..
Henrietta Wolfe
First, Patty Stinnett, your post is wonderful. Of course, it made me cry. I have not been able to watch the race a second time, yet. You did a great job as I felt I was there. Thank you. Second, Zenyatta,there are so many people that will carry you with them in their hearts forever. The impact that you have made on them is beyond any thing I can imagine. I have not meant you, yet, (*_*) and you have given me such joy. Your gal friends that you now spend time with are, I think, fortunate to have you as a friend. ZENYATTA, YOU ARE, SIMPLY THE BEST!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Dottie
YOU ARE MY HERO Z YOUVE DONE SO MUCH FOR SO MANY IVE ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE EVERY VICTORY, EVERY SMILE, EVERY DANCE , WE PRAY YOU GET THE TROPEYS,AND HONERRS YOU ALL DESERVE. LOVE YOU ALL TEAM Z.
Paula Higgins
I am literally stuck here at work-snowed and iced in- and can’t leave. As a R.N. I am considered essential personnel. So while I wait for tomorrow to roll around and start work again, I am reading Zenny’s update and past articles on her. It makes the time fly by and much more pleasant. Zenyatta deserves HOTY, end of discussion. But it is out of our hands. We can keep our fingers crossed and hope they understand the significance of their vote. It will mean the difference between keeping the sport alive or letting it die a slow death by not acknowledging its heroes and super stars. Sigh, let’s hope they get it.
Judy Sims
Hi Zenny:
Another wonderful post. You certainly have been around exceptional people and both you and especially them are so lucky that the fates brought you all together. Next Monday will be an exciting, anxious and hopefully a day to celebrate your being chosen HOTY. You certainly deserve the award but it will never define you. You will always be “ZENYATTA THE GREATEST RACE HORSE OF ALL TIME!”
Hugs & nose kisses.
Judy 8-)
Elaine Lovitt
I’m okay with your special Eclipse Award, which is well-deserved, as long as the voters don’t see it as a replacement for your Horse of the Year award.
Marion
Thank you for the post each day and also for the wonderful post from Patty Stinnett. It made me cry and it made me feel like I was there as well,even I only watched the race on TV.I will be a fan of Zenyatta forever…Zenny for horse of the Decade :-) you are my Hero
nancy
Linda Moss way cool card, everyone should take a look. And yes I think Z we all know Team Z goes way beyond the ones we most know of, and we thank them just as much. We all know you desrve HOTY, but even if it does not happen, we all know your still number 1 in the hearts of all. TVG has done a poll about who you think is the HOTY, and as no surprise Zenyatta you lead the pack. I do hope we find out soon about your date, I know Dottie said there is a short list, and she pretty much knows who is number 1, I think I may know who it is, but will leave it up to Team Z and yourself to tell us, I want to be suprised as well. But let me say what a great match it will be :) Once again Z your the best there is the best there was and the best there ever will be. We love you.
Lori K
ZENNY, AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN HORSE OF THE YEAR THREE TIMES. IN ADDITION YOUR NOT ONLY HORSE OF THE YEAR BUT YOU ARE THE WORLD’S HORSE OF A LIFETIME. YOU HAVE ALREADY WON HOOVES DOWN! CONGRATULATIONS
TEAM ZENYATTA ON YOUR SPECIAL ECLIPSE AWARD. I LOVE YOU Z LOVE LORI XOXO…
NancyP
Patty Stinnet – Thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful memories. As you said, she is more than The Horse Of The Year – Horse Of A Life Time is the apt description.
Thank You Beautiful Girl and Dottie for the additional information about other great team members: Cheva, Frank, Isabelle, Jenny, David, as well as Jeannie and April.
I love your daily posts and pictures. Sure do miss you! Glad you are having a good time with your new girlfriends -Alys, P.Q. and Sea Gull.
Stay well.
Love,
NancyP
Jennifer Adelman
Dear Zenyatta, So glad to hear the name to the face Cheva who we have all watched with you. You really deserve all the awards eclipse & HOY…You have many rooting for you and for John as the trainer award.
Hugs!
Katie Ziberna
hi Zenny!
Nancy
You are so gracious and generous. Team Zenyatta is the embodiment of what a team should be. Thank you for setting such a good example. This is one more lesson I can use in my high school English class. Although much of my teaching is subject specific, there aremany opportunities for teaching about values and positive citizens. Your team serves as a great example of the best.
Valeria P. Cannon
Lady Z, i am sooo rooting for you and for the Eclipse committee and the writers to ‘do the right thing’! You’re simply magic, everyone (horses, humans, and dogs alike) have felt the positive impact of just knowing you or of you. You bring joy and hope to a world that’s starving for a hero! Now, we have a beautiful, humble, and gracious sHero! God knew we needed all the great horses in times before, and now he has given us His best! You stand on some pretty great shoulders (those great ones that have gone on before you), and you most definitely didn’t disappoint or let them down. You not lefted up a sport that was its way to extinction but you shared the spotlight on everyone it takes to make a great racehorse. Before you, we the public basically knew only the trainers and the owners, but you make sure that we know about the heart and the backbone the sport of kings/Queens, and that they are rightfully acknowledged for all they do. Wow….how much could others involved with horses learn if they would only put their egos and arrogance aside and listen to what is coming straight from the horse’s mouth! Keep on beautiful Lady, you’re the best of the best, you’ve bought honor and glory to your sire and dam (whom none would have ever known of, if you weren’t you), your breeder, your juvenile (first) trainers, Teams Z1 and Z2, Lane’s End (even Mr. Farish will have to eat his words whispered at Keenland about your fans!), your coach (John), Your mouthpiece (Dottie and Sarah), your family (human and animal) and your fans all over the world! David, thank God that hip #703 was the right one after all:), Every life you’ve touched has been for the better, and nobody does it better than you!!!! ‘How can you describe perfection? Why try, it’s simply ZENYATTA!!!!!!’
Chris B.
Zenyatta as Horse of the Year should be a breeze decision for anyone who is objective about 2010. We loved watching you race and would love to see you racing again in 2011. There’s plenty of time to have kids later. Please let our girl run!