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
Debi Hamari
Beautiful Queen Zenatta and Dottie,
Thanks for taking the time to recognize each of these special members of team Zenyatta and share photos. She could not have been the great horse she is without each of you.
Congratulations to a wonderful team in winning the Special Eclipse Award. It ruly could not happened to a better team.
Love and hugs!
Meredith Gibbs
Z you are one tall drink of water. Beautiful. The most favorite part of my day is seeing a new message from you.
jeanie langford
It is so nice that all of the people who worked with you are getting the recognition. Sometimes we forget the truly special people in our lives, the first teacher, first friend etc. your post helps us remember these things and the love we felt for these people. Thank you Queen Z. Horse of the Year is much deserved, but Queen forever is even better. The ancient Egyptians believed that as long as someone spoke your name or remembered you, that you lived forever. So be it. Hugs and Kisses
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta\Dottie what a beautiful post today. Just like you to be so kind and loving to all involved with your life. Congratulations on the Eclipse Award for the Team they so deserve it. This site has so much love pouring out it just blows me away. Look what you do for all of us. I read Patty Stinnett’s post and cried. It is so beautiful, so you. You made my children in my class today so happy. They were jumping up and down (did you hear them call your name)? I like so many people hope to see you in the summer. I want to kiss you and feel your presence. I love you sweet girl. You are truly the Horse of a Lifetime. Hugs and kisses from Shari in Ohio.
Marilu Villanueva
Wow, you are so lucky to have these wonderful people take care of you. Thanks for sharing your experiences with them. Dottie, the more I read the daily post the more I am amazed at the hard work and devotion you all have for Zenyatta and all the horses under your care. Praying for HOTY results. MV
Gloria
Hi Big Mama Z! Great to hear about everyone else who had a hand in helping you win all of those races! They all did a great job. I saw Dottie and John on HRTV yesterday morning talking about you. I wish you the best of luck in getting Horse Of The Year, but no matter what happens there, you will ALWAYS be Horse Of The CENTURY to many, many people, including me. Love you, sweet girl!! XOXO!
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
TVG is carrying the Eclipse Awards Show. Don’t know if any other racing networks will also have coverage.
To anyone who has never watched this awards show before, have your “5 hour energy” ready, it’s usually a real yawner filled with bad attempts at humor. Team Z should be easy to stop. They will be the only ones who have excercised their facial muscles recently with a s m i l e. Think I’m kidding, just wait & see. Hope all of us here in Z-Land are wearing BIG SMILES next Monday night. In the meantime Big Girl, “Keep on dancin’ and a prancin'”. Love & Peace
sue w
To those here who feel Zenny was a little sad after the BC because she didn’t get to the winners circle I honestly believe John when he said she THOUGHT she won and was just fine …happy and just herself back at the barn. She was surrounded by total LOVE that night…just as she’s always been. And here we are…a continuing circle of love stretching across the miles holding her so closed to our hearts.
Joan Walls
Hi Z. You are the greatest! I am rooting for the Eclipse Award. What a wonderful family you have! Yesterday, I was at Lane’s End for the stallion open house. You have some very handsome, muscular “beaux” over there! I was hoping to see you, however, I was told that you were having a great day. We all love you and only wish the best for you. Love and hugs!
Gloria Jeanne
Thanks Sue, I try to tell myself that, and I’m sure it’s just me and how I think she felt. Chin up- Zenyatta is fine, happy and retiring in a beautiful place. She will be well taken care of. smiles
Grandma Bea, Ladee, Remington & Bashful Gobee
You are the best. My 3 kitties are keeping their paws crossed, all 12 of them for you next Monday night. We love you & pray for you every night.
Hugs & Love from Grandma Bea & my 3 kitties
Lauren
Hi Z – You definitely deserve to be HOY. If for some unforseen reason that well deserved honor is not bestowed on you, you will always be the horse of a lifetime to me and the many fans you have all over the world. God bless – you are the greatest.
Anne
You have had such a wonderful circle of friends and caregivers. They must have done something right to keep you happy and healthy for 3 great years while you were racing. It is certainly unheard of in this sport of kings. How kind of you to take the time to acknowledge all of your good friends as these people are usually the forgotten group. Just shows all the class you and your team Z have. We think we have heard it all and “boom” another entry showing a new form of appreciation and love, comes our way.
You are the most caring horse in the world.
Cheryl
She gallops along an effortless dream….A look in her eye that always seemed to say to each one…I love you too..you are for me and I am for you. The ones who saw her running so free…could only marvel at how it could be..that love and beauty and style and grace..could all come together in her perfect place…Zenyatta
Sally (B)
Hi Z and Dottie! I realize now there are more than what we knew of who worked with you so regularly. I do thank any one who gave you there love and care and excercise to stay healthy and be the greatest horse you turned out to be!! They are important and I truly appreciate them (I sometimes envy the fact that I could not be a part of it; because I love you Z) Have a wonderful day.
Cheryl
HORSE OF THE YEAR!! HORSE OF THE YEAR!! HORSE OF THE YEAR!! HORSE OF THE YEAR!! HORSE OF THE YEAR!! HORSE OF THE YEAR!!
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Really enjoy your sharing with us Zenyatta-thankyou!
You are such a magnificiently gorgeous girl and I enjoy each and every picture that I see of you.
Glad that you are one happy horse and hope you have lots of fun with your friends, Alys, P.Q. and Sea Gull.
My Love & Blessings to you Zenyatta!
Elena Erdman
Hi Queen Z. What a wonderful post with all the people that are part of your team. Cheva, Carmen, Mario, Frank, Isabelle, Jenny, Jeannie and April Mayberry and David, plus John and Dottie and Ann and Jerry and Mike of course. What a group of winners. I am so excited about the awards, seven days!! My husband and I will be watching for sure! I told many friend to watch it too. Definetely you are HOY, no question, all I am doing is waiting for them to call your name. I love the post of you looking at the Breyer horse. (“what’s this???? I know this grass very well….and this is something very different here, I really examined it, sniffed it and ultimately tried to lick it. I was very interested in investigating “ME”!) I am still smiling. I definetely will be donating to a couple of the charities you are involved with. Have a cozy evening and thanks again for sharing, these are wonderful times for your fans.
Darlene
Hi Z…I am confused about the way Horse of the Year is decided. Since writing to you, I have researched the Eclipse Awards. I found out they were named for a horse named Eclipse who went undefeated after 18 starts….you had 19 undefeated starts. One columnist said this year that The Breeder’s Cup is his sole factor in voting for Horse of the Year. You won the Breeder’s Cup last year, but did not get picked as Horse of the Year. Not only did you win….but you were the only female to ever win the Breeder’s Cup Classic. It seems like the criteria changes depending on who is voting in these awards. I think you will win this year…if not, I am starting The Zenyatta Awards….based on fairness and based on racing history with a touch of influence from the many fans who never gave racing a thought until you came into our lives. Love you girl…you are our Horse of the Year!!
Dani
‘It takes a village to raise’…a special horse. :) … Zen, thanks for sharing with us the other important people in your life who patiently and lovingly helped you blossom into the magnificent horse you are today. And how special it is for them, as well, to have been a part of your life and to know that they were an integral part of your story. I very much love the photo of you and Cheva as you use him for a headrest. Always fun to see your silly side. You are quite the prankster. ….Patty – your post brought back a flood of memories and all the emotions that went with them that evening. Whenever I think about the race or watch it, I too still lean forward as if towards the wire pulling Zen with me, still thinking that she is going to do it. Even though the loss was hard for everyone, we are all so proud of her – what a race she ran. No one had more heart out on that track than she did. I still think it is her greatest race and showed the sheer courage and strength of mind, body and soul that it takes to be one of the greatest thoroughbreds of all time. The feelings and emotions we have whenever we think of that race will always be close to the surface and will always keep us close to her. ….Linda – loved the card. I am familiar with Jacquie Lawson’s cards and that one was precious. …..Dottie – your posts are just so wonderful. Always something different and special. We never know what to expect and we’re always waiting with great anticipation for the newest one knowing that it will be full of terrific stories, news, insight into the world of horses and photos all of which Mz. Z herself will surprise us with…Dottie, you are just simply fantastic!
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Today, I was thinking exactly what you said in your diary–next Monday is the big day!! I am really looking forward to the awards ceremony. We know you deserve this award–big time!! I will have a Guinness ready. But rest assure, no matter what the outcome, your fans will be celebrating your career no matter what. Also, Zenny, it is wonderful of you, as you stand front and center, the superstar you are, to recognize EVERYONE’s efforts that helped pave your way to stardom. So often those that work behind the scenes never get the recognition they deserve. How nice of you to remember them. And WOW what a GREAT job they did! I hope you had a wonderful day with your friends. We love you Zenny, the heavens love you, and most important TEAM Zenyatta really, really love you!! And they have proven that time and time again. What a lucky horse you are!! What lucky fans we are to have the opportunity of knowing you and your Team. Love, Linda
lizzy
@ Patty S.
Thank you for sharing your letter…beautiful.
One thing you mentioned that I think you are right on
about is how “feminine” she is. I think that is what
her attraction is for many women fans. She’s strong and
beautiful and she knows it.
@Jenny
I’m sad to hear that LE won’t allow visitors until July..this makes me sad. :(
I hope that LE will put a new video soon. Maybe out with your girlfriends.
Love to all…..thank you for the pics/post.
Linda in NJ
To Patty Stinnett: Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It was beautifully written. I watched the race on TV, and Zenyatta’s performance was just awesome!!!
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Zenyatta: Thank you for letting us know that Team Z includes the fortunate people you name and show us above. You exemplify civility by respecting everyone who made it possible for “effort applied,” as you once put it, to matter. But your words carry more than respect–they show love. There ought to be an award for equine intellect, kindness, and citizenship: you model what it means to belong to a larger whole.
I love the photo of you and Cheva gazing out at the world, your chin resting on top of his head. The shared perspective and the man/horse combination seems another instance of your uncanny ability to cross the human/animal boundary.
Isabelle must be an excellent rider. In an interview I read, Steve Willard spoke of your strong-willed nature during training sessions (with a few antics thrown in).
Patti Stinnett–thank you so much for the vivid description of Zenyatta’s last race (her best race in my mind). If only the finish line had been one stride further….
I sent a post some days ago to congratulate Team Z for winning the Eclipse Award. I want to repeat it here in order to congratulate not just the people named in the article, but those who were not named, those who received loving recognition here today in your Diary Post #54:
Dear Team Z and Zenyatta: Congratulations on The Special Eclipse Award for Team Zenyatta!
As I once said to Zenyatta about herself, all of you should win an award for crossing the human/animal boundary. Zenyatta might have made the crossing on her long beautiful legs, but you wrapped protective bandages around those legs.
You raised and trained Zenyatta with skill and with love. As Zenyatta would say, she is indeed a “fortunate horse” to have found her way into your lives. This rare coming together of humans and a horse allowed Zenyatta to become a great athlete as well as an intelligent and kind “personality,” as the NYT once put it. With Dottie’s assistance, Zenyatta even has become a writer whose deserved confidence allows her to refer to herself as “ME!”
Not every horse, or person for that matter, has the opportunity to live up to his or her full potential. Zenyatta most certainly has in her shimmering past. When set free in her paddock for the first time–with many (this word used to be “all”) of you there so that she could be alone in your reassuring presence–Zenyatta’s resounding squeals spoke in the “language of Equus” of a joyous future.
I hope that The Special Eclipse Award for Team Zenyatta forecasts Zenyatta winning the Horse of the Year Award 2010.
With great respect–Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
phyllis Horn
You are well beyond the horse of the year! Your are so special that word cannot describe. We will love you and you will be remembered forever. There are but a few like you, Secretariat comes to mind. You are the horse of a lifetime and will ALWAYS be remembered. Love and Hugs, Phyllis and George
Cathleen
Dear Z, thanks so much for personally introducing us to your team. We’ve often heard the names but it’s great to put faces to them (esp. Cheva — I’ve often heard him mentioned and wondered how he helped you). I think Frank kind of looks like Mario! What do you think? I have TVG and am having an Eclipse party next Monday night. Can’t wait. I live in West Palm Beach, FL which isn’t that far from Miami so it’s extra fun to have a party knowing your team is close by to me! Wish I could go to the ceremony. I’m so excited to watch your team get their special award, you get honored with HOTY and John get best trainer! It’ll be a clean sweep! I just know it! I hope David gets to be there to especially since he “discovered” you! XOXO
Parker
Hi Z – love the pix with your head resting on Cheva’s head but haven’t seen any new videos or pixs of you at LE for a while and hope Sarah sends some new ones soon although anything from John Sherriffs collection is always gratefully welcome! XOXOXO!
kristen
Thank you for telling us all about the other people on Team Zenyatta. Good Luck on the Eclipse Awards. You deserve HOY.
M2 + Little Bit & Ready Lady
First, @Cheryl, that was just beautiful and we appreciate you sharing that sentiment, poem, about Zenyatta. It was, well, just VERY nice. Thank you so much.
Z – I want to hear more about the drill with your horse mates. I am not acquainted with that and would love to hear about the exercise and how it helped you prepare for your races. Awesome!!
I am looking forward to next week. Have to say I wish the very best for you sweetheart for HOY … but… I am thinking, you deserve much more than that one award. MHO!
All the best to you Z, Dottie and the team. From everyone at The Little Bit Ranch in Texas.
Lisa T
Team Z is one class act! Zenyatta you were definitely surrounded by great people, I sure hope you are being treated just as well at Lanes End. Luv you lots…more videos please. XXOXX