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
Denise
Well Zenny, I have to tell you something. I think that you are one fortunate girl to have such a class act team. They keep you grounded, humble in your greatness. They educate you and us on how to be a better horse/person. You have the attitude of gratitude girlfriend! Should all take notice….:-) PS…Thanks Dottie.
Carrie
Dr. Z. I don’t need some sports announcer to tell me who they believe the horse of the year is..It’s you no matter which way the vote goes. Good night sweet beauty.
Jan
Thank you Patty S. for the wonderful story. I too was at the Breeders Cup and experienced the magic of Zenyatta. I was right at the rail as she walked by before the race and after, I wanted to stick my hand out and touch her. The whole race was surreal. That was by far her best race ever, and she is incredibly feminine. I did feel bad that no one seemed to give any recognition to Blame in the winner’s circle. Never in my life would I have thought a horse could have this effect on me like Zenyatta has, I only got interested in thoroughbred racing, when one day I was surfing the channels to watch something on TV and the Kentucky Derby was on and they were talking about Big Brown and it was so interesting and he was so beautiful. I then read about Rachael Alexander and she was also pretty interesting, then they started talking about Rachael racing against this big mare Zenyatta, and that was it, end of story…
Sunny Boyd
GO ZETTY GO GO ZETTY GO
and so goes the battle cry!!!
Wow, it’s amazing how many people looked and are still looking after you. It’s like sittin’ on pins instead of straw, the wait ’til Miami, hope you’re chosen, too. Will you get to watch the show on the telly? Have your Guinness ready to toast in any case!!:) Good night, dear girl, and dreams of carrots, mints & oatmeal cookies for you tonight.:)
Jan
p.s. I mean Rachael Alexandra..
Marty M.
You are a horse of a lifetime!!!!
Jane in Seattle
Hello Beautiful!
What a wonderful picture of you and your friend Cheva =-) There are the other horses going seriously about their horsely business and you are just being a big silly doofus – who could HELP but love you?
I have to admit I thought you looked a little bewildered after the BCC. I do believe you thought you won the race (I certainly felt like you did) but Mike jumped off you, crying, and you didn’t go to get your picture taken and get your flowers put around your neck. I was hoping they would tell you back at the barn that your dear Mike was ok, and then give you some flowers and take your picture, and give you TWO bottles of Guiness, for being the very best girl ever!
And I imagine they did something very like that =-)
Happily ever after to beautiful Z and her Team! XXXX000XXX
Sue Greene
Ms. Z and Dottie, thank you so much for all you wonderful posts, and for keeping us posted on all the happenings! I am so thrilled you thank all the people who have worked so tirelessly to help you achieve your goals! As someone who worked her way up through the ranks I know how hard everyone has worked with and for you! Ok, now on the the awards event, you are going right,lol???!!!
Lanie
HEY BARBARA WOOD…send your card in care of Lane’s End to Zenyatta..they will get it and rest assured you will get a post card back friend!The address is on the Lane’s End website…just Google to find it.Hope this helps!
Thanks Dottie and Zen for filling us in all the folks we may not have known about. What a great path you have taken these past few years…and everyone who has worked with you has been blessed to do so.
We are all counting down the days Girl til the awards. God bless each of you…I love you..here again..under the moon..over Ky!!
barbara
zenny, todays post shows just what a class act you and team Z are! being sure all associated with you gets metioned and thank yous.
Dona
Love everything you post.
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z”. So nice to recognize those who have had such a influence on your career. As for the HOTY I think you should have gotten it in in previous years. However, there has always been an East Coast bias. If they can’t see what an impact you and your Team has had on Throughbred Racing then SHAME ON THEM! You are to so many of us “Horse of a Life Time”
We love you and Team “Z”
Hugs and Kisses
barbara
patty s. , i am in tears reading your comment. i too was at breeder’s cup and felt those same emotions. what a roller coaster day. smiles and tears, laughter and disbelief. she is the horse of a lifetime, i’m glad i was here to witness it.
Maureen Brady
Zenyatta while you raced you made me cry,laugh,shout and get goose bumps all in the space of 2 minutes per race. Few horses stamp their imprint in our human memories because we see them on little TVs for such a short time. But you made a mark while you raced that will be played over and over again in the ages to come. And we and future generations will love you forever for it.
Jenna
Per my local paper, TVG will televise the Eclipse Awards (as they do every year). The newspaper is on the East Coast and that writer said he is voting for…ZENYATTA!
One East Coast writer down…
Have a wonderful evening, Dottie. Z, big kiss and sleep tight.
Zendotti. :>
Nighty night.
Heather MacMullen
Zenyatta, this note is for Dottie. I think it’s wonderful that you acknowledge all the people behind the scenes that so often are under appreciated or go completely unnoticed by the public, and even somtimes by their employers. You are a true champion to them. And because of that, I would like to thank you and give you the recognition you truly deserve. You take the time daily to keep us up to date on Zenyatta and her adjustments to her new home. You have calmed the fears and educated those who do not have any horse experience and are concerned about her safety. You introduced us to your racing family in such a way that I almost feel like we are all neighbors living in the best neighborhood in the world. But more importantly, you have made us feel like we belong in this family even though all we are really doing is looking through the window. I could go on and on but it still wouldn’t do you justice. I just wanted you to know how lucky we are to have you. Thank you.
Linda Henderson
Thanks for giving credit where credit is due. A great team and one that certainly deserves a special Eclipse Award and more.
Kimberly
THANK YOU TEAM Z FOR A JOB WELL DONE. I PRAY YOU ARE RECOGNIZED FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK NEXT MONDAY. HORSE OF THE YEAR IS THE LEAST YOU SHOULD BE GETTING.. YOU SHOULD HAVE GOT THAT TITLE LAST YEAR ALSO. YOU WERE RIPPED OFF!! HOPEFULLY THEY HAVE ALL COME TO THEIR SENSES!!!!!
Bonnie MacRaith
Now Zenyatta…how ARE you going to talk about Dottie and praise her as you have all the others. Hmmm, that might be tricky!
I too really appreciated seeing Cheva, Frank, Isabelle, and others taking care of you Z! Such a loving group! I look forward to seeing you barn mate, Harmonious, have her turn now and also El Vino who both did really well in their last races!
Bonnie MacRaith
Forgot to say, I LOVE the photo of you resting your head on Cheva’s head, now there’s pure trust for you! I hope you can find someone at L.E. to rest your head on sweetie!
judith berube
Dear Z,
I look so forward to reading your diary posts everyday. They are always informative and uplifting. You are a bright light in a world with, sometimes, dark days. You’re just what we need. You and your team are the perfect example of goodness, kindness and caring. Thank you all. Love to you.
Elaine Valenzuela
Good luck, Queen Z! We’ll have our fingers crossed. We’ll have our Guiness beers chillin in the Santa Anita ice buckets we got at the races last year! I can hardly wait to hear your name! Good luck, girl! We luv you!
carrie
bummer i just called my cable co. (cox) and i cant get tvg. well at least i have a week to find somewhere to watch it.
carrie
also i have never liked dark beer but had an “irish car bomb” and it wasnt bad. If Z likes it thought i would try it.
Tamara G
Love the updates! Is team Z going to visit Kentucky on the way to or from the Eclipse Awards. Love seeing you all together.
Anita in CA
Hi Zenny! I thought of a new name for you! It’s Warrior Princess. Actually, it could be Warrior Queen, but I like Princess, because I know you are called that by some people, and it reminds me of your femininity. I hope you like it. I am hoping and praying that you are awarded the Eclipse HOY, because you so deserve it. But if, by chance, you are not…. well I know you are not only HOY but Horse of a Lifetime. You are the most special horse ever. I wanted to tell you, too, that when I got to visit you on your last Friday at Barn 55, all your special people were so great. Steve was awesome, making sure that everyone got their picture with you. Mario looked at you with such love, and Frank just looked at you and smiled the whole time. Carmen was there, too, feeling sad that you were about to leave. John was so warm and gracious when we got to shake his hand and thank him and gave us his big smile. I felt so grateful that they all were so gracious to share you with us. And Dottie and the Mosses continue to open their hearts and share with us about your activities here on your blog. I love all your special people, and very much love you, my Warrior Princess. Sleep tight.
Reb
Very nice note today…thanks!
Catherine Uher
Zenyatta, you are the most precious and thoughtful creature that ever lived! I’ve never known anyone who’s more giving, selfless, humble, and greatful! This was so sweet to read about the other people on your team that we didn’t really know about, so thank you for sharing this with all of us! We just love you so much beautiful girl and I can’t wait until next Monday either! Until then, keep having fun with your new friends and hope to see some video of you soon! Hugs and carrots ~ Catherine
Robin
We always knew there were more people touching and loving you in CA! We fans are SO THANKFUL for all that Team Zenyatta has done to take such wonderful care of our girl!
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi – We saw Dottie and John with Zoie on HRTV and they mentioned all the wonderful members of the Zenyatta Team. They are the greatest and, of course, you are the Queen. We are so looking forward to the Eclipse Awards on Monday. Too bad we all can’t be there to celebrate with your Team. That would have been awesome. Love you so. Remember, you are Horse of the Year for every year you ran and for all years to come in all of your adoring fans hearts. Love you so.