Good Morning,
I am having a great deal of fun! Joe Drape, who writes for the NY TIMES, came to visit and did a wonderful article (Z in NY Times) about me for his paper. The photos are outstanding…if I say so myself. There is one showing my friends and I running in the paddock. (I’m in FRONT! Too cute!) WE are having a blast running in the snow and playing together each day!
Please enjoy the photos and the piece. JOE DID A GREAT JOB! He did an update on some of my recent ‘teasing’ activities. Also, as referenced in the article, I have had all of my proper vet checks…and I am a real ‘girly girl’…with all of my body parts in good-working order. In these photos, I think I look terrific…even though they say I’ve gained a bit of weight! Good thing I’ve got a nice, strong frame to carry it off so well!
Also, this is too cute! A travel agency has called the FARM and wanted to know if they could put me on ‘their tour list…as one of THINGS TO SEE WHILE IN KY’. I guess they think LOTS of people would like to come and see me! (I gotta’ love my fans. This is absolutely adorable and made my day!) I’m not sure how this could happen as the roads at the farm aren’t big enough to handle big tour buses…but I could not be more flattered!
Yesterday, Steve Haskin, his wife, Joan, and Lenny Shulman came to visit. I gather Steve and Joan were here on a business trip from their home base in New Jersey. It was great to see them! I’ve known Steve and Lenny (both write for THE BLOODHORSE Magazine) since I was just starting out on my racing career. They have been dear friends for years now! I am so fortunate to have so many dear FANS and FRIENDS!
Just a few days now until my CA FAMILY comes to visit. They will be so excited to see how well I’m doing with all of my new friends. I can’t wait!!!!!!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL!
Z
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta I showed my class the pictures of you in the NYT. We all loved the one of you running with your friends. The children all asked me which one was Pirate Queen. I told them I was not sure. All I know is that you look so beautiful and happy. I know I am being selfish but I still hope that I can see you in person. I could not afford to fly out to CA and when you made it to KY I was working. I bet there are others like me. But if fate has it that I never get to see you in person I will be sad but respect that it must be that way. I love you sweet girl. Thank you for being there and just being this wonderful being. Many hugs and kisses from Shari in Ohio.
Lisa T
I can’t wait to read the NYT article about you Zenyatta, thanks for the info. How exciting you will see your Team Z family this weekend…enjoy your visit! I cannot express how much I enjoy reading your posts, seeing pics or videos of you. You truly have captured my heart forever!!!!! Stay healthy and happy. XXXOOXXX :)
Julie DuVall
What a wonderful article and photos! I’m glad to hear that you are healthy and interested in the boys :) It’s fascinating to learn about the process of letting a racemare down and preparing her for a career as a broodmare. So far you seem to be a perfect example for us to watch!
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. My husband and I chuckled when you said you were in front of your buddies – you are so cute. I bet you can’t wait to see your family come to visit on their way to your Eclipse Awards Ceremony. I would love to see the NY Times piece – where can i see that? I was so fortunate to see you at your barn in Hollywood Park on your Zenyatta Appreciation Day, during your two retirement ceremonies and the many times you raced at Hollywood Park, Santa Anita and Oaklawn. I look forward to visiting you at Lane’s End as a moma. Love you so. Keep having fun and stay warm and be safe. You are an angel in disguise.
Bridget
OH MY GOSH Z!!!!!!! LOVE THE PHOTO OF YOU AND YOUR GIRLS!!!
IS “SEA GULL” THE GREY ONE? WHICH ONE IS ALYCE??? I BETCHA SHE’S THE ONE IN THE BACK. I LOVE THE LOOK ON THE GREY ONE’S FACE!!!!!!! SHE’S TOTALLY LAUGHING!!!!! SHE LOVES YOU!
NancyJS
@L
I totally agree with your recent entry. I said something similar
in a previous diary. The track is a very controlled environment
with lots of humans supervising the horses. Being at a
Farm with multi million dollar horses who are enjoying there freedom
and have hormones surging is a much more difficult place to
allow large groups of screaming fans. What if she were to abort
with all of the commotion. Breeding is a very delicate business and
all of her fans need to respect The Mosses and all involved
with her. Maybe the fans to enjoy pictures articles and videos rather
than in person visits!!!!!
Delrene
Dear Zenyatta – what a wonderful write up and photos of you in the New York Times. Joe Drape and Steve Haskins are the greatest sportswriters of all time in my opinion. And oh Capone, destined to be only a teaser to Zenyatta. Bet you will have lots to talk about when you go back to your stall. Let’s see, “she is so beautiful…. she is so tall…. what great legs and oh my a rear end to die for….. and the sweetest disposition to boot. I am so totally in love with her… However it is not to be” and be still my beating heart , we touched noses… good luck this Monday. You deserve it, whether it happens is out of our hands, but you will always be the best horse to all of us adoring fans. Thanks for the great posts.
Suzanne G
Hi L,
Thanks for the info. Seems like lots of babies! Do the mares generally get a break somewhere along the line?
Not right place to ask but couldn’t find anything on Azeri or Ginger Punch in Japan. Any ideas? Thanks.
Suzanne G.
barbara
sweet dreams lady z have a great visit with your company this weekend.
much love
nancy
Love the art. in NY Times. Ah Z you silly wonderful girl, Steve told me on Dec 1 that you were well ready I think you are too. I still pulling for AP but who ever it will not matter, that baby you will have is going to be soooooooooo grand. I’m glad everyone is seeing you on Sunday, and just know what ever happens at the awards your our HOTY no matter what.
L
@Suzanne G
As has been noted before, mares in the wild are bred every year, sometimes they come up barren which is their body’s way of making a ‘break’ on it’s own. The rule of thumb is a healthy mare will be bred every year (if she’s worth being bred of course) and nature will take it’s course.
This question often comes up in regard to La Ville Rouge, Barbaro’s dam. I can’t recall her entire production record but looking back over her last five breedings to Dynaformer, she produced 3 live foals. She foaled Nicanor, Lentanor and the youngest brother, slipped her 2010 filly and I believe is currently in foal to Dynaformer with a foaling date in April. So that’s five breedings to Dynaformer, three foals on the ground, one slip and one still in the oven.
Unfortunately I haven’t heard anything about Azeri or Ginger Punch. I know I was heartbroken when a HOY was sold and taken away to Japan. :(
Tracy K
I loved the NY Times story Zenyatta, it certainly seems like you’re having a great time and I’m sure you’ll be a fantastic Mom. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for HOTY, you totally deserve it.
Jane in Seattle
@Bridget,
If you look back in the older posts, Pirate Queen is the gray. Not sure which is Alys and which is Sea Gull though. I know I envy them getting to buddy up with the Queen though =-)
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zetty,
what gorgeous new pics in the NYTimes, they’re all so beautiful!!! **** Material, the one with your girly friends, PQ looks like she’s laughing it up:) too funny. Kudos to Joe Drape, for a great article & pictures of you. So, you’re busy dating the groom-in- waiting, huh, you bad girl, you, kept us in the dark, all innocent like carrying on with that story about your mouth bit etc, and here you’ve been playing nosies with a secret admirer. Now, why can’t they let you play nosies with the ‘Golden Boy’, too, eventually, instead of all that ‘staged’ stuff. But truly, aby looking at your pics sees true beauty. Mare, you oughtta be in pictures, you’d make one beautiful docu style movie. I bet it’d be well visited, and then we’d see you on all the talk-shows!!!! I can’t wait to see you on Letterman!!:)To wish you ‘ sleep tight’ is useless now, as you’re dreamin’ of Mr. Capone, oh, my, Zenyatta has a crush!! Sleepless nights, from now on. Oh my oh my!!!
Dani
Zen – Absolutely loved the ‘Girls Gone Wild’ photo of you and your gal pals racing around the paddock. Great feature article as well. ….Enjoy your company this weekend. I’m sure lots of treats, hugs and kisses are in store. Maybe you will all sit around and share a Guiness or two? :)
Irene Caty
Dear Zenny, Glad that you are enjoying your visitors. I do imagine that they will visit you often. Steve enjoys writing articals about you because he has realized how very special that you are. I was very happy to hear that your California family will be visiting you again soon. I will be waiting to hear all the big news when that happens. There is alot of things coming up for you within the next several days. One big thing is HOTY. I’m really praying for you on that one. Keep happy Zen and enjoy your roll as Queen Zenyatta and watch your weight. You have such a beautiful figure. Love you sweet Zenny.
Gary Moulton
It’s not David Letterman but I love this top 10 list. I hope you guys find it as funny as I did and maybe some of it might come true.
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Top 10 Things That Won’t Happen Monday Night
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10 – LeBron James accidently stops by looking for his 2010 MVP award, even though Kobe beat him by a nose. Take your talents to a different awards ceremony LBJ….
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9 – The PlayersBoycott.org group pickets the event, racing press asks…”and who are you again?”
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8 – Calvin Borel storms the stage looking for Castellano….he’s informed that Javier is not a finalist and bursts a vein in his forehead.
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7 – DRF/NTRA Handicapper of the Year and Canadian Brian Troop steals the show, thanks Andy Beyer for all he knows about handicapping (this one actually may happen).
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6 – Dominguez rides six winners at the Big A and catches last minute flight from JFK to collect his Eclipse for Outstanding Jockey.
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5 – Todd Pletcher wins his fifth Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer and thanks his fake twitter account for his new found popularity.
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4 – Emcee Kenny Rice tells a number of really funny jokes.
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3 – Jess Jackson shows up tipsy and mentions the phrase “always a bridesmaid, eh Jerry?” to Moss causing a free-for-all in the Fountainebleau lobby. Seth Hancock comes to Moss’ defense.
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2 – Mike Repole announces Uncle Mo’s retirement saying he’s way too valuable at stud to run in the Kentucky Derby……and finally the #1 thing that definitely won’t happen on Monday night….
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1 – Blame wins Horse of the Year and a nation rejoices…TVG cuts to Ruidoso Downs.
S
Loved the NY times article! I was hoping that LE would allow us to see you once you are in foal and getting along well. Maybe Aug. or Sept? Good luck Monday! But regardless of the voting… You are our HOTY and a wonderful blessing to all. I know your family will pick Mr Right and pray that your babies will be as sweet and healthy as you are!
Paula Higgins
A wonderful article and pictures by Joe Drape! The pictures made me smile from ear to ear. She looks fantastic and very happy. I am glad Steve, Joan and Lenny were able to visit her. They are among her biggest fans. Steve;s articles about her have been brilliant.
Jerry and John have made some great statements in the past few days about HOTY and the idea of fans being allowed to vote as well. Most of us are fairly knowledgable and can cast an informed vote. Al Stall clearly knew how that would come down and said so LOL. Zenny/Dottie I don’t know how HOTY is going to end up but nothing will ever change the facts on the ground. She is an extraordinary horse, with a historic record, and wonderful connections. Her huge fan base is simply a reflection of those facts.
Barb G
I read the Times every morning and had a sweet surprise this morning when you were on the front page!!!!!! Bravo, Zenyatta! But since I am still learning about thoroughbred racing, could you please explain what a claiming race is and what happens to the horses in them? I worry so much when horses I follow continually lose…thank you! I hope to visit you this summer! Love you!!!
Shannon
Hi Z! How about a webcam? Especially when you have your baby…
Joan
Nice top 10 of what won’t happen and I am really pulling for the #1 thing that won’t happen.
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Lakeway & Linda B: Very grateful for your notes. Most of us have learned that to love someone means letting go; for some time, I have felt uncomfortable thinking of ‘Z’ on display. My sense of the mare in foal is similar to older visions of a sequestered confinement, with as few intrusions as possible, and the mare, with only her stall mates for quiet company. There will be lots of traffic to & fro as it is. Bringing foreign elements onto the farm in tire treads or shoe soles or by other vectors is not worth the risk. When the family that has made so many good choices for her knows the times are right, we may trust them to work with LEF to enable visitors. `Til then, loving & wanting nothing but the best for her is our chance to give back to Zenyatta Madonna. ~ Khc.
jim
curlin will not be bred with Z. curlin will be a top sire in his lifetime. he is one of the most beautiful male horses i have ever seen. he will make top notch babies. for anybody who has not seen him go on the net and take a good look. lova Z
Valerie Chase
Love you Z! HOTY!!!!!!!! xxoo
Linda Clausen
Loved the NY Times article! And especially the photo of Z leading the girls around the paddock! Have lots of fun, Zenyatta . . Love you!
Maria
Here another short article about our Queen Z.
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gameon/post/2011/01/zenyatta-breeding-ap-indy-curlin/1
Maria
Wow! Girl! You’re so popular today. Here’s another article from Washington Post.
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/story-lab/2011/01/story_pick_looking_for_mrstud.html
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Jenna: It`s been a part of me so long I can`t say . .. a gift, maybe? Khc.
Sophia
The pictures brought tears to my eyes once again. You are breathtaking, Z. I hope Lane’s End will allow visitors to see you before May. If I had to choose you or the Kentucky Derby to come see this year, it would be you hands down…..17.2 hands down! I am praying I don’t have to choose!