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
Robyn Mullhausen
That article for the NY Times was excellent and I loved seeing the new photos of you with your friends. All photos were great and that is some beautiful barn you live in. Glad to read that your CA family is coming to visit. I’m sure they will bring lots of goodies and hugs and kisses for you, Z. Glad you are so healthy and I’m sure you will be “selective” in picking out your mate…talk it over with Jerry, Ann, John and especially Mike. Love you more every day.
CAM
@ SUNNY FARM,
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Curlin’s 1st foals will only be yearlings. NO ONE has any way of knowing what kind of stallion he’ll be so saying he’s a great stallion is more than a bit premature. He’s breeding Mr. Jackson’s mares because he’s Mr. Jackson’s stallion…
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The cross with Zenyatta actually receives a poor grade (if your into nicks).
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Keep in mind no stallion is a sure thing and some great runners have been duds in the breeding shed. If the science of breed good runner to good runner and get a good runner were so simple, everyone would be rich and successful ;-)
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Morning Zen, I’m glad to see you are staying busy. If you had Steve Haskin & family there for a visit I know we can look forward to another superb article by Mr. Haskins about YOU, or dare we dream, maybe a book! Lane’s End may need to build a “Zenyatta Station” for her fans. A would definitely take THAT tour. About that Lemonade Stand. . . . .did I hear someone whinny Guinness!? PEACE & LOVE
Pam Zacek,
Oh wow, I wish i could see that article, I live in the sticks, some what, and hard to get a paper, anyway, glad your having such agreat time, and having fun, and the Ca. People are coming for a visit, what a lucky, girl, have fun, in the snow, and and the comment you were ahead, where else could you be,??? LOL, your always, ahead, have fun today, and when Ca, peole, come….. Keep warm, and the weight your sure it aint the coat, girl, Im mean its been cold out there..
Tracey Dryka - Ottawa, ON Canada
It would be a thrill to see such a beauty that has given us a memory for a lifetime!! Kisses to you Queenie!!!!!
Rachel
What are those white spots that appear on your shoulders in the new photos from land’s End? They show up in several pictures.
Dani
For those who were following the plight of rescue horse Hotstufandthensome, it is official. He has a permanent home at Akindale Horse Rescue. Love happy endings.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/01/14/case-closed-hotstufanthensome-finds-a-home.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentMessage
Janet
Loved the NYT article and photos. I’m so glad to see that our girl is enjoying her new life. I have a job interview on Monday and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I get the job and Zenny gets HOY. Both would make me very happy but I’ll be happy just to see Zenyatta and her team get the recognition they deserve. You will always be the best with those who love you Z.
CAM
@ RACHEL above,
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The ‘white spots’ are likely a few nicks she’s gotten from her new pals. Any horses turned out together will need to sort out the pecking order, particularly in a new group. That’s usually done with feet and teeth ;-)
Nancy McNaul Applegate
Kathryn Cogswell, please forgive the correction, but Zenny’s name is Zenyatta Mondatta, not Zenyatta Madonna, as you mentioned above.
Sandy
I can’t believe that this time I might be helping someone else. Just click on the yellow “Z in NY Times” in the first line of this diary post to see an on-line version of the NY times article (and ALL of the pictures!).
I loved the article, Zenny, and seeing not only you and your girlfriends (and we know from before that the gray horse is PQ but which ones are which as far as the other two are concerned?) but also Sarah that you’ve mentioned so often.
This post and all of the comments has really been a bitter-sweet experience. When I heard that you were moving to Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky, I immediately thought that some day I would be able to see you (and there are probably about a zillion people here in “the east” that thought the same thing). Now that I’ve read about all of the dangers of having visitors at a broodmare farm, I sadly realize that seeing you “in person” may never happen. I know that both your California “Team Z” and all of the LE people will make the choices that are best for you, and that is all we can ask for. Hope springs eternal, however, and maybe . . some day . . some way . . there will be an opportunity.
Have a great visit with your family and very best wishes to all that are nominated for one of the Eclipse awards. Can anyone tell me WHERE we might be able to see them (TV? on-line?). Hugs and love from your Ohio friend, Sandy
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Joani Jiannine — Azeri’s first foal, Take Control (formerly Valenzeri),is by A P Indy. He is currently turned out due to injury. We too would like current info on Azeri, one of our all time favorites.
CAM
@ The Kennedys,
From what I posted above, hope this helps : )
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AZERI has an ’08 Giants Causeway filly named ARIENZA, foaled a Ghostzapper filly in 2009, a Distorted Humour filly in 2010 & was bred to Zenno Rob Roy in Japan for 2011.
Jane in Seattle
@Sandy
You can watch the Eclipse awards on TV on the channel TVG. Most people with satellite tv have TVG, I know some, but not too many, people with Comcast that have it (it’s a very high channel number on Comcast.) The only way I think you could watch it online (and I’m not sure about this) is if you subscribe to TVG online – and it’s not cheap, it’s a betting service.
Bonnie MacRaith
Hey Zennny, I never had any doubt that were anything but a “girly-girl”…a true feminine powerhouse with a big heart. Let us know what you think of the boys and who you would like to date. Let’s hope their not intimidated by your prowess and beauty…but as Mikey said “there’s no one worthy of Zenyatta”…I tend to agree.
CAM
Here is a link to a pic of Azeri’s Ghostzapper filly:
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http://finalturngallery.com/g2/main.php/v/mariasmonsalbum/Keenelandsales/keesep10/13+f_+Ghostzapper+x+Azeri042+_2_.jpg.html
Linda/Orange MA
Any one, if you want to watch live the Eclipse Awards on NTRA.com the web cast will begin @6:00 pm This is free on the internet. Good Luck Zen and the team.
CAM
Azeri’s 08 filly, ARIENZA as a yearling:
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http://finalturngallery.com/g2/main.php/v/mariasmonsalbum/Keenelandsales/september2009/81+f_+A_P_+x+Azeri004+_2_.jpg.html
Cathy P
Zenyatta, YOU LOOK MARVELOUS!!!!!!! What great pictures, they all are very nice. The one I like the best is the one where you and your girlfriends are running in the paddock and you’re in front (leader of the pack). The travel agency that would love to put you on there most popular places to see, would be great. And of course your fans would love to come see you especially the ones that live in Ca. like me. You are so very special and one of a kind!!!! Have a great time with you Ca. friends on Sunday and I really hope you win HOY you deserve it the most, you worked the hardest last year and you should get it. And if you don’t get it, so what, we (the fans) WILL STILL LOVE YOU KNOW MATTER WHAT HAPPENS. With lots of love and Big Hugs, Cathy
Sally L. Hopkins
Zenyatta, I missed you in California. I love you a whole bunch! xoxoxo
Jane in Seattle
@Linda/Orange MA
Thanks for posting that – all along TVG has said they would have it exclusively. Then yesterday ESPN said they wouldn’t broadcast the awards, but they would announce the HOY winner. And now this! I can’t wait! For those of you on the left coast, like me, 6:00 is EST. The HOY award should be about 6:30 (near the end of the program) PST.
Jane in Seattle
@Linda/Orange MA again,
I went to NTRA and looked and looked for how to watch. Could you explain? I don’t have TVG and really want to see this…
Thank you =-)
Jane
judith berube
Dear Z,
Just voted in a poll for HOY on Equibase.com. You are leading in the poll with 73% of the votes cast for you. Love to you.
Linda/Orange MA
Jane, http://www.NTRA.com and it should pop up and you can register and create an account
Sandy
@Jane in Seattle
ANOTHER thanks from me for your help. I also saw the post from Linda/Orange MA re NRTA.com and will try that out. Maybe they are waiting until tomorrow to post the link to the webcast.
OraJean Stevenson
Good Morning, Queen-Z & Team-Z,
Your BIG weekend is here! What a treat for you all to get to “visit” with each other, at Lane’s End Farm. Enjoy every precious momment!!
Thanks for sharing that wonderful, NYTimes’ article. I loved reading about your preparation for motherhood, and the new pictures were much appreciated. Z, you look so happy in the paddock, frolicking with your new friends.
Best wishes for the HOTY outcome. Have a wonderful weekend. Fondly, OraJean
Kathryn Cogswell
Hi, N. McN. A.: Think of it as a play on ‘when-in-foal’ pet-naming, without the winks .. . you`re sweet to care, though. Khc.
Linda B
Hi Zen,
Last night had an idea and as I read some of the entries I see others have also.
Here in Virginia we had a Bald Eagle nest watch. It was a 24/7 watch as the parents built a nest, laid eggs, hatched and tended and fledged three beautiful Bald Eagles. There was blog for those who wanted to share and a moderator who taught and commented on the progress. Well how about a ZenCam. All would be safe, no onslaught of folks and an ongoing watch on the Queen. I think it was the Norfolk Zoo that set it up….not that you are in a zoo ….that is funny …but you are our beloved Zenyatta who we want to see every day…lol. Just an idea run up the flag pole….love you Zenyatta soon to be HOTY.
Jane in Seattle
@Sandy and Linda/Orange MA,
Maybe so. I don’t get a popup when I go there, even after I disable my popup blocker for the site. I did create an Inside Track account and checked the Live schedule, but don’t see anything about it. I’ll keep looking; I’m not feeling too bright at the moment =-)
What we won’t do for this horse!
(Love you Z! You’re the best, we know that without any old award show.)
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Sandy: “I sadly realize that seeing you ‘in person’ may never happen.” Thank you for this apparently new awareness. And thanks to L, Linda B (especially b/c you’ve never touched a horse), and Kathryn Cogswell for helping fans imagine the life of a brood mare on a breeding farm. The need for being sequestered from the outside world is critical. I would not even want a webcam for fans to see Zenyatta in the barn nor a live stream of Zenyatta in her pasture (which, according to Joe Drape, is now 15 acres)–what if she’s at the far end?
In my opinion, for reasons of Zenyatta’s and the other mares’ wellbeing, and the wellbeing of their foals she and all the others ought to be removed from the racehorse fans’ gaze. Surely, we will receive photos and short videos–maybe a book or documentary in the future.
I am loathe to mention this, for fear of angering some people, but it did occur to me that the raucous welcome Zenyatta’s fans gave her when she appeared for the BBC 2010 agitated her (Mike Smith at the starting gate said she was “anxious” and John Sheriff and Mario Espinoze both gestured for people to quiet down) might have contributed to the race’s outcome. Do you remember how she “danced” in the paddock? Mario Espinoza hardly could keep control of her. A number of professionals have said that Zenyatta’s dancing was a clever way on her part to channel nervous energy.
My point is that fans can love too much. It is important that we educate ourselves–as Linda B has been doing about the caterpillars that caused foals to die, or by reading posts of those who know the ins and outs of breeding farms–and relinquish the idea of visiting Zenyatta, as we (I did not have that chance) were able to when she was on the racetrack.
To Kathryn Cogswell: The poem you posted about horses as incarnations of the wind was beautiful, whoever wrote it. It sounds like a Native American poem–just a speculation.
To Mrs. Mitchell: I am so sorry for your recent loss and so glad that Zenyatta offers a certain comfort to you.
Best regards–Robbie