Good Morning to all of my friends,
I am still basking in the glow of yesterday’s article in the NEW YORK TIMES! When I wrote to you yesterday, I’d read Joe Drape’s wonderful piece and loved the slide-show of the photos…but at that time, I did not know I was on the FRONT PAGE of the paper. Suddenly, all of the calls and emails started to flow into the office. Just think……THE FRONT PAGE OF THE NEW YORK TIMES. This is a WOW MOMENT! The New York Jets are playing in the playoffs this weekend…and I’M ON THE FRONT PAGE of the whole paper! I am so pleased…and proud! This is fabulous!
Also, it is so cute! I love all of your sweet comments about how the tours can take place. You are a very creative and industrious group! I am so proud to know all of you!
Yesterday, when Dottie was reviewing the article and the Team’s travel schedule, (my CA FAMILY will be here tomorrow morning to visit with me), she also mentioned that she had to pack for the trip! That is the beauty of MY SITUATION…..I don’t need to worry about my wardrobe. My coat is always FABULOUS and LOOKS PERFECT FOR ALL OCCASIONS. I have a full wardrobe of blankets…so I’m always ready to go at a moment’s notice. All of my human friends, on the other hand, always need to think of ‘what to wear’.
Dottie also commented that she wanted to get a new pair of shoes for Monday’s event. She and I wear the same size…7…so I suggested she call one of my guys, Tom Halpenny or John Collins, to see if they could help her out in this situation. She laughed at my thinking….appreciated the kind gesture…but said she needed something with a ‘higher heel than what I have worn’.
Oh, this girl stuff is really something! When I was an athlete…I focused on my training every single day. Now that I have so much more free time….my thoughts do tend to wander a bit. For now, since I will start dating soon…………………HMMMMM!
I do know that there is a great deal of discussion going on in my family about my FIRST DATE! This is really fun. Dottie called it kinda’ a DATING GAME. I have some thoughts…she has some very interesting ideas…and we are really having so much fun blending and sharing all of them!
Such choices! Lucky me!
Have a great Saturday…and a fun Weekend! Enjoy all of the great sporting events and racing around the country. Take a peek at the JETS GAME as well…since they are my NY TIMES Buddies. They play on Sunday afternoon!
Cute…I was on the FRONT PAGE. I still can’t believe this! WOW!!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Michelle
Congrats on the cover of NY Times. That is awsome. I will have to see if I can buy one.
I am hoping your first date is with AP Indy or one of his sons like Mineshaft or Berardini. They are all very handsome.
Sally (B)
Oh Z; my heart just melts everytime I hear from you or see pictures or videos of you. I finally found the NYT article; really good!! I’m proud of you!! Yesterday our Packers won their important football game–and that is a good sign for you Z to win HOY.! In both cases it takes the team effort to win as you have demonstrated 19 times!! I will be so happy for you. Please say a special hello to your owners and the rest of your family when you see them today. You will always be No. 1 to me; your lovable and truly one-of-kind, amazing. I hope to see you at Lanes End this year!! love & a kiss on your nose. Sally
Helen
Wishing you all the luck in the world Zennie! In my heart I know you deserve this award however, no matter the outcome I will always think you are the mare of a lifetime my friend. Dottie, love the part of the above conversation about the shoes! I am sure looking forward to finding out your first date and then the baby…oh my anticipation is building! I realize not every foal you throw will turn out to be as good as you and if they ever need a home, well all ya gotta do is call! NY Times was a wonderful article and I didn’t realize you were front page. At least some of know a great horse when we see one! Thanks Dottie for the continued updates, we all appreciate them more than you really know. Wishing the best to all of you!!
Cheryl Heath
What a great post today. I would love to meet Dottie someday, she sounds like a wonderful person and you are so lucky to have her as your good friend. Loved, loved the NYTimes front page article!!!! You are the best and they know it. All your fans love you so, it is magic. Cheering for you on Monday evening and hugs to all for all they do for us.
Cynthia Ann H.
Zenyatta, you have been front page news to your many loyal and devoted fans from the moment you first set hoof on the racetrack! It is simply super that the prestigious NY TIMES has chosen to recognize your achievements and significance to the world of sports by placing your name right where it ought to be—in the spotlight!
Now, as to this dating thing, I confess to feeling like a maiden aunt about to witness the compromise of her favorite niece’s virtue! As your faithful friend and pilot Mike Smith has been quoted, “No one is worthy.” However, as your human family seems intent on making a match (and you can bet the house that they will scrutinize each and every candidate with a fine-toothed comb), I would like to weigh-in with a few thoughts on this issue of massive import to your thousands of fans!
First, we have this well-established and incredibly talented suitor, Mr. A.P. Indy. Wow! The accomplishments of his many get read like a “Who’s Who” of racing! But—I must tell you quite frankly, Zenyatta, that this guy has really gotten around. I fact, he is quite the ladies’ man about town! There is hardly a mare of any major accomplishment with whom he has not been—get the drift? Hmmmm…
Then, I have also heard mentioned the name of the long-distance specialist Dynaformer, sire of the magnificent Barbaro and your own dear friend and rising star, Harmonious! However (and I whisper this discretely), there is some talk that his dating manners can be less than chivalrous, and there may be some concern that he is too aggressive a fellow for new initates who have not yet been, shall we say, de-flowered. Perhaps we should move on….
I would like to submit for your dating pleasure a name which is not often mentioned, but we have the opportunity to observe this extremely handsome individual during the course of his racing career, and found him to be both charismatic and extremely talented! His name is not as prominent as others which have been mentioned, but his offspring have already more than proved their mettle in the heat of battle. They have shown an affinity for brilliant speed, and how awesome would that be, added to your own mega-abilities! He is the sire of your accomplished rival Rachel Alexandra. Just imagine—a tryst with Rachel’s daddy! She would not be able to top that!
We’ll all be waiting anxiously for the outcome of this spellbinder, knowing that your incredible human family has never steered you wrong, and has always had your best interests at the center of their hearts throughout your racing lifetime. We take great comfort kowing that they will do the same in your retirement years. Whichever they choose, he will be one lucky guy!
One more thing; CONGRATULATIONS in advance, for your HOY Eclipse Award tomorrow night! There will be uiversal applause from coast-to-coast when you name is called from the podium!
PerkyGreen
The voters have done a great injustice to the sport of kings. They shunned you last year which I thought was unbelieveable. Should they decide to do it again it will be unforgiveable. Good Luck Baby Girl MUch Love
Quarterhossgal
Congrats Z…the front page of NYT, just like it will be Tuesday morning announcing your HOY trophy. Have fun with your family, they’ll probably stop on their way back home to celebrate your win with a Guiness! All of your thousands of fans are praying for you.
Sheri
You must feel so special Z! And we cant wait either to hear about your first date! We want all the details! haha! Love you Zenyatta! :D
Dani
Zenyatta – you are so lucky to have a personal shopper who knows exactly the right shoes for the occasion. We have to sometimes go from store to store before we find that perfect pair. During a Sale it’s pure bedlam. …. In any case – the New York Times knows what it takes to sell papers – lots of them – that’s why you are on the front page. The beautiful photograph of the magnicent you is an eye catcher and the article just fabulous. I’m sure you’ve captured even more potential fans who will be logging on to this Diary and your Facebook page to find out even more about you. When they see the photos and watch the videos they won’t be able to help but become as enraptured with you as we are. So thank you NY Times, Joe Drape for the terrific article and Luke Sharret for the brilliant photographs. …. Now about Mr. Perfect – well, as everyone knows according to Mike Smith there is no one worthy. But there are a few that definitely warrant a look see. It seems like A.P. Indy has had the most support all along in this Diary. Well, he is one of the Rock Stars of stallions. I can’t help but love him myself. But whoever the lucky guy is we will all be thrilled for you. ….. I will take this time to wish you all the best for Horse of the Year. With the turn out they’ve had for the voting, I think it means you’ve got a lot of support rallying around you. It’s out of our hands but tens of thousands, judging by your Facebook numbers alone, believe in their hearts you deserve that honor. Of course you are a lock for Champion Older Female. And of course we’ve got our fingers crossed for John to be named Trainer of the Year. And it is going to be a thrill to see Team Z take the stage for their very Special Eclipse Award. Too bad you can’t be up there on stage with them. You are very well behaved. I can just imagine you up there gazing out into the audience with those intelligent and curious eyes, maybe a bit of amusement as well. ….. Okay so I have rambled on too much. Your eyes would be glazed over if you were actually reading this. So lots of love and whatever happens tomorrow night – you are a horse for the ages and that can’t be denied by anyone. :)…P.S. If you win HOY I expect John to fling his baseball cap out into the audience!
Manuela Hudson
Oh my! I read the article “on-line”, didn’t know it was in the front page of the NYT!! How exciting!! I’m thinking that one of these days you might even be invited to the White House!:) You’d really have to wear your best blanket for that! Before you go on your first date, you better ask Mike Smith for his opinion. He is pretty protective of you! :) Oh, Zenny, just have fun with all your friends and family and enjoy the beautiful sunsets! Love you!
Cheryl Denton
As Mike said on “60 Minutes” no stallion is worthy of you, dear Queen Zenyatta. But I along with everyone else look forward to your first foal–I know you will be an excellent mommy as every little thing you do is magic! : )
Linda Henderson
Curlin is a handsome guy. Take a look.
Boo
Hi Z! My mama taught me how to bow today by putting the carrot between my front legs. She says, “Boo… What do you do when you meet Zenyatta?” I bow. That’s what I would do if you were my girlfriend.I kiss your picture all of the time; I am a gelding though, and we could not have a foal. I am not royal either. I used to be a rental. Now I am very handsome. I just got a haircut. I love you!!!!!
P.s DOTTIE WOULD END UP ON THE COVER OF THE N.Y. TIMES IF SHE BORROWED YOUR SHOES AND WORE THEM TO THE AWARDS MONDAY WHEN THEY ANNOUNCE YOU AS H.O.T.Y. THAT WOULD BE SO FUNNY AND SILLY!!!!!!!!!
Boo
Z…..I ALMOST FORGOT TO TELL YOU THAT MY MOM TAUGHT ME HOW TO DO “THE ZENYATTA.” SHE SAY’S, BOO, WHAT DOES ZENYATTA DO?” I STICK MY RIGHT LEG OUT LIKE YOU WHEN YOU DANCE!!!!!!! IT’S SOOOO CUTE. NOW ALL OF THE HORSES AT MY BARN ARE LEARNING HOW TO DO “THE ZENYATTA!!!!!”
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta my Beautiful Girl. The NYT are lucky to have YOU. You are so SPECIAL and the whole world knows it. I LOVE YOU BUNCHES!!! Hugs and kisses from Shari in Ohio
Suzanne G
Boo,
What terrific tricks! So happy you’re no longer a rental. I’m sure Zenyatta would love you too!
Hugs and stuff to all the horses and people who are honored to look after them.
Linda / Maryland
Zen, You belong on the Front Page of all newspapers and magazines!
Love you ~
Susan from Fl
Congrats on the NY Times front page news! Hope u give Curlin a “neigh” if u see him around the farm! All the best on Mon. nite to u and your team….u all deserve it. Peace & Happiness to you Z.
Kate
Well Z, the JETS WON! Big underdogs too… Nothing like a little Queen Z karma comin’ your way. :) Hope it keeps up through tonight! Good luck!!!
Kathy
For your first date you should go out with Blame XD
Kim
That was how I discovered you, Zenyatta, through a NYTimes article about your dancing ability. I think the Times journalists love you because they always write such good articles about you. But too, you gave so much to write about. I am sure you have abilities to be more, if there are outlets for you to do so.
Linda
Z, you deserve every accolade spoken or written of you. You continue to amaze me and all of our fingers will be crossed tonight as we watch the Eclipse Awards. Win or lose, though, you are SOME KIND of GAL! Happy to have you here in Kentucky, my home sweet home…
Lori Stein
Hey Big Z,
I’ve been thinking alot about your dating prospects too. I have it all figured out for you for the 1st 3 years.
This year:
AP Indy. He is right there at the same place as you, so it could reduce your stress level- no traveling. He also is getting up there in age, so you never know.
Next year:
Tiznow. He is obviously a horse who can easily get the classic distance, but he has alot of early speed and is a pace stalker, so that would be a good match. Not to mention the resemblence between the two of you, so the baby would look just like Mama. How cute!
Year 3:
Dynaformer. With those two pedigrees, what an amazing grass runner could come of that.
Hope you like these choices Big Z so you can tell Mom and Dad.
About this whole HOTY thing. To all your loving fans and obviously your connections you are already a Horse of a Lifetime and I mean that sincerely. Everytime I watch one of our racing stars go postward with the expectation of everyone that they are going to win and that doesn’t happen, I think to myself how truly amazing you are to have done what you did all those years you raced. Truly one of a kind. You have that special something I can’t describe other than just MAGICAL. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic fits you to a tee. I know it will be that way with your career as a broodmare too. No matter what happens at the awards you are and always will be racings one and only QUEEN!
With Love Your Fan Forever,
Lori
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, Wow! Front Page! You shouldn’t be surprized you are our favorite racehorse of the year! Can’t wait till Mon. night. I’m pulling for the Jets too! Enjoy your weekend. You look magnificent in the snow. You got that prance going on! I love you so much, Zemnyatta. I can’t wait to hear about your dating! Hugs & Kisses from Alabama, Amanda
Pamela Hutchins
Hey Sweetheart! YOU DID IT! HORSE OF THE YEAR!
I didn’t expect to cry!
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN
luv,
your Auntie Pamie
Anna Wiley
I saw that article about you, Zenyatta! Awesome! Again, waytago for winning the HoY!!!!! We got some snow down here in GA. Not much, but it was on my birthday, the tenth! That picture of you in the snow is really cute. Enjoying yourself? Zen, I’m writing a book called the Homestretch about racehorses with my friends Hannah and Becca. You have INSPIRED me so much! Are you excited about mating? Do you know which sire yet? You must be a little nervous too. I’m really looking forewords to the foal, Zenny! I’ll bet he’s GOREGEOUS. BTW: I saw lots of your races on U-Tube the other day, Z! I was at the library. Our computer has dialup BLUHHHHH! So, we had to go somewhere with highspeed internet. It’s a miracle this page loaded! I want to be a jockey when I grow up, so, if you ever reply to comments, :D It would be cool to get some LITERALLY From-the-horse’s-mouth tips to be a good jockey, and a jockey horses would enjoy being ridden by. Off the subject, I was a Munchkin in The Wizard of Oz this Christmas, at the Springer Opera House, state theater of Georgia. I spent a lot of time being bored down there while my sister Kendra was rehearsing. I spent most of that time drawing you. :D :D :D :D :D
Luv,
Anna
P.S.-I think they should make a movie about you. That would be totally cool! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
I LOVE YOU ZENNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LONG LIVE THE PRIDE OF THE GAME, ZENYATTA!! THE QUEEN!!! THE ZEN!!!!!!!!! ALLELUIAH!!!!!!!!!!!
Paul
I read the Zenyatta article in the New York Times. I cut that article out of the paper. It reflected on the fun that you are having out in Kentucky, Zenyatta. It also mentions that you stick to something of a schedule. A potential boyfriend visits you every morning at 7:30, and you go out and frolic around every day from 8 AM until 3PM and that the lights in your stall stay on until 10 PM. I’m guessing that’s your bedtime. You also have a few suitors. One of them will be your boyfriend soon.