Good Morning Everyone!
What a fabulous last few days it has been! I have been receiving so many letters, notes, calls, hugs and kisses! Your DIARY posts have been amazing! THANK YOU! I am still rejoicing in the announcement…
The 2010 HORSE OF THE YEAR
IS
ZENYATTA!
These words will echo in my mind FOREVER! What a beautiful way to cap off my RACING CAREER!
I wanted you to see the OFFICIAL CARD used that evening. When Alex Waldrop was standing on the stage…opening the envelope…then announcing…AND THE WINNER IS…THIS is the official card he was holding!
It is all still so exciting for me! My beloved TEAM was here visiting with me on Sunday and wishing me GOOD LUCK before going on to Florida. Pictures will come soon.
Then, the big night arrived! After the announcement, I was able to TANGO with MY TEAM. Everyone has been so, so kind.
On Tuesday morning when they called, I think the news finally began to SINK IN! Ann and Dottie were talking to me on the phone, and suddenly I KNEW WHAT ALL OF THIS REALLY MEANT! I am so, so proud! I began to dance and prance all around my paddock. Then SEA GULL and I began to do this free spirited gallop all around the field. It was truly a moment of great celebration!
Again, I want to really THANK ALL OF MY FANS for the huge role you have played in my career. As Dottie mentioned to several members of the press that evening, it was ALL of YOU who helped to keep everyones’ spirits so positive and encouraged as we traveled along this journey together! We truly can’t thank you enough! I really knew how much you were there for ME!
What a fabulous feeling this is! Reflecting upon everything that has happened to me during my entire racing career…this accomplishment is THE DIAMOND EXCLAMATION POINT after my name! It really makes my career feel complete!
As John told Dottie…”this entire experience during the last 4 1/2 years is positively a wonderful FAIRY TALE…and yet it really happened to us in our lives!” I think they are still ‘pinching themselves’.
To my dear, dear fans….Thank you for sharing this DREAM with ME…and ALL of TEAM ZENYATTA!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Debbie
I am so happy for you Z and your team!!! love you xo
Cynthia Ann H.
CONGRATULATIONS, Zenyatta! All week long, I had the most positive, uplifting feelings. To my soul, I really and truly felt that yours was the name which would be called on that magical night! I kept repeating to myself over and over, “I believe, I believe, I believe…” This absolutely is “the diamond exclamtion point behind your name,” as your beloved friend Dottie described so eloquently! This long overdue, much-deserved accolade is the final page of the book on your racing career. So, it was with a twinge of regret that I realized on Monday night, that the fairy tale (at least this particular part of it) is now finished, and the glory days are behind us. But what a magnificent legacy you leave to those of us who were so fortunate to have seen you on the ractrack, or even on television! Like ripples in a pond, your legend wil spread and spread until it encircles the farthest corner of the globe. I will never be able to look at the letter “Z,” see the number “55,” or listen to Aaba’s “Dancing Queen” without an enormous sense of gratitude that we were so lucky as to have been touched by your grace. Out next brightest hope is that just a spark of your immense talent will be passed to one of your offspring.
Someday when I am old and tired and looking back on my life, perhaps a young person will ask about the highlights. Without a moment’s hesitation, I will smile and say, “I saw Zenyatta.” highlights will beooking back at
Derby*Ann
I am so proud of you, Miss Z. I met Secretariat, Seattle Slew, Citation, Tim Tam, Iron Liege, Spectacular Bid, etc. I love you as much as all of them. Congrats on the Secretariat Vox Populi award as well. Don’t you love it that Ms. Chenery established that, with you as an influence. Much love, girl.
Janet Cutting
Hi Z: I think everyone has said it perfectly and there all right—YOUR THE BEST SWEETHEART. Also, hugs and kisses to all the horses out there. Have a great week-end. Janet C
Victoria
Alysse Jacobs said it perfectly above– I cut and paste below
“It’s funny how such a non-descript piece of paper wtih a select four words could bring so much joy to so many people.”
Kelly A. Setzer
Yes, five short words; one EVERLASTING meaning! Understated elegance, just like you (well, some of your dances were a tad dramatic, but you do love to please!). As I’ve always maintained: it’s not just whether you win, or which races you enter – but, ultimately, it is the HEART that you show when you run. And you gave it your all – Every. Single. Time. When I saw the 2010 Classic, and absolutely taking nothing away from Blame, I knew that, in you, I had seen the winning ride. Time for Chapter Two of your career now; enjoy! I’m sure that long hours and serious thought have been put into your future career as a broodmare, just as they were used in your racing career/schedule to propel you to such unattainable heights. And although the majority of your (human) admirers would love to see you take a liking to A.P. Indy, I know that your TEAM will make the right decision, in EVERYONE’S best interests.
Quality far outweighs quantity, yet you gave us both every time you stepped out onto the track. Credit goes to your AMAZING team, and your UNSTOPPABLE HEART. I hope I am still reading your diary posts in ten years – even longer. Dottie really can read your heart, and it has endeared you to so many more than I would have ever thought possible, all around the world. Make sure you GENTLY remind her to post THE news the moment you know! (I know the decision was proably made long ago, but never say never – you DEFINITELY taught us that!)
Roseann
Thrilled for all!!! Happy tears came very easily when I watched the announcement and then the acceptance speech by Mr. Moss on YouTube. Bless all of you for what you have accomplished and for allowing us to be a small part of it.
phyllis Horn
George and I are so proud of you. We are also elated that the powers that be chose to “anoint” you horse of the year. You just never know what they are thinking!! We love you and look forward to the rest of your “career”. Have a wonderful time, play and be a horse. The Moss’s take such good care of you and always put YOU first. How refreshing for the horse game. We have two Arabian horses and if they could they would give you the big atta girl! Love and lots of hugs, Phyllis and George
jody
CONGRATULATIONS Z!
Debbie
Way to go Z ! You are the BEST.
Sarah Powell
It’s been a long week waiting for another diary post – so glad to see it and see the actual card. Thank you Dottie and all of team Z for keeping us in Zenyatta’s life. Every response tries to express how much she means to each of us and we all fall short. Looking forward to more pictures and videos – just can’t get enough of watching her. Thank you, Thank you.
For anyone worried about her without a blanket, I will share what my vet told me when I got my first horse. He said that horses fared much better too cold than too hot – more problems with overheating – so none of mine wear blankets either and all have fuzzy winter coats.
judith berube
Dear Z,
Congratulations again to you and all of the Team. Would love to see more videos of you and your friends runing and playing in the field. Love to all of you.
Karen Schmiede
So happy for you Zen, and all your team. You so deserve this honor.
Marian M.
Your story is one of the most compelling among those of champion racehorses. Your talent combined with heart, charisma mixed with sweetness, and beauty enhanced by innocence are unique and inspirational. I hope that your biographers will document not only your outstanding performance on the race track, but also, what you have done for your sport and to lift the spirits of your fans in troubled economic, political, and social times. Thank you, Queen Z.
LauraS
Congratulations Zenyatta!! You are most deserving of this honor.
Kimberly
THANK YOU for letting us be a part of this wonderful ride Zenyatta…(Dottie and team Z) I would not have missed it for the world! What a blessing you are and another chapter yet to come. I love you Zenyatta! Your #1 fan in Montana!!
Katherine
Oh Zenyatta, I was so happy to see a new post when I logged on. I am still on cloud 9 after you were named Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Awards. My scream of delight startled my dear dog, who should be accumtomed, as he too has watched your races on T.V. I wish you and your entire team the very best, as you all deserve only the best. I have loved watching your brilliant races. You have brought me great joy. Thank you.
Jody
Congratulations to all of Team Zenyatta! We are so blessed that you have chosen to include us in so much of your lives…it really is appreciated. We LOVE you ZZZZZ!!!!!!
Margaret
Z I am so proud of you and Team Z. Everyone came together and worked as one. This is a perfect example of teamwork. What a huge relief it was to know that it had finally come true for you.
Well soon you’ll be getting ready for your first date. You make sure they do your mane and tail and polish those lovely feet of yours. Some of it might be a bit confusing but it will work out. You make sure to ask any questions to John or Dottie–I’m sure they’ll answer any question you pose them.
Lynette Lucas
I can’t wait to see the new pictures!!! As a fan I want to thank you for being a great horse and I will always be your fan!!!
Lisa T
So extremely happy for Zenyatta and Team Z, conragulations!! Zenyatta you are not just Horse of the Year but Horse of a Lifetime! You are simply perfection and we will love you forever. I like the idea about a DVD, a book would be fabulous also. Please post some pics and videos soon. Love you dearly XXXOOXXX
Nancy L
Excitement and joy. This is what you and your team have brought to my life. Excitement when you race and excitement when I flew to California to see you “in person.” The joy comes from your wins and your dance and the way you pose for pictures. And the gentleness you show as you nuzzle a child who has come to meet the Great Zenyatta. My greatest joy is from the kindness and graciousness that the people on Team Zenyatta live every day. The seemingly simple generosity they possess is what really brings tears to my eyes.
M2 + Little Bit & Ready Lady (team from the Little Bit Ranch)
Congratulations to our wonderful girl – you have shown everyone the power of heart, desire and the passion to win. You never, ever quit. We are in awe of you for these qualities and are so proud for you and the Team for this well deserved recognition.
Seperately, great to see Penny Chenery’s recognition of your impact on this industry – which is so much in need of this and thanks to you and your Team for what you have done.
Last, to Mike Smith, we are happy that this is now settled in your heart. You and Zenyatta ran the race of two champions and it was the Breeder’s where you two showed your greatness – and the world witnessed and recognized this as your best race and defining moment. Peace my friend.
Our love to all and especially to you our dear, dear Zenyatta – from The Little Bit Ranch in Texas
LaurieK
I feel that this fairy tale is something that happened in me in my life too. Thank you to Team Z for sharing it with the rest of us.
Sharon
A couple of weeks ago the Seattle Seahawks were in an NFL playoff game. Toward the end of the game, a runner named Marshan Lynch broke about 8-9 tackles on his way to the winning touchdown. The cheering from the Seahawks stadium actually registered on a local seismograph as a minor earthquake!! They showed the picture in the next day’s newspaper. Based on how much screaming and yelling we (the Zenyatta fans) did last Monday night, I think the collective effect across the country would also have set off a CONSIDERABLE seismic reaction!!! You MOVE the EARTH Zenyatta with your grace, beauty and athleticism. And those of us who cheer you are blessed to have lived to see the likes of you!! On to your future greatness as a broodmare!!!!
Susan
Zenyatta, I can’t wait to see your movie!
HURRY UP, HOLLYWOOD!!!
Jeanie
Hi dear girl
That is an awesome piece of paper. That one should go in your scrapbook for sure. I will be checking daily to see those new photos and hear more about your day. I’m wondering who your boyfriend will be! He better be good enough for you! Don’t settle!!!!
Elena Erdman
Queen Z, I was so totally happy to see the post today. Fantastic, one piece of paper and WOW, HORSE OF THE YEAR! AWESOME. I loved your video of you playing with the gals outside. Will be at Santa Anita for another award from Penny Chenery, the Secretariat Du Vox Populi. How awesome and you are going to be the first to get it from a terrific woman and horse. Love you always. Thanks again for the post.
Patti and Don
THE ENVELOPE PLEASE…THE HORSE OF THE YEAR IS…………….ZENYATTA!
YES, YOU ARE THAT AND SO MUCH MORE. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, OUR SWEET ZENNY, AND ALL OF YOUR FABULOUS TEAM. WE LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!
ON ANOTHER NOTE, WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT AFTER MARKET FOR YOUR FIRST DATE???? HEAR HE IS QUITE THE STUD! JUST ASKING.
Paula Higgins
Zenyatta/Dottie thank you for showing us the card! Please thank Ann for the picture. Well, as you can see, we are still over the moon about your HOTY award. You know, I have a theory about your last race. I believe that your incredible stretch run made the difference in the voting. It was so magnificent, it didn’t matter that you “lost” by a nose. It blew everyone away. I am still in awe of it. I think alot of the voters were too. As someone said, Secretariat was the King and you are the Queen. Penny Chenery’s award is just wonderful and she knows how special you are too. High praise indeed.