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
Linda / Maryland
“It is YOU we need to THANK Zenyatta~”
It is because of you allowing us to share your racing career and your life that has made us love you so much!! You are the most perfect specimen of a filly and mare I have ever seen in my entire life and you are so kind and loving to all of your family and fans! The children the animals everyone! It will be a long long time, if ever that we will encounter a horse as special as you!!
” WE ALL LOVEYOU ZENYATTA “
Sally L. Hopkins
Thank You, Zenyatta. I’ll be looking forward to those pictures. xoxoxo
Cathy
Congratulations Zenyatta!! Thank you Team Zenyatta for all the memories. What a fantastic experience for us all. We love you!!
Tere Thomas
Still overjoyed by your win – so deserved and so exciting!! Love you Queen Z
Mary Check
Zenyatta…you will always be our Horse of the Year! You are simply the best…
Susan White
Queen Zenyatta and Team Zenyatta, finally, the dream became reality. Thank you for all you have given us.
Dottie, Thank YOU for your words at the Eclipse Awards. You know how much we cherish you all, and WE KNOW how much you care for every one of us. This journey just keeps getting better.
Congratulations Zenyatta! We love you and yours! You’ve made us your family, too!
Timmi
It looks good in writing! So happy for all involved…truly deserved!
Megan S
Congrats Baby Girl!! We are so proud of you! <3 We also can't wait to see you it will be with you on your first 'date'!!
Love
Megan
Ollie
Zen, I am so so happy for you and your
Ca.family, it’s been a truly amazing
journey these past few years. Look forward to upcoming pictures.
Love to TEAM ZENYATTA!
Lori Stein
I had to DVR the awards. Although I knew you won, I just got through the whole awards ceremony. I was so touched by the words Jerry said from the Tranquility farms calender. I printed the whole thing out on the computer and I also ordered the calender. I would encourage anyone who can to do so. All the proceeds go to help rehabilitate and find homes for retired racehorses. Your power Zenyatta truly transcends everything!
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. Wow, it is just awesome seeing the card with your name on it announcing you Horse of the Year. That night hubbie and I were waiting, in Zenyatta t-shirts, Zenyatta caps, and of course one of your posters taped to our grandfather clodk. When they announced your name, I could not stop screaming. We were so filled with joy. I am still enjoying the moment. Can’t wait to get a copy of the Bloodhorse with your picture on the front cover. We have the DRF picture of you. You are the most beautiful horse that has ever lived, an angel in disguise. Love you so. Looking forward to hear who your first date will be with and can’t wait until you are inducted into the Hall of Fame. There will never be another horse like you again. You are so special – hopefully, we will be able to watch your babies grown up on your website. Love you.
Elizabeth Barrow
Z, I wish you could have been there to pick up the awards yourself. I can see you with a lovely designer gown on, prancing up the red carpet and sitting next to Mike Smith at the table.
Bonnie MacRaith
This is for Dottie…when you Tango with Zenyatta what is her reaction? I’m not real familiar with Tango, can she see you on a screen? How does it work? Thanks!
Joan Walls
The Leading Lady – Queen Z! Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you and all of Team Z. We are all looking forward to seeing the pictures. Please, please do NOT stop writing in your diary. It just gives us fans a glimpse into your life. I didn’t realize that one of your friends was Sea Gull. I am so happy that you are having fun. I can only begin to imagine the pride that all of those in Team Z are basking in. Hugs and kisses for now.
Robin A.B.
Just think…we can all say where we were when we heard about Zenyatta being named Horse of the Year! And, we can all remember thinking…Finally…and then thinking…Wait…SHE IS MUCH MORE THAN THIS…SHE IS A HORSE FOR THE AGES!! We are so honored and privileged to know you, Queen Z, and your Team of loving humans.
Robin A.B.
P.S. Congrats on winning the first Secretariat Vox Populi award! I like the sound of this – you and Secretariat in the same breath. Makes sense!
Dona
I am not surprised that Mrs Moss would photograph this card for your fans to see because it just speaks of her thoughtful and loving nature. We are all so lucky that you belong to such wonderful people and we as a group can’t thank everyone enough. We’re the winners here. You are the deserving ones. Love and good health to everyone.
Edie Dickenson
I haven’t stopped smiling! You SO deserve this, Zenyatta!
Sunny Boyd
And the Golden Horse goes to…
may I have the envelope please…
**********ZENYATTA*************
It is ZENYATTA!!!!!
The Golden Horse goes to ZENYATTA
THE HORSE OF THE YEAR ,Ladies & Gents, is
***************ZENYATTA**************
Nice, totally rad!!! And fab!!! I am really happy for you & Team Z. Nice finish!! I hope you had on your sparklies, your wraps for that special moment, and celebrated the night away’til they started the day at your barn :) Sweet dreams
lisa
Thanks for your inspiration!
Tracy
A few people have mentioned blankets. I live in NC and we have about the same weather as KY. We dont blanket during the day. And our horses go into their stalls at night. They do have a winter coat that keeps them very warm. If they were to get cold during the day they will simply move around the pasture to keep warm. Also having access to hay and fresh water is critical during cold weather. No blankets needed unless you are showing during the winter months and want to keep them super clean.
Sharon in Ohio
ZENYATTA~HORSE OF THE YEAR 2010…What wonderful words for us to hear !! The Z Team looked fantastic..Ann and Dottie, were stunning and we were all so proud when your name was called….everyone rose in honor of ZENYATTA~THE QUEEN OF HORSES!! The Fairytale continues….now the VOICE OF THE PEOPLE AWARD…Penny Chenery, the owner of Secretariat, is creating a special award. You are the winner of the very first ever award…SECRETARIAT VOX POPULI AWARD.This very special award will be presented to Mr. and Mrs. Moss, Feb 5.
Zenayatta, I think that someday…you the greatest horse every will have an award that you will present…to a special deserving horse. Maybe one of your own off-spring…one of yours that will follow in the hoof prints of his or her mother….Queen Zenyatta !! The Fairytale Continues……we are in for a continued ride…how very very thilling !! xoxoxo to you !!!
Margy in StL
Congratulations Zenyatta and family!! I knew when I very first heard of you on NPR not that long ago Queen Z that you were one of those phenoms that come along once every century or so!!! I feel so blessed that I was able to see you LIVE and IN PERSON and CLOSE UP in Louisville – what a thrill! Can’t wait to visit you in Lexington Ms. 2010 HOTY!!
Lisa
Congrat’s team Zenyatta, you guys are the best!
Linda Moss
Well Zenny and Team – just when we thought you had done it all with Horse of The Year – I just learned that “Horse of the Year Zenyatta has been named the first recipient of a brand new horse racing honor. The Secretariat Vox Populi Award, or “Voice of the People,” will annually recognize a horse whose popularity and racing excellence most connected with the American public and gained recognition for the sport during the past year.”
Unbeleivable! Congratulations – the thrill of you is non-stop!
Love You!
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/01/19/2023663/zenyatta-to-receive-initial-secretariat.html
Mike
She is very deserving of the honor for sure.
I have lived to see some great ones like Big Red , but to have the career Zenyata has had,it is truly very special.
There have been many that I have followed and have ment a lot to me , Secretariat , Ruffen, Eight Belles and of course Barbaro. But Z’s career has been absolutely amazing and something to behold for sure…something never to be forgotten
dunie oneil
Thank YOU, dear QUEEN, foe allowing us to take the magic carpet ride with you!
Jamie
I cried tears of joy when they announced it….. you, Zenyatta have deserved this for so long. Love and hugs to you!
S
Just got my Blood-horse! Guess who is on the cover? Only the grandest lady on 4 legs! You look beautiful !
Jane D
I’m still so happy for you and the team!