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
kristen
I absolutely smiled when I saw Ann’s photo of the HOY annoucement with Zenyatta’s. A wonderful and treasured keepsake for Ann.
OraJean Stevenson
Queen-HOTY-Z & Team-Z,
Congratulations !! Thank you, again and again, for sharing all this (your LIFE) with us, your loving Fans.
Fondly, OraJean
S
Zennie, i know you know how much you are loved! I am only one of the hundreds that watch daily for a new word from you and read every post, checking 3 or 4 times a day. But today made me laugh, checked this morning, went to work , checked when I arrived at work , went to meeting and checked on break, still no news ( but several more post) then 45 minutes later…. New post..,100 post! Nice to know I am not the only obsessed fan!! Congratulation again big girl! And thanks fit the video :) xoxo
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. Well you certainly have taken our human hearts to the mountaintop. This week has been incredible, including the hundreds of responses to your diary postings. One amazing confirmation of your grace after another. Words can be transformative. Five simple words on Monday night put a diamond exclamation point on your story. They transformed a lovely face with hope written on it, to a face shimmering with joyful tears. They brought a trimmer to the voice of a strong, articulate man and a since of peace to one who cared a burden. They expressed the power of thousands of positive thoughts acknowledged by the wonderful women who is your voice and they allowed a patient, kind man to be amazed by the fairytale he is living. Jiminy Cricket said it best:
“When you wish upon a star,
makes no difference who you are,
anything your heart desires will come to you.
If your heart is in your dreams,
no request is too extreme,
when you wish upon a star,
as dreamers do.”
Words, just like you beautiful, can be transformative and often the smallest ones mean the most. Words like, “I love you” and “thank you”. They are simple, but oh so powerful. Well I do love you and I do thank you and all of Team Z for making a fairytale, real. And the joy continues with the announcement of you as the first horse to receive the “Vox Populi Award” which carries Secretariats name. What an honor to be chosen by the marvelous and legendary, Penny Chenery as representing the “voice of the people”. Your life has seemed to often parallel his and I know you will be remembered forever in the history of the thoroughbred, just as he is. To this day, dozens of red roses still arrive at Claiborne as tribute to his legacy. How wonderful is that! I do want to give my condolences to Lane’s End and the connections of Miesque. Speaking of history, she certainly has marked her place. What a superb mare. Another champion you have a great deal in common with. If there is a bright star shining in the Kentucky sky above you tonight, Zenny, be sure to make a wish because your future still holds bondless possibilities. Perhaps I will be wishing on the same star in Colorado, to one day meet you in person. Sleep well. Hugs and peppermint kisses.
Julia B
OH my Goodness !!! Dottie I am tickled pink…. yesterday I was reading an article by Steve Haskins…he mentions a pink sign at Zenyatta’s stall that reads “The Queen Reigns Here! That is one of the gifts Mom and I brought to her when we came to see her at Keeneland .. Tonight, I am checking out the slideshow from the New York Times article and what do I see… a picture of Zenyatta in her stall and the pink sign ! Please tell the Moss’ and the folks at Lane’s End Thank you for displaying her sign … it is too cute!!! Good night again!
Kristen
I’ve never been so happy to see a piece of paper in my whole life. Ever since the BCC I’ve gone on all the blogs to say why you deserve HOTY and yet I still didn’t dare to presume you had won. I didn’t want my hopes crushed when I knew YOU deserved it. I told myself it was just a silly award and that it didnt matter who won. I watched the Eclipse Awards by myself and when HOTY was being announced I held my breath…and when I heard the name Zenyatta I started sobbing. You deserved it, and all those crusty old men who vote for this award acknowledged that YOU are HOTY it made everything all right, just like Mike Smith said. It was like…I can hardly describe the feeling. You deserved it on merit alone, but the fact that you also should have won it last year…it made it all the more sweet. They say justice delayed is justice denied, but I say, justice is worth waiting for. You and your team are so special. You got what you deserved. I wish I could give every member of your team a big hug! Maybe I’ll stop being so emotional every time I read news about you. Love you, Zen.
Snoprinz
Zen and Team Z, a big THANK YOU for letting us into your world and be part of your journey. Zen, you are really transformative and transcendental. Continue to keep us posted.
Jackie
Queen “Z” I think we all were relieved when your name was read. I guess you can say this was the Cherry on top of the Sundae!
Thank you Team Z and Zenyatta for sharing your fairy tale with all of us. So Glad the West Coast was represented by such Class!!
Hugs and Kisses
Pam
I agree with Martha Lydick. All the hopeful suitors should line up and you, Zenyatta, should choose your mate. You would no doubt choose well; after all, you do everything well!
jahlgren
How’s the Queen this evening? Enjoying all that snow? It does seem to be hanging around and that seems unusual. I don’t think of Kentucky as a snow environment even in the winter. Just checked the temperature there (after midnight) and it’s 7F degrees! Yikes, you must be getting quite a coat on you. You look like you are having so much fun with your pals in the paddock – laughed when Charles revealed that you squealed when you met your new friend, Pirate Queen. Glad you have gal pals – you’re too social to be all alone for long. Take care, have fun! LONG LIVE THE QUEEN! Lotsa luv, Jan
Karey
Lori: The Chorus Line song “ONE” is perfect for our fabulous dancing Queen Z.
I don’t mind that I can’t get it out of my head.
Dawn Conrad: What a lovely way you have with words. I have cried so many tears of sweet joy in the past few weeks. Haven’t we all? Such lucky people we are to know Zenyatta and her people.
Kim Noble
You and your team deserve every wonderful thing that can possibly happen to all of you. You are not only the Horse Of The Year but also the Horse Of Many Peoples Lifetime!
Joan
We are still rejoicing, too, dear Zenyatta. Thank Ann Moss for photographing the HOTY card for us to see. That was very kind of her. I am so happy that you have won your final race, after all, and I am so happy for your Team. You all deserved this Award so much.
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I am so thrilled beyond words for you & Amazing Team Z!!! Thanks so much for sharing the card. It means a lot! I can just see you & Sea Gull galloping around the field. Can’t wait to see the photos. You are an amazing, majestic, complete racehorse. I am so thankful that God planned your life to be with The Mosses, The Sherriffs. Mario& Carmen, and Jockey Mike Smith, who rode you magnificently! I don’t know the names of everyone who had their hands on you but your care & preparations could not have been more perfect for your once in a lifetime career! Zenyatta, you are a horse of love. You have recieved so much love but you have given more unconditional love. Zenyatta, you came at a time in history that people needed a hero to believe in with all the bad things that happen in everyday life. You were there to believe in and not think about anything but to enjoy watching you win times 19! The 20th being the most important race to show us that we can overcome impossible feats in our life, to never give up, hold our heads up high and give heart and soul. I’m looking forward to another award on Feb 5th for you. The People’s Choice Award. The 1st to be given to the most deserving racehorse, Penny Chenery’s Secretariat Vox Populi Award. You will always be remembered as he is. Congratulations on all your achievements!!! I am so proud of you, Zenyatta! I love you! I hope one day to be able to tell you, “How proud I am of you!” in person and how much you mean to me Hugs & Kisses From Alabama, Amanda G.
My condolences to Land’s End on Miesque. Thinking of her family.
Vicki S.
Just had a moment of realization of a perfect match for you and thought I’d share… (If it can’t be Pulpit)… Dynaformer! Or direct get of… wow.. what a match that could be. If not this year, keep that line in mind. ;)
Karey
Barbara Wood: When I read your post about how we’re a chatty bunch and can chat amongst ourselves if we have to wait awhile between posts… Oh my gosh, I just burst our laughing. Isn’t that the truth!?! We are a happy community, loving
all things Z. Now I’m on my way to watch the new video some kind person mentioned has been added to Z’s Facebook page. Happy weekend to Zenyatta, her loving people, and her adoring fans.
Gloria Jeanne
Perfect! Thanks for sharing the card with us! Love You Zenny!!
Karey
The video is of Zenyatta with her three gal pals out and about. Really nice.
Cynthia Ann H: You said it so beautifully. This most magical chapter of the dream that is Zenyatta is now over, except in the splendid memories she and her team have given us.
We can look forward to watching her be a loving mother, but it’s a quieter sort of joy, isn’t it?
Moe Q
Lady Z, you inspire us all to enjoy life to the fullest with family and friends. You have given us so much hope and yet, your best days are ahead. Thank you Z and Team Zenyatta! Carrots to all!
Anita in CA
Horse of the Year
Zenyatta
So awesome to see those words on the actual announcement card. Congratulations Big Girl!!!! Soooo happy for you. Dottie’s words could not be truer. I was so proud of her for her words after the presentation. I’m proud of your whole team!!! Mr. Moss’ speech was gracious and heartfelt. I loved the poem he read at the end. And I was so happy to hear Mike say that it made everything OK for you to win. It has been a fairy tale come true, and I’m so happy to have been a part of it just as one of your fans. Being able to go to 3 of your races, following your career, meeting you in person, and then, finally, seeing you win HOTY. You just had to be recognized for all of your accomplishments, Zenny, or it wouldn’t have been right. And you have been. My heart is just full of love, joy and pride for you and your wonderful team. I Love You so much. I will always be filled with joy whenever I think of you, Warrior Princess.
Karen Lopez
The reading from the calendar at the Awards by Mr. Moss, will you please print it? It was beautiful.
Happy Harriet
Leave it to the elegant Ann Moss to think of photographing the ACTUAL CARD for us fans. I’ve often wondered when watching award shows what that card looks like on the inside so what a treat to see it here!! Thank you!! And now, Ms. Moss, it would be beyond special to have that lovely “Z” pin duplicated that you wore on your lapel the evening of the Eclipse Awards. We fans would appreciate it being added to Zenyatta’s memorabilia. That was a show stopping piece of jewelry! And large enough to match the moment! I’m hoping your pin was a diamond one – you and Zenyatta both deserve the best – but replicating that pin with rhinestones or CZs would be quite eye catching! I’ve been thinking about getting a tiny “z” charm to wear on my tennis bracelet. :)) Can we all meet on February 5, 2011 at Santa Anita to see our QUEEN receive the Secretariat award? The only thing superior to that moment would be if Her Royal Highness could be present to accept the award with her own hooves!
Chris Stiller
Queen Z Horse Of The Year!!!
You are truly a special gift from GOD. You and all of your team members have been so wonderful to ALL of your fans. Congratulations also on winning the special award from Penny Chenery in the name of Secretariat that she has started giving each year begining with you, Queen Z. I believe that presentation will take place in early February. May GOD Bless You Always.
Barb
Congratulations, Zenyatta! You are so deserving of this award and so much more.
Dylan
Congratulations Zenyatta!! My dear you finally got what was missing, and boy is it ever deserving, you’re officially HORSE OF THE YEAR!! When I heard them say that I couldn’t help but jump up and down cheering for you. Congratulations to you and your team, and congrats on winning the new award introduced by Ms. Penny Chenery!! What a big week for you!
Noelle Labowicz
I was so happy when they made the announcement. I was jumping around my room saying “she won”, “she won” I woke up everyone in my house. It was so deserving and made everything come full circle and complete. I was so sad when I was at Churchill and saw you lose the Breeder’s Cup, but Monday I again feel happy and complete that you won Horse of the Year. Live a long a beautiful Life my dear Zenyatta!!
annika
Zenny you truly deserved it. I cried of happiness when I heard your name, that night. You are the Worlds Greatest. Thankyou for all the memories. I hope your life will be so long, full of happyness, love and friendship, and I hope you’ll always stay strong and healty. I Love you My Beautiful
Sug Gragg
Congratulations Zenyatta. Tell Dottie ‘Thank You so much’ for keeping us updated. I look forward to reading your diary every day.
Diana
Diamond Zenyatta and Team. Congrats, well done and well deserved! We fans truly appreciate the efforts of all of you keeping us in touch with our beautiful Queen Z!
sue
Rejoice!!!