Good Morning,
Home Sweet Home! Oh, this is too cute! This morning, my dear John sent me a photo of my Hollywood Park HOME…BARN 55…STALL 85. I wanted to share it with you!
John said when I left for Kentucky that he would not use my stall or put another horse into it for quite some time. It is decorated with so many of my things. This is really the way it looked when I was there…except you would see ‘my adorable head’ poking out of the door. I was always so curious and wanted to be sure I knew everything going on in the barn all of the time! I never wanted to miss a THING!
Now, instead of me looking out the door, there is a painting hanging in the back of the stall of Mario with ME. It was done by a fan, Mrs. Kotulak! Mario and John have also hung up some of my favorite fan photos. My Christmas Stocking is there…my polo bandages, my feed tub and all of my other goodies! They even put a cute fresh bag of carrots by the stall every single day…just because! (OH…I do love my carrots!) This is so sweet!
What WONDERFUL MEMORIES! I have truly been one very FORTUNATE HORSE! BARN 55 REALLY LOVES ME A WHOLE BUNCH!
Cheers to a marvelous day! Here’s wishing you share a special memory with a treasured friend of yours today…like John did with me!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
PS…OH DEAR…my JETS!
They gave it a good, solid try…but coming from WAY OFF THE PACE at the 1/2…then having to finish strong and make up so many points to win…(LENGTHS IN MY SPORT)…is not an easy thing to do! I KNOW THIS FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE!!
It was a great game! GOOD LUCK to THE JETS in the future…and CONGRATULATIONS to THE PACKERS AND THE STEELERS! THEY ARE OFF to the SUPER BOWL!
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. What a sad/happy picture. It certainly can make you smile and cry at the same time. Such a mix of emotions just to look at it. I try not to live with regrets, because they generally bring down the spirit with no real solutions. But, I have to say, I do so regret not having seen you while you were with the wonderful crew at Barn 55. To have gotten a picture and spent a little personal moment with you would have been amazing. I know that is why I still hold onto the dream of a Lane’s End visit; to just see you once in my lifetime, heaven. I believe anything is possible. How sad that your beautiful head is no longer peeking out that door, but how wonderful that John is remembering you in such a touching way, down to the open bag of carrots. AMAZING! Love your hope that we share a special memory with a treasured friend today. Shared joy with great friends can be so life affirming. The suggestions of getting some of the fans together sounds great. We really are a special group, because we all treasure the friendship of our wonderful Zenny and fantastic Team Z. Know it’s dark in Kentucky, so sweet dreams, peppermint kisses and a million hugs.
Cheryl Heath – I don’t think Barbara Wood asked, but what time is dinner? Sounds wonderful!
Patricia – So sorry for your loss. Those little loves, just steal our hearts, they give so much and ask for so little, just to be loved and love in return.
Kathryn Cogswell – Adore the Clydesdales commercial, some of the best ever! Great ideas, love the Smithsonian.
Waiting for Zenlin or Curlatta
YOU write so well, I hope you will put your blogs into a yearly book with selected fan quotes (MINE, of course). It would be great for charity. My friend did it for her elephant sanctuary in Thailand. We all love her writing and how she brings the personalities of her elephants to life.
Meredith Gibbs
I love your football analysis put in horsey terms.
Gloria Jeanne
@ Robbie- you made me cry. Those are much nice words… I really feel a sense of loss with Z being gone from racing and Hollywood Park. I thought it was hard last year when we had to say goodbye. But I had always held out hope that she would somehow come back and she did. This time it is not so and she is gone to Kentucky to make baby Z’s for us to enjoy. This last year I tried not to think of it being her last year in racing at Santa Anita I was so happy, then Hollywood Park was awesome too. Del Mar was hard and I cried after the race because I knew that was her second to last race before retirement. I try and keep my spirits up but it’s hard to do I miss her so. I can only imagine what John is going through- well I guess all of Barn 55. I cherish all that she is and has brought. I watch her races to lift my spirits and look at countless images of her and time we had. My heart is broken. Maybe John will bring her foal to her stall and happiness will fill the air once again. It’s hard to say goodbye.
Jess
I LOVE YOU ZENYATTA!!!!
Nancy L
Great Posting! THE BEST: Your advice to all of us to “share a special memory with a treasured friend.” It is good to remind us to slow down and pay attention to the things and people that matter. You are such a great teacher! After my 11th grader students finish reading The Five People You Meet in Heaven, I think I will have them read an assortment of your diary posts. Thank you.
Cheryl Denton
Zenyatta, no horse could ever live up to you or mean what you do to your family. I know they miss you terribly, but are cheered by the fact that you are enjoying your new life in Kentucky. Thank you for keeping us all up to date on your life. I think your fans have become *almost* as famous as you are. It’s great to see all this POSITIVE outpouring of love for you–now let’s spread it around to all the other horses still racing. I don’t live in Kentucky, but consider myself an ambassador to the state because I talk about it so much–let’s hope your newer fans will venture to the Bluegrass State for a visit someday–they won’t regret it!
Kim Curtsinger
Hey Zenny-Ever since I saw you at Keeneland on that cold Monday night, I don’t think Monday nights will ever be the same. In my mind I go over that experience every Monday. It was so special, I’ll never forget it, ever. Hope you didn’t get too muddy today! Here’s hoping for a wonderful Tuesday, my dear girl.
sue
Dear all, Words cannot express how I want to thank you for keeping us in your lives. I think of you all every day and every night. You are a part of me.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Home sweet home, the place where you made so many wonderful memories Zenyatta. You are loved by so many. Enjoying coming here to read your diary-thankyou!
Be happy sweetie!
My Love & Blessings to you!!
Kathryn Cogswell
From Diary Post #29, December 13, 2010: ‘ZENYATTAN’ ~ 3 parts good sweet vermouth, bourbon or cranberry juice; 1 part chilled aloe vera juice; 1 T. frozen blueberries; golden brown or bar sugar to taste . .. Swirl into chilled Rocks Glass. Toast ‘Z`s’ First Week….Khc.
Georgia Harper
Hey HOY, wonderful picture. I have been waiting for a new post thanks goodness you and Dottie came thru once again. Miss when I can’t come down in the morning and read the latest news. Since you have finally won the grandest reward for racing I think I can finally let go (not really). I am so looking forward to fowllowing the birth of your first little one, hopefully he/she will covet your empty stall at Barn 55 Love you so much
Barbara Wood
Don’t you all even THINK of having a major gettogether nationwide until at least summertime. I’m having a knee replacement (first of 2) in March and couldn’t BEAR to miss the fun.
Love you always, sweet Z.
Sharon
it’s entirely fitting and proper that Zenyatta’s stall remain as is for as long as . . . . .to commemorate the greatness and loss of one so irreplaceable. Maybe a sign at stall 85 – THE QUEEN REIGNED HERE! just as her new digs at LE have the sign THE QUEEN REIGNS HERE! I think we’ve only barely begun to appreciate her impace on thoroughbred horse racing
Sharon
impact, not impace!!!
Cheryl
Hi there little lady! I cant even imagine how much they miss you at barn 55…I bet it is almost too much to bear for them sometimes and my heart goes out to them. But at least they are in a position that if it gets really terrible they can make a quick visit to Lanes End. So who did they pick for your boyfriend? I have been waiting to hear and thought I may have missed it! Stay warm – do you feel the touch of spring in the air?? It is coming and I bet it will be so incredibly beautiful in Kentucky that you will just have to stand and stare and stare and stare! I LOVE YOU!
Robyn Mullhausen
Oh, Zenny, how sweet. John has made a little “alter” to his Queen. He is showing you that nobody could ever fill your size 7 horseshoes!<3 It wouldn't surprise me if Mario, maybe John and some of you other human friends go in there for an occasional nap just to feel close to you…I would. ;) You are so loved by so many wonderful people.
Michelle
I hope that we can see you during the Keeneland Meet.
Scott Ashley
WOW.. There is a lot of comments! Anyways I just wanted to say Hi and thank you for keeping us up to date with Barn 55 and you Zenny. ;)
Michelle
Z – Tell Dottie your race card is wrong for the 2009 BC Classic. We want you to get credit for whooping up on those boys :)
Bonnie MacRaith
I wondered if I would ever hear John Shirreffs say “I really miss Zenyatta!” But, now he doesn’t have to as that photo says it all. How could you NOT miss her! The Queen has left the building….but lives forever in our hearts.
TZ
Seeing your stall Zenyatta is really bittersweet. John, Mario, Carmen and the other people in your life must really miss you. And then visiting you in Kentucky must make them feel great that you are doing so well. But there has to be an empty feeling for them every day.
I must admit if it was me, I would want you at my farm or in your stall so I could see and talk to you every day. You are a treasure, and animals like you come along once in a great while. I hope you continue to do well, and I know you’ll make a great mom.
gocurlin12
im so glad you are our 2010 hoy! when will it be decided who you will be bred to? i hope it will be afleet alex thats a A++ on true nicks!
Robin A.B.
We thought we knew, but now we REALLY know how much everyone at Barn 55 is missing you, beautiful girl. We’re sending all of our love and support to John, Dottie, Mario, Carmen, Steve, and everyone else there who are getting through the days without you… without you looking out from your stall to check out the action…
Suzanne
Love your clever remark about the Jets “coming from behind”…lolol…you are the expert on that, absolutely! Listen, Z, with all this talk about your CA family missing you as I’m sure they do, how is it you don’t mention how much YOU MUST MISS THEM…sniff…well, maybe one day you’ll all be reunited…the bonds are very, very strong…forever bonds… Love you, Z
Lisa
Love that pic, they cant find another horse to fill your stall like you did Z, glad all is well with you and barn 55.
Jackie
Queen “A” what a beautiful way to honor you. If I were there I think I would cry everytime I passed your stall. It must be very emotional for everyone who had the good fortune to have been connected to you in some way.
Sorry about the Jets. I think it will be a pretty good Superbowl.
Stay warm, I hope that Arctic air doesn’t move down to Kentucky.
Hugs and Kisses
Patti
Once again, thank you for keeping us updated with all Zenyatta. Wow, look at your stall at Barn 55! They really miss you and I know this is a long way off, but hopefully you will fill that stall soon with a beautiful daughter. You’ll be the best mama in the world. I love, love, love being able to keep up you, big girl. Stay warm -it’s cold out there! ‘Nite…it’s time for lights out.
Darlene
Hello Zenyatta…I was pleased to see my Christmas stocking still hanging on your stall entrance. God Bless Mario!! I hope John took the Guiness out and gave it to you before you left. Please know that it was handmade with love especially for you…my favorite mare.
Paula Higgins
A sweet picture from John of your stall Zenny. I cannot even imagine how much they must miss you. Dottie, you and John are the kindest of people. Thank you for that. Jerry and Ann as well. How lucky are we that you are the four people that owned/took care of her?! We are all hoping that Zenny’s baby will one day fill that stall.