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!
Tom
Hey Zenyatta, your a Jet fan? I thought you’d be more of a Colt or Bronco fan???
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
how sweet of all the folks at Barn55, I understand:)
You always have goodies for me, dear Zetty, tonight I have sthg for you:
When the mist is setting aflight off the paddock
and trees are still wearing their shadows
like a smock
THAT’S when you’ll see her!!!
A still figure standing in the earth’s breath
against the first light
its white blaze and socks assuring the visitor’s guess
always with delight
“Yes, indeed, it is She’!!
With head held high, her curious gaze
never leaving its sight
the spirited approach speaking of blue blood and hot blood
of divinity, Heaven and Earth
as one in her might
Her graceful strength and quiet beauty
planned centuries ago
honoring those out of the steppes, the old countries, in the New World,
Street Cry and Vertigineux
Zenyatta!!!
Her name borne of a song
foretelling the promise of the dancer coming to the paddock’s fence
before the shadows grow long
Hope you like it:)
I did it all myself:)
nancytx
Dear Zenny,
I do love the shrine that has been set up in your memory at
Barn 55 Stall 85. It is truely a special place when John took such loving care of you as he trained you to be all that you could be
as a throughbred race horse. All of those folks in SoCA were
so lucky to have had easy access to see you everyday when they
were happy, down or blue. You lifted everyones spirits and now
it is time for us to support you in your new career as soon to
be mom. Am waiting to hear the news!!!! Who will it be????
It seems sure for your first date it will be someone at Lanes
End. There are a lot of fine proven satllions to chose and I am
sure the best will be chosen for your first foal.
Sweet dreams, Zenny of carrots and peppermints sweetened
with stevia.
CARRIE
Dear John,
Thank you for making Zs memory so special for all that pass her stall. You are the best!
Leslie
I very much enjoy your diary entries and photos, as do we all or we wouldn’t be here. My husband is very ill, and as his primary caretaker, I need a smile from time to time. I always get one here. Thanks — and great job with your posts. Looking forward to hearing about the selection for your first mating.
Bridge
Just like you…I love John for loving you so much Zenny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He is a humble sweetie!!!!! He thinks of you all of the time.
John and Dottie seem like a match made in heaven!!!!!!!! So do sweet Anne and your adorable Jerry.
xo!
AJ from CA
I think John really underplays how much Zenyatta meant to him and how he must miss her dearly. Having her stall remain the same keeps her presence alive. I don’t really blame him at all and would probably do the same if in his shoes. Her racing career lit up the horse racing stage for a brief moment in time and we are all the better for it. Hugs&peppermint kisses to the Queen!
Cathleen
Dear Z, I love what John, Mario and Barn 55 have done to your stall to keep your memory alive. Love the carrots and Xmas stocking! It’s almost like you are there! I had to put my beloved collie Finnegan down two weeks ago. I have what I call “the dog room” in my house and I have all of Finnegan’s special things there, along with lots of photos. It brings me great comfort in these sad days and keeps him close to me, as I’m sure your stall and favorite things keeps you close to all your friends at Barn 55. I know they miss you very much! XOXO
Barbara Wood
Leslie–you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: I love today’s post. Your family really misses you so much. Just today, I was thinking about you and John spending time together while he was in KY. I was thinking that maybe with John’s busy schedule he knew it might be awhile before he sees you again. And that brings tears to my eyes. If that is the case, I can certainly understand John wanting to preserve all those wonderful memories he has of you back at your home–Barn 55. It must be very sad for John and Mario to walk by your stall expecting to see you standing there just like you have been for the past 4 1/2 years. That’s a long time to spend together. You will be sorely missed by all of us. I bet a lot of fans will come by just to see your old stall. We always appreciated you when you were racing, but now, we really appreciate you because we know there will never be another racehorse like you ever. Take care Zenny. Can’t wait to hear who the lucky guy is.
Kimberly
Ahh Queen. Everyone misses you sooo much. I loved seeing the picture of yours stall.. Greatness has lived there… Thanks Dottie for the update and John for the great pictures for all Zenyatta’s adoring fans..
Pamela J Hebert
Dear Zenny I misted up when I read today’s post. Your family at Barn 55 misses you everyday. What a lovely tribute your stall has become to everyone who passes it. I know that you are loved at Lane’s End but nobody loves you as your wonderful family in CA. Sweet dreams of carrots, peppermints & all the memories of the past sweet girl.
Barbaro's Forever Friend in CA
Hi *Z*:) I LOVE seeing your stall all as you left it…your people love you SO much, *Z*! You are INDEED a very lucky girl…I’m so happy for you! Sorry your Jets lost…I’ll be rooting for the Packers now…they’ve not been to a Super Bowl in a very long time, so maybe now, it’s their time:) I’m so glad to have found this Diary, Beautiful Girl…I love reading your entries each day. Sweet dreams tonight…xxoo
lizl
i love seeing your old stall. I never made it to CA so I didn’t get to see it in person. I did see you in your Churchill Downs stalls (both times) and hope to see you in your Lanes End stall when you are ready
Ann Maree
Z, I know John misses you very much, along with the rest of the crew, especially Mario and Carmen, Steve, Frank, and everyone. I know he is used to horses leaving when their racing days are over, but you are so special. I saw that picture and I had to chuckle, but I know it’s so hard to let go. I know how much I miss seeing you out there on the track, making the racing world exciting, but, if I miss you, it can’t be one gazillionth of how your family feels. So glad you are turning back into a regular horse…you must be very happy and you have so many buddies and such beautiful surroundings. I do hope you continue to stay happy. Hugs. Your friend, Ann Maree
Catherine Uher
Z, this absolutely made my day! This is just precious and priceless! Just another reason why I love and admire and respect your dear John so much! I was cheering so loudly for your JETS, too, and was so sorry to see them lose to the Steelers, but as always you have shown such class and graciousness in your congratulations to the other two teams. My horses love their carrots, too! I can’t wait for the day that I get to meet you and feel you all the carrots you can stand! I am awaiting a kidney transplant and am praying so hard that a little miracle comes my way soon! The one thing I want more than anything is to meet you in person so I can give you a big hug and look into your beautiful, soulful eyes and tell you how much I love you and how much you have helped me hold on to my faith and get through all of this! With lots of love, Zenyatta!
ira
maybe our Jets will get another chance next season. Love you Zenyatta
Barb G
Dear Z–Love the photo of your former home…could you please tell us what it was like to go cross-country to Kentucky? Did you fly? Were you comfortable? Who stayed with you? Or did you ride in a trailer across country? Thank heaven you arrived safely and that your second home is as wonderful as the first. I love you, Z
Linda Henderson
Love the picture. Love the words. Love Zenyatta.
Nancy
Awww we miss you so here in Cali!!!
Shannon From Cool
I have assembled a “Zenyatta Fan Wall” in my barn where ALL my horses can visit your photos and posters every day. WE ALL LOVE YOU, QUEEN Z.
Celeste
Thank you for sharing the beautiful photo. It is haunting because I keep looking at it longing to see Zenyatta standing in there again, but I know it’s not to be, making it kind of melancholy. The scene is familiar because of the videos that John has shared over time, yet I’m sure that busy barn has some moments that feel quite empty now without the Queen in residence. I’m smiling with the memories of the beauty and joy, yet I feel tearful at the sadness of the empty stall. Yes, I know my family is going to say I’ve completely lost it now. Thank you all for being here to understand.
Sue
Your stocking looks so ADORABLE, but sad, without you there. Wish you could be here & there. Wouldn’t it be JUST THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS if you could raise you foal, with Johns’ splendid guidance, at barn 55, stall 85? Maybe i can sneak that wish in your stocking.
We sure do miss you here!! XXXOOO Sue
LOU IN TX
Sweet Zenyatta, I know John, Team Z and all of Barn 55 miss you soo much. I love the picture and thanks Dottie for sending it our way. I to think your first born should be in your stall. What better way to honor you? Maybe someday you’ll back yourself. I bet John wants you to be in his forever home or at least somewhere close to Team Z. You take care and enjoy your freedom. It’s so good to see you run and have fun with your new gal pals. I love you very much….Lou
Dona
Love it! I hope your stall is still empty when I get down to L.A. because I would love to take a picture of it. Miss you so much.
SC
RELIVE THE MOMENTS…WATCH THIS BEAUTIFUL MOVIE OF Z!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9rvs6bmtbc
lisa
A shrine is perfect for a Queen!
Elaine Valenzuela
What a beautiful way to pay homage to such a magnificent horse! Zenyatta, you’re truly a remarkable presence at Barn 55. I’m sure your stall’s presence will spread to your pals at Barn 55! Keep up the daily posts. They’re quite interesting and fun to read! I’m still waiting to see who the lucky one will be–my bet is on either Curlin or Rock Hard Ten?
Patricia
This is complete insanity!! I am a 58 y/o woman who has always protested against horse-racing and THEN, about 4 months ago I accidentally stumbled onto a posting about a horse named Zenyatta, and completely lost my mind!! I learned about the kindness of the Moss’ and the Sheriffs’ and Mario and Steve, and all the fans.I am one ( of countless others, I’m sure) Zenyatta has brought to the sport. Live and learn and thank you Zenyatta.
Gary Moulton
Zenny, I think John is keeping alive the glimmer of hope that you might return. I know it took my Mom 7 years before she cleaned out Dad’s closet after he was gone.
.
Looks like you are keeping your band in line. I know all the dogs are obviously very submissive at my house when the big dog leaves the porch. You didn’t say what kind of scratches the other horse had if any. It’s hard to believe you bumped into a fence.
.
Also, if I remember correctly, Mike said after the Santa Margarita “She doesn’t shy away from a little contact”