Happy Tuesday,
This is too cute! Last night, Dottie, John, Ann and Jerry all met for dinner. They were discussing my ‘future exciting dating plans’ and the ZENYATTA SCULPTURE that was done by Nina Kaiser. The prototype of the piece is photographed above with Stella and Violet. It looks like Stella is commenting to Violet how much she loves it. I DO TOO!
Nina Kaiser is a very talented sculptor. She does beautiful work! Recently, she did the JOHN HENRY life-size statue that is at Santa Anita Park. While I was at BARN 55, Nina would set up appointments with John and Dottie to come out and STUDY ME! She spent hours upon hours at the barn just observing me while I was training and out grazing. Nina actually measured every single part of my body and then took detailed photos of ALL of me! She wanted to be sure she could reproduce MY IMAGE in PERFECT SCALE! We spent a great deal of time together. This way, Nina felt she really KNEW ME and had a feel for how my body parts all flowed together when I moved. I also found it very interesting to note the keen observations of ‘an artist at work’ while she was with me!
It looks like she GOT IT RIGHT! My TEAM absolutely loved her image of me…and I’M DANCING!! How fabulous is this! YEAH, NINA!
As for my dating plans, I think this news will be released very soon. My TEAM reviewed all of the details with me this morning…and I’M SO EXCITED! I will keep you posted!
With love,
HUGS to ALL~
Z
Mary
Zenyatta, The racing world who loves you thinks, wow, congratulations to Bernardini!!!! Wonder when your date with him will be. Maybe on Valentine’s Day? He better have some carrots, mints, and all your favorite things waiting. Maybe a diamond explanation point plaque for your stall at Lane’s End. You are priceless! Hugs and Prayers
L
@Susan from VA,
The Kennedys said it right, this is not an issue of stud fee, it’s more an issue of AP Indy’s in foal rate. They have one shot at getting Zenyatta in foal this year and a maiden mare is already an unknown quantity in terms of how readily she’ll ‘catch’.
With Bernardini, they get the same Nick strength (A++), breed to a classic winner, a first crop leader, good conformation and also a strong in foal percentage.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Vertigineux means breathtaking, dazzling (speed) in French.
L
@Sunny Boyd,
A large component of racing soundness is directly tied into conformation. Just like a well tuned race car, the more you can get all those vital components (knees, ankles, fetlocks, shoulder, hips, hocks) to be in line, the better chance those delicate limbs have of supporting that big body at high speed.
You sprinkle heart and courage into the mix (no Thoroughbred is going to run if they don’t want to run) and hope for the best.
It’s too complicated to get into but when you hear the words, ‘sprinter’, ‘wanting two turns’, ‘likes turf’, ‘likes dirt’, it all comes back to the horse’s conformation and how their body best handles, surface and distance.
Astrid
Congratulations, Zenny! Bernardini is a very lucky guy:) Great choice!
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, Congratulations on your choice. He is a handsome man, and seems like he will be sweet and respectful toward you. His Family tree is good, but you have Native Dancer running thru your beautiful veins. So, when will the big date occur? I hope he has candles, carrotts and lots of peppermint, better drink all the beer you can, Big Girl, you will have to go without it for about a year……I love ya…Lisa g
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I am so excited for you! Yeah! Bernardini is a wonderful choice!!! He’s handsome,young,strong and a perfect match for you. Don’t listen to any negative people about your parents’ choice. The Mosses know best and have your best interest at heart! I pray all goes well for you and Bernardini. I love you, Zenyatta. Congratulations to Team Z on a magnificent choice! Bernardini is the envy of all the other stallions in the world! I know the the great horses are looking down from heaven smiling. Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Lots of Love, Amanda G.
Pamela J Hebert
Congratulations Zenyatta!! Bernardini is one lucky guy. What a good choice for your first suitor. What a handsome gent he is & young too!!!
Kathryn Cogswell
The Saratogian: ‘Scott on racing: Late-bloomers like Zenyatta, Bernardini and Summer Bird make their mark,’ published Tuesday, JUNE 22, 2010. http://www.saratogian.com/articles/2010/06/22/sports/doc4c2016f18476b486643103.txt . .. Prescient!
ENSIGN
@ L.
.
They certainly have more than one shot to get Zenyatta in foal this year. Multiple opportunities really. Competition dictates the need for an early foal but many a successful stakes horse has been foaled as late as May and June (not that anyone wants to start a maiden off that late).
.
Been a few videos posted regarding breeding shed procedure. The most realistic example was filmed in a central Ky breeding shed, at a well known farm.
.
Maiden mare is 1st jumped by teaser:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSkljo5H5OY&feature=related
.
And after that is then bred to stallion. No muss, no fuss, nothing romantic. Just efficient and safe as possible:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8w3Yf5hhi6s
.
Congrats to the Bernardini team. I’d like to have seen what his 1st crop would have done as 3yr olds before jumping in with my high profile maiden but he certainly looks promising so far.
Jack Wolferseder
FYI everyone….Z has a 2 y.o. half sister “Eblouissante” by Bernardini who was bred by Maverick. According to reports she is quite the speciman for a young juvenile. This factored heavily into the decision! You breed the best to the best and HOPE for the best!!!
Dawn Conrad
Dear, Zenny. Congratulations, just read the Bloodhorse announcement. Bernardini, what a great choice Jerry and Ann made! I have seen him in person at Darley and he is one handsome stallion. Can’t wait to hear more info from you and Dottie. Bye for now, sweety, have to head back to work.
L – Could not agree more with your posts. Thanks!
Maureen
Im sorry I just cnat get excited about Bernadini. I dont feel he is worthy of her. he is very overrated. so many out there and yet he is the one. sad. very sad. your better than this settlement Zen…
Jack Wolferseder
Oh Yes, “Eblouissante” is going to go “Barn 55” when the time comes!
Cindy
Wow! He is one handsome horse!! Their babies will be beautiful!! And he has great bloodlines as well!
Congratulations Zenyatta on your first date with a very handsome young stallion. He has to know he is one special horse to be with you! I’m sure his connections are very excited!
PerkyGreen
Mucho CONGRATS Queen Z Bernardini good choice,not my choice,but a good choice non the less. You both are young & strong you will have a blessed foal.Now the long wait to see your first foal. GOD the pressure.At this earily date it seem like forever, I know all of team Z are excited,and are filled with great expectations as are we all. Take good care precious one. LOTS”O”LOVE Baby Girl
Linda B
@ Kennedys@ ensign & others who want to go past the “mechanics” of breeding
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=13097
Nancy L
Can’t wait to see the baby! …but I guess I will have to.
Janie
Bernardini’s the one… good choice. He better be gentle with our darlin’ Zenyatta!
Jenna
No sad words of disappointment from me. The Mosses and Shirreffs know a lot better than we do and have take a great deal of time making this decision. That’s their lives-unless one of us owns a $6M horse and have bred many similar horses, I guess we can’t doubt their decision.
Donna
Z
I just went to Youtube and watched Bernadinis races, he was awesome.
He retired too early, he was a monster on the track, I think you will be impressed.
Samantha Peck
Wow Bernardini!!!!
Cindy
Carolyn,
It’s pronounced Ver-tee-shzena.
Cindy
Kathryn,
When Jerry Moss was speaking on Monday at the awards, he mentioned in so many words that Sting had been involved in naming Zenyatta. Interesting tidbit…
Lisa B
Congrats Precious Zenyatta!! Bernardini is a great choice. Your mother would agree. You’re 1/2 sister Eblouissante whos sire is Bernardini is a beauty. I am praying that John gets to train her. Tell Dottie that she knows how to pick them!! You take care of yourself. Love YOU! OOOXXX
Jenna
For those on Facebook, Bernardini has a page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bernardini/183698388328464?v=wall
NancyJS
@Ensign
Sorry I missed your AKC comment. Since I am a health
care professional as well I would select a stud with
two testicles. That way no genetic issues. Looks like it is Bernardini????? He is awesome.
Thanks so much for all of the info you have given in all
your posts and the recent website. Hopefully she will
catch!!!!!
I would like to come to KY to observe a breeding. Maybe next
year
Tara
Beautiful statue! Lucky Bernardini gets to be the first stallion to breed to you! Good luck with your future breeding!
NancyJS
@Kennedys in San Diego
Hope you enjoy your Zenyatta statue
Did you get the Zenyatta moneigh? It went
for over $4000. I bet you’ll be going to
Keenland to pay that multi million for one
of Z’s foals. Have fun!!!!!!
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Cindy: Sting is an accomplished musician/designer, and a versatile artist, grounded in the years he worked, taught and prepared for the career he earned. If you haven’t read it yet, the NY Times article, “The Sweet Tune of Perfection,” by Joe Drape, 4NOV.`10, shows what a pair Mr. Moss & Herb Alpert were for A&M Records; begun on a handshake, and treatment of those they signed. His quote about artists making their own kind of music & no demands on them says so much about the Mosses` later will for their horses. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/05/sports/05moss.html Thank you .. . K.