Good Morning,
I must say that I am STILL so excited about all of the kind comments you are writing about my friend, BERNARDINI, and MYSELF. They are really sweet!
This morning, Dottie mentioned that my FACEBOOK page has continued to get a great deal of activity. As of 7:00 A.M. CA TIME, I have 62,209 FRIENDS! This is fabulous! I know the number has gone up quite a bit since my last race. I truly want to THANK ALL OF YOU for CARING SO MUCH ABOUT ME!
On Thursday, DOTTIE and SOPHIE were at Santa Anita to watch some of my Barn 55 Friends SCHOOL. In racing, this means that a horse (usually getting close to a race) goes over to the paddock and spends some time there…kind of like a practice run. The objective is to familiarize the horse with the area…and some of the pre-race things that will be taking place! John, Mario and I used to do this all of the time before my races. I’d get to see the surroundings and CHECK IT ALL OUT…so on race day it was very familiar to me! The whole process takes approximately 30-45 minutes. I always enjoyed SCHOOLING!
Well, while they were by the paddock, they met Candace Chew (who works for Santa Anita) and Michael and Lisa Merrigan. In CA, they have allowed a few facilities to be developed where people can go and bet on the races. The traffic is sometimes so intense in CA that it is hard for people to drive 20-30 or more miles to actually go to the race track…so this is being done to help make it easier for people to ENJOY OUR SPORT.
Michael and Lisa own the OC GRILL AND SPORTS Facility. It is located at 2369 S. El Camino Real in San Clemente, CA. Interesting, John and Dottie saw it driving back from Carlsbad on Christmas Day when they stopped for gas…but it was closed for the holiday. Well, not only is this a fabulous thing for the fans who can’t drive all of those miles to go to the track…but…LISA and MICHAEL HAVE DECORATED IT WITH MY PHOTOS. Candace helped them with this project! I am so flattered! If you are in the San Clemente area, it might be fun for you to stop by and see ME…and also visit with Lisa and Michael!
Yesterday, John and Dottie were contacted by some people from Sweden. They know many people who are reading my DIARY each day….and wanted some of John’s photos for their news items. This is really special…SWEDEN!
I deeply hope I have IN SOME WAY made life a bit more FUN for my FANS! I know hearing all of this from people all over the world…has certainly made ME FEEL SPECIAL!
Enjoy your Saturday!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Robin
Hi Z!! Wow. you are WORLD WIDE! Doesn’t surprise me, because EVERYONE LOVES Zenny!! Hope you are enjoying your day big girl. Stay safe & warm..MUAH!! XOXO
LaurieK
Yes, you have made things so much fun for your fans, hon. More than you can imagine. Thank you for that, and, of course, to your kind and generous humans for doing all they do for a magnificent sport and the people who love it. And also for helping you type in your thoughts every day. That would be tough if one doesn’t have fingers. :)
Paula Higgins
Yes, Zenyatta is Queen of the World, no doubt about it. When I make donations, I make them in memory of Barbaro and in honor of Zenyatta. The two horses I have loved the most. The two with the greatest heart. Thanks for the photos Dottie.
Dmama
Your MANY fans love you and so look forward to these posts. You’ve made my day….. again Love to all!
Judy Sims
Happy Saturday, Zenny.
Thanks for another update. We all look forward to your post every day. It’s great that you have gone “global!”
Hugs & nose kisses.
Judy 8-)
Sherpa
I would just like to mention, dear Zenny, that when I watched your Vanity H. race on NTRA Live! over the internet, there were people signed up in the live chat from 43 different countries just to see your race. 43 countries, and every continent was represented! And they all were so grateful to NTRA for making it possible for them to see YOU run (and, of course, WIN)! It was like that every time you had a race on NTRA Live!
Love you, Zenny. By the way, I think Bernardini is a great match for you. I always said I would trust your connections to make that decision, and I do.
Paula Higgins
For anyone who wants to give online in memory of Barbaro, you can do this via the University of Pennyslvania Veterinarian Hospitals/School. They have a specific Barbaro Fund and other funds as well. Hopefully, they will eventually come up with a cure for laminitis, which will help all horses everywhere. I just made a donation. I am sure all doantions great and small are appreciated.
Laurie Nunnally
Awhh Zenny from San Clemente to Sweden, what a star.. Right on big girl!
sue
You will ALWAYS be loved Zenyatta. Even our page keeps getting new Z fans everyday.
Christine Coleman
Hi Zenny! Thanks for today’s post! I’m so happy that you all realize that we are fans, and we aren’t going away! LOL
You mentioned Candace Chew, is she by any chance related to Matthew Chew, the trainer?
I have a question Zenny, when you entered the gate during your racing days, were you poised and focused? How did you act? Did you look around at the other contestants?
Have a beautiful Saturday night Zenny! And a wonderful Sunday too!
I love you girl!!!
Deborah Lawson
Zen love the decor! Your post has brighten my day since it is the anniversary date of the passing of Barbaro.
Lady Renee
:) :) ): SWEEET ZENNY
Grandma Bea, Ladee, Remington & Bashful Gobee
Hi Sweet Girl—-you are the best! Today on this day of saddness for lots of us, reading your post puts the smile back on my face. You will LOVE being a mom. It’s the greatest feeling in the world. When I read for the first time about you and Bernardini, my thoughts went straight to Barbaro the day he got hurt at Pimlico, and Bernardini won the race. Although the winner of that race did not matter to me for some time, I did travel to Belmont and got a beautiful photo of him crossing the finish line in the Jockey Club October 2007. He was wonderful. You two are going to make such a beautiful baby. Hugs and kisses to you sweet girl! All our love, forever, Grandma Bea & my 3 kitties.
kathy v
Great to hear you’re getting some visitors from Sweden. Maybe they can tell you the story of Exceller, the only horse to beat two triple crown winners in the same race. . . he (Exceller) sired a few nice horses in that country.
Stephanie J Lambert
Zenny, I love you so much, but what I miss too is Your Daddy John posting You Tube video’s of the barn’s daily goings on, it was always such a joy to see what was “up” at the barn :) Please ask Daddy John to post some videos regularly…we all miss them so much x0x0x0x0x0
Anne
Wow Z! You have a wall just of yourself in a restaurant? All you movie stars eat your hearts out. HA! The stars of Hollywood wish they were as popular as you are.
Sweden! Now that is something special but…then again ….that is what you are, special! Have a great evening you beautiful girl.
Jeanie Langford
Love you BABY. Just gets more special every day. I do so hope to see you in person someday. How are your friends in the pasture. I bet all of the boys at Lane’s End are jealous. Remember make hime give you flowers and he better put a ring on it.
Sharon
RIP Barbaro and Eight Belles. For THE book about Zenyatta I propose Bill Dwyre of the LA Times. Reading his articles on the Queen, I KNOW he’d do an awesome job. And continued thanks to the incredible Laura Hillenbrand whose book about Seabiscuit brought me to thoroughbred horse racing and eventually to Zenyatta!!!
Louis Carpio
Hi Zenyatta,
FROM ALASKA
I’d like you to know how much I admire you. You have been my hero since I saw you running for the first time. I live in Anchorage, Alaska and I did something I’ve never done before, I traveled from Alaska to Arkansas to see you winning the Apple Blossom. My daughter paid for the ticket and I took care of the hotel and car. It was the best weekend of my life.
I felt in presence of greatness…that is something I can’t describe or explain…..but I will have in me till the day I die.
Love you.
Shannon From Cool
Whenever I need a bit of inspiration I just watch one of your many videos and you perk me right up. You make me so happy.
teresa
Just watched Secretariat for the second time. Another great horse that like to come from behind to win!!! I keep thinking some day there will be a movie about you. Only you could play you though. lol So happy about all your exciting plans for the future. You have stirred my interest in horse racing, and I love following your new career as a broodmare. Z, it’s all good. :)
Sue M
Zenny, you are such a sweetheart. I love your posts. You have wonderful caretakers who love you and know you so well. It really shows on this website :)
Quarterhossgal
Perhaps the Barbaro Fund should be the place we donate this month. Remembering the great stallion and in honor of Zenyatta. I know first hand what a horrible illness laminitis can be to a horse. Both horses have been so fortunate to have owners such as the Jackson’s and Zenny’s has Team Z.
Love all the pictures, Queen Z.
Debbi M
Oh, that would be awesome to have Zenyatta play herself in a movie about her. Zenyatta, starring Zenyatta!!!!!! Then you could get your own star on the walk of fame, too, one day!~= You are changing racing, Queen Z, might as well start the trend for a horse starring in a movie about herself. :)
Judy
Hi Zenyatta, Your diary posts make my day. Thanks, I enjoy hearing about you and your life, training for your racing career, equipment used, and your new life at Lane’s End with new friends and old and plans for your breeding. Your pictures are so beautiful. I love looking at them. You are a wonderful contribution to the racing sport and your fans all love your charisma. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!! Take care Zenny. Love Judy
Caroline
Dear Zee: What a wonderful horse you are. You are a good girl and will do well being bred to that big, beautiful guy. Zee, I am thinking of Barbaro, too. He was a wonderful boy and tried very hard to live. He brought so much positive attention to you and your friends in racing and how beautiful or cute you all are. Question: Can we get some discreet pictures of you with your new guy? And, why do some horses run with their tongues out. Love to you and thank goodness you ended your career safe and sound.
Robyn Mullhausen
Zenny, dear, it is YOU who makes your fans feel special just for having the pleasure of meeting such royalty in the horse world. Also, for introducing us to some very special humans along the way. We appreciate how much you have kept in touch with us through your diary and photos and videos even though you have retired and should be taking life easy. You are and always will be loved. ٠●♥♥●•
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta I would love to see CA someday. I am not suprised by your fame all over the world because you are truely an Angel and so very very special. You make us All feel so good inside. I just love all the schooling you are giving us. :) I bought the movie Secretariat for my homeroom. It is a reward for working hard. They started watching it and kept saying things about You. How cute is that. He was the first horse I fell in love with. I was only 12 when he won the Triple Crown. I think you with him would have made beautiful talented babies. Well sweet girl enjoy your night and I love you lots. Love from Shari in Ohio XXXOOO
H.j.H
Seems pretty exiting over there, Zenny! Looks like your pretty well loved! ( no kidding..:)
I understand why people like you…It is sooooo understandible!
You are THE fastest horse EVER!!!!!! In one of the breeders cups, you were in dead last the whole way, Until…..VROOMMM You just zoomed up to second. RIGHT BY THE FINISH LINE TOO!
I must say, Your right at the top of the list for me! Thought of any cool names yet? I thought of: Bernyatta’
It has a nice sound to it? Doesn’t it?
Love You!
XOXOXO,
Hannah
P.S Be sure to ask Jerry for a carrot from me =) (or sugar..)
Cara Ezzell
Hi Queen Z!
I love the photos!! All your photos are so amazing!! I have ordered 2 photos from Blood-Horse & about 7 from a friend of mine that is a professional photographer!! I’m ordering 5 more on Mon. My own horse is going to get jealous!! LOL!
I have been a race fan since I was a young kid. In the 4th grade I did a book report on Man O’ War & got an A. I love all horses & I have many race horses that I’m crazy about, but you, my sweet girl, are soooo special!!! You have really touched my heart in so many ways. You are more than just a famous race horse; you are a spiritual, magical, gorgeous creature!! I thought there would never be another race horse that stole my heart like Barbaro, but you my love, have definitely stolen mine!! Reading about you, watching you race, reading your diary posts & just watching some of your videos (races & all others) always lift my spirits when I’m struggling with some of the problems in life. I struggle w/ depression but my own horse became my shrink & he has helped me more than any doctor, therapy, medication, etc. He is an angel!!! I just want you to know that you have helped me tremendously also & I can’t thank you enough for that!!
I wish you could meet my horse. He is off the Arabian race track & loves to run also! He is a gelding now & will be 9 yrs. old March 19th. He’s much, much smaller than you (most Arabians tend to be smaller) grey & has the sweetest personality. He can be such a character sometimes!!
CONGRATULATIONS again on winning Horse of the Year (you deserve it more than any other race that has won) plus winning Older Female Horse!! I wish you & Bernadini (awesome choice for the sire of your 1st foal) the best & I know you guys will have one heck of a filly or colt!!!
Much, much love baby girl,
Cara from Houston, TX