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
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
People all over the world know you and love you Zenyatta! You and all of Team Z have done so much for everyone and you all will be honored and remembered for your wonderful kindness and the sharing of your life!
Be happy!
Love & Blessings Always!
L
@Robbie,
As nice as that sentiment is to compare waiting for Zenyatta to start racing, to waiting for her to breed, it’s not really the same thing.
It will depend on her only in that it depends upon when she comes into season and her body releases the egg. Most stud farms don’t want to do more than one cover, so they’ll wait till the optimum time when Zenyatta’s body is fertile and then take her to the shed. Whether that’s mid February, end of February early March it just depends on her cycle, not her mindset.
OraJean Stevenson
Dearest Queen-Z & Team-Z,
You are a real ray of SUNSHINE for all your fans, who read this “Diary”…what a great GIFT !!! Stay warm and have fun sweet girl.
The next time I’m driving South on the E5, I’ll stop in and see those fabulous photos of you, racing, at the OC Grill & Sports Facility. Sounds like FUN.
Fondly, OraJean
Berrta in Sonora
I’ve been following racing since 1980. John Henry was my first hero. Well, I can’t say anything better than Dawn Conrad in CO did. Perfectly said. And I love the idea that other countries are involved in these daily posts. I too take a peek every day, and it brightens my day as well. Barbaro was special in his personality and running style and his last brave fight. RIP big boy. You also made racing special to many, just as you have, dearest Zenny. YES, BIG thanks to the Z Team for this blog and your handling of the Z streak, and HOTY hoo-haw. You’ve changed the racing world for the better with your positive attitude, good sportsmanship, good handling and sharing of your great mare with the world in this way. Thank you ever so much.
Rita
I am so thankful that you are sound.Thanks to the patience and great care your Z family gave you, they are remarkable. All horses should be treated so well. My thoughts for Barbaro and eight bells,great horses and tragic that we lost them so soon. I love you Z, yes Bernadini is very handsome and talented. He is so lucky to have you Queen of the world, Queen of our Hearts.
Megan S
Z, you make my Staurdays amazing!
Borntobreed
@ Nancy L
Zenyatta’s setbacks were related to her
growing after her early training. She became
unbalanced so when she became sore she had
to stop for a while and the start again. She did this
until she quit growing. Then she could consistently
Race without soreness.
@
Borntobreed
@Robbie
Their a physiological response to breeding as L describes. But
the mare must hormonally be receptive like desire in humans. If
she is not desirous she will not breed. It is very important the this
first experience be positive for her. That is why Jerry said it is up
to her.
Susan
There are walls all over the world with pictures of you. After all you are the Queen!
Now we have the royal couple and when you are safe in foal, you’ll be having a princess or a prince. It will be fun following your journey.
Have fun Z. Enjoy your Weekend
Borntobreed
@Suzanne Davis.
There is a great article in Bloodhorse on the Mating of Zenyatta.
David Ingordo responses to a lot of questions that are very informative
She is an A plus plus match to Bernardini. Mr Kronfeld who bred
Zen bred her mother to him and got a talented filly Eboulessant.
I understand that with AP Indy’s age it might have been difficult
For him to breed to her because of her size and the his decreasing fertility. I think the cryptorchid issue was probably reviewed as well
Bernardini ,AP Indys most talented son ,is fit gorgeous young and virile so much better chance for first catch.
A first catch.
Kitei
Reading about and writing to / about you and Team Z is such a sweet way for anyone to spend some time – truly an oasis from more mundane day to day concerns! May your friends continue to grow in number and in happiness! Of course you will be a GREAT mom, you’ve been practicing your loving mom-style on everyone you know for such a long time now! By the way, what ever happened to the proposed mud-rolling video? Don’t be worried about how you’d look – you always look FABULOUS! Did you know that even humans apparently enjoy doing this at times? Maybe it was you who started this fad (?) — see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ3ENkzIFiI
Borntobreed
Dearest Zenny
The photo for today is so beautiful. I did not realize race horses
schooled as well. It is different from galloping the track before a
race? I really loved the tribute to Ruffian in the power couple article
How wonderful to be felt equivalent to her. RIP Ruffian. Enjoy
your Sunday with the girls. There should be some great girl
Talk because every one is getting their match. Thanks Dottie
For keeping Zenny alive for us.
Sweet dreams of carrots and peppermints with stevia
Kathryn Cogswell
CATHERINE UHER: Someone was missing & asking about you on #68 .. . and, there you are ^ right here! ~ When I left, there were 31 notes; now there are 127, and probably more. All the notes about Barbaro [and Eight Belles] are so dear, sweet and touching. ‘Thanks for the Memories.’ K.
L
@BorntoBreed,
To answer your question schooling for a racehorse is different than just the morning gallops. A racehorse schools at the gate, to learn how to behave in the gate and also they school in the paddock. You want the horse used to the sights and sounds of people around (in the paddock) having to stand still for saddling, etc. It’s not unlike taking a young show prospect to a show and letting them experience the vibe of the show grounds, before actually putting them into that situation and then expecting them to perform in amid the chaos.
Rachel
Thank you Zenyatta! You can see how you inspire fans in their passion for this sport. We are lucky to have you!!
Ann Maree
Hi, Z, Everytime you have a diary post, Z, somewhere between 500 and 1000 people see it and either “like” it on Facebook, or respond on your web site as well as on Facebook. You are truly amazing! The good that you have done for the sport just keeps on growing. I saw the neatest thing and I posted it on your Facebook page: Mike Repole, owner of Uncle Mo who is a favorite for the Kentucky Derby, said the kindest and neatest thing about you: He said if he had owned Blame that he would have been the only owner in the U.S. who thought you deserved to be Horse of the Year! I said he made all of your 62,000 Facebook fans happy and made a few for himself! But, that is the way it should work. I’m so glad that your influence is still being felt throughout the sport, and that people like Mike Repole are carrying on doing great things for the sport. I call it “The Zenyatta Effect” (I have a blog dedicated to you and the sport with that name: http://www.TheZenyattaEffect.com )
…you and your family have set a high standard, and others are seeing that it’s good to put the horse and the fans first. Anyway, love you and am happy you are still doing well. Hugs! Your friend, Ann Maree
P.S. You might tell Dottie to check what Ellen Parker said about you at her web site, and especially about John. She says John is also a “gift from God” (like you)! Some of us wanted to know more about your new beau, right after it was announced, and she responded in one of the nicest ways at her web site. Hugs!
Tamyatta
Hi my beauty. I also have been thinking of Barbaro all day. When he got hurt I left racing because I was just torn apart. I loved him so much and he was going to be our 12th Triple Crown Winner. I was so happy and in an instant I was just completely devastated. I came back to racing because of you, dear Zenny, and I have prayed for yours and everyone’s safety and health every single day. I always will. For anyone who wants to light a candle for Barbaro, go to gratefulness.org, click on features, click on light a candle, and click on groups. Barba is the group name for Barbaro and he has 650 candles burning for him right now. I have to admit Zen that I have played the clip of HOTY about 50,000 times..LOL…it never gets old hearing your name called and watching Jerry and Ann’s faces! Just a spectacular and joyful moment that will only be surpassed by the birth of the heir! Thoroughbred Times has a contest going on for picking the name for your wonderful foal. Some of the names are beautiful and some are just downright funny….like this one: “MyMomsAFreak” and this one:”MyMamaCanBeatYourMama” or this one:”OneNiteAtBernies” LOL,aren’t they great? For serious I like Zenyadi, Z Me Go, Zen Glory, Z B Indy. Which one do you like Zenny? Stay warm darlin’ and remember I’m always loving you:)XOXOXO
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
To L and BORNTOBREED: Thank you for correcting the analogy I made. I do know about mares coming into season as I ride a mare and am aware of her cycles. When she comes into season (it seems monthly, similar to humans) she gets kind of moony and yearns for a particular male horse at the barn, even though he is a gelding.
I guess I was affected by the way Jerry Moss put it–it was up to her–instead of saying something like “when she comes into season.” So respectful of Zenyatta.
But thanks again for pointing out the cockeyed analogy!
To L: I’m so glad that you explained the difference between schooling and training. It’s wonderful to have people with knowledge stores and experience on this site for those of us unfamiliar with the racing world and breeding more generally.
Best–Robbie
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Yes, and so important that this first breeding experience be positive for Zenyatta. Eros must “cover” her first with mists of desire.
Kimberly
Hi Z, I got to meet Dottie and Mr. Moss yesterday at Santa Anita. Dottie was telling me about the fans from Sweeden. She was sooooo proud of you. I can see why they are so special for you. They were very kind and gracious while they autographed my racing form with your beautiful picture on the front. They spoke to me like I have known them for years. They are truly SPECIAL people for a truly SPECIAL horse!!! a match made in heaven,,,, Nitey Nite Z…
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, I love the photos that they put up of you in the O.C. That is really special! And to think of Sweden asking for photos. Zenyatta, you are loved by so many for so many reasons. I have always called you, the horse of love. You have an amazing power that shines through you that likes up anyone’s life that has met you or like me reads about you. I hope and pray before I die that I get to meet you in person. It may be years from now but that is all I hope for right now. Just to be in your presence. I’ve been thinking of our new power couple and wishing “Z & B” the best on producing our next triple crown winner! How exciting is that? I thought about Barbado today. He was very special guy and so loved. He fought to hard to overcome the accident. I love you, Zenyatta so much. I pray that you stay healty, sound & happy so we can have you for a long time. You bring so much joy to me and your Fan Family’s life. Dottie, Thank you so much for keeping the posts going. Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love, Amanda
Cindy Elizabeth
Hi Zenyatta and Dottie, I see some of your friends have been talking about your boyfriends on facebook. Seems that some like Big Brown and Invasor more than Bernadini. Could YOU tell us please, what attracts you to Bernardini? Why did you select him to be royal consort #1?
Anita in Ca
Hi my beautiful Zenny. You must realize how you are loved so much and how you inspire and bring us joy. You will never be forgotten, and in fact, as you can see, the love is growing. Today I went to my lovely little barn in Menifee, CA, and had a ride and lesson. I have learned so much there about horses, riding, grooming & tacking. This is something I have always wanted to do, and now I know why. I leave feeling so good and happy and satisfied after spending time with the horses — it’s so therapeutic! And, Zenny, it was all inspired by you, beautiful girl! I’m very excited for you and Bernardini. He is very handsome. I can’t wait to see your foal! I hope you had a happy Saturday with PQ SG & A. Love you so much!!! RIP Barbaro, Eight Belles, and also Google Me who was injured and put down at Santa Anita on the day of the Santa Margarita 2010. He broke down right in front of me that day, and I just can’t forget him.
Sunny Boyd
Evening Zenyatta,
I bet you are a famous one all over the world.:) From reading the DRF every now and then I come a across a bit of news about this or that horse has died. I always check those news, it always saddens me, when some are in their late 20’s it’s old age, but some are not even 10. At Churchill Downs last yr place of your final race, a horse died on the track. So, that’s why the most important/successful thing to race horse owners & teams is that the horse comes back healthy. You were real lucky, blessed with a strong body, and an observant team. Keep eating your oats & that good hay, carrots, and that good Kentucky Blue Grass. And get a good night’s sleep and sweet dreams of all your favorites
and how about Zappa after the great Frank Zappa, Mothers Of Invention, he would make a mean looking horse:) Ha Ha, Huge mane, big whiskers(mustache)and great teeth.
or Zinger
or Zephyr
or Zebedee
Robin A.B.
A little Zenny each day goes a long way!! We all love her dearly. I too have been thinking of Barbaro and the heartbreak over his loss, and I am TOTALLY GRATEFUL for the way the Mosses and Team Z have cared for beautiful Queen Z. She retired sound and happy.
Janie
It’s still Jan. 29th where I am (in CA) even though the date has changed on the comments – but I also want to remember Barbaro today. I picture him and Eight Belles together and I hope they’re happy and they know that Barbaro’s colleague from 2006 – Bernardini – is the lucky fella who will be Zenyatta’s babydaddy. Barbaro also had a great team as mentioned above – much like Zenyatta’s team – and I believe they won that award at the 2006 Eclipse Awards (held in Jan. 2007). What’s so sad is that Barbaro’s broken leg completely healed – it was the laminitis that got him in the end and I’ll make another donation in his name for laminitis research. I also became interested in horse racing after reading Laura Hillenbrand’s “Seabiscuit” in 2003 and have been following all the darlin’ horses ever since. Zenyatta, of course you are loved the world over! It helps that you were able to have a longer than normal racing career – so many of the boys are retired after their 3-year-old seasons – and since you raced into your 6th year, people were able to follow your races and fall in love. Thank you for giving us the joy and happiness that you did then and still do!
Arnie
Well, I guess this (stopping by San Clemente) is my motivation to take my wife for a weeekend in San Diego. Which race are the wall pics from?
Celeste
Every day that there is a new post entered in Zenyatta’s diary is a special day and this one is no different. Thank you so much, Zenyatta and Dottie for doing so much for all the fans who adore the Queen. Tonight I don’t have as much time to read all the other messages posted, but it’s still fun to participate in this small way – to stay in touch with Zenyatta. Thanks to all!
Diana a.
i look forward to here from you my beautiful girl! i love you ♥
Hilltophorsewoman No Cal
Dear Zenyatta and Connections! You are the gift that keeps on giving. Last Tuesday was my birthday. I was flying in to LAX that afternoon to visit friends. I was barely in the car when I was asking if we could drive up to HP to Barn 55. “Of course! It is your birthday” The gateman kindly called the barn. Most everyone had left for the day. However, one gentleman who was leaving offered to drive us back to the barn. I can’t remember his name but he was driving a red SUV…THANK YOU SIR. When there, another gentleman took us to Zenyatta’s stall. OMG. Everything was there. Her halter, Christmas stocking, the painting on the back wall, the carrots, but it was EMPTY and I felt so sad. Everyone there said they missed her so much! He then took me to see Zardana and gave me carrots to feed her. She is such a sweetheart and let me love on her. ( I think she smelled my horses). Anyway, everyone was getting ready to leave or I would have stayed for hours. The gentlemen gave me a beautiful canvas picture of Zenyatta and 2 Zenyatta mugs for my birthday!! I could not believe how kind they were!! Thank you so much. It truly made this birthday one of the most memorable of my life. Zenyatta! Your people are awesome! Just like you! Although I understand why you are in Kentucky. I so wish you could come back to California. Seeing Stall 85 without you in it is heart wrenching.
Finally, I think Bernardini is beautiful and a wonderful choice but Mike is right no one can measure up to you, gorgeous wonderful Zenyatta.