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
Cate
I am trying to get into nursing school. I have your picture with me so I can remember when no one believed you could do it yet again and again and again. Thank you for inspiring me. The moment I first saw you, I felt like I had an out of body experience.
RIP BARBARO GRATEFULNESS.ORG
Borntobreed
@L
Thanks for the clarification on race schooling
Julie DuVall
Who wouldn’t want to have pictures of you all over the walls?! I just got two photos of you and Mike signed today and I wanted to share what he said: “Let me think about where to sign; I don’t like to take away from her.” Even though there was a large blank patch of sky next to YOUR face, he signed on his silks so that the focus of the photo would still be YOU. I’m sending one copy of the photo to a friend who sent me photos of Rachel Alexandra when she ran at Monmouth (she got to see Rachel in person, I got to see YOU … I think I got the best deal!); the other one is going in a frame on MY WALL.
I will be at Santa Anita next Saturday to see Secretariat’s “mom” give the Vox Populi (People’s Voice) Award to your California family … and buy a print of YOU and BIG RED to get signed. Can’t wait to meet YOUR “mom and dad” the Mosses as well as Red’s “mom” Penny! He is the first racehorse I can remember (I was only 3 when he won the Triple Crown); I’m so glad you came along when I’m “all grown up.” :)
Sharon in Ohio
Hi Zenny, I know you are still on cloud nine about Bernardini, you have so much to look forward to.He is handsome. It will be amazing to follow your daily diary posts! Then the big day of your new baby arriving. Your colt will have a ready made fan club !You will have zillion’s of new fans by then. The world is in love with YOU Z ! Thanks to you and Dottie, for updates, that inspire our daily lives.I would like to mention Barbaro, and say that I have been reading about the hoof problem…laminitis that took him. He was wonderful and Eight Belles, I was watching the day of her heartbreaking tragic ending. R.I.P. to them both.
Zenyatta, I am soooo thankful that you came out on top, safe and sound. Beautiful, healthy and so full of life.It made me appreciate you even more. You are blessed and are a blessing to all of us ! Thanks your family for letting us share all of this wonderful gift of YOU ! xxoxooxox
Jenna
Zenyatta is universally loved…globally loved :> She has reached across the globe as a sort of goodwill ambassador for the sport of horse racing.
That is pretty exciting :)
Since I live on the East Coast, I hope one day to see Z in person. Until then, this wonderful diary will continue to make me feel so close to her. Thank you so much, Dottie. You have made such an impact on so many people…across the world!
Thank you so much.
Peppermint kisses to Zenyatta.
Nighty night.
nDfilly
So do you ever get a teaser date with bernadini or will it be love at first visit? Is there some kind of training they give you about the birds and the bees?
Khara
Yay… an OC reference! I live in Newport Beach and I definitely will make it down there to see the Zenyatta decor! Z – can you ask John and Dottie to explain the whole “breeding process” to us. I am not talking about the birds and the bees here. I mean, what will take place during your date with Bernardinin? I have read that they restrain the mare. This is just hard for me to think about. Would they be doing that to our sweet girl?
VickiS.
It was wonderful to be able to talk to Dottie in person on Thursday at SA, and tell her how much I enjoy this blog. I’m not able to be with my horses all the time,(I commute for work between Chicago and L.A.), so I tried to spend time with other’s horses, by going to SA and appreciating horses doing what they love to do and be surrounded by people that, (most of them anyway), love to be around them. Thank-you, Dottie, for taking time to talk to me. Much love to you and Z! (And I’ve got to send a shout-out to my two as well: Love you Rori(Aurora’s Star) and Aspen, (Bold Twist K5766)!!!!
Barbara Wood
Wow, Z–
Sweden, Germany, Austria–you are a worldwide sensation. My head is spinning. I’ve been sending links to pictures of your intended to my friends.
However could we get through some of these days without our “DailyZ”?
Nighty-night, sweet one.
Maria K.
Hi Queen Z, that is really cool that the owner of OC Grill and Sports Facility at San Clemente decorated the place with your photos. Well I live not too far from San Clemente. So, maybe one of this day I will check out the facility. Today, my sister and I went to Santa Anita to see Evening Jewel. I am so glad she won. I miss you Zenny. I was thinking about you when I was at the track today. Love you!
Linda Henderson
Thanks for telling about the OC. I love the decor! Definitely worth a visit.
Jan
Zenyatta,
How ya doing big glamorous girl. All our thoughts go out to precious Barbaro. Love to see more pics of you at Lane’s End. You soon wil be the Queen Mum. All the best wishes to you and Benardini from Space City Houston.
Liz C
Like many others, I too loved Barbaro so deeply. He was the epitome of a champion both on and off the track. He was brave and beautiful and like you Z, almost other-worldly. He was magnificent and powerful with blinding speed. He was also kind and gentle and brave beyond words. His breakdown on that terrible day is burned in the minds of all of us who watched that unforgettable day. But his fight to overcome his catastrophic injuries was an inspiration to all of us. If love and prayers could have healed this great horse, the massive outpouring that was sent his way would have kept him with us forever. But he will always live on in our hearts. Thank you Z for bringing some of the light back in and thank you GOD for keeping Z safe.
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, you are very special and you make my life fun each day. I always look forward to reading your posts and they make me smile.
I know what you mean about traffic in Southern Cali. My round trip rush hour commute each day to and from work is 60 miles. Now that isn’t fun!
Wow! Sweden! Very cool, sweet girl! The world loves you!
Have a good night.
Love to all,
Leslie
Mary C
Live only 20 minutes from San Clemente…I can’t wait to visit the OC Grill & Sports Facility…can’t think of a better way to decorate than with pictures of Z!
Vickie
OC Grill has great burgers! But I stick to the salads – Thanks Zen for mentioning it!
Miss you big girl!
M2 + Little Bit & Ready Lady (The team from the Little Bit Ranch)
Wonderful comments from the writer above who visited #55. I would have loved to be right by your side.
It is the 30th as I write – but I do want to remember and pay my respects to the great Barbaro as well. How I wish he had made it. Laminitis – argh. Like many others on this post, I pray for soundness and safety with every race I watch. I am thankful you remained healthy… Angel on the brow band.
Wonderful to see & read all the posts. I think they are fascinating. You have accomplished more than you will ever know Zenny. Thanks to you and all of your connections too. You are an Angel.
Valeria Cannon
Good morning Lady Z, I too have special memories of Barbaro. My first love affair with horses began with Canonero II, then along came Riva Ridge, next was Secretariat, then Seattle Slew burst onto the scene. The two who are forever locked together in immortality, Alydar and Affirmed (my heart belonged to Alydar), then came my greatest joy and my first broken heart, Swale, it took years to stop grieving. I tried hard not to become to attached to Ruffian, but she tugged at my heartstrings and wormed her way into my heart (such elegance). Then came Alysheba and Spectacular Bid, they each grabbed a corner of my heart and would not let go, but after Swale and Ruffian, I just couldn’t/wouldn’t allow myself to fall head over heels, crazy in love with another horse. Oh there were other’s that pulled/tugged and try to claim a spot for themselves, but my heart was still grieving for Swale and no other was good enough! The one day out of the blue, I was channel-surfing and came across the Arkansas Derby on TV, and I was smitten and mesmerized by this magnificent specimen with the most gentle eyes I’d ever seen, his name was Barbaro! I fell in love with him in an instant, he reminded me so much of Riva Ridge, it was awesome! A brief springtime infatuation grew into a full-blown love affair that was filled with hope, courage, trust, and faith. Each day after his devastating injury was a blessing from God, I was amazed by his will to live and the fight to never give up. But when he died, I was finished, I was done. I would never give my heart to another horse, no matter how beautiful, strong, courageous, graceful, or exceptional they were! I’d stopped watching anything having to do with horses, my heart had been broken for the last time (I couldn’t take anymore), then came YOU!!! It was a slow dance in the beginning, then each race gather more and more steam, as I tumbled down that rabbit hole once more. Some race days made me so nervous that I couldn’t watch them in real time (had to watch replays) after I was reassured that you had came back sound from the track. Slowly but surely, I started to gain more and more faith that you were going to be okay, you had stolen my heart and I didn’t even know it was happening or when. My confidence in you blossomed and grew exponentially the more I saw you race. You were magnificent, you brought back my joy for horse racing. Not only that, but you reawakened my love of the Horse with your indominable spirit. You give love as well as receive love, you give hope where there once was despair; lovely lady, you and Dottie, plus the entire Team Zenyatta brought back the glory days of the Sport of Kings, and I truly thank you for the magic. And I thank my sweethearts who are now racing on the winds, for reaching down and bestowing their best in you! Barbaro, and Swale I know you sent her to me and I love you for it! You guys held a conference meeting with the other greats and asked God to send us Zenyatta!!!! Alydar (you left-footed horse), you gave her your iron-will to never quit, Ruffian, your beauty and grace, Big Red and Slew, you’ve honored her with your heart and soul, and the legacy that will live on. A heavenly Team Z that just can’t be beat!! Z, you are a special lady wrapped in the glory of champions. Have a great Sunday, and when you look up at the clouds, I know you see the greats saying well done, my queen.
Valeria
Snoprinz
Zenny, you represent everything that’s good and right about your sport. You make up for the horses that we loved and lost like Barbaro, Eight Belles,Ruffian and countless others. I wish you good health, long life and happiness forever. Luv you.
Diana
Zenny you are SPECIAL, and will always be. All of your fans here that post or simply read your diary every day would agree. I can’t even put into words how deeply you touch my heart, and how much goodness, health and happiness I wish for you and your team. It is no surprise you are known throughout the world!
maggie murphy
Can’t wait to visit Carlsbad!!! You go Girl!
Linda
The Spirit of Secretariat, The Spirit of Barbaro – May the Spirits be with you Zenny
Lori K
ZENNY, YOU HAVE BROUGHT SO MUCH HAPPINESS AND FUN FOR ME. YOU HAVE INSPIRED AND TOUCHED SO MANY HEARTS IN THE WORLD. I THINK THAT THE O C GRILL AND SPORTS FACILITY IS WONDERFUL. I ALSO WANT TO SAY GODBLESS YOU BARBARO. I KNOW HE IS WATCHING OVER US. I LOVE YOU Z LOVE LORI XOXO…
Lori K
does anyone know the address to barn 55/ john & dottie wan’t to send them a card
suew
Lori K…I just googled Hollywood Park racetrack and sent it to the street address … care of Barn #55 and it will get there.
sue
Thank you for all showing respect for Barbaro. I mentioned yesterday morning that we are connected now. For the love of the great horses…….Love to you Zenyatta and team……
Lori K
sue w… Thank you for the information. have a good day!
Dani
@Valeria Cannon – wow. I don’t know what to say except your post is one of the most beautiful tributes I’ve ever read about horses. It literally got the tears to spill over. You’ve said so much better than I could ever say the deep hearted feelings that one can have for a horse or horses that you’ve fallen in love with and who you connect with on the most personal level. And then the absolute, heartwrenching pain that comes when you lose them.
.
That Zenyatta is like the soothing balm that heals the hurt. That she lifts up the disheartened spirit. That she knows intuitively how to give of her heart, as if human, to those who need that special kind of love in times of sadness or duress. That she inspires courage and strength. That she calms with beauty and grace. That she can look at you and make you feel you are someone special. And also for me personally, that she helped take the sting out of the great sorrow I felt for the horses I loved and lost. That she made me feel as if I could see their spirits soaring along with her during her racing days and now sense them grazing peacefully in a world beyond this one. These are the reasons I love Zenyatta.
Barbara Wood
@Valeria–
Beautiful tribute to the great ones.
Kari Bussell
My beautiful Queen Zenny,
In every way you have made my life full of tremendous Joy! You are a miracle, sent by God. I would not be alive today if not for you. My doctors now sing your praises. I know many have similar stories.I would give your people my last dime if they ever needed it for keeping us up to date on you and the way they take such wonderful care of you.You are so amazing. I am going through treatment yet again and I watch your BCC 2010 over and over. It is my favorite. You had the dirt in your face and eyes, all that went wrong…so many would have just given up…so when I feel so bad that even laying down in bed I’m not always sure if I feel like fighting for another day…I watch you and I marvel at your courage and get chills from your beauty and thanks to you I find the strength to keep fighting….so yes dear precious Zenny you do add everything to my world.You give pure joy.
Dottie, I could never thank you enough.