Good Morning,
It is so hard to believe that it is already FEBRUARY. I understand…per GROUNDHOG LEGEND…this morning indicated that SPRING WILL COME SOON. That sounds great to me!
February is also a MONTH to celebrate LOVE and relationships! It is so much fun to reflect on all of the people who have been so special in my life! It is exciting to contemplate the next several weeks and the ‘new experiences’ I will have as well!
This Saturday, as you know, I’m celebrating the SECRETARIAT AWARD at Santa Anita. (Chris Crocker at the Santa Anita gift shop emailed Dottie and told her “all of my fans have had their fingers flying over their keyboards ordering the posters”.) You guys are too cute!
Later on, sometime later in February, I’ll be meeting with BERNARDINI. As you know, MY TEAM has selected him as the sire for my first foal. The exact timing of this depends on MY system….and how I’m doing with my ovulating and all of that GIRLY GIRL stuff.
Earlier this week, Darley did a wonderful video on BERNARDINI…introducing him to the fans, a view of his home, and the pedigree aspects in relation to our mating. It is on the BLOODHORSE SITE…and they really did a terrific job! From what I can see, HE is a really strong, good-looking stallion. I can’t wait to meet him!
Click here to watch a video on Bernardini!
What a LUCKY HORSE I AM! I know I have accomplished a great deal in my own life and career…but to be associated with SECRETARIAT and being shown with him in a poster entitled…RACING ROYALTY…and then to have BERNARDINI be the sire of my first foal is all very exciting to me! I have some FABULOUS HORSES in my life! What a thrill!
February…is starting out to be a month filled with LOTS OF HOPE, LOVE, and POSSIBILITIES! It is so much fun to just stand out in the paddock, look at this beautiful environment and ponder all of the great things to come!
May you be blessed with a wonderful, hopeful and loving FEBRUARY as well!
With love,
Hugs to all~
Z
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, The photo taken by John is so pretty. You look just like a statue, so regal and elegant. I always have this feeling about you that the best is yet to come and then the very next day you come up with all these wonderful ideas and deeds. You are a Wonder Girl and I love you so much.
Anna Wiley
Some lucky horse, ZENYATTA!!! Boy, mating BERNARDINI….. If I was a horse, I’d like to do the same! :D
Have a blessed day,
Luv,
Anna
Ray
Hello there my Queen, your beauty is like a bed of red roses but only better. Soon you will become a broodmare and you will be a great mom and an outstanding dam. Happy Valentines Day, Lots of Love
Shannon From Cool
Very nice clip on Bernardini.
Paula Higgins
The video is very well done. They don’t get better looking than Bernadini. I believe they will produce a wonderful foal. Cannot wait to see her/him. I am glad they are being so good to Zenny. She eems very happy. It was a good choice for her to go to Land’s End.
Sharon Call
@Ensign. Thanks! I figured that if you were still on-line,you’d have the right answer. I really enjoy your posts. They are just full of good information. If I may ask, where did you accumulate all of this? Were/are you a trainer, breeder, sports writer? If I’m being too nosy, I apologize.
jeanie langford
Looking lovely as usual. Do you think we can get some video. Stills are nice, but I want to see you play. Love ya Queen. Hugs and Kisses
ENSIGN
@ Sue,
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You’re most welcome.
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That’s a good example you gave with your son. It’s unfortunate that sporting bodies make these rules but at the same time they’re trying to keep the playing field level. If you ‘allowed’ one mare to foal on Dec.28 and still call it a foal of the following year, what about the mare who foaled on Dec. 27th, and so on.
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The biggest disadvantage for TBs is that it takes away their shot at a 2yr old season, as well as any shot at the Triple Crown and other such age related 3yr old races like the Travers. Come late in their 3 yr old year many are on par with the 4 & up crowd so for a horse born late Dec. they’d have a chance with open races but would still be penalized (unfairly) in any ‘weight for age’ races. While a horse might be technically 3, born a few days ‘early’ he’d still be weighted as a 4yr old.
ENSIGN
Hi Sharon,
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Thanks for the kind words.
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Not a writer or trainer, just many years working ‘in the business’ ;-)
Ann W. Cates
This post is very well written. So lovely. Zen, you must have gotten all “A’s” in creative writing. You can go to graduate school online while you’re knitting little baby booties! I hope your wedding is a good experience. Remember: We’ve all been there!
Jean
What a handsome stud Bernadini is. Great video so much information, thank you. I think after seeing him it is the perfect choice. No real markings on his face, legs etc. He is the most luscious Bay. Can hardly wait. Love to you all…
Megan S
Ooohhh, Z! You and B are the PERFECT COUPLE! I just know you foal will be something special! Happy February to you and hope you and your connections have a wonderful month!!
Gloria
Hey Big Mama Z! Thanks for the update on the big “date”! I flipped my Santa Anita calendar over the new month at work (and at home) and there you were – February’s cover girl! All my co-workers ask about you. They know about you because of me! :-) Hope you are keeping warm. I’m getting ready for Saturday at Santa Anita! Whoo hoo! Love you, Big Mama Z!! XOXO!
Laurie Berglie
Congrats on Bernardini! I saw him up close and watched him win the Preakness – what a handsome boy he is! Have fun! ;)
Judy Sims
Dear Zenny:
Another great post. Bernardini is really a handsome and well put together horse. You, lovely Queen, are the embodiment of LOVE and HEART. You are the world’s Valentine. Good wishes to Penny Chenery and your wonderful team this Saturday. You and Secretariat are true equine royalty.
Hugs & nose kisses.
Judy 8-)
Jan Doyle
What an exciting month for you Zenyatta. I am so thrilled Bernardini was chosen to be your first date. Can’t wait to see Life is Sweet first foal. Hope you are staying warm. Love you, Hugs and Kisses.
Dolores Pshsnychniak
You two will be a Beautiful “couple”~! How about the name AmaZen Grace if it is a filly!???
Stephanie Lambert
I am so happy for you sweetheart, one of your other barn mates who you loved is in Austrailia now in the Big Wind of a Cyclone, I wonder if your Mommy Dottie could ask your Daddy John if Scenic Blast is O.K ? & Maybe let us know, I am very worried as he gave good kisses and nuzzles when I visited him. He must have whispered in your ear all the time on how he loved you :)I am sure you loved him best when you were in California! Please let us know if you hear any news x0x0x0x0 From Maine
livey
Maybe a close-up picture next time?????
Just need a current close up of our Z. :):):)
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
You are truly Racing Royalty Zenyatta and everyone is so proud of you! Your story is one that brings happiness in these troubled times that we live in. It is such a pleasure to be able to follow the events in your life. Thanks for all that you do-I believe in you Zenyatta!
My Love & Blessings to you sweetie
AdmiringFan
Wonderful story about school children and Zenyatta’s gift to them.
East Liverpool, Ohio.
http://www.reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/540555/Lessons-from-Zenyatta.html
Quarterhossgal
As Ensign said Zenny won’t be bred until later in the month to ensure she foals after the 1st of January. Maiden mares don’t have a history so they could foal early or late and the Moss’s wouldn’t take a chance on an early foal. Zen will be bred when she cycles so Valentine’s Day won’t make any difference. I’m hoping she settles with a single cover and a very ordinary breeding and carries the foal safely. The way Lane’ End is run they will be certain everything is done correctly and I’m sure since Zen will be taken to Bernardini his farm will take special care of these two great champions.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@ENSIGN — I trust you will let us know when Life is Sweet foals. She was stabled next to Zenyatta in Barn 55 so we got aquainted with her over a few years. A nice mare who retired early due to a recurring problem of tying up.
According to the Blood-Horse Stallion Register, Bernardini is 16.1 1/2 hands. Ensign described perfectly the methods used if there is a height discrepancy.
Linda Henderson
Stay happy and well, dear Zenyatta. Happy February.
Bkaye
Mike Smith said no man is good enough for Zenyatta, but he might reconsider.
jahlgren
Has Mr. Bernardini sent you some flowers and mints yet for Valentine’s Day? I’m telling you, if he’s showing up “empty-handed” for the date, well, I don’t know….I think goodies could sweeten the atmosphere for you! Have a lovely “first meet”, and I hope it goes well for you, darling girl! Lotsa luv, Jan
Carrie
It would be so cool if your baby come out with a bright red coat! Secretariat would be so.o.o proud.
Tere Thomas
Bernardini is gorgeous and sooo accomplished!! Good for you two I can’t wait to see the baby!!
Dani
Zenyatta, thank you (and John) for the photo of you and ‘one of your guys’. You’ve got all the guys wrapped around your hoof. You are like a modern day Scarlett Ohare of horses. I guess that makes Bernardini Rhett Butler. I rewatched his video and I definitely see some Rhett in him. Love is definitely in the air for February.
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I wanted to thank everyone who took an interest and also checked out the situation with the 52 TBs. Jean (Moore) I did call Last Chance Corral this evening and spoke with one of the board members and she did assure me that homes were found for all the horses. I don’t know how and she couldn’t give me specifics, I didn’t press, but I feel confident that all those sweet creatures have found good people who will take care of them. Apparently word went out to a lot of websites and facebooks when the news broke about them. Last Chance Corral has a Facebook page and a website that I encourage everyone to visit. I found out about nurse mare foals for the first time from this board member and it is a bit on the heartbreaking side – what happens to them – but Last Chance Corral buys them and well – just check out their website and read for yourself. Another very worthy charity to consider, if just a small donation.
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So Ensign, everyone wants to know who you are or what you are. I keep thinking you are one of Zenyatta’s ‘guys’. Your knowledge on broodmares and the whole breeding process is very exact and now the comment that Life is Sweet is due within the next few weeks. It just makes a person wonder. Hmmmmm…….
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So Scarlet,I mean Zenny; well you are definitely a lot nicer than she was. But you are both beauties and I hope you have wonderful dreams tonight about your own Rhett. Good looking, charming, smart and just a tiny touch of Rhett’s cad. Nothing wrong with a wee bit of swagger on a guy. My thoughts anyway. xxxooo Lotsa love.
Catherine Uher
That was just the sweetest post Zenyatta! What a sweet and special message you reminded us all of for the month of February as well as to remember those that we love all year long! Thank you for the great video on Bernardini! He’s a handsome boy and I bet you are looking forward to meeting him as much as he’s looking forward to meeting you! He posted on his FB page that he can’t dance like you, but he can prance which I thought was just too cute! I think he’s trying to impress you beautiful girl! Wishing you much love and happiness and some extra carrots and maybe a pint of Guiness before your date with Bernardini! Love and hugs! :)