Happy Wednesday to all!
We had so much fun yesterday at our photo shoot. Ann wanted some great photos of me….of all my different angles etc…as she is hoping to paint me one day. She is a terrific artist…and that would be so much fun and quite an honor!
Barbara Livingston has come out to CA and is spending a couple days at the barn with me. Ann also thought it would be FUN if my ‘extended 4 legged Moss/Shirreffs family’ came to see me for a couple ‘family’ photos.
I know Sophie Shirreffs very well. Dottie and John have her come out and visit me all of the time. As a matter of fact, she helped with my photo shoot for W MAGAZINE. I have not met Violet Rose or Stella Rose Moss before this. They are sisters who just turned one year old about a month ago. Violet Rose…always wears purplish tones…and Stella pink. We had so much fun together. We did some FAMILY PHOTOS.
I do not have the ones taken professionally yet (I’ll share some of those when we get them)…but for now, I’m able to share a few of the candid ones John took with you.
My 4 legged family members are too cute! We had a great afternoon visiting…cuddling…and just being family and friends.
As I have said so many times before, I am one LUCKY GIRL!
Hugs to all~
With love,
Z
Amanda
Congratulations on your retirement Zenyatta, even though I’ll miss seeing you race. I’m sure you’ll make a great broodmare and hopefully give us a colt or filly that will be just as fun to watch as you on the track. If its not too bold to say so, I think A.P. Indy and Giant’s Causeway are really cute. ;)
Barbara Wood
Big Z–
I can barely stand to let you go, but I am so thankful you are retiring sound and happy.
I’m a little uncertain how you will feel about being left alone away from your fans. Please tell the folks at Lane’s End that your fans are very nice and respectful and would love to see you. We would follow all of their rules.
Horse racing will never have a mare that could come close to replacing you.
Give Quality Road a wink if you see him.
Love always from one of your biggest fans (we are legion).
bc
happy retirement Z
I would love to see a Pulpit and Zenyatta match :D
Laurie
Will there be a retirement party for you so we can come see you again out here in California?? Very happy for you…Hope you will win HOY 2010 because as far as we are all concerned, you are a shoe in!!
Jody
All though I was expecting the announcment, I cried when I read the headline! Thanks Z for the incredible journey and enjoy your retirement! We love you!!!!!! You are Horse of the Year, the Decade and the Century!
Debbie
Oh Z, I am crying and smiling at the same time- I love you and hope to see you dancing with your babies xoxoxo
Nancy
Dear Zen,
Will you still be on Facebook at Lane’s End? I hope you keep in touch with your loyal and loving friends.
Heather Myers
What you and Team Zenyatta have given the racing World is beyond imagination, but what you have given me personally is beyond even that. I have had horses all my life and have loved them all, but none the way I love you Z, and you are not even mine! You have set a pinnicle that will never be topped. Travel safe, pretty girl, and have beautiful babies (hopefully by A.P. Indy). You are a once in a life time treasure. Keep writing to us so we don’t miss you too much.
jena hobert
Oh Queen Z, we will miss you. Hopefully Lanes End knows how well loved you are and will allow us the privilege of being in your presence. Long happy life my dear. God Bless the Queen!! Secsea Dance, Salawgi,Simon, Picasso and Jena.
Gail Human
I am so glad that you are happy, and so sad for us that we will never see you race again. You are beautiful and will have a place in our hearts forever! Enjoy life now, pretty girl, and keep us posted.
Jennifer Adelman
OMG! How cute Z with her pooch sisters Stella and Violet. Seems like Z can adapt to any situation that makes her even more special to everyone.
Great to hear Barbara Livingston will be photographing her!! Can’t wait to see those shots and Ann’s.
Thank You for sharing this with us!!
Pete
Thanks for the memories to John Sheriffs, Jerry and Ann Moss, Mike Smith, and most of all to The Queen. Z, You are big now, but over time you will get bigger as people tell anyone who will listen about how great you were. You are one in a million!!
Jane
Hello beautiful!
I’m sad to think you won’t race any more, but more than anything I’m glad you’ll be happy and safe. I live out here on the left coast now but am originally from the midwest, and let me tell you, honey, Kentucky is horse paradise! You will have so many new friends and be so well cared for. Can’t wait to see your babies and see if those dance moves get passed on. They won’t be any more beautiful or charming or more of a champion than you though. You’ll always be number 1, and I’ll never forget how you and Mike looked together when he was doing his “she’s number 1” celebration with you – a great moment in racing history and in our hearts.
You go, girl! We’ll always love you!
Ms. Wood
I wanted to read up on where Zenny is going. I did this is what I found 1999 Horse of the Year CHARISMATIC, and Champion LEMON DROP KID. He was the first breeder since A. J. Alexander in 1880 to breed or co-breed two horses (CHARISMATIC and LEMON DROP KID) who combined to win the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont in the same year. In 1992 and in 1999 he was honored with an Eclipse Award as the year’s leading breeder and in 2009 he received the Eclipse award of Merit for outstanding achievement. Great they have awards for breeding. But here is my concern Charismatic -Horse of the Year- Is where now? JAPAN Anyone know where Ferdinand – Kentucky Derby winner ended up -Japan. It is on youtube Ferdinand’s last days. OldFriends Farm is raising money $50,000 they say to get Charismatic back from Japan after breeding if they allow this to happen, so that she will not end up at slaughter JUST LIKE FERDINAND did!! I would NEVER EVER let a horse like Zenny slip out of my hands or out of my site for no amount of money period. You cannot replace her, I would LOVE to hear what others think.
jackie
Queen “Z” I already have tears in my eyes and my heart is heavy. I can’t tell you how much you will be missed by your fans. I have enjoyed reading all the great articles written about you and your family and even though you are off to motherhood, I can only hope you will continue to update your fans. It will be nice keeping track of you and your offspring!
I think you need a Retirement Party at Hollywood Park. You have given so many such joy not to mention the contribution you have given Horseracing. Horse of the Century!!
I miss you already!
Colleen in IL
I hope someday I will be able to pet the whiskers and the soft skin of your nose…will try to visit you in the fall! You have given me many thrills. I have dreamed of having a horse like you as long as I can remember and that has beem 48 years!
Louise Bland
I’m not happy about this retirement “Z” — We were working on making you the “Horse of the Year.” — Can’t everyone wait a little longer. You’ve just gotten home! Give us some time, don’t you think?
Jennifer Adelman
I think that John S is a true horse whisperer! Had Zenayatta gone to some of the other big name trainers she would have been racing before her peak. Have to acknowledge John S for his skills and Z’s success!!
Thank You Camp Zenyatta for the wonderful ride!!!!!
Phyllis James
Zenyatta, I am so sorry to see you leave California, but I wish the best for you. You have done for racing what Seabiscuit once did. I hope to be able to come and see you before you leave. Seeing you up close would be a highlight of my life. Wishing you a long life, green meadows, and cool breezes.
debbie gustafson
DEAR ZEN,,,,YOU ARE THE GREATEST OF GREAT..YOU ARE YOU OF A KIND , AND WILL BE IN HISTORY FOR DAYS TO COME ….ENJOY YOUR TIME WITH SUCH A GOOD FAMILY, AND HAVE MANY ,MANY ,BABIES TO CARE ON YOU NAME ..WISH I COULD SEE U ONE DAY ,,IT WOULD BE A HONOR…LOVE YOU MUCH ..YOUR DEAREST FAN ALWAYS AND FOREVER…….QUEEN OF ALL QUEENS
Mike
Any horse who brings a Lump in your throat just standing there is horse of the year!! Horse of a lifetime. You are soemthing else. Thanks!!
jahlgren
Zenyatta, I always think of you as a California “girl” and how happy it makes me that I got to see you race in person. Have a beautiful life in Kentucky, and PLEASE, write home once in a while and send photos of how you’re doing. Any public appearances would be greatly welcomed. Aloha darling “big girl”.
Kim Curtsinger
Zenyatta, It has been an incredible journey. There are no words to describe it. I will miss seeing you on the track. I have always wanted to see a Triple Crown won, thinking that would be the ultimate racing thrill. You have changed all that. Seeing you, and going along for the ride has been better than any triple crown could ever be. Thank You for everything
Emily
Aww Zenny. I am so sad you are retiring, I really was hoping youd end it on a good note and go race in the Dubai World Cup. :(
You deserve this though girl! Ive loved seeing you race, its brought so much joy to my life!
Becka Petersen
WE’ll see you tomorrow,Queen Z! We’re so excited!! We’ve fallen in love with you.
Nancy G.
Lady Z, your presence will be missed in the racing world. Your beauty and heart are unmatched. No one will be able to match your achievements for a long time. Sorry we won’t be able to thrill at your racing endeavors. Be well and be happy Lady Z!
Michelle
Hey Z, tell Dottie you want a BIG PARTY when you get to Kentucky so all your friends can come see you. Wishing you a long and happy retirement. I will definitely watch out for your babies in the future.
Robbie
I am so happy that you are heading for your well-deserved retirement, healthy and sound! Zenyatta, you have so many fans and well-wishers who will be cheering you on and following you throughout your lifetime. May it be long and happy! Love you xoxo
Sandra Ryan
I will miss your dancing and prancing. Would like to see you take up Dressage in your retirement, you know you already have it down don’t you? Have some beautiful babies, and we will be watching for them as they come along. Thanks for the most thrilling year since Secretariat.
You are a rare gift.
Sue
Truely a sad day :( I had just found out about you the week before the Breeders Cup. Don’t follow horseracing after seeing sooo many break legs. Ruffian was my favorite and that ended. Then Barbaro, too sad. Couldn’t watch anymore.
Someone emailed your race-AWESOME!!!WHAT A HORSE!!!! I said prayers for you on the BIG race day That you would BEAT the boys!!! And mainly you wouldn’t get hurt!! What a race you were awesome!! Wish I had know about you earlier! I even tried to fly out to see you!!! Hopefully, this might become reality!!!!
You were a real gift from god!!!
Thank You John Shirreff for taking the time with her and proving older horses can run and NOT BREAK DOWN!!!!
Queen Z gave America something to cheer for!!!!!!! She should win “Miss America””
Thank You Moss”s for sharing her!!!