Dear Friends,
Wow! I am so deeply, deeply touched with all of your kind comments in relation to my racing retirement. You are so kind! I can’t THANK YOU enough!
I have loved racing and being at the barn. It has been a very special 4 1/2 years now that I have been with John, Mario, Steve, Carmen and the crew at the Shirreffs’ barn every single day. As all of you know…this along with Ann and Jerry Moss…is my family.
The beauty of my going back to Kentucky and Lane’s End…is DAVID lives in Lexington. I’ve also known him since I was a yearling at the September Sale. From that moment when he signed the ticket to purchase me on behalf of the Moss’, I’ve had a blessed life. David is part of Team Zenyatta and is also family. I will be leaving John’s barn…but going to Lane’s End where I will also have family around me. Lane’s End is a beautiful farm where I will be able to graze, stand under gorgeous trees, and enjoy life every single day! And one day, I hope to be a loving and wonderful MOM! What more could one ask!
My dear friend, Life is Sweet is also at Lane’s End! I have not seen her since February. We have so much to catch up on when I get there. This is too much fun!
David’s assistant, Sarah, will be able to take lots of pictures of me to send to CA and to put on the web-site. We will try to keep you posted on everything.
Yeah, here’s some good news! I will be able to visit with fans on Sunday, December 5th, at Hollywood Park. The track is doing a ‘fun farewell get-together’ for me! I am so excited. When I find out other details about this, I will update you. Hope you can attend!
Again…thank you all so much for the loving, tender notes. I am such a fortunate horse to have so many people who truly care so much about me.
Hugs to you all~
With Love,
Z
Glenda M.H.
I am very excited that you are coming to Kentucky and can’t wait until we can visit you. I hope all details can be worked out like the Moss’s wish and that Z will be able to have visitors. I am both happy and sad. I am sure everyone out west will miss Z very much, but she will be loved here especially if she can have visitors like she is used to. What a trip!!
Mary G
Hello Sweet Zen, Wishing you a fun and happy retirement in KY! You are getting closer now to where I live so hopefully someday I will be able to visit.:) I am glad such care was taken to find you the perfect retirement home close to family and friends. Having moved around abit in life I know the benefits of having loved ones around. Don’t forget to pack a warm winter blanket and most of all enjoy your retirement party on Dec 5th! I wonder will they need to put your dancing shoes back on? Good Luck Big Girl!
Barbara
We will miss watching you run. But love to hear of your derserved retirement. Keep in touch. Love you.
David
Um… I don’t what to say. I’m am in awe of your greatness. I just need to look at a picture of you and I tear up. I can’t explain this but well, other than to say you have changed my life with your inspiration. I live just up the road from Lanes End in Kentucky and will visit you for sure. Thank You!!!!
P.S. Horse of the year does not matter, just that last race does not matter. You are planted in history like a mountain that will never go away.
Jan Doyle
Zenyatta, I am so happy you are going to have David and other family around when you get to Kentucky. Thank you Team Zenyatta for allowing us to be her extended family all over the world. I know you will be excited to see Life is Sweet when you get there. I won’t be able to make it to HP on Dec 5th, but will see you in Kentucky next May. Be safe and Happy, LOVE YOU ZENNY!
Astrid
Awwww. Zenny, sounds wonderful!! Wishing you lots of happiness and lazy fun days! Of course you must catch up with your friend Life is Sweet – just don’t do it too early in the morning:) Also make sure those stallions show some manners or they can talk to your hoof!:) You are the QUEEN!
I will never forget you!! Thank you and Team Z for everything!!! You are the BEST!!!!
Patricia Emery
Dear Zenyatta! I think I have “Zenyatta-itis!” I am addicted to reading your posts & all of the posts of all your dedicated fans. This really is not your retirement, it is just the beginning of a beautiful journey. Initially, I was sad that we would not see you race again, but then I thought of Barbaro & some of the other horses that got injured & to think the Mosses would continue to race you & the potential for you to hurt yourself…this definitely, in my opinion is a better choice. I would have a very difficult time sending you to Lane’s End, but it looks like a beautiful place. I hope that along with reconnecting with old friends, you stand your ground with Jerry & Ann & tell them no babies without my fans! We will love & adore them like we love you. We need you & you need us…that is why this is such a special time. Lots of Love
Richard Cope
Zenyatta, you have come to mean so very much to all of your fans. I hope that your owners will honor the love and devotion the fans have shown you by letting you be visited at Lanes End Farm. I think, much like Secretariat people will come from miles around to see you and to be just for a moment in your presence. I know that even though this would be a trip of many hundreds of miles for me I will come. Wish I could say goodbye to you in California but I sure hope to see you in Kentucky someday.
Amy Culver Davis
THANK YOU so much Zenyatta! You have allayed our fears with your positive approach to your new, and glorious career.
What could be more life-affirming, than producing life???
I live far away, in Maine, but have followed you from your early races. The last few races, I honestly didn’t think my heart would stand it. But, to be totally honest, your last and final race was for me, the crowning moment. I have never, ever seen such heart, such courage, such determination in a horse.
It was truly an event. In your last race, you have propelled yourself into the stratosphere of racing greats.
And to add a personal note, you have helped me in a time of grief, with the sudden loss of my husband in 2008. Watching you and your races have brought me joy, when I didn’t think I could feel that emotion again.
Thank you so much, and I hope someday, to be able to actually meet you,
Amy
CCMOR
WE WILL WELCOME YOU BACK TO THE BLUEGRASS STATE, THE PLACE OF YOUR BIRTH, WITH OPEN ARMS…..WE WILL NEVER FORGET THE WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES YOU HAVE GIVEN TO US AND TO RACING. THANK YOU, ZENYATTA
Ivan Lopez
Zenyatta, I´ve never seen a horse like you, and hope a great feeling in my heart for you. Good luck, and remember you always be in my minds.
And will be a good MOM too…..I´ll be waiting for
Debbie
Dear, sweet Zenyatta, Please tell Ann and Jerry that your December 5th celebration needs to be televised so that all of your fans all over the country can watch. When you get the details, please pass those along so we can watch while wishing we were there with you.
Barb France
This will be another great chapter in your life’s journey. You have brought such sheer joy and happiness to oh so many people..even many who have just gotten to know you. God placed you in wonderful hands when David purchased you. Team Zenyatta was a perfect fit for you and you for them! What a family!! Love makes for a wonderful life! Personally, you have gotten me through some difficult times..as I have spoken to some many others that feel the same as I. So thank you for allowing us into your world and we will be there with you in your future! Thank you Team Zenyatta…you are all loved! I’ll see you at your Party!!
Sue
Morning QZ…Just want to 2nd ( or 3r, or 4th) the motion of sending Mario with you until you make new friends & begin to feel ‘at home’; even tho we’ll never forget that Calif. is where you belong!! I’ll NEVER understand how the Mosses can part with you.
And I still want to ‘ditch the Bear” & have you become Califs’ symbol for all that is natural & good.’ xxoo Sue
Christine Coleman
Zenny, can you let us know if they are planning to stall you near Life Is Sweet? I know you will remember her. Zenyatta, I know deep inside you couldn’t care less if you lived on one acre with John & Dottie in a single wide trailer. You thrive with your family. Luxury means NOTHING to you. You feel the love.
Henry Wieneke
You are the greatest filly to run, including Ruffian. The best horse since Secretariat!
Jan Glover
Hi, Big Girl!!
I know you are excited about the get together at Hollywood Park and I hope you have a blast visiting and saying goodbye to everyone!!! I sure do hope it will be televised!!!!!
I know it’s going to be hard for Team Zenyatta to let you go, and I know you will miss them, too. Glad to know that you will see David in Kentucky and will be living next door to Life is Sweet. Hope you and Life is Sweet keep those stallions in line!!!
Yesterday, I read an excellent article written about you–an interview the Saturday Post gave with Mr. Don Robertson about you and your mother, the Great Vertigineux. He talked about you growing up into the beautiful mare that you are today. I was tickled when I read that he nicknamed your mother, “Tige,” and you were “Little Tige.”
Take care Little Tige, I love you!!
Candace Westlake
What a phenom you are. Wish you were still racing. :( But look forward to following YOUR BABIES! Hugs to you, Z. :)
Jan
oh, my, Big Girl,
I made a very bad booboo, my post should read Mr. Don Robinson!!!
Oh, I wondered if Mike was going to be able to see you before you move to Kentucky?? You know, he loves you so much, Big Girl!! I’ve seen the way he admiringly looks at you!!! I sure hope he can see you off to your new home!!!
Love you!!
Linda Bulger
I am happy to read that team Zenyatta will continue to care for this gift from God. She shows his creation skills in her eyes and the movement of her beautiful body. I never followed horses till I saw her and I am almost 70 years old. I am so glad you came into my life and my granddaughters life. Thank You QUEEN ZENYATTA
Carol (U.S. Virgin Islands)
I truly wish I could come to your farewell party Zenyatta. You’ve have given me such joy to watch you in all of your races. You are truly the best. Here’s a thought: Would The Moss’s and John consider Mario going with you? That is of course if Mario would like that too. I know you’re truly going to miss everyone but especially Mario!He would be quite a connection to have at Lane’s End to keep you in such great spirits.
Kathy
Wishing you a very happy retirement, dear girl. You are amazing in every sense of the word. I’m so glad I got to see you “in person” at this year’s Breeder’s Cup. Glad to hear Life at Ten is at Lane’s End, too, and David. Say….when you arrive….could you let us know if Life at Ten still loves her sleep? Much love to you, big girl!
T Atkinson
I am very happy to here that you will be going to live at Lane’s End. What a beautiful way to enjoy your retirement. Being a Mom is no easy feat, lol. Thanks for electrifying the racing world. You are the best horse I have ever seen and I can’t wait to see your babies dance. There is no one like you Zenyatta. Girls rule, boys drool… Love you Z xoxox
Zen-fan
I agree with Carol’s idea…I think it would be wonderful for Mario to accompany you to Lane’s End, at least until you get settled! Another reason why the Farrish’s should keep you accessible to all of us that love you. A happy momma makes for happy babies. I too worry that you will have a little sadness with the separation from everyone in CA.
Pamela J Hebert
Zenny- Thank you so much for all the posts! Please tell Dottie thank you. You bring tears to my eyes with them. I watch You Tube with all your videos that John provides & watch your races too. Bless you beautiful Queen Zenyatta. I won’t be able to attend on December 5th. Could a video of your farewell be posted? I have your bobble head on my desk where I can see it everyday. I have enjoyed these diaries & hope they will continue. You are the greatest horse I’ve ever seen. XOXO
Kevin Fabyan
I will miss you Zenyatta…….
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–
I just hate that holiday/birthday/sporting event plans will keep us here in Texas and away from your special day. I’m hoping all the more that we will be able to see you in KY.
I just had an idea. I think I’ll write Michael Blowen and see if he can occasionally visit and give us updates on you as well on the Old Friends newsletter.
Blessings and good health to you always.
Gerrie Pantle
I don’t know if or when there will ever be such a champion as Zenyatta. No doubt, Zenyatta is a one-of-a-kind.
The fans will not let forget her, not ever. I hope she can lead an exceptional life. She deserves it on so many levels.
Jan
So excited to able to visit our girl in KY my home state!She is so gentle and will be a great mom.Hope she has a baby girl to teach her dance moves to.Keep us updated on father prospects.He needs to possess the best traits to complement her size and passion for racing.
RHONDA C
DEAR MS. ZENYATTA, YOU ARE MOVING CLOSER TO FLORIDA. ONE DAY, MAYBE I CAN MAKE THE DRIVE TO SEE YOU. ALSO, AS SOON AS I FOUND OUT WHERE YOU WOULD BE LIVING I LOOKED THEM UP AND DID SOME SERIOUS READING. SOUNDS LIKE A NICE, BEAUTIFUL PLACE. I KNOW THEY ARE A BUSINESS, BUT I HOPE THEY REALIZE THEY HAVE NEVER HAD A HORSE OF YOUR REPUTATION BEFORE. SURE THEY HAVE SOME REALLY NICE HORSES, BUT THIS WILL BE THEIR FIRST QUEEN WITH A FOLLOWING OUT THE YING-YANG. WE ALL JUST WANT YOU TO BE CARED FOR AND LOVED.