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
Deana
Zenyatta you are simply the best, the greatest racehorse of the century! I hope that your legacy and achievements are recognized and that you are awarded HOY. In a time when horses are rushed in to running a 2 when they are clearly not ready then retired at 3 with injuries, it is clear that the reason you are a champion at age 6 without injuries and in excellent health, is a testament to John Shirreffs and Team Z for taking great care, time, and patience with you. The other horses that are up for HOY did not race as long as you, nor accomplish what you did. When it all is said and done Queen Z you have always performed above and beyond anyone’s expectations and created fans of horseracing that never existed before. Your spirit and dedication to racing will be missed and will likely not be seen again until one of your beautiful foals makes it to the track. Best wishes Zenyatta, you will make a great Mom!
jahlgren
I know that they rescued one of their horses that had been claimed or sold when it turned out pretty awful – they brought him back to a rehabilitation/rescue place that they contribute a great deal of money to for the rescue/rehab of thoroughbreds. I know they do love their horses, but it’s hard to think of Zenyatta who is such a people-person and performer not being out and about with the public. But, I have read about the Mosses contributions to “Old Friends” a thoroughbred retirement foundation in Kentucky where they’ve paid for the rescue and care of former thoroughbreds which is pretty wonderful in its own right.
Peggy Sue
You are a joy to your fans and you will be missed at the racetrack. Good luck with your retirement Beautiful Z – I hope your babies are blessed with your talent and charm so we can again experience the excitement and grace you bring to this profession! I love you!
Karen
Dearest Zenny, You have meant so much to those of us who have followed you faithfully for the past few years. You made our days a little brighter when you danced for us…and about made our hearts stop when you came running from so many lengths back to nip in for a win at the wire. You are the greatest experience most of us will ever have and we will miss you more than words can say.
XOXO forever.
Joan Aebi
I sure wish your were staying in California. You have lived with your family for 4 and half years I think you will miss them and they know how to take care of you and they understand you. It just seem to far away from your family. Be safe and take care. See on Dec. 5th.
Marion Lynne
Oh Zenyatta, I only discovered you two weeks ago but you can’t imagine how much I love you just from watching your videos; some of them dozens of times, reading about you, and looking at your pictures. It’s a little heartbreaking to realize you are leaving; but you deserve to retire now, healthy and happy, to live in a beautiful place with more friends around you, and to have your beautiful babies. Thankyou for this note to reassure us about your new home. I will continue to follow any news of you. Thank you again dear Zenyatta for the unforgettable thrills and joy you have given us. Mike Smith was right – you are a gift from God.
Jennifer Hodell
You’ll be missed Zenyatta. Please keep in touch. We don’t ever want to loose you. Someone else said it. You have given us so much everyday for so long. You’ve brightened my darkest days. Thanks to the Zenyatta Team you have made racing such an wonderful sport again. I give anything to be there Dec 5th but don’t have enough pennies in the bank. lol Maybe someday we’ll meet at the farm. Take care and as always…A kiss on your nose from me!! Love ya..
Jennifer Hodell
I forgot…Kisses also to Life Is Sweet. Send her our best!!!!
Snoprinz
Zenny, I wish you all the love and happiness in your retirement. Being a broodmare hardly sounds like retirement to me. It sounds like a lot of hard, risky work. I don’t want you to become a breeding machine. That’s no way to treat this special Lady. Pretty soon, love for the horse will be replaced by love for the almighty $$$. So sad.
Gloria Jeanne
Zenyatta should be kept in California -someone contact Oprah and SAVE ZENYATTA – There is still time to keep her from becoming a breeding machine. They are trying to feed us a fairytail. Save Zenyatta!
Cheryl Smith
Zenyatta, you are the best. When God sent you to earth, he knew you were special. I have never seen a horse that has so much heart and personality. I hope that Lane’s End will let your fans see you. God Bless you always. We will ALWAYS LOVE YOU!!!!!
Jan Glover
Hi Big Girl!!
Please check out these videos made for you!!! These are also entered in the Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta video contest. The winner will receive tickets to the Eclipse Awards.
Zenyatta Tribute – Heart
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llf8gdfCRIE
and here’s the song, which should be on the radio!! i can picture in my mind you cutting the rug to this great song, Zenyatta!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=828F82YQG6c
Written by Gary L. Hill and Carolin E.A. Hill
©2010 MountainManMusic
The Queen Dances
Faster than a yellow racer…
Truer than a level laser
All the boys can do is chase her
Smarter ones don’t want to face…
Zenyatta…Zenyatta
She’s laying back and building steam
You pinch yourself – it’s not a dream…
It’s Zenyatta…
Oh, Zenyatta
Well, she hasn’t made her move yet…
Hasn’t even broke a sweat
Now she’s picking up the pace
It’s how she does it every race…Zenyatta…Zenyatta
She passes horses with a glance
She wants to do her victory dance…
‘Cause she’s Zenyatta…
Oh, Zenyatta
Comin’ to the backstretch…
Makin’ everybody itch…
Movin’ to the outside
Come on jockey, ride, ride, ride…You’re on Zenyatta
The camera’s flashing when you win
You’re The Queen, you’re the best that’s ever been…Zenyatta
Yeah, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, Zenyatta
Go, go, go, go, go, go, Girl
Go, Zenyatta
Go, go, go, go, go Zenyatta
Go, go, go, go, go Zenyatta
->hugs and kisses for you, Big Girl!!
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi – I have already made my reservation to go to Hollywood Park on December 5 to “once again” attend your retirement ceremony. It should be awesome – a tribute made for a “Queen”. I adore you and will miss you terribly. I am already planning my trip to Kentucky to see you. Love you.
lanie Johnson
Good Sat morning Sweet Girl! You must be getting ready for your big day at Hollywood to see the fans and say “good-bye”. I know it will bitter sweet. They have been such wonderful people and loved you and embraced you. I hope they will know that you are coming here to Ky. where that love will continue on for always. They are a special group for you I know…may God bless every one of them and you have a great and happy day!!! I love you!
Sharon Call
Zenyatta does deserve the best. What she has done for the public’s opinion of racing is just amazing! I’ve had many horses over the years and maybe once in a lifetime you run across the horse that every horse owner wants to own. Zenyatta would be that horse. Why can’t she be sent to Don Robinson at QW. He is the man that was there when she was born and watched her stand up for the first time, and nurse for the first time. He raised her to a yearling and understands her so well. His article in The Saturday Post shows how much he cares and how much he knows about her, her dam (Mom) and half-sister. It would be a wonderful place to send her for retirement. I’m sure Lane’s End is a beautiful place, I’ve looked at their website, but it is a breeding farm and will be run like a breeding farm. Keeping mares sequestered is SOP and the same will be done with Zenyatta. Perhaps, if she’s lucky, she’ll get used to it over time. What choice does she have? Is this the right thing to do with a horse that loves people so much? I don’t think so. I’m sure the Mosses do a lot of good in a lot of ways. If they can rescue a horse in a bad situation, why can’t they find a better solution for this great mare that gave them everything she had every time she was asked to do so? I still feel in my heart of hearts that this is a money thing. There are too many other options that could have been chosen, so John Moss don’t tell us you’re so sad and don’t think you can put another horse in her stall for a long time. You don’t have to! Zenyatta fans, don’t kid yourself. You won’t be allowed to visit her at Lane’s End. They don’t allow visitors during the “breeding season” from February to June. Look at their website, they state there that stallions are allowed to be “inspected” through the year except at breeding season. I didn’t see a thing about visiting the mares. Perhaps if enough of Zenyatta’s fans and followers speak up loudly enough, the Mosses might change their minds. So if you think this once-in-a-lifetime mare should remain accessable to the public and all of the people that love her, SAY SO NOW. Make your voices heard!
Meghan Coleman
Good golly: Ann Moss would no more sign her baby up for a life as a breeding machine, than she would herself.
Zenyatta belongs to — not simply, is owned by — people who have proven to be the best and most trustworthy stewards a thoroughbred racehorse could have. It is the Mosses who conceived, created, underwrote, rewrote and most generously peopled the story that Zenyatta became.
I cherish them for the vision and the care — both — that they provided throughout her career. The vision to bring her back for another year of racing and to twice enter her in the Classic. And the care during this grace year not to “campaign” her throughout the country, as if she were General Sherman, in an attempt to “toughen her up” and gain favor with the racing establishment.
They allowed her to become who she is, and to be who she became to us. They didn’t do it for the, forgive me, money –of which they have more than Zenyatta has dapples — nor even the glory. Where they might have used her as a stalking horse for their own repute, they did not. Instead they shared with us the thrills, the fun, the joy, the privilege of loving her.
Zenyatta’s life as a racehorse, living and working on a racetrack, was a demanding, difficult, daily discipline, and she thrived in it. In part because it is her nature, and in part because she received extraordinary care. It is also her nature to propogate herself, and I am certain that in doing so, she will continue to thrive, and to receive extraordinary care.
Others have it in their power not to anoint Zenyatta “Horse of the Year”, a fine through ephemeral title. We have it in our power to acknowledge the Mosses as Guardians of the Mare. They have more than earned our trust: they have earned hers, for life.
Lisa g
Sharon, I agree with you 100%, Zenyatta is not a broodmare, and should not be treated as such. Sure, have a baby or two to pass the legacy….but not baby after baby, etc. I really believe Ann would keep her in CA, CA have beautiful ranches, and they could visit their pride and job anytime. I never have been fond of owners, but liked the Moss’ due to letting fans love all over Z, but now, I believe that is John and Dottie’s doing. I am so disappointed in the Moss’. To have such a beautiful, spritiual, almost human horse as our Zenyatta and just put her away to be just another broodmare, I lost all respect for them. Ann is the one who wanted a filly, she is a woman as well, so I blame her the most. Zenyatta is not just a business. How can I SAY SO NOW? Is there someplace online to do this, as I am sure only the Team Zenyatta read this, and the Moss’ are not part of that team. No wonder Mike teared up at the thought of her breeding, he knows what the ‘business’ is. Thanks for writing my thoughts. Lisa g
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, How are you this morning? Are you getting excited for the Fan Farewell? Will you be able to dance as well in your new shoes? Of course you will, you are the greatest. Hope your day is wonderful, and John brings you something special to drink, it is Saturday Nite. Talk with you soon, Beautiful Lady. Lisa g
Cheryl Denton
Dear Sweet Zenyatta–you are simply the most beautiful horse I have ever seen-I describe you as equine perfection, but you knew that. I feel SO LUCKY that I was able to visit with you at Churchill Downs before and after the Breeders’ Cup. Your family is the best, and I really appreciate the opportunity to see you, give you a treat and kiss your soft nose. On the track you provided much excitement and pure joy and I thank you for that. You have a fan for life in me–enjoy your new life in Kentucky and hopefully I’ll see you soon as I want to move to Kentucky too! Lots of love……..
T.S.
Zenyatta – thank you for all your updates. What does a keyboard look like for horses? You are quite talented to be able to work this website like you do. Now, I hope your retirement is filled with lots of activities. Are you learning to play scrabble? Will you be starting dance lessons for the other retirees? Will you remember to have a spa day at least once a week for a pedi and a mane-i? So many questions, I know. Well, that’s all for now. I wouldn’t be mad at you if you decided to race again though. I’m quite fickle myself, so I would completely understand! Have a safe flight and don’t overdo it during those guiness happy hours!!
Lori Koellner
After reading sharon’s post I agree with her. ZENYATTA DESERVES BETTER. She should stay in california and enjoy retirement and have her fans visit her. She is to special for becoming a broodmare and like MIKE SMITH said there is no stallion worthy of her not even close. I LOVE YOU ZENYATTA! Love Lori XOXO.
sue
Meghan…BRAVO for your post. You summed it up quite nicely. For those who fear that her life will take a downward turn it’s time for a gentle reality check. Zenyatta will be well cared for and have the opportunity to produce an offspring which is also part of her kind, gentle nature. A breeding maching? Not likely. The Mosses are a class act in every way. Lane’s End seems perfect for her at this time of her life. I hope visit her there, just to gaze at her magnificience again.
Janet Cutting
I hope for Zenyatta that the love and devotion of her fans and her “family” will always follow her and its up to all of us — the news reporters, fans, team Zenyatta, Mosses–EVERYONE !..give her what she deserves for everything she done for them— good quality of life and enjoyment–and on a lighter note—please dont forget to share a beer with Ms Z. God Bless, Janet Cutting, Edgerton,WI
Tracy K
I live in NH and had never heard of Zenyatta before the 60 Minutes piece. By the end of that show I was hooked, what a fabulous horse with wonderful people around her. I watched the Breeders Cup with my 20 month old son and we both cheered for her. Since then, I’ve watched videos of her past races and was stunned by her greatness. I’m sure she’ll become very comfortable in her new home. I see the retired race horses at Runnymede Farm in NH and they always look very happy. Hopefully some day I can Zenyatta her in person.
Linda Bulger
I hear you are having a parade Dec 5 …You go girl Enjoy the cheers you earned them
Tracy K
Sorry, the last sentence in the post above should read “Hopefully some day I can see Zenyatta in person.” :-)
Cathleen
Zenyatta — when will you be sharing the details of when your public can come visit you at Lane’s End? I can’t imagine Ann and Jerry would send you off some place where your fans can’t come see you. Please, do tell!
Norma
Zenyatta — the best of everything to you. You are totally amazing. You gave us all such thrills. I left KY just before your return. Now I’ll have to make a return trip one of these days. Enjoy all your friends, sunshine, relaxation, and any other good that comes you way. You deserve it all. Thanks for all the moments.
tony
Hi Zenyatta! My wife and I saw you at Churchill and have to say you are quite a gal! Thanks for the thrills you’ve given us over these past 3 years. No one will ever come close to you…that’s a fact. I just read that Dottie’s son, David, has an office at Lane’s End as does his assistant. From the sounds of things you will continue to have family surrounding you which is great for you and your many fans. Your Moss family is the best and we thank them for allowing us to share so much of your life on and off the track. We will be planning a trip back to Ky. just to see you in the near future. Be safe and stay happy, big Girl. You’ve earned your rest.
Jennifer Adelman
Zenyatta, The best to you on a deserved retirement. You are beautiful and special and you can enjoy a grassy paddock with trees and friends to love you.
You are going to be one awsome mother to a very locky baby. I am planning a spring trip from Michigan just to see the farm and hopefully you.