Hello fans,
Last year we held our first ever Zenyatta.com Celebration, and its success left us with no doubt about hosting it again. This event is about celebrating Zenyatta’s accomplishments on and off the track and this community of fans that has only grown since her retirement.
The next four days will be full of Zenyatta love! We’ve prepared a live feed of fan photos (contribute via Instagram or email), an oversized comment section for sharing and discussion, the 2014 Celebration Sticker, an auction of exclusive Zenyatta memorabilia, and our Grand Prize, An Invitation to Meet Zenyatta.
The Celebration is four days only, October 31 through Monday November 3. During this time you can bid on all of the items listed below. Don’t forget to pick up your Celebration Sticker and be automatically entered to win An Invitation to Meet Zenyatta!
All proceeds from this event will be donated to Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Inc. Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Inc. is a CA Non-Profit and a Federal 501 (c)(3) Publicly Supported Organization operated solely by volunteers. They retrain horses for second careers and do an amazing job. Read more about their work at www.tbrci.org.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the outpouring of love and support we’ve received over the last two days.
With love,
-Team Z
Grand Prize: An Invitation To Meet Zenyatta
Travel and lodging are not included and winners are solely responsible for those arrangments. Visits must take place on a weekday between January 5, 2015 and February 9, 2015 and must be scheduled with Team Z at least two weeks prior to arrival.
Those who purchase the 2014 Celebration Sticker from the Zenyatta Shop will be automatically entered to win. The Celebration Sticker will be available 12 pm PST October 31 and will remain in the store until 11:59 pm PST November 3. All proceeds from Celebration Sticker purchases will be donated to Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Inc.
The drawing will take place on Wednesday November 5th.
Please read the Invitation Rules, Terms & Conditions for complete entry details.
Celebration Auction Lot 1: Zenyatta’s Halter
The highest bidder will receive this halter along with a certificate signed by Zenyatta’s owners, Jerry and Ann Moss.
Celebration Auction Lots 2-3: Zenyatta’s Shoe
The two top bidders will each receive one of these shoes along with a certificate signed by Zenyatta’s owners, Jerry and Ann Moss.
Celebration Auction Lots 4-8: Signed Limited Edition Track Bag
The five highest bidders will each receive a bag autographed by Jerry and Ann Moss, John Shirreffs, and Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs.
Celebration Auction Lots 9-10: Signed Zenyatta Breyer
Zenyatta is Breyer model #1478 and traditional 1:9 scale.
Zenyatta.com Celebration in the Shop!
We have updated the Shop with limited edition offerings and some new products in honor of Breeders’ Cup weekend. All orders qualify for free shipping with the promo code celebrate for the duration of the Celebration! Check it out here.
Debbie S.
Dear KathyR
I am so upset to hear about Araldo too this morning,may he and Admire Rakti rest in peace. There are no words.
Happy to hear General is doing well and hope his bloodwork comes back looking good.
Little Thurzel is doing so many firsts,happy she has a good life with you and she is coming along beautifully.Here we are putting rain sheets on,it makes me remember our opposite seasons to hear of fly masks. It is getting cold here!
Big hugs to you all,Debbie
Abigail_1849
Good morning my precious Z family.
I debated writing about our Princess, but in the end I decided to try to bring some comfort to Team Z and her extended family, just as they comforted me when my friend Marjorie died:
http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2014/11/04/z-princess-in-the-arms-of-a-miracle/
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
This is beautiful Abigail – thank you. The reality is slowly starting to sink in. After investing not only a great deal of money but also time, effort, and energy in preparing to attend the BC – not only for myself but also for others in my group – I could cope only by moving this tragedy to the back of my brain for the past several days. Now that everything is over, and I am home where everything is the same – but NOT the same – the sadness is starting to creep in. Thank you for giving me a place to start.
Abigail_1849
Sandy: I’m so pleased to bring some comfort. I’m still grieving too. I totally understand. Love & hugs, Abigail
Kathy
Thank you so much, Abigail. That is a wonderful way for us to look at things, to try to wrap our minds around this tragedy.
Abigail_1849
Kathy: I think it is certainly one way to understand the losses we bear through our lives. Not to rationalize grief, or stop the mourning process. More as a reminder that to a large extent every life has a purpose and its own eternity.
Kathy
Agreed, Abigail. Still hurting like crazy. I’ll never forget Z Princess with her gorgeous curly mane and those beautiful long eyelashes. Such a girly girl. Your words did bring comfort, and I thank you for that.
Hugs, Kathy
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
So very thoughtful of you. This is indeed encouraging words. I agree, we all have our personal grieving process and we should respect this.
Every time I see a picture of z princess it still breaks my heart, but then I realize those that cared for zprincess and dear Ann & Jerry are grieving even more.
Sally B
Abigail_1849
Sally B: Yes….I think about Ann & Jerry, and Dottie & John, and the others on Team Z and at LE a lot. I feel for them so much. This is just so painful.
carol in arkansas
Abigail…epic….just epic
Abigail_1849
Thank you, Carol. I am very touched by your response.
Max
Beautiful photos of Z Princess.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
My Dear Abigail and Z Fans:
What a beautiful tribute to our Curly Mane. Will never forget her. Like all of you, still crying and finding it so hard to accept she’s gone. Love and Hugs, JB
Abigail_1849
Judy: I know. I wake up every morning wanting to turn back the clock, but as you and others here know, that,s part of the process.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks so much, Abigail. I was thinking about her again today, while back at work, with no one nearby to commiserate about it. That was maybe the best thing for me about being at the BC this past weekend — all of us being able to talk about this loss together, and not be just alone with it. And we were all so glad she has a name all her own, forever. This little filly, Z Princess.
Abigail_1849
Vicki B: Thank you. I’m pleased the article may have brought you some comfort.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Abigail,
Thank you so much for this post. You write beautifully and this is no exception. This is indeed comforting and does much to soothe the hurt.
Hugs and Love
Abigail_1849
Marshall: Thank you so much. I debated long & hard about writing anything at all. Sometimes silence is more respectful. But I needed to write something about her…to fix her among the stars that have shone so brightly in my life. I’m glad the article brought you some comfort.
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Beautiful writing and thoughts, Abigail…..Z Princess will always be in our minds and hearts and even though time will help lessen the pain of her loss, it will do nothing to diminish our memory of her. Forever in our hearts. Loved the photos over the weekend of Zenny’s statue and all our flowers there to show our love and express our sadness at a life ended too soon. Every photo represented thousands of hearts touched by this precious angel. Continued sympathy to Ann and Jerry and all at Lane’s End whose hearts were broken over this loss.
tony
I know all of us who read here were shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of Z Princess.. My faith tells me that our almighty God gives life and takes life at his time for his purpose. He is the creator of all beings including our beloved animals who become permanently attached to our hearts. I think many of us believe Zenny has lived a charmed life and in many ways…and we are right in that thinking. However, there is a plan far greater than ours at work and though it troubles us to think such a life of promise was taken so suddenly, Z Princess was deeply loved and continues her mother’s legacy of keeping a family of fans linked as a loving community.
Janet Newman
RIP Admire Rakti and Araido
Abigail_1849
Terrible, terrible news.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Just had the list of stud fees from Coolmore Australia is 50,000 euros and No Nay Never is 20,000,I am surprised Dylan Thomas is only 5,000!Galileo is,of course,private some say around 300,000.We shall have to pool our resources!!!!Free the Moose.Sheena.
Max
Sheena. Great news at last. The Tullow Tank has won his return to racing in the Fairyhouse Beginners Chase. Very happy for this horse.
No Nay Never has retired?
Moosie, get those hooves moving.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Abigail.Wonderful tribute for our PrinZess.A few words I read somewhere once.Hugs Sheena.
One clear morn is boon enough,
for being born.
And be it 90yrs or 10
no need for me to question when.
I like my life and find it good,
And treat each hour with gratitude.
RIP PrinZess
Abigail_1849
Sheena: Thank you so much. And I do love the poem you attached. Is it Welsh?
Elizabeth in NM
Sheena,
Wonderful and wise words. I think I’ll put it on the wall in my studio next to the photo of Zenny and her Princess. Thanks so much for posting it. w love, Elizabeth
vicki
So glad CC will be back. Hope he and Shared Belief will meet up down the road. Is Cosmic One still in NY or did John move him to Cal?
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Yes, that is great news about Chromie. Just saw a photo of Coz in NY (undated), but I think he is still there.
Mary Margaret in Georgia
I truly love ZPrincess in the arms of a Miracle. Still well up with tears when I think of her. Just like Barbaro I can’t bring myself to let them be gone. It is so very hard to not think of them, like so many others that have left me. Thank God for all the Miracles He does share with us. I can never harden myself to these events. But, life goes on.
Abigail_1849
Mary Margaret: As real as is her passing, it just seems import to understand that her essence had no beginning and has no end. It doesn’t lighten my grief, but it does comfort me.
Maryp NY
Dear Abigail,
I love what you wrote. My mind can’t come to grips with essence when substance is gone. Every word about her brings tears…can’t seem to stop it. I guess it will just take a little more time.
Hugs,
Maryp
Abigail_1849
Maryp: You honour her with your tears. Let them flow. I’m still crying too.
HeidiK, Vallejo,Ca
Thank you Abigail.
The tribute to the Princess at SA was just lovely and everytime I saw a new picture of it, I would well up. I hope the Moss’ received all of the flowers and notes that were left in her memory.
Abigail_1849
HeidiK: You’re welcome. Thank goodness we have each other. Otherwise this grief would be unbearable. I’m also hoping that the Moss’ received the cards & notes that were left for them and the others in Zenyatta’s family.
Barbara Wood
Yes, Abigail, if we didn’t have each other, there would be no one to talk it out with to release some of the sorrow.
Maryp NY
You are absolutely right Abiigail and Barbara, thankfully we have each other.
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
I have been thinking of Trina; I miss her here.
hugs, Sally B
Deb E.
As we reach the eve before marking the first week after this unspeakable tragedy, I am reminded of the words of another Queen, Queen Elizabeth II ,which she said in a speech to the people of Britain and the world in the aftermath of 9/11:
“Grief is the price we pay for love.”
Elizabeth in NM
So true, Deb. Thanks for sharing.
Max
These words were written by The Queen and read on her behalf by the British Ambassador to the U.S. at a remembrance service in New York on September 21, 2001.
Debbie S.
Dear Abigail
When I opened up your beautiful Z Princess:In the Arms of a Miracle the dam broke and tears flowed. I could sense people trying to move on and so I tried,but I was really not there yet.Thank-you for giving me a place to feel my grief,to see some of my favourite photos of her and to just be with it. I feel so deeply for Ann and Jerry,Team Z and Lane’s End, we never met this little miracle in person but really,we spent time with her by the grace of all these wonderful people in her life and we fell in love with her too. While I cannot compare my grief to those closest to her,it is very real. Your words are a comfort to me and I am sure they will be to all those who knew and loved her.I do feel her presence,it was huge while she was on earth and it is huge as she continues on her journey.Slowly I will look back over the blogs,rejoice in her spirit and know that the miracle of who she was continues. Always remembered,always loved. Hugs,Debbie
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Debbie S. I love your words too! They are like I feel.
hugs, Sally B
Max
Debbie S. We may be talking about other horses, but Z Princess is still on my mind. I don’t think that any of us will ever move on where she is concerned. She will always be a part of Zenyatta and her story.
pamhomeier
Agree with you, Max. Life goes on but the slightest thing starts the tears. Afraid healing will take a long time. Will never forget ZPrincess.
Abigail_1849
Debbie: Such a courageous message to write, but please know that I share your feelings completely. A wise friend of mine once said: “We mourn forever for those we love.” And I know I will, as will everyone who comes here and is part of Zenny’s extended family. But even through our tears, it’s important to hold her memory alive within us. I send you hugs and love. And thank you.
Celeste_in_TX
Bravo. Thank you for saying so well what is in my mind and in my heart. Your words resonate where I cannot express myself that well. Thank you.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.I knew you’d be excited about the Tullow Tank,he’s with Dessie Hughes now our champion jockey Richard’s dad.He’s in the betting for the RSA.I see Annie Power’s name in the same race I thought she was going to continue hurdling.I was surprised to see No Nay Never on the list too must have retired after the Breeders Cup.
They are naming a bar after Quevega in the new £45 million development at Cheltenham,think it will be opened at the Paddy Power meeting.The Moose must be freed!Sheena.
Max
Sheena. Reports say that Richard was at the race. He said that the Tank was well behaved. Others said that he oozed class. Music to my ears. Love that tiny horse.
Just saw a rare photo of Moore without his jockey helmet. Is he a chestnut?
Moosie, you must go free.
Debbie S.
Dear Sally B.
Abigail has a beautiful way with words and her writing is a gift to us all.
Big hugs,Debbie
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Tomorrow is our big day learning who all won the chance to see Zenyatta!! I believe I read things correctly. I am used to the cold, even work in it at times, so I will go in any ones place if they win and they can’t go! ha, ha Bids too!!
If I win; You’ll hear my voice across the states!! If not I will still have a dream and I will be happy for the zsters that win because they love Zenyatta.
Thank you Team Z for a great Celebration of Zenyatta!! I hope the TRC will greatly benefit from these four days of celebration.
Sally B
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Goodnight Mama Z and sweet dreams!
love n kisses to you and to your young,
missing you beautiful zprincess,
Auntie Sally B
Debbie S.
Dear Sheena
I loved your poem,every life has it’s time and it’s purpose.
Each day ,each minute is so precious and to feel gratitude is to honour those we love.
Thank-you Sheena. Hugs,Debbie
Debbie S.
Dear Sally B.
I bought a sticker and have my fingers crossed.
If we are allowed to take another with us,will ask you along.
Well,I can dream.Glad the earnings from the Zenyatta Celebration are going to such a good cause.Zenny is all about love.
Goodnight,Debbie
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Yes, the Moore boys are both chestnuts.I found it strange to see him with a smile.He reminds me a lot of Lester Piggott so serious!He did thank Michelle and the children for putting up with his absences.I remember he turned up at Cheltenham back in march to see Jamie win the Champion Chase on SDG,he looked just as miserable there.Now Jamie is totally different ,very popular in the weighing room.Won’t be long before we see SS racing again!Very nervous.Remember how Moosie behaved in the Tingle Creek last year.Free our boy!Sheena.
Max
Sheena. Oh yes, Tingle Creek, I remember it well. There are few like our Moosie.
All of this time I had no idea that Moore is a ginger, as the Moose would say. He has done very well this year. Also remember him attending the race when his brother won with SDG. Jamie kissed SDG after the race. Such a difference to the short guy.
I hear that the beak may be getting new management.
Moose, file your papers.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max. Lots of comments about the new chief exec Nick Rust!!He used to work with Ladbrokes!Not a very good choice according to some.Have pity on the Moose please!They should enter him in one of Annie’s races he may run after her!!Sheena.
Max
Sheena. Read some of the racing fan remarks about Rust in the RP. They don’t pull any punches. Hope that he has a more conciliatory attitude to the Moose as the betting issue was a main factor in the beak decision to sideline our chestnut hero.
Brilliant idea about Annie. They should however have her stand in all of her 17.2 chestnut glory at the finish line. Once alerted to her presence there our Moosie might set a course record to get to see her. He’s already been pining for 6 months and she has yet to turn up at Nigel’s barn.
Moose, let’s roll.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.By talking about other horses we are remembering Z PrinZess.She will always remain in our hearts and thoughts.Annie’s a big girl I hope the Moose can cope!!Free him soon!Sheena.
Max
Sheena. If I were the Moose, I’d be stunned by her pedigree alone. Her dad won the Breeders Cup Turf in 2005 and she has The Minstrel and Sadler’s Wells in her bloodlines. Then there is her race record. Moosie however is taken by her looks. She’s quite beautiful with her height, her chestnut coat and her white blaze.
Moose, you’ve got good taste.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Dubai, Boo and all the Sweeties
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:
Goodnight. Stay comfy and cozy. Safe and sound always. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, will always love you.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Little Cap Dubai Hercules Frank Boo and all the Sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Janet Newman
Dear Abigail,
I did not get to read your article this morning, but I sat and di it now. Beautiful and simply put.
Still sit here numb and trying to think it is just a bad dream, but it isn’t. We were so lucky that Jerry and Ann Moss so generously shared her brief life with us. As hard as it is on us, I cannot imagine what they are feeling.
When I start feeling myself getting down, I just remind myself we have so many more wonderful moments courtesy of the Moss’s with Z, Coz and Ziconic to come.
I know Tasty Temptation is watching over Z Princess in the heavens, just like she was by Zennyatta’s side during that first year together during their pregnancies. And the Princess, well she has Tasty’s babies to play with ( her colt she lost in 2013 shortly after birth and the Union Rags foal she was carrying at the time of her death.)
I hope when there is a gentle breeze that Zenny feels caressing her face that it is Tasty and Z Princess passing by to say Hi.
Abigail_1849
Janet: How beautifully said. Yes…there are many there to play with The Princess, including Life Is Sweet’s first born, who died while training. Lots of two-footed critters too: Bobby Frankel, our sweet Kari. May the breezes touching Zenny be kisses from The Princess. Absolutely.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Janet and Abigail:
Wonderful comforting posts. Thank you. Love and Hugs, JB
Abigail_1849
Judy: Sending you love & hugs right back!
Bluegrass Girl
Lane’s End Announces 2015 Stud Fees
By Blood-Horse Staff November 4, 2014
Lane’s End announced the 2015 stud fees for its 15-horse stallion roster Nov. 4. Two-time leading sire Smart Strike headlines the group at $100,000, unchanged from 2014.
Incoming stallion Noble Mission, a full brother to Frankel, will stand his first season for $25,000. The son of Galileo won group I races in England, Ireland, and France this season and is a leading contender for Europe’s Cartier Award for champion older horse.
Five stallion stallions will see their fees increased for next season.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/88580/lanes-end-announces-2015-stud-fees
KathyR
Little Thurzel update.
Firstly, after reading that lovely piece provided by Abigail, had a long think and realised she’s right: the miracle that is life. And the miracle of owning my little girl is what I like to think of as a perfect way to always remember that gorgeous curly-maned other little girl.
The problem at the moment is the fly veil: success today, in that she took a Judy muffin from the log, right next to the strange and spooky fly veil, so think it’s back to the slow, gentle, patient approach and the trust will come. Hugs KathyR
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R:
Exactly, through loving and caring for Tiny T you can honor the memory of our Z Princess. We’ll never forget her. Every time we bond with one of them or help rescue one in need, we’ll be remembering our little Curley Mane. Love and Hugs, JB
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Kathy R and Judy B; You both shared beautiful thoughts for remembering our sweet z princess. love n hugs, Sally B
Debbie S.
Dear Z family
Well,I thought I would have one last look before I take Tully for our walk before bed and I missed some touching posts and here I am crying again.
Dear Max, I know.I loved your words, that Z Princess will “always be a part of Zenny’s story” and we will always miss her,so true.
Dear Abigail,I will always “hold her memory within me” and I thank- you for the hugs,love, and beautiful words.
Dear Janet
I have been thinking about Tasty a lot too and tried to remember about her colt and her story.I loved the image of a gentle breeze caressing Zenyatta’s face and it being Tasty and Z Princess saying Hi.Love to imagine our little Curly Mane and Tasty’s foals playing and running together. As Max said,Tasty never let Zenyatta down and she is there for her always.Tasty we will always love you too.
My Ash was so happy to get his blanket off this morning with some welcome sun after wind and rain yesterday.He loved his walk and grass as usual.Each time I see him I am so grateful.
Goonight all,Love Debbie
Debbie S.
ps put a d in the goodnight please,no goons,Hallowe’en is over.
Kathy
November 5 Cherokee Devotional
If we ignore the beautiful and look on down the road for some future time of happiness, chances are it won’t be any different. Perfect times are brief intervals between the ordinary. They create an illusion that life should be lived on some mountain top ecstacy. But we are not made to be out of this world. Our minds and bodies couldn’t take it. To the Cherokee, an afternoon of fishing on a quiet, smooth running stream is a mountaintop experience. It is all to do with what we feel a need for-what means satisfaction and feeling well. The high and the low are connected. Most of the time we live in between-but that middle ground can be as rewarding as the highest plane.
The trees, the animals, are all where He has stopped, and the Indian thinks of these places and sends his prayers there to reach the place where Gad has stopped and win help and a blessing.
Old Dakota Wiseman