Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Foal Watch, Just Around the Corner

Zenyatta. Photo by Alys Emson.
Zenyatta. Photo by Alys Emson.

Happy Wednesday,

We just love these photos that Alys took during a recent sunrise visit with Zenyatta. We’ll be on our way to Lane’s End next week for foal watch, and we’ll have lots of photos and updates to share during our stay. As always, we’re @teamzenyatta on Instagram and Twitter.

Enjoy!
Team Z

Photo by Alys Emson
Photo by Alys Emson


Photo by Alys Emson
Photo by Alys Emson


Photo by Alys Emson
Photo by Alys Emson

Reader Interactions

313 Comments

    • / Reply

      Marshall,
      Right there with you in the love of Smarty. Glad he is back in Kentucky and hope he has some nice dates with the ladies of the bluegrass.

      That dratted Belmont broke my heart!

      • / Reply

        that broke my heart too. i was so hoping servis would win the TC. i usedto work for him. he was my fave trainer to work for.

        • Dear Shirlee and Vamp Sue,
          That Belmont broke my heart, too. Smarty was SO close to the finish; I was very sad. However, he is living a good life now and is healthy. Bless him! ❤️

          Sue, I didn’t realize that you worked with John Servis. Happy to know that he was your favorite to work for. ?? Hope you get your meds sorted out and feel better soon.

          Hugs and Love

  2. / Reply

    Hello to Zenny and to all Zsters!!!
    Here’s to another Fabulous Friday!!!! I hope everyone is doing well and had a great week. Zenny I bet you cannot wait to drop your foal. You must be very uncomfortable at this stage of things. We are definitely getting very excited to receive the news. I wish you a very smooth delivery.

    As for me, my wrists are coming along with the PT visits. I cannot wait for my left hand to be back to normal.

    This weekend is the Rebel Stakes race. It seems the one to watch for is Cupid. I wish all the horses a really great race.

    Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

    Take care.

    Linda

    • / Reply

      Dear Linda,
      Glad to hear that you are making good progress towards recovery. PT really helps a lot!
      Take care and enjoy the Rebel Stakes. Like the name Cupid. Safe racing to all and
      Godspeed! ?

      Hugs and Love

  3. / Reply

    Linda,
    Hard to resist a Tapit with the name of Cupid. But, I am pulling for Suddenbreakingnews because of his dam sire, Afleet Alex.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      Speaking of Afleet Alex, Texas Red had a 6F work from the gate at Santa Anita on March 12th. 1:15 4/4 Handily. Maybe he’ll be going soon. Godspeed beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy,
        I have been following Red since he won the BC in 2015. Have my Texas Red shirt all clean and hanging in the closet waiting for his next race. Hope he does Alex proud. Have been trying to find out what happened to Materiality, another Afleet Alex son, who was retired because of injury last fall. He is not listed as a stud anywhere and can find nothing about him. I emailed Alto Racing, his owners, but received no reply. I fear something bad has happened to him.

        Safe trip to all the horses this weekend.

        • Dear Shirlee:

          I like Materiality too. I had no reply from stable, Team D, when I contacted them to inquire about Big Trouble. Do you remember him? I can’t find anything on him either. They’re both four years old, born in 2012 like COZ. So sad when you can’t find any news on them. Pray they are both enjoying life somewhere with caring owners. Love and Hugs, JB

        • I remember Big Trouble. He was a stablemate of the Beast. He was doing very well until he was injured. You never know. Could be a comeback in the future. Keep hoping.

        • Dear Max:

          Yes, that’s right, he was a stablemate of Beastie. I hope he does come back, but it’s been well over a year now since I emailed Team D with no reply. We’ll keep hoping he’s OK. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Hi Folks:
      I just read your posts on Materiality and Big Trouble. Has anyone tried calling the barn directly, and speaking with the trainer? I hope they’re ok!

      -Linda

  5. / Reply

    Happy Friday to everyone.

    Dear Zenyatta I am thinking of you and checking in several times a day to see if there is any news even though I know it is a bit early. The anticipation is part of the fun. Z you are my angel and I love you forever.

    Have a great weekend everyone.

  6. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Goodnight. Hope all were safe at the races today. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  7. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:

    Goodnight. Hope you’re staying comfy Z. Happy Dreams and Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

  8. / Reply

    On this day(19th) a star was born in France.He was to shine brightly for 8 long seasons with Paul Nicholls at Ditcheat winning 16 grade 1 races including 2 Cheltenham Gold Cups,4 Betfair chases and a record 5 King GeorgeVI chases.The most successful chaser of the modern era he retired with prize money of nearly £4,000,000,We knew him as Kauto and today he would be 16yrs old.We have lost 7 wonderful horses at Cheltenham this week and I am extremely sad for them but Kauto’s death affected me like no other.He was retired and should have been safe but as we all know life is fragile so we are left with the treasured memories of a wonderful racehorse.That is how he will always be remembered as a star.Loving you always my sweetheart.SheenaX
    You will be free of aging pain and free of lingering doubt.If greatness is measured,not by one’s worth or objects but by the number of lives they affected then you were great.YOU ARE GREAT.Ever near and ever dear.RIP

    • / Reply

      Rest in Peace lovely seven beauties who were lost to the Cheltenham races this week — gone way too soon. Run free with the angels.

      Rest in Peace wonderful Kauto Star. Your retirement was much too short, but your star will shine brightly forever.

    • / Reply

      It is still hard to believe that Kauto is gone. It remains a mystery how he passed. He is a super horse. Everyone who knew about him loved him. He had a larger than life charismatic personality, which extended far beyond racing in the UK. His last King George is unforgettable.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Know how much you loved Kauto. This is such a tragedy. Praying for you and for all of the people that loved him so much. with love, Elizabeth

  9. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Hopefully all will be safe this weekend,The Midlands grand National is on.There was a lighter moment at the festival a streaker took to the course!A man from Coventry You would think at 57 he’d have known better.Buddy a dog who had surgery after being thrown out of a moving car has got a new home.You would never recognise him now.Wishing Charlie a very Happy Birthday.More cake!Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties/Lov and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, hope they all came home safe and sound today. My gosh, a 57 year old streaker! God Bless Buddy; hope he has a long and happy life.
      Yes, Charlie had a very happy birthday today and enjoyed his cake very much. Thank you for your birthday wishes for him. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy B.,
        Happy Birthday to Charlie! Glad that he enjoyed his cake, and I am sure he loved seeing you, too.
        Have a nice Sunday.

        Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      Happy Birthday to Charlie! Almost missed Sheena’s post. So much has been happening in our family the past few weeks. Can’t seem to catch up. Only have a few snippets of time to check Zenny’s website. Hope you have a wonderful evening. with love, Elizabeth

      • / Reply

        Dear Elizabeth, Marshall, Sally, Peggy, Ingrid and Z Fans:

        I try not to use Z’s Blog often for my own videos, but I think you might enjoy seeing Charlie and Hudson eating their Birthday cakes. The difference in their personalities really shows. Love them both, but Charlie is my Heart Horse. Love and Hugs, JB

        https://vimeo.com/159453445 Hudson 3/17/16

        https://vimeo.com/159636370 Charlie 3/19/16

        • Two happy horse videos to brighten the day. Charlie’s coat is a beautiful color. Any news of Frank?

        • Dear Judy, Loved the birthday celebration for them! Thanks so much for posting. Can always use all the joyful moments that come our way. Love when you post pics! Hope you have a wonderful Sunday. with love, Elizabeth PS got to run and feed all the critters here

        • Judy,
          We love to see what is happening with Charlie and Hudson. Two happy well loved horses. Bless you and all their caretakers. Also, gotta say that Charlie has stolen my heart too.

          My next step in finding out about Materiality is to write a letter to the owners. Old fashion snail mail. I did that with Far From Over. Freely called the name of Zenyatta and all on her blog. They did not answer me but put a post on his FB about where he was and how he was doing.

        • Dear Max:

          Frank is doing just fine and enjoying his jelly doughnut munchkins and other treats.

          Yes, I love Charlie’s beautiful color Chestnut coat too. Angela had groomed him earlier for his birthday. Don’t get to see how beautiful his coat is because he’s usually covered with mud and dirt from rolling and running in the paddock. He’s still enjoying his favorite pastime; restyling the other horses’ tails. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Shirlee:

          That’s a good idea. Hope you get a reply. Glad to know Far From Over is OK.

          Yes, Charlie is a “Charmer”. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Elizabeth:

          Glad you enjoyed the videos of Hudson and Charlie. Would love to see some of your photos of the Wild Ones. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy B.,

          Loved these videos! Hudson is such a pretty girl, and Charlie is simply too devilishly cute (&handsome, of course)! Wishing them many more exceedingly happy birthdays to come.
          I also watched the video of Hudson over jumps in the outdoor ring, and then I saw the very entertaining Miss Lola Mae in her beautiful Christmas vest with the candy canes and bones print (complete with fleecy trim). She was in the starring role of “raccoon shimmy-shake and retrieve”! Lola playing with her little plush raccoon really brightened this dreary gray day and what a lovely outfit, too.

          Thanks for posting these!
          Hugs and Love

        • Dear Marshall:

          So glad you enjoyed the videos. Lola loves to play fetch. Love and Hugs to You, Bailey and Smudgie. JB and LM

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Just caught your note about Charlie. So glad Buddy has found a loving home. Never will understand how people could even imagine doing that to Buddy. Will keep Buddy in my prayers tonight. Hope you have a blessed night too. with love, Elizabeth

  10. / Reply

    Happy Friday to Team Z and all the Zsters! These are such beautiful pictures. Alys does such a great job. Zenny’s belly is huge! I’m checking in every day to see if there’s any news. Pacing, pacing…

    To all the basketball fans out there, I hope you’re enjoying March Madness. It’s been an exciting two days so far with several upsets. My Wildcats play Indiana tomorrow and the girls start their tournament tomorrow too. Good luck to everyone! (Unless you’re playing Kentucky, LOL!)

  11. / Reply

    Bonjour Zenyatta,

    You are absolutely gorgeous. I am eager to see your new little
    one. Hope it is a girl.

    Love to you.

    Lise from Maine

  12. / Reply

    My sweet Zenyatta; Just checking in! I am thinking of you all the time and I pray for you for an easy delivery and both you and baby are very healthy. That is all I wish for. Sure I’d love to see a filly but it does not matter; you and baby only matter.
    Rest for your big day with peaceful dreams
    love you with kisses and your sons
    loving z princess and dear Sir
    Auntie Sally B

  13. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta: I am praying that you have an easy tine of it…and am hoping for a girl…a mother like you needs a daughter to follow in your hoof prints. I really only am praying for the health of both of you. I can only add that you gave me such pleasure seeing you race. Long live the Queen.

  14. / Reply

    March 19 Cherokee Devotional

    If we are not striving for any kind of perfection, how can we expect it to come on us? Why should we receive what we do not prepare ourselves to receive What blocks us from striving for perfection and preparing to receive what is good for us?
    Anxious thought and behavior stand in the way of any progress. But how do we deal with our anxiety? Though dealing with anxiety may not be easy, the first step for dealing with it is quite simple: be quiet. Quieting the self will help still the anxiety. Back away from fears of any kind, and reach for the quiet truth that is always behind our fears. Allow yourself to be pleased, to genuinely appreciate the good moments of life, no matter how short. Cooperate and work kindly with others, because doing so opens the door to the beautiful.

    The sun and moon look at us, and the ground gives us food.
    -Chief Blackfoot, Crow

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy,
      Such a wonderful devotional. Loved the ‘quieting’ advice and also ‘allowing’ ourselves to be pleased and appreciate ‘moments’ of goodness. These came to me later in life, so I still am learning this wisdom. You are so right – fear blocks truth. I never really put that together. Kindness is what I always have longed to share and receive, as most or all of us here always want to reflect. Thank you again for words of wisdom and incite. with love, Elizabeth

  15. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Happy Saturday! I’m working today. Hope all is well with you. The FB furbabies I’ve visited are fine. The ratties got to go to Paris! Have a great day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  16. / Reply

    Sweet Zenny,
    I know you are trying to wait for your team to arrive, but a Palm Sunday baby would be great. Can’t wait to see pictures of Ann with her new grandbaby.

  17. / Reply

    There is something about you Zenyatta that always makes my heart sing! Can’t wait to see your new foal. All the best to you and those who love you.

  18. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Enjoy your day at work!I heard the ratties took too much trabel juice and ended up in Chicago!Mullins has tweeted about the horses he lost Pont Alexandre and Long Dog but he is thinking of running Don Poli in the Grand National.Ali is having kittens!Annie Power and Vautour are parading tomorrow at the Curragh.Have a wonderful weekend.Love and hugs to you.Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

    • / Reply

      The U.K. RSPCA is launching an much needed inquiry into the deaths of the 7 horses at Cheltenham. Hopefully some good will come of this work to make it safer for these beauties. Mullins has lost two wonderful racers. I am happy that Sprinter Sacre came home safely. The win is a bonus.

      • / Reply

        RIP. All of them are brave champions. I understand the inherent risks with the steeplechasers, but for the life of me……..

        • The stats of death in jump races makes the Moose’s refusal to race very understandable. I admire that horse. Big D would probably do the same.

        • Dear Sheena, Max, Ann and Z Fans:

          Yes, there is always risk when our beloved horses set foot on the track, but I agree, this many fatalities need to be investigated. So very sad. Love and Hugs, JB

  19. / Reply

    Hi Zenny… hope you are fine on this Scintillating Saturday–one day after Fabulous Friday, lol. These photos of you are just wonderful, capturing your spirit, as always. A week ago today we were at the Big ‘Cap where I made a bet on Melatonin. Just sayin’….:-) And get this, Zenny, racing fans are everywhere: we had a fridge repair guy come out and he–Martin–remembered us from a few years ago–knew we were into racing, as is he. The first thing he asked me (after looking inside the freezer) was who did I like for the Derby. So I just plopped myself in a chair and we had a great discussion for the next half hour. :-) :-) (Almost forgot I had to write a check!)

    Soon there will be a new foal…..we’ll be watching and waiting…..take care of yourself, Ms. Z., our Queen!

  20. / Reply

    hi Zsters :)

    todays devo :

    When You Don’t Know What to Say or Do
    by Melody @ DaySpring

    Therefore encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

    Look after orphans and widows in their distress. James 1:27

    I was 26 the year my husband was diagnosed with incurable cancer. We were shocked, terrified, and far from most of our family and friends. Immediately, while it seemed everyone wanted to help, it became obvious that many felt powerless to do so. Some showed up regularly and insisted on helping with this or that; others simply faded from involvement in our lives. We regularly heard “let us know if we can do anything” or “call me if I can help.” It was always appreciated, of course, although in my heart I knew I would never pick up the phone and actually ask for help. In the chaos of those days, I wouldn’t have known what to ask anyway.

    When someone we care about goes through a tough time – a serious illness, relationship difficulties, loss of a job, divorce, the death of a loved one – it’s normal to feel some awkwardness, discomfort and apprehension. We often think: What can I do? What should I say? What if I just make things worse? Maybe I should just stay away… Haven’t we all felt that sense of powerless, being at a loss for words or actions when someone we love is in pain? Sometimes, unfortunately, for lack of better options, we opt to do nothing.

    So how do we change that? Consider these handful of ideas, each based on actions taken by a handful of my personal heroes who braved fear and awkwardness and boldly encouraged me in my worst days.

    What to say or do when you don’t know what to say or do:

    Show empathy, and do it simply. A hug and a simple “I’m so sorry,” or “Praying for you and love you!” made a real difference for me. Don’t compare to others’ struggles or minimize their pain. (Avoid: “It could be worse… time heals all wounds… it’s all part of a bigger plan so don’t worry…you wouldn’t believe what happened to… it’s not that bad…” or anything else that suggests that what they’re feeling is wrong. It’s OK to grieve.)

    Offer specific help, and let them say yes or no. Instead of a general let-me-know-if-I-can-help offer, be specific. It can be as simple as making a few phone calls on her behalf or running an errand or two. Why not offer to keep the kids for a few hours while she rests? Go by and fold some laundry for her. Walk the dog. Bring over a hot meal for the family or some easy-to-microwave frozen meals for later. (Whatever you offer, be OK with her answer. If she declines your help, that’s OK. Let the decision be hers.)

    Support; don’t fix. A phone call, text message, a simple note or card with a few encouraging words can mean so much. It can completely turn a dark day around, in fact. (“Thinking of you and praying for you!” are often enough.) Resist the urge to “fix” the situation for them (e.g. “You know what you need to do is…”); let God handle the “fixing” part.

    Be present and willing to listen. Just be there. Wow, doesn’t that sound simple? Let them know you’re around and you’re still part of their life. Above all, listen. If they want to talk about it, listen and hear what they say. If they want to be silent, be willing to stay with them in the quiet. Still don’t fix! Be willing to say, “This stinks, and I’m so sorry you’re going through it,” and stop there.

    We all endure hard times; it’s a fact. And we’ll all witness suffering by those we care about. Christ himself told us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b) He is our greatest comfort during times of struggle, and He equips us to help others in their sorrow as well.

    So, let’s commit to help and encourage those who are struggling! The impact of the encouragers who lifted me during my tough times had a true and lasting effect on me. I may still remember the sting of those tough times many years ago, but the pain is diminished by the memory of those who encouraged me.

    That’s the most amazing thing about bravely encouraging those around us – the lasting effect of doing so. Encouragement is truly contagious, often leading the one being encouraged to share it with others again and again.

    hugz/prayerz, vamp

    take care of urself Z. luv ya beautiful girl <3

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,
      Such a true message today. The passing of time eases some of the deep hurts in our lives, but it sometimes takes a long while to find ‘joy’ again. I’m so sorry about your husband and you having to go through such pain and especially at such a young age. We had a minister one time who always said “God is good . . . . all the time”. Of course he explained what he meant, which basically is that no matter ‘what’, God is here with us and brings us through ‘all times – bad and good’ in our lives. Sometimes in the pain, we don’t always ‘see’ it, but if we persist in staying in our relationship with Him,
      we’ll come through, and often it’s only looking ‘back’ that we realize He was there and is there all the time… with us. with Lv, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue, I really appreciate you sharing your insights. I will have to remember some of your suggestions.
      A neighbor down the way was with stage four pancreatic cancer. I had walked periodically with his wife. I had no words except to say I was sorry to hear of this. Then I thought of the beautiful simple carved angel my sister had given me when I had an accident that her hubby had made. I have it with me always. So I asked if I could purchase one from him if he had any extra, and I gave it to Bill telling him this was his guardian angel. He fought and went through unbelievable treatments and then, things looked up for him. He still says four years later that he keeps that angel by his beside.
      Recently he said to me ‘do you need the angel back?”. I replied, no, that angel was meant for you! It had worked once before and I believed in all my heart that it would for him.
      hugs, Sally B

  21. / Reply

    Dear Zenny,
    Might have to get new ‘pacing shoes’ soon. Praying for your new baby – colt or filly to come soon. . . . today would be good – know you must think so too. Love you so much,
    Elizabeth PS praying for Team Z also – know you all must be pacing too. Love to you all and Zenny’s pacing fan family too. Can’t wait to start thinking of Z baby names!

    • / Reply

      Dear Beautiful Mama Z:

      Rest and enjoy being pampered with lots of treats. Happy Dreams all and Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love You. Hugs, JB

      Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

    • / Reply

      Oh no, how sad. Yet another tragedy and only 5 years old.
      RIP Demonica. You left us suddenly and much too soon.

      Hugs and Love

  25. / Reply

    Zenyatta, I can not express how I feel right now with you expecting your baby any day!
    It is excitement, but I always worry about you and your loved ones and now a new baby.
    Pace, pace and prayers for you and baby.
    love you with kisses and to your sons
    loving zprincess and dear Sir
    Auntie Sally B

  26. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Don Cossack has arrived home to a hero’s welcome at his home town Sunnyhill County Meath.He’s doing very well enjoying the attention but Trainer Gordon Elliott is in a daze.2 jockeys got injured today Tom Garner and Tom Scudamore one has chest injuries and Garner a suspected broken ankle.So happy Charlie enjoyed his birthday.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Congrats to Don. Healing prayers for Jockeys Garner and Scudamore. Yes, Charlie liked his cake. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  27. / Reply

    Queen Z, You’ll never know how your very existence has big a balm to my soul. I love you to the moon and back! Best wishes on an easy delivery and a beautiful new foal! ♥

    • / Reply

      That is a great post from you on the Forum. I hope that you will continue to post updates. I would like to hear more over time about Sugar and his character. Best wishes to you and him. Glad to hear that he’s the leader of the herd.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      Thanks for posting this replay. Cupid was impressive from start to finish. Nice runs by Whitmore and Creator too. On a lark, I was rooting for American Dubai, as he shares the same Sire as my Dubai. He was out there at the start and then stopped. Hope he’s OK.

      I think you may be right; it’s the year of the Tapits for the Derby. All four of his boys in this race are beautiful Grays. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Max,
          Thanks for the link to the Rebel Stakes. Cupid sure hung in there and kicked back to maintain his lead. That was quite a “rubbernecking” move he did in checking out the other horse or the stands, but Martin brought him to re-focus on the win. Great year for grey horses, Tapit offspring in particular.

          Hugs and Love

        • Dear Max and Marshall:

          Yes, Mohaymen is a beautiful Gray Tapit too. ZI is just gorgeous.

          Do you remember Tiznoble, he’s a three year old; another beautiful Gray by Tiznow out of a Tapit daughter, Tamboz. He hasn’t worked since 1/24/16 after he was scratched from the LeComte Stakes on January 16th. I’m thinking something is wrong. Can’t find any info on him. Will keep looking. Love and Hugs JB

  30. / Reply

    March 20 Cherokee Devotional

    Down at the edge of the lake, lapping rolls the clay until it becomes little round balls of stone. Nature does many wondrous things-so many that we begin to ask if this is nature alone at work or is it divinely directed? Questions flood our minds. What makes the deer so lovely and so sensitive to sound? What causes the owl to call at night? Where is the panther that left its huge paw prints on the side of the pond?
    We may not receive answers to all our questions, but our wonder-and our wondering-is a gift in itself. The Divine works through nature to remind us that simple remedies will help with our deepest needs: rest, peace of mind, good nutrition, long walks, prayer and forgiving, spells of solitude, and something to love. Keeping it simple is the difficult part, but nature is there to remind us that simplicity and the divine go together.

    Now I can eat well, sleep well, and be glad.
    -Geronimo, Apache

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