Dear fans,
As we make our way to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, we’re remembering Zenyatta’s incredible career and the memories that were made. Here’s a look back at some of these moments.
Watch the ceremony live at 10:30 am ET at drf.com or racingmuseum.org.
Thank you to the fans who have been there every step of the way.
-Team Z
Bluegrass Girl
Zenyatta’s trainer glad she enters Hall with Rachel
Shirreffs says both mares should be appreciated for their careers
By Mark Singelais Times-Union August 11, 2016
Saratoga Springs
The Rachel vs. Zenyatta debate was never settled on the track. John Shirreffs, who trained Zenyatta, said he’s fine with that.
In fact, Shirreffs said it’s fitting the two great mares are going into the Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga together Friday morning after years of disagreement among media and fans about who was the better horse.
“This is the way I feel about it,” Shirreffs said. “I think it’s about time, actually. I personally think that the racing industry missed a huge opportunity when they kind of pitted Rachel against Zenyatta or Zenyatta against Rachel. I think they should have united those two fillies early on and appreciated both of them on each coast. I think it’s wonderful that they’re going in (together), because that’s how it should be.”
http://m.timesunion.com/tuplus-sports/article/Zenyatta-s-trainer-glad-she-enters-Hall-with-9137425.php?cmpid=fb-mobile
shirleeinindy
B
BGG,
John displayed the class and grace that has been with Team Z from the start. Thanks for posting.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear BGG, Shirlee and Z Fans:
JS is a very special and classy guy and a trainer who truly loves horses. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
August 13 Cherokee Devotional
When you are stressed, sit down and write yourself a letter, by hand. Then look at the words: Are they scrambled, the scribbling childlike? Are they angled up or running down the page? Steady your thoughts and very slowly begin to write again. Correct yourself as you go, no slanting back or leaning forward. There is a lot of you in that writing. If you study it you will begin to see what needs to be changed. Too many curlicues, too much abbreviation, too much scratching out? Recenter yourself to be yourself-in truth. Find that beautiful you and express the calm and energy-filled person that lies deep within you. You are you-and you are a strong foundation on which to build good things.
The life of a man is a circle from childhood to childhood, and so it is in everything where power moves.
-Black Elk, Oglala Sioux
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Happy Saturday! FB is down, so can’t check on anyone. Yesterday’s induction ceremony certainly was touching. How I miss seeing the Queen on the track, coming from behind, charging past everyone else! I get two days off in a row this week. I’m so excited! Have a wonderful day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Sadly, I don’t get to “write” a lot these days.Princess Diana always used to write personal thank you letters and it makes such a difference.A lovely day here Monty has been to visit his “mistress” this morning!What is going to happen when Blue finds the nest gone next year??It was a shame Blueberry made some errors last night I feel he has been out of the limelight too long or maybe as Hovey would put he is tired of poncing around!Lets hope he will do well in the freestyle but Carl was thrilled with all the team.Our Jazz Carlin was 2nd to the amazing Katie Ledecky last night but Phelps got beaten by a guy from Singapore.Jess Ennis-Hill is in the lead in the Heptathlon wow you would never think she had a baby with that flat tummy!The cycling was exciting too with our team breaking the world record.The Aussies made them work for it though.The conbenshun is going well Phineous gave a marvellous speech far better than I have heard from your human politicians!And the vegetable lobby ate some doughnuts and immediately converted,Mr Fibbs speech soon.A mouse called Cornelius is on twitter now he lives in no10 he says Larry is lazy and the mouse population is growing!Did you see the video about the K9 who went missing after an officer got shot.She has been found and is recovering.Gorgeous photo of the blonde misfits had to laugh at the baby’s mask.Mango got a lot of mail yesterday and gifts for Mattie.Felix is still racing she may finish by Christmas!!But she is celebrating 80,000 likes now.We have just have the all-grey race on over here.Mrs Danvers won again yesterday such a bargain buy.Hope you have a great Saturday.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO.I am not quite so stiff today!!!
Max
The “guy from Singapore” attended high school at The Bolles School in Florida, a swimming power house. Schooling is currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin where he is trained by world class swimming coaches.
sheena.davies(wales)
He’ll always be the “guy from Singapore”for me.Lol!Sheena
Max
Now you also know that he lives in Texas.
Patty
Hook em!! If the University of Texas was a country, they’d be fourth in the medal count in Rio. ???
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena,
Congratulations to Mrs. Danvers on another win!
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Yes, a bargain buy too Love and hugs Sheena.
sheena.davies(wales)
Huge congratulations to Frankie Dettori who rode his 3000th winner last night at the home of UK flat racing Newmarket and we got a flying dismount!Sheena
Judy B from Rhode Island
Congrats Frankie D. Love and Hugs, JB
Anne from Paramount CA
Celeste/Massachusetts: thanks for your reply to my question. Your seating arrangements were terrific. I can now picture where you were. :-) Hope you are still floating today. (I know I would be!) Marshall (NC Broad) : enjoyed your reply as well.
Everyone: in today’s LA Times Sports section there is a very good article on the Olympics horses, on page 11. For those who do links: sstclair@tribune.com
(Her name is Stacy St. Clair.) Hope this helps. There is a photo too at the bottom of column.
Celeste/ Massachusetts
Thanks Anne!!! I AM still floating today!!!
Max
This is your link. Very good article. Thanks for finding it.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/la-sp-oly-horses-athletes-village-20160812-snap-story.html
sheena.davies(wales)
On the 6th anniversary of his debut Frankel’s daughter Aljezeera wins at Doncaster.Owned by Al Shaqab racing she is out of a Dynaformer mare.Sheena
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
That was the tenth winner for Frankel; fabulous. What a legacy. He may break all the records for wins and earnings. Congrats to him and Aljezeera. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/frankel-hits-double-figures-at-doncaster/
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy:Thanks for the link.A nice win for Aljezeera Frankel is producing some very good fillies..Love and hugs Sheena
sheena.davies(wales)
Hurricane Fly getting plenty of attention from the roses today.The Rose of Tralee festival.He must have enjoyed himself!Sheena
http://www.facebook.com/IrishNationalStud/
Max
That crowd has to be packing peppermints. Cannot see The Fly standing still for anything less than rewards.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Ah yes, the “magic” peppermints. Fly’s on his best behavior. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
He loved the attention from the young ladies.He has mellowed in his”golden years”.Sheena
Marshall (NC Broad)
Max,
That’s what I was thinking, too!
Sheena pointed out that he has mellowed and that he is sweet on the ladies, but perhaps some peppermints were involved, too. Couldn’t hurt! ?
Hugs and Love
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Thanks for sharing. Fly is loving the attention and the treats. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Article with photo on Ziconic from Lady and the Track. Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.ladyandthetrack.com/news/16268/ziconic-eligible-move-turf-debut-del-mar.html
Max
That is a good photo. Red still has it in the charisma department.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Oh yes; runs in the family. Love and Hugs, JB
andrej
Zi heat weather this summer are not usefull for health of many horses, see on quick changes with humor, Angel Eria is 3yo filly, hope colts geldings and ridglings will give to her free way, to breeze on dry hard turf in big herd is not easy to horses :-) :-)
sheena.davies(wales)
I am shattered after the amazing semi-final between Rafael Nadal and Juan-Martin Del Potro.Del Potro won in 3 sets 5-7 6-4 7-6.Wonderful play by both men.How the umpire controlled the crowd I will never know.Del Potro will play Andy Murray in the final.Sheena
andrej
Coz and Zi walk on air with groom, have bath, eat apples pears, care of neck back legs hooves health, Curalina is right that she use more safe sloppy course ,, ,, ,, ,,
andrej
beautyfull Zenny do all quietly and not quickly, walk on air, have bath, eat apples pears, care of health, say to Vixana too :-) :-)
shirleeinindy
Over on the Forum they are saying Ziconic has been scratched from the race tomorrow.
Max
Sorry to hear this. Turf might have suited his racing style. Hope it’s all good for him.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee, Max and Z Fans:
I just checked changes for tomorrow at Del Mar and ZI has been scratched. Hope all is well with him. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
So humid and hot on the East Coast, Saratoga cancelled races after the 5th today. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Staying alive in this heat is a full time job, as is drinking water. Snow is looking not too bad right now.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
I’m with you. We have had extreme heat and humidity for the past two days. Wouldn’t mind that white stuff right now. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
I’m happy that they cancelled the races. Racing in this heat is too much for these beauties. They must be constantly hosing them down to cool them off. Storm Cat had air conditioning.
Celeste/ Massachusetts
Hi Judy, I was just checking Saratoga racing and found as you have already posted that they cancelled all remaining races due to severe thunderstorms. I was at the races on Thursday and after each race, they hosed down the horses right away when they galloped back. It has been extremely hot and humid here this past week.
Max, I agree. It is way too hot for these horses to run.
I hope all is ok with Ziconic. I wonder why he was scratched. I was looking forward to his first turf race.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Max and Celeste:
I have been concerned for the horses at Saratoga. When we have this kind of severe heat here on the East Coast, it’s usually even more severe at the Spa. It gets very hot and humid there, Celeste as you said, and the horses really feel it. I’m glad too that they cancelled the races. Thunder storms with severe lightening can pop up quickly.
Extreme heat is supposed to continue here tomorrow so we’ll have to wait and see if they race the full card. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Da Big Hoss has won the American St. Leger today at Arlington. Clondaw Warrior was a fast closing second. Mullins was concerned that CW would be adversely affected by the humidity in Chicago. Irish horses aren’t used to prolonged high heat levels. He ran well however. Mike Smith’s horse, Montclair, was fourth to the chestnut club Hoss.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/AP/2016/8/13/6/american-st-leger-s-gr-iiit
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Nice win by Da Big Hoss. CW was impressive too, as were Mikey and Montclair. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.I am glad Clondaw Warrior survived the humidity and ran well.Not the kind of weather for an Irish horse bless him.Sheena
Max
Agree. I thought that he was great in that race. Travelled far and endured the humidity. He’s a super horse to run like that at 9. Mullins says that he’s in the best shape of his life. Might go back to the jumps. Bravo CW!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Big Congratulations to Da Big Hoss and to all connections!
Well done, DBH — you handsome chestnut.
Cheers and Hugs
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Exciting Arlington Million Day. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:
Goodnight. Hope you’re all staying cool and comfy. ZI, hope you’re OK. Happy Dreams all. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
Bluegrass Girl
Secretariat Stakes (gr. IT)
Race 7 at Arlington Park on August 13, 2016
Beach Patrol win
Long Island Sound place
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/AP/2016/8/13/7/secretariat-s-gr-it
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Congrats to Beach Patrol. Nice effort by Long Island Sound too. That was a good “Hunch” Exacta. Love and Hugs, JB
Linda Edwards
Congratulations Zenny. I hope to see the ceremony on YouTube.
Bluegrass Girl
Mondialiste- 2016 Arlington Million Stakes XXXIV Stakes
Horse Racing Videos Published on Aug 13, 2016
Mondialiste- wins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTszyFuejDo
David O’Meara is now being called a superstar trainer!
Bluegrass Girl
Mondialiste Battles to Arlington Million Win
By Frank Angst, The Blood-Horse Aug 13, 2016
Mondialiste continues to deliver his best when the son of Galileo races in North America.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/214199/mondialiste-battles-to-arlington-million-win?
From article:
Mondialiste returned $10.80 to win, $6.40 to place, and $4.80 to show.
Kasaqui paid $13.20 to place and $9.40 to show while
Deauville returned $7 to show.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thanks for this. Nice win by Mondialiste. Congrats to him. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Huge congratulations to Mondialiste and David O’Meara.This horse loves racing in the US.A fabulous win.Thank you BGG.Sheena
Congratulations to cyclist Laura Trott for winning an historic 3rd gold medal tonight.Also Becky James for winning a silver medal.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Wonderful win by Mondialiste. Congrats to him and his connections. Love and Hugs, JB
Elizabeth in NM
Dear Judy and Sheena,
What a great run for Mondialiste! We’re getting ‘Wales weather” right now! We need it. The roadrunner didn’t show up tonight in his usual roosting place. He’s probably not sure what all of those wet ‘things’ falling out of the sky are! He might have moved higher up the mountain (or up another tree). Hope you both have a wonderful evening (maybe ‘morning in Wales?!!) with love, Elizabeth
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Elizabeth:
Yes, Mondialiste was 5th at the stretch and did he ever turn on the jets; won by a neck.
Let us know when you spot the roadrunner again (Beep Beep). Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy:I hope all is well with Ziconic and that you are coping with the humidity and heat.It’s been lovely here today.There have been a few intruding ospreys at Glaslyn today including Blue 5F Olga(W7)took an instant dislike to her and guarded her garfish We are promised a video tomorrow.Princess Eugenie has got engaged another royal wedding.We all thought it would be Beatrice who wed first but her romance ended recently.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Hoping Ziconic is OK too. We’ve been lucky here in that we haven’t lost power. Yesterday 5000 homes in RI were without power due to a severe thunder storm that came through in the evening. As long as we’ve got the AC, we’re fine.
Sounds like Olga is doing great and very interested in her food. Congrats to Princess Eugenie. Read about Beatrice. Maybe things will work out for her. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Your Mo has just won the 10000 brilliantly. Congrats!
sheena.davies(wales)
Yes,I have just been watching it’s nearly 3am over here.First British athlete to win 3 gold medals.He gave us all a scare with the tumble.Now he prepares for the double next week.Jeff Henderson (US) won the long Jump Greg Rutherford got the bronze.Sheena
Max
I remember Mo from London. Saw that fall and the comeback. Very impressive. He was superb in the last lap. I hope that he gets his double.
Elizabeth in NM
Hope everyone has a wonderful night. We’re getting rain here – YAY!
with love, Elizabeth
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Elizabeth.Glad you are getting some lovely “Welsh weather”.Enjoy while it lasts!Hugs Sheena.
Denise in STL
To The greatest owners and trainer in the world – Congratulations on Hall of Fame !!! We love Zenyatta!!! Thank you for sharing this historic moment with her fans!!!
Kathy
August 14 Cherokee Devotional
When you are very tired and nothing seems to be working, hold steady. This is the time when the tide turns and something speaks to your heart, even though it seems nothing has changed. Something moves near the surface of the mind and spirit just enough to lift the heart. It is not enough to make you shout, but it is enough to sit up straight. It begins so slowly that you think you just imagined it or that it was wishful thinking. No, don’t let anything tell you it isn’t real. Begin to give thanks, to rejoice in your heart. Begin to smile, even through tears. Begin to relax and breathe more easily. The change may not come in one big sweep, but it will come if you are expecting it. Weariness will ebb and hope will return-all because you dared to let it happen.
The Great Spirit is in all things.
-Big Thunder, Algonquin
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear KKathy.Oh,I am very tired today I didn’t get to bed until 3.30am!Had to watch Jess’s 800 metres she just missed out on retaining her title.Talk of retirement now she does have a little boy.The Belgium Thiam won.Michael Phelps has just won his 23rd Gold!!!Team GB won silver.A fantastic semi-final between Del Potro and Rafa yesterday over 3 hours the crowd were going crazy and Monica Piug won the ladies Gold beating Kerber.First gold for Puerto Rico.Andy playing tonight.
Glesni hasn’t been seen since Friday evening but there will be no smiley-wavey until Tuesday she has a habit of fooling them!Lassie has certainly left the Loch of Lowes.
Have you seen Herman the scaredy cat on you-tube he has these huge eyes and cannot even close them to sleep but he does snore so they know he is resting.He lives in Denmark and is very healthy.Was’nt Fibbs speech brilliant?Socks and snacks for everyone!You cannot go wrong with a doughnut in your hand.Now I hope you all know who to bote for come November!Seems Fergie has denied Princess Eugenie is engaged she has been with her boyfriend 6yrs and both Sarah and Andrew adore him.I haven’t had time to visit the rest of the furbabies,I expect Felix is still running bless her.Hope she is taking a lot of breaks.Have a blessed Sabbath.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO.I cannot find Cornelius the Downing Street mouse today!
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
It really takes a toll on us when we have to stay up ’til the wee hours! Maybe you can take a nap! Too bad, Jess, congrats to Thiam. Michael Phelps is a machine! Supposedly he is retiring for sure. Congrats, Team GB on your silver. Del Potro and Rafa must both be exhausted! Congrats, Monica! Good luck, Andy! Clever Glesni, fooling people. Haven’t seen Herman. Will have to look for him. Fibbs gave the best acceptance of the season. Doughnuts and socks make all the difference, for sure! We will have to stay tuned to see if Princess Eugenie is engaged, still. Go, Felix! Where are you, Cornelius??? Have a blessed Sabbath. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
sheena.davies(wales)
The Gurkha is back home in Ballydoyle recovering from the surgery he underwent on Friday evening.No reason given yet.Sheena
Max
Don’t like to hear this kind of thing. Hope that he’s okay.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena and Max:
Hope he’s OK too. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
A fine win for Ribchester in the Jacques De Marois.William Buick flew overnight to France to ride the Jersey Stakes winner.Galileo Gold was a disappointing 8th.Maybe too soon after Goodwood.These noble beasts are not machines.Another win for Frankel’s daughter Toulifaut(sp) in Deauville 2 out of 2 now,De Coronado races at 5.15pm in Dundalk.Sheena
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Maybe some needed rest for GG. Congrats to Toulifaut and Ribchester. Love and Hugs, JB
Bobbie --- Elkhorn WI
De Coronado wins his race!
Max
Oh happy day. Maybe now good luck will follow all of Z’s family.