Zenyatta

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

Zenyatta and her valentines. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta and her valentines. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Friday!

We wish all Zenyatta fans a happy Valentine’s Day, and we’re sending extra love to those of you who put a valentine in the mail for Z. She enjoyed each and every one—particularly the peppermints!

What’s better than to celebrate with some new photos of 13Z in the snow and an up close and personal view of Zenyatta eating her peppermints? Thanks Alys!

Enjoy!
-Team Z

13Z and the boys. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End.
13Z and the boys. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End.


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End.
Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End.

Reader Interactions

1,289 Comments

  1. / Reply

    One of the greatest jockeys in a generation, Johnny Murtagh,is to retire from race-riding to concentrate on his training career.I will always recall him riding Yeats to his 4th Gold Cup at Ascot and looking to the heavens.Enjoy,Johnny,We’ll miss you.Hugs Sheena

  2. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Marty is absolutely CHARMING. Lots of personality plus going on there! I would love to see Zoe at the library! I work at a library and in our system we have the BARK (be a reading kid) program. I’ve become acquainted with a miniature schnauzer, a pomeranian, a doberman and a Labrador retriever through that great work. The children can practice their reading skills and not feel pressured since they’re reading to a dog. Brilliant concept. Valentino is precious. Love that little guy. Did you see the pic of the beet that was larger than him? SO CUTE! Hawley was a darling puppy, and a very handsome adult I might add. Yes, I did see the baby and the poodle. So cute. Have a good day. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy

  3. / Reply

    Champions Series ‏tweet Tues. Feb. 25 2014
    Happy retirement to Johnny Murtagh! The Series star is hanging up his boots to concentrate on his training career

    • / Reply

      Note: More info on the above post. Great way to learn the lingo. BGG
      Racing Term #56 “Closer” of Frankie Lovato’s 365 Days of Terminology
      Published on Feb 19, 2013
      http://FrankLovatoJr.com – http://JockeyWorld.org Retired Eclipse Award-winning Jockey Frankie Lovato, Jr takes on the challenge of creating 365 videos for each day of the 2013 year. These are all definitions taken from his racing terminology booklet “Frank Lovato, Jr’s Racing Terminology”. This booklet is for sale at http://jockeyworld.net/books.htm and proceeds support Jockey World, a 501c3 non-profit organization that’s mission is horse racing education.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thank you for these links. Very interesting.

      It’s also amazing how many of the horse racing phrases turn up in every day descriptive language. For example: Hold your horses, Front Runner, In Hand, Hands Down, Starting From Scratch, Champing At The Bit, Bits and Pieces, Dark Horse, etc. Love and Hugs, JB

  5. / Reply

    Trying to catch up. There are some interesting aspects to the Forum but it could never replace what we have here. The spirit of Zenyatta lives here thanks to all the wonderful people that make it possible. I can’t imagine not being able to share my love for Zenyatta, Cozmic One, Little Red and babyZ. I appreciate everyday the people that make this possible.

    • / Reply

      Dear Vicki:

      I feel so comfortable here on the Blog. I guess it’s because it’s where Dottie first started writing Z’s Diary and because of all the wonderful Z’sters and Dumplings, like you, who post here. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear TC and Judy B.,
          In the words of “little Edith Ann” (aka Lily Tomlin): “And that’s the troof”!
          The blog would not be the same without you — that goes for both of you!
          Love and Hugs

        • Dear TC, Marshall, Vicki, Sally B, Barb W and my Z Family:

          All of you are like family to me; wonderful, caring people. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Vicki; I so agree with you!! I do not have TV G and I can not follow every European horse that races either. The fact is it is the spirit of racing and the beautiful throroughbred that makes things important here. In the end though, it is our Zenyatta that personally to me is the reason I ever came to this site, and only Z had the ability to bring those that love her here, of course with the help of Dottie, her voice, and Z will always be No.1!!!! I would rather hear from Zenyatta, about her sons than anything else. Of course during these years I have grown fond of the Zsters so I truly feel they are “my sisters” or “brother” and like to have them know that I really care. Sometimes lately, I do not get on and it disturbs me when I do find out some one has been ill or has a big problem.
      hugs, Sally B

      • / Reply

        Sally B — ditto from me, on your saying that lately you do not get on, and it disturbs you to find out someone has been ill or has a big problem. Budgeting my time, is not one of my strong suits, especially after a long day at work, when I ask myself, “Do I go online and read the Blog, or do I do the dishes / laundry / whatever?”

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Our Moosie is tweeting his support for The New One. Have to part company with Moosie on that idea. I’m hoping for a Hurricane at Cheltenham. Go Fly!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, the cubs are beautiful and look so grown up already. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap and all the Sweeties

  9. / Reply

    Dear Max.Yes,I saw Moosie’s tweet,seems a big party is planned if his stablemates win.He would be annoyed that we support the Fly!!Another good horse is out of the festival, Cue Card, think he was going to run in the Gold Cup,hopes to be back for the Aintree meeting.Imperial Commander has also moved out of Nigel’s to his new home in Ireland I think.Hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Moosie is far too wise to oppose his stablemate, and I don’t blame him. Moosie needs his groceries and a nice stall. The New One is Irish like Moosie and The Fly, so that they all are loyal to their Celtic roots. I do love that aggressive little Fly. Read about Cue Card. Did not know however that Imperial Commander is heading to Ireland. Who is his new trainer?
      News here is that CNN has just booted Piers Morgan. Among the theories for this in the NY Times is his tweeting about cricket. It just doesn’t connect here.

  10. / Reply

    Dear Max. Imperial Commander is off to his retirement at Mount Top Stud. A life of leisure awaits him. Oh, I know you guys just “don’t get” cricket!!I believe there was a petition set up in the US to send Piers back to us! Moosie knows exactly what side his bread is buttered. Hope your weather is improving,it’s a lot quieter here now and still very mild.Hugs Sheena. Free the Moose!

  12. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, Red Prince and Baby Z:

    Goodnight. Sweet Baby Dreams. Stay warm and cozy. Love You. Hugs, JB

  13. / Reply

    Insomnia again…Gave me a chance to catch up on the blog and the lovely photographs, video and news. Thank you for this website and for graciously sharing Zenyatta and her legacy with the public. It. Rocks. My. World.

    Much love to all,
    Sandra Frey

  14. / Reply

    Another love of mine, Folklore, who was 2005 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies winner (Tiznow’s first winner and first stakes winner), 2005 Champion Two year old filly, I have been following all of her babies (had the pleasure of meeting her 2010 filly by Unbridled’s Song at Taylor Made during my first (there will be more!) trip to Kentucky… she also has had her 2014 baby by Distorted Humor, making her a full sibling to her 2009 colt Immaculate who sold for $490,000 at Keeneland September 2010 and Folklore should have a two year old now by Malibu Moon is in the Fasig Tipton two year old sale coming up http://www.fasigtipton.com/catalogs/2014/0324/103.pdf and she has a yearling I believe by Bernardini.

    Here is one (of many that are in that album) of Folklore’s 2014 by Distorted Humor as shared by Taylor Made’s facebook page..

    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=651101651592292&set=a.638468726188918.1073741837.105549292814200&type=1&theater

    I check there every day as they have more and more babies each day. Folklore’s 2014 looks so much like her!

    • / Reply

      Tiz Herself-You have a vast knowledge of the breeding aspects of the horse industry. Must make your trips to Kentucky a lot of fun.

      • / Reply

        I am very limited with the people I see in my daily life whom I can talk to about the horses. There are those that feel its inhumane and then there are those that have told me get a life, but that does not deter me. My mom is a good sport and lets me relay facts and stuff but I am the lone person in the family with the fascination of pedigrees and the horse racing. Was in my glory in Kentucky where could talk to people. I also enjoy going to Northlands Park on occasion cause almost always strike up a converation with someone and it’s like finally someone speaks my language lol…

        Would love to get some work experience and see what the inner workings of the farms are all about.

        I would live in Kentucky in a heartbeat or Ireland as their horse industry is something else too… I went there in 2008 for a tour of the horse racing and that included visits to Coolmore, Darley, Aga Khan, Irish National Stud, the Curragh race course, etc.

        Coolmore was fantastic as saw the legend Sadler’s Wells up close, Galileo and Hawk Wing.

        Aga Khan was Dalakhani, Azamour (in my opinion he was the best physical speciman I have seen to date in the TB world – an amazing animal!)

        Irish National Stud saw Invincible Spirit, Verglas, etc.

        The Curragh was fan – I hope to return there in June for their Irish Derby and make a holiday of that… the opportunity to see Australia (Ouija Board’s son) or another Frankel type would be awesome.

        I have photos (will find them and share) of a horse named Finsceal Beo who i saw at the Curragh the time I was there. She was a daughter of Mr. Greeley and won the Great Britain 1000 guineas and the Irish 1000 guineas as a three year old. Her name means “living legend” she was also Europe’s champion two year old filly. She is now a broodmare, she has a 2010 colt by Galileo named Finsceal Fior and a 2011 filly by Sea The Stars (lucky girl to visit two superstars!) FInsceal Fior is unraced due to injury and is standing in County Waterford as of 2013.

        okay stopping now lol I can ramble forever if the opportunity presents itself… I have been told I talk about it all too much and I am constantly writing things down in my notebooks to get them out of my head lol. Would love a job sometime that would allow me to search pedigrees and blog.

        • One might say that you have a life and it revolves around horses. Very few people have the passion you do and it will sustain you long after other interests have fallen by the wayside. God bless you in all of your endeavors.

        • yes it is definitely a life that revolves lol… hope to one day use it towards something useful at the moment am a data entry clerk in an office…. something in the horse industry sounds much more fulfilling :-) It is permanent and I am proud of it — if i were not a horse craze person I would not know who a lot of these horses are…. the horror of not knowing who Zenyatta is….. lol…am trying my hand at fictional short stories that are relating to the horse racing world, see if any of them are good enough to publish..

  15. / Reply

    February 26 Cherokee Devotional

    Most of us are like the trees that grow along the moist ravine. We are where we get the best nourishment. Others are undernourished and don’t know what to do about it. Many times they reject the very thing that would help because of their preconceived notion and misunderstanding of what is true. Obviously, if what we are doing shows no improvement in us, we are not doing the right thing. More answers and remedies are simple if we were not so hardheaded and determined to make it complicated. The sooner we recognize emotions, lack of rest, and a constant flow of negative thought as enemies, the sooner we get a handle on the real problem. It takes constant monitoring to know ourselves as we really are and begin to clear the way.

    One old elm under which the representatives of the tribes were wont to meet-will cover us all.
    Wa-O-Wo-Wa-No-Onk 1847

  16. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Yes,humans tend to complicate things a lot.!It must be interesting working in a library,my family ran a Newsagent/tobacconist so I was always surrounded by books and comics as a child.I used to look forward to the Christmas Annuals.Ray and his bruddahs are surveying the backyard still snowy there.Zoe’s pouty look is so cute,hope Angel had a good result at the vet yesterday she looks fragile.Marty’s Mum is a wonderful photographer such an adorable pic with the necklace.Love he’s getting involved in international business!Have a great day.Hugs to You,Kisses for the Puppy Pack.Sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      The library is a great place to work. I’ve been at it for a long time. All the furbabies are looking good today. Ray and his bruddahs adorable as always. Zoe is a beauty queen. Angel hanging in there, but you’re right…she does look very fragile. God bless her. Marty is quite the celebrity. He’s adorable. And yes, his mommy is a very good photographer. Have a wonderful day. Please say prayers for my friend Audrey who is having a mastectomy today. She is a wonderful woman. You would love her. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy

  17. / Reply

    hi Zenny
    I am hopeless behind
    will catch up soon…
    in the mean time prayers and hugs to all who need or want them
    kisses for all the soft noses
    Zenny ..you and Sweets keep all your spa appts….rest eat exercise and sleep
    …..mud baths when necessary…
    everyone have a great day

  19. / Reply

    On a side note…
    I have been following Bond Holder’s “adventures in flying”
    Seems he will not fly again and is “stuck” in Florida for now
    Well….if one must be stuck somewhere….Florida is good
    Supposedly he will be a “vanner” from now on..

    • / Reply

      Interesting story. Seems as if some turbulence got to him during the flight and he doesn’t like flying now. But you’re right. Being in Florida is not so bad at this time of year. Maybe he needs a little help from a horse psychologist like Moosie?

    • / Reply

      Carol, not a bad van ride from Florida to Louisville. Poor boy, that turbulence must have been awful. Hope he gets better soon.

  20. / Reply

    ♥ Good morning Z Dumplings and Z’sters ♥
    I wouldn’t normally post a request for donations, however, Z dumpling Diana S from Arizona lost her brother on January 17th. He was an animal lover and “rescuer” as is she.

    In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. I’ve provided the link for you.
    Please note in memory of Daniel “Bud” Silva.
    http://bestfriends.org/
    A small donation would be appreciated. Thank you.

    God bless, Auntie Judy ♥

  21. / Reply

    My baby brother is 51 and he has pulmonary heart disease. We spend a lot of time at the drs. office and the hospital. Visiting here lifts my spirits.

    I have been watching Horseplayers. The first episode I didn’t like. Since then it has really grown on me. They were at Del Mar on last nights episode and I remember those races. I was watching. It was interesting to see which of the horseplayers bet on which horse and what was their reasoning. I always choose first with my hear, my eyes and then my head. Mike, John, Jerry and Ann always figure in the heart choice.

      • / Reply

        Dear Vicki, Linda and Z Family:

        Love this realty show, “Horseplayers”. Lindam the first three episodes of the show originally aired on Tuesday at 10:00 EST on Esquire Channel. But, at the end of last night’s show, they announced that it will be on next week on Wednesday at 9:00 EST. Love and Hugs, JB

  22. / Reply

    I am also hopelessly behind, but am beginning to re-emerge after a bout with a nasty GI bug. I hope none of the rest of you get this – really awful (and given that I go almost nowhere, the origin is REALLY a mystery!).

    At any rate, Terry – I’ll see your NASCAR Redneck joke and raise you one: You might be a relative of a redneck if your sister has once again plastered pictures of herself sitting in one of the cars at Daytona all over Facebook. A friend tried to convince me that this was no different than having your picture taken in front of a horse statue! P U L E E Z E!
    Also, I liked your term “winner” for Zenyatta :-)

    Thanks to all who have posted informative posts and pictures. Mobile devices are great for seeing things but not so great for responding to things. As Carol said above, love and hugs to all who need them. Hope to be hitting on a few more cylinders soon.

    • / Reply

      Hi Sandy
      Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Something is definitely going around.

      You would think with as cold as it has been that it just would have killed off all these germs.

      Hope you feel better soon.

      Love and hugs.

      Linda

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy,
      Sorry that you have been sick. I am glad that you are on the comeback trail now!
      Hope you recover quickly.
      Feel better soon! Lots of Hugs

    • / Reply

      Sandy-Very sorry to hear that you have been under the weather. Here’s hoping you have a full recovery soon. We have missed you here on the blog. As for your raise, I fold. I could never hope to match that story.

  23. / Reply

    Hi All:
    Wow I can’t believe how much time has past since 2010 when Zenny won Horse of the Year. I guess time begins to become that much more precious as we get older.

    Well March is coming up. Zenny you must be getting. very excited. All of us have the birth of your 3rd baby to look forward to. I hope you have a filly . That would be just great.

    The other thing we have to look forward to is the name given to 13Z.

    Keep us posted. Really looking forward to hearing the news!!

    Love and hugs.

    -Linda

  25. / Reply

    Dear Sandy,
    So glad to hear that you are feeling better and hope you’re back to 100% very soon.
    Hugs, Mary

    Love and hugs to all dumplings/Zsters.

    Good night sweet Zenyatta, Coz and red prince. Be happy, content and rest well. Feel the love we send all of you.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Congrats to Nissy and his Peep. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap and all the Sweeties

  30. / Reply

    Hi Zenyatta and all Zsters,
    Many of you are playing catch up too, I see. Boy so much happens when you’re gone a few days, it takes a while to read and catch up.

    Sandy hope you are feeling better sounds like you had a real nasty bug. I’ve been lucky with that, had my flu shot, and have been pretty much house bound because of the nasty cold weather.

    So many darling babys being born, this is always my favorite time on the farms. We probably won’t have to start pacing for our Zenny till mid April as far as I can figure. If I missed an announced due date someone please let me know.

    Kisses to Mama Zen and Red, and to CoZ, and a kiss sent to my Indy too. Hugs

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