We hope everyone had a joyous holiday season filled with friends and family. As you may have noticed, Team Z took some time off to celebrate and to make plans for the coming year. We’ve been dreaming up blog features, new Zenyatta products, and eagerly anticipating the birth of Zenyatta’s third foal.
In the meantime, Zenyatta and 13Z have been greeting the winners of our Zenyatta.com Celebration drawing with enthusiasm. We’ll share Alys’ photos from these visits in a future blog post.
Before the holidays we asked you to show us how you’re using your Celebration Stickers. A few of our favorite submissions are below. Thanks Susan, Mary Ellen, Pam, and Cathleen for your photos!
We always welcome feedback from the fans. Send photos of your Zenyatta products in use or suggestions for the future to fans@zenyatta.com. We can’t reply to every email, but we do read everything!
We approach the new year with a sense of gratitude for this loving community. We’re excited to see what this year will bring, and we hope you are too!
-Team Z
P.S. Check out this article about Coz in the LA Times!
Shari Voltz/Ohio
Hi Zenyatta I love the pictures and will share with the class. All I can say is Thank You for everything you post. My 5th Graders sure know who Zenyatta is. We did a horse project where they colored their horses and named them. During Parent Teacher Conference night one dad said it seems like a lot of horses have the name Zenyatta. I just had to laugh. The children named them on their own. I loved it. Zenyatta you were so many colors. You would have laughed yourself. I am sending my Love, Shari Voltz and Homeroom 215
Terry Crow
Ms. Voltz-It must be wonderful having you as a teacher.
Rachel from California
Hello, Everyone,
I was so sad to hear that El Vino, Zenyatta’s workmate at Hollywood Park, had a tragic accident when he was playing with his friends in his paddock, and he is no longer with us. The Queen’s Knight, they called him. El Vino has a Facebook page of his own and they plan to continue it. After the Queen left for Lane’s End, El Vino won five races before he retired. He was beautiful and much loved. I am so thankful to hear when horse’s we have loved remain healthy and secure and my heart breaks for those who have met up with misfortune. May El Vino rest in peace and enjoy the company of those who had crossed the Rainbow Bridge before him.
O course I worried about the freezing weather back east and hoped the horses were warm and cozy, indeed.
Rachel
Marilu Villanueva
Dear Rachel:
Thank you for posting about El Vino. He is loved by so many including me. He holds a very special place in my heart. He was always in my prayers especially every time he raced. When his owners retired him a few months ago, I was overjoyed. They are great people. He was very lucky to be a part of their lives. He was in good hands. There is a beautiful Tribute to him in his Facebook by his “VOICE”.
For those who do not know much about EL Vino, and how he was part of Zenyatta’s life, please check his Facebook.
I will miss him very much!
Marilu
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mama Z, COZ, Red Prince and Baby Z:
Sweet Dreams. Love Ya. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Here we go again. This is just an all too typical fate of a horse that falls through the cracks. Too sad; too often. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.drf.com/news/jacobson-absolved-wrongdoing-racehorse-found-headed-slaughter
Barbara Wood (Texas)
So very sorry to hear this . We are saying RIP way too often these days. Hugs.
Terry Crow
This trainer may not be guilty by the letter of the regulations, but he is morally guilty for what happened in this case.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear TC GP:
I agree with you. Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Love you always Zenyatta, sweet dreams
kisses on your soft nose, tummy rubs too, kisses to Coz and 13z
Auntie Sally B
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Team Z–thank you so much for the new blog entry. I was getting a bit worried, and I am so glad to know that all is well and that all of you had a happy holiday season.
Z and babies–love you always. Stay safe and warm. Kisses on the nose.
Cynthia
The little ginger? Can we call him Harry?…. Prince Harry?
carol in arkansas
Oaklawn was great today….
60+ and sunny ….
watching by the paddock before one of the early races…..there was this gorgeous tank of a horse ….tall dark and handsome with a small star b/t his eyes…at least 5 folks asked me what his number was..of course he had no number …he was being “paddock schooled”…the racers left for the track but he stayed back ….so did I…I managed to attract his grooms attention ….he is Rivers Run Deep….just turned 3yr….he may never be the greatest but either he or his stablemate Guns Loaded will run in race 6 tomorrow …and I hope to “hollar him home” …I think I am in love…he is a head turner ..
Good Night Zenny….sleep tight
shirleeinindy
Carol, It is such fun to pick a horse like that and follow his/her career. Last May at Churchill I saw this beautiful copper penny red horse coming over to the paddock for the next race. It was Lea. I have been following him ever since. He has had his ups and downs but won the Hals Hope yesterday. Good Luck and safe trips to Rivers Run Deep and Guns Loaded and you too as you follow them.
Lea had a better day than did our Colts. Still love them and there is always next year.
carol in arkansas
Hi Shirley
about “next year”
I say that a lot….
go Bears
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Hi Shirlee – don’t think you saw the “Bravos” etc on the previous blog for Lea. That was quite a win yesterday, and I was so happy for YOU as well as him and his connections!!
shirleeinindy
Thanks Sandy and all of you who wish Lea well. As with MMM, you will get tired of me talking about him but no one here in Indy is very into horse racing so it is great to have my Blog Friends to listen to my praises of my favs!
Celeste_in_TX
That is so cool, Carol! I will be anticipating his running today also – thanks for sharing an interesting bit about a new young horse coming to the races. I’ll be wishing him a win – but most of all – a safe trip.
Jsmith
HI Carol, do you get out to Oaklawn very often? With the closing of HP we are so sad here in So Cal to have lost a great horseman, Jack Van Berg, but our loss is your gain. Jack has moved his barn to Oaklawn, they are all there now and settling in. If you see JVB at Oaklawn do say hi, he is a mine of info., and good stories if you can get some out of him, a real character.
carol in arkansas
We go two or three times a week..parking is the problem…will look for JvB….knew he was coming…
Terry Crow
The history of horse racing cannot be fully written until Jack Van Berg tells all he knows.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
That sounds like a very fun adventure Carol. Keep us posted about “your horse.” I sure wish there was a track of the Oaklawn caliber around here.
Sandy
Max
carol. Great news of these two newcomers to follow. Good names too. Best to your husband.
Janice
How cool it is to have someone notice Rivers Run Deep! My mom bred him and sold him as a yearling. We watch his every race and are so proud that her Ohio bred is really doing well. I agree–he is a looker- so strong and shiny. Great job, Cody Autrey!
Allie in Texas
Wishing Team Z a wonderful 2014. Great picture of Z. Looks like she still enjoys visits from children. I also will be pacing in the waiting room when Zenny gets close to delivering her foal. Wishing Coz, Z13 and Z’s War Front baby all the best.
I also miss Dottie. Would love for her to write a note to us just one more time.
Sleep Well, Zenny. Will always love you so much.
MsScorpio1
Awe Momma “Z” all warm in her nice fuzzy winter coat. Can’t wait to see her new little one in just a few months. Still my Favorite Mare!!!
Leslie R.
Happy New Year Team Z and my fellow Z fans! I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. 2014 is shaping up to be an exciting year with Z’s third baby coming and Coz in training. I hope Coz is happy learning how to be a racehorse. It will be interesting to see if he has his mom’s running style.
Thanks for the update and I hope all the winners of the contest are enjoying their visit with Zenyatta and 13Z!
Hugs to all,
Leslie
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG / So. CA ♥
♥ Happy New Year Queen Zenyatta! ♥
I’ve been anxiously awaiting (like everyone else) for updates :-)
It’s nice to see you’ve had some visitors! I know you love the human interaction :-) I hope you’re pregnancy is going well. Pretty soon all us Aunts will be pacing the floor for a 3rd time!!!
All my love to you and Z13, and of course CoZmic One who’s is away at school, and looking very much like a race horse.
{{hugs}} XO Auntie Judy
Terry Crow
JAG-Don’t forget us uncles.
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG / So. Calif. ♥
Whoops! Sorry Terry! Very few men post comments ;-)
JAG
Terry Crow
That is true, but i really don’t understand it. Horse racing is certainly not a feminine sport, per se, and the admiration for a particular steed should not be limited to the female gender. I’m not ashamed of being a Zenyatta fan, nor should any man. Come on guys, it gets lonely here.
Jan S. / Houston
Happy New Year to All!! Thanks for the pic of Ms Zenny & video of Coz. They both look wonderful!
sue and tony
Team Z…Welcome back! We’ve missed the blogs but are thrilled with this one, complete with a picture of Zenny with her fans. My, she is just so magnificient and still seems to have a special eye for children. You are so attentive to us which makes this site the happiest place on the internet. We are excited to see what all is planned for us. Just as our Queen did in her racing days…you, Team Z, never disappoint.
suewVa
I love, love, love that photo of Zenny with her fans. She obviously loves the attention. I’ll just close my eyes and put myself iun that picture, too, :-)
Those lucky 5 contest winners must be thrilled to have met her, I can’t wait to see the photos…Alys always captures the right moment when she has camera in hand.
I also have my sticker on the car and Z cup at my desk. Thanks Team Z for all you do. It’s very much appreciated.
Oh, Coz looks stunning, too, in that video!
Kathy
January 12 Cherokee Devotional
As time goes by we learn it isn’t the speed with which we do our work, but the quality of time that makes life an accomplishment. How much do we enjoy working, or playing, or just resting? Schedules and deadlines take up most of what we do. We seldom have time to enjoy something for the sake of doing it. If we feel pressured, we have little incentive to enjoy doing anything, much less doing it well. Many who have to sit all day are bored and have nothing to think about except how unhappy they are or how they feel physically. More time is not the answer. We need a better quality of life, i ga osi, deeper rest, and it begins with quality attitudes. What we have or what we do not have should never dictate the quality of our lives, or our capacity to simply enjoy.
Some pass without recognition, the grandest of all…
Song of Love
shirleeinindy
Muchie has Gary for his race next Saturday. Hopefully, no rain. Also per Max, the dratted Johnny V is not back to race riding yet so he won’t be there to plague my Muchie.
Ann NC
Good morning, Team Z. Hope everyone had a nice holiday.
Looking forward to the new blogs and the year filled with Zenny delights.
Alys, what a precious photo, it melts my heart! Thanks!
Max
Agree with this. Zenyatta looks both intelligent and caring towards her little visitor in that photo. She is a one of a kind.
Terry Crow
Max-Agree. That little girl now has a memory that will last a lifetime.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy So true, is always about the quality of our lives and not the quantity.Ray and his brothers had great fun in what is left of the snow.It’s wonderful to see Hawley acting as Ray’s guardian Angel. Have you seen Marty with his ginger moustache after eating his mom and dad’s cheesy dinner? Is back grey and wet here Yuk!!! Temps are rising quickly in the northern states I hear.Great to see Z looking so good.Have a lovely sunday.Hugs to you,Kisses for the Puppy Pack.Sheena
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Always love seeing what Ray is up to, looking so adorable. Zoey was such a fashionista in her beautiful birthday party dress. Mary makes me smile. He certainly is a well-fed little rat! The Queen looks fantastic! Can’t wait for the next little one!
Enjoy your Sabbath. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy
Max
Sheena. Here is a new photo of the Moose from Kauto’s twitter page.. It’s a good one. Moose is daily gaining more and more fans. It’s amazing. Free the Moose.
Also read that Sprinter Sacre is racing at the end of the month. Lots of fans are concerned.
Heard that Willie Mullins lost 3 horses yesterday as a result of injuries from a thunderstorm. Very sad news yet again.
https://mobile.twitter.com/KingKautoV/status/421340903585120256/photo/1
Ann NC
Great photo, Max. FREE MAD MOOSE!
So sorry for, Willie. Our parts had damaging wind, was praying for the horses out in pasture, as the wind was blowing many a tin roof away. Scary. Poor, Willie, hope, Fly and Annie are safe?
Wolf Power in the Midnight Hawk! How bout that!
Max
Ann NC. The lost horses were young ones who panicked because of the thunderstorms. One ran into a tree and killed himself on impact and the two others sustained unspecified injuries and had to be euthanized. Very upsetting. The Fly and Annie are okay as is Quevega.
That Moosie is one handsome rogue with attitude.
Wolf Power is the man!
Terry Crow
Moose looks like Batman.
sheena.davies(wales)
Am not sure if this will work but everyone should read it http://www.facebook.com/notes/mr-pennycrumb/how-could-you/580657498652142 hugs Sheena
Kathy
Omigosh Sheena,
I think I used up an entire box of Kleenex on this one. No one loves us like our dogs…
Hugs, Kathy
carol in arkansas
Sitting here sobbing ….
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Like the disposable horses, this happens to too many pets (cats and dogs) too often. Just breaks my heart. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
So, so sad. I knew from the comments that this wouldn’t have a happy ending, but I kept hoping.
Maryp NY
I’m sobbing too, using many tissues…..
HeidiK, Vallejo,Ca
I’m sobbing too. No tissues near, need to get a few to wipe my eyes. I need to share that on fb.
Ann NC
Sob, sob, can’t wrap my brain around this disposable mentality when it comes to our animal friends/family?
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Sheena,
Unfortunately this goes on much more than you think. I work with our Humane Society and see it over and over. The seniors break my heart the most, as they are so stunned by being dumped off like that, they don’t adjust very well. Most potential adopters pass them right by to look at the puppies and younger ones, and many sit in these kennels for a long time if it’s a no kill shelter. I wish I could take all the old ones home with me so they could spend their last years in a caring home. Sometimes I wonder if it isn’t more humane to take them to their own vet and put them to sleep, I just don’t know. Heartbreaking!
Terry Crow
Sue-You are indeed an empathetic soul. When my Buddy finally goes to the Rainbow gate, I intend to adopt a senior dog as I probably don’t have much time left either.
shirleeinindy
Terry, I agree with you. If I am still around when my beloved fur babies go, I will adopt seniors. I cannot imagine a home without kitties.
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Terry and all,
If you can get thru this post it is great….grab a hanky. I’m going to post it at our Humane Society. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=645768435441613&set=a.458110857540706.108302.418812458137213&type=1&theater
Terry Crow
Sue-Thanks for posting this.
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Sheena,
If only we human animals were just a fraction as good as our dogs think we are, this would never happen, not even once, to any dog, cat , horse or other companion/family member. I, like Sandy, kept hoping that the obvious sad ending would not happen.
So many loving, loyal souls are cast aside — so horribly sad.
Bless all creatures, great and small. Hugs
sheena.davies(wales)
I’m improving slowly!!!!Sheena
Shema Satya
yes very excited for new year! I’d love for you to start a series of baby plushies of all Zenny’s babes and bring back the original plushie.
Celeste_in_TX
Dear Team Z – thank you, thank you, thank you for the new updated blog and the wonderful photo of Zenyatta. What a heart lift to start my day today – I wish I had seen it earlier, but I know I will come back again and again to revisit her greeting her guests and to read the article and watch the video of Coz again. I feel so blessed that your generosity to us fans is so bountiful. It means so much to me.
quarterhossgal
So great to see Queen Z with her adoring fans, especially with children! Such a talented kind mare and a wonderful mom!
Lexi
When do we get to see more pictures of Coz and Z13! Can’t wait to see how Z’s boys are doing. <3
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Happy New Year Team Z! So glad to have you back. Zenny looks so sweet with that little girl, and all of us “non-winners” will look forward to sharing the experiences of those who got to meet her and the red prince! Sounds like you have some exciting things planned, and I join the the others in looking forward to a great year.
Terry Crow
Sandy-You may not have won the contest but you are a winner.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
:-)) Happy New Year TC!
Maryp NY
Mike Smith fans facebook posted a photo of our red prince, Z13, that appears to be very recent and wow has he grown!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mary P:
Thank you for referencing this photo. I looked for it and I think this is the one you mean.
My gosh, the Red Prince is gorgeous. Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=349250955215445&set=pb.156479741159235.-2207520000.1389565641.&type=3&theater
Maryp NY
Yes, thank you Judy, that’s the one I mentioned. He looks to be much bigger than last we saw him!
Hugs,
Maryp
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks Judy and MaryP. He is absolutely gorgeous!!!! (and so grown up!).
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mary and Sandy:
You’re so welcome. Red Prince is going to be a hunk, just like his big brother. Love and Hugs, JB
Paula Higgins
i am looking forward to new features on Zenny.com!! She is still and forever the Queen of Racing. I think her reputation is growing with time and will continue to do so. Thank you to everyone for the site, pictures and blog.
Maryp NY
Some time ago I noticed a beautiful “Z” pin that Ann was wearing and I commented on it. It looked like it could have been diamonds.
I would love a piece of jewelry similar (affordably costume) to that and I am sure it would be a popular item. I know I would wear it often especially to the track.
Any other Zsters remember it?
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Yes – we were all drooling over it :-)
Maryp NY
For all who have Facebook – check out:
Jockey Mike Smith Fans (to see that photo of 13Z)
I don’t know how to copy it but maybe somebody like BGG can.
marilyn braudrick
I have a new toy!! my husband bought me the plush Zenyatta with her baby Coz by her side AND it’s signed by Dotty and John Shirreffs–Hooray!! I LOVE it (them) all
Still waiting for Eblouissante’s next race. saw John at Hollywood Park before it closed and he said it depends on her condition, Can’t wait–she is so beautiful and S-o-o- tall!! and she has such dignity–best part she is uber affectionate. she “lipped” (kissed my daughter melody and me all over-I didn’t take pictures as the visit was impromptu and unexpected. John doesn’t want her to have many of visitors, he wants her to keep her mind/focus on her job.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marilyn:
Thank you for this update on Ebby. Wow, what a treat for you and your daughter. She’s just beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB