Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Photos: The Boys of Summer

Happy Wednesday!

We’re quite excited about the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta Celebration. Have you purchased your tickets yet?

Alys sent us a great new batch of photos of 12Z of the boys having fun, so we thought we’d share them with all of you.

Team Z is headed to Lane’s End, so we’ll be posting more photos and fun updates in the coming days. As of today, we’re also on Instagram! Follow us (@teamzenyatta) for updates throughout our trip. Even if you don’t use Instagram, you can see every photo we post through our Twitter feed. Our most recents tweets are always on the right side of the blog.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

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


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Reader Interactions

644 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Happy Birthday to YOU♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪
    Happy Birthday to You ………♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪
    Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday to Yooooooou ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
    ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Have a Great Day!!!

    Dear Dottie,
    I hope you have a wonderful day! You deserve the very best!

    ♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG xo

    p.s. I hope Sophie gives you extra kisses :-)

    • / Reply

      Birthday Wishes to Mike Smith!
      ♥♥░(¯`:´¯)░♥ ♥ ♥ I just deposited ♥ ♥ ♥
      ░.(¯ `•…|/.•´¯)♥ ♥ Love, Hope, Joy ♥ ♥ ♥
      ░(`♥•.(۞).•´¯)░(¯`:´¯)♥ ♥Health and Blessings ♥ ♥ ♥
      ░ (_.•´/|..`•._)(¯ `•…|/.•´¯) ♥ ♥ into your account ♥ ♥

      Dottie and Mikey ~ two Leo the Lions of Horse Racing :-)

  5. / Reply

    Just found out that owners of Take Charge Indy have a facebook page for him. Please go in and “like” him to support these owners who answer questions about him. The Moss’s have led the way, here is another owner and a great horse to keep in touch with.

  6. / Reply

    Here are today’s redneck jokes. YOu might be aredneck if you frefer to bad times

    Here are today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you were born in a pick-up truck. You might be a redneck if, when you brush your tooth, you use Preparation H instead of tooth paste. You might be a redneck if, when things are bad, you say “that ain’t no count.” You might be a redneck if your stove is on the porch and your lawn chairs are in the kitchen. You might be a redneck if the flies take up a collection to buy a screen for your back door. You might be a redneck if dressing up means wearing the shirt without any rips in it. You might be a redneck if you pee in the pool off the high dive.

  8. / Reply

    More retirements….
    Beautiful Winter Memories…love those grays
    My fav La bred…Star Guitar…some of the best in history in his pedigree
    …….
    Got to find the best mudder for the FourStarDave…going to rain ..again
    ….
    Happy Birthday to Dottie and Mikey…
    Trina …superb ….as usual
    …..
    Those ear problems are awful…..hope all is well soon
    ……
    I am trying to “blow up” section of picture with “Slash’s” halter tag….this is not easy for old electronically challenged me….anyone with better skills welcome to help…I still think he might be SM’s Candy Ride colt …but who knows
    …….
    kisses for soft noses…happy weekend to all

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol:

      Think you may be right about a “mudder”. Races came off the Turf today at the Spa. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      WOW Carol,

      So sad about Winter Memories, how she does her “mom” proud in the shed.
      She is such a gorgeous talented filly..

      And that boy Star Guitar, it is now time for him to spred his genes out that wonderful
      son of Quiet American, who is still breeding at 25 years of age.

  9. / Reply

    I would like to toss a bouquet in Dottie’s direction today.
    One day early-on in my career at Santa Anita, I was assigned Winners’ Circle duties for a specific race. I had not been working there for very long, and I was scared witless. It was back in the pre-Z days, when the Team was not nearly as high-profile as they were to become, despite Giacomo’s Derby win. As luck would have it, a Moss-owned horse happened to win the race, and down the steps came a happy Dottie and Jerry to the enclosure. Not yet sure who-was-who, I offered them my best, “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Moss!” This might have received quite another reception from a different person, but Dottie merely looked at me and smiled, and said, “I’m just Dottie.” I am sure that this faux pas has long since been forgotten by her, but her gracious response has not and never will be forgotten by me. “Just Dottie.” She is no more “just Dottie” than her husband is “just John Shirreffs,” or Zenyatta is “just Zenyatta.” So, for what it’s worth: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, just Dottie! I hope that your birthday is just fabulous—just like you!

    • / Reply

      Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. It does not surprise me one bit Dottie would respond in such a gracious manner.

      Good to see you post Cynthia. Hope you post more often.

    • / Reply

      Lovely birthday wish and so fortunate to have such a wonderful experience.

      Nancy

    • / Reply

      Thanks for sharing this great story Cynthia! Nice to learn about Dottie from someone who has actually known her. Will we be seeing you at the Z party? Sure hope so :-)
      ♥

    • / Reply

      Dear Cynthia H:

      Gosh it’s great to see you post again! What a TOO CUTE story about dear Dottie! And so like her indeed.

      I sure look forward to seeing you again at BC2012!

      diastu in tempe

      • / Reply

        Dear Rosemary, Max, Darlene, Nancy, Ann, Sandy, Terry, Diana, Barbara, Judy, Linda and Brenda. It is great to see your names once again! Thank you very much for your kind responses. I am so glad that you all seem to be doing well. I have been laboring in the trenches, and only poke my head up for the occasional bone! I hope to see some of you at Santa Anita during BC 2012. Please look out for me. I will be the one who is calling everyone by their wrong name, and trailing crumbs through the buffet line.

        12th

        • Dearest Cynthia, I’m late in checking in here, and now it’s already a day on which you will be especially missing your dear, dear 12th Heart, the irreplaceable Kari Bussell. My heartfelt condolences to you.
          Thank you for sharing this lovely story of the ever-so-gracious and charming Dottie, told by another ever-so-gracious and charming lady–YOU! Forever grateful to you–
          Your Dumpling friend, Trina

    • / Reply

      Dear Cynthia H.,
      What a wonderful story! This has to be a truly golden memory for you — thank you so much for sharing it with us!
      It is always great to hear from you.
      Take care and hugs!

  10. / Reply

    Cynthia H – What a great story – loved it – Happy Bday to a wonderful lady & one of the greatest jockeys ever ….

  12. / Reply

    Happy Wonderul Birthday wishes to two wonderful and talented people, our wonderful Dottie and the great Mike Smith!

    Dottie, we all miss you here.

    I am very excited to meet you, Mike and all of Team Z at Zenyatta’s party!

    God Bless you both.

  13. / Reply

    Dear Lanes Ends,

    So much fun watching these boys “grow up”. Zenny did such a great job as a mother and they truely do look ready to move on and I am sure a well needed rest for her
    chasing around her little boy “monster”.

    Thanks for sharing all these videos and photos at and since his birth, it has been an
    exciting journey and hope that we can see him as a yearling even though Zenny
    will not. She is busy growing her TAPIT baby, maybe a grey filly !!!! That would be so much fun.

    Thanks again.

    • / Reply

      Pati. Nice to see that Rescue Gus is packing on some much needed pounds. Hopefully Rescue Bing will soon gain weight too. Wonderful to see that these horses are indeed rescued.

      Get well soon yourself.

    • / Reply

      Dear Pati:

      Thank you for the link with photos to Bing and Gus. So glad they have a home with SHERR. Hope you feel better. Hugs, JB

  15. / Reply

    Happy Birthday, Dottie! Hope your special day has been very special.

    Happy Birthday, Mike Smith! Hope your day has been GREAT too.

    Take care,
    Mary in Boone

  16. / Reply

    Omg! those pic’s are priceless! Those boys look like Trouble with a capitol “T”! They may have to be separated in “manners training classes”! Those handler’s, trainer’s, instructor’s may have their hands full with these 2 feisty boys! Although very sad that Z-Girl and her prince will be separated, (hopefully not forever) it is comforting to know he will have a buddy on his next journey to share his new and possibly overwhelming experiences with!
    Nice Job Team Z, and Thanks for sharing with us loyal, devoted and enthusiastic FANS!

    Happy Birthday Dear Dottie, and Mike Smith!
    GirlSaratoga

  17. / Reply

    Louise:

    I did find your post, “Thank You” for you kind and thoughtful words. I appreciate the support on how I was feeling. I’m so glad so many of you wanted me to come back, it made feel so good. I know it’s hard to interpret words written on a screen from someone you don’t know in person, and I MUST keep that in mind from now on!

    Thanks again!
    GirlSaratoga

  18. / Reply

    Would like to add my happy birthday wishes to Dottie and to Mike Smith. Hope they have been special days for each of you.

    I was wondering in the picture of 12Z next to Spooky Minister, if he was asking if her boy could play with him.

    It was sad to read that Winter Memories has to be retired, but good to know her problem was noticed before some serious damage was done.

    It’s another big racing weekend. Happy handicapping, all.

  19. / Reply

    Dear Dottie,

    I continue to be thankful for your presence in racing and the impact you have had on the sport, especially bringing thousands of great virtual friends together in Zenyatta’s honor.

    Oh my, what we have all done in a short two years! Since you started the Diary and gave us all an intimate look inside the everyday workings of racing, we’ve made so many close friendships, gave so many causes and charities our support, rescued and fostered horses, became horse welfare advocates, shared education and knowledge, encouraged new people to get excited about our beautiful Thoroughbreds, and on a human level shared joy, sorrow, illness, health, good news and bad.

    An entire community! All leading back to you. WONDERFUL YOU! TOO CUTE YOU! So as a proud member of the Z Dumpling family, I wish you HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May there be dozens and dozens more, and may you have happiness and joy all your life!

    Diana Stuart (diastu in tempe – the name tag maker)

  20. / Reply

    Dear Mike,

    Thanks to your partnering with our Queen, Zenyatta, I have become a huge fan of both your riding, and your personality. You always smile. You always greet fans as if you are seeing an old friend. And when you are riding a horse, you clearly always give it your very best. It is no surprise that you have hit 5000+ wins. You could ride a goat and I would bet on it just because I trust your ability. On to 10,000? I hope so! Have a great Birthday and a fabulous birthday weekend at the track!

    Diana Stuart
    diastu in tempe

    • / Reply

      Patti:

      I’m glad to hear you are getting better, it sounds like you’ve had a rough road! Wishing you a speedy recovery and better days ahead!
      Went to place my bet, I think I need to sleep on it! A lot of capable horse! It looks like a crap shoot! Could really be any horses game!

      Be Well
      GirlSaratoga

      P.S. Sending you good karma!

  23. / Reply

    Such great posts today.

    @Pati–so glad you’re getting better, and thanks for the pictures.

    Good night, all. Hope you have a pleasant weekend. Prayers for all taking to the track.

    @Big and Little Z.–love you always.

  24. / Reply

    Sign:

    Thanks for the link about the using of the “whip” very informative, and I like the new rules! It makes me feel better that they have concerns and respect for these gorgeous animals and their talent! I am still going to check out the link about Z-Girls whip training if I can find! I think that would be an interesting read too!

    Thanks for the links, I have a better understanding now, thank to you and your expertise!

    Much appreciate the facts!
    GirlSaratoga

  27. / Reply

    My Friend Judy:

    Thanks for the 2 links to Check Me Out and My Miss Aurelia’s fantastic win! WOW! What a girl! I really enjoyed Check Me Out’s story, that’s how I got into horse racing going to the harness races at Saratoga with my father when I was real little! What a thrill, just me and my Dad at the track bonding and betting on the horses. It was such a special time, with fond memories. No one wanted to go with him except me, which made it even more special just the two of us! Sad to say I haven’t gone in years, since my dad passed away, I’m afraid it will bring up too many memories that I wish I could be sharing with him, he LOVED the horses and the track! There is no wonder where I got my love of horses and racing from! I only wish he was here to share my experiences with, now that would be FUN!

    Appreciate the links and the walk down memory lane!
    Big Hug
    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Dear Friend GirlSaratoga:

      Horse racing was a passion of my father’s also. Have some wonderful memories too of my sister and I being with him at the races. He passed away in 2005.

      Glad you enjoyed the link to Check Me Out and My Miss Aurelia. Two beautiful girls. Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Dear Dottie:
    Happy Birthday!!!! Like so many other Zenyatta fans, I am so grateful to you for having been Zenyatta’s voice. I have met so many wonderful people through Zenyatta.com. We always realized just how lucky we were to receive all those posts from you, every day, keeping us up-to-date with Zenyatta, and also with the world of horse racing. Your posts were fabulous!

    If this website were a stage, all of us would be shouting–BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO!!! Our love for Zenyatta will always shine bright because of your tireless efforts and labor of love. All of us Z Dumplings love you and miss you!

    Wishing you a very Happy Birthday that’s filled with happiness, and a year that brings you good health, and most importantly–so much joy!

    I am looking forward to seeing you at the BC in November.

    – Linda in NJ

  29. / Reply

    Ann:

    I loved your story about your daughter What a challenge for her, and it paid off inspiring! My OTTB is great when he competes, he’s focused and attentive, however riding him for fun is much different, he can be squirrely and a bit quirky! But his shananigins in his stall and being groomed and being brought out to the fields or paddocks is something else! There are little things he does that make me smile, like he nuzzles my neck, or plays with my ponytail, or when we walk he has to be so close to me that he almost steps on my feet! These are the rewards, not the love bites! Every time he has bitten me he has never broken the skin or done it so hard that I was in pain, he has left a few black and blues!
    I know your daughter is going off to school, and you will miss her, but I love your positive attitude about her life and her future!
    Thanks for sharing you and your daughter’s story with me.
    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      GS,
      Thank you for the lovely reply. Your OTTB sounds like he has a huge personality and I know you love him dearly. I guess, in a way, you MUST like a challenge, if you work w/ horses. Never a dull moment for sure!

      Good luck w/ the capping today. Looks like the course will be a tough one and will need a sturdy and determined horse to win.

      Take care and Have a great weekend!

      Ann…one crazy Mom on the verge of TEARS……happy tears!

  30. / Reply

    Dear Mike:
    Happy Birthday! Thank you for taking such good care of Zenyatta! When the day comes, all of us hope you are aboard Z12!

    Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, and good health, and continued success in the year ahead!

    I am looking forward to seeing you at the BC.

    – Linda

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