Zenyatta retired, will be sent to Lane’s End in Kentucky
By Steve Andersen
Daily Racing Form
INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Zenyatta has been officially retired and her new home beginning next month will be Lane’s End Farm near Versailles, Ky., the farm announced on Wednesday.
Zenyatta, whose 19-race unbeaten streak ended with a second-place finish by a head to Blame in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on Nov. 6, is expected to be flown to Kentucky in early December, trainer John Shirreffs said on Wednesday.
The wildly popular 6-year-old Zenyatta has been based at Shirreffs’s barn at Hollywood Park since Nov. 7 and will remain with him through November.
Wednesday’s announcement by Lane’s End ends speculation that Zenyatta would stay in training for a 2011 campaign, although Shirreffs had said since the Breeders’ Cup that there were no plans to race her. No breeding plans have been finalized, he said.
The top stallion at Lane’s End is A.P. Indy, who commands a $150,000 fee.
Last November, after Zenyatta won the BC Classic at Santa Anita, she was announced as retired, a decision that was reversed in January of this year by owners Jerry and Ann Moss.
LIFETIME PPs: Zenyatta’s career past performances (PDF)
Before Zenyatta leaves California next month, she is scheduled to be paraded before the public at Hollywood Park on Dec. 5.
Details of the Dec. 5 event are still being finalized, according to track president Jack Liebau. Jerry Moss and Liebau discussed the event on Tuesday, Liebau said.
“We haven’t worked out the details,” Liebau said. “We’re getting a bunch of calls from people who want to see the horse.”
For the last six months, Zenyatta has been a popular attraction on the backstretches of Del Mar, Hollywood Park, and especially at Churchill Downs on the week of the Breeders’ Cup. Shirreffs said Lane’s End would attempt to accommodate Zenyatta’s fans in some capacity in the future.
“They said they’d work with it,” Shirreffs said.
In the last week, Zenyatta’s routine has varied from walking at Shirreffs’s barn to undergoing light exercise on the main track or backstretch training track. Wednesday, she was jogged on the main track, but that was primarily for a set of action photographs commissioned by Ann Moss, Shirreffs said.
“We don’t want to let her get too high,” he said.
In the last week, Shirreffs said fans have continued to reach out to Zenyatta since her loss at Churchill Downs.
“We’ve gotten a lot of fan mail and support,” he said. “People want to come out and see her.”
Cindy
I will always say you won that day,
you were so far back!
You came up so fast –
no one can run like that
…except Zenyatta
You ARE the horse of the year,my dear
i love you
Vickie
No words can ever express the sheer thrills and joy that Zenyatta brings to any one around her – for that matter anyone who has seen her on TV or in person. Thank you Team Zenyatta! Thank you Zenyatta! My once in a lifetime horse.
Jan
My heart is heavy because I can’t imagine how those who love you can let you go to an unknown future! I just hope that you will be loved by someone there and well cared for. Will you be sad that no one you know will be there for you? I hope that you find some nice horse friends too. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something so grand….Zenyatta’s life! and to enjoy for a little while the thrill of your race and the delight of your dancing and prancing and to be a part of your fans who all love you. I am glad that there’s no chance of any horrible racing injuries. You’ve given your all and you have earned your retirement. You’re a grand and wonderful Lady Zenyatta!!! I will miss you and will be hanging on every thread of news about your new life. I thank Team Zenyatta for taking such good good care of you and for making a sound decision to allow you to retire. Thank you Team Zenyatta for seeing something so special in this lady and giving her a chance of a lifetime to be the best that she could be and to inspire others. There are not many that inspire such pure love from complete strangers throughout the world. Please make sure that she is protected for the rest of her life. She’s our treasure…in our hearts forever.
Alysse Jacobs
Zenyatta – the greatest champion I believe I will ever see. Nobody deserves it more, but know you will be missed. Best of luck in your new career. Just try not to make it too hard for your kids to keep up with you.
Diane
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, say it ain’t so! A girl has to do what a girl loves to do. You love to run, love to win and love the show. Stars love to be stars. I don’t hear you saying you want to give it all up to go to the breeding shed yet. John, please re-think this.
Tamyatta
Well Zenny my beauty, looks like you’re really going this time. My heart goes with you. I’m sure your mom and dad will make sure they keep you happy, warm and safe! Thank you for making me the happiest I have been in a long long time. I hope to come see you some day. The Z cam is a great, great, great idea. I know God will always keep you wrapped in his loving arms. I’ll be waiting for “Zendy”:)All my love to you!
Joan
I’m so sad that this magnificent ride is over but grateful I was alive to see our great Queen Z even if only on TV. I wish her every success in her new career. I know she will be a good and loving mother to her foals. I’m just sorry she can’t stay home in CA even though I may be able to see her in KY if Lane’s End does allow we fans to visit once in a while. Bless Team Zenyatta for all the access they have allowed us. All my love to our Queen Z. I’ll miss you so.
Marie
It’s finally official — Zenyatta has been retired. So sad to hear that news today.
So happy to have witnessed your greatness!!
I hope you have a long, happy & healthy retirement. Hope you still get all the attention you deserve Queen Z. will definitely miss you
Cheryl
The Queen will be at her Palace in Versailles, how perfect is that. But who will be Louis XV? There are a fine cast of male horses down there of the highest caliber, Afleet Alex, Hard Spun, Curlin, Henny Hughes, etc. I hope she will be happy in her new maternal life and not miss racing too much. Maybe she will give birth to a superfoal one day for the world to behold. The Mosses and Shireffs have always put Zenyatta first, and connected her to her fans. Horseracing at it’s best, it can’t be done any classier than the Mosses have done. The event on Dec. 5th is a brilliant idea. I attended Afleet Alex Day in 2005 in Delaware Park before he retired and will never forget how great it was. My heart goes out to Mario, he looks like he loves Zenyatta most of all. Dec. 5th will be a glorious day in California, please let TVG cover it so I can watch in NJ!!! I hope she is happy and well taken care of the rest of her life. Thank you so much.
Deborah
There will never be another Zenyatta. I am so glad that I was able to see you race in person and get up close time with you that Sunday afternoon after your last race. I pray that you will be happy in your new home although I cannot imagine how you will be happy away from CA, your family, the racetrack and all your fans. I hope we will receive news of you from time to time or else we will all be depressed and worried.You are a national treasure and should always be treated as such. Love always from just another one of your millions of fans.
Sharron Evans
When I was 13, I fell in love with Majestic Prince as I watched him race on tv. I plastered my room with clippings and articles on him and I even wrote him a letter to tell him not to feel bad that he didn’t win the Belmont! 40 years later, last Dec. 26th my husband and I went to Santa Anita to get to see Zenyatta in person before she retired. Surprise! She unretired and we both fell in love with her, and what a magical year we’ve had going to all of her CA races and experiencing the Phenomenon. This has meant more to us than I can ever express. We are so grateful to the Mosses and all of Zenyatta’s amazing connections for this extra year, we wish all the best to all of them.
Lori Stein
well I guess this day had to finally come. I’m happy and sad at the same time. Lanes End looks like a beautiful place for the Queen and I am so happy she is happy and healthy going into retirement. She gave us all a thrill of a lifetime the last 3+ years, thank you soooooo much. Racing will have a big void for a long time to come just like the stall left vacant by the beautiful amazon at barn 55 at HP. I hope Lanes End will find a way to let the zealots follow their muse through her retirement on some level. Just some posts and pictures on her website will do a heart some good. Godspeed Big Z. You will be remembered forever!!!
Loose Cannon
I am VERY disappointed the decision has been made to send her back to Kentucky in December. Why did they bother bringing her back to CA in the first place if plans were that quickly in the works to ship her back to KY to breed her? Should have just left her there after the BC, so at least she could get acclimated and acquainted with the lucky suitor.
Why can’t she stay in CA for awhile and be just a regular superstar mare amongst her family, friends, fans and people can come to visit her here (and you know they’ll come!)? Really, what is the rush and what is so important to breed her right now? I wish someone would explain this to me (I probably won’t get it, but you can always try!:-)
I will always count myself as one of Zenyatta’s many devoted fans (for 2+ years now). I have nothing but love and appreciation for what she has accomplished during her racing career and the sheer joy she brings with her personality and antics.
Love you always Queen Z and will always wish you the best, but you leaving in one month just sucks!!!
Cindy
All the best to you Zenyatta. You are a true inspiration. Please keep us updated on how you are doing. Wish I could see you on Dec. 5. Take care.
Anita Carville
Oh, my Zenny. I feel a great loss and sadness though i knew it was inevitable. We will all miss you so much, but know that you gave us so much these past 3 years. And, I must remind myself, you are going to love your new life as a Mommy in the Bluegrass. What a great reason to visit Kentucky. Having you for this past additional year — to see you dance and run again — was a gift and a blessing. You are a gift from God. I’m so glad you’re retiring healthy. I love you and God be with you and watch over you. May He also watch over your dear connections who I know will miss you terribly.
Mary Alice Kier
Dear Zenyatta,
I knew this day would arrive and I’ve been fighting it since the last several races. And when the announcement came today, I was surprised that my heart didn’t break as much as I thought it would. Suddenly I realize what a gift it was that Jerry and Ann didn’t retire you last year and what you’ve accomplished this year is, as Trevor Denman would say, “Unbelievable”!! You are a more transcendent figure than ever and you’ve done more for racing than any horse in recent racing history and no doubt any in the future, except maybe your future offspring. We are so blessed to have had you in our midst and your remain very healthy due to all the love and care Jerry, Ann, John, Dottie, Mario, Carmen, Steve and all your incredible Team Zenyatta have given you. It’s time we have another gift in a colt or filly that will continue your great legacy. You danced into our hearts and soul Zenyatta and we must let you dance into the next chapter of your life. Thank you for giving us all one of the greatest times in racing!!!!!
Martha Bouza
The lady is a CHAMP. Best of luck to Z in her new career. We will miss your dancing and great races.
Gloria
To Dottie – I read your comments on Steve Haskin’s blog and I want to thank you for keeping fans informed of Zenyatta’s goings-on as she goes off to retirement. I can’t imagine what you, John, The Mosses, Mikey and all of Zenyatta’s handlers are feeling. Thank you so much for everything! You guys are all a big part of what makes Zenyatta as special as she is.
Cathleen
Zenyatta, we all hoped Ann would convice Jerry to let you enjoy your post-racing days in California grazing in their backyard! :) But I do hear Land’s End is a lovely place. I hope your “family” and fans can come visit you. Meeting you someday is on my Bucket List. Thanks for all the great racing memories. You’re one of a kind baby. Racing will never be the same without you. I wish you could race forever. We’ll miss you. Good luck in retirement and we look forward to meeting your foals. I hope you keep writing in your diary. I so look foward to reading your posts. Hugs and peppermint kisses.
Cathleen
Zenyatta, we all hoped Ann would convince Jerry to let you enjoy your post-racing days in California grazing in their backyard! But I do hear Land’s End is a lovely place. I hope your “family” and fans can come visit you. Meeting you someday is on my Bucket List. Thanks for all the great racing memories. You’re one of a kind baby. Racing will never be the same without you. I wish you could race forever. We’ll miss you. Good luck in retirement and we look forward to meeting your foals. I hope you keep writing in your diary. I so look foward to reading your posts. Hugs and peppermint kisses.
Irene Caty
well zen, the day has finally come to tell us you will be retired. It really hurt bad. the thought of you leaving all your fans in california where they watched you race and fell so in love with you and go to Kentucky forever. I have been crying all day because I will miss you so. You are the greatest and there will never be another horse to compare with you. Zenyatta, you are so special and I thank you so much for the races you ran and the dances you danced. you have done more and ment more to so many and I can tell you that your fans will never forget you. I thank everyone at team Z for loving you so much and taking good care of you. I thank Ann and Jerry for letting you be your happy self to run in 2010. It has all been an unforgetable trip. I know mike smith will miss riding the Big Z. He loves you so much. John has to be given the credit for training you and giving you the time to grow into yourself to become Queen Zenyatta, never to be forgotten. I wish you happeness and joy in your new journey in life. I hope all of your babies are as smart and balanced and also as beautiful as you zenny. I hope to see you on Dec. 5th for your final send off. I will remember you forever and love you forever my beautiful Queen Zenyatta. May the Grace of God be with you forever and care for you always. Never loose your personality because that is what makes you the ever loving Zenyatta. Goodbye lovely Lady, I will never forget you. Love, Irene
Neva Rae Powers
I hope you love retirement and receive the same care in KY that you have had in CA. You owe the public nothing. If you are not HOTY this year, then there is no justice in this world.
Snoprinz
Zenny, please keep us posted even though you will be in retirement in KY. I was hoping that you would spend the rest of the year in CA before starting a new life in KY. I pray that Lane’s End will love and care for you and that they will allow us to come and visit.
ECS
So grateful for you. XOXO.
Gloria Jeanne
Dear Zenyatta- my wish for you is that Mario goes with you. Just until you are ready to let go and be happy. You have done nothing wrong-in fact- you are free now. Now you can go and play with other ponies. :-)
Cheryl
Dottie,
The perfect song that plays all throughout Hollywood Park next year, the beautiful ballad by one of the grestest songwriters of our generation, Barry Gibb’s “Wish You Were Here” for Zenyatta’s fans.
“You’re living your life in somebody else’s heart,
My love is as strong as oceans are far apart.
A summer song keeps playing in my brain,
And I feel you and I see your face again.
There’s no escape, I lost everything in losing you.
Ah, I wish you were here
drying these tears I cry.
They were good times
and I wish you were here
calling my name……..etc.”
The blood red rose will never never die
It’ll burn like a flame
In the dark of the night
I’m not afraid
I’d give everything
If you hear me there.
Ah, wish you were here………”
Sums up how the Californians will be feeling soon. This must be exactly what Mike is feeling too. I hope he gets to wear the turquoise silks upon her for one more walk on Dec. 5th.
Delrene
Such a conflict of emotions. Happy that Zenyatta is retiring healthy and happy and going out on top. Sad that we will not see her race again in California. I wish she could stay in sunny Ca but she is going back to her birthplace. You deserve only the best as you have given us the ride of a lifetime. Thanks for all those great stretch runs. She is “unbelievable!!!”
Bill
Thanks to the Zenyatta family for sharing her with us. And thanks to Zenyatta for giving us her best each and every time.
Leslie
Zenyatta, you’ve been an inspiration to many and now you deserve a wonderful retirement. I’m going to miss you but someday we’ll have your babies to watch run. I wonder if you’ll teach them to dance too? Enjoy your new life, sweet girl. I’m just so happy that you are hanging up your racing shoes while you are happy and healthy.
I hope you continue your diary. I want to know how you’re doing in your new life.
Love,
Leslie
Ann Maree
I was glad to read that Lane’s End knows they are getting something very, very special. If they will put forth some effort to accommodate her fans, it surely would be good publicity for their operation, as well. Zenyatta will share her spotlight with those who understand that she needs her fans for her well being. I would love to know more about their routine for their broodmares. I worry about her being isolated and cooped up. She is so used to having hands on her by people who love her. From her faithful and loyal groom and her other caretakers. Oh, dear. I know she’s a horse, but, gee whiz, I so want her to be happy and content. I hope Lane’s End will put up a fan page and keep us updated with info and videos, like John Shirreffs has done. Sigh……