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.”
Bethany
I’m happy you’re retiring sound and happy, Zenyatta, but what a sad day too. I think after the BC I had come to terms with myself you were being retired this year, but as each day went by without an official word, I think I began to hope you just MIGHT race another year. You don’t have anything more to prove and your fans will love you no matter what, but I’ll miss the days where I was counting down the days you’d run again and either watching it on TV or bouncing in my seat waiting for news of the results on my computer. I’m happy a retirement parade is being set up because I am dragging myself down from Santa Barbara to see you no matter what! I’ve never been able to see you in person, but I’ve vowed for months now I will see you at your retirement parade. So with the other thousands of people, I will be there cheering for you and the excitement you brought.
Valeria P. Cannon
Hi Lady Z, I’m so happy and excited for you, to be going home to your birthplace must be exciting as well as kind of sad. But maybe you you’ll get to see your dad, your mom and your siblings when you get to Kentucky. Maybe your human family will allow Mario and Steve to go with you for a while just till you get acclimated and comfortable at Lane’s End. I’m so glad that you’re retiring healthy and happy, and that your (human) family took such good care of you and does what is in your best interest, irregardless what the public
may want. It’s all about ‘you’ and what’s right for you. Maybe you can challenge your brothers to a race, and leave them eating your dust!:)Can you explain to me why the powers that be in horseracing only acknowledge the siblings on the dam’s side and not the sire, that’s strange to me. A sibling is a sibling whether your half or whole. Anyway, you go girl, have the time of your life and pass along your supremacy and excellence to your daughters, and sons just like Personal Ensign tried to. May you leave behind a legacy as strong and rich as Seattle Slew and Northern Dancer. Don’t replicate yourself, but pass along your excellence to lots of sons and daughters who would one day want to grow up ‘to be just like Mom’! Be happy my beautiful lady and truly know that you are well loved. ‘How can you describe perfection, why try. Her name is simply Zenyatta!!!’
Sue
Striving for excellence motivates us, striving for perfection is demoralizing. Zenyatta is the symbol of excellence! Thank you America’ s Racing Sweetheart for the incredible ride. Enjoy your retirement, and long live Queen Z.
Vicki B.
Sad, that you won’t be blowing by them all in races, anymore — it would have been fun to see another year, with “nothing to prove” except compiling even more wins. I’m glad I get to see you before you leave our neighborhood, Zenny, you’re our Wonder-girl, always beloved.
Ellen Robertson
Dear Zen,
I guess I can only echo what so many are saying here: this really is a bittersweet announcement. I am truly grateful you are retiring as a sound, well horse, and I consider it a great honor to have witnessed your amazing career; but I will miss you so very much! Oh, I will watch Awesome Feather and the other young ones run, and I will find other horses to cheer for; but you really are a horse of a lifetime and no one can take your place.
I hope to see you before you leave for Kentucky. And I hope when you get there, you will be happy! Enjoy running and rolling and grazing in all that beautiful bluegrass…
You are forever in my heart, Queen Z.
Much Love, Ellen
debbie
This is so bittersweet, but i was jumping for joy to hear u were coming to lanes end –u will be about 2 miles away from me.Igo when they have the open houses to see all the stallions and believe u me they are the top of the line farm.Only fitting u get to be at such a top notch outfit.YOU WILL BE THE BELL OF THE BALL THERE!!!!! Cant wait to see u big girl.
sarah
Thanks for the memories, Zenyatta. You will forever be remembered as a great champion. Maybe your breeding career be as successful as your racing career was. You have given so much joy to so many people.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, I am heartbroken. I would not mind that you retire too much, but to leave your home, California? Why? You love the run, the fans, dance with us one more year. I cannot see the screen right now. Love and hugs, Lisa g
Lisa g
Team Zenyatta, I guess I do not understand how Mr and Mrs Moss can be separated from Zenyatta. Why would they send their beloved so far away? Do they not love her? I just do not get it. If she were mine, I would find a nice ranch in Southern California so I could see her all the time for the rest of her life. I do not understand this coldness.
Lisa g
Rachel
I had barely recovered from my sadness and disappointment at the Classic and then I read of your retirement yesterday. I spent the afternoon a bit tearful. I can’t imagine the hole in the hearts of Team Zenyatta when I can’t make it throught the day without crying when I think of not seeing you dancing for the crowd and enjoying your running so much. I am afraid you will greatly miss those who have loved you so well and the adoration of your public. It’s like having Marilyn Monroe retire to the suburbs and have babies. I hope your new groom will give you so much love to help you through the transition and not forget your Guiness and aloe vera and always make you feel like the queen you are. Good Bye Sweet Zenyatta. I think I will go cry again for awhile. Please send us a son or daughter with all your charisma so I have a new champion to love in your place.
Sue Fredrick
Hi Zenny, I am so happy you are going to Lanes End farm it is a georgeous facility. I am already planning a trip down in Spring during Derby Week and I’m planning to come and visit you there. You will love Kentucky, it’s horse country, and the handsome boys at Lanes End. Your Classy owners have picked the best for you! I can already see you running the beautiful green pastures with your new baby. And because you will be more centrally located I know you will have lots of visitors to dance for. Luv and Hugs
Ella Emery
Zenyatta! This is Ella again, one of your youngest fans, age 5…my mom just checked with FED EX & your apples are in Carson, CA & you should receive them today. Sorry they are taking so long to get to you. I have to go to school right now, but just wanted to tell you I love you & hope that I can send more treats to Lane’s End…make sure that is part of the deal or ask to stay in CA! My mom reassured me that you will love the bluegrass of Kentucky & hopefully you will like to dance in the snow! Keep in touch, I promise I will.
Love, Ella Grace Emery
Patricia
Zenyatta, John, Dottie, The Mosses, Mario, Mike & all that take care & love our delightful Queen…with Thanksgiving upon us, I want to extend my sincere thanks for providing us with such greatness on so many levels. You will be a tough act to follow. My wishes for all of you, are that this transition go well. I cannot even imagine the emotions that you all must be feeling. I have cried every day since BC. I hope that you will try to post some video of the parade on Dec. 5th for those of us that will not be able to attend, so we can see her dance one last time
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
marsha roliardi
zenyatta, as far as we are concerned, you won that last race!!! you are horse of the year, the decade, the century!! thanks to your wonderful team, owners, trainers, and of course mike!!! you have taken wonderful care of our queen. she will be missed but life goes on. we all want what is best for her and her future. we hope lanes end realizes how much she loves to be around people and to be paraded around so she may show off her beauty. best wishes to all. she has been the best thing for all of us and needs to be treasured. zenyatta, have fun with the boys, and don’t forget to teach your babies how to dance!!!! we love you marsha & joe roliardi
Mariel
Your Majesty!
I cannot express my thankfulness for all of the joy & thrills that you have given me over the last few years! Woefully, I never got to see you in person though I tried last year in Kentucky at Dawn At the Downs. The news that they will be working on a way for your devoted fans to visit you at Lane’s End lifted my heart! I know that at last I will be able to look into your beautiful eyes!
Please pass along my heartfelt thanks & respect to John & Dottie & The Moss’s. Give Mike a big hug for me & let him know that we are very thankful to HIM for every ride he has given you. & last, but certainly not least, thank you to Mario. I was a groom at Laurel Park for 8 years & I would have wanted no other job on the backside! He has kept you looking stunningly beautiful for years & I can see that he loves & respects you very much. Thank YOU, Mario! The unsung hero.
Love to you, Zenyatta, until at last we meet. XOXOXO
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta as I read it post my heart fills with the love all of us feel for you. I read your diary everyday to my 5th grade class. They all love you too. I pray that Lanes End takes good care of yoy because you deserve only the best. Living in Ohio I have only seen you on TV and on the internet. I hope now that you will be in Kentucky I can come visist you. WOW would that be something for me. Like another lady said if i win the lottery I am coming to get you. I love you sweetheart. Shari Voltz
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta as I read this post my heart fills with the love all of us feel for you. I read your diary everyday to my 5th grade class. They all love you too. I pray that Lanes End takes good care of you because you deserve only the best. Living in Ohio I have only seen you on TV and on the internet. I hope now that you will be in Kentucky I can come visist you. WOW would that be something for me. Like another lady said if I win the lottery I am coming to get you. I love you sweetheart. Shari Voltz
dave
I guess I understand- she is 6- but she sure looks like she has another year of racing in her. AP Indy x Zenyatta- wow- look out…think its more likely she gets bred to a speed horse to balance her stamina-love to see her get some Mr. Prospector in her…
Susan from Fl
Thanx for sharing your incredible journey so far…..looking forward to your next chapter! Peace & Happiness Z.
Jill Mabry
Thank you Zenyatta for all of the memories and amazing finishes that kept us on the edges of our seats. Thank you Team Zenyatta for sharing the most amazing horse with all of us. We sure are going to miss you. Hopefully you will be able to keep in touch with all of your adoring fans. Wishing you the best as you move on to your new career…you will be the most loving mother ever. We will love you forever. Hugs and Kisses to you.
XOXOXO,
Jill
Kagawa
I have a problem with the overall premise of your article but I still think its really informative. I really like your other posts. Keep up the great work. If you can add more video and pictures can be much better. Because they help much clear understanding. :) thanks Kagawa.
Samantha Peck
Will there be an open house for her or anything when she arrives in KY?? I want to see her more than anything in the world! :)
Tricia Clemmensen
Well Z, yesterday was a good news/bad news day for me for many, many reasons. On the bright side – hey you get to go to KY (the Bluegrass State), you will get the royal treatment with lots of R&R on the farm and last but not least – you get to check out all thos studly studs at Lanes Ends. On the sad side, I will miss you oh so much. You take care and when I go down to KY I will plan on stopping by and saying hi. You are going to be so missed vby so many Queen Z. P.S. If you don’t like the boys at Lanes End, go check out Afleet Alex at Gainesway.
Ales
We will miss you Queen Z….Go enjoy running in the big paddocks with your old
friend Life is Sweet….I wonder if RA is
there too? I want to Thank Team Zenyatta
for taking such wonderful care of her!
Jeanne
OK–I am not a lyricist and that it will be evident when you read this, but here is my attempt to set new words to the song, “Thanks for the Memories” from the movie, “The Big Broadcast of 1938”.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES ZENYATTA
Thanks for the memories:
We love to see you dance, you really knew how to prance,
You put on a show wherever you’d go to delight the mass,
We will miss this so much.
Thanks for the memories:
You really knew how to run, it seemed like you were doing it for fun,
You have a winning record that has made you #1,
We will miss the thrill.
Thanks for the memories:
Although you lost to Blame,
It really was a shame,
BUT we believe that you are still HOTY the same,
You are a grand dame.
Thanks for the memories:
We hate to see you go,
But we want you to know,
How much we love you and know that it is time to find a beau,
WE THANK YOU SO VERY, VERY, MUCH!!
I sure Shep Fields (the songwriter) and Bob Hope will be haunting me tonight.
Thank you Zenyatta and to your connections. Have a Guinness on me!
Zenyatta forever
Thank you Queen Z for giving something worth watching!! Happy retiremant an hopefully I will visit you sometime.
Best wishes for you and your foals!!
RDV
Thank you Zenyatta and thank you to all your people. It is so wonderful to know that such superb people surrounded such a superb horse. I don’t think we would have seen your greatness emerge had you been in someone elses hands…
cheryl
Hoping you have a date with AP Indy! Can hardly wait to see baby Zen. It was a lucky day when the Mosses came your way, you have been so good for each other. And Mario has been such a big part of your life, hope you two can stay in touch. Your connections, all of them, are just the very BEST to always put you first. I was privilidged to see you in Ark in 2010, what a horse! I will never forget you.
Robin Scattini
Dear Zenyatta and Team Zenyatta:
I stumble over my words and can hardly see through my tears as I attempt to bid the Mare of All Mares farewell. Though I do know it is only in the physical sense since Zenyatta is cemented in my heart. I love all the wonderful thoroughbreds for all they do for us but I have never truly given my heart to any particular one because we all know the different things that can happen to our dear horse friends. I’ve watched Zenyatta from the beginning and shortly into her career, I could no longer refrain from putting my heart fully into her. I simply cannot get my feelings out and everything I would say would simply be understated. So I’ll just say THANK YOU to Zenyatta and Team Zenyatta for each and everything and moment. You are a phenomenal team that I have yet to see anywhere in thoroughbred racing. I was blessed to see Zenyatta run in person 3 times and the cohesiveness and warmth of Team Z is evident. Team Z, know the Zenyatta fans’ hearts are aching right along with yours as she moves away. Zenyatta, more love than can fit into any container is being sent to you. Have a beautiful retirement! And borrowing the words from a famous space character, you are loved “Infinity and Beyond!”
Gerrie Pantle
I just want Zenyatta to have the life she wants to live whatever that may be. Most of all, its wonderful to have her healthy and sound.
Does there need to be a rush into breeding? I wish she could remain a California girl on a farm in California and given some time to acclimate to a new chapter in her life.
She will be missed, greatly. Thank you for sharing Zenyatta with her adoring public for so long.