Happy Friday!
There isn’t any baby news to report, but we’re having a great time with Zenyatta this week. The weather has been beautiful in Kentucky, and she’s as relaxed as ever.
Here are a few photos from the past two days on the farm. We’ll have some new photos of 12Z tomorrow—and of course we’ll post as soon as there’s big news!
Enjoy!
-Team Z
Delrene in Carlsbad, Ca
Thanks to Lane’s End, Mr. and Mrs. Moss ; to all who continue to be so gracious as to let Zenyatta’s fan share in these joyous moments. The photos are just gorgeous. She looks like the Queen that she is.
Have a great time with your special girl and we look forward to news of the newborn.
Nancy Wassouf
Such a beautiful animal and such gracious owners and staff to share her life with us. Maybe an Easter foal!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Zenny is SO beautiful! I continue to be stunned by her calmness and the intelligence of her face.
sharon in seattle
to Lane’s End and the Mosses – thank you for these wonderful photos, showing the Queen in all her glory!!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Lane’s End and Z Team:
Wonderful photos of Z and Mr. and Mrs. M. They all look great. Thank you for keeping us updated on what is happening at this anxious and happy time. Hugs, JB
Lou in Tx
Thanks for the wonderful pictures and for letting us be involved in Queen Z’s life. Ann and Jerry are the best owners ever. And thank you to Lane’s End for taking such great pictures of our Queen and the adorable Z12.
Hope that Zenyatta’s foaling is easy and uneventful. We all love you so much Queen Z.
Stephanie Gladney
Thank you so much for remembering her fans and keeping us updated with photos and news. I love Z so much.
Karen
Thank you for the beautiful pictures and the updates. Zenyatta looks like she is loving the attention. She looks wonderful. Can’t wait to see new pictures of 12Z.
Patty Smith
OMG! These pics are beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing them with us! She looks content and happy to be with her peeps! Enjoy the moment and best wishes to Zenny for a safe and easy delivery.
Rose
It is good to see Zenyatta and know all is well.. Thank You for sharing such a wonderful time in your lives. God Bless All
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Before this day slips away, I want to thank Keta, Shirleeinindy, Maureen Phi-llips, Jamie and Marshall for your comments earlier about today being the birthday of the great Man O’ War. Our dear Vicki B near Hollywood introduced me to the following poem, written long ago as if he had his own Diary in which to address the world, as our Z did before the arrival of her little Prince, who needed her full-time attention. As I understand it, our Z, and thus her offspring too, carry Man O’ War’s blood through Hail to Reason. Happy birthday, Man O’ War!
Poem written for Man O’ War for his 20th birthday by the Washington Times-Herald post as a telegram for his descendants.
Man O’ War Speaks —
“To My Descendants All Over The World”
Thundering Hooves
Faraway Farm
Lexington, KY
Sons and daughters wherever you are,
My children and grandchildren near and far,
Your birthday messages mail and wire
Have touched the heart of your gray old sire
For twenty years is a ripe old age
As they list these stakes on the race track page.
My days are few but I hear them say
That out on the line on Derby Day
A dozen or more of you sun or rain
Will carry with you my ancient strain.
Somehow there’s something about that news
That stirs me down to the nails in my shoes,
For you may remember in days gone by
They called me a race horse who could fly,
Spurned the earth as I spurned the pack,
And showed them the look of a Thoroughbred’s back.
Thundering hooves and the mad jammed race,
Blood in the nostrils, sweat in the face.
It’s quiet here on the Faraway Farm,
The clover’s deep and the stable’s warm,
Nothing to do the live long day
But eat and sleep and stand in the hay.
Your old man’s lazy but not so bad.
He’s lost the speed that once he had,
But sometimes still when the feeding’s through,
Thoughts come back of the days he knew.
He sees the wide stretch under his eyes
And the short blue flash as the barrier flies,
Cries of the jockeys, roar of the blast,
And blurred white streaks as the rails go past.
Kicking behind him the whole damned crew,
This is your daddy taking to you.
Thundering hooves and the mad jammed race,
Blood in the nostrils, sweat in the face.
Never again will I go that way
I’m just old Red who has seen his day.
Nothing left but a fading fame
And half-baked children to carry the name,
Good enough for a selling plate
But show me a one of you really great.
Win a few races, then you’re done–
Hell and damnation, that’s no way to run!
A Thoroughbred can pick and choose,
Show me the beggar who will not lose,
Who carries his head in a blaze of gold
And knows that a better horse never was foaled!
Dogs in the paddocks, swine on the track
Leave ’em behind you and never come back.
Scatter the lot of ’em all or one,
Show them the way that a horse can run!
Thundering hooves and the mad jammed race,
Blood in the nostrils, sweat in the face.
And now, just as old timers will,
Before you leave for Louisville,
I’m sending you a word of advice
Which is cheap enough at half the price:
Pegasus bones, I’d give my eyes
To be out there when the barrier flies!
Oh well, that’s done and it’s up to you
To show what the blood of the old Red can do.
Though few of my sons were worth their price…
But here I’m forgetting to give you advice!
You know of course the usual plan:
Stick to the rail as long as you can,
Keep your stride to a full pitched length,
Stay with the leaders and save your strength
For the long stretch in when you must not fail
To lead the pack by the end of your tail!
Thundering hooves and the mad jammed race,
Blood in the nostrils, sweat in the face.
But that’s all something you’ve been told
And A B C to a two-year-old.
The thing that counts on the long ride in
Is the dead sure certainty you will win!
Hold that thought as you hold your bit–
Kings of Thoroughbreds never quit!
Dust is something a king won’t take,
Break their hearts if their hearts will break
[Maybe the story has come to your ear
Of what once happened to John P. Grier],
Any Thoroughbred king would choose
To die at the finish rather than lose!
Run the race to the limit then–
Quitting is only for dogs and men.
Hold your strength till the barriers fly
Then close with the leaders eye to eye!
Thundering hooves and the mad jammed race,
Blood in the nostrils, sweat in the face.
And children, remember, wherever you are,
You carry the blood of
MAN O’ WAR!
Louise Castello
Wow Trina, this gave me chills. Thank you!
Keta
Trina,
That brought tears to my eyes.
As I am sure I have said before, my Dad was a student at University of Kentucky from 1930 to 1936–B.S. then Masters.
He used to visit Man O’ War regularly. The stories of Big Red were an important part of my childhood.
Hugs, Keta
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Absolutely Wonderful Trina, Thank You.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Trina:
This poem is just so wonderful. Makes me think of The Prince and all that is ahead of him. He’s one of the children of Man O’ War’s bloodline. Lot’s to learn. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Happy Birthday Man O’ War. Hugs, JB
Jan S. / Houston
Happy Birthday Big Red!
Cindy C
What an incredible work! I have never seen this poem before and loved reading it. Thank you so much for sharing.
maryp ny
Trina, That rose emotions to the heights! Masterful! Thank you.
Martha
Love the images and feeling of this poem. Thank you for sharing it.
Diana Stuart - Big Red's Still in my Heart
Trina, thank you so much for finding and sharing this wonderful poem! A book on Man O War was the very first horse book I read as a child and I’v been horse crazy since.
Big Red: A century later almost and we still get chills over you.
diastu in tempe
Carmela B/Pasadena CA
Trina–that is absolutely BEAUTIFUL…Lady Z has that royal blood coursing in her veins, and my old Quarter Horse does too…
Cynthia H.
Thank you so much for these beautiful photos, Team Z. Zenyatta looks resplendent! Ann Moss is the only human being I know, who can stand next to the Queen with no diminishing of her own radiance. They positively glow together, like candle and flame.
suew/Va
Oh, my…you have expressed my feelings exactly.
Stephanie in San Diego
Thank You for these beautiul picture of Zenny and her family. She is just as stunning as ever and as loving.
Jeanne Sutton
Thanks so much!!!
Janis Comerford
Love all the pics, thanks for keeping us updated on the Queem Z
LGE
Thanks so much for the OFFICIAL news.
Hope those on this site needy to provide
Unofficial new will lock their keyboards and
Take their medication and refocus their efforts
To more positive things.
Lovely photos!!!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
You’re the one dragging in a negative attitude, every time.
HeidiK Vallejo,Ca (pacing)
Why do you always have to leave snootty remarks??? This is a blessed time and we are all waiting patiently (some more than others).
Max
Vicki B and Heidi K. Sign who was kicked off the site appears to be back under a new name. Pay no attention. Don’t let it ruin your fun.
Louise Castello
Yes Max, she must think we’re all dumb. Who is she kidding?
CL
Such interesting comments,
If the person was kicked off “this living
site?”. How could they return !!!!!
Are you going to start withdrawing and manipulating
Again Max???? Those are female specialties !!!!
Max
Sign/LGE/CL. Please take your negativity about women and everything else away. This site is for the love of Zenyatta, not for you to attack Keta and other people.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks, Trina. That poem really sets a horse racing mood. At the time it was written, his most famous descendants had not won their fame, yet — War Admiral, the 1937 Triple Crown winner and Seabiscuit, who was Horse of the Year in 1938. He certainly had other famous offspring, but they couldn’t match his record. In 1966, “37 per cent of stakes winners were descendants of Man O’ War”.
Man O’ War — March 29, 1917 to November 1, 1947, won 20 of 21 races. In his only loss, he “still was circling with his back to the starting line”, when the race started. “After Man o’ War turned around, he already was far behind the starters.” … “Despite this, he came close to winning, losing by a half-length.” He set records in both the Preakness and Belmont of 1920, winning the latter by 20 lengths (his owner didn’t enter him in the Derby).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man_o%27_War
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Keta, I just saw the Man O’ War slideshow link you posted on the previous Blog. That was great, thanks!
https://staging.zenyatta.com/news/zenyatta-update/comment-page-6#comment-204759
sue and tony
Ann, we know your Zenny rested her head on your shoulder when you first saw her at Keenland. A bond was created then that is forged in steel between you two. And Jerry, our Queen loves you, too, as evidenced in every photo of you with her. We just love this special mare who always seems to bring out the very best in everyone.
Words are inadequate to thank all of Team Z for sharing this magnificient lady with all of us.
Keta
Dear Ann Moss & Team Zenyatta
Love on a lovely spring day! The photos are so tender and caring.
Prayers for a safe foaling–healthy Mom & healthy foal.
Thank you for sharing your treasure with us.
Hugs, Keta
Candi E. Carter
I’m sooo glad to see this gorgeous elegant photos of Zenny the queen it make my day thank you so much for the lanes end and the kindness of the mosses,I do appreciate it very much.
Arieschild
Thank you so much for sharing Queen Z with all of us who love her so dearly. I have my Zenyatta Breyer on my table in my room it is the first thing I see every morning and the last thing I see at night. I am hoping Z will foal on Easter but if not that is fine with me I just want her to have a happy, healthy foal. I know a lot of people really want this one to be a filly, I personally don’t care filly or colt as long as Mama Z and baby are healthy and happy. Thank you again to Jerry and Ann Moss and all of the people at Lanes End for keeping us up to date on The Queen.
darlene
Hope Z has a safe delivery. Please give her a break and not breed her again this year. I hope her fans can see her someday
Anita from SoCal
Thank you for sharing pictures of beautiful Zenny. I can’t help but think of the time I stood beside her with my hand on her neck, looked into her quiet eye and felt a sense of peace and wonder in her presence. I will never forget. So looking forward to the birth of 13Z. Trina thanks for sharing the beautiful poem of Man O’War. He was loved and worshipped in his time, as Zenyatta is now. Fitting that she is his daughter.
Kathy R.
Join with others in sending my gratitude for the latest pictures of the magical Zenyatta and Mr and Mrs Moss. Truly warms the soul. Love and hugs to all concerned KathyR.
Molly
What a treasure you are, Zenyatta. Such strength and tenderness all in one package. May all of your foals bring such happiness to the world. Wishing you an early Happy Birthday and a safe and healthy delivery.
Lois in Tulsa
How blessed and thankful I feel that Jerry and Ann Moss have allowed as many as those wanting to, to have Zenyatta as a part of our lives! How grateful I feel that because of the Moss’ permission, Lane’s End has continued to keep us up to date on Zenny and Z12, and hopefully on Z13 whenever he/she decides to arrive!
I love all the pictures we get to see from Lane’s End, and especially LOVE the pictures of Ann and Zenny!!! It takes a while to wipe the smile off my face when I see them … whether they be the older ones or new ones! The love between the two of them is palpable! The pure joy on Ann’s face says it all. Ann, when Zenny is retired from breeding, I hope and pray you get your wish that she will live in your backyard ;o) Can’t think of a better place!
Wish all owners/breeders had the love, and provided the type of care that the Mosses do for all their horses! What an excellent example they are of the ethics that should be shown and lived throughout the entire horse racing business!
Cathi
Lois, Love your thoughts and agree with you 1000%.
How fortunate for us that they are all in our lives.
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Amen to that–when Z retires from motherhood, she should be close to Ann.
sandi
I totally agree with you….all members of this team…owners…grooms…everyone are all special people and i am very thankful that they continue to share with us the on going saga of zenyatta. I work at an off track betting site and the year zenyatta won the breeders cup classic one of my customers attended that day at santa anita and i asked him to take a picture of her ….well he did that and also brought me back two posters from that day….my best present ever and i gave him a big smooch and hug!! Lady Z holds a special place in my heart!! Thank you for what you do for us fans!!! P.S. my customers ask me every day..”how is your girl doing?” and i always give an update and share pics of zenyatta and 12Z !!!!
Joanna from TX
Wonderful pictures! Thanks so much for sharing with us…the faithful Zenny fans, many of whom are sleep deprived. This waiting game has been really fun, mostly ’cause we know Zen in the the BEST of hands.
So, again, thanks Moss’s for sharing her with us, and LE folks, thanks for all you do .
Cathi
Ann, Jerry and the entire LE staff.
I can not tell you how your love for “Z” just warms my heart. So many negative comments are made about TB owners and you all show how that is NOT the way it is. Yes you all go above and beyond sharing Queen Z and Z12 life with us. Their fan base isn’t just in the US but all over the WORLD.
Special Owners, Special Caretakers and Love all around the WORLD for all of you.
Thank you so much for showing us that owners and caretakers really do “Feel” for their horses.
Special hugs and smoooooches for Queen Z! (Yes I join others in pacing and checking here to hopefully hear some foaling news).
sheena.davies(wales) waiting for Z's big day
dear Zenyatta you look more beautiful thaneverawaiting the arrival of your 2nd baby we are all pacing here yet you look so serene and calm you must be so happy you have your ann and jerry by your side at this special time thank you all so much for the photos love you Z big news soon please!!!! hugs to all sheenaX
@trina the man o’war poem gave me the chills marvellous hugs sheena