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Zenyatta. Photo Kyle Acebo.
Zenyatta. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Happy Friday!

A big stack of Zenyatta Stickers are in the mail and on their way to you! We’d like to thank all of the fans who continue to support Zenyatta and this site by visiting, taking part in the discussion, and shopping with us.

We’d love to see how you are using your stickers. Send photos of Celebration Stickers and Zenyatta Stickers in action to fans@zenyatta.com. We’ll feature our favorites in a blog post.

A note on holiday orders from the Zenyatta Shop:
Orders must by placed by December 18 in order to qualify for holiday delivery. Orders placed after this date will ship after January 1st.

Here are a few new photos of Zenyatta and 13Z to finish off the week.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

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Photos by Kyle Acebo.

Reader Interactions

2,291 Comments

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet,

      What a find. Thank You. Such a beautiful baby.
      Did you watch his celebration. You just have to. It’s wonderful.

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet:

      This is priceless. How did you ever find the site. Love it. Thank you. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Janet:

        As I’m looking through the link you posted, there are pages and pages of Champion TBs as foals; Easy Goer, Deep Impact, Zenyatta, Frankel, Rags to Riches, Princes of Sylmar, Honor Code, AP Indy, See The Stars, Seattle Slew, Black Cavier, Barbaro, Danedream, Camelot, to name a few. It’s fabulous; I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s near to impossible usually to find photos of our great horses as foals. Saving this to my favorites. Thanks again. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      just priceless
      hope JAG sees the John Henry one….
      Rags had champ written all over her…
      they are all beautiful
      ///

  3. / Reply

    Dear Michele Moore,
    I can only repeat words that have already been sent. Please stay strong and concentrate on all the positives in your world. Don’t lose sight of the fact that we are all here on Zenyatta’s blog for you whenever you feel the need for support. Lots of prayers for healing and lots of Hugs.

  4. / Reply

    Dear Z family Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year.Maybe I should reserve my best wishes for the Mighty Mare Zenyatta and her loved ones,she is the one who has brought a group of strangers together and turned them into life-long friends. Nadolig LLawen Love and Hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena, My Z Family, Z Team and Lane’s End:

      Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. So happy to have met you through Z’s Blog and to have you in my life. I thank Zenyatta, her Team and Lane’s End for making it all possible. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      “Nadolig LLawen” indeed! Merry Christmas back to you, Sheena and Judy, and Max, and also Barbara Wood, and T.C. and BGG and everyone else too numerous to name who continue to make this place as valuable as it is. People have faded away a bit, Trina & I were talking about that yesterday, as we said goodbye to Hollywood Park. But most of us do still come back fairly regularly, if sometimes sporadically, to check in on what “the family” is up to. I miss it if I don’t come, even when other responsibilities often keep me focused elsewhere. Thanks to all of you who, by your camaraderie, anchor this site. It means something, indeed.

      • / Reply

        I cannot think of better company for yesterday than either you or Trina. I went on Saturday and visited my mother’s old barn. I just watched the activity and let the memories wash over me. My mind played some tricks on me and I imagined I could see some of the old grooms working on Swaps. Bill Shoemaker waved to me. I saw Native Diver strut by. I know people say you should not live in the past. However, for me, it was a better time. All of the people I loved then were still alive. I guess they still are in my mind.

        • Terry
          Thank you for that very personal touching comment.
          “As long as we live, they too will live; for they are now are a part of us;
          as we remember them”. – Jewish Prayer
          Merry Christmas!
          BGG

        • TC. Your visit sounds quite perfect to me. I spent years in college studying history and living in the past. I know more details about historical figures than my neighbors. And how deary life would be if we could not remember and discuss horses from the past. I think about Hastings all of the time. Same for Northern Dancer, Whirlaway, Storm Bird, Storm Cat, Danzig, Secretariat, Big D and many many more.

        • TC – I was thinking of you especially because I think your tenure with Hollywood Park is longer than even the most devoted Dumpling. Glad you had a chance to relive some of those memories (OK – going for Kleenex now).

        • Dear TC GP:

          Beautiful post. It’s good to remember the “old times”. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        We’re glad you’re here too Vicki! Glad you got to go yesterday and meet up with Trina. Am anxious to hear all about it.

  5. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Think you all might like to know about this show on Food Network. It’s Cupcake Wars and the December 28th episode is called Cupcake Wars – Breeders’ Cup Edition. Should be fun. I think it airs 8:00 PM EST. Love and Hugs, JB

  6. / Reply

    thanks God for orfevre and sunday silence are healthy, prayers for EHV1 quarantine barn, would horses to be safe from illness, Zenny how do you think, may be in 2015 lightly breezing now Coz will come to Del Mar your race course too, in cold strong wind, rain rivers, much cold wet snow, Zenny 13z Coz and horses try to stay warm and cozy

    • / Reply

      Dear andrej
      Orfevre is still very much alive but his Grand Sire Sunday Silence has passed. I just like to remember him and lift him up also whenever I can. So happy that Bloodline continues.

  7. / Reply

    Dearest Zenyatta be well, be merry and be safe. You and your family make all the days a special holiday for all of us. Much, much love!

    • / Reply

      Rosemary. Great post. I have a vivid memory of the night that Zenyatta won this award. I had warned everyone whom I knew to stay clear of me if Z did not win. I would be inconsolable and probably depressed, and maybe hostile, not being perfect like the Queen. Fortunately, the Queen rightly won her prize. I still recall cheering and laughing and even jumping with excitement when the announcement finally came. Everything connected to Zenyatta and her peops is, as Kari used to say, pure Joy.

      • / Reply

        That’s funny, Max — that you warned your friends, although it wasn’t funny at the time. I was not at all prepared if Z hadn’t won, I was so convinced she would, even knowing she might not, as she hadn’t the year before. But you’re right, I might have sunk into some black pit for awhile, if the world hadn’t righted itself, in that respect.

    • / Reply

      Dear Rosemary, I am confused about the date of your post because I am going on here Dec 30th and this is the latest page. BUT, It was wonderful to post this of Z winning Horse of the Year! I was elated she won but I never had TVG & the opportunity to see this presentation. I have cried again right along with Ann! ( love makes it emotional, the love for Zenyatta!) Thank you so much.
      hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      Thanks so much Rosemary. I watched this “live” on the internet and never thought I would have a chance to see it again. I was a very new Zenyatta fan at that point but was still thrilled beyond words. It means even more now, and there are no words to thank Zenyatta and her whole team for what they have given all of us.

      • / Reply

        Sandy: you are welcome – I’m glad you enjoyed it. I also watched it live and it’s exciting every time I rewatch it. I like to watch Zenyatta videos often, and this is one of my favorite ones to view again. It’s such a feel good video – but then all of the Queen’s videos are uplifting and can turn a bad day around. Have a great Holiday season and a very Happy New Year.

  9. / Reply

    Dear Z’s sters and Zenyatta and babies. I was at HP on Friday seeing the race place of your many spectacular wins. It was a trip to say a final goodbye. I have to say it was a nice day at the race track, but a sad day too. I could not attend due to family commitments on Sunday , so I did the next best day for my schedule. It hurt more than I thought it would to think I won’t be traveling up to Hollywood Park ever again. Life is change I know, however I wish that wouldn’t change…… a beautiful venue.
    I would like to wish all posters, the huge Z family and connections a very blessed holiday season. However you celebrate, make it safe and happy. Thanks for this blog Lane’s End and a Happy New Year to everyone.

    • / Reply

      Dear Delrene:

      So sad to say goodby to Hollywood Park. Although I’ve never been there, it’s sad to see such an important part of racing history come to an end.

      Wishing you a Blessed Christmas. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Barb W:

          I still miss Narragansett Park and Lincoln Downs; both of them were local tracks that closed in the 70s. Simulcast racing is fine, but there’s nothing like being there and seeing the horses up close. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Delrene,
      Yes, it so sad to bid farewell to Hollywood Park. Although I never got there, I always thought perhaps one day, I would. So glad that you could go on Saturday.
      Have a very Merry Christmas, dear friend. Hugs

  11. / Reply

    Dear Zenny, z13, Coz, and Team Z!

    Happy Holidays!!!!!!

    I love you,

    To Z fans one more time Happy Holidays!!!!!!

    I love you,

    Hugs Ingrid.

  12. / Reply

    I’ll post a few more tomorrow but in the meantime, here are some Christmas redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you buy presents for your wife, sister and mother and they are all for the same person. You might be a redneck if nothing under the tree is paid for.

      • / Reply

        Sally, Judy, Peggy, Marshall and Rosemary–Glad you enjoyed the jokes. Also, to all who commented on my trip to Hollywood Park, I thank you for putting up with the musings of an old man. @Max-Your eloquent comments about history inspired me. I am taking this opportunity to thank my old high school history teacher, Kathryn Dobson, who inspired a lifelong love of the subject. Since you enjoyed this joke so much the first time I posted it, it bears repeating. A horse walked into a Western Union office to send a telegram. He hastily wrote out a message on the pad and handed it to the clerk. It said, “Neigh, neigh, neigh, neigh, neigh, neigh, neigh. neigh, neigh.” The clerk then said to the horse “This is only nine words, You can add an other neigh at no charge.” The horse then said, “but then it would make no sense at all.”

        • Dear TC GP:

          Love it. You’re the best and thank you for always bringing us a smile, a laugh and friendship. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Terry – here’s a redneck definition that is appropriate for the season:

      “On-Line” adverb and verb – to continue telling an untruth. “I saw you doing some internet shopping, so don’t go ONLINE to me about it.”

    • / Reply

      Yes, Vicki B.,
      This is a great article — spot on!
      Too bad that HP was sold to developers, those who have absolutely no interest in these wonderful racetracks (witness Bay Meadows demise) — history is lost on them, more’s the pity.
      Hugs

  15. / Reply

    Dear Judy B., I simply loved your stories of your visit with the horses. So Hudson was a stinker just like Sir decided to bite at Liz’s coat the other day! Don’t you wonder what Charlie is thinking with the mini’s? Like, are these really horses or are my eyes fooling me. hah hah Thank you for the enjoyable read and I wish you the Merriest Christmas.
    luv n hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      Dear Sally B:

      I think you’re right about what Charlie is thinking. Yes, Hudson and Sir make a find pair.

      Hope you have a great Christmas. Love and Hugs, JB

  17. / Reply

    To Zenyatta, Lanes End, Ann & Jerry Moss, Dottie and John, Mikey, Zsters and our team z connections I wish you a wonderful celebration of life. No matter how we may celebrate our particular special holiday, my heart is wishing you the best.

    I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this blog since Zenyatta retired and Dottie became her voice and now Z’s blog continues and this means so much to me. All of you have become extended family, Jerry my brother-in-law! Ann and Dottie will always be a best friend, and Zenyatta, my one of a kind special cherished horse of my lifetime who I could kiss over n over again. Zsters, you are my friend and it is such a comforting feeling to be a part of this big friendship.

    I wish all a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!! (In case I don’t get back home in time)
    hugs, Sally B

    One more comment: Though I have never had the chance to see Hollywood Park and the stall Zenyatta had “lived” in, my heart is saddened to see it gone. It was such a part of Z’s life, John S.’s life, Marios and many others. I am also saddened for some of you who lived there.

  18. / Reply

    Dear Judy Goodnight God bless you, Lola Mae, Charlie, Hudson and Little Captain the cutie!Dreadful weather over here today rain, gales and flooding 2 have died in accidents but a golden Labrador was rescued off the Norfolk coast, I love a happy ending.Have been watching the Secretariat film again!!! always moves me to tears We often get it on telly over Christmas.Sleep well Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Hope the weather there improves. God Bless the people who rescued the Lab; most likely at some risk to their own safety.

      Love the Secretariat film too. Stay safe and warm. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT and all the Sweeties

  20. / Reply

    Michelle Moore – I am days behind here but want to add my prayers, good thoughts, and most of all HOPE for you. Wise words have been written by many of the good folks here on this blog, and I can only echo their encouragement. Will be thinking of you in the days ahead. Hugs,
    Sandy

  21. / Reply

    @Terry Crow–thank you for sharing your heart with us about your feelings for Hollywood Park. I agree with you about memories. I find that as I age, mine mean more to me than ever. Dear departed family members, pets, friends–far too many.

    @Judy Berube–thanks for the heads up about the BC Cupcake Wars. Will make a note. So glad the horses are doing well. Hugs to LM too.

    I love you all so much. Wish we could have the biggest group hug ever.

    Dearest Zenny– we pray all is progressing well with you, and that you are staying snug and warm. Should be 24 here tonight in central Tx–brrrr.

    • / Reply

      Barbara. This movie ought to be good because this is a great story. They were talking about this film in September during the commentary on the Woodbine Mile. Mine That Bird’s trainer in Canada, Dave Cotey, ran a horse against Wise Dan. They interviewed Cotey and he talked about Mine That Bird. His horse Riding the River ran a respectable 4th to Dan. No horse could catch Dan that day as he set a race and course record.

    • / Reply

      Vicki: I didn’t see the races in person on HP’s last day but I watched the entire day of racing on television. I recorded the last race and I have watched it several times since – the race call of that race, especially when the horses are on the backside passing the barns, brings tears to your eye no matter how many times you watch it. Very sad day, too bad it is no more.

      • / Reply

        Rosemary-A horsewoman such as yourself can truly appreciate what the impact of Hollywood Park’s closing will have on so many lives.

        • Terry – I know your personal memories of Hollywood Park are very dear to you – at least they can’t tear those down and take them away.

    • / Reply

      Dear Vicki B:

      I have seen the video of the final race. Love the race callers commentary. Very bittersweet. The winner of the last race, Woodman’s Luck, came from behind Zenyatta Style; so fitting. He was 10th at the 3/4 pole and won by a nose. Thanks for posting the link to all the races on the last day of racing at a Park where so many great horses and memories were made. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Rosemary, Terry, & Judy,

      Trina, her friend Jeannie & I all were lucky enough to join J.Smith, her mom & friends in box seats ON the Finish Line!! So when the final race crossed the finish line, I immediately said, “Photo!” and yes, they replayed it several times, it was so close.

      I swear, I was right on the Finish Line, three rows up. I could not believe it. The others had arranged it all, and brought pot-luck munchies that 15 of us shared all around (fruit, cheeses, crackers, ham, home-made pumpkin bread, crab-dip, spanakopita, chocolates, etc.). Normally, Trina & I would have wandered around the paddock all day (for me, to see the horses up close). But it was so nice and comfortable, we barely left our wonderful perch, all day. We did have to play musical-seats at times, as one of the boxes belonged to the owners of a horse trained by Baffert, who arrived for their one race, then happily left it to us. We saw Bob himself walking around, and a couple of other celebrities whose names I can’t remember now.

      For the 8th race, Z-fan Ken had arranged for us to all go down to the Winner’s Circle. I watched the race on the edge of the track right in front of the TVG booth, next to where the riders come out of the tunnel. So I had a very close look at the stunning paint pony horse with plaits hanging down from the top of his neck, & tiny pink bows. The outriders looked very sad. I asked his owner his name, but her reply was so soft I could barely hear it, so I didn’t dare ask her what I was thinking, “Where are you going to go, from here?” I did pick up a few pieces of the poly-track, and put into my pocket, to take home.

      Ken led the group (also Karen, JAG, and numerous others) in a “Zen-Yat-Ta” chant one more time, and the announcer playfully said, “Security to the Winner’s Circle!”. A few minutes later, Security mistakenly arrived, thinking there was a problem, but he was set straight. We had a wonderful view of that race, and then all went into the Winner’s Circle. I can say I actually stood on the last row of that podium, with jockey Rafael Bejarano down in the first row, while the photographer snapped a couple of shots — I hope we’ll find it online at some point. So, pretty much a wonderful time was had, even in the midst of a crazy, sad farewell that seems like such a waste of a grand and great racetrack.

      • / Reply

        Forgot to add that before we went to the box seats, Anita H. did find us down in the paddock, as we talked about on pg. 13., and she told us of her memories of walking to H.P. as a child, I think she said with her father, as they lived so close.

        I know other Z-fans were there, who I have seen in some pictures, but I missed meeting them myself. Karen was out and about all day, talking to people and taking videos everywhere, and when I saw her again later, her feet were hurting. Anyway, Karen posted another link to an article about trainer Jack Van Berg on Hollywood Park:

        http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-van-berg-gets-last-word-hollywood-closing

      • / Reply

        Vicki: Sounds like a good time was had by all. What a brilliant idea you had to pick up part of the poly track as a souvenir! I’m glad you got down to the winner’s circle for a photo. I’m sure you will find it online or call the track photographer and see if you can get one.

  24. / Reply

    To Zenyatta, Team Z, and ALL, MERRY CHRISTMAS….Wishing everyone here a Very Merry Christmas. …….or Happy Hanukkah, end of December, and Happy New Year.
    For my family, growing up, it wasn’t Christmas until this song was played. The person who did this video to the song did a wonderful job.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFc7STuQF0U

  26. / Reply

    Dear Zenny:
    It has been awhile since my last post. I am sorry about that. I just get home so late at night. Anyway, Zenny, yesterday was a very sad day. I watched all the final races at Hollywood Park on TVG. I thought they did a wonderful job with their broadcast of the event. Those that were interviewed had so many wonderful memories of HP in its heyday. Some were just kids out of high school when they first came to Hollywood Park. And they never left.

    You heard them say over and over again, it was nice that the fans showed up for the last day, but where have they been. Too little, too late. They said, they haven’t seen a crowd like that for years. Not since Zenyatta raced. You, Zenny brought out the fans. They said at one time there were over 25,000 in attendance to see you race. How about that Zenny!! That is a lot for you to be proud of.

    Some said that maybe if more fans had come out to support the park over the past 3 years, we might not be in this situation. Their tone was sad. Some got all teared up. I got the feeling that they were somewhat resentful that the fans finally took an interest in coming out for the last day. I think Corey Nakatani said it the best, and of course I am paraphrasing, but it was something like this: It is unfortunate that it took an event like this, a tragedy with HP closing, to bring out the fans.

    TVG showed the sun setting on Hollywood Park, and they showed the lights on the track being turned off for the last time. How very, very sad. I was in tears. My impression of Hollywood Park! It was absolutely beautiful. The beautiful spiral staircases by the clubhouse. The elevator on the outside of the building. Jack Van Berg said during his interviewed, and again I am paraphrasing, but in other words: you couldn’t build a park like HP today with today’s dollars, you just couldn’t do it, and they let it all go down the drain. When I went to Hollywood Park to see a couple of the Gold Cup races, I could see the grandeur of yesteryears. Other parks are pretty, but in my opinion, they couldn’t hold a candle to Hollywood Park. Of course, that is just my opinion.

    So Zenny, the sun really did set on your former home yesterday. Your name was brought up so many times: Zenyatta, The Great Zenyatta, The Queen, The Great Race Mare. You were certainly remembered time and time again. In fact the announcer said during the last race — something like: as these horses race past the barns that many champions over the years called home… He said their names and he said your name too. Your name Zenny will go down in history as one of the all time GREAT horses that once raced at Hollywood Park. I am so sorry I didn’t get to see you race at the park of lakes and flowers. This is all so very sad. I’m still not over it, and I’m not even from CA.

    On that note Zenny, I will say good night. I be back in touch tomorrow, hopefully on a more cheerful note to wish you and the Z’sters a Merry Christmas.

    Love you, Zenny!

    Love, Linda

    • / Reply

      Oh, wow Linda in NJ , you Very eloquently said exactly how I feel, and I sense many others feel. I’m still sobbing…
      Yes, being from Tennessee and nearly worshiping the sacred, hallowed grounds of Hollywood Park, I (may get slammed) but will admit, I did somewhat resent the fact that the fans FINALLY showed up after it was way too late….though I know the California fans here (at Z’s forum) were major, long time supporters of the track. I knew ahead of time, as I think, all of us did, it would hurt…But I did not expect to still be sobbing the next day on Christmas Eve, Eve or in some parts of the world Christmas Eve (officially)….My heart aches, breaks and forever goes out to all those who have a life time of personal, in person memories, generations of family days spent sharing the love of this amazing sport…… at Hollywood Park that is now,……. forever a memory. May it live in all our hearts, tell you children about the land of lakes and flowers the home of our beloved Zenyatta…(not to mention all the others). I was blessed to visit only once. I wanted to share my emotions from Tennessee with those of Linda from NJ….For those of you in California who cared, many, far more than the LA fans know,…. around the world hearts broke with yours….

      • / Reply

        Yes. Very true. You don’t have to be from CA for your heart to be broken over the closing of HP. I can’t believe it really happened.

        • Linda-Let me start this be saying how much I enjoyed meeting you at Hollywood Park and then touring Barn 55 with you and others. I, too, am very saddened by what has happened. However, I do not believe you can blame the fans. When the property was purchased in 2005 by the Bay Meadows Land Company, that entity made it very clear what they intended to do with the property. That is, it would have the same fate as the Bay Meadows race track, which has been torn down and had a storied existence itself. After all, Seabiscuit raced there. There was some talk that if the State of California would have granted the various tracks to have slot machines on their premises this might have been avoided. Maybe. We will never know.However, but was apparent that the new owners sere just waiting for the economy to improve to the point where it would be feasible to make a ;profit on a huge development. Regardless of what the mealy mouthed owners say, this was always the plan. They never put a dime into renovating the old place and now the fans are being criticized for not showing up. That is a smokescreen put out by the Bay Meadows Company so that there would not be more of a public outcry. After all, if the fans are to blame because they didn’t show up that would resolve the Land Company of any responsibility. A pox on these money grubbers and the politicians who let it happen.

        • Hi Terry
          I enjoyed meeting you too. Thank you for the explanation. That is really too bad that Churhill Downs sold it developers. I will say this I think. the owners , jockeys and trainers better start pulling together. to save the tracks that remain throughout the country otherwise they won’t have tracks to race at.

    • / Reply

      I have often speculated about what my dog would say if he could talk. Then, I says to myself, I’m better off not knowing. There is a product in development that would translate barks to English. Is this really needed?

  29. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta, Coz, Little Red, Team Z, Lane’s End all wonderful Z friends here. Wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May God Bless you all.
    Zenyatta hope your little one is doing wonderful
    Coz, What a beautiful boy you are. I so hope your enjoying the Florida Sunshine. Have a Merry Christmas and you do everything that Jeane, April, Summer and Margarita tell you to do. Merry Christmas to all of you.
    Little Red, your gorgeous have a very merry christmas and do everything the guys at Lane’s End tell you to do.
    Zenyatta, Love You and always will.

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