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Zenyatta halter raises over $6,400 for Bluegrass Red Cross

From left to right: Dr. Spike-Pierce, Zenyatta, Ann Moss, Wynn Stephens, Jerry Moss. Photo by Kyle Acebo

Our recent trip to Lane’s End was filled with lots of excitement, including the pleasure of being able to help present a donation to the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross. The donation came from the sale of one of Zenyatta’s halters by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. If you would like to join Zenyatta and Rood & Riddle by making a donation to the Red Cross’s disaster relief fund, click here.

Here is the story from Rood & Riddle:

April 2, 2012, Lexington, Kentucky –A recent eBay auction of a halter worn by 2010 Horse of the Year and legendary race mare Zenyatta brought a final bid of $6,712.50 in a fundraising effort for the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross. Zenyatta, along with owners Jerry and Ann Moss, and Rood & Riddle veterinarian Dr. Debbie Spike-Pierce, presented the check from the sale of her halter to the Red Cross at Lane’s End Farm on Monday.

“It’s a great tribute to her, and to racing fans to come up with this size of a check,” said Jerry Moss.

After fees, the Rood & Riddle Foundation was able to donate $6,478.84. Jerry and Ann Moss also made a generous personal contribution to the disaster relief fund.

“She’s always been so generous with all the people, dancing for them, and showing up for them … it’s nice that she can still contribute. As you can see, she really enjoys it,” agreed Ann Moss.

Z was thrilled by the size of the check. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Zenyatta was famous in her days on the racetrack for her 17 consecutive victories in graded stakes events, including 13 grade one races, which inspired a legion of devoted fans the world over. Since her retirement in 2010, the mare has resided at Lane’s End Farm outside Lexington, where she gave birth to her first foal, a colt by Bernardini, on March 8.

Dr. Spike-Pierce purchased Zenyatta’s halter in 2011 at a fundraising event on behalf of the Foundation, which chose to put it up for auction for the Red Cross after a line of severe storms and tornadoes tore through Kentucky in early March, destroying homes and farms, killing 21 residents.

“I guess you could be surprised [about the price it brought], but with it being Zenyatta and the absolute superstar she was on the racetrack, I wasn’t,” said Spike-Pierce. “We’re so excited to be able to give the money to areas that were so devastatingly hit. We’re excited we could be part of all this … and that Zenyatta could be too.”

Red Cross director of development Winn Stephens says the organization is thrilled to accept the donation, particularly given its unique origins.

“It’s been really amazing for us, because we’re providing services to Kentuckians, and this fundraiser is an only-in-Kentucky kind of thing,” said Stephens.

The money will go to the Red Cross’s disaster relief fund, which is used after natural disasters for both immediate needs like getting supplies to first-responders and individuals, and long-term needs such as financial aid to victims, cleaning materials and other supplies.

Reader Interactions

701 Comments

  2. / Reply

    I am continuing with horse jokes but this one is a stretch and is very corny. It is also a golden oldie. I’ll use our favorite jockey’s name. Mike Smith was riding the favorite at Santa Anita, and was well ahead of the field. Suddenly, he’s hit on the head by a turkey and a string of sausages. He manages to keep control of his mount and pulls back into the lead, only to be struck by a box of cupcakes and a dozen doughnuts right after passing the 1/4 pole. Showing his great skill, Smith again manages to gain the lead when, right before the wire, he gets hit in the head by a bottle of wine. At that point it was too late to recover, but he did manage to come in second. He immediately went to the stewards to complain that he had been seriously hampered. Some “golden” redneck jokes, especially dedicated to our two celestial members, Kari Bussell and Russ Berube-You might be a redneck if you wish your outhouse was as nice as those in the state park. You might be a redneck if your checks have pictures of dogs fighting. You might be a redneck if you have graffiti on the bathroom wall in your own house. You might be a redneck if you ever taped toilet paper to your TV so that you could have free paper view. You might be a redneck if your local ambulance has a trailer hitch.

    • / Reply

      Terry. I took a little while but I got it! Please continue with your horse jokes. They are great. With all of the sadness around, we can always benefit from the laughter of your jokes. I know that Judy’s Russ was a fan and enjoyed them like many here.

    • / Reply

      Great jokes, Terry! I’m sure Kari and Russ, our celestial members (and I love the way you phrased that), will enjoy them too. May they rest in peace and joy, and your departed friend Don too

      • / Reply

        Thanks Max and Trina for the kind words. I have been thinking a lot about Don these days, how he liked to be on horses who relieved themselves in the post parade and whose name was set in different type in the program. I could never convince him that the reason for that was the length of the name.. He lost a lot.

        • Terry. I can understand why you liked Don so much. I think the same about the horses in the post parades who leave a little deposit. They are making a statement! Same for the horses at the sales. Without those little gifts, some people would not have jobs. Love them.

        • Terry, how too cute about Don! My Dad always used to say, “Welp, there’s your winner!” when they ‘deposited’ before going on the track! Yep, you guessed it – he lost a lot too! LOL! Rest his horse lovin’ soul!

        • Max and Karen-Thanks for your kind words. Don was my track buddy for 35 years and I won’t even try to pretend I don’t miss him. We also played poker every few months at a different guy’s house each time. One time when we were at my place, he played an entire hand from the toilet.. He lost a lot. Welp? Horse lovin soul? I hope my daughter will remember me as fondly.

    • / Reply

      Really love these jokes Terry, when there is sadness there is always a smile and
      a joke; thanks for sharing both with us. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings about your wonderful friend, Don.

    • / Reply

      Well, it took me a while, but I finally got the horse joke (I’m trying to convince myself that having got it “at all” may some indication that my brain cells haven’t deterioriated too badly). For a couple of minutes I thought maybe there was some sort of “horse-speak” that I was missing. Now “paper view” – THAT was hysterical :-)
      S

      • / Reply

        Sandy-Glad the light bulb came on. The first time I heard it, I didn’t understand it either. My favorite redneck joke involves a historical figure and I will repeat it one of these days..

  4. / Reply

    Dear Judy Berube: I don’t know you like all the dumplings here do, but just from the few times we’ve commented to each other and all your posts that I’ve read from you and to you, I feel I know you a little and KNOW you are a wonderful person as is your husband, Russ. Please accept my deepest sympathy for this devastating loss. My heart aches for you and you and your family are in my prayers. I lit a candle for Russ.God Bless.

    • / Reply

      Karen,
      Thank you for posting I love this girl. Saw her at Keeneland Sales, she is a real beauty. This should be a fabulous foal. Hugs

    • / Reply

      Any fan of Seabiscuit should know what Blind Luck’s sire’s name means. Her name is a very clever play on words.

      • / Reply

        Very good trivia question Terry! Let’s see if anyone cheats with the answer! LOL!

    • / Reply

      Karen, thanks for the link. Dutrow has violated so many regulations/rules, it’s not funny! I don’t understand, why he’s still allowed to train? I know he can’t get a license in a few states. Has he learned? Obviously, not! He get’s fined, and that’s only a slap on his wrist. They try to suspend his license in NY for 10 years, and it’s appealed. California, won’t accept him either. But, he’s still allowed to train and race in other states. It’s not like, this is a new thing for Dutrow. This has gone on for over 10 years and, who knows what he did before then. His License needs to be revoked, until after the appeal and hearing! And, if he is “caught” the license shall be revoked for good in every state in N. America! He wouldn’t get within 100 ft of my horses if I was an owner!

      • / Reply

        Agree. There are too many owners out there who are willing to have their trainers serve as a surrogate for Dutrow.

    • / Reply

      Hi Karen,
      I put Dutrow in my virtual stable to sort of ‘keep track’. His stats are incredibly high and probably the reason he’ll never be censured as he should. (He’s 7th on trainer list!) By the way I tried to find out what happened to Indian Tale but NO luck. No word on her since she was raced all those times in a row toward the end of last year.
      For Trainer Stats: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing/leading-trainers.aspx#
      Name Starters 1st Earnings
      Todd A. Pletcher 130 69 $5,470,030
      Bob Baffert 79 37 $3,525,386
      Asmussen 209 84 $3,281,978
      Chad C. Brown 77 28 $2,266,314
      Kiaran P. McLaughlin 70 30 $2,172,818
      Dale L. Romans 96 36 $1,917,856
      Jerry Hollendorfer 128 56 $1,894,946
      R. E. Dutrow, Jr. 78 32 $1,891,015

      • / Reply

        Yeah, major bummer!! I too don’t have any idea about Indian Tale! Anyone have the ‘know’ where or what happened to Indian Tale??

  9. / Reply

    A Birthday Poem for Lou Naylor in TX as She Turns 70
    (April 11, 2012)

    Lou Naylor in Waxahachie
    Was delighted to be
    In attendance at Z’s
    2011 BC’s party
    And Z to see
    Via closed circuit TV.
    It was quite a do
    And Lou
    Especially loved the barbeque.
    Her grandkids number three—
    Together they have lots of fun,
    And that keeps our dear Lou young!

    Happy birthday, Lou, and many, many more!

    • / Reply

      So sorry to hear about LJ wife, sound like she will be back in the saddle again.

      Those yearlings are definately a challenge !!!!

      So glad Larry Jones and HDG will be parading between races;
      she gets more experience at Churchill for the BCC ?????

    • / Reply

      Talkin’ Horses | Trainer Larry Jones | BloodHorse.com Blog Stable

      Trainer Larry Jones will be the next guest on Talkin’ Horses.
      The podcast will air live at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 17..
      .
      cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/talkin-horses/…/trainer-larry-jones.aspx

  15. / Reply

    Dear Judy Berube,
    I am so sorry for the loss of your husband Russ. I am praying for you and your family. I know how much it hurts. I still feel like I am just going through the motions half the time. If you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to contact me. I know we don’t know each other , but I have read the diary and know how kind you are. I feel a sad, tragic connection to you now.
    The weekend Momma passed, Dawn Conrad posted this video. It brought me comfort in a way. I watched it over and over for days, squalling each time. It is good to cry and cry to release it in a way. I still can’t watch it without crying, but it makes me feel close to her. I hope this makes some sense to you and helps just a bit at a time…God bless you and your family in this very difficult time. “Heaven Got Another Angel.”
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hASQH9EfQA&feature=related

  18. / Reply

    I came across this memorial some time ago … it is disturbing to say the least, but some may want to scroll through it to remember these equine heros of the Sport of Kings (and Queens) …….
    http://scrollsequus.blogspot.com/

    Let this M E M O R I A L …

    Uphold the history, beauty, and dignity of Equus as a species,
    represented by racehorses toiling in a global industry

    Reflect the horses’ courage and willingness to serve, which gives us
    a companion, livelihood, pastime, and the spectacle of sport

    Recognize and respect horses as individuals with names, athletic talent,
    and meaning for those who follow their progress and grieve their loss

    Hear the horses’ voice … in the work they’re born to perform,
    the glory and pain, and the silence of their ultimate sacrifice

    Honor God’s gift to humankind …

    © EquusEditorial

    • / Reply

      WoW Karen and Jag keep us posted on “E”‘s first start???
      Has she been trained to be a closer ???? I was not under
      that impression from her works.

    • / Reply

      There is no way that Tyler Baze will be Ebbies Jock!!! This filly has big “shoes” to fill and, John Sheriffs isn’t going to risk her safety and well being!! Whatever they decide on, I’ll support: they are “virtual family!” Mikey, Mikey!!!

      • / Reply

        LOL! The stories were two separate stories. One on Tyler Baze returning back to ride, and scroll down, one on Ebby’s workout and possible first start at HP!

        • Agree. However, even if Tyler Baze had never had any personal problems, I doubt that he would be the type of rider that John would pick. Too busy.

    • / Reply

      Karen,
      It was easy to merge the stories.
      This is Santa Anita Park News.
      The opening was about Tyler

      Then there is a change
      ◗ There was no main track training at Santa Anita on Wednesday because of early morning rain.
      The rest of the News is about Ebby.
      On Facebook today Thursday
      I breezed Five Furlongs in 1.02:60 Handily today at Hollywood Park.
      My work was the 15th fastest among 22 horses working the distance on a fast track. ♥

  21. / Reply

    A Belated Birthday Poem for Virginia in So Cal
    (for April 10, 2012)

    Virginia, I know
    You’re a talented knitter of afghan throws
    For the discriminating buyer,
    And for nearly twenty years
    You’ve been as well
    A skilled teacher of ESL
    At three universities
    In the Inland Empire
    (That’s the Riverside/San Bernardino vicinity),
    And wherever you’ve taught
    You’ve always sought
    Your students to serve
    With vim and verve.
    You’re a baseball fan too,
    And it’s true
    You’re all the happier
    Your birthday to share
    With the Dodger great, Andre Lethier,
    So CHEERS
    For you, and him too!

    Happy belated birthday, Virginia, and many, many more!

    • / Reply

      Only just came across these posts today and want to thank you all for the birthday cheers. I already thanked Trina on the Forum and now express my thanks to her here as well. Love and hugs to all.

      Virginia

  25. / Reply

    WOW Hero of Order in the Blue Grass;
    Hope he gets the $200,000 for the Derby, then he only
    needs a nomination.

    Hansen is ready to go; and Dr. Hansen is a bit out of control; involuntary tremor; stay off his OR list until after the Derby !!!!!

  26. / Reply

    Dear Judy In Rhode Island – Please accept my sincere sympathy for the loss of your husband. We hope you find comfort in the friends you have made here on Zenyatta’s website. I hope you find comfort in all the wonderful memories of your lives together.
    Delrene in Carlsbad.

    I hope you all can open this article – Hansen truly looks ethereal in this photo….http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/11/sports/derby-dreams-ride-in-on-a-white-horse.html

  27. / Reply

    Delrene, Thank you for the link. And yes, I got it with no problems. Hansen is amazing! And Gato Del Sol won me a lot of money in 1982. I did not remember it had been that long ago. Wow, how time does fly! Thank you Delrene.

    • / Reply

      We had a few comments earlier about Charlie Whittingham. Has it really been 28 years since he and Shoe won the Derby with Ferdinand?

  28. / Reply

    Good Morning to all my dear Z friends! Hope you all have a wonderful day!

    May I ask a question please?

    IF a person was seriously thinking about raising goats, what pros and cons do any of you have? If a person wanted to rescue/adopt retired TB’s how many acres do you need per TB. How big a barn do you need and approximately what would it cost per month? Sorry, I realize this is more than one question. Thank you all, any help will be greatly appreciated, since I do love and respect you all so much.

        • Ms. Voltz-Thanks for the kind words. I wish to once again point out that Darlene is the president of the Indiana chapter. Her questions sounded so sincere that I hesitated to answer.

      • / Reply

        And I can verify, don’t let your mom allow your Redneck Relative to transport their goat in the back seat of her ’65 Dodge Dart, as the goat will tear a hole into the seat leather.

    • / Reply

      RE: goats, no idea.

      Generally, count on about 1 acre of good pasture per horse, with a minimum of 1-1/2 acres for a horse that’s kept alone. (I learned this from Michael Blowen.) You need a run-in shed and available water. You do not need to keep your horses in stalls unless you want to. Stalls keep the horse available and somewhat cleaner, and they allow you to regulate the horse’s feed more closely. A stall may be necessary for a horse with health issues such as bad feet or an inability to sweat. However, outdoors is a more natural environment, and a healthy horse can be out 24/7/365 and be perfectly happy.

      Barns: You can find plans for barns on the Internet, and lots of vendors. Some of them are very fancy, but the horses don’t care if the appointments are polished brass or not. You’d probably want a stall for each horse. A typical horse stall is in the neighborhood of 10 to 12 feet square. Barns generally have storage space as well for feed and tack, and maybe a wash rack and/or grooming area. A loft gives heat somewhere to go and is a good place to store hay.

      You can keep a horse in a relatively small area, provided you are able to give it enough exercise. I’ve seen a couple of books on keeping horses on a small acreage. Here’s one that has plans for lots as small as 1/2 acre.
      http://www.amazon.com/Horsekeeping-Small-Acreage-Designing-Facilities/dp/158017535X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

      A friend of mine recently bought her first horse. She intended to build the horse a stall in an existing barn and fence a good-size paddock. When she found out how much fencing cost, she decided to board the horse instead. There are many fencing options: wood, vinyl, electric, metal mesh. Barbed wire is not recommended for horses.

      You can always board your horse, and there are many advantages to this approach. It may be cheaper than building. My friend pays $350/month for full board. Her horse is happy; he has playmates and gets lots of attention form the gal who owns the barn. There’s a riding arena, and a state park with trails is nearby. The farrier and dentist come by regularly. My friend can go on vacation without having to find a horse-sitter. She takes riding lessons there too.

      • / Reply

        You can always count on a erudite answer from LauraJ. Her horsey knowledge is staggering. But, she obviously knows nothing about goats.

      • / Reply

        Hey, LauraJ. When I had my boarding barn, I allowed 3 acres per horse to make sure the grass didn’t get grazed to the dirt. I guess this is relative to where you live and whether the horse is only pasture fed. I had no pasture boarding and the horses spent the night in their stalls and were turned out in the mornings, weather permitting, i.e., no thunderstorms, snow, sleet, freezing rain (yes, we get all of that in GA especially in January except for this year). We had a problem with wild dog packs and it just wasn’t safe to leave them out all night. I had barbed wire fencing but had long strips of white material tied every 2 to 3 feet so the wire was easy to see. I would allow a 12×12 stall and be sure the stalls are solidly divided up as high as possible with some kind of opening in the sides of the stalls to allow for ventilation. I also recommend that the front of the stall have either steel poles or wire mesh closing across at least on either side of the stall with the front being open so the horse can look out and see what’s going on. The barn was pretty plain since it used to be a dairy barn. There was no loft so the hay was kept on a concrete ledge on wooden pallets and away from the wall at least 4 to 5 inches to keep it dry and clean. There are many boarding barns in GA that used to be large, long chicken houses. I would never consider keeping my horses in a barn like this. They are prone to fires and the roofs are too low and get too hot in the sizzling GA summers. We had access to 800 acres of pasture behind the barn with a trail that went to the banks of the Chattahoochie River. It was a lovely place and I had some good people that boarded there and they would regularly plan riding parties on the weekends to go back to the river and have lunch there. I really miss it quite a lot.

        • Terry,
          When we bought our mini-farm years ago, they had kept an old ram goat in an old shed and it STUNK. For years after we cleaned it out it still smelled rank. Ha, Ha I bet you thought I meant something else?

  29. / Reply

    Hi to my Z Family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to VIRGINIA. May God Bless you with many more.
    Hi to Zenyatta and Baby Z. We love you. Hugs and Kisses, Shari and Homeroom 215 XXXOOO

  30. / Reply

    Union Rags Update
    Byron King DRF tweeted
    Union Rags breezes 48.40 at Palm Meadows Thur;
    asst trainer Peter Brette tweets he “felt great, next stop Kentucky

      • / Reply

        Terry. Add me to the list of supporters for Rags. I think that Hansen also has a following among Z fans. We will have to see how things develop. It is not long now.

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