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.
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.
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
Hi Z family!
I haven’t posted here in a while though I have been on the forum. I am filling out my application to Cazenovia College right now, and I am really nervous. I roughly calculated my GPA to about 4.4 on a 5 point scale. (This counts in my AP classes) I am really nervous, as I don’t take failure too well. LOL No, but I would be very upset if I didn’t make it.
Heard of Mike’s 5000th win! How exciting! Deserving person, and a great rider.
Did anyone watch HRTV’s “commercial” for the Apple Blossom? I have nothing against HDG, but seeing the sha-bang that has been stirred over the weight issue, one part of it made me a little confused. Zenyatta was and made the race very famous, along with Azeri and all the other greats before. The segement went something like this and this is paraphrased because I don’t remember it all, it goes,” Mike Smith won with Azeri, and then came Zenyatta. Can’t beat that, can you? Until HDG showed up with an ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ attitude.” I didn’t think HDG’s race was better than any of Zenyatta’s in her two years, as Z’s winning margin, and ease of win, was much greater than HDG’s win. Was it really better or is it just to juice the publicity?
Prince Z looks like he is having a difficult time reaching the grass! LOL He will grow into himself soon enough, and he is going to be a handsome boy!
New writing!
What is a match made in heaven? Is it two people that just know each other so well, they don’t need to communicate verbally? Just a look, and they know what the other is thinking? Is it limited only between two people, or can it go further than that?
A match made in heaven is something very rare to find, and it’s even harder to achieve that kind of connection. One look at Zenyatta and Mike Smith in action will paint an accurate picture unlike any in history. A pairing comperable to Ron Turcott and the Great, Big Red horse Secretariat, Gary Stevens and the awesome filly Winning Colors, and Calvin Borel on Street Sense, the “stretch running sensation”. That moment in every race were man and horse just clicked, and all the pieces fell into place. Our great races came to be from this great connection, shared only the greatest of pairs. Secretariat’s Belmont, a win by 31 lengths, the largest in recorded history for the Belmont with an untouchable time. Winning Color’s Kentucky Derby win, a gutsy and hard fought victory for a lady. Street Sense’s “roar from 19th position to 1st in the Derby”. They were only a few of the matches made in heaven through-out history, but they were clearly meant to be.
Mike and Zenyatta knew each other in an intimate way only they understood, but not how many would think it to be. They knew what the other intended to do, they knew how the other felt, they knew how to put on a show, but not hog the lime light from the other, some how share it together, but most of all, they loved each other as only a man and horse could. A love that knew no boundaries, and was truly unconditional. This love spread, and infected many of us, the Queen’s loyal legion. From the day Mike first sat down on the Great Queen’s back, Destiny smiled on the pair. The Racing Gods proclaimed a new “Power Team” of the Sport of Kings and it then came to be the Sport of Queens. This match made in heaven went on to change the very face of racing and made it something special again. Where-ever the Queen and her Mike went, they brought the crowds, the cheering, the posters, and the love. They clicked from the start, and they produced some of the most memorable races in racing’s history.
This is a unique match. For it wasn’t one race were horse and rider were one being, one entity, but for almosy her entire career, she and her Mike always knew what gear to use, and always got it done. Even in defeat, a lesser pair would have given up, but not this one. Making the choice to keep going, they fought like no one before them, and the miracle workers came just a nose too short, but does one really remember an individual for a loss when the entire career was a celebrated one? The horse who was an all-time great racer was also a healer, an icon, a rock-star; the sun many of us revolve around. People who were sick out-lived the doctor’s predictions because they saw and embraced the beauty of this partnership. This beautiful mutual understanding, that was so unselfishly shared. People in wheel-chairs were so inspired, they came to walk again. People who had lost hope, found it in Zenyatta and Mike. Love unconditional made a pair, destined by God to be Great, and proclaimed by the fans as one for the ages. When one says Zenyatta, Mike Smith will always come to mind. When one says Mike Smith, one will always remember Zenyatta. The pair that blazed a trail into the record books, the history books, the Hall of Fame, and our hearts.
Keta
Pati
Good luck with the application!
Great post.
Hugs, Keta
naqash899
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Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
Wonderful post! You were missed here!
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
I missed being here! :-D
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Pati; This was a wonderful post. Thanks! What a Team they were!!!!! One will never know whether another jockey could have rode Zenyatta to all these wins. In my mind, I really don’t think so . There was something magical between Z and Mikie.
My love for Zenyatta has been unconditional since I laid eyes on her.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Beautifully, grippingly, movingly written, Pati! High hoof!
Best of luck on your application–we’re all rooting for you. When do you expect to hear? Be sure to let us know when you know.
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Patti: Really nice post. Good luck to you with applying to Cazenovia College!
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
I am sending it out soon, so maybe sometime in May? Not sure, but I will let you know when the answer arrives.
Maryp (New York)
Pati, Thank you for the wonderfully written post. I wholeheartedly agree with the special and unexplainable connection made between horse and rider. A gift from God for sure.
Best of luck on your application…..Cazenovia College is approx 35 miles from us here in central NY. Beautiful area and a nice community.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
You are planning on the Equine Business Management specialization, I imagine?
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
Yep :-D
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof!
Terry Crow
Good luck with the application. We are all rooting for you to succeed. Your writing shows that you have a unique way with words. As for the Apple Blossom, I think that the publicity was originally tailored to fit the fact that HDG was expected to compete in this year’s edition. When that fell through due to an issue with the assigned weights, Oaklawn was left with a publicity campaign that no longer fitted the situation. Even though both were HOY, in my opinion HDG should not be mentioned in the same breath as Zenyatta.
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
@ Terry Crow
Thank you for your kind words!
Yea, I didn’t think so either. I was a little shocked that they even insinuated that her race was better than either of Zenyatta’s races. Still, they could have made an effort to at least change it a little bit. Even a smidgen of change could go a very long way.
@Trina Nagele
Thank you! I will make sure to let everyone know how it turns out!
Keta
Santa Anita Spill–Any info?
Steve Andersen DRF tweeted
There has been a spill in the 9th involving 7-5 fav Courageousandbold (Martin Pedroza) and Love My Girl (Eswan Flores)
Later he tweeted
Jockeys Martin Pedroza and Eswan Flores are both being treated at a local hospital after being involved in a 9th race spill
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
One horse ran back to his barn, the other one had slight cuts but was OK. They will do more test tomorrow for any other injuries.
Keta
Update on Santa Anita spill
Steve Andersen DRF tweeted
Jockeys Martin Pedroza and Eswan Flores are off Sunday
following a 9th race spill on Saturday.
Pedroza out 4 to 6 weeks (ribs).
Ray Paulick tweeted for Eswan Flores
Eswan home from hosp and resting.
Moderate back pain, nothing broken.
Not racing today. Should be fine.
He thanks you for your support.
Eswan home from hosp and resting. Moderate back pain, nothing broken. Not racing today. Should be fine. He thanks you for your support.
Keta
Zayat Stables tweeted
All we can say is WOW!!! Way to go BODE.
Thank you to every one who is congratulating us.
We are so excited
Ray Paulick DRF tweeted
Mike Smith: “I don’t even know if I’m going to get to ride (Bodemeister) back, because I was really just kind of filling in
ESPN says
Who will ride him is a question. There was a report earlier in the week that Smith had committed to Daddy Nose Best, the Sunland Derby winner, for the Kentucky Derby, but he artfully dodged the subject after the race.
“I’m just going to enjoy it and we’ll see,” Smith said. “We all know how much things can change this time of year before the Derby.”
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/triplecrown2012/story/_/id/7814285/bodemeister-wins-arkansas-derby
signofthetimes
WOW, that was some ride. Very surprised he
Took the lead, guess he knew he had a lot of
Horse. What an awesome ride and Bodemeister is
A very beautiful mover, covers lots of ground
Efficiently and effectively.
Terry Crow
I know that Mike Smith is sort of a hero on this blog, and deservedly so. However, I am disappointed that he asked out of his verbal commitment to ride Daddy Nose Best in the Derby for Asmussen to ride Bodemeister. Doesn’t a man’s word mean anything these days?
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Goodnight Zenyatta and baby 12Z. Kisses on that soft nose
love Sally B
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Dearest Judy–It was so good to see your post. We are all right there with you in spirit and wish we could be there to lend a hand in whatever needs doing. We will love it when you have time to occasionally post while tending to your affairs. I’m so grateful to know our Russ did not suffer. That would have hurt our hearts.
Love you.
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Judy Berube,
I agree that YOU are so special! We all look forward to your posts and enjoy them so much. Your kind, gentle spirit shines brightly in your writing.
Continued thoughts and prayers sent to you and your family.
Take care and consider yourself hugged by all of us!
Peppermint
Dear Judy,
We are very sorry to hear about Russ. Prayers and sympathy go out to you at this sad time. Glad you are still posting and able to read all the messages of love and sympathy from all the Z family. What a privilege it is to be part of such a lovely group of people!
Terry Crow
When you join us, the privilege is ours.
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Zenny: I am just checking in to see how YOU and little 12Z are doing! I would love to see some new pictures of little 12Z!
Looks like we are going to have a great Triple Crown season this year. BODE was so impressive in the Arkansas Derby. And Dullahan had a great run in the Toyota Blue Grass. Hansen had a good run too! I am really looking forward to the first Saturday in May!!
If anyone is planning to be at the Preakness, please let me know!!! It would be great to say hello!!
BTW, Zenny please say hello to Dottie for us!
Take care.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Signofthetimes & Sue Fredrick and any other AP Indy fan; This may be old news to you as I am first catching up with my Bloodhorse magazine issues, but thought I’d share just in case. STUD NEWS Title, “A.P. Indy Line Enjoys Rewarding Day” subtitle, “Descendants win four graded stakes”.
Edens Moon(gr 1), Hansen (gr11), Its Tricky, a filly(gr11) and Ron the Greek(gr1)
When you see Eden Moon’s picture you can tell he is in the A.P. Indy line for sure!!
Awesome!
signofthetimes
WOW I have not seen that yet. Thanks for posting. Will definately take another look at EDEN’S MOON. His most wonderful physical trait to me (other than his gorgeous
body and conformation) is that trademake 1/2 white nose. JUST LOVE IT and of course his head down racing style very unique.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin- Elated
Sally, yes I know and Bodemeister too. What a weekend for the grand old man, and his blood is in our baby 12Z too. Can’t wait to see him grow up! Hugs
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Dear Judy B, I want to share with you what my 6 year old relative said on Friday. Her grandfather was my cousin who passed away just before Christmas. Out of nowhere she said, rubbing her chest, I have a hole here, in my heart. All her grandmother and I could do was hold back the tears and agree that we too had a hole in the same place. We have no idea where she came up with that thought but it’s so true and so I know that your heart is feeling the same. Much love to you and your family.
Many hugs, Brenda
Barbara Wood (Texas)
So well said!
signofthetimes
Children really know how to express themselves without any
baggage. Very Lovely.
BARB G (SKIP) and JULIETTE the Cat in NJ
Thank you, Sign, and all others who commented on my going to Russ’s wake. It was my privilege to do so, to show my respect and love for Judy, and to tell her that I carried with me a basket full of love and hugs from all of you. Spending even brief moments with Judy tells you instantly that this is a special, very personable, warm and caring woman–you just want to hang out with her–really. In our blog, she’s our sweet and kind Judy and we love her for her words. In person–when you meet Judy–you will have to multiply what you feel for her now by about 10. That’s how truly beautiful it was to meet her.
Judy, I look forward to the day when our team can all sit down around a table and have coffee together and enjoy each other’s company. For now, please take all the time you need to go forward, warmed and comforted by memories of your happy years with Russ and supported by your wonderful family. As everyone here said, we are here for you. Just say the word, and EAN will be there for you as will all of your Zster friends. We all love you, Judy.
Terry Crow
The above post and who she is are indications of why I think Barbra Grimaldi is a true hero.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
As mentioned in Karen Gogue’s Fred Stone link above, there will be a special two-day exhibition and sale in Ventura county: “An exhibit of 12 of horse painter Fred Stone’s original works and other art will be held April 27-28 at the Thousand Oaks Community Gallery, 2331-A Borchard Road in Newbury Park, CA. Exhibit times are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday the 27th, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 28… Stone said his originals can fetch $16,000 to $20,000, but added that he will have prints, giclees and posters available in all price ranges, down to $25. He said he wants it to be more like an art bazaar rather than an event where people come, look at nice things and leave. A portion of the proceeds will raise money for the Westlake Village Art Guild, of which he is a member.”
I hope to go on Friday, April 27. Anyone else interested? E-mail me at trinambn@yahoo.com.
Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/apr/14/a-fine-brush-applied-to-horses-the-art-of-fred/#ixzz1s8gZW1wz
– vcstar.com
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Jockey and trainer Johnny Longden escaped death on the Titanic.
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2012/04/14/a-simple-twist-of-fate.aspx#
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
Thank you Trina. I received this article too, but thought maybe NOT too many know of Johnny Longden, so I didn’t post it! LOL! Seems many here DO KNOW their horse racing!! LOL!!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
No, Karen, even I had heard of Johnny Longden, growing up, and I knew next to nothing about racing. I just knew he was a famous jockey. Didn’t know over 6000 races, and fame as a trainer too. I’ve been Titanic-ing all week, every special on tv, and I just saw the new 3D today. It’s tough, it’s so sad. But nice to link it to horse-racing now too. Thanks, Trina.
Terry Crow
Even though I didn’t really care for his style of riding, there is no doubt that Longden was a giant in the history of horse racing. I was at Santa Anita when he won his final ride on George Royal in the San Juan Capistrano Handicap. He came through under intense pressure since everybody KNEW it was his last ride and it had been publicized as such for quite some time.
Shari Voltz\Ohio
Hi Trina Can you send me Barbara ‘s snail mail address. Thanks Shari
Svoltz@elcsd.k12.oh.us
Especially Horses / From So Cal but in Blue Skies Flagstaff, AZ today
Trina, thank you for sharing that article; as soon as I finished reading it I walked into the guest bedroom and admired my James Slick print of Johnny exercising Majestic Prince at Santa Anita.
Keta
Mike Smith to ride Bodemeister in Derby!!
Bob Baffert tweeted
Mike Smith riding Bode in Derby
Claire Novak tweeted:
Garrett Gomez will ride Daddy Nose Best in KY Derby,
Mike Smith stays on Bodemeister. Sorry for delayed info,
Keta
Here is the interview with Bob Baffert on HRTV
http://www.hrtv.com/videos/bob-baffert-exclusive-preview/
signofthetimes
Thought that was going to happen. No written contract so they just talk, negotiate
and whatever. Glad he is staying on Bodemiester.
signofthetimes
Here is Jeff Seigel HRTV reporting on Bodemeister’s pedigree and talent;
and it is quite large; Storm Cat; AP Indy; Unbridled plus Roberto and Najinsky
WOW !!!!! Hansen and Union Rags are going to have their hooves full !!!!
http://www.hrtv.com/videos/the-5th-quarterbodemeister/?VideoCategoryId=0
Max
Sign. Thank you for this information. Bode does have a very impressive pedigree. This race will be a good one, and it is fast approaching.
Jeanne Sutton
Thanks Keta! I really appreciate all the links and stuff you share! In fact, thanks to all of you! It is exciting that Mike is getting the mount on Bodemeister! I would love to see him win the Triple Crown. Is it just me, or is this an unusually strong group of three-year-olds?
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
I thought so too, so it’s me too.
:-)
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
It’s not just you. I think it’s a strong crop–nice for a change! However, it’s got some pretty evenly matched horses, so I doubt we will see a Triple Crown winner.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
I think there is an awesome group to the Derby. Now, I’ll begin to wonder what numbers for the gate they will eventually draw.
Marshall (NC broad)
Goodnight, Zenny and lil Z! Hugs and kisses on those velvety noses. Hugs to 12TT and his “mama horse”, as well as Tasty, too.
Hope everyone has a good week!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Good morning, everyone! Congrats to Bodemeister and Dullahan for great runs. They are both beautiful movers. I’m glad Mikie got the ride in the Derby and that MTB’ s half brother is doing well.
I think it’s a stong crop too, but alas, we have to wait to see who’s not injured before the first Saturday in May. So many front-runners have missed out. I’m hoping they all stay sound.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
I hope so too Barbara!! I wonder if Hansen, being out in the lead for the entire race, just had nothing left when he saw Dullahan, or whether Dullahan just has more speed for the distance. He sure exploded from behind. Who does that remind you of!! hugs
Terry Crow
The Bluegrass Stakes was run on an artificial track and is not a true indication of Hansen’s ability. That type of track is generally more conducive to a stretch runner. Churchill Downs is a quirky, dirt track that not all horses can handle. Both Hansen and Union Rags have proved themselves over that track.
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
Yea, I was about to post something about that. Keeneland is a notoriously closer-biased track. The fact that Hansen was 2 1/2 lengths in front of the third place finisher is quite the effort on his part. I think he will be fine come Kentucky Derby time.
Shari Voltz\Ohio
Good morning Z family. Can anyone put the web address up for the Kentucky Horse Park’s webcam ? When I try to get the webcam to open on the link it will not open for me. Thanks, Shari
Hi Zenyatta and Baby Z. I love you both. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Shari, wish I could help you, but I am not computer savvy. Sorry
Shari Voltz\Ohio
That is ok. Thanks anyway : )
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Shari, when I searched, I found J Smith had posted the Kentucky Horse farm webcam on Diary #182: https://staging.zenyatta.com/diary/diary-post-82#comment-28645
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
This is the direct webcam page link, looks like a choice of views: http://www.kywebcams.com/index.php?cam=9
Darlene Daniels
Dear Z family.
I have been working overtime this weekend and had some server difficultys, so I am a little behind on posting/responding. but fear not , I read every post!
Thank you@ Laura J, for your words of wisdom in regards to my question about acreage for a TB. You are always so helpful! Maybe someday we can meet, we are not that much far apart in distance.
@Vicki B (near Holllywood) I LOVE THE SMELL OF HORSE MANURE, ALWAYS HAVE!@SharoninAtlanta, thank you for your help as well. @Karen Gogue.Thank you for all your links, I am catching up, and yes I got your reply Mikey is a “hubbahubba”, problably best I not meet him anytime soon, I will blush and stutter like a teeny bopper. (and I am 55)
@Dear Terry Crow. I have learned never to be taking a sip of ice tea at the same time as reading one of your posts or replies, because you may choke to death as I almost did in my question about raising goats, (which was a serious question)
And in all seriousness, @ Judy Berube, you have been in my thoughts and prayers all week. What you have been going through my dear friend, puts everything , in perspective. I would not change places with you in a million years. Love, good thoughts and prayers to you and Russ, who I consider part of my Z family and friends. Love to you all , Darlene Daniels
Terry Crow
I know it was a serious question Darlene. Forgive me for having a bit of fun with you. In fact, I apologize to anyone who may have taken offense with my comments about goats after you posted. At least you weren’t drinking hot coffee.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks, Darlene! It’s wonderful to know someone else appreciates the smell of manure! I have met others, but it’s not common, not every day.
So did you simply choke on the Iced-tea, or did it come out your nose? That is more inglorious, especially with several witnesses!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
@Karen Gogue
Do you need contributions in order to participate in the cancer fundraiser at Santa Anita?
Sandy