We’re excited and honored to share that Zenyatta has been elected to the 2016 class of the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place Friday, August 12 in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Zenyatta began her racing career as a three year-old, under trainer John Shirreffs, winning her maiden race in 2007 at Hollywood Park. She rewrote racing history by beating the all-male field in the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2009, becoming the first mare ever to win that race and the first horse ever to win two different Breeders’ Cup races. Zenyatta retired in 2010 with a record of 19-1-0, having won a total of 17 graded stakes, including 13 Grade 1s. She was named Champion Older Female in 2008, 2009 and 2010 as well as 2010 Horse of the Year.
We’d like to give a big thanks to everyone involved in Zenyatta’s career including John Shirreffs, Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs, Mike Smith, David Ingordo, Jeannie and April Mayberry, Mario Espinoza, Carmen, Michelle Jensen, Frank Leal, Cheva, Dawn Hunkin, the late Steve Willard, the rest of Barn 55, and Zenyatta’s fans around the world.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Not much time to visit the furbabies yet busy morning.Mr Fibbs did so well in the primaries seems he’s heading for the White House!Just heard Annie Power isn’t running on Friday.Willie is not 100% happy with her and Vautour plus Yorkhill losing yesterday helped him decide she will have a long summer break now.It’s a blow for Punchestown though with Don Cossack and Thistlecrack on the injured list.All the way Cue Card today!Quiet on the dyfi it’s still cold and showery.There’s a new male at Rutland 51(11) and he’s in demand with the ladies I am sure one is a returning chick from Manton Bay.Did you see the story about Pero?Hope you have a lovely day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO.Oh,yes we need strong leaders you have Mr Fibbs nowSnow showers stopped play at the Oval yesterday(cricket)
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
I have to smile at the ratties’ mom’s creativity. I think Mr. Fibbs is probably preferable to our other choices! lol Thoughts and prayers for the horses out of the various races. While we’re disappointed the horses’ wellbeing is of utmost importance. All my best to the ospreys. Their’s is a hard life! Pero’s story is just incredible. I don’t think Sugar or Nikko could find their way home. Pero is very smart! Have a great day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
Gail McDaniel
Ah, Zenyatta, may I some day visit the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame and see where your name/plaque? is honored.
Your career has given so many so much joy. Gail McDaniel
candace james
Congratulations Zenyatta a happy occasion for everyone involved.
You are the best on and off the track
sheena.davies(wales)
Create a Dream makes a winning debut at Ascot for Wesley Ward.Queen Mary next maybe?Dawn of Hope wins for Roger Varian and Andrea Atzeni in the colours made famous by Authorized.Sheena
Annie B.
Congratulations to Zenyatta and Team Z!
I’ll be in Saratoga with bells on to cheer your induction.
Best to all,
Annie B in MA
sheena.davies(wales)
No fairytale win for Cue Card today.Carlingford Lough won the Gold Cup.A much fresher horse he had avoided Aintree.Road to Riches had the most horrendous fall everyone thought he had died he was so still but thank goodness he was alright except for superficial cuts.His Lad nearly had a heart attack!Mullins was back to winning ways today with Katie Walsh winning her first Grade one on his Blow by Blow,Douvan tomorrow!Sheena
Max
Carlingford Lough is a grandson of Sadler’s Wells. His talent also comes from his mother, the great Baden. She was a terrific racer. CL is a closer like Zenyatta. As he did today, CL prefers to win from last.
Noticed that Don Poli is a fine looking specimen. Nice blaze.
Very happy that Road is okay. He was walking around after the race and pretty looked good. Hope that continues.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Yes Carlingford is a good horse.Don Poli is a beauty Everyone was worried about RTR they couldn’t even concentrate on the end of the race.He is bound to be stiff and sore tomorrow.All the jumpers from the main season need a good summer break now.Looking forward to Douvan. I hope Cheltenham and Aintree haven’t taken their toll then we have our Guineas weekend.Sheena
Max
I watched the replay. Fortunately they did not show the fall. They did show Road after he got up and was walked around to settle his nerves. You’re right. Tomorrow will tell the tale. Hoping that he’s good to go.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Congrats to Carlingford; another day for Cue Card. I hope RTR is OK. Scary stuff. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Finally some news on Far From Over. He is at Belmont with Todd Pletcher. Judging from his picture on his FB, he has been enjoying lots of oats, hay and other food! Looking a little pudgy.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Thanks for this info on Far From Over. Glad he’s back. Love and Hugs, JB
Lori Stein
For some reason I would like Zenyatta to remain the only female racehorse to win the Breeder’s Cup Classic for many years to come! That was such a great day:) Congratulations to Zenyatta and all her connections!
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Lori:
No matter what happens in the BCC in the future, Z will always be the first girl that beat the boys in the Classic! Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Dai Dot paid them a visit today!The team have been busy taking photos Here Kitty-Kitty has been back to the house and “spoke” to the peep!Plus it’s been snowing there.We have had snowflakes/hail this week.Vautour is fine.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Kitty Kitty must be getting more comfortable around the peeps. That’s good. Wow, Spring snow. Glad to know that Vautour is OK. Thanks. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
Goodnight Queen Zenyatta and friend
Have a peaceful night
Love you with kisses and to all your sons,
daughter Z princess and dear Sir
Auntie Sally B
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Beautiful Z, COZ, ZI and DC:
Goodnight. Peaceful dreams all. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy, Sheena, Marshall, Elizabeth, Sally, Z Fans, Thank You all so very much for your prayers for Me and Jordan. I found him. God was surely in this. A miracle for my life. Was praying so hard. Have never had anything like this happen before. Almost 6 weeks I had been looking for him. Found him Monday.
A man called me last week that had seen my add in the local paper of lost cat. Well I went over there looked and looked never saw him. He told me he had been coming up for about 2 weeks, but he could not get close to him and he ran everytime he stuck his head out the door. He had been putting food out for some feral cats in his yard and Jordan was obviously settled in with them. Anyway he set a trap and he got him Monday. We took him directly to vet and he said he looked good for his ordeal. He told us to leave him alone for about a week so he could adjust back.
Feel so bad for him because he is just mostly hiding right now on a screened in porch. He gets under a chair, but he is venturing out a little. Believe he is still Tramatized. Sure hope and believe it will just take a while for him to get back to normal. Have just got to where I could talk about this. Just with all my heart Thank You again so much for your prayers and great thoughts for us. Love You all.
He got loose on the opposite side of town from where I live, but I tell you the very road where we found him I had rode down that road about 100 times, well and all over town and never saw him. I was about a Whit’s End. Walked all over. But he’s found
now.
Love You All, Peggy
Peggy (N) South Georgia
One funny thing. this man that found Jordan. In attempts to catch Jordan He caught his own cat about 2 or 3 times in the humane trap. His cat finally wised up.
Elizabeth in New Mexico
Dear Peggy,
Absolutely wonderful about Jordan! So very glad he is back home with you and is safe. Will keep praying he is able to put the whole ordeal out of his thoughts. Love is irresistible – now that he is back with you, he has the best opportunity to heal. Will keep praying for both of you. with love, Elizabeth
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Elizabeth, Thank You so very much. He just jumped on top of the rocker tonight. That is step forward I think. He jumped down quick, but he’s exploring. So good to see this. Thanks so much again.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Peggy.I wept with joy when I heard from Judy that Jordan had been found safe and well.He will take awhile to settle but Icontinue to pray for you both.I know only too well how I would have felt if Katie had gone missing.My heart goes out to you.Good to see you back.Love and hugs SheenaX
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Sheena, Thank you so very much. Your prayers I truly believe were heard. Sheena do you know who David Broome is. Chris was showing me some pics this morning of one of her daughters when she was young and all the horse photo’s she had in her room. She loved the jumpers. She started telling me about David.
Thanks again so very much.
Ann NC
Dear Peggy,
Very happy news. Thank goodness you and Jordan have been reunited. What a wonderful man to feed the ferals and spot your Jordan. Here’s to better days! Before you know it, Jordan will be on your lap purring away.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Ann, Thank you so much. This has been quite the ordeal. Just praying so hard he comes around good. He seems to be improving today. Thanks again so much.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
So glad to hear about Jordan, Peggy. Hope he gets reoriented quickly.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Sandy, Thank you so very much. So glad to have him home. He’s purring just a little bit. Thanks again so much.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Zenyatta, Huge Huge Congratulations to you and “All” your whole family and team for your going to the Hall Of Fame. Knew you would. Love You Zenyatta and all your family and team.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy, Thank You more than I can ever tell you for all your care and prayers. Love You Always.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
I am so happy for you and Jordan. Thank the Good Lord; he’s answered our prayers. Love and Big Hugs to both of you, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Peggy,
Just so happy for you! Jordan is one lucky little kitty, too. Hope he relaxes soon and can accept love without stress. He will come around, though. Your kindness and loving care will win him back in due time.
Hugs and Love
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Marshall, Thanks So Much
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Marshall so glad he’s home.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
To my wonderful “Quiet American” You have a big day coming up on Friday. So happy I found my Jordan before your birthday. Well my heads getting back a little straight. Love you more than I can ever tell you. Hope You have a wonderful Birthday on the 29th. It’s 30 QA. Didn’t think Zenyatta would mind as Coz is part of your family too.
Love Ya more than I can ever tell you. Look for your surprize on Friday.
Listen my boy if You and Holy Bull are still racing at the fences hope you always win. Sorry HB.
OH, QA, so proud of all of your family. Your represented in the Derby. I love you.
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Happy Early Birthday to your QA. Beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB
Julie Hertz
Congratulations Queen Z, you truly deserve this honor. Being I’m a major Secretariat fan and truly believe he’s the greatest ever, I think your the girl version. You are just as talented as he was,and like Secretariat you have Speed, Talent,Heart and Personality. Your so loved and your the greatest ever. Boy I would have loved to see you and Secretariat race each other.
Linda in NJ
Congratulations Zenny!
I am so happy for you. I plan to be in Saratoga on the 12th. I would love to attend the event.
Love,
Linda
Kathy
April 28 Cherokee Devotional
The woodland path is secluded and beautiful, but it is not the easiest place to walk. No stepping stones pave the path and nothing makes the pace smooth and even. But the rewards are so great I am willing to step over deep cushions of moss and fallen sticks and acorns that are like rocks to the soles.
Trumpet vines have grown tall and now hang so low that I have to bend to walk under them. The cypress is huge and its roots stick out of the ground like children’s pink knees. A wet-weather branch of a stream comes down from the hills and is too deep to step into but narrow enough to jump over.
Walking the path is a little like living-we must bend, step carefully, and watch out for overeager dogs that bump and push-but it is well worth the effort and the reward: great peace of mind.
She taught me to kneel and pray to Usen for strength, health, wisdom and protection.
-Geronimo, Apache
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.I loved walking and playing in the woods when I was a little girl and loving kicking the fallen leaves in the autumn.It was bitterly cold this morning frosty and now wet not a good day for shopping.There’s a photo of Blue still incubating there’ll be a blog up tonight seems it was not all quiet there yesterday with Dai visiting.
Wow I had a surprise earlier I have won a visit to Oliver Sherwood’s stables in the autumn/winter!!!I had donated because James Luck was running in the marathon in aid of Alzheimers and because my mother suffered I had to help and 2 names were picked out as a thank you.
The ratties had a great abventure in Kamsas but couldn’t wait to get back home.Poor Zoe’s friend is tired of the trolls.How on earth can you insult a dog???Betsy’s wounds are healing slowly and she looks so happy now They had a dog in called Zoe she was dumped at the vet by her owners because of a fracture.She has just had an op.I hope all goes well at Punchestown today no bad falls.Sebastian Penton Parrot has befriended me.He belongs to a friend I met through Liz.He loves to go out and about with Mummy during the summer!Have a great day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
I love walking in the woods, too. Poor Blue, she’s a trooper. Wow, congratulations on your upcoming visit to the Sherwood stables! What a treat! The ratties are super busy with Fibbs’ campaign PLUS traveling for bizness. Was sorry to read that Zoe’s friend is leaving FB because of trolls. You’re right, they are extremely hateful. I’m not sure how they look at themselves in the mirror…Praying for a good end result for that doggie dumped at the vet’s. Yes, I pray for a good day at Punchestown. Sebastian Penton Parrot sounds very charming. I hope you have a nice day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
sheena.davies(wales)
Always remembering the mighty Persian Punch who died today in 2004 from a heart attack while racing at Ascot.I will never forget his amazing Goodwood Cup win in 2003 during the heatwave(yes we do get warm weather sometimes)His ashes are interred by the winning post.Sometimes we ask too much of these noble creatures.He just never gave up.RIP Sheena
Eileen
Congratulations to Zenyatta! So happy to hear the good news. She was always so exciting and fun to watch…….she made those years the best of any racing seasons that I can remember. Love her!
Doug in Minnesota
While a racing outsider, I have always enjoyed watching the thoroughbreds run. I began following Zenyatta’s career in 2009. What a strong and beautiful mare. Just happened to Google her this morning to see how she’s doing and so happy to find she is being honored with induction into the RHoF. Congrats big girl.
sheena.davies(wales)
3 festivals,3 wins Douvan does it in style again under an ice-cool Shorty.Even he is running out of superlatives.Poor Cue Card had endured a 14hr journey to Punchestown but he has arrived home safe and well.A couple of new photos of Treve with her friend Shahah she has returned to her stud in Normandy to await the birth of her foal next year.Sheena
Max
Magnificent win. Douvan was really uncharacteristically worked up in the parade ring. But he won style, oozing class. Shorty never moved a muscle on him. A lot more to come next year from this fellow. Mullins is very keen on him. Says that he may be the best horse whom he has ever trained. Big guy too, but still a baby, a very big baby. Looks to be 17 hands.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Rich Ricci admitted to being somewhat concened with Douvan’s behaviour pre-parade.I think he just wanted to “get the job done”Gail was in tears leading him in.He is a very classy individual they think he could get 3 miles and is being hailed as another Kauto.No one can replace Kauto in my book but Douvan could be the next best thing.He is the sort of horse that stops you in your tracks his beauty and ability are to be admired.Barring injury he has a great future ahead of him.I can’t wait to see him next season bigger and bolder.Uncle Junior has been retired and Mullins is wishing him well He is 15.We haved been promised very good weather for the Guineas so cold here,Sheena
Max
Is Uncle Junior staying with Mullins? His wife rides him out each day.
Mullins said that Douvan usually is quite meek like a pony. He revealed a new side of his character yesterday. They had to take him out of the parade because he was all worked up and sweating. He might be trying to replace the Fly, not Kauto. After his win, he was showing his teeth and pulling at Gail. She has her hands full if Douvan is turning into the Fly. The Fly is a lot smaller.
Sophia Gates
Brava Zenyatta!
Hope this isn’t too OT but I thought folks would be interested in this son of Street Cry, Trojan Nation, who’s been coming on lately and might have the class to challenge in the Derby:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/211164/maiden-trojan-nation-seeks-derby-upset
Donna Alsabrook
He is my pick to win the Derby.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Poor Dai Dot another unringed male has taken his “wife”Delyth and his nest from him.The new male has most probably thrown the eggs overboard.Dai has some blood on his wing they are a little concerned but he is flying about the place with no trouble.I think everyone is hoping he will set up home with Blue,Lot of hail showers about today.I had forgotten Princess Charlotte is one year old Monday we are sure to get a photo.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Hope poor Dai is OK and partners with Blue. Happy Birthday beautiful little Princess Charlotte. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Bandit252
I’m so thrilled, though not surprised, learning Zenyatta was placed in the Hall of Fame! Good job our Queen Z! Please stay healthy and happy for many many more years!
Sally Blank (cherishes Z and her foals)
Goodnight my beautiful Queen Z
love you with kisses and to every son
loving Z princess and my dear Sir
Auntie Sally B
Elizabeth in New Mexico
Dear Zenny,
Hope you’ve had a good day. Sweet dreams to you and all of your family ~ Ziconic and Coz, all of Team Z and all of your wonderful fans. Love that you have a best friend, Vixana, with you. So excited to see you in the ‘Hall of Fame’! Hope everyone here on your website and all of your family have a good night’s sleep. with love, Elizabeth