VERSAILLES, KY — (April 13, 2016) It is with heavy hearts that Team Zenyatta and Lane’s End Farm must announce the passing of Zenyatta’s 2016 foal by War Front. His death occurred at approximately 9:00 am this morning due to complications of meconium aspiration syndrome. We express our deep gratitude to Dr. Peter Morresey and the professionals at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital who worked tirelessly to support the mare and foal. Zenyatta is in good health and back home at Lane’s End Farm.
Update — 5:30 pm
Zenyatta has returned to the field that is her original home at Lane’s End. She has been paired with the mare Vixana, who is also owned by Jerry and Ann Moss. Zenyatta and Vixana are the same age, and they trained together under John Shirreffs at Barn 55. The two are becoming reacquainted and have already shared a drink at the water bowl.
Susan in Fl
So very sad to read this news. Thoughts to all. Peace
Debbie
I’m am so sorry and saddened my heart is breaking for you all especially Z xoxoxo
JudyInSouthCarolina
I absolutely have no words. After Z Princess HOW could fate be SO cruel??????????
My sincere condolences, Ann, and to everyone at Lane’s End and Rood and Riddle (who we KNOW were devastated after doing everything under the sun to save this beautiful colt.
Donna — I am superstitious as well…………I don’t think it is meant for her to have a War Front foal.
Lisa Myers
We all share in this heartbreak. He was with his loving mama and his adoring people for such a short time, but he will forever be so tremendously loved by us all! Little one… may your feet be swift, may you feel the wind on your face, may your spirit always be with those who love you.
Sharyn
So sad to read this heartbreaking news of such a beautiful foal…….
Meaghan Edwards
Most sincerest condolences during this difficult time :(
Joanne Adams
So sorry this has happened. I know Zenyatta and her foal have the best of care, unfortunately this type of thing does happen a lot. I am just so glad that Ann and Jerry were able to see the foal be born and was with him and Zenny during this time. Prayers for all of you.
alice catherine
I am so very sorry for everyone close to Zenyatta. It’s heartbreaking for Ann and Jerry Moss, especially. Words can’t express… I’m stunned, so very sad, and I can only imagine what Ann, Jerry, and others close to Zenyatta must feel.
Elizabeth Ockerman
Just reading the news…weeping for this baby’s sweet mom. She must wonder where her boy is. We mourn with all those who love Zenyatta and her offspring. Sad, indeed.
Christina
My heart breaks for everyone. I keep picturing poor Z looking for her baby. ?
Linda Sain
Sometimes these things just happen. She and the foal got the best care possible. So sorry to the farm and the Mosses. Zenny is probably very distraught.
:(
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Team Z:
My heart is broken for you and for Z. I have no words. All my Love and Hugs, JB
Gloria
This just breaks my heart. Rest in peace, little one. I hope Zenyatta is okay. Love to all at Lane’s End and Team Zenyatta. Thank you for always keeping the fans informed. It is much appreciated.
Katarina Deal
Saddened to hear this…prayers to everyone and especially Queen Z.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Rest In Peace Beautiful Baby Z. Play and run free in God’s beautiful Heaven with your Big Sis. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathie B
God’s speed to the little prince and condolences to all connected to Team Z. This is so devastating to all who care for Miss Zenyatta. Please may this bad luck and fortune go far away fast.
Raphaela Blum
I am so very, very sorry for team Zenyatta. Heartbreaking:-( Love to Z.
Nancy Magnussen
Breeders worst nightmare. Makes your heart hurt. Such a loss to the industry and to the people involved.
Margaret
Tears and feeling entirely broken. Like a rug has been yanked out from under me.
An interesting thought I saw on fb while waiting to get online here. Someone asked if Z could be nursemare to another foal in need? I thought it wasn’t interesting idea and worthy of putting out there.
I am so sorry to all involved. Heartfelt condolences.
Z13Rulz
Zenyatta as a nurse mare is an interesting thought, particularly since, given all reports she is a mare who loves all foals and that is the number one personality trait a nurse mare needs to have.
But it’s a very narrow window before Zenyatta’s milk will start to dry up, they would literally need to have an orphan foal already in need. Then the risk of something going wrong, with a mare of Zenyatta’s value is probably too high. Honestly the insurance company would probably have a mental breakdown at the suggestion. :(
ronni
I’m so very sorry to hear this news. My thoughts go out to Zenyatta, the Mosses, and all at Lanes End Farm. I know that he received the best possible care. Sending hugs to momma as this has to be difficult for her.
Kalar Walters
*heartbroken* for Z, the Moss’ and Team Z. :'(
Marilyn Braudrick
So very very sorry for Zenyatta Her maternal hormones must be a wreck. Would it help her hormones/grief to nurse another foal whose dam diid not survive? Or is it easier on her to just live through the grief? Again we are so very sorry and send all our love and prayers to one of the most nurturing dams ever.
Vicki A
As all I am absolutely devastated by this news……Z has the best of care as did the little Prince….now there’s a Prince and Princess Z at Rainbows Bridge waiting for Ann, Jerry and the great Zenyatta……so very sorry, hugs and prayers
Diana_NV
I am so sorry. This is a loss for everyone. This is the very tough side of the business as a breeder/owner when you lose offspring before they even get a chance to run their race. This little guy will have to run his race in heaven with his sister.
Sue Noel in Sun Valley,ID
How truly heartbreaking! Tears are falling for all connected to this beautiful little one. He will be forever loved by so many who never got to know him. There are no words to do this tragic loss justice.
To The Mosses and all of Z’s extended family,and caregivers, hearts are breaking all over the world today-and, from each, love and sympathy, beyond measure, are flowing your way.
Mary M
GOD bless everyone involved and concerned; we are all grieving, especially Zenyatta and Jerry & Ann.
Jocelyn
The worst news.
I am a huge fan and have looked every day for the last couple weeks to see when the foal arrived. I was so happy to see him finally.
I am so sorry for this.
❤️
Marilu Villanueva
I am so sorry to hear the sad news. I pray Zenyatta will be fine.
Please let Mr. & Mrs. Moss know that we are all saddened by the sad news after waiting so long.
Sending love and prayerful thoughts to Zenyatta, the Mosses and her team.
Thanking the doctors and everyone who took care of Zenny and her baby.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
My god! So awful. Just shaking my head.
Debra Gilbert
This is heartbreaking news. My heartfelt sympathy to Jerry, Ann, Zenyatta, and everyone involved.