Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Special Events

American Thoroughbred Instagram Contest

Enter Neil Latham's Instagram contest for a chance to win this print.
Enter Neil Latham’s Instagram contest for a chance to win this print.

Win A One-of-A-Kind Artist Proof of Zenyatta in an Instagram Contest!

In order to thank Zenyatta enthusiasts for their outpouring of response for the American Thoroughbred photography project, artist Neil Latham is offering the Artist Proof of Zenyatta’s portrait to one lucky person in an Instagram contest. This one-of-a-kind print was used in the editing process for his coffee table book, and has hand-written notes from the artist on the back. “It’s a very special piece,” says Latham.

In order to win the 5×7-inch, archival quality, chromogenic print, contest participants must go to Latham’s Instagram page, @neil_american_thoroughbred and open the Zenyatta portrait offered in the contest, pictured above.

Three actions to enter this contest:
1. Follow @neil_american_thoroughbred
2. Like the photo associated with this contest
3. Comment on the photo and tag two friends in your comment

There is just one week to take these actions – the contest winner will be selected on Monday, August 8.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram, Inc., Team Zenyatta, LLC, or Zenyatta.com. By entering, entrants confirm that they are 13+ years of age, release Instagram and Team Zenyatta, LLC of responsibility, and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.

Please direct inquiries about this contest to info@neillatham.com.

A Stand-Out Among Hundreds
It was actually this small work print of Zenyatta that convinced Jack Woody, owner of Twin Palms, to publish the American Thoroughbred book. His company publishes books by prestigious photographers such as Walker Evans, Duane Michals, Bruce Weber and Herb Ritts. When Woody agreed to fly to New York from his Santa Fe headquarters to review the photography collection, Latham narrowed his 6,000-plus images down to about 400, produced 5×7-inch prints of them all and posted them across his studio wall to review.

“As he walked into my studio, the first photograph he locked eyeballs onto was Zenyatta,” says Latham. “She was in a sea of hundreds of images, yet the shot pulled him in. It only took a few seconds from when he walked into the room before the magic moment happened. He remarked that it was iconic. And the thing was, he didn’t know anything about Zenyatta. He zoomed in on her portrait not because of her fame, but because of the language of the photograph, the architecture of positive and negative spaces. Her racing legacy adds another layer to the image.”

When Woody perused the entire collection, he decided to take on the book, remarking that it is an interesting and unusual approach to portraying horses. When he saw the large 50×60-inch prints, he was captivated by the grandeur and quality, explains Latham.

Contest 2Contest 3

Work Prints Reveal Process
As the artist and publisher debated about the final 80 selections for the book, they laid the small work prints on the floor and moved them around like squares on a quilt. They agreed on about 70 percent of the photographs and negotiated the rest, with the understanding that the Zenyatta portrait would be a lead image, explains Latham. They wrote notes on the back of the prints, and they were re-ordered many times until the book page plan was finalized.

Work prints for American Thoroughbred
Work prints for American Thoroughbred
“The photo editing process was very difficult, but I was lucky to have Jack Woody to work with – he has a discerning eye,” says Latham. He adds that these artist proofs, which will not be sold, are the heart of the project, as they were consulted throughout production, and shipped back and forth until the project was completed. “There is only one of each used throughout the design, editing and layout of the book, so they are very special,” he says.

Print To Go To An Enthusiast
Although Latham hates to break up the full set of 80 Artist Proofs used for the book, he says he believes this print should belong to one of Zenyatta’s enthusiasts. “I don’t get to hear feedback on my work, so I was really touched by the comments on Zenyatta’s blog, and wanted to give something back to those people who love her,” says Latham.

“As a photographer, I want my work to mean something to people, and it feels like my mission has been accomplished. It makes my heart feel full to think of someone equally passionate owning this print,” he says.

Latham hopes that as many people as possible will participate in the Instagram contest for a bit of fun and competition in Zenyatta’s name. Pass it on!

Neil Latham’s Instagram for the contest: @neil_american_thoroughbred

Using work prints to lay out the book.
Using work prints to lay out the book.

Coffee table book
Zenyatta is highlighted in the limited edition fine art coffee table book “American Thoroughbred” by Neil Latham published by Twin Palms. It features 182 pages with 80 duotones, and is casebound and slipcased for quality presentation. It retails for $95 and is available from the publisher at https://twinpalms.com/books-artists/american-thoroughbred/ or from Amazon (ISBN: 978-1-936611-12-6).

Limited edition prints
There is a special Zenyatta Collection of images, as well as other famous Thoroughbreds, available in sizes ranging from 24 x 30 inches up to 50 x 60 inches. They are numbered, finished on archival paper with museum framing, and signed by the artist. www.neillatham.com

Reader Interactions

150 Comments

  1. / Reply

    This image of Zenyatta reveals her kindness, loving thoughtfulness and intelligence. What an ICONIC horse she is!!! We love her!

  2. / Reply

    So Special – Another great opportunity inspired by our Beautiful Racing Queen – Zenny! Love and Hugs, George, Linda, & Milyone

  5. / Reply

    Dear Judy.A thoroughly miserable night over here.The family have disappeared to shelter on the Dyfi.It doesn’t look too bad at Glaslyn.Do you know a horse called Royal MissGlitter she has been saved from a kill pen by a former trainer Mike Trombetta(sp)she has some injuries on her legs and a respiratory infection and is in quarantine now.He had been alerted to her plight last week.One of the fortunate ones, Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties .Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Hope the weather there improves. I do not know Royal Miss Glitter, but I do recognize the name of her trainer from the New York circuit. Thank God he was able to rescue her. Yes, one of the lucky ones. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  6. / Reply

    Her aura is unmistakable, her image captivating, her eyes enchanting …she is everything good that God ever created.

  7. / Reply

    Oh how I wished he had wanted an essay, even a limited word one. I can describe the essence of a racehorse. Oh well another day another contest.p

  8. / Reply

    Dear Team Z and Mr. Latham:

    Thank you for giving the fans an opportunity to own this gorgeous, one of a kind print of our Beautiful Queen. Love and Hugs, JB

  9. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:

    Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.

  12. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta; I do not think I have the capability to Instagram but I think the photo of you will be cherished as it is YOU!
    Thank you for thinking of us on the blog.
    Auntie Sally B

  13. / Reply

    Zenyatta, you have opened my heart up to just needing to be around the horse more than I had before. Besides volunteering back home, when I go up North in Wi. I always run over to a trail riding stable and some times pitch in if they are very busy to at least put more hay in all the horses bins. This Sat. they anticipated a big crowd and had 40 horses there. It was a lucky thing I brought a lot of cut up carrot pieces! ha I like to give to them but if other patrons are in the stable area then I just leave them for the workers to give. The lead people have appreciated me when they are in need and I love hanging around them.
    Then I run back to the cabin and get on with other wonderful things too.
    It was remarkable to me with 40 horses there, they all got along being so close together eating out of the bins. We have our Fancy and Jo left and they some times get cranky at one another at feeding time!! ha ha BUT I love them.

    Love you with kisses and all of your colts,
    Z Princess and my dear Sir
    Auntie Sally B

    A special HELLO to all my Z blog friends!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sally,

      You are a priceless friend to horses — an angel! I am glad that you are able to hang out there and are appreciated by the lead people. Of course, the equines love you!
      Enjoy your time at the riding stable in northern WI.

      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Marshall, they give more to me than I could ever give to them. Thank you kiddo.
        love n hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      40 horses, trail rides, yippee! Sounds like a fun place and they are lucky to have you, Sally.
      Have fun and Happy Trails!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sally,
      You are wonderful to help with the horses. Pray God’s blessings for you and for them to stay healthy. with love, Elizabeth

  14. / Reply

    American Cleopatra, Pharoah’s 2-yr. old full sister, won her debut yesterday in the 3rd race at Del Mar. Stewart Elliott, who used to ride Smarty Jones, was her jockey & Bob Baffert, of course, is her trainer. I wonder if she has the same groom as her big brother had…

    Go Cleo!

    • / Reply

      Dear Donna Z.,

      Great to hear that American Cleopatra was successful in her debut!
      Big Congratulations to Pharoah’s sister, Stewart Elliott, BB and all connections!!

      Stewart Elliott and Smarty made a great team, and I hope he and AC will do likewise.

      Hugs and Love

  15. / Reply

    So pleased Neil took the time to visit and read our comments on the blog. Would be exciting if he’d make a return trip next Spring to Kentucky and take some photos of mothers and their foals, another coffee table book. Zenny of course, would be highlighted.

  16. / Reply

    Not to change the subject, but I saw this evening that Ziconic has had his 3rd workout at Del Mar. He has now gone 4, 5, and 6 furlongs. Here’s hoping we get to see him run soon. Has anyone seen anything at all about Coz? Love and kisses to both the boys. Same goes to their gorgeous mom and the newest addition to her family. May they as well as Princess and Baby Z sleep beautifully!

    • / Reply

      Dear Martha,
      Thanks for the news about Ziconic’s workouts. So looking forward to his future races.
      with love, Elizabeth

  17. / Reply

    August 2 Cherokee Devotional

    There are right things to say and right ways of saying them, but we don’t always say the right thing the right way. We have all been guilty of speaking without thinking. We have all been guilty of talking when we should have been listening with the heart. A casual remark that may not mean much to us can strike a nerve with someone else. Sometimes we disregard the feelings of others by saying they are just too sensitive, but that does not justify our being callous.
    Sometimes the tables are turned, and we would rather not hear what the world has to say to us. The chatter and clang of harsh words disrupts our nervous systems and hurts our feelings. This should show us that absolute silence is a rare gift, and we can help create it. We can think about what we are going to say before we say it-and we can refuse to be offended when someone else slips and speaks without thinking.

    Sometimes we prayed in silence…at other times one would rise and speak of our duties toward each other.
    -Geronimo, Apache

  18. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.I am certainly guilty of speaking without thinking but what human isn’t?Sad but true.Horrible day at Glaslyn we had the heavy rains last night.W7 had another fall but arrived safely back at the nest this morning.I cannot see her surviving a flight to Africa to be honest.I don’t know if she’s eaten yet.Larry and Palmerston had a brutal fight this week Larry lost his collar and Palmerston has an injured ear.Wait until they let Gladstone out.Armed police had to separate them!Pawlitics has never been so interesting and the Italian PM looked to be flirting with Mother Theresa.
    Blueberry and Barney have arrived and settled down well in Rio.Bossa Nova time.Hovis will be sooo jealous!I hear the zika virus has reached Florida.Poor Mango didn’t think she deserved to be called a hero dog after reading about the others involved.Bless her.Benji is not good according to Zoe and a K9 was bitten by a rattlesnake.He should recover though.A sad story from a cat sanctuary in Port Talbot in south Wales.2 teenage boys broke in and killed 3 cats plus they were mutilated.some cats escaped one has returned today and Esme has had her kittens but they have been overwhelmed by people’s generosity they have raised over £15,000 on a fund page.I wouldn’t like to say here what I would do to those boys!A sickening picture of Pilot Whales getting butchered on the Faroe Islands.It is time they realised this is the 21st century what does this teach children, who were among those watching, this bloodbath.
    Hope you enjoy your day.Love and hugs to you,kisses for angel Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

  19. / Reply

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful photo and special thanks to Mr. Latham for offering an opportunity to win this contest! He must have a heart as full of generosity and kindness as all the rest of Team Zenyatta – the Mosses, Lane’s End, the Shirreffs and all those in between. The fans of Queen Z are blessed to be able to enjoy all of this provided in this wonderful web-site. Thank you!!

  20. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I TRY to hold my tongue. It’s much easier if you don’t say something you have to follow up to try and make right later on. I definitely cannot relate to heavy rains at this time of year. Our drought continues on! I agree, it doesn’t sound likely that W7 will make it to Africa. Gee, what set off Larry’s and Palmerston’s fight? Mother Theresa’s husband had better keep a watchful eye! Blueberry, Barney and the Bossa Nova. How suave! You’re right, Hovis will be very jealous! Yes, the zika virus is in FL. I’m glad I’m far away! Mango most certainly deserves to be called a Hero Dog. Was sorry to hear that Benji has taken a turn for the worse. Hope the K9 will be okay. That is a very sad story coming out of that cat sanctuary. We see the best and the worse in people demonstrated there. Just awful. Horrible to hear of the butchering of the Pilot Whales. What does that teach children, indeed! Have a good Tuesday. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Angel Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  21. / Reply

    Zenny…all of this is just more proof that you are the horse of a lifetime for many. Thank you, God, for creating this magnificent natural wonder.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max,
      What a story about “Wonder Will”!
      We had 2 Brittany Spaniels years ago. One day when we went out to feed them in the morning, and they were gone. We put an ad in the paper about them. About 2 weeks later we got a call from someone who had found one of them. We prayed ‘really’ hard that it was ‘Crockett’, while on the way to the kind woman’s house.
      We had chosen their names when they were puppies, because they were always off on adventures. Crockett was always smiling, happy and ‘came’ when you called him, and he had the sweetest heart. ‘Boone’ would have been a criminal in the penitentiary if he’d been human. Boone was the exact opposite of his sweet brother – never came when we called him, was always leading his brother on misadventures, and got into all kinds of trouble.
      When we went to pick up the ‘one’ from the kind woman who had rescued 1 of the 2 brothers, we prayed the whole way to her house that it was ‘Crockett’ whom she had rescued. It was.
      Years later, we were driving down one of our country roads on the way into town, and ‘there he was’… Boone! He was riding on the back of a flatbed truck driven by one of the ranchers – not tied up, but just having a great time – his floppy ears flapping in the breeze as the truck flew down the road; and most importantly – he was ‘not’ running away! We were tempted to ‘hit the accelerator’, but we could see . . . he was a reformed hound! He was so happy.
      It makes us smile to this day to think of our 2 brothers, who have both since gone on to heaven – well we think and hope they ‘both’ have – although not sure about Boone!

      • / Reply

        Dear Elizabeth:

        Thanks for sharing this lovely story with us. I think both of them made it through the Pearly Gates. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy B. and Elizabeth,

          What a great story of Crockett and Boone! I agree with Judy — I think both got through the Pearly Gates. They will be there to greet you one day.

          Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Elizabeth; At least I have caught your awesome story as I miss so much.
        Crockett and Boone won’t forget you and you will see them again.
        hugs, Sally B

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy, Marshall, Max and Sally,
        So glad you enjoyed the adventures and misadventures of Boone and Crockett. There are so many stories. We expect to see ‘both’ boys in Heaven, and will love to see their big smiles and wagging tails. We lived in Cuba twice, and had wild chickens (descendants of the ones brought over by Columbus). But I’ll spare you from the ‘Chicken Chronicles’! Hope you all have a wonderful day – must go and feed the critters awaiting breakfast here. We have 5 new bunnies added to the list – their favorite food is parsley. Love to you all, Elizabeth

        • Dear Elizabeth:

          Wow, would love to hear more of your stories. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      Wow, what a great story and happy ending. God Bless this little guy. Thanks for sharing. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        JudyB. Will needs to write his autobiography. Winter in PEI may be milder than the true Canadian north, but it’s still cold, unless Will hitchhiked to Florida. This cat is a hero, and he stayed true to himself despite the hardship.

        • Dear Max:

          Yes, he is a hero. God only knows what he went through. Remarkable boy. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Max,

      Thanks for this link. Amazing story of Will the survivor! I can only imagine how overcome with joy his owner was — the prodigal had returned and was safe.

      Love a happy ending!
      Hugs

      • / Reply

        A favorite part of this story is the vet referring to the cat as a “fellow.” Willie Mullins treats each of his colts and horses as individual characters, and often calls them “fellows”. The fillies and mares however gets social treatment. He always talks about them by using their names. They are never “it.” This may explain his special relationship with his equine army.

        • Dear Max.For a huge cat lover like me this was a wonderful story and a happy ending.I once read of a cat who went missing in Tasmania and turned up some 4 years later in the Northern territories.They are born survivors.We are getting a lot of cat stories now from Downing Street and wait until Gladstone is left out.Larry’s pitch has been invaded and he is annoyed.Our jumpers are off for about 10 days.Mullins is a genius with his horses.Looking forward to the new season already.Sheena

        • There really no comparison between Canada and Australia for cold winter weather. People can die without shelter in those -30 below zero conditions in winter. The Woodbine horses like Danish Dynaformer pack up and leave for Ocala. It’s a miracle that a cat could survive as Will did outside. He has to have used up some of his 9 lives for sure. God must have saved him.

    • / Reply

      Belatedly, thanks to both Max and Elizabeth for the great animal stories. It’s almost beyond belief that Will survived (and not too much the worse for wear). His motto must have been “never give up!” Glad you got your doggie back too, Elizabeth. So many lost animals never make it “home,” and how nice to know that BOTH of yours survived!

  23. / Reply

    Dear Mr. Latham,

    Thank you so much for giving us this wonderful opportunity! The chance to treasure this stunning photograph of our beloved Z (with notes on the back) is indeed the stuff dreams are made of. Not only are you extremely talented, but you are incredibly generous.

    Again, many thanks for your great kindness.

  24. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Tried to send you an article from a UK rescue on tips to keep peace at No. 10. Don’t know why, but the email bounced back. Takes time to acclimate; hope they resolve their differences soon. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  25. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:

    Hope you’re all staying cool and comfy. Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.

  26. / Reply

    beautyfull Zenny do all quietly and not quickly walk on air with Vixana have bath eat apples pears care of health say to Vixana too

  27. / Reply

    Goodnight lovely Zenyatta; you are always thought of and in my prayers for health and happiness.
    Love you and with kisses and to all your colts
    Z princess and my dear Sir
    Auntie Sally B

  28. / Reply

    beautyfull Zenny Zi Coz and mates stay comfy and cozy have bath eat apples pears care of health kiss your soft noses, lil 16z, lil 14z filly Dubai im remembering you

  29. / Reply

    Dear Judy.My emails have been ok today I haven’t checked yet tonight.Larry has been in Downing Street 5 yrs now and we all know how territorial cats are.Palmerston even sneaked in to no 10 searching for him.Not a good idea to get 3 tomcats in the same area.T7 has had a pretty miserable day after another fall and the filthy weather It’s turned mild again but still damp.All well on the Dyfi.Tegid had a big fish for his tea.Sad to hear 4 horses at Saratoga in a week.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, Tom Cats are very territorial. Hope things work out. OMG, another fall. Starting to think it’s the terrible weather they’ve had there causing the birds to lose their balance. Hope T7 is OK. Good for Tegid. Haven’t heard about the horses at Saratoga. What happened? Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

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