HAPPY MONDAY, EVERYONE!
I hope all of you had a great weekend. The Preps really put everything into a BIG UNKNOWN for the Kentucky Derby! It will be interesting to see how it all plays out during the next few weeks! This is such a FUN time of the year!
Yesterday was very exciting! EL VINO, my gallant workmate for many of my pre-race workouts, is now having a fun time on the track and winning his own races. He was such a great sport last year and really worked hard to assist me with my racing career. Now he is having his own success. I AM SO PROUD OF HIM!
When a horse is preparing for BIG RACES and competing on a very high level, the workouts need to be challenging and solid to substantiate the preparation. One needs to be extremely fit and ready for competition. In 2010, I ran in all Grade 1 races. As this is the highest level we have in our sport, my pre-race workouts were very important to my success!
EL VINO really helped out with this part of my training program! He was the horse who set the pace for me in many of my works. He was also part of the team drills John would orchestrate to often prepare me for my Grade 1 races. Words truly can’t express how appreciative I am of his efforts. As a matter of fact, John often said he deserved an AWARD of his own for being a fabulous SUPPORTING PLAYER!
EL VINO looks so comfy, cozy and happy back at the barn relaxing after yesterday’s victory. It was his second WIN in a row! Sunday was a rather warm day in Arcadia, so Frank and Ruben very safely set up a nice big fan by his stall to really help him enjoy the moment!
On his stall door, there is also a yellow sign which says SECURE AREA…DETENTION STALL…DO NOT APPROACH! In California, it is absolutely MANDATORY that this sign be posted by the stall of every single horse who is running that day…a minimum of 4 hours before his/her race. This sign is meant to indicate several things to everyone: 1) this horse is ENTERED TO RUN ON THIS DAY 2) the stall is MONITORED and SECURE and 3) this horse is not to be touched or bothered by anyone before the race except the immediate barn staff who will need to put the equipment on the horse and take he/she over to the paddock to run. This is one of the many industry precautions taken to protect the integrity of our SPORT. These rules are essential and extremely important!
I must say, it is deeply touching to see EL VINO again! I am so happy for him! Dottie was telling me that several people stopped her at the races yesterday and commented that ‘he had cotton in his ears’ just like ME…and they bet on him because he was my WORKMATE!
She also mentioned while in the Winners’ Circle, EL VINO literally bowed his head 3 times towards the camera when posing for his picture. It was as if he was sending ME one great big…”YIPPEE, Z, I DID IT!” This is TOO CUTE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Celeste
Beautiful!! It was so exciting to see El Vino win his race, although I did not get to see the race, I received the notification in my virtual stable so I was very happy for him. This was such an informational diary post regarding the yellow signage and how careful everyone is prior to the race. I wish I had had a chance to see the race, but I will look for it on you-tube later. I loved that earlier comment (that I can’t find right now) about this site bringing the sunshine – how true!! Beautiful and thank you again!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Congratulations again, El Vino! We were so happy to be there to see you win. We and all our friends had “win” bets on you.
Very interesting about the detention stall signs. While we have seen them many times, we did not know they were mandatory in California.
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, I’m very happy for El Vino. He really was a trooper last year. I’m glad he’s having some fun winning races this year.
Thanks for the race day information. That was interesting!
Have a nice evening, sweet girl.
Love to all,
Leslie
Debbie
hi Z! yeah El Vino!!! YOU taught him well and I’m sure he was thinking about YOU in the winners’ circle;) I’m wondering how YOU are doing, haven’t heard much about YOU since your BD, have you seen Bernie? love you so much xoxoxo
sherry drish
EL VINO WAS GETTING A GOOD WORKOUT IF HE HAD YOU CHASING AFTER IN A WORK OUT. I AM SO HAPPY THAT JOHN HAS AWAY WITH HORSES BEING GREAT RACERS. HE IS A WONDERFUL TRAINER. LOVE YOU Z. SHERRY D. WV
Cheryl Smith
Happy Monday, hope you are well? How is Kentucky weather? Do you get to see Mario anymore? Who are you pulling for in the Kentucky Derby?
Take care!
Cathy Marshall
Congratulations to El Vino! Does he get to have Guinness too? He’s a beauty!! Love ya Zenny!!!
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, Today’s post is most informative and happy, just the type we love. Watched El Vino win yesterday and I came out of my seat at the end, shades of all of your races. Looks like you taught him well both in the running category and in graciousness with his bows. My heartfelt thanks to Dottie and John for their rich contributions to the racing world. And much love to you for all the smiles you help create. I miss you.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Kirren — We loved your video and even saw ourselves in several scenes outside Barn 55. Certainly brings back memories of magical times. Thanks for posting it.
Harriett Vaughn
Tell Dottie it was good to see her on the HRTV interview. Good for El Vino!
Lauren
@Kirren – what a beautiful video. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. God bless you.
Jo in CO
Congratulations to El Vino! Was so thrilled to see him win yesterday. Two in a row! He had that signature Z – come from behind victory, too. Very sweet, especially thinking back to those days of being Z’s work mate. Love and hugs to Z and Team Zenyatta.
Mary G
Hi Z, Besides you, El Vino is one of my favorites. I remember reading a little about him and he seems like a real character! I am so glad to see he is having some success on the track himself :) Here in Boston, today was the running of the Boston Marathon. It was a very close race in both the mens and the womans divisions…There was a nice tail wind so the times were fast! Best of all I had the day off from work :) Hope you enjoyed your day as well. Love ya…
Kirren
Thanks to everyone for the kind words on my Z video! As with most things, she “makes it look all too easy.” :D
Joanna
I was watching El Vino race on HRTV and was delighted that he won. I was even happier that when Ms. Moss was interviewed after the race and your ‘re-breeding’ was brought up, she politely told everybody that your privacy was being protected and when there was news to be released, everybody would know. Very classy reply. My utmost respect to your connections, Z.
suew
Hi Zenny…Thanks for the good news about your pal, El Vino. I remember an interview when Steve said you sometimes intimidated him a bit during the workouts. I’m sure it was rather daunting for him to know soon you would be passing him inspite of his best efforts.
What a wonderful team you made…he knew how to get some great work out of you and you always came through. The Mosses are so lucky to own both of you. I really appreciate the continuing education on racing…it’s been a joy to read this post each day.
Linda T
Dottie i don’t know if you’ve written any books but you should. you are such a great writer in the way you convey Z’s heart and soul and for that i am grateful, keep the posts coming.
Marilu V
Hello Zeny! Thanks for the wonderful information on El Vino. John is right – he deserves an award for helping you win your races. Isn’t this what life is all about. There is someone around us sacrifising for our greater good. That’s why you and your friends are all winners because you take care of each other. Hugs, Marilu
Janet Cutting
Just wanted to say good luck to Dawn in the contest.
Nancy
I saw that El Vino had won yesterday! Congratulations to him! Also, thanks as always, for all the extra information. I am constantly learning more about the racing industry.
Trina Nagele
Everyone, don’t miss the wonderful photos of El Vino, John and Dottie that Suzanne Thomas posted on the Backside 55 Facebook page (Roxie Cook pointed this out earlier–thanks, Roxie, that’s how I found them).
Judy
Oh Zenny, I love you!
Judy Maass Gadwood Loves Zenny
Hi Doll Face Zenny!
I watched EL VINO’s race at home on HRTV! I was yelling at the screen for him to win!! It was exciting! I’m so happy to see another horse from Barn 55 make it into the winner’s circle :-)
I also got to see Dottie on Saturday outside the paddock. My friends and I were there to support COZI ROSIE! I said “hello” to Dottie and she said hello back to us :-) Thanks, Dottie!
And, last, but not least! Mikey was there so sign your latest jacket! It’s so pretty. ZENYATTA is on the back in rhinestones with a shape of your blaze above that. On the left front side (over the heart) the rhinstones spelled out: HOY 2010, but the O is shaped like a heart! TOO CUTE!
I had fun spending time with Mikey! He liked my Zenny manicure and my blue toe nails LOL
HUGS & KISSES XOXO
WILD HORSES
Loved seeing El Vino in the winner’s circle for the second time in a row- yeah El Vino. He does remind me of you Z with just the way all John’s horses are prepared, with the white shadow roll and the back leg wraps. He also is bay with a white stripe, so it did bring back some memories. It made me then go to my recordings of you and watch a few old races. They interviewed Dottie after the race and they asked if you had been bred back. Dottie said that this would remain private until things were a little more set in stone this time. I think that is a great idea, with all you have shared with us you deserve a little privacy. It must be alot of pressure for all your connections and I for one don’t want any of that rubbing off on you. God Speed big girl, you deserve it. Love Ya,, Lori
Trina Nagele
@HEATHER CULROSS– I have the same problem as J Smith: I can’t find the pictures though I did find your page. Could you put a link here? Thanks.
Abigail from Montreal
Just found this beautiful shot of champion Zarkava and her Sea The Stars foal. Enjoy it Zenny! This is your future, big girl.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150159657833681&set=a.10150159657828681.284770.160846353680&type=1&theater
Pam Zacek,
That is the best new,s good for Elvino, and that is great, for him, to come right behind you on the racing, tracks, maybe Queen Z , he watched you and learned good, as you, and him got the best team going. Best of luck to him from here on end, and thank you for this information about the horse in the stall i offen wondered how they keep them safe, from people, so now I learned something, new, today, thanks, Hope your enjoy, every little treat and blue grass you can, haha, I wish i could see that, heard that blue grass is so different.must keep horses, healthy, also.
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, What a cute story about El Vino. I never paid atten about him when he helped you with your workouts in preperation for your race but he does sound interesting now. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine. I did’nt know he was racing this weekend or I would have bet on him. I did’nt go to the races this weekend and was watching TVG and trying to keep up with the Oaklawn activity. YOU are right, there were alot of surprises and I did bet on Cozy Rosie and she came in second. I bet Mikeie misses rideing you and winning all the time. You knew how to win Zenny. Love you much.
Sue Noel
i HAD NOT HEARD ABOUT THE TERRIBLE FIRE UNTIL READING THE WEEKEND POST TODAY—HOW ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE!!! MY CONDOLENCES TO ALL CONCERNED. (My caps lock was on–sorry!) Those poor,poor babies!! I will be crying about that one for a long time!! So sorry,too,about the horse who died in the race. Always,when I am watching a race,I am praying the whole time that each one comes safely to the finish line!
@Dawn Conrad–Ohmygosh!!!!! I did not get a chance to look at the site over the weekend and was so excited to pull it up this morning,hoping to find your name—and there it was!! I am SO happy for you!! Hooves crossed for you to make the final four!!
I was sad to see Amanda not make it,but sure loved all the good posts she had on Post 228. I,too, am very glad that Queen Z. has time to just be a horse now and spend her days the way SHE wants too. I think that my two favorite photos of her are the one where she is lying down with her friends and the one I am ordering of her strolling down a path at Lane’s End with them.
I just love this website–it is so marvelous to read postings each day from those who love Zenny so much and,through their love for Zenny have come to care for each other!! What a bright spot in each of our lives!!
Zenny dear,hope you are having a wonderful day with sun on your back and a breeze to ruffle your mane!! Love you!!!!!
Candace
Love this story!!!!