Well…my Zenyatta Appreciation Day at Hollywood Park is here!
I am very excited…and yet in so many ways reflective. It was supposed to rain a bit today…but now they are saying the rain will be later tonight and into tomorrow morning. I hope it holds off until evening.
Yesterday, I hosted a barn party for all of my friends at the Shirreffs’ Barn. They were able to bring all of their family members. Dottie made big Z’s to hang from the trees outside like large ornaments with each of the employees names listed on them. It looked so pretty and festive. Everyone ate and relaxed and had a wonderful time. Debby, our caterer, did an amazing job! (She always does.)
Then the Moss’ helped me provide gifts for each person who had worked with me at the barn. They felt it would be a special way for me to say THANK YOU. Ann, Lara and Claudia helped me to pass everything out to all my friends. It was great fun!
Later, I was out grazing…in the back grass area….and people were coming over to see me, get photos, hug me…and thank me for their presents. I think I was a really good hostess. I know I tried to be, for sure.
Right now there are tons of fans here to see me again this morning. Yesterday, Steve counted over 162. Cody ushered groups of 10 back and forth to the barn. Michelle, Isabelle, Steve, and Gary helped to organize the people so they could get their pictures taken with me. Mario helped me poise beautifully for the cameras. It was amazing. Everyone has been so kind.
Later today, it is ZENYATTA APPRECIATION DAY! I’m going to relax a bit after the fans leave this morning…and then get ready for this event. I know Mario, Carmen, and my crew will have me LOOKING GREAT! I hope everyone has a great time.
Last night, before John and Dottie left the barn…John looked and me and gave me a big hug and the greatest compliment of all. He said that people really do love me…and they are really so appreciative of all I have tried to do. In his mind, he said, I am SPECTACULAR in so many ways. As a matter of fact, he hugged me again and said…’There is not one thing about me that is not exceptional…not one!
I guess I am one very lucky horse to have people around me who give me so much love, confidence and respect! Yes, one very, very lucky girl!
With love…and hope to see you at Hollywood Park this afternoon!
Hugs~
Z
PS…Kelley Rose…the barn went crazy over your Marble Cake. They are still raving about it! Thank you for making all of them so happy!
Marty
What a wonderful entry today ! I am so happy that everyone was able to spend time with you last night. It sounds like everyone had a great time.
Today will bring so much excitement , and many friends to see you and bid you farewell. Tomorrow you will begin the next chapter of your beautiful life. You will meet new friends who will love you and care for you and you will find that Kentucky is a wonderful place to live. I know , I left my friends and home when my husband’s job transfered us there and I found some of the dearest, kindest people on earth reside there. Have a safe trip and we will look forward to seeing you soon.
Love you
Karen Line
With much love, admiration, and humility, I thank you, Queen Z, for the fierce spirit and gentle compassion you have presented to us all.
I am SO sad this day has come — mostly for your connections — I cannot imagine how your moving to Kentucky will change their lives. I just hope you are happy. I hope you have joy every day and do not miss your training and competition.
And I hope your connections find a way to soothe their hearts.
We are losing so very much, not having your career to follow, but we will follow your next phase of life with great passion and care. We will rejoice in all the good things to come for you.
I will meet you in Kentucky, one day in 2011, and that will be a great day for me.
Travel well, beautiful Zenyatta!
Terri
I hope you had a wonderful day today, Z! Very safe travels to your new home tomorrow.
*hug*
Camille
Zenyatta, since I couldn’t travel to Hollywood Park for your Appreciation Day, I watched you on TVG instead………you looked “pretty in pink” as always and gave your fans yet another great show!! Even saw you dancing to your song, “Zenyatta” by Liza G. Fly….how awesome was that!! Kentucky anxiously awaits the Queen’s arrival tomorrow. We welcome you with open arms….oh, I’ve also been thinking about some names for your 1st foal; how about “DanZen Queen” for a girl (because of your infamous dance moves) or “Paparah Z” for a boy (because of your enormous fan base throughout the country)…..I anticipate your children will follow in their mama’s hoofprints and be crowd favorites as well!! Blessings for a safe trip to Kentucky. Best of luck as you begin another chapter in your life. I love you and will be visiting you at Lane’s End very soon!!! =)
Mary Stanford
I just watched you at Hollywood Park…I am in VA …so caught it on TVG. When the Zenyatta song was playing…I noticed Mario was laughing …later they say you were dancing to the song. We could not see that on TV….maybe it will show up somewhere and we can see it. Have a safe trip to KY!!! I hope 60 minutes is getting all of this and we will see it all on there. Love you Z!!!
Franci Nelson
Just finished watching you on TVG. I am thankful for everyone who made it possible for all of us to see you again and say our good-byes too. I love you and wish for only the best for you in the future.
Nancy
Thank you Zenyatta and your wonderful team for all the memorable moments and all the wonderful emotions. I cannot find words to express the wonderfulness of you. Last summer I flew from Kansas to California to see you when you ran in the Vanity. I stood at the walking ring for 4 hours so I would be sure to get good pictures.I am so glad I did it! You have taught us kindness, generosity, valor and determination. Good luck to all of you.
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta I like everyone else am crying my eyes out. If I owned you I would not be able to let you go. What a wonderful giving group of people surround you. To share you with everyone is just so special. I can not be there but have thought of you all day. Have a wonderful time you deserve every minute of it all. I hope it is taped so I can see it. Please have a safe trip tomorrow. Bring your blankets because it is cold. May God bless you always and all of your Team and owners. Love Shari from Ohio.
Sheri
Happy Zenyatta Appreciation day Z! I hope you had fun at the track! I’m glad you have so many people who love you and care for you! You are so lucky that you still get loved even well after retirement! Love you Zenyatta! :D
Jen
Once again your post made me cry! You are a true beauty. We just love you so much. You will always have a special place in our hearts and I know there will never be a horse as great as you are. Every night before dinner my family says Grace. My 3 yr old son who is obsessed with horse racing prays for Zenyatta when asked if there is anyone else he wants to pray for. Without fail, every night, he says Zenyatta:) So we thank god for you, and we thank you for making us smile and for all the memories. We hope to visit you in Kentucky beautiful girl! Love you!
Penny
Just watched the feed from Hollywood. So lovely. And “Thanks for the Memories” playing as Mario walked you back to the barn. Again, I couldn’t stop crying. We love you, the Greatest! Safe trip tomorrow. I hope I can visit you soon at Lane’s End.
Terri
Words are not enough. You are amazing and beautiful and we will miss you so much. Enjoy your new home where everyone will treat you like the queen you are.
Janet Cutting
Have a safe trip monday and you will be very happy in Kentucky, Zenyatta. Your family will also make sure of it. I cant wait to see pictures!!! love ya,girl! janet c
Barbara Pickett
We were not able to get to your Appreciation Day today Queen Z, but watching you on TV was a moment we could not wait for and had enjoyed every moment watching you parade for the crowd!! It’s your time to make a new chapter in your life and become a great Mom and that is really the ultimate feeling in life!!
Rita Stack
Long Live Queen Zenyatta. I love you. This post made me cry. Dottie thanks, you have a great heart, your husband John, the whole team and the Mosses, you are all wonderful people,it was meant to be that Zenyatta was surrounded by greatness.I could not be there today but I watched on TVG. Liza G was wonderful. Zenyatta our beautiful Queen I will visit you in Kentucky, have a safe trip. You were magnificient today as always, a hugh hug to you.
Robin
Tears of joy all around. We love you so much, Queen Z. Your heart is bigger than all of us put together. Safe travels. Let us know when she will be on 60 minutes again. You will have lots of visitors in Kentucky! We’ll see you there!
susan vest
i feel so sad you will be so far away…i had a thoroughbred, but had to find her a home………………it has been such a joy to watch you race and see videos of you at leisure…………….. i luv you…………
Lori King
Zenyatta, I tear up everytime I read your wonderful diary entries!! I have Trevor Denmans 2009 BC call as my ringtone and it tears me up too!!! I am still amazed at your ability and Charisma!!! I will miss you so much but I know you will be a great mom, because you are great at everything else you do!!! I am in awe of you and love you lots!!!
Stephanie Howard
I love you Zenny and I hope to visit you in KY sometime. Do you think you can convince Dottie and your website helpers to put your retirement ceremony (both of them if possible) on your site here? Your midwestern fans would really appreciate it. Congratulations Zenny and enjoy your retirement-you have legitimately earned it.
Wendy
My favorite was when Mike got to walk with you, and when he tapped his heart after. He is so great, and the two of you are memories that touched my heart. Love you and Mike.
CJ
Zenyatta, not all of us are able to get TVG. Please ask someone to post the video of your well deserved Appreciation Day. I have to know if you danced with Mario for the crowd. I wish I could have been there, but North Carolina is too far away. We love you…
Madi
Hey Zenyatta! I got to come see you this morning and it was amazing! I can not thankyou enough! I’ll love you forever and miss you! Have a safe flight and fun being an incredible mom!
Susan Willis
God Bless and Keep You Sweet Zenyatta. I have one question for you. Who do you think should play John in the movie about your life story?
Rosanne Glynn
Zenny…hope you have a safe trip tomorrow and you will be in my thoughts and prayers.I hope we can keep this blog updated while you are in Kentucky. I have decided on meeting you someday and added it to my “bucket list”. I am emotional attached to you and I cry when I read how many people love you like I do and how you have affected their lives. Have a safe flight and I hope they treat you like the Queen that you are and get well adjusted to your new surroundings. God Bless you my lady legend..I love you more than you’ll ever know! oxoxox Rosanne
Maureen Feely
Enjoy your special day Zenyatta. I’m wishing I were there – but I am in spirit.
Pat Boig
Zenyatta, John was really right when he told you that there is nothing about you that isn’t exceptional. You are once in a lifetime and I’m so glad I saw you win your 18th at Del Mar. I’ll never forget seeing you come into the paddock with Mario. I’ve seen a lot of thoroughbreds, but never one to match you. You have captured our hearts and helped show so many people what those of us who love thoroughbreds know. There is nothing more noble or more beautiful than the thoroughbred – especially one who has the look of eagles, which you have beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Travel safe. Can’t wait to hear how you settle in at Lane’s End. I know the Farish’s will take good care of you and your wonderful people who have gotten you to this point will visit often.
Much love and thanks.
Jane Flanders
Zenyatta, it was wonderful to see you at Hollywood Park this afternoon. As always, you were spectacular! I loved watching the replays of all your races and hearing the Zenyatta song that was written just for you. I cried when they played “Thanks for the Memories,” but it’s so true – you’ve given us wonderful memories. Thank you so much to you and all of your team! You are a horse of a lifetime, Zenyatta! Best of luck, stay in touch ~ xoxo
Phyllis James
We, your fans here in California, will miss you, but we’ve been blessed to have you with us for so long. Seeing you race and getting to actually pat you at your barn were among the most wonderful moments of my life. The look on your eyes is one I’ll never forget. See you in the future in Kentucky.
Kelley Rose
My pleasure Z!!
Gina
Z – Sounds like you had a blast! Wish I was there with you too. :) You are excpetional spectacular!! I love you! :)