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!
Susie Cartwright
Z, my sister and I will be at Keeneland tomorrow!! Wish it wasn’t so cold, it’s usually not in Dec. You did live here so you know it gets up to 100 in the summer! The bluegrass will be good for your kids, worked out well for you. I can’t wait to see you and your team. Love you Z
Sally L. Hopkins
Luv Ya Z! It was a joy seeing you yesterday. I have of picture of you and me together. I will always treasure it. Thanks for your patience for letting 162 people (including me)have our picture made with you, “the Queen.” I know you were getting tired. Again many thanks. I hope after that you got plenty of rest. Keep us posted. I’m going to miss you. I hate to see you leave California. Until we meet again. xoxoxo
Lynn Meier
Hi Queen Z,
I had a glorious day today because I was at Hollywood Park watching you. I triple everything kind and sweet and wonderful that everyone has expressed about you. It still doesn’t seem nearly enough. I love you, Z … so much. X0X0X0X0
.. also … I hope some current videos will be posted now and then to see what you’re up too!
Beverly
Thank you for everything Queen Z. You are truely a gift from God. You have taught me so much about living your life with grace, heart and courage.Bless you Mr. and Mrs.Moss for sharing your baby with the world. Thank you Team Zenyatta for taking such wonderful care of our girl. There will never be another horse like you Queen Z. Have a wonderful life in Kentucky. With lots of love and big tears …..Beverly
William
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!!
Sharon
Darling Queen Z, there will never be another like you. You’ve graced my life with your courage and beauty. I hope some day to see you up close. You will always be a winner in my eyes. Love you, big girl. XOXOXO, Sharon
carrie
i so wish i could have been there today. i am really going to miss keeping up with her. i hope the powers that be will keep this site updated. i remember the first time i saw her 3 yrs ago and how she took my breath away then and every time i have seen her since.
Arnie
I live in the San Fernando valley, about 30 minutes from HollyPark. I had wanted to go to the barn to meet The Queen, but circumstances prevented me. Next best thing was to watch it live on TV on TVG, which is carried here by one of the Fox sports chanels. Just after the 6th race was Z’s parade, and JUST at that moment, 3:00PM, they had to break away from HollyPark to cover a meaningless game from the east coast. I MISSED IT!
Z, I’m so sorry I was never able to stand beside you. I believe your withers would reach my eyes. I’m 6’3″.
Z, I have seen films of Secretariat, after he had retired and in the fields………..running to his heart’s content. That’s what I wish for you.
Rene
Thank you Beautiul Z~
We were there today, we met Mike and he signed our mementos of you. When you cam out to the Garden Paddock it was like a dream.
You paraded around a few times and then came right over to where we were standing and struck all of your poses! You are extraordinary, not just in racing but in being such a fantastic personality. A rare combo. Thank you from our hearts for being so generous with your time and letting all of us have one last time with you in CA.
You’ve given us a glimpse of what dreams are made of.
Have a healthy and happy transition into your new home.
From your Z Nation
Cheryl
Wonderful event today for you Zenyatta! I watched on tv and cried because you are so pure and beautiful. A true champion in every sense of the word. The tears are not sad tears, it is hard to explain but I think they are more an expression of the love that swells up in my heart and has to pour out somehow, does that make any sense? You truly do fill our hearts and souls with your majesty and you deserve all the best! Keep us posted on your journey and getting settled in Kentucky! Love, Cheryl
Mary
YOU BROUGHT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER KNOW TO MORE PEOPLE THAN WE COULD COUNT. I HOPE YOU KEEP WRITTING TO US, THE TEARS THAT FALL ARE TEARS OF JOY FOR THE GIFT GOD GAVE US IN MY LIFE TIME.
Valerie Chase
Zen, you looked absolutely glowing today and I love your pink saddle cloth – its beautiful. Thank you for posing for all the pictures – you and Mario did a great job in the paddock to make sure we all had an opportunity to get some good pictures of you here in California for the last time. Oh its so hard to see you go, but there was lots and lots of smiles today and even though there will always be a void that can’t be filled, especially for your family, I left today feeling not only so happy to see you one more time, but feeling you’re going to be just fine in Kentucky, even though we will miss you so much out here. Z, I know Dottie helps you write your posts, and you two do an amazing job, I wanted to let her know personally today how much we appreciate her time to help create these. What an amazing and admirable woman she is and I know you love her so much – I can’t imagine how she and the rest of the family are going to miss your presence in the barn – I think what it would be like for my horse Link to move away and I don’t think I could cope. Give them all many kisses and hugs they can keep in their hearts forever. Again, Dottie, thank you so much for the time you spend sharing Z with us in these stories. A huge hug to you from all of us! Love you Zen – be safe. xxoo
P.S. – Had to share, that’s my banner I made of your name that’s on your poster from today. What an huge honor that was! :) Nite Z!
Kirk
Dearest Zennie…
Went out to see you on your big day. You looked stunning. Literally brought tears to my eyes (not to mention everyone around me as well). Thank you for everything you have done. Thank you for all the breath taking moments, the heart stopping finishes and for being the superstar you are. There will never ever be another horse like you! You have won over my heart and I will miss you dearly. I hope KY loves you as much as we (CA) does…how could they not?!? You will be eternally missed!!!! Safe journey…see you soon.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Leslie
This made me cry. Thank you Zenny for everything! You are spectacular!
Have a safe flight tomorrow!
Love you,
Leslie
Jody
ZENYATTA, WORDS CANNOT EXPLAIN HOW I FEEL ABOUT YOU. AS I WRITE THIS WITH TEARS IN MY EYES I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR WHAT YOU BROUGHT INTO MY LIFE. I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING RACING FOR 37 YRS AND NOT SINCE RUFFIAN HAS ANY HORSE AFFECTED ME LIKE YOU, YOU ARE INDEED SPECTACULAR. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR ME AND FOR THOUSANDS IF NOT MILLIONS OF OTHERS. I PLAN TO SEE YOU IN KENTUCKY! GOD SPEED Z, YOU ARE LOVED!
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, I think what John told you last nite is truely the way he feels and I feel the same way. I was at your Appreciation Day Parade today and finally got to see your beauty up close. What a Spectacular Zenyatta you are. You are the best ever for sure. We all wish the best for you and all your babies. I know you will be a most kind and loving mother. We will miss you terribly and I will never give up thinking that you belong here in California. I understand that you want to have babies but I dont understand why they have to have you stay in Kentucky. Your fans for all these years feel so bad about you leaving. I was on T.V. at your event today to say how I felt about you and I started to cry. Oh well. what can I say except that I love you so much and it is painfull to see you leave us. I wish you and all the Z-team the best and God Bless You All. I will miss the Z-Team just as I will miss you. Have a safe journey Tomorrow and we will be waiting for your next post. Love you Zenny.
Parker
Dear Zenyatta – The only thing that stops me from being sad that you’re leaving us in California is when I picture you playing in the snow, rolling around and having a ball…this is what makes me smile! Have a safe flight and perfect transition into your new home in Versailles!!! Hugs and love to you and your family! XOXOXO!
Arlene Baker
Beautiful Zenyatta, I write to you on your post from Chicago. I am sad not to be able to see you on the track running your heart out and watching your beautiful full stride. You will be safe in Kentucky even though I will miss seeing you. Let us know how you are doing. I wish for you a happy and healthy life as you leave the life on the track. This will be good for you and for all of us who love you so much. Thank you Z for all you gave to racing and to us.
Mary Ann
Zenyatta, you have been a gift to all of us. Thank you.
Snoprinz
Hi Z, this morning in church I said a special prayer for you. I will continue to pray for your well-being, health and happiness (I’ll do the same for the other animals but yours will be a special one). I taped the TVG telecast of your APPRECIATION DAY and watched it as soon as I came back home. You were great Z, beautiful, gracious and kind to your fans. Please continue to keep in touch. My wish is that someday you will come back to CA never to leave again.
Cheryl
I love you Zenny! Wish I could travel to Kentucky with you. You have made a mark in my lifetime of horse racing history. You will never be topped!
Love, Cheryl
Robin
Hi there Z!! After seeing you today at your farewell I didn’t think I had any tears left but here I go again. Thank you to you and your team for being so gracious and kind. Safe travels to Kentucky Queen Z, I’m really going to miss seeing you. GodSpeed Zeny! MUAH!
Angela C.
Oh Zennyatta, you are one magnificent horse. Thank You for allowing me to get a few pictures with you! You are so pretty and I am so blessed to have been able to hang out with you and your team for a couple days! Everyone was so nice and generous that I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming! Safe travels to KY, you are going to be so happy being a Mommy : )
Anita Carville
John is so right, Zenny! Not one thing about you that is not spectacular. I love you, Zenny. You are Our Girl.
Evie Sweeney
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you to Zenyatta and her team for everything they have given to us. You all were individual miracles in your own right. I find it most amazing that not only did a creature like Zenyatta come along, but also that she somehow ended up in the hands of an entire group of people who individually provided for her in ways very few would have (owner, trainer, jockey, racing manager and stable hands), and at exactly the right time. Zenyatta might have never found her wings if all these pieces hadn’t come together. I feel so excited, so blessed to have been a witness to greatness. Sometimes God drops you a little miracle when you need a little more courage. That is how I feel about Zenyatta. That’s what she’s meant to me personally. She is something I will cherish the rest of my life, and share with my grandchildren proudly. Thank you so much. She’s been a very special chapter in my life.
Reb
The other morning I heard a sports commentators on television commenting on one of the football teams as one that likes to come from behind and win, like “Zenyatta’s style of racing.” The others knew exactly what he was talking about, because they made further analogies. I knew then how mainstream your popularity is!
Nancy
There just aren’t enough words in Webster’s Dictionary to accurately describe you, Zenyatta. You are Zentacular. That’s it.
Louise
Today, we all waited for hours in the paddock. it was a great joy to see you and your best buddy Mario, who is so patient and firm and loving with you. Tomorrow, give him a big slurpy kiss for us. We’ll never tell how we saw Mario brush a tear out of his eye – because we were all doing the same.
See you in Kentucky.
We love you, dearest Z. And please give Dottie a big slurpy kiss too for keeping us all posted on you.
Mary Alice Kier
Dear Zenyatta — It was incredible to be among your fans today at Hollywood Park and after listening to such incredible stories by many people there and how you’ve impacted them…along with the very moving comments by your fans in this Diary Post #23…quite frankly I’m speechless!! You are our gift that keeps on giving and you arrived when not only the racing world has needed you, but just ordinary people who suddenly recognized what life is all about. You personify many things, Zenyatta, but probably most importantly our dreams and our hopes. Thank you and your dream Team for bring our dream come true. You are a Horse of a Lifetime!! Safe travels to your new hope and here’s to your new chapter in such an exciting life that you live.
Rhonda Lynn
Sweet Zenyatta, It was so much fun seeing you in person for the first time this weekend. You are so gorgeous, gracious and kind to everyone that comes to see you. And so was all of your Team. Please let them know how much it means to your fans. Sat. you did have lots of us there to say “Hi”. You were so patient. It was really great meeting you. And today you looked dazzling in your pink saddle cloth as you graced the Hollywood Park paddock with your presence one last time. You are a SPECTACULAR girl!!! And so photogenic, not one bad picture. You should model.
Well, the send off was grand and now it is time to let you enjoy a wonderful life in Kentucky. Remember, you will always be our favorite California Girl.
Have a safe and happy trip, show off at Keenland and enjoy your new home.
With much love & gratitude,
XOXOXOXOXOX
Rhonda Lynn & Billy
P.S. Keep us posted on your status = )