Good Morning,
As many of you know, last Sunday Santa Anita did such a fabulous thing! They worked with The City of Hope to get people WALKING and FUNDRAISING for Cancer Research! A large crowd of people showed up to participate…including my wonderful friends from the Zenyatta Lounge. They made large signs as you can see in the above photo to help promote the event!
Dottie and John also attended…John with camera in hand…to get some photos for you. Everyone gathered in the paddock right after the last race. The walk proceeded through the tunnel to the racetrack. This is just what I would do when I raced.
Then the fans walked on the track to the top of the stretch where Santa Anita placed the starting gate. This way all of the fans could walk through the gate and experience things just like I would before a race. After this, the fans walked back down the stretch to the WINNERS’ CIRCLE.
It was really a wonderful way to not only fund raise but also to share the different aspects of the race track that fans observe…but never get to experience. Several people commented to Dottie and John that they were ‘now in the paddock’ instead of watching from outside…and then they actually ‘walked on the track’ and ‘through the starting gate’. It was great FUN for ALL….and very importantly FOR A WONDERFUL CAUSE!
Let’s hope that some day…some how…events like this DO FIND A WAY TO BEAT CANCER!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Mary Stanford
What a great cause….and I am sure it was great for the people to experience what the jockeys and the horses get to do…just think you were right there in those gates…right on that track. I am sure many people were thinking that and I am sure it was a good motivation to get people out there. Hugs to you Z….
Margie
Hi to Z and all Z’ers, isn’t it amazing how many of us have been touched by cancer? I’m a breast cancer survivor (6 yrs, 4 months and still counting :-) I’m also a So. Cal. gal and know how wonderful City of Hope is – in fact, I grew up about 15 minutes from it. The event at Santa Anita must have been so inspiring and I, too, am sorry I missed it. Zenny, maybe next year you can fly out here and lead the walk! Can you imagine how many people would come? You may be busy being a mom by then, though. That’s alright, you lead us to inspiring moments every day. To all of you who have shared a little about your cancer, or about your loved one lost, or still fighting the fight, you inspire me to continue speaking out about this disease and helping others to get through it whenever I can. And great people like Zenny’s Lounge Pals help draw attention to the cause. It was the best ever to see your name on the track, Zenny! Love you for who you are, and all you represent.
susan in tn
i don’t know what to say- i am so touched by the event, all who participated, john’s pictures and all the posts today. the love of horses ( and ONE in particular!) brings so many people together. here i sit in a (very) rural part of tennessee and i feel a connection with people walking in california- well, all over, for that matter! zenyatta, your love and kindness is shining out for so many to see and feel. thank you. thank you, team z!
Cora Lynne
I was there, somewhere in the crowd, walking in support of the City of Hope. It was great to be there and hear some of the stories from people and who they were walking for (husband, wife, sister, brother, friend, themselves). The stories told were heart-wrenching. Also, met and shook hands with your trainer, John Shireffs and his lovely wife, Dottie, when I went behind the starting gate which was placed on the track for all of the walkers to see and climb on. Great day at Santa Anita!
Linda
Sounds like a great event. Have you been with Bernadini yet????
Sheri
How cool! I wish I could’ve been there! Such a good cause! It looked like a lot of fun! Trust me, if I lived closer, I would’ve been there! Ok this just came to my mind. I was wondering if you could teach us the different parts of the track. I know most of the names, but not where they are. Love you Zennyatta!!! :D
Regina From NJ
To All the courageous people out there who are fighting this scourge and to ALL the blessed survivors, Zenyatta has left her hoofprints for you to follow right into the Winner’s Circle and wants you to stay there. Good thoughts and many prayers are with you and with those dedicated medics who are searching for the cure.
To KATHYB: Your pictures are wonderful. Thank you for sharing them.
Hello Zenyatta: Thank you for continuing to be all things to all people. It’s a little early in the day, but I’ll still say, “G’night.” : ) xoxoxox
Coach
Sounds like an awesome event…maybe other tracks should consider something like this!
Sharon in Seattle
A Zen’s eye view of the racetrack – AWESOME. Such a great cause – big thanks to Team Z, Zenyatta Lounge and the jockeys who participated.
Jan
Zenyatta,
Walking or Running for the Cure is such a wonderful and exhilarating feeling. You’re name alone brings in so many people for such good causes. Thanks John for the pictures. Looking foward to the lucky Four :) How’s the girls doing. Who are their boyfriends :) Stay healthy and Happy and eat well big Mama. Uhmm!! Wonder if you are getting a Easter Basket :)
Sue Fredrick
Thank you Z, and St Dottie and John for showing us this wonderful event and bless you all for participating. I lost my dear mom years ago to this horendous disease and have always felt a cure is just around the corner. It sure looked like everyone had a fabulous time!
@Kirren my thanks too for the great video of Z I was at Oaklawn and the Breeders Cup and it brings all the memories back.
I am still on vacation in Kentucky and I can’t tell you how special it is to drive by these farms and see all the mares out with their new babies they are so adoreable. I can’t believe I’m so close to Z and can’t see her-I can easily picture her out there with her new baby frolicking in the fields.
@Peggy I went Old Friends yesterday and saw your POPS, too cute, he does nod his head at eveything you say. THREE RINGS throws his head up lifts his lip and shows you his tatoo. We were fortunate to have MICHAEL himself giving us the tour and it was wonderful and hilarious with all his personal stories. He desperately needs our help so if anyone can afford even $5.00 it will make a difference. The horses look well fed and very happy considering their ages.
@MLV Saw your beautiful CREATOR and SUNSHINE FOREVER and you’ll be happy to know they look fabulous, thanks again for your efforts in securing their return to the States. Luv to Z and kisses on your nose
Deborah Richman
Oh Zenny, reading your diary entry, then reading all the comments, I am so struck by the way that cancer has truly affected everyone in one way or another. For those of you who are survivors, my thoughts and deepest prayers for your continued good health. For those, who like me, have lost loved ones (in my case, my former husband of thirty years and my two brothers), I extend the hand of friendship and comfort… we are certainly not alone, are we? For those undergoing treatment, I send you all my most positive healing energy and heartfelt prayers for your strength, comfort, and recovery.
Z, thank you for writing about this event and sharing John’s pictures of the day. What a fun way to do so much good!! I, like J Smith, am mad at myself for not going!
On another note, hooves crossed for the Elite Eight! Good luck to all!
@Kirren: I haven’t been able to look at your video. Every time I try, the link sends me to my own facebook page. will keep trying..it sounds great!
Jenna
What a great way to support a very worthy cause! Thank you Dottie for sharing!
Sue Noel
Wish I could have been at Santa Anita for this event!! I am sure that when we came out of the tunnel I would have been in tears!
It is a beautiful day here in Sun Valley,ID–maybe our spring is finally going to come!! It has been more overcast here this winter than usual–usually we have lots of snow–and sunshine!!The ski mountain closes this weekend–so–now it’s time for spring!!
Beautiful Zenny,hope you are having a sunny day too and having fun with your gal pals–I love picturing you doing just that! Much love to you and all the team!!
harold moore
it is a great cause to fight cancer, don’t think there is a family out there that has not had a love one die of this cancer.
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, Thank Dottie & John for this wonderful post “On Track To Beat Cancer” walk with the photos. It is so wonderful to see such an outpouring of friends, families & fans with all of Zenyatta’s family from Barn 55 at the walk. The Z’s Women Lounge looked great with their sign and everybody in purple. City of Hope is such a wonderful place that has helped so many people. My heart & prayers go out to everyone on this site that has had cancer invade their life and the loss of life from it. I pray one day there will be a cure for all cancer. I have lost family & friends from several different cancers. I wished I lived closer, I would have loved to been there, to walk where you walked on track to beat cancer. Zenyatta, one of the reasons I love you so much is for your giving heart toward others. You have one of the most amazing hearts that touches and meets people where and when they need you. Because of The Mosses sharing you through The Shirreffs on this site, we are able to see that side of you, your compassion and love for others. Zenyatta, you melted into my heart the first day I saw you and I am so proud of everything you have accomplished and now sharing with others .
@Amy-That will be wonderful at The Preakness too. I hope they raise lots of money for reserch there.
@Kathy B- Thank You so much for sharing your pictures. I enjoyed them so much. I know your Mom was smiling down on you seeing you walk with your personal Z-Cap. Your Mom sounded like such an amazing lady. With her battle with cancer she gave hope & inspiration to others. Yes, she was a true champion.
Dottie, this is a wonderful place to come and share with each other. Thank You.
Zenyatta, Sending Hugs & Kisses To You From Alabama With Love, Amanda G.
Paula Higgins
My sincere condolences to all of you who have lost loved ones to cancer. As someone said, it has touched so many people lives. This was a wonderful thing to do for a great cause. It doesn’t surprise me one bit that Zenyatta’s family would be involved. Good luck to the final eight!
Elizabeth
Thanks to Dottie and Kathy B. for the great pics! We were unable to participate in this wonderful event since we were back in OR, but we did attend the Santa Anita Derby and had the pleasure of meeting Fred Stone and visiting with our friend Chris Crocker of the SA gift shop. It was so cold the previous days that we bought extra sweatshirts from Chris as soon as we got there. We love the Great Race Place and really missed seeing you there, lovely Z! We saw Dottie & John and would like to have thanked them for all they do but didn’t want to interrupt their conversation. We did get Chantal’s autograph and a pic of her. Hugs to Miss Z!!
Dmama
As always you bring wonderful positive thoughts to us all. What a nice event! ! If they do this down in FL, I would so be there. Loved seeing Chantel holding the Z sign.
Heidi Kruckenberg
Zenny and Team Z, you never seize to amaze me! I’ve never seen a horse racing team give back as much as you do! You’re the Team that just keeps giving and I’m sure the horses and people, love you for all the charity work you do!
Side note…. Thank you for correcting my name. :)
I hope you had a great weekend and beginning of the week. BTW…. Have you been to see Bernie yet??
Love and kisses, big girl!
Kathy Kimber
Wow! Kathy B your pictures on facebook are so good. I really enjoyed them. I have had breast cancer, surgery, treatment all that goes with it. This is something you are always looking over your shoulder at. This was a wonderful event. I would have participated if I had been there. What an honor to go thru the starting gate and walk the track where you and so many great Champions have raced. I get teary just thinking about it. The ladies from the Zenyatta Lounge participating, John and Dottie. You Zenyatta are surrounded by so many wonderful people it is just TOO AWESOME.
Cory Wellman
Certainly one of the most inspirational things I have ever paRTicipated in in MY LIFE. It was fun walking with John And Dottie. Hope it will be bigger and better next year. Dinner after at the Derby with the Headley family and Chantal Sutherland wasn’t to shabby either!
Tamyatta
Hi Zenny my beautiful girl. This was such a wonderful thing and I know how proud you were that you were so well represented! I am sending a donation to Old Friends of course. I read somewhere, bloodhorse I think, that your other dad Mr. Moss helps them whenever they call him. That’s really wonderful! I have been getting desperate requests for Castleton Horse ranch. Do you or anyone here know them? Just want to make sure it is ok to donate to them. So many bad people trying to scam others…makes me sick! Just thought I would try to check them out. You are always in my thoughts and prayers, Zenyatta, I love you with all my heart and always will.
D Slater
Z..Does Dottie or John have any photos of you painting the picture you did for the Retired Thorobred Association? I bought one of the pictures and just love it.
Celeste
Thank you!!! This is so beautiful to see the photos of those people who were there for the walk at Santa Anita and beautiful for John and Dottie to participate and take the pictures. If John ever retires from training, maybe he will go into photography since he is so good at it!! :) Kathy B. the pictures you posted on your facebook page were just awesome also and I’m glad so many people had a chance to go through the tunnel and the starting gate and into the winner’s circle. That is just so cool. My mother was taken by cancer nearly 24 years ago and I still miss her everyday. Her birthday was on Saturday and she loved horse racing and horses, too. Thank you all for sharing so much here on Zenyatta’s wonderful diary. It is a beautiful place to be. Thank you again, Zenyatta and Dottie and John and the Mosses. You are all wonderful.
tony and sue
Zenny, we wish we could have walked with Dottie, John and the others last weekend.
It’s so amazing how YOU remain in our lives through this diary and the good deeds of your beloved team. The pictures are great, thank you for having John share them with us. The legacy you are leaving off the track is as GREAT as the one you left during your racing career.
Our hearts go out to all who have had an experience with this horrible disease. May they SOON find a cure …what a blessing it would be.
Leslie
Looking for some news about Queen Z’s breeding status. She should have been back to the breeding shed by now. Please share with us what’s going on with her. The silence makes me speculate about what’s going on and I’m coming up with a few things that are worrisome.
Maria K.
Wonderful!!! I love it.
Janie
Like J Smith, I wish I’d known about the Walk too, darn it. And if I wasn’t obligated to be at a private fundraiser at Hollywood Park on Derby Day, I’d be at Santa Anita for their festivities. I’m looking forward to placing a bet on the Derby from Hollywood Park – just wish I knew who to bet on. Any ideas, Zenyatta?
@ Kathy B: I loved your picture of Seabiscuit festooned with flowers – too cute!
Alene
Hi Zenny. What a great experience for everyone. I love Chantel. She`s as fabulous as you!! Zenny Santa Anita is just not the same without you. We miss you soo much. You were racing. There will never be another Zenyatta. Just as there will never be another Secretariat. Love you,ALENE :-)