Good Morning Everyone!
This photo is TOO CUTE! It’s my guy, Mike Smith, who helped us select the FINAL 4 for our ZENYATTA BRONZE CONTEST! Mike stopped by Dottie and John’s last night and held my reins in his hands…just like he did when we were racing. I think this definitely got him IN THE ZENYATTA MOOD to select our Final 4! This photo brings back great memories…for both Mike and I! We had lots of great times together!
The names of the FINAL 4 will be given…along with the thoughts each person expressed as to what I meant to he / she. Go to the bottom of this diary post and click the button next to the person whose entry you think deserves to win. Click the Vote button, and you’ll see the current results.
We will allow the voting to take place for one week. The winner will be announced next Wednesday, April 27th. John will look at the polls before he leaves for the barn that morning (5 o’clock in the morning, CA TIME) and the winner’s name will be posted.
The poll has been moved from the Facebook page to this website so that non-Facebook users may vote!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL 4 OF YOU!
ENTRY #1…..VICKI L. VINSON……APPLE VALLEY, CA I knew Zenyatta was “one” special horse the first time I saw her in person. She came over to me and stuck her nose right in front of my camera. That was before the ’08 Lady’s Secret. Little did I know that a year later she would become the best medicine in the world, in helping me through the worst time of my life. I’ll love you forever Zenyatta!
ENTRY #2…..VALERIE FRANKLIN….DAVISON, MI Zenny, you have made people believe in horse racing again. Our sport has suffered so much tragedy and in this time of economic disaster and with Barbaro and Eight Belles so fresh in our minds, you have given us a chance to escape and to dream. We love you more than you could ever quantify.
ENTRY #3…..GEORGIA HARPER…..BELLEVUE, WA My obsession began half way through your first year and such enthusiasm could not be ignored by my husband. After 49 years, my husband and I have become such good friends but are so busy with work and family we don’t always take time to actually think about one another. As a gift for our wedding anniversary last August, I received an email at work from my hubby with an itinerary attached for San Diego saying “Tickets for my queen to go see the Queen”. We not only had a wonderful day at Del Mar, never leaving the paddock and visiting with so many young people who had been there to see only you but we really enjoyed our time together. I’m not sure what we will do for our 50th this year, but I don’t think it will compete with the happiness we shared last year watching you come across the finish line and celebrating as best friends enjoying not just a horse race but watching the most magnificent thoroughbred ever. We miss you, we love you, and look forward to cheering on your foal.
ENTRY #4…..DAWN CONRAD…..CEDAREDGE, CO Dearest Zenyatta. “Why are you special to me?” Is it the stately stature of the Queen like carriage? Is it the glistening brown coat with the diamond dapples? Maybe it is the dance or those still moments with your head held high? Is it your intelligence and fathomless brown eyes? Was it your first run free or perhaps a camera-ride on the back of Pegasus? Is it posters in the stands, a warm crowd on a cold Kentucky night, the excitement you bought back to racing? Your place in its history and future, the Breeders Cup, 60 Minutes, Horse of the Year, Vox Populi Award? A Fred Stone portrait, Jamie Corum lithograph, Nina Kaiser bronze? The cheers I shouted the tears I shed? Certainly your beauty, power, grace, breathe taking speed, final kick, heart stopping finishes and 19/1. Absolutely your gut wrenching, never give up, try! It is all of this, yet more. It isn’t only who you are, but what you mean to each of us. With Team Z, you are Jerry and Ann’s pride and joy, John’s soul mate and patient masterpiece, Dottie’s muse and she your voice. Mike’s talent, guidance and prayers brought you home safe each race. At Barn 55, you had care from Mario, workouts with Steve, walks with Carmen, loving star struck visitors and kisses from all. At Lane’s End, paddock pals, peppermints, pears and precious motherhood. Your family embodies the word generosity and together you have been transformative. You give pure happiness to thousands. You are a horseman’s ideal, a child’s dream, a friend to charities, a moment of healing to someone ill, a smile in the face of sadness, a sweet memory to all those you meet and a wish of all those that you haven’t “including myself”. While totally unique, I see in you the memories of my youth: the Black Stallion, Flicka, Secretariat and my Cinder (a gift from a brother leaving for Vietman), live again. There were endless summer days of best friends, bareback rides, Breyer’s horses on the bedroom shelves and glorious Triple Crown winners. With you, I am that horse loving girl again. What fun! I have my own challenges in life, as everyone does. While I seek to remain positive there are those moments. You are there to lift my spirits and touch my soul. Your diary is a place of remarkable civility where information, support and all things Zenyatta are shared and celebrated. Facebook, over 70,000 and still counting! The experience has been once in a lifetime and continues to be a magical ride. In the end my love cannot be fully explained, it is simply heart felt and joyful. It is no mystery why the word “angel” is used to describe you, for you are a creation of God, a blessing to us all and a remarkable gift. For everything you are and everything you mean, Zenny, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are truly UNBELIEVEABLE! As always, sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
Wow! I hope you enjoyed reading these as much as I did! Dottie commented that she was literally in tears typing them for ME!
Vote for the ENTRY of YOUR CHOICE!
Blessings to All OF YOU who participated in this contest! I can’t THANK YOU ENOUGH for ALL OF THE LOVE AND KINDNESS you have shown ME!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Sharon Call
@Everybody. Have any of you seen the site zenyattaathome.com? I just saw it posted on Z’s facebook page and looked at it. Apparently, this is not only a website but a soft and hard cover book as well. I finally got to see Z run in the ’08 Breeders Cup Mare and Fillies Classic, which I couldn’t find film of before. It was just great, as always.
MLV
I have a Derby party every year and just before they are all in the gate we have a toast with our mint juleps and it is always the same: “Here’s to the Kentucky Derby and everyone come home safe.”
I usually have at least one pick but as long as nobody gets hurt, I’m happy no matter what the outcome.
Sharon Call
The link is http://www.zenyattaathome.com
susie
First time poster, long time follower. My question:
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I’ve been watching foaling video’s on youtube and have witnessed various approaches in regards to human assistance in birthing process. There are some that do not interfere during birthing process, while others assist in delivery by pulling foal out.
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What is the reasoning behind each approach. Is it individual preferences by each farm? I understand that some broodmares need assistance, but some (unedited) videos appear birthing process is going along smoothly, when individual(s) begin assisting. Is this approach used to create less stress on horse or is it simply a common practice.
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Thanks in advance for input/answers. :)
Suzanne G
@Christine in VA–devastating news about the female eagle. Hopefully the babies will be OK. At least there are a lot of qualified people looking out for their welfare.
Max
@LauraJ. The latest news is that Ramon Dominguez will ride Thirsty. Calvin Borel is still without a mount.
Trina Nagele
Last I heard, John Shirreffs was still maybe going to send Mr. Commons to the Derby with Mike Smith up. If he goes, I’ll root for him!
@LauraJ: Thanks for the info about your horse Better Step Aside. I look forward to hearing more.
@Christine in VA–How very sad for the mama eagle to be killed in an airplane encounter. I have been following the growing eaglets on the eagle cam. I hope the father can provide for them, and I’m glad the staff there will jump in if needed.
@Shari–Good luck to all your students with their test today. It’s so good to hear that you and Dawn spoke on the phone, and that she will visit you this summer! How great is that!
@Dani–Thanks for informing us about the nurse mare foals. The babies are adorable!I hope the industry can be encouraged to be more responsible in the future so that rescue isn’t needed. In the meantime, hats off to Last Chance Corral!
judy berube
To Laura J:
I remember Eddington. Saw him run third to Birdstone in the 2004 Travers at Saratoga; the year Z was born. He was a handsome three year old. Good luck with his son, Better Step Aside. Hugs, Judy B.
Sue Noel
Goodness,what a lot of comments here on 231!! I hope that all of Team Z understand how very much this site means to most of us who read and post here. It really IS a special place where we are all united in our love for Queen Z and our appreciation for our continued access to her through this medium.
I,for one,like to hear how she,with her courage,has inspired others to make it through tough times. In hearing these stories I learn more about others of you who love her. I feel that it brings us together, and I appreciate the connections.
@Dawn Conrad-Don’t know if you saw my post when the four came up–I was so excited to see your name that I cried!! Hooves crossed for you!! What you wrote was truly beautiful!!
Most precious Queen Z,I hope that the weather is better back there and that you are having sun on your back and a soft breeze to ruffle your mane. LOVE YOU…..and all the team!!
Trina Nagele
@Sharon Call—Thanks for the link to Zenyatta at Home. I hope to order the coffee table size–I couldn’t find the price on that size, but I’ve sent an e-mail to the author.
Shannon J
Zen,
We miss hearing your voice…hope the weather in Kentucky isn’t too bad (Now you know what life it like up here in the Northwest…rain! Rain! Rain!!).
Hope all is well with you and we hear moer from you soon. Can’t wait to se ewho wins the bronze…best of luck to all.
I concur…WHO is your Derby favorite???
My personal favorite has been on my radar for months and I recently heard he has taken up residence in your old stall at Churchill DOwns!!! Hope your champion & winning ways touch his feet on Derby day!
Goooooooo Mucho Macho Man!!!
LOVE YOU QUEEN Z…FORVEER & ALWAYS!!!
Joan
with Ramon on ST that is almost a guarantee that Mo will be ago. Johnny V would have gotten ST if Mo was a no go.
Borel , can’t believe he has no mount 2 weeks out. Incredible. Too early to know the horse, need to watch the works. there are only a couple bred for the distance, the Factor was NOT one of them. My favorite time of the year. Sorry to hear about the bad fortune to Gilded Gem today. Thank you to John S for not running Zenny in the slop, I hate to watch them on the off track. Too many accidents. Home safe applies just as much in training as in the actual run.
Love ya sweet Z.
Lynn Martin
I dont do facebook so can’t check to see what is going on. is there something wrong with this site? Why has there been no new diary post?
Hernan Tovar
My dear Zenyatta, I hope your well… I miss you, I love you. Ingrid from SoBe.
Trina Nagele
@Lynn Martin–The site is staying “as-is” while the voting is going on for the contest. Tomorrow morning there will be a new post, and the winner will be announced. All four entries are beautiful,and votes are still coming in. Congratulations to all four finalists for a great competition, and thanks as always to Team Z.
LauraJ
@Max, thanks for the info. @Joan, shocking isn’t it? I guess he could be on Master of Hounds if he comes. Shackleford and Twinspired have both made the cut, so maybe he could get on one of them. I can’t remember who their jocks are. You’d think that with Borel’s Derby record, someone would jump at the chance to get him.
Sharon Call
@ Trina N. You’re welcome. I thought it was very interesting. I think I’ll order the hard cover.
@Lynn Martin. Go to the top of the page. Dottie said this diary post would run until tomorrow to give everyone a chance to vote for the bronze of Z. All is well, don’t worry. I think the diary posts should start up again tomorrow.
Christine in VA
Got to love Nature…Dad eagle came back to his little ones and is doing the feeding after his mate was killed by a jet plane
http://www.wvec.com/marketplace/microsite-content/eagle-cam.html
Night Zen miss ya Big Girl
Sally (B)
@ Randy, I am still teared seeing the greatest horse Zenyatta run all these races and WIN!! Thanks so much for posting this to click on, I am not computer savy, and it was such a wonderful reminder what our love for the greatest mare accomplished!!
Max
@LauraJ. They have just announced our Z’s Mike Smith for Twinspired. I am not certain if Shackleford has a jockey, but so far, Master of the Hounds, does not.
Max
@SharonCall. I loved the link to the Zenyatta book. It never ceases to amaze me how incredibly beautiful Zenyatta is. She never takes a poor picture and she always looks so regal. She is a magnificent horse in so many ways as this site proves every day.
Joan
@Max. Master of Hounds will have a European riderI would bet. Still can’t fathom them coming to run on dirt or slop in the Derby. This is a turf horse,no biz in a 20 horse field on dirt at a track he has never stepped on. Why, why, why. Crazy. Try this on, SOld atloves the slop,Borel loves the track, what a pair,but Soldat has a jock already. P Val is on Comma, Comma is one fast horse and with P VAl, that should really shake the first 2 /4 f ups. Should be a great betting race.
Joan
@ Laurel.Who is your trainer at Charlestown.Be sure and post when he is set to run.I will watch. I’m always on TVG and HRTV. Nothing but horses!!!
Love ya Z
Joan
@Laurel J. If you will let me know when he runs,I have a good friend that will be happy to go and even get some pics for you.Hegoes to CT all the time. He posts on this board at times. Let me know, OK.
Dani
@Christine in VA – I’m absolutely heartbroken at the death of the mother eagle. I really loved watching them grow and the dynamics of the eagle family. How the babies must feel the loss. I’m glad the father is trying his best but it sounds like maybe the eaglets might have to be placed in a wildlife sanctuary. I wonder what the father will do then? He’ll have lost his mate and his children. It’s all so very sad.
Max
@Joan. Interesting comments about Master. Have to wait and see how it all turns out with Borel as he will be a key factor. This Derby is even harder to predict than usual. I have soft spot for any colt of Bernardini largely because of Zenyatta. Out of loyalty I feel that I have to cheer for progeny of her “guy.” Thirsty is handsome like his daddy.
Shari Voltz
@Trina thank you for the Good Luck. The children were so tired after the test. One litlle guy did not get finished until 1:00. He did get lunch then back to the test. I felt sorry for him. I bought peppermints for the second part on Thursday. They have to do the math part. It is not as bad as the reading. It is my computer lab day so they will get to do research and they love that. I hope we get some better weather tomorrow. My puppies did not get their walk. Good night everyone. Sweet dream Zenyatta. Hugs and Kisses from Shari XXXOOO
Joan
@ Max.Yes, I know Bernie’ son. But, if you are going to handicap the race, you have to go with stats and they are not in his favor. I would love to see him get the win, but there is to much going against him, distance and fractional times. One horse has to get the perfect trip and a whole lot of luck, pretty difficult in a 20 horse scramble. That is why it is the GREATEST 2 minutes in ALL of sports.
Fantastic, can’t wait. I have been playing derby contests for 4 months, so it has taken forever to get 2 weeks away.
I hope for a great race, great weather and a safe trip for all.
Love ya Z.
Margaret
@Susie:
It really depends on the situation. The foal could be large, the mare exhausted. It’s always best to not interfere unless there is a dystocia in the making. Dystocia is mostly defined as a complication of the birthing process. The foal could be turned the wrong way or if you happen to see a red portion of the placenta–this is an emergency. The bag coming out first cuts the air off from the foal. It’s called a red bag foaling.
Some farms will dry the foal off for mom. Again that depends on the farm. If it’s cold weather outside you don’t the foal getting chilled. But if it isn’t that cold you should let mom dry the foal. It could help her let down her milk. Some mares don’t have this problem. Letting the mare dry the foal off could also be a part of the bonding process.
Dawn Conrad
@Shari – Hello, friend. Hope you and the kids had a great day, even though hours of tests were involved. Tomorrow is the big day, do not know whether I will be able to sleep at all.
@DJ – Your wonderful gift for Shari and her class was very kind and how great the Secretariat.com folks were. By the way, their site is telling about a signing opportunity with Ron and Penny on Derby day, along with an auction item to be a phone call with them.
@Kari Bussell – Loved the video of Zenny.
@Sue Fredrick – I was lucky enough to tour Old Friends with Michael on one of my trips, very special. Are you reading their blog? Val is the writer and it is wonderful. Be sure to check it out at the Old Friends site. Always love going to Adena and seeing Giacomo.
@Susan in TN – The story of Prince Charles was great. I could just picture it.
@The Kennedys – Enjoyed the War Emblem post. Hope to hear more stories from your years around racing.
@Barbara Wood – Hope you doing great.
@Peggy – Miss hearing from you.
@LauraJ – Love hearing about your horse, how exciting. I go to Claiborne each year and love spending time with Eddington. He is a sweetheart. Keep us up to date.
@Christine in VA – I am so sorry about the mother eagle!
@Sharon Call – Thank you for the zenyattathome site.
@Sue Noel – Hello. Yes I did see your post. Thank you so much!