Dear Friends,
In life, one may experience so many emotions for a great number of reasons. Today, I am feeling such a sense of GRATITUDE as I’m hearing all of the reports from Louisville in relation to their very strong storm last evening.
From this morning’s updates, last night they had tornado warnings in Louisville. The National Weather Bureau alerted this area the storm’s path was in line with the University of Louisville and Churchill Downs. As this is the middle of the racing meet at Churchill, the barn area had approximately 1400 horses based there as well as backstretch workers in residence. I’m not sure of the numbers for the University, their grounds and housing etc.
At about 8:10 in the evening the storm hit Louisville. As you can see from this photo MY JOHN took while we were there last Breeders’ Cup, the University is very close to the race track. Per Darren Rogers, the Churchill Downs publicist, “9 barns were damaged to some degree and the Track Chapel. They were barn numbers 5, 21,22,23,24,25,26,28 and 40.” (I know this backside well. I stayed in the barn located somewhat behind these when I was there. I walked around this area and these barns each day while preparing for the Breeders’ Cup.) “NO backstretch workers or horses were hurt,” per his report….”but the strong storm did create significant damage.”
Without a doubt, everyone is extremely GRATEFUL to the Louisville Fire Department, their Metro Police, the local Gas and Electric Company and The Downs personnel for all of their work, help and guidance to these people and horses during this time.
I’m also hearing via additional reports from the DRF and The Bloodhorse that Rogers Beasley from Keeneland is working with Churchill to offer stalls for the horses and housing for the workers at this race course. Keeneland is in Lexington…so that is about an hour or so trip from Louisville. Sallee Van Company is working with Keeneland to coordinate the transport of the horses and workers during this time.
It is amazing to ME the different things that can happen so quickly….in a moment or so…and then suddenly change the path or direction of one’s life. One minute, these horses are quietly in their stalls resting, the workers enjoying their lives…and the next minute things are in such a completely different state.
All of this simply reminds ME for the zillionth time, one must really ENJOY and APPRECIATE each MOMENT! You simply do not know what will happen in the future!
Blessings to ALL at this time who are dealing with the results of this storm. I am so GRATEFUL that we are hearing NO ONE WAS HURT…either human or horse! This is truly something to be THANKFUL for today!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
judy berube
Dear Z and Dottie,
We are so thankful that nobody was hurt (human or horse) in that storm last night. Life is just so unpredictable, each moment is precious. We love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
Victoria
I am glad all are ok! Very scary indeed. Love you Z!!!!
Janine
Very scary, I hope horses and people are all ok. It’s good to know people out there are so quick to help the situation.
Theresa Buck
let’s hope and pray everyone are ok and ty so much for the updates
Theresa
Amen.
Sue M
Thanks for the update Z (and Dottie). The first thing I thought of when I read this was that you were stabled in that area in November. I’m so relieved to hear that no people or horses were hurt (thus far), and I hope that good news continues. It’s wonderful to read of all the people stepping up to help as well. Thanks again, and yes, we do need to be reminded sometimes to truly appreciate every day and be thankful for what we have.
Cathleen
I second that Amen.
Henrietta Wolfe
Z, YOUR words are always so calming and loving. YOUR appreciation of YOUR accomplishments is always so humble. YOU make me happy with every post YOU write. YOU ARE SIMPLY THE BEST, BETTER THAN ALL THE REST!!! I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART!!xoxoxoxox
Samantha
Thank goodness no horses were hurt <3
Love you Zenny!
Vicki
My first thoughts were of you Zenny when I heard the stroms were in and around Louisville, then they quickly changed to Friends outside louisvillee and then Churchill. It is truly amazing that everyone was just shook up and no one was seriously hurt including the horses. Was so relieved to hear the good news that all was relatively okay. I constantly worry about my own horses who are 20 minutes away from me and our weather is VASTLY different – in just 20 miles! Grateful that everyone (every horse) is okay where you are – gotta keep you and that TOO CUTE lil one safe!!
Marilyn Byd
Isn’t wonderful how people come together to help each other in times like these?
Linda
Glad you were safe Zenny. Hope all the horses running loose are OK. It must have been frightening for them.
sue hynes
I thought of you, too, Z and wondered how closed Lane’s End was. Thank goodness all lives and horses were spared. You’re right: you never know so we should take advantage of each moment.
Linda
So glad no one was hurt at Churchill. Really glad the storms didn’t come your way.
Mary
Zenyatta, you are so right! We all must be thankful and live life each day since we do not know tomorrow.
I was so saddened to hear of Churchill having damage, and scared it was worse. Thankfully, it seems horses and people are safe. Hugs and Prayers and stay safe.
Kim Noble
So very glad you and your friends and Baby Bump are all ok as I am not sure how far from CD you are. And so very relieved that no one with 2 or 4 legs was injured badly. I’m sure the horses were terrified and difficult to get under control again so huge thank you to everyone involved who did and are still helping!
Kim Noble
So very glad you and your friends and Baby Bump are all ok as I am not sure how far from CD you are. And so very relieved that no one with 2 or 4 legs was injured badly. I’m sure the horses were terrified and difficult to get under control again so huge thank you to everyone involved who did and are still helping!
Stephanie J Lambert
Dottie, that is so true, Life changes in an instant, I lived it, I know exactly what you mean, I was up last night when the reports came in fro Kentucky and my heart sank….I was so grateful to God to hear Man and Horse wer alright. Buildings can be repaired and fixed but lives can never be replaced. Life needs to be lived and enjoyed every second, never taking anyone or thing for granted and always remembering to show love and kindness. From me to you and your family I will never forget your kindness x0x0x0x from Maine Hugs to zenny I love her always
Kim Noble
So very glad you and your friends and Baby Bump are all ok as I am not sure how far from CD you are. And so very relieved that no one with 2 or 4 legs was injured badly. I’m sure the horses were terrified and difficult to get under control again so huge thank you to everyone involved who did and are still helping!
Anna
I’ll be praying for all the Churchill horses and workers. Thanks for the updates, Zenny!
Maureen
Glad everyone’s OK and safe.
Shannon From Cool
Thank you for this very good report. We’ve all been concerned since we heard the news last night and send our heartfelt thoughts that everyone/thing recovers swiftly.
Be well and glow!
Pam Green
Someone from above was looking over his shoulder for all those humans and horses at Churchill last night. You are quite right Queen Z we must appreciate today not knowing what tomorrow might bring. So glad to hear that Lexington was spared and you are alright where you are. It sure is a crazy year for all kinds of storms. Take care Z.
kathy wilson
Thank the good Lord that everyone and the horses are fine! Everything else can be be replaced. Zenny my first thoughts were of you and your well being! Thank You Dottie for keeping us informed!! As always love and miss you on the track Big Mamma and even though I don’t post often I read each and everyone of these posts and comments. I can’t wait to hear more news about you and your baby!!
Penny
Good Morning Zenny,
Mother Nature has been angry this year. Very happy that NO animals or people were hurt. You stay safe!
XOXOXO
Anne
Yes, we must be grateful for each day and do our best to make it a good day for everyone else we meet. They sure dodged a worse bullet yesterday. It could have been much worse. Thankful to God that it wasn’t. When all lives are saved, that is a good day!
Sarah Powell
Like Stephanie J I was up last night also and got as much news as possible hearing initially that there were not serious injuries (human or horses). We also had high winds near that time with trees/limbs down. A corner of my barn roof blew up but not off, thank goodness. I stayed in the barn with my babies until it was over. Don’t know what I could have done but I wasn’t leaving them. Sending prayers to the CD area. So glad you and your buds are safe and sound – like everyone else my thoughts went to you! Hope and pray that this weather settles down soon to many of us and our extended Z family have been effected. (thanks Dottie)
Debbi M
Dearest Z, do you horses have storm shelters there at Lane’s End? So glad no one hurt but always fret especially over you whenever I see severe weather alerts in your area.
judy berube
Dear Trina Nagele:
Wow, you really explained everything so well. Thank you so much. Now I can’t wait to try a link. Also, you are very sweet to leave your number and e-mail. Hopefully I’ll not need to bother you. (Maybe just e-mail to say thank you again). Hugs, J.B.
Ginny Wood
This has always been my greatest fear – a tornado hitting the race track here at Fairmount Park or our thoroughbred rescue operation – Renaissance Rescue – in Farmington, MO. Thank God no one, man or horse, was hurt!!