HAPPY # 300 to ALL OF YOU!
I truly can’t believe that this is Diary Entry # 300! I guess I must be one very chatty female….with so many things to say! I can’t thank Dottie enough for expressing all of my personal thoughts, hopes, dreams, feelings, and achievements in such a way as ALL OF YOU….my dear friends….can also take part in my life and share so many things with ME!
Racing is an amazing sport! I truly feel deeply blessed for what I was able to achieve ON THE RACE TRACK. Yet, I feel equally as appreciative for the things I have been able to do FOR MY SPORT…and most importantly FOR THE FANS!
Yesterday, in a news article discussing the final statistics for the Hollywood Park Meet, they noted that the on-track attendance was down this season. Per the article, “he partially attributed this to the absence of a big draw such as Zenyatta, who raced at the 2010 spring-summer meeting”. Jack Liebau, the track President, commented…”Last year, we had a big day on account of ZENYATTA that we didn’t have this year.” (Thank you, Jack! Blush, Blush)
I know all of the numbers were up in the BREEDERS’ CUP attendance figures each of the year’s that I raced. My goodness, over 20,000 people came to see ME walk on track and say ‘good-bye’. For this, I am so, so proud!
In life, you hope to do things to make people feel good. You hope to achieve and make some type of mark. You strive to do your best and TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! But…to make history, to make people feel good about a sport again, to bring fans closer together, and to have people love ME so much not only for what I achieved as an athlete…but for ME, my personal qualities,….is truly something one DREAMS could happen to them!
One of the FACE BOOK responses yesterday by Marie Stoyles-Moura was very touching to ME. She said, “I don’t think your pedigree should read Champion–See Record—–It should read “QUEEN–See Record.”
Upon reflection, having a racing career which spanned 4 years, to have statements like the ones written above said about YOU…is so, so rewarding and extremely appreciated. MY TEAM and I can’t thank you enough.
I am one very, very grateful HORSE….for all of the gifts I have been given…which totally includes the LOVE, HONOR, AND RESPECT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN FROM ALL OF YOU!
Again, THANK YOU from the bottom of MY HEART!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Kathryn Cogswell
NPR: next 3 days may be HOT! Precautions & predictions* http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/07/19/138510064/deadly-heat-wave-continues-and-worst-yet-to-come ~ *National Weather Service map.
Shanda Hooton
You have made such a difference in so many lives..it is really hard to put into words. You are truly a blessing in mine!
Charlotte Sveen
Love your posts and photos! Thanks
Teresa
You look wonderful. :)
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
You will always be the Queen and each day you bring a smile to my heart. I love you and pray that God will bless you and your connections each and every day.
Stay cool and safe and happy!
Love and hugs,
Stel
Wendy in St. Louis
There are 2 other thoroughbreds I have loved, but didn’t get to know. I didn’t have the advantage of the internet. They are the late, great Tim Tam (I was just a child then) and Winning Colors, she was also gorgeous. 3 cheers for technology !
Terry
Once again THANK YOU Zenny! We are all so Blessed to have experienced your life and races!! Love the photo, you look MAGNIFICENT!!!
Alexandra Bowdoin
Dear Z, you look FABULOUS!!! Happy and Relaxed…Thank you again Dottie for being Z’s voice and Thank you Sarah for the pic’s of Z…
DJ
p.s. Sweet “Z” you are not that chatty..didn’t we skip 100 and go from 100 directly to 200? You are definitely ‘good’ for another 100! Looking forward to it :)
nancy
Z you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Even though we are not your owners, I know I can say this for all, we fill as though you belong to us, your our horse we care about everything your life has ahead for you. Yu were gifted on the track, and your still gifted in retirement. Hugs to that belly of yours as we know little one is well on the way, next year will be wonderful when we welcome baby to the hugs and love of all your fans. Thank you for being a blessing to all of us.
Cheryl Smith
Love both pictures and yes Jack is right. In each sport there is always one superstar that shines the brightest and in horse racing that was you! Your light will forever shine in our hearts!
Fran
Hi Z! Great picture of you-both of them! You look as though you have a little baby bump! Hope you are doing well and enjoying yourself. Yes, there is a void without you-a big void that probably will never be replaced. xxoo
sherry drish
LOVELY DRAWING. ZENYATTA YOUR PICTURE IS SO SWEET. YOU LOOK SO CONTENT. WE, YOUR FANS, THANK DOTTIE SO VERY MUCH FOR ALL THE PICTURES AND INFORMATION. I DONT THINK I COULD STAND A COLD TURKEY APPROACH OF NOT KNOWING HOW YOU ARE DOING. JUST BECAUSE YOU DO NOT RACE ANYMORE DOESNOT MEAN WE YOUR FANS COULD LIVE WITHOUT OUR UPDATES. DOTTIE YOU WORK SO HARD TO EDUCATE ALL OF US AND THE LATEST ON OUR QUEEN. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. SHERRY D. WV.
Victoria Cox
I love you, Zenyatta! :) You are an amazing mare and your legend will surely live on through the decades.
Nancy C.
Thanks, Dottie, for giving Zenyatta a voice. The racing industry owes both of you a Salute!
I would welcome a pregnancy primer, similar to something you posted after the first attempt to get the Queen bred: milestones, anything of interest that the owners and stable might agree to share. The anticipation of a new foal from Zenyatta and Bernardini ought to be a big draw, I would think.
Beth Alexander
To sum up what you mean to me and probably thousands of other people:
“At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.” Albert Schweitzer
You are my spark and I will love you always!
Diane
My son and I came to Churchill Downs to watch you at the Breeder’s Cup. It was our first racing experience but we had to be there because of you. We miss watching you run but we will never forget.
Marilu V
Dear Zeny: Every time I read your post you make me smile and feel happy. Take good care of yourself. Hugs and prayers going your way! Marilu
Jane in Seattle
Hello Beautiful, and congrats on your 300th post! Yes the painting is beautiful, but the photo of the “real” you is even more so. I hope these posts go on for a long, long time. Love you always and forever!
Sharon
She looks so cute and happy! I will never forget meeting her before she headed back to Kentucky, she is amazing.
Lisa in CO
Z: You are the most beautiful creature on the planet, and absolute perfection. Thank you for all your words and stories (with special thanks to Dottie). You make bad days better, and good days great with your thoughts, observations and beautiful pictures. You are one of a kind. Love you always.
Diane
I love the pictures! You are looking great and very happy.
Ginny
What a great photo of you in your paddock. Yes your pedigree should say Queen. Thanks for educating the public and bringing in new fans to racing. I love this sport and am involved in it!
Susan Romano
Zenny, What a doll you are! What a lift you and your connections have given to your sport. I have been fortunate to see you race 3 times; Breeder’s Cup,@ Santa Anita; 2010 at Hollywood Park (beautiful race track); 2010 Breeder’s Cup in KY -YES! My first time in Kentucky, just to see you run your last race! As always, you were remarkable and thrilling. I ahve a poster of you and Mike in my office at work and a beautiful framed print in my office at home. They bring me a lot of pleasure. My best to you and yours! Susan in SO CAL.
Lori
That photo of you is gorgeous, Queen Z! I wish I could see your pretty face in the pasture every day!
Susan Haynes
You are truly an angel. Thanks for all you have done for racing. Most of all, thank you for being such a friendly, playful and fabulous horse.
Vic Welter
Thanks Zenyatta, for all the memories of sheer joy that you have given to millions!!!! God bless you and your little one!!!
Sue MacGray
Oh Z, you are so beautiful. I always tear up when I read your posts. I know Dottie helps you with it, but you are just so…YOU. The only one – and we miss your prancing, dancing sweetness. The way you carried yourself with such showy style and ran with such fire, yet turned into a nuzzling, people-loving ham when you were with your fans. Love your picture, too. Oh, and although last year was our first year at Churchill Downs (just to see you), we had such a wonderful time, we’re going again this fall. All of our plans are made and we can’t wait! Take care big girl.
Trisha Veazey
Zenyatta we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You will always be in our hearts, ALWAYS. There will never be another like you and has never been one like you. You are the one and only Queen of the track and of our hearts.
Love hugs and kisses gorgeous girl.
Dag, now crying at work. Knew I should have waited until I got home. If this is a duplicate , sorry my screen went blank.
Debbie
hi Z! Happy 300!!! YOU are TOO CUTE! love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo