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
Susan in TN
So many beautiful, funny, heartfelt, informative posts from such an amazing group of people<3 I think this site is making me a better person. There was a policeman sitting in his car at our little park on the Fourth of July. After my dog and I walked, I went over to his window. He lowered it with just a SLIGHT "what could she want" expression. I said I wanted to wish him a happy 4th and hoped he would have time later with his friends and family. He seemed genuinely appreciative and I left him smiling. This is very unlike me! I might think of it, but my shyness would normally stop me from acting on it. While I was walking, I was thinking about the Z posts I had read that morning and before I knew it, I was going over to him! It sounds like a very small thing as I write it but it truly wouldn't have happened before I moved to the Zenyatta Nation! Thank you, ALL<3
Tracy
You look wonderful. Beautiful girl. I would love to come and visit you. Still waiting.
The Kennedys in San Diego
We have long said that Thoroughbred horses are the most beautiful species (including Homo sapiens). And you are the most beautiful of the most beautiful species.
We would love to have that painting in our home — definitely YOU!
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenny—Congratulations on #300! And I love every one of them, and I’m looking forward to many hundreds more. (And I hope you are too! But from your perspective, maybe it’s better to focus just on one day at a time!)
@Abigail in Montreal—Thanks for the link yesterday to the article about Eric Kronfeld and his horses and trainers. Thanks to him we have Zenyatta and her “little” sister Eblouissante! We owe him a lot.
@Gloria Jeanne—Blessings to your mom, and to you as you care for her so lovingly. I hope I can met you sometime at a Dumpling racetrack day.
@Susan Romano—I hope you’ll be meeting up with Dumplings at future SoCal track visits.
@Diana S—That’s FANTASTIC that you are going to make the Great Journey of Noor with Charlotte! Way to go and high hoof!
@Beth Alexandra—Lovely quote from Dr. Schweitzer and lovely comment from you.
@Sarah—High hoof to you on winning that race with your husband! (BTW, he sounds too cute!I’m sure he knew exactly what would happen!)
@Sarah Powell—re: “Mama Cat”—Shortly after moving to Fillmore, CA, a friend of mine, Jeannie (the same who went with me to HP on Gold Cup day), took in an Aussie mix that had been abandoned by her owner (the locals knew who it was). The dog was already pregnant, so Jeannie called her Mama Dog, and kept the name even after the puppies were all placed in homes and Mama was spayed. Mama is now approaching 16. She is an exceptionally intelligent and good dog, and Jeannie will be devastated when the day comes that she loses her.
@Deborah Richman—Goldie sounds adorable.
@Sharon Call—Loved the story of how you solved the “Free Kittens” problem. High hoof!
@Lil from KY—Thanks for the news from Old Friends, and for remembering us to them.
@Brenda S—Thanks for the update on your visit. I’m sure Vic is 100% right that Giacomo WAS happy to see you.
@Gary Moulton—I love the unicorn song! Thanks!
@Karen Mitchell—Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you face the prospect of losing your parents.
judy berube
Dear Susan in Tn.:
I agree with you and you are one of the people who make this site such a special place. Hugs, J.B.
DmamaKlock
WOW……… just a beautiful picture. Thank you Z for ALL of your gracious thoughts. ZBEST
judy berube
Dear Karen Mitchell:
Have lost both of mine; will keep you in my prayers. Hugs, J.B.
The Kennedys in San Diego
More on the possible Personal Ensign (Saratoga) match-up Blind Luck and Havre de Grace.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64087/blind-luck-grace-spa-showdown-possible
KIMBERLY
You are truly “THE QUEEN”. Look at how beautiful you are as your waistline expands! All of us on this website can hardly wait to see Baby Z! We love you Zenny!!!!
judy berube
Dear Barbara Wood:
You’re welcome. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear DJ and Kathryn Cogswell:
Waking Ned Devine video, hysterically funny. Hugs, J.B.
Susan in TN
As Karen Mitchell said above- to all who are struggling: we are here for you<3
@Kathy Kimber: Thank you! Lou is doing well- not quite 100% but almost. I haven't actually seen Chopper but Jane at the rescue says he has joined the herd and seems content. he had lost some weight but she said he has gained some back. They are in a HUGE field-can't actually see the other side very well-and it has been too hot to try to find them!
@Judy B: Hi! We are all hanging in there-thanks! Hi to Russ-
@Lucia, Alexandra, Kim S and any other HP fans: Haven't seen it yet but can't wait! I still haven't accepted that Hedwig is gone :(
@Lil, Brenda S: Loved your OF and other stories!
@Dawn C and Shari V: Look forward to hearing about your Excellent Adventures!
To SoCal friends: Where will all the trainers and horses go if/when HP closes? Santa Anita? What a loss…
@Terry Crow:LOL!
@DJ: don't worry about the turnip- it will turn up.
Warm wishes to all<3
Sunny Boyd
**** :)
judy berube
To Ingrid Arnone:
Dear Ingrid:
Blessings to you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Thanks for the link on BL and HDG. Hugs, J.B.
D.Lawson
Zen, the photo of you today has to be one of the best I have seen. Yes, I agree with Marie, it should read QUEEN!
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta I love you so much. You are the Queen to me and the children I teach. I wish you could see how excited they get over you. We would be singing and dancing to your song. I know how much you love children and they love you too. YOU have made a difference in so many adult lives but when you touch a child that is really something special. My new class this year will follow Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty’s racing career and your new career as a mother. WOW is that going to be something to follow you up until the foal is born. I just know that my 5th and last year class now 6th graders will enjoy seeing all of this. I will never stop following your sport. I will never stop using You as a positive role model. I love you Zenny from the depth of my soul. Thank you for being sweet and loving YOU. BIG Hugs and MANY Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
PS Kentucky was the best. I loved every minute of it. I hope to go back next year and spend more time :)
judy berube
To Nicholas Newmannt:
Thanks so much for the link on Commentator. He was one of my favorites. Trained by Nick Zito. I saw him at Saratoga. Hugs, J.B.
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta I forgot to say how Beautiful you look in the picture :)
Gloria
Hey Big Mama Z! Sometimes when I think about it, I miss you so much not racing anymore. You deserve everything good you get. Nice photo of you. XOXO!
Annie
Happy 300th post, Zenny, and thank you, Dottie, for helping us keep in touch. I hope you really do have some idea of how much you have affected people’s lives…always for the better. Thank you!
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube-Thanks so much for the link on Tim Tam. Exactly the way I remember him. Another old favorite that I will see again some day. @Barbara Wood-Tim Tam was a great one. Hope Charlie is doing OK. @Karen Mitchell-You cannot imagine the memories that flowed over me as I read your post. For many of us, Santa Anita is a magical place and always will be.
Terry Crow
@Karen Mitchell-Bless you and your mom and dad.
judy berube
Dear Sharon Call:
Just read the poem you referenced on Barbaro’s Facebook page. My cousin lost his 30 year old son last year in a motorcycle accident and that is the prayer they chose for his Memorial Card. I cry every time I read it. Hugs, J.B.
Nancy
You are lovely as ever, Zenny. Thanks to your wonderful buddy Dottie for letting us share in your beautiful life. Love to you both!
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
You’re welcome. I believe we’ll meet all our special ones again some day too. Hugs, J.B.
Sarah Powell
OK, I can peacefully coexist with the black snake that lives in and around my barn but he has got to stop jumping out at me from between bales of hay. You would think the cats would explain things to him but I guess they prefer the taste of Little Friskies!
Michelle Cross
I love you Zenyatta and I want to thank Dottie for keeping us informed about how you are doing. So many of us have loved you and followed you for the past few years so it is wonderful that you didn’t disappear into retirement like so many others. What truly special connections you have.
Jenna
My gosh that photo….I just love her. She’s just so beautiful and serene.
Thank you so much for everything that you do, Dottie. You make everyone’s day more fun…waiting for your posts. You’re a true gem!
xoxo
Karen Noble
How can I view the post mentioned by this person: Sharon Call said:
July 19, 2011
@Everyone. Gloria Jeanne posted a link to Barbaro’s facebook page at the bottom of 299. There are only 256 people on it. I think he deserves much more – don’t you? There are a lot of “new” photos posted as well but I warn you in advance, if you read the poem at the top, you’d better have tissues handy. There’s no way you won’t shed tears over the sweetness of it.