Hello Everyone,
Del Mar sure got off to a wonderful beginning yesterday! I gather it was quite a party atmosphere with approximately 48,000 happy people in attendance. The racing was fabulous and the crowd had a great time. It was perfect weather…in the low 70’s and really pleasant. Good luck to everyone during this entire meet.
While all of those people were enjoying their ‘DEL MAR FUN’, Tasty Temptation and I were out having a PARTY of our own grazing and enjoying the outdoors. You can see I am getting a bit more of a baby bump and my coat is ‘highlighted by the sun’. I do think it is definitely a great look for ME… if I say so myself.
I’d also like to CONGRATULATE my pal, MR. COMMONS, for winning the Oceanside Stakes on Del Mar’s opening day card. At Barn 55, he was stabled about 3 stalls down from ME. We saw each other all of the time and often grazed together in the afternoons. He is one handsome lad and I am so proud of his effort! What a great victory from off the pace! YEAH, MR. C!
I also noticed that MY JOHN had on his LUCKY Z CAP…..which has MY NAME on the back. It looks terrific on him….if I say so myself. The guys on TVG even commented about it. I know he really thinks about ME often and I will ALWAYS BE A HUGE PART OF HIS LIFE. What a bond we have had…very special and very nurturing. He was always so lovingly supportive of ME and ALL OF MY NEEDS! I, in turn, totally loved every moment of being at Barn 55 with MY JOHN and MY TEAM. I always tried to do my VERY BEST with every task I was ever asked to complete!
It’s starting to get a bit warm out here now. When it is like this, they take us back to the barn and let the fans circulate the cool air around us while we are relaxing in our stalls. I’ve even heard they are going to cancel the Woodbine races today because of this extremely hot weather!
Just as I thought….here come the guys now to take us inside!
Just like we are doing….please take extra care of yourselves in this HEAT!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Don’t forget….Saratoga opens tomorrow! Our sport is SO MUCH FUN! Something is always happening!
Sharyn
Oh you both look so content – beautiful picture! You know us girls just love those hightlights!! It has been extremely hot even here in Vermont – keep cool under those fans!
Gary Moulton
I wrote this poem about Saratoga. There is no way to tell the whole story in 12 verses but these are some of the highlights. To quote the legendary sportswriter “Red Smith” on directions to Saratoga, “From New York City you drive north for about 175 miles, turn left on Union Avenue and go back 100 years”.
.
.
SARATOGA – 143
. “Old Smoke” staged the first four days,
The Patrons desired a repeat.
“Hunter” and “Travers” get the credit,
For the track across the street.
.
“Whitneys, Phipps, Vanderbilts”,
Attend the five-star production.
The finest horses in the world,
They need no introduction.
.
“Sanford” was a chalk eater,
“Mark Twain” he played pool.
“Dempsey” trained at Luther’s Camp,
And “Lily” was no fool.
.
Twelve rods west of “old lilacs”,
The General’s demise was neat.
“Schuylerville Stakes” marks the event,
Opening day of the meet.
.
Beneath the Graveyard of Favorites,
One battle War would lose.
“Secretariat”, “Linda’s Chief”,
Just to name a few.
.
The last time the rivals met,
“Pincay” shut “Alydar” off.
The Stewards made the decision,
“Affirmed” had clearly lost.
.
The old man at twelve,
Happy wins his third Cup.
Intellectual Turf Writers,
3 different jocks were up.
.
The “Sultan of Saratoga.”
Leading the post parade,
“Ay, every inch a king”,
Pranced “Fourstardave”.
.
Stop by the Racing Museum,
“Seabiscuit” stands outside.
Dark day, after lunch,
Go on a buggy ride.
.
The backside is much better,
And “Smarty” is sorry too.
Long steam pink tea rose,
Named for “Queen Mary Lou”
.
Excuse me now for I must go,
Dress and read the form.
2 year olds, breeze figs told,
Today it is quite warm.
.
I truly love Saratoga,
My favorite track you see.
The history, the horses, the people,
The summer place to be.
Holly Zemba
Take care in this heat!
Ray Lopez
I heard from Del Mar, that they are working on a date to have a Zenyatta Day the the track. Should be fun.
Kimberly Potter
@Patricia Littlefield (GrannyP)~ Love your post. :)
@Catherine Hicks~ What a great bunch of friends you have. Enjoy your trip to Ocala.
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
Judy Idriss
Hi Zenny, Your baby bump is definitely more visible now. You look great!! Watched the Mr. Commons race yesterday. It was a wonderful win for John, Mike & the whole team. I am looking forward to visiting Del Mar next month. It should be great fun. Take care & keep cool.
Henrietta Wolfe
I can’t even imagine how those California folks can stand it without YOU! You and your friend look stunning in the above photo. Take care and remember, I LOVE YOU!
Kimberly Potter
@Gary Moulton~ Love your poem. :)
Kimberly Potter
My Beautiful Zenyatta~ The PARTY Girls….love it. Your are STUNNING! Tasty T is a looker too! I love you sweet girl!
Your #1 fan in Montana!
Lisa g
@Gary Moulton, your poem is beautiful, so talented. We have a lot of creative and talented people in Zenyatta’s World. Thank you, Gary.
DJ
To Gary M: You are so talented! Thank you for sharing your gift of poetry. This gem is a truly unique and exuberant tribute.
Maureen
Don’t do much exercising Miss Z. It’s too hot. Just enjoy your hay and try to keep cool.
Diana Harris
hey zenny you guys look too cute together and wow that grass is green! my horses would love that! we have brown, browner and then just dirt here in Texas with the heat and drought. I have thought about moving to kentucky for years and someone told me that the humidity up there is worse than here in Texas. Is that true? I cant imagine that. I just love seeing pictures of you and your friends you both are beautiful and I cant wait to see your babies! stay cool and drink lots of water :)
Jan Doyle
Talk about two gorgeous girls. Can’t wait to see baby Z by your side. Enjoy your day and be safe. Love ya
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy B, yes I also saw the way Mr. C, was dancing he looks so much like our Zenyatta, his color, his white star, his dance, he was so cute, hugs, Ingrid.
Trisha Veazey
Take care of our girl in this extreme heat wave, and to all please take care.
love hugs and kisses
Pat Beck
Maybe it’s the angle, but TT looks as tall as you, and that’s sayin’ somethin’. Lovely, the both of you. Love you always, Z.
Lisa B
Hi Precious Zenny,
Beautiful picture of TT and YOU. It was a nice day for racing at Del Mar yesterday. CRAZY with the record breaking crowd but fun to see all the hats. The weather was perfect for racing. Love living in North San Diego County. Mr. Commons and Mikey ran a great race. Congrats on the WIN. It’s always nice to see YOUR John in the winners circle. Oh… and Dottie too. I sure hope they are enjoying themselves in Del Mar! You relax and stay cool. Love YOU OOOXXX
Celeste
Wow! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful photo!! Sarah K Andrew takes some of the most wonderful horse photos I’ve seen and she certainly caught you in a serene, peaceful moment grazing with your paddock pal. Thank you!!
Happy Birthday to Catherine Hicks! What great friends you have who will share your passion with trips to farms – that is so beautiful!
To Gary Moulton – I loved that Saratoga poem! It seems that so many who visit this great diary page are such generous and extremely talented people, sharing knowledge, sharing jokes. What a great place to be.
One more time – thank you so much to Dottie and Zenyatta for creating this wonderful space on the web, for maintaining it and educating and entertaining!! Congratulations to Mr. Commons!!
In my part of Texas, we are happy it is only 99 right now – whew! I’m so tired of hot! :)
Karen Mitchell
What a beautiful picture of beautiful you and TT, both with gorgeous dapples and adorable baby bumps.
I am truly concerned for all of you souls in much of the country dealing with such oppressive heat and humidity. It’s uncomfortable and also dangerous, especially for those who are young or elderly. And I also worry about TBs racing in this heat, and trust the people who watch over them will do the right thing.
@Patricia Littlefield: Loved your post. It is a joy to know a healthy, happy 90 year old loves Zenyatta so much. There are quite a few Z lovers in their later years (I’m 70) and you may be our matriarch. Take care and keep cool and sane.
@Terry Crow: Do you still live in California and are you near Del Mar? I hope you can visit and rekindle all those wonderful memories we share. Perhaps one day we shall meet at one of our CA tracks?
DmamaKlock
Which is better???? BEAUTIFUL picture of you, precious Z OR the text of your post and the responses???? Just LOVE it ALL.
harold moore
well girls, you both look great and big z has a baby bump now.what a wonderfull lady.
Sue Fredrick
HI BIG Mama, wow you sure have filled out nicely, I think you look fabulous and so does your pretty gray friend. It makes me so happy to see you free in the company of another horse just being…..well horses. Congrats to sweet John, Mike, and Mr Commons who is one handsome dude. Wow, I loved the way he pranced around before and after the race, he looked like he could do it all over again, but then John would not race him if he wasn’t in tip top shape.
@Joanne (California) saw your post yesterday and you said you had Afghan Hounds years ago. I showed them too, even took my male to a Championship. What a sad commentary about those breeders who were doing it just for color. I got my male from a breeder in Arkansas and they had been in the breed for 30 years and she was a judge so I know they were definitely in it to improve the breed. If you don’t mind where did you get your dogs?
@Patricia Littlefield, wow you go girl!!Ninety years old and still going strong, I’m sure you’ll live to see Zen’s baby and even see it race.
Luv you Z and kisses on your nose
Denise in AZ
Gary- Great poem!
Sharon Call
Z, you and TT look just wonderful.
@Gary Moulton. Really like your poem. Wish I could do something like that.
Yvonne
Take care in this heat, Zenny! It is hot here is Vegas too, however, we don’t have all of that humidity! I love you so much!
Barbara Hawkins
You are so right. Mr. Commons is beautiful.
Pam
Wow! You and your gal pal look beautiful! So peaceful and quiet … much different from Del Mar. Well, in a couple weeks, some mare not named Zenyatta will win the Clement Hirsch there, and for a moment we’ll all think of you and miss your appearances on the track. But we’re really delighted that you are enjoying your new life so much, and we love seeing how it agrees with you!
Christine Coleman
Hi Ms. Zenyatta Anne Marie Coleman! LOL…I love pretending you are my horse. No offense to Anne Moss, all of my mares have the middle name of Anne Marie, and of course MY last name! Since your connections share you with us, you are mine in my heart also! I was so happy for Mr. Commons over the weekend. What a talented guy! Once again, I think Your John has some serious talent on his hands and due to his top priority of knowing, understanding, and patience with his horses, they will develop to the best of their potential. Is Pirate Queen still in your barn? Have a beautiful evening and I know I don’t have to tell you to take care of that little Zen floating around inside his/her big Mama! Love you Big Thoroughbred Beauty!
Brenda S
Dear Zenny, What a hot, muggy day and so I’m glad to know that Matt? took you back into the barn where you could have the fans. In spite of the heat it was a wonderful day for us. As we arrived at LE we saw a car with Colorado plates and knew it was Dawn. We we were able to spend some time getting to know her and her mother before we started our tour. Zenny, you are in a fantastic place, with such friendly, warm people, it was a joy to be there. We met, patted, photographed and yes, gave peppermints to some of the boys who live at LE with you, and we loved Curlin. We were delighted to meet Miss Sarah (Campion) when we delivered a small goodie package for you and to know that you would certainly enjoy the pears. Sorry the ribbons on the package were not the exact Moss colors but they were the best I could find. We said goodbye to
Dawn and blew some air kisses to you as we left so I hope you felt at least one of them.
The picture today of YOU and Tasty T is adorable, you both look so contented, just as expectant mothers should be, enjoying that healthy, nutritious blue grass. Please share your pears, apples, carrots and peppermints with Tasty T, if you wish, you seem to be such good friends.
Back to Fort Erie tomorrow, so the last hugs and kisses from Lexington for this year Zenny.