Good Morning Everyone,
I sincerely hope you had a great weekend! Mine was quite nice and very relaxing. I’ll share some current photos with you during the next few days.
I thought all of the weekend racing was quite captivating. I was especially pleased to see Bernie’s son, STAY THIRSTY, win the Jim Dandy Stakes-G II at Saratoga. Bernardini also had some other nice winners over the weekend. This is great news! Congratulations, BERNIE! I’m sending you a HIGH HOOF!
On another note, I am very pleased to share some information with you this morning. It is so special to touch base with an ‘old friend’ and keep up with how he or she is doing. This weekend, Dottie was able to get an update on my PONY PAL, HOOTIE, to share with ALL OF US. You have seen HOOTIE in countless photos with ME…accompanying ME back and forth to the race track. While I was in training, he was with ME on these walks the majority of the time. He has been my very dear friend for years.
One of the many jobs at the race track is to be a ‘PONY PERSON’. In this position, you and your ‘pony’ (which is often a retrained retired race horse) work with different trainers and accompany certain horses from their barn to and from the track. A man named Freddie Wilson owned HOOTIE and he was a pony person at the track. Since I really liked HOOTIE and got along so well with him, MY JOHN worked out a schedule with Freddie so HOOTIE could be MY PONY in the mornings! As we have written in a previous Diary, after I retired….so did he. HOOTIE was adopted by TROTT of Southern California and now has a second career working with them. In the above photo, he is getting his daily “SPA TREATMENT” from Dee, on the left, and Susana, on the right. Per Bonnie, who updated Dottie on all of this, he is truly one of the BARN FAVORITES. HOOTIE has truly become part of the TROTT TEAM!
TROTT is a wonderful organization which ‘adopts’ horses from the racetrack and retrains them for their NEXT CAREER. So many dedicated people work endlessly trying to accomplish this goal to help horses. The organization is volunteer based and the hard work and loving care given by these people is truly appreciated by all of US! MY TEAM and I have also worked to help raise funds for TROTT. I loved the one T-shirt they did with ME on it. MY JOHN came up with the words to be placed underneath my picture stating……’DANCING AGAIN IN 2010′.
I have been told that TROTT is currently planning a Del Mar Charity Fundraiser. They are a 501(c)(3) organization. It will take place on August 28th at the San Diego Polo Club from 6 to 11 p.m. More details may be found on their web-site….TROTTUSA.ORG.
I also understand that Liza G. Fly will be singing at this event . I hope she sings the song she wrote and recorded for ME! I must say…I DO GET A KICK OUT OF LISTENING TO IT! (Blush, Blush)
Watch it here…ENJOY!
With Love,
Hugs to All~ (Great to hear from you, HOOTIE! I’m SO HAPPY to see you again!)
Z
Ingrid Arnone
Hootie he is so pretty, I feel so good when you tell us about all this wonderful people that they help retired horses, I only wish I had lot a money so I can help them also.
So glad you are doing well my adorable Zenyatta, I know you and Bernardini will have a wonderful foal, love you, Ingrid.
judy berube
Dear Diana S.:
Good picking. Love Lentenor and Euroears. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Coil possible for Travers. Hugs, J.B. http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64295/coil-to-saratoga-for-possible-travers-start
Pamela J Hebert
Hi Zenny thank you for telling us how Hootie is doing. He is also an important part of Team Z. He’s quite handsome too. XOXO
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Just checked my picks for the Spa this afternoon.
Race 3 – Atitlan 1st and Jacob’s Dream
6th.
Race 4 – Play it Smart 4th and Thomas is
Rockin 6th.
Race 6 – Strolldownbroadway 2nd and Paci
Di Notte 3rd (that was a close
one)
Only the 9th Race left. So far down $12.00. Hugs, J.B.
Bridget
Hi Zenyatta!
Have you talked to Coil at all lately????? Looks like he might have been studying your technique a bit!
Stay Thirsty was so AMAZING!!! I’ve been waiting for that!
Hootie looks like such a good friend. Such a sweet face
Liza is AWESOME and so is her song!!!!! I saw her sing it to you at your retirement party!!! You were so cute that day! You walked right by me and then stopped with your head held high!!! I gasped at your BEAUTY, and then you walked on. I was in awe of you!!! Still am, and always will be!!!
Ida Lee
HOOTIE IS A HOTTIE!!! He is so adorable. I hope he’s doing well in his new home. Also, Girl Power was ON in the Rothschild with Goldikova proving again that Girls do not take a back seat to anyone on the track. Just like you my Love.
Barbara Wood
@Kari Bussell–love the video.
@DJ–right on!
@Barbara Grimaldi–SO sorry to hear about your fall. I’m becoming one of those little old ladies who are terrified of falling. Hope your shoulder problem isn’t serious..from one who knows..lol! Therapy twice a week.
@Laura J–thank you for elaborating on the twin foals. About all I knew was that it usually wasn’t to be desired.
@Diana S–YIPPEE! I am now an “official” (with badge to prove it) Z Dumpling!! Thank you so much.
Forgot to mention earlier that I LOVE Liza’s song about Z. I must have played it 100 times. I even wrote to her to thank her for writing it, and she was kind enough to write me back.
Jamie
Coil won that race yesterday in true Zenyatta style, coming from last to first. Very exciting race and my favorite jockey, Martin Garcia was instumental in this win. Martin came from being a very poor farm boy in Mexico to being a great rider with such great talent.
Love the picture of Hootie. I heard that Lava Man is having a second career in being a pony–love him too.
Hugs and kisses to Zenny and Dottie.
Hailey
Congrats Stay Thristy !!
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube-Bet the horse heavy. You’ll laugh all the way to the bank.
Celeste
Oh, how cool!!! Thank you for the update on Hootie and sharing the photo of him also. It is so great to hear that he is doing so well and transitioning to a new career. Beautiful!
Most of the time I don’t have enough time to go back through all of the comments and then respond to all the great people who gather here, but today I did want to say to Barbara G. that I hope you feel better after tripping on the sidewalk at Monmouth – ouch!! And to Kari B. – oh WOW – what a great video – I love it. Thank you for creating it and sharing it with all of us who share in the devotion to Zenyatta!!
To Dottie and Zenyatta, thank you one more time for providing this beautiful space.
Peppermint
Just love your song! Hootie looks real sweet. Thanks for the video.
Cheryl Harshall
Such a cute photo of Hootie! Wonderful organizations that are helping these horses. there are so many of them that need help and homes. Wish I could help them all. I am soooo excited, I just picked up my Fred Stone print of you and Mike, Zenny, and it is too gorgeous! I can’t stop looking at it! Received the print for Christmas and just now got it framed. It will hang in a place of honor. I love it. Thanks to you Zenny for everything you are and everything you do. Have a wonderful day.
JAG from California :-)
*******HAPPY BIRTHDAY DIANA S********
——————
You can’t fly under the radar today, gf!!! I hope you are enjoying your day ~ do something special, you deserve it! :-D
Judy G
Kiki Sim
I LOVE that song! And I just watched it! Z, you really are
The greatest racehorse we have ever seen. You have your own street
Lucky girl! take care of yourself and mini yatta.
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, thanks for sharing the pic of Hootie! He looks great and happy. I’m glad he’s doing so well.
Stay Thristy ran a fantastic race. That is very exciting!
Have a nice evening.
Love to all,
Leslie
DMCQ
Zenyatta, girl of my heart, thank You, the mosses, Dottie and Your John, and Team Z for knowing how important it was to share you with all of us Dumplings of all ages and sizes, and each one with a big heart. I loved the update from your past! Hootie looks like he enjoys life now and I’m sure he did when he got to work with you. Once again, your Z-goodness helps to spread the word about helping retired horses by sharing the Trotts events. Sounds like this is going to be the 3rd career for Hootie so we know he is talented and enduring.
@ Kari B: left you a comment on 308 and I meant it:)
@Terri and Gary: LOL LOL LOL LOL
@JAG: Maybe I scare some of the Z-sters off since I frequent the candle area …hope not! :)
@Barbara Grimaldi: I know you must be hurting today. My sympathies and hugs.
@Laura J: Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge. You are always teaching me new things and are always an interesting read.
@all: My Zenyatta hat came today! I fastened my Dumpling tag to it and now I can be official when I come to visit here!:) Have a great evening everyone.
@Dj: Thanks for the morning prayer, I’ll check back for your evening one…until then
Kari Bussell
@Judy Berube- Yes that is JAG, but I am not in any video I have done except for a quick flash of the back of my head looking at Z at Oaklawn in a different one I did… The beautiful brunette around middle of video is Stephanie Lambert at Delmar….the group shot is Trina N- JAG-Karen Gogue- Terry Crow-…I have blanked out…but many Dumplings in group shot…I was not there….
as always thank you for all you kindness and HUGS and JOY to you friend!
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Hootie you’re a Cutie! Retirement seems to be agreeing with you and Zenny.
@ Barbara – Glad to hear the fall was not serious. Had the same experience once myself after a Jimmy Buffett concert & one to many visits to Margaritaville. Hate those pesky roots but still hug the trees!
@ Laura – Thanks for all the twin info. I think we’re all just hoofs-crossed for ONE ONEDAFUL healthy Baby Z!
Coil & Stay Thirsty both won very impressively but for whatever reason I have attached my heart to Shackleford this year. He’s run some hard knocking races all year and is still there every time. Can’t wait for the next “Shack Attack” at Saratoga. LOVE & PEACE
Kari Bussell
…and of course the beautiful blond at the very beginning is Dottie Ingordo Shirreffs…
Sue Fredrick
Hi Big Mama, how’s my girl today. Love the pic of Hootie he must have been a big part of your races as he whispered “go get em big girl” before each race. Hope that baby is growing big and strong, don’t think there has ever been such an anticipated foal.
@Anyone- watched the Rachel A race at Saratoga and Lisas Booby Trap pulled up before the finish, has anyone heard if she’s okay?
@Diana S, Is it really true…..Happy Birthday!! I won’t ask how many this is. I got my “darlin dumplin” tags today…..too cute!!! If you made those dumplings in the pic I’d like the recipe. Thanks again and kisses on your nose.
@Kari B you should be in Hollywood girl you are so good at those videos, loved the new pics.
Luv you big mama and kisses on your nose
Kari Bussell
…and the beautiful Sophie Sherriffs also graces this video…
just having fun..
Diana S
@judy berube: “humpty-dumpty dumpling”? I am so happy I am not the only champion klutz around. I can trip on a clean vinyl floor! Heal fast and ouchies virtually kissed.
diastu in tempe
JAG from California :-)
PRIMARY SUSPECT :-D
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64297/primary-suspect-sires-first-winner
Liza G. Fly
Thank you for the mention, Zenyatta! Yes, TROTT is honoring your friend Mike Smith and my friend Jack Van Berg with the first annual TROTT Inspiration Award. And yes, I will be singing your song, because a lot of your fans are going to be there! It’s going to be a great event, I wish you could be there, too. xoxox
Karen Gogue
@Diana S.
Oh okay, I guess I should wish you a Happy You Day! (Geez, these people who have birthdays and are younger than me!) I suppose you can still be my GF – but just for today – hahaha, have a Doozie Dumpling birthday, now you really are a over-the-humpling-dumpling!!! :)
judy berube
Dear Diana S.:
You’re right, I have been known to walk into door frames and have black and blue marks for two weeks. But, I think you meant your post for Barbara Grimaldi, who fell down yesterday while at Monmouth Park (a raised crack in the sidewalk, I think she said). Hugs, J.B.
Delrene
Wow. I already have my tickets for 8-28 @ Del Mar, Can’t wait to hear Lisa sing your song again. Great organization TROTT! Will definitely be at their booth.
Very much looking forward to hearing your special song Liza.
And Zenyatta, so nice of you and Dottie for the update on Hootie. I agree, Hootie is a cutie. What a face….Too cute ( to borrow a phrase).
Sharon Call
@Kari Bussell. Boy I wish I could make videos like you do. I would put Z to Pavarotti signing Nessun Norma (I Will Win). I have it all planned out in my head and have no skills whatsoever to accomplish it.
@Barbara Grimaldi. Hope you feel better fast. Remember to alternate hot and cold packs on that shoulder, 15 minutes each then rest a while and start all over again. It works wonders on sore muscles.
@Diana S. Happy, happy birthday to you!!!
@Anyone. Can’t remember or find the post above about Lisa’s Booby Trap pulling up before the finish of her race. Anyone know anything about that? She’s one of my sentimental favorites.