Good Morning, Everyone!
Recently, I was relaxing in the paddock thinking about all of the activities planned for the future. My Team and I have been really working on some exciting plans. They are constantly monitoring my well-being…which is always their #1 goal. Additionally, my pals at Lane’s End always make sure I am in fabulous shape and taking great care of myself. Just think….I am going to be a MOM! All of this is really very exciting!
It is also that time of the year when so many people in our industry focus on the YEARLING SALES! The September Keeneland Yearling Sale is one of the largest sales in the entire industry. People from all over the world travel to Lexington for this sale with the hope of purchasing young horses who will ultimately enrich their racing programs. As you may know, this is the sale I was purchased from when I was a yearling in 2005!
David, who is a part of MY TEAM, was recently asked by THE BLOODHORSE to do some video presentations discussing criteria on how to select a yearling at a sale, the physical qualities to look for in a young horse, and then a discussion about ME! In my opinion, this is the TOO CUTE part of these presentations….the part about ME! Blush, Blush!
On their web-site, THE BLOODHORSE presented a short segment from each of these videos. I thought it would be fun to share them with you. You’ll see ME as a yearling in the sales ring, HIP #703, and many clips of ME during my racing career. The one segment at Churchill Downs was taken a few moments after I arrived at the track from the airport for the 2010 Breeders’ Cup.
Conformation DVD Feature: Zenyatta | Videos | BloodHorse.com
Conformation DVD Feature: David Ingordo | Videos | BloodHorse.com
Wow…I have really had a FUN TIME in my life! Thank you for sharing so many of these experiences WITH ME!
Please enjoy!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Dawn Conrad
Dear Zenyatta. What a wonderful photo of you today. You look the picture of health, happiness and beauty. I watched both of the videos with David and you of course. They were great and very educational. I have been trying for some time to learn all I can about confirmation and there is a lot to learn. I would love to go to one of the sales sometime, how fun it would be to see what horse I might pick if I were buying. Although, there is a problem with that as I love thoroughbreds so much I would choose them all if I could. Your post yesterday, showing you and TT enjoying each others company was amazingly fitting on the day that Noor arrived in Kentucky. Talk about the success of team work. Wow!!!!!!!! Charlotte, has clearly demonstrated what one person can accomplish if they believe enough to motivate others to their cause. My heart has been touched by the amazing story unfolding before me and how blessed I am to feel that I am in some small way part of it. How I wish I could be there today!! The pictures provided and the words shared by Kathy and Karen have been remarkable. When Barbaro passed away, I remember Mrs. Jackson talking about how they were all with him in the end and how their affirmation of love surrounded him and the beauty in that. I know that Noor is experiencing his own affirmation of love and he has responded. I am not sure, Zenny, that it is the number of people who profess to love a racehorse that keeps it’s name and spirit alive, but more the amount of love within each person no matter the number. When you see the individuals who came together to bring Noor home, you realize that he will live on, not just because he was admired, but because he was loved. In the movie Dreamer, there is a poem that is quoted several times and it is so fitting for Noor.
I am a great champion
When I ran the gound
Shook, The sky opened
And mere mortals parted
Parted the way to victory.
And I met my owner
In the winner’s cirle,
Where he put a blanket
Of flowers on my back.
Rest in peace, sweet boy, your beauty will grace our lives forever.
@Charlotte, Kathy and Karen – Thank you all for sharing this amazing experience. Bless you for efforts on Noor’s behalf. It is truly a miracle that has touched my heart and soul! I cannot wait to visit the site and pay my respects to the wonderful Noor.
Sharon in Seattle
who IS coming to town, Zenyatta?? I know of a few 1000 Z fans who would be there in an instant, if invited : )
thanks to all the Z connections for the fabulous pictures of Z in the last several posts. each one is a gem!
Georgia Harper
Good Monring to all the Z fans!!
@MartyR Welcome and a very happy birthday
@JAG from California – thanks so much for the artical on Steve Haskins. Yes so happy he is back I am sure there were many, as myself, who retired from racing with Zenyatta but have also cheered for Stay Thirsty from the beginning
Hugs to all and have a great day
Barbara Wood
@Marilu V–I am so sorry for the sadness that has entered your life today. Prayers and Dumpling hugs.
@Dawn Conrad–lovely poem.
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
Laughing out loud. Reminds me of Henny Y’s ONE LINE: Take my wife, PLEASE. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Katie Clawson:
Follow your dreams. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Maureen P.:
Thanks for sharing. Hugs, J.B.
JAG from California :-)
Geez, Judy share one more thing & get back to work!! :-D
Del Mar Race 2 @ 2:32 p.m. – JOKER FACE / Mikey in the irons (the horse that won the match race against Chantal) ;-)
———-
Del Mar Race 7 @ 5:05 p.m. – GENEROUS PORTION STAKES.
EK
Good things have come from dumpsters. Things like clothes,carpet,unopened boxes of cookies,furniture,etc. I ate the cookies wore some of the clothes and took lots of things to Goodwill. It is a shame what some people will throw out. There are people who go to dumpsters to find things to sell at flea markets. People do not throw out good things take them to Goodwill or other charity thrift shops or used clothing bins to help others. The more people throw away instead of donating or recycling the quicker they will need new landfill space which might mean higher taxes. I do not have a red neck I keep my hair long.
Nancy Colley
What a joy to see you every day with the photos; you are the perfect model. It appears you enjoy every second of every day and pass it along to us your adoring fans; there fore you help us enjoy the day. Thank you so much.
judy berube
Dear Marilu V.
Thinking of you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Dawn Conrad:
Thank you so much for sharing the beautiful poem. Works for Noor, Zenyatta and every Great Champion. Moved me to tears. Hugs, J.B.
Terry Crow
@Katie Clawson-I loved your statement saying that AFTER I become a jockey, not if. Never lose sight of your dream. @Happy Harriet-Always good to see you posting. Thanks for the comment. I do recall that when we all visited Barn 55 on Gold Cup day, both E and Mr. Commons preferred your company. @Dawn Conrad-Appropriate poem for Noor. That poem was one of my favorite parts of Dreamer, a top horse racing film. @Judy Berube-Glad you enjoyed it. I thought I might have been a little too subtle. We have now found another way for Charity to lose. Besides being struck by lightning in the starting gate, the track could have been flooded.
Mary
You are so beautiful Z…you were beautiful in Yearling Sale…hard to believe seeing you for sale like that…and now seeing you….who would have thought way back then….how special you truly were and are…you are so awesome…and lots of fun to hear about. I love your intense looks and your ears….Hugs to you Z!!!
Dawn Conrad
Dear Zenny. Love you and definitely love those ears. Sweet dreams and lots of hugs and kisses. XXXXOOOO
@Karen Gogue – Your words for Noor were breathtaking, my friend!
@Abigail – Thank you so much for the link to the Noor video. Charlotte has most definitely provided inspiration to us to go out and make a difference.
@Judy Berube – Thank you for the wonderful links you provide and for just being terrific you!
@Max – the information on TT was great.
@Margie and Anne from Paramount – welcome back!!
@Doreen – How exciting and wonderful that your second career will assist our fantastic equine friends. Losing both Secretariat and Barbaro the way we did was so tragic. Best of luck!
@Kari – JOY TO THE WORLD, AMEN!!
@Arlene – So sorry for the destruction you have experienced. I am glad that you and your family were not harmed. You will be in my prayers.
@Nina – I thought the bronze idea was great!
@Steve Haskins – Love your writing so very much. Missed you and praying you get well soon. I am glad that Stay Thirsty raised your spirits.
@Marty R – Have a fantastic B-Day.
@Jag – Happy Birthday to you mother. Loved the story you shared and the baby moose were priceless.
@Shari – Hello, my dear friend. Hope everything is wonderful with you!!
@Maureen P – Mario a grandfather, TOO CUTE!!
Jenna
Looking lovely. Look at that profile. I hope Zenyatta’s days are happy and relaxing!
Robin SoCal
Happy Birthday Ramona!
Love the pics today, you look beautiful as always.
love you Queen Z and baby Z
XOXOXOXOXOX
Kimberly Potter
My Beautiful Zenyatta~ Can’t wait to find out “Who is coming to town”..I hope who ever it is truly realizes how blessed they are to be in your presence!
@Terry Crow~ 1st joke today…TOO funny. I would have to agree. Thanks, as always, for the smiles you continuously gives us.
@JAG~ Love, love, love the story about your Mom as a little girl. Same thing happened to me, but it was a BULL chasing me. I didn’t know I could fly….:) Please wish your Mom a very Happy Birthday. And the tears are still flowing re: A love Story. The video of Momma Moose and babies was such a delight. Those are some healthy looking babies….thanks for sharing!
@Jan Hallman~ Lucky you for being able to work the Keeneland Sale…keep your eyes peeled. :)
@Marty R~ Welcome and Happy Birthday!
@ALL who are interested~ Mommy got to return to work today for 4 hours a day…she is thrilled. She also wanted to float the Missouri River with us this labor day weekend…but we said NO! What if something happened while on the river…
HUGZ to Zen Nation!
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
LauraJ
@Judy B., virtual shopping is fun, isn’t it? :-) I like to guess which horses will go for big bucks. It’s also fun to guess which horses in the later books will be sleepers a la Zenyatta and Curlin. I’d love to attend the sale, but I am afraid I would come home with something, and my back yard isn’t big enough for a horse. Nor is my wallet!
Doreen
Zenny – you look lovelier by the minute and soooo serene. Pregnancy definitely looks good on you.
@Kimberly Potter (your post on #330) – thank you.
@Susan in TN – thank you also.
@Terry Crow – thanks for the kind words. I absolutely loved your joke today. I wouldn’t mind having the police find one for me too :)
@JAG from California :-) – Happy Birthday to your mom Ramona. I loved the story of your mom outrunning the horse.
@Marty R – Happy Birthday and Welcome!!
@Dawn Conrad – thank you for your well wishes. It’s good to bring Noor home where he’ll be admired, loved and not forgotten.
@Jan Hallman – lucky you.
Abigail from Montreal
Hi Zen, Dottie and Zen-sters:
Well, you look lovely in this photo, Zenny, and I, too, could gaze at it for hours! I am a huge fan of the equine “far away” look!!! All the GREATS I have read about have that look and it always gives me a feeling of looking on something divine and exquisite for which I have yet to find a name….
Glad that everyone enjoyed the Noor clip. It was actually on Noor’s FB page and I just thought I’d pass it on to all of you. You are all so sweet for mentioning it!
I guess by now people are realizing that our friend, Steve Haskin, is recuperating from I-know-not-what. He has been such a HUGE influence in my life over the years and I know he’s a favourite of yours, Zenny. For anyone who would like to leave him a message, here’s the address of his latest blog (below). I just posted there telling him that there were many well-wishers @ zenyatta.com too.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2011/08/30/thanks-stay-thirsty.aspx
Carole #42
Zenyatta our beautiful Queen what are you waiting for? Great picture.Thank you Dottie for everything you do for us Z. fans.
@Jag HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your mom.@ Jam Hallman would love your job.
@Garyu M. love the pharmacy joke.
LOVE YOU ZEN AND BABY ZEN Hugs and kisses.
Paul
Zenyatta, you are really living the good life. I wish I could live it with you. They are taking excellent care of you while you are in foal, you are enjoying the weather when it is decent, and you are having lots of fun in a beautiful place and you have very fun and supportive buddies. The yearling sales are coming. I’ll bet they bring back memories for you since you were purchased at one yourself. If I could, I would go to one of those sales just to admire the horses and to see what these sales are like and what kind of people go to these things with the intention of buying a yearling. From what I can figure out, it in large part tends to be wealthy people who can afford what horses cost. So long as people purchase the horse they want for the price and for the condition of the horse, it should be all right. I’d definitely buy a horse if I had the money. Maybe 2, 3, 4, whatever. I could start a family of them.
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Zenyatta, you look so calm in the photo, and thank you for the information, we never know when we need it, love you Ingrid.
Ingrid Arnone
@ Gary Moulton, ha, ha, ha, sends more! Ingrid.
Abigail from Montreal
Most recent photos of Noor’s service @ Old Friends, this morning at 10 a.m.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.249748241732736.65173.231251930249034
Barbara Wood
@Kimberly Potter–breathing a sigh of relief for Mommy and baby.
Beth Alexander
Thanks so much for sharing! Love you always!
Margie
Hi Zenny, I can’t believe how beautiful you are. I wish I knew what you were thinking. Maybe you were thinking of Noor and how he is finally celebrated and at rest – his due in both cases. You know you helped him, don’t you? So many of us sent donations toward the burial, cheered, supported and encouraged the amazing Charlotte, and paid our respects to the great Noor. Because we heard the story here while visiting you. I have learned so many things here on this site just because I came here to express my love for you, and to be part of your life. This place is alive and buzzing with Z’ers every day – what a joy and a blessing to be here!
Thank you, Zenyatta, and the fabulous Dottie. You DO make a difference.
Good wishes to all Z’ers, and prayers where needed. xoxo
P.S. Shhh, I’m going to sneak a quick peek at one of your races, Zenny, before finishing up my lunch hour. Your races give me just the jolt I need to finish my work day! :-)
Trina Nagele
To Marty R
Marty R’s a true Z fan–
Marty’s read the Diary since it began
And today has started to post,
So to Marty R of Colorado
We all say “BRAVO!”
Welcome to posting on Z’s site–
We hope you’ll continue to write–
Your comment’s first rate.
Let’s drink a toast
To celebrate
Your very first post
And your special day.
To you all the Z-sters say
Happy Birthday!