Good Morning EVERYONE!
Wow! What a weekend of FUN and GREAT RACING!
MY PARTY was a huge success! The KICK-OFF Portion is the part I attended…via the beauty of today’s marvelous technology. I also got to view all of the party goodies and the party favor seat cushions that everyone received as a gift for attending. I loved all of them! I hope you did too!
Then Ann, Jerry, my John, Dottie, and Mikie all were there to visit with the fans. I heard the food was terrific! They played my races and everyone visited and just ‘hung out’. Later, Mikie had to leave for the jockeys’ room (all riders have to check in so many hours before they ride…and I think they gave Mike a bit of a break as they knew he was at MY PARTY spending time with FANS). MY JOHN had to return to the barn to be with his horses. The rest stayed to visit and enjoy the fun.
CHICKEN GREASE played the music and they were absolutely terrific! All of this truly added to the pre-Breeders’ Cup race day fun!
The afternoon session also went very well! People were able to eat, relax, and enjoy the races in the Derby Cafe in the Museum.
Once the Ladies’ Classic was finished, the AFTER PARTY started. I heard this was really GREAT FUN! It was the perfect place to go after the races while the traffic was clearing out. MY JOHN, Mikie, and Dottie attended. I heard they signed tons of items for fans and posed for zillions of photos by my painting and the many posters of ME in the room. CHICKEN GREASE played and it was all very festive!
There is a new DRINK (adult beverage) named for ME called the ZENYATTA! People were enjoying this at the AFTER PARTY great food, and other tasty things. There were even M and M’s with MY NAME on them. Now all of this is TOO CUTE!
I hope you enjoy the LIFE-SIZE painting of ME that was also unveiled at MY PARTY. Above, you see Ann standing next to it. I truly believe the artist, Jaime Corum, did an amazing job on this piece. I AM REALLY ME! The reason for this is that it is done PRECISELY to my measurements…every single part of my body in this painting is exact. IT IS TRULY ME! While working on the project, Jaime would send emails to MY JOHN and they’d review it. Then when he was in Lexington for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Keeneland mid-October, he drove to Louisville to her studio to review the final details with her. EVERYONE WANTED IT TO BE A PERPECT REPRESENTATION OF ME. I’m hearing that it will displayed at the BROWN HOTEL in Louisville for the balance of the Churchill race meet. If you have a moment, please stop by to see it. It is gorgeous….if I say so myself! (BLUSH, BLUSH!)
I’d like to personally thank everyone who attended MY PARTY and Leonard and Dottie for working so hard to ‘make it happen’. As with so many things in my life, ALL OF YOU have helped to MAKE THINGS BE SPECIAL, JOYFUL and FUN! I can’t THANK YOU ENOUGH! I hope in some small way, I HAVE MADE THINGS FUN AND SPECIAL FOR YOU, AS WELL!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(A HIGH-HOOF to all of the Breeders’ Cup winners…and a special HUG to GOLDIKOVA on an amazing career! I am so, so PROUD of HER!)
Z
PS… I’ve heard many of you took photos at the party. I can’t wait to see them. We’ll share more details on different things as the week progresses. Enjoy your day!
JAG Adores Zenny & John Henry / So. CA
@ Kris O. – Chicago
I got to know John Henry up close and personal because I was friendly with the manager at the Hall of Champions, Cathy Roby, who has since passed away :( I also knew John Henry’s grooms.
~~~~~
I have pictures of me hand feeding him a peppermint (for my birthday) while standing in his stall. YES a peppermint!! He took it so fast that my friend didn’t capture the moment, but you see him standing “pariently” while I unwrapped it – then it was gone – fast as he was on the track! LOL
~~~~~
I also got to {{hug}} him! YUP! I hugged John Henry! He tried to bob his head over my shoulder to get my butt, but that was about it :-)
~~~~~
I truly believe he remembered me from year to year. I have video of us after he turn 32. He “listened” to me talk about my LOVE for him with his chest pushed against his inner paddock fence. I was, obviously, outside the other fence. He knickered and pawed the ground… truly special moments in my life. He kept his eye on me and followed me as I walked along the fence. Incredible!
~~~~~
When he died I thought I would never stop crying… then he sent me a Queen to Love: Zenyatta! John is her Guardian Angel :-)
I’m going to see if this link works:
http://www.facebook.com/BlindLuckOfficial/posts/273401269365452#!/photo.php?fbid=1314137469419&set=a.1184688033264.22906.1710171430&type=3&theater
John getting a peppemint from me!
JAG Adores Zenny & John Henry / So. CA
Here’s a picture of me kissing John Henry just hours before he was euthanized
http://www.facebook.com/BlindLuckOfficial/posts/273401269365452#!/photo.php?fbid=1055646367303&set=a.1184688033264.22906.1710171430&type=3&theater
I miss him to this day…
JAG Adores Zenny & John Henry / So. CA
@ Misty
Wow – you and I share the same birthday! That is so cool! Do you live in Kentucky?
Peggy(N)
@Mark Dedomenico, I would like to Thank You from the Bottom of my Heart as well, for buying Blind Luck. Fantastic News.
@Ann Maree, I agree Blink Luck should be considered for some of the honors.
@Signofthetimes, I can’t wait to see Christmas kids little ones too.
@Everyone, again please keep Royal Delta and her mom in your prayers for them going to a good home.
Karen Gogue
All, please go to the greatfulness candles and light one for Kari…she and her family needs our heartfelt prayers tonight….
Peggy(N)
@Kari,Your in my Prayers.
JAG Adores Zenny & John Henry / So. CA
Breeders’ Cup television ratings drop along with handle
http://www.drf.com/news/breeders-cup-television-ratings-drop-along-handle
“Understanding that Zenyatta was a once in a generation phenomenon, the numbers for this year are within our expectations and we’re pleased with the overall growth of the international audience over the last few years,” said Peter Rotondo, Breeders’ Cup Vice President of Media and Entertainment.
stephanie (s in san diego)
@Karen ..Kari is always in my prayers..will go now to light a candle.
Beautiful Z..all i can say (or type) WOW and Amazing.
Anne from Paramount, CA
Well, QUEEN Z, by all accounts, including your own regal re-telling, YOUR party was a resounding success, but of course it would be nothing else, right, with YOU as the star! :) And your life-size painting,nothing but SPECTACULAR. I can’t really add to what others have written about it. And I, too, love what emanates from the photo of you and Ann. The camera definitely picked up the magic between the two of you.
@Susan in TN: so sorry for the obstacles you encountered on the way to KY. Too bad you missed the party, but at least you made it too CD!! I really enjoyed your comments about being there and how you felt about being in the atmosphere/surroundings/history there. And hoof-ray for Choctaw, again!
@Linda and @Ann Maree and @Leiana: I enjoyed all of your party comments also. The M&M’s with “TOO CUTE” on them was a great touch. And yes, Ann Maree, I agree that wearing name tags would be a good icebreaker. Of course,as has been said in previous entries here, at an event such as this, it is not time to be timid (speaking generally here)as something like this is possibly a once-in-a-lifetime-event.
@Trina N: thanks for thinking of our trainer Mike (#371) for “Cara.” But, even before the race Rod was questioning how he could overcome that 13 post in such a short race. He made it to 5th which was more than we thought, truly. In a longer race he would have had more of a chance to get a handle on what was going on around him.
@Chantal and Mike: Congrats to you both. I was so happy for Amazombie and Bill Spawr. Well done to Game on Dude, he really ran well. He and Chantal really seem to be in tune with each other. And that photo of Mike —priceless! (Well, to Mike, a lot more than that!)He once said that Zenyatta helped him buy a kitchen remodeling–wonder what “D” will do for him? Perhaps a vacation home?
Regarding Havre de Grace,I read an article in the Las Vegas Review in which Larry Jones is quoted as saying she’s known as “Gracie” around the barn. :) Not bad for fourth, but what could have been!
Also, a fond farewell to Goldi. Happy retirement and thanks for the memories.
I was really pleased with Switch’s race. That day I had on my Switch T-shirt, which a couple people commented on. I wore it proudly before and after her race. One guy wanted to know how was I “affiliated” with her. Wish I had a better story to tell than “it was a give-away at Hollywood Park” and I am a fan. But that did mean casino race/sports/book patrons were paying attention. @J Smith, thanks! :)
@All: I have enjoyed the chatting about the various races. Who expected HOY to be up for grabs? I read that Mike Watchmaker said that once someone is chosen there will be some unhappy people. It is odd, after the past couple of years when it was either one or the other. (And still unhappy people!)
I would like to write about our Vegas experiences at a couple of the hotels where we watched the races, but I’ll do that another time. I will say it was mostly positive.
Oh yes, from what I could hear of Trevor, I thought he did a good job. But, no ZEN-YAT—TA to drive home this time!
Goodnight Queen Z, dream of that ever so tasty sounding Zenyatta drink! (that you must not have!)
Nina
Beautiful picture of the prancing queen!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
I am so glad BL is going to a good home where she will be cared for.
@Ann Maree–thanks for the party info. Those “lurkers” should have ordered Dumpling badges from our Diana S! I was watching on tv for some of them but never saw any.
RIP Hickstead.
@Stephanie Lambert–can you please give us an update on our dear Kari? So many here love her and are praying for her.
Good night, precious Z. Love you always.
Any report on A.U. Miner?
Paula Higins
Oh my word, what an awesomely beautiful picture of Zenyatta!!! Really stunning!! it captures her perfectly and the depth and richness of color is amazing. Ann looks so happy in front of it. It sounds like a wonderful time was had by everyone. As I was watching the Breeders Cup on Saturday my thoughts were with you all. I was so happy to see that Mike Smith had such a good series. It is so well deserved. Goldikova is going to her well deserved retirement. She is another horse for the ages.
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
I am happy to be back home again and am trying to catch up on the posts, the BC results and watch all of it on the DVR. The announcers keep mentioning the “upcoming piece” on Zenyatta, but I have watched all of the recordings for Friday. Hopefully it will be on Saturday’s BC recordings. The life-sized portrait of Zenyatta is breathtaking ( so very much like her) and I agree with everyone- so special with Ann in the picture. I will read more of the posts tomorrow as I want to hear all about it. Sounds like it was a lovely tribute to all things Zenyatta. Too much fun. I also was worried about BL but it sounds like she will remain in the US (Thank goodness) Have I missed a post about the carousel ride that was to take place on Sunday? Everything I watched from Friday’s races was really exciting and the Ladie’s Classic was a superb ride with Royal Delta. It was very poignant though to listen to the stable manager. Clearly he was very emotional about the dispersal. Royal Delta and her Mom will hopefully go to wonderful homes. However, all that being said, I sure missed seeing you at the BC in the flesh. You are the reason this year’s BC was a success. You brought horseracing and all it’s excitement to all of us. Thanks to YOUR TEAM and YOU. I am in awe of you and am so happy to be one of your many admirers and loyal fan.
Have a restful night after all the excitement. A kiss on your warm nose for you and BABY Z.
Peggy(N)
@Sally B, hope you get home safely.
@Judy and Russ, Miss you.
@Barbara Wood, just to say Hi.
@Sis Dawn, are you off work Friday as well, Love those Holidays.
Zenny and Everyone Goodnight.
Peggy(N)
Hi trina and Karen too. Goodnight All
Anne from Paramount, CA
@Diana S: before I forget!: Thanks for the Dumpling tag for Rod. Very thoughtful of you and he was surprised! Got it from JAG a couple of weeks ago.
@All who have ailments/illnesses, you or your spouses/family members: hope things look/get better soon.
@Trina N: let me say for all time, great poems for one and all. Every time you write one, just think of me saying that! :)
Bill Blomquist
Elyse and I loved the party!
Just wonderful!
Thanks to Zeny & Family
Bill Blomquist
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@Karen – Kari is always in my thoughts and prayers. I will light a candle immediately. Please keep us informed and let us know how she is. We have all been so worried and now hearing that she may have been in an accident just breaks my heart.
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
What a fantastic kid! I hope this links. The boy from Ireland who sang his song in tribute to the Breeder’s Cup.
what a sweetheart! http://therail.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/03/irish-teenager-rides-youtube-song-to-breeders-cup/
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, the life sized painting of you is fabulous! Jaime did a fantastic job.
I’m glad everyone had a lovely time at your party. It sounds like it was a lot of fun. I really wish I could have attended. If you do it again next year, hopefully I’ll be there.
Love to all,
Leslie
Elyse Mach
Bill and I attended your wonderful party. What a joy to see you brought in on live-tv from Lanes End. You sure enjoyed eating those carrots and nuzzling that furry toy. We loved meeting your fantastic owners, Ann and Jerry Moss, and we thank them for all their kindnesses and generosity in sharing you, you beautiful Sweetheart that you are, with all of us. A pleasure to meet John and Dottie as well as to talk to Mike Smith once again. How great and fitting that he won the big one this year. A great, happy party with such kind and caring individuals in attendance and who came in from all parts of the country and beyond to celebrate and honor one of the greatest racehorses that we will ever see…Z. you are THE ONE AND ONLY!!!!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
I just read the post about Kari being in an accident. I started a group candle under KARI at http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=KARI
Heidi (Vallejo.Calif)
I have looked on youtube for some coverage of the party and can’t find anything except for the Painting. Which, as a fellow artist, I’m in awe of! Is it oil painting, acrylic or oil pastels?
Anyways, Zenny, you look fab as always and I always love to see pics of you and Anne. What a wonderful bond you have!
Well, I hope everyone that is ill or knows someone that is, get better. Good Night Sweet Mamma!
Ricky
Zenyatta, the painting is beautiful. It really captures your essence. You are so successful. I have great confidence in all of your projects. You truly are the BEST of the best. 3^
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
@Heidi, it’s an oil.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Delrene from Carlsbad, CA–I’m with you. They kept promising a Z update, but we never got it.
Good morning, sweet Z. I guess things are back to peace and quiet at the farm. Wish I were there with you.
Linda in NJ
Zenny: I can’t believe I missed your post yesterday. The painting is unbelievable. Will it remain at the Kentucky Derby Museum? I am just wondering if it will be on displayed at the Santa Anita BC next year. It sounds like your party was a HUGE success! I love the idea of the M&Ms with your NAME on them. That is so cute! I am glad you had fun too. I know you and your Team were great hosts!!
I’ll now move on to your next post that I also missed–maybe it’s today’s post!! Hope so, I have a lot of catching up to do.
Linda in NJ
I am happy to hear that the BC ratings were what was to be expected. I also understand that the attendance although not as high as it was in 2010, was the second highest in BC history. This is all good.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z,
You are gorgeous. Love and hugs, Judy and Russ
Sally B. (Wi)
YOU ARE MY SPECIAL ANGEL, Z. I just got back Monday from Kentucky, so I have missed these couple posts. I had an absolutely tremendous time at your party Z. Good food, great music, visiting with other Z dumblings and Z fans; and most importantly meeting your Z family. Perhaps I should write on the newest post, so you may read this.
love you with 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z