Happy Friday Everyone!
As we were walking in our paddock the other day, TASTY and I had a wonderful chat. We both decided that we LOOK pretty terrific for being
several months in foal. Our baby bumps are approximately the same size. Dottie was doing a pretty thorough comparison of each of our tummies when she was here the other day. Since our last breeding date is exactly the same….this is positive news! TASTY and I really have so much in common. It is great to have her as a paddock mate and a very dear friend.
The November Sale at Keeneland is progressing in a very solid manner with strong prices. On a personal note, I have been following the sales of BERNIE’S weanlings. His babies have been very popular and sold very well. It is great to see this! Additionally, DARLEY recently announced their stud fees for the upcoming 2012 Breeding Season, and BERNIE’S is going to double from $75,000 to $150,000 stand and nurse. So far this year, BERNIE’s progeny has earned over $5,000,000 in purses. This makes him the leader in the second-crop sires’ list for 2011. I’m so proud of you, BERNIE!
Hollywood Park opened yesterday for their fall season. The TURF FESTIVAL, which takes place during Thanksgiving Weekend, will be one of the highlights of their meet. Additionally, several two year old stakes including the CASH CALL FUTURITY-Grade 1 and the HOLLYWOOD STARLET-G1 will also make this meet special. These races provide us with the opportunity to become familiar with some of the promising young horses, 2 year olds–turning 3 on January 1st, currently developing on the West Coast.
At Churchill, there is discussion that Drosselmeyer may run around Thanksgiving in the Grade 1 CLARK HANDICAP as well as next year. The
original plan to ‘retire him to stud in New York’ looks to be ‘on hold’ for awhile. I love to see horses who run at the top levels continue to compete. It all adds to the excitement of a sport we all love!
In New York, the CIGAR MILE at Aqueduct is one of their premiere races in November. They, too, have a very good Thanksgiving of racing planned with stakes for 2 year olds as well as the GO FOR WAND and the GAZELLE.
On top of all this, the FAIRGROUNDS opens in Louisiana for their meet also around Thanksgiving and it runs until my birthday, April 1st.
So many races to ponder, and so many fun handicapping experiences for us all to enjoy!
Have a wonderful weekend…and here’s wishing you a terrific NOVEMBER!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
PS…MY NEW SHOP is just opening on my web-site! ENJOY!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@To All Service Men and Women, Past and Present – I want to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the service you have given our great country. Both my father and grandfather served in WWII and both of my brothers served in the Vietnam War, as did our very special John Shirreffs. There is a dear old gentleman I know who recently got to be a part of the Honor Flight Network. This is a group that transports our heros to Washington DC to visit and reflect at their memorials. Top priority is given to senior veterans, World War II survivors, along with other veterans who may be terminally ill. Over one thousand WWII veterans die each day,time is running out to express our thanks to these brave men and women. They and one support person are flown at no charge and taken on a tour. In this case my friend took his son. When they fly back to our local airport they are meant by a band and cheering crowd. At his return, he came in to see me. He told me how it felt for him to stand with his son in the shadow of the WWII memorial to see how very beautiful it was and to remember experiences from yesteryear as if they were yesterday. As he continued to talk and hand me pictures taken there the tears started to fall from his eyes down those worn cheeks. He brushed them away with a shaky hand and with a break in his voice tried to express how honored he was by such a gift. Through my own tears, I assured him it was our honor as a country to recognize his service and it was my honor to know him and have him share such a special memory with me. Our soldiers and their families sacrifice a great deal and they deserve our never ending appreciation and support.
“We can’t all be heros, some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by. Will Rogers
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
Both of you look so pretty with your baby bump; I cannot wait to see your babies. Ingrid.
Linda in NJ
@Karen Gogue: Thanks for posting the link to the Breeder’s Cup weekend. That was great.
Rosemary McCauley - Southern California
On this Veteran’s Day, I am honoring my father, a veteran, and great man, who passed away January 17, 2011.
Paula Higgins
LOVE the picture of Zenny with her good friend. They look like two happy campers. I have just ordered the print, with the signatures, of Zenny done by Jaime Corum. Can’t wait to get it and frame it and then hang it in a place of honor. It is jaw dropping beautiful.
Carmela Bozulich
SO beautiful…2 lovely mommas-to-be…can’t wait for the babies to hit the ground!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@Bookmark #6 – I haven’t posted a book recommendation for a while, so here goes. I just finished a book about a horse whose name is often mentioned with the likes of Man O’ War and Secretariat. That name is Citation. The book is “Citation: In a Class by Himself. The author is Phil Georgeff. Citation lived from 1945 until 1970 and retired in mid-1951. At that point and up until then he was the only millionaire racehorse. In just four years, his record was 45 starts, 32 wins, 10 seconds, 2 thirds, once unplaced and a world record shattering bankroll of $1,085,760. Thousands packed the grandstands to see him run. Big Cy just missed out reaching fans with the birth of television. The first Kentucky Derby was not telecast until 1952. Following his 1948 triumphs in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes it would be 25 years before another horse (Secretariat) would again wear the coveted Triple Crown. Citation was part of the legendary Calumet Farm and he was ridden by the remarkable Eddie Arcaro. When he came onto the racetrack, he liked to prance with his neck arched and head bowed (remind you of anyone). There are really two parts to his career, before and after injury, it is all told in this tribute to the mighty Citation!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC9CQgb0Zhs&feature=related
Chris Balmes
Oh my gosh – my very, very favorite picture of all time of you and your best friend. So incredibly sweet – thank you for sharing!!!
Timmi Shorr
Looking good Zenny!
Karen Gogue
Sue Fredrick
How Too Cute was that!? :)
McKae Church
Dear Zenyatta,
I am soooo excited for your baby to be due! My Mother and I always talk about how beautiful you are,and what would the baby look like. I bet your foal is GORGEOUS because also,Its(he/she) father is absolutley flawless like you Queen Z!
Keep up posted,and I hope someday we can get a specific date on when the baby is born!
Elizabeth in Oregon
Thanks for the beautiful pic of 2 great friends. They could not have posed more perfectly for John’s photo. Thanks also to your John for his service and a salute to all veterans on Veterans’ Day. To Susan in TN, it’s good to see that Richard Migliore has made a fine transition to broadcasting on HRTV. He does look tall next to Gary. As for Z’s shop, I can’t wait for my Zenyatta poster to join her bronze and all our other pics of The Queen!
Heidi (Vallejo.Calif)
Happy Vetrans Day to all that have served and that are serving to keep our Country Free! Semper Fi, John and My Father and Father in -law!Also a shout out to my Step dad who was a Lt.Conel in the Air Force!
Zenny, don’t take this the wrong way but, you’re baby bump is a bit bigger than Tasty’s maybe because, you’re such a big girl anyways?
I love the shop. I’ve been wanting a Jersey for awhile but, you don’t have it in your shop. However, my b-day is next Saturday the 19th and I gave my b-day wish list to my Partner. Jersey, zip coat, Hat and Print. Is that asking too much? LOL. We’ll see how that goes.
Have a wonderful weekend big Mamma! Pst… Bernie sure is proving himself as the Stud Muffin he is, isn’t he?! Same fee as you’re Daddy, Street Cry! Amazing!
Rosemary McCauley - Southern California
@All – is Shari Voltz (spelling?) the teacher who posts about her classroom that loves Zenyatta?
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Dawn Conrad — Thank you for the book recommendation — Citation is usually listed as one of the Top Ten horses of the last 100 years.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Absolutely beautiful photo of Zenyatta and Tasty Temptation. Bit then YOUR JOHN is a talented photographer/videographer.
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I would love to know more about the behaviors Tasty exhibits that caused Steve Haskin to state that she is very protective of Zenyatta.
LizC
I cannot get over how beautiful Lane’s End is! It makes me smile to think that you ended up exactly where you should have – in a home fit for a Queen! You look so happy and so healthy that it does my heart good every time I see you. You are loved so much, and continue to inspire so many. I love you Zenyatta and thank God for you.
The Kennedys in San Diego
I ordered the Limited Edition print of “The Queen’s Dance” — for my husband, of course.
Carol
What beautiful moms-to-be the two of you are. Your friendship is really special. I visited your online shop this morning and spent a lot on Z things, including a copy of your fantastic poster. You have truly enriched so many lives. Never thought I’d become so attached to a race horse, but you stole my heart from the moment I first learned of you. God bless you, dear Zenyatta.
Roberta Smith
Oh my Zenyatta and Tasty too! You little mothers look soooo terrific and your bumps are so very noticable!!!! Wow! It won’t be long now and there are so many of us waiting PATIENTLY! I love you Zenyatta and Tasty too….Take care, eat up and especially…..get some rest girls!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@Jamie Corum – How wonderful to see you post. Welcome to Zenyatta’s wonderful diary! There are no words to express how truly magnificent your masterpiece “The Queen’s Dance” is. Let me simply say breathtaking!! The love that you put into this work is obvious. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
@Linda M – Thank you very much for the link to the information about Old Friends and a movie plans. I adore Michael and everyone at Old Friends for all that they do on behalf of these great champions and wonderful racehorses. I am a regular supporter and blog reader. They are one of my most favorite places to spend time at when I am in Kentucky. The best!!!!
@Shari – Hi, girlfriend. So glad to hear that you purchased one of Zenyatta’s tote bags from her new shop. That will work wonderful to carry all of your teaching supplies and is oh so fitting for you!!!!! Hope you have a great weekend. Try to get a little rest from your crazy schedule. Love ya!
@Susan in TN – Loved your marketing slogan for Bernie!!! Hope Choctaw, Chester and Chopper are all doing fantastic as well as all the others you care for. Are Rusty and Pepsi hanging out together? I don’t like to think of Rusty missing Rootbeer. Speaking of which, have you heard how our boy is doing? Give the sweeties kisses from me and have a fun weekend.
@Kathy Baldwin – I agree. Hollywood Park has some absolutely amazing history and is quite beautiful!! What a tragedy if it were to have to close down.
@Sue Frederick – How great that you got to spend time at the Lane’s End open house. It is such a beautiful place and isn’t AP just the sweetest. He is the stallion that we spent the most time with the last time I was there and he was so patient with everyone wanting to pet him and get their picture taken. And you got your picture taken too. It was so great to see you in the video of Zenny’s party. Too cute!
@Peggy (N) – Hi, sis. Hope you have been able to catch some of the Keenland sale. Talk about WOW! Hope everything is great with you, lovely lady!
@Karen Gogue – Hello, gorgeous. Are you trying to make jockey weight for that ride on Zenny or win the race to the carousel? It sounds like stewards may be necessary. You go girl!! Thank you for posting the link to the party video, it was great. What do say, you/me together, Santa Anita 2012!! Hope they do it again, can’t wait!! Love to you, Cynthia and our beautiful Kari. Bless you all.
Linda M
@ Dawn Conrad – you are welcome! And always glad to meet another Old Friends supporter. Please do help spread the word on this. I let Michael know I was taking this to our Sweet Zenny’s Diary and he is very greatful for anything we all can do to raise the awareness of this great work of art in process. thanks to all for any support: here is the link again for those joining us later in the day: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1989951028/old-friends
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@The Kennedys – Hope you enjoy the book on Citation. I get goosebumps watching him run in the link I shared. His accomplishments were amazing. He actually ran in a race between the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. Then at another time he ran in two major stakes races within three days. Unheard of! He did it all with grit and a whole lot of heart!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Rosemary McCauley – Yes, Shari Voltz is our wonderful teacher in Ohio who loves Zenyatta. This year the children not only have Zenyatta in their classroom, but also a horse named Mistletoe that is part of the great Peppermint Pal effort by Ice Racing Stables.
Cynthia/Where Zenyatta Danced
@Dawn Conrad: If you and Abigail manage to make it to BC 2012 at Santa Anita, I promise to treat you to the best cup of tea this side of Stratford-upon-Avon. Even though I work at the track, I have already given warning that I will be attending next year’s events as a fan, not as an employee! And thank you so much for recallng the greatness of the mighty Citation, who won the Belmont and the Triple Crown on my 1st birthday. Twenty-five years later, as fate would have it, I was in the stands at Belmont, transcendant with joy, as the immortal Secretariat crossed the finish line trailing dusty clouds of glory.
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To all of those who endured unimagineable hardship in service to our country, including Dottie and Zenyatta’s adorable John, THANK YOU.
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
@ Dawn C – AP certainly gets lots of attention and he enjoys it. I hope the photo of you with him turned out well, I have a nasty habit of cutting feet or heads off. Thank you for your encouraging words about Vic, she does have a magnificent passion (sounds like a title for a movie) for all horses but particularly for the thoroughbred. Enjoy your new purchase from Zenny’s boutique, it will look fabulous with number 19. I have “mentioned” Zenny’s shop to Susan, it’s that time of year and Vic also has a birthday in December. Give my regards to Mom, hope she is well.
@ Karen G – Loved the video, thank you. I can’t begin to imagine what you and Diana S are up to but please have a safe race without inquiries, I’m hoping to meet you both at SA in 2012.
@ The Kennedys – I’ve missed something along the way – was there a link to whatever Steve Haskin said about Tasty being protective of Zenny? I am very fond of Tasty and wish I had seen her race, would still like to know if she’s as big as Zenny.
gwen
You girls look ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS!
Marshall (old girl in NC)
Hi, beautiful Zenny! I have missed your diary posts so much. Great to see you and Tasty! Love and kisses on your soft nose!
My computer is still out of whack — after
Tuesday, I will have a different Internet server so I can be in communication again.
I do miss everyone’s posts and have alot to catch up on.
@Kari Bussell: Very Best Wishes, thoughts AND prayers to you, Dear Girl. All of us are pulling for you!
Marshall (old girl in NC)
@ Veterans Day: Many heartfelt thanks to all who served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces. My uncle, father and great-uncle were in World War II.
Linda M
I got curious and found this on Zenny’s BFF TT:http://horseracing.about.com/od/latestnews/ss/aa060709a_5.htm and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6Z32uN5k2A