Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #431

The view from my new paddock! Photo by Sarah Campion

Good Morning,

I hope all of you had a fabulous weekend. Mine was extremely pleasant and I really enjoyed getting to spend time in my new paddock and stall.

I wanted to share with you THE VIEW I have while I’m out grazing and relaxing in the field. It is terrific! I can literally see everything going on everywhere at the farm. You know I love this… I never want to miss a thing!

TASTY and I have so much room to stretch our legs and enjoy the sunshine. The weather has really been ‘cooperative’ lately. It is not nearly as cold in Lexington as it was last winter when I arrived here.

The weekend’s sporting events were ‘extremely competitive’. I’d mentioned on Friday that I love CLOSE FINISHES… and one could not have asked for a more exciting finish to a SUPER BOWL game than the one we had yesterday. The excitement and contention went down to the last few seconds… and the very last play! The Giants and the Patriots both played very well and had exceptional seasons! Congratulations to each… and a special HIGH HOOF to the N.Y. GIANTS on their victory! What a thrill for them to win 2 of the last 4 Super Bowls! This is a remarkable achievement!

As for my sport, what a weekend of great stakes activity. I’m sending my heartfelt congratulations to all of the winners! My BARN 55 pal, Mr. Commons, deserves a HIGH HOOF from ME for his victory in the Arcadia Handicap (G2). The 3 year old stakes around the country are starting to add some excitement to the Derby picture these days. I must compliment my guy, BERNIE, on the recent victories by some of his top 3 year old colts on the Road to the TRIPLE CROWN. Last week, Algorithms won the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream and Saturday Alpha won the Withers Stake (G3) at Aqueduct! YEAH, BERNIE!

This is all so exciting!

Several people stopped Dottie at Santa Anita on Saturday asking about ME! Thank you so much! To answer several of the questions:

1) I am due at the beginning of March. Being that it is my first foal… one never knows if I will be late or early. I will definitely keep you posted as the month progresses as to how I am doing and ‘any changes’ in my ADORABLE BODY! (Blush, Blush!)

2) I do not know whether I am having a colt or a filly. No one does! My owners like to be ‘surprised’… so they do not have the tests done on their mares to determine this. So… we will ALL find out at the same time.

I must say… not knowing does add a definite element of EXCITEMENT to all of this.

3) TASTY is on the same exact schedule as I am… as we both conceived on the same day… April 3rd. She is in foal to Candy Ride.

4) I am with ALL of my same loving caretakers at my new barn. So is TASTY. This makes it so comfortable for us!

Thank you for asking!

From my new home to yours… here’s wishing you a very happy MONDAY!

With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z

Reader Interactions

324 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Good morning Zee & Tee
    Lindsey Vonn & Julia Mancuso were also busy winners during the week-end. Lindsey won her 50th World Cup in the down-hill, and Mancuso won the super-G. Isn’t that just terrific for the ‘Girls’.
    Have a great day :)

  2. / Reply

    Happy Monday to Zenyatta and all of Team Z! It was a great weekend, horse racing-wise! I got my Zenyatta plushie and I LOVE IT! Sooooo cute! I just love the way Big Mama Z’s head is turned toward the baby! The other great thing that happened was that I got to see Mr. Commons race this weekend…and win! Can I just say, he is one good-looking animal! He’s got dapples and he holds his head high when he walks by. His mane and tail are also gorgeous. Man, I don’t know what they do in the Shirreffs’ barn, but his horses are beautiful. Ahhh, it makes me miss Big Mama Z even more on the track. But, junior is due soon, so we look towards that!

    • / Reply

      Thank you for that wonderful description!
      From the writers & charts & Mike’s quotes, it sounded like quite a ride.
      Moving fast between horses.
      Liked Mike’s comment, riding this horse makes me feel like a kid again.
      He trusts Mr Commons to go where other horses might hesitate.

  4. / Reply

    Happy Monday Zenayatta and all who visit here. This is an amazing photo! Thank you, Sarah for whatever contorsions you had to go through to show us the view that Zenny sees from her angle. TOO CUTE!!
    Football season is over now, but still lots of sports ahead.
    I was so amazed at the lists of candidates for all the big races. Not a lot of time to get things sorted out for the Kentucky Derby. Your sport is very busy, Zenny. I’m glad you and Tasty get to relax and take it easy…until the babies come. Then you two will be very busy, too. Enjoy your day.

      • / Reply

        Hi Sandy,
        Pat Palomaki was in my class, Sue Palomaki in the class behind mine and Joan Palomaki would have been in your sister’s class. I was even on the committee to get Joan elected to Student Council the following year. Can’t remember if that happened or not. My gosh. Playing the piano in the dark, Yikes You must have been very good to get that kind of reaction. I’ve told my BFF from HM about our connecting here and she is wondering your last name. She graduated from LHS so might remember you.

        • I remmber Pat very well – she did a lot of work on the school newspaper at LHS, and Joan (who went on to be a surgeon) was, indeed, in my sister’s class.
          Last name is Wyper (as I used to tell my patients, like “windshield” only with a “y” :-) My sister is Liz (aka Elizabeth and briefly, Betty – my parents kept things a bit confusing on the name front).

    • / Reply

      Hi again, Sandy. Well, darn, my friend didn’t recognize your name. I’m afraid I don’t either. Didn’t interact with the “upper classmen” in Jr. High. Enjoy your plushie(s).

  6. / Reply

    Hi Zenny, Indeed, a high hoof for those NY Giants. They did good! I like the picture you posted today…it really gives us a great view of what you see during the day. A special thanks to Sarah for her camera skills. And….yes, motherhood seems to become you. You always look happy and so serene. Life is good!

  7. / Reply

    hi Z! I love YOUR view and seeing how the breeze is blowing through YOUR mane! I’m so happy that YOU and Tasty are happy!!! I’m sooo hoping YOUR little one is born on my BD, March 5th;) I hope YOU and Tasty have a wonderful Monday enjoying YOUR new paddock! Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo

  8. / Reply

    Good Morning Mommy Z!
    I saw Dottie and YOUR JOHN on Saturday, but didn’t approach them this time because I’m often accused of “stalking” them LOL Along with several other Z’sters, I must say!

    We said hello to YOUR MIKEY and cheered him on for his big win on MR. COMMONS… high hoof!! :-D

    I also met Stephanie from San Diego – and her cute daughter, Ashley! I also met Lisa B from the San Diego area… she told me I looked familiar – oh dear!! I was wearing my Z Dumpling tag and she noticed it, so then she put two and two together :-)

    We introduced the newcomers to Jane, James and Madison; Trina; Karen; Anne; and Debbie (I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone – if I did, I’m sorry!) It was a WONDERFUL DAY at the Great Race Place.

    THINK PINK………………… MARCH 9TH (wink wink)

    Peppermint kisses and {{hugs}} on that adorable tummy of yours! Sending good vibes to you and Tasty – stay healthy Girly Girls!! XOXOXO
    Judy G

    • / Reply

      Sounds like everyone had a great time. I was a little surprised that Mr. Commons was not entered in the Strub, but I guess he is being kept on the grass. Lisa B probably recognized your prison uniform.

      • / Reply

        Terry LOL LOL
        We miss seeing YOU at the track…….. you would be surrounded by a lot of women (tee hee)

    • / Reply

      JAG, I always love your descriptions of weekends at Santa Anita. It is great to hear of Z Dumplings getting together and enjoying each others company. Of course getting to see Dottie, John and Mike is amazing!!! How lucky you all are!!!!

    • / Reply

      JAG, it was so much fun seeing you and the dumplings at Santa Anita, especially cheering Mikey on to his victory on Mr. Commons!
      Another picture perfect day at the Great Race Place.

      • / Reply

        All I can say is the Zen Circle of Love is growing and growing and growning… Zenny made our world smaller – high hoof to the Big Mare, Queen Zenyatta!!!

  9. / Reply

    Good Morning to you Zenyatta! and to your BFF Tasty! smile :)…It is a wonderful view you have from your paddock! You two have a lovely day!

  11. / Reply

    What a beautiful view!! You are such a lucky girl to have a peaceful home!! Look forward to your updates everyday and we all are so excited for you and Tasty to have your little ones!!

  12. / Reply

    Hi Beautiful Zenyatta. I hope you have another sunny day. You and Tasty have a Gorgeous field. You are both such Blessed girls. My Plushie came but I have to wait until I get home to open it. My husband called to tell me I got something from Zenyatta. YEA!!!!! I am bringing it to school tomorrow to show all the children. Well lunch is almost over. I love you and send Many Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO

  13. / Reply

    Sending BIG hugs and kisses to Momma Z and Tasty! You brighten all of our days! Sending powerful prayers for two smooth deliveries and healthy goals!

  15. / Reply

    Happy Monday Zenny and many thanks to Dottie and Sarah for all the information on your new paddock. I love the view between your ears, I can almost imagine that I’m sitting on your back and seeing things as you do. I’m sure that we all feel so reassured knowing that all your familiar team will be with you, dear Matt and Tasty to make sure that you’re comfy and secure. Like Auntie Jag I’m thinking pink and March 9 since February 9 is much too soon. Have a lovely day dear girl, say Hi to Tasty, hugs and kisses to you both. BTW, Boo Hoo about the Patriots but congratulations to the Giants and Eli Manning.

  16. / Reply

    hi zee….Thanks for the picture i wish i had the same view lol.Congrats to bernie i really really like alpha, However am so excited for what your colt and RA’s are doing and going to do for the sport,but i want you to know there is no preassure.Your foal will be loved just like his momma and we dont care if he dont run, so no pressure okey love u

  17. / Reply

    Great view,not only can you keep up with everything at the farm, but half the state of Ky. too. Congrats to Mr Commons, Mike, and John. Great week for the Bernie colts. Just praying for a healthy Little Z and Little T, and a easy delivery for both of you. Zenny I hope you and Tasty have a great day and enjoy the good weather. LOL from Tennessee.

  18. / Reply

    I am so thrilled that everything is going well. I am sure that you and Tasty will be blessed with beautiful babies and will have so much fun being mommies. Thank you for providing us for all the key updates and showing us your beautiful new paddock. We love you sooooo very much!

  19. / Reply

    I am sure that you and Tasty will be blessed with beautiful babies and will have so much fun being mommies. Thank you for providing us for all the key updates and showing us your beautiful new paddock. We love you sooooo very much!

  20. / Reply

    Great view; thanks for sharing. Take care Z and send my regards to your pal Tasty. I will pray for good health and safety for both of you.

  23. / Reply

    Hello Zenny :)
    I trust that you are enjoying this wonderful weather! It also has been a very mild winter up here in Indiana.
    I must say, the Triple Crown trail is definitely HEATING UP!! The races are getting more and more exciting as we get closer to the first Saturday in May! Are there any potential Triple Crown runners at Barn 55??

    The days are getting a bit longer and everyday you get that much closer to having a little foal running at you’re side! How adorable this will be!!

    BERNIE is proving that he truly is a PHENOMENAL sire!! It seems that his foal get better with each and every start! Hopefully you’re foal will do the same :)
    Love, Katie(future jockey)

  24. / Reply

    Hi Zenny – Thanks for the update!! I’m glad all is going well for YOU and Tasty. The Superbowl was great a real nail bitter to the end.

    I am enjoying my Zenyatta Plushie – She sleeps in my bed overlooking me as I sleep – making sure I have great dreams of her and the foal — Thanks Zenny!!!

    Hugs and Love

  25. / Reply

    Good morning all,
    It is beautiful here also. Our weather seems to run on the same track as yours Z, and it is warmer here also. Hope it stays this way. It is getting very exciting waiting for the little prince or princess to get here. I will have to relate a very funny story about a maiden mare I was foaling out. We were down to the last day and I went downstairs to check and her water had broken ( the barn was below the house). To make a long story short her delivery went great, textbook. It is always amazing to see it from start to finish. Anyway the mare was still laying down and the umbilical cord had not yet broken. The foal, a filly, was resting then all of the sudden she raised her head a nickered. The mare had not seemed to realize that there was anything there!! She turned and looked and had the most stunned look on her face. I wish I had had a camera. She stood and turned around and went to take a very close look at what was making the noise. To say the least she was very interested. Mom and baby did great, but that was one of the funniest reactions I had ever seen. Remembering still makes me smile. Have a wonderful day.

  26. / Reply

    Dear Z, TT and Z Fans:
    Z, looks like you and TT are as comfortable as can be. The paddock is so huge with a lovely view. We will be anxiously awaiting your special arrivals. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ

    PS: My Plushie came by UPS this AM. Even more adorable than the photo. (Looks like a colt, ha, ha).

    • / Reply

      Oh My Judy I never thought to look, I ‘ll do that right away……..Oh it sort of does if you use your imagination. Oh my gosh, I’ve got to get myself a hobby……..all this waiting and pacing is driving us crazy!!

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue Fredrick:

        I’m just thinking maybe Z’s first one will be a boy. Really makes no difference; we’ll all be praying for a healthy, safe delivery for Z and her Baby. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Judy, I keep thinking the same thing, maybe a boy. I don’t know why — it’ll be fine, either way. Maybe just wondering what her “son” would be like. But mostly wanting everything to go well, and Zenny to be happy.

  27. / Reply

    Hi Mama Zen, boy Brenda took the words right out of my mouth, I feel like I’m seeing the view from your back……like that could ever happen. What a huge lovely paddock you mamas and babies will be able to romp in, what lucky horses you are. Slept good with my new plushie last nite, just like a baby, Ha, Ha, altlhough the dogs kept eyeing it up. It is just adorable.
    Want to send out congrats to the Giants on their victory. And to all those wonderful horses that won last weekend. Hope all are well with no injuries!
    @Abigail very interesting article, it only reinforces my belief that we owe these noble animals so much for what they have done for us……..NOT SLAUGHTER AND MEAT FOR THE TABLE.
    Hope you girls are enjoying the nice days, I’m afraid Feb is going to crawl by for us pacers.
    Love and kisses on noses to you and TT
    Auntie Sue

    • / Reply

      Hi Sue,
      You are absolutely right. There is an article today in our local paper about how horses help returning veterans cope. They are very intuitive and can “tell” the counselor how the client is doing, because they are totally honest. If something is going on inside a person’s mind that is causing stress, the horse knows! Just another reason that these magnificent creatures are wholly inappropriate candidates for slaughter.

      • / Reply

        Barbara Wood; We met a mother & daughter at Z’s party on Breeders Cup day. The gal about 20 told us her mom had won the highest bet to visit Z. Prior to their departure, by just a few days, the girl said her cousin had died. She was still grieving but they kept their visit with Z. She said there had been 6 family members that went. Zenyatta singled her out and layed her head over her shoulder as if she was consoling her. I saw the picture that was taken; so touching. Yes, horses must know. Our Zenyatta is the most loving gentle kind.
        (I never showed her how jealous I was. ha ha) It was wonderful to have met them.

  29. / Reply

    I love the photo of your view of the paddock, Zenny. Are you sure Sarah didn’t sneak a little ride on your back? :)

    Mr. Commons was absolutely beautiful on Saturday. He was prancing and showing off before and after the race. Such a handsome boy! And what a spectacular win!

    Speaking of spectacular wins, Game On Dude was very impressive in the San Antonio yesterday. I wasn’t able to get out to the track but I watched his race online last night.

    My friend Shirley had two mares foal this weekend. One was a maiden mare who foaled 3 weeks early … I thought of you and Tasty when I read about that! We are really getting into the “foaling window” now, aren’t we??

    All this talk about plushies is making me jealous :) I am waiting for the version that has your foal’s actual markings … I know I will want to have that one, and I can’t really afford to buy TWO plushies so I’m trying to be patient … at least I have my cats to snuggle with at night until then!

    • / Reply

      Julie…….I am glad to hear that I am not the only one that has to wait for the second “version” of the Plushies. I desperately want the one that everyone is talking about but unfortunately bills and food on the table (not to mention taking care of all of my four legged “kids”) have to take priority.

      Glad to see someone finally mentioned Game On Dude! He is such a gutsy guy and Chantal’s ride was spectacular, especially considering his bad break from the gate. And you just KNOW when she heard those hoofbeats behind her coming down the stretch she KNEW who it was LOL and was determined it wasn’t going to be a repeat of the BC Classic!

      Dottie — thank you for the updates. As you can tell by reading the daily posts we are all becoming more anxious by the day!

      Queen Z — take good care. We love you!

        • I also thought it was going to be a repeat of the Classic, but only for a couple of seconds, because Game on Dude continued to widen the gap and nobody was catching Chantal and her horse that day. She’s an excellent rider and I’m glad to see her doing well.

  30. / Reply

    Looks like you are galloping and someone is riding you and has a camcorder on their helment.
    It must have been very windy that day.
    Enjoy the time you have now, because once baby gets here, it will be a whole new ball game, whew!
    Love hugs and kisses

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