Good Morning, Everyone!
I was just thinking…YIKES…it is one week, 7 days…to the ECLIPSE AWARDS! One more week to go!
I know my TEAM is getting a SPECIAL ECLIPSE AWARD. It came as a complete surprise to them when they heard about it…a wonderful SURPRISE!
As you know, MY TEAM includes quite a few people. In addition to the names the media mentioned when announcing the AWARD…I wanted to be sure to acknowledge some of the other people who have worked with me along the way.
CHEVA is one of them. I asked Dottie to share this photo of ME WITH CHEVA at Del Mar. Carmen walked me in the mornings…but Cheva walked me often as well…especially in the afternoon. He, along with Mario and Frank, would graze me each day. In this picture, I am ‘playing one of my games with him’. I would rest my head right on top of his head. Then we’d just stand like this and observe everything going on around us. Cheva would just laugh….and play along with me. Our carrot game was also quite funny. Needless to say, Cheva and I spent a great deal of time together. He is a very dear man!
The other photo shows more people who helped me quite a bit while I was at Barn 55. FRANK LEAL is one of John’s ‘main guys’. He works with all of the horses, grooms and staff as needed. In general, he helps John to oversee everything that is going on in the stable. FRANK spent a great deal of time with me! He’d help John and Mario as needed…and worked with me daily to be sure I was ONE HAPPY HORSE. Frank also travels with the Shirreffs’ Stable when John’s horses go out of town to run. He is in the Kentucky Derby photos with Giacomo, Harmonious at Keeneland, and my photos at the Apple Blossom in Arkansas, and Breeders’ Cup in Kentucky. He is ONE DEVOTED AND TERRIFIC GUY!
ISABELLE (left) and JENNY (right) are in this photo with Frank. They are both exercise riders at my barn and wonderful horsewomen. When STEVE was off for 4 months or so last year, it was ISABELLE who rode me every single day! Also, during that time, she was the one who would be on me in my workouts…or be on one of my workmates when Mike would be on me! Later, when Steve returned and John would have me work with 2 other horses, in a ‘team drill’, ISABELLE would be on one of my workmates. She and I got along beautifully…and we are great friends. Jenny also helps ride and work with many of the horses at the stable. It has been my great pleasure to work with these people and everyone at Barn 55!
I did want to mention JEANNIE AND APRIL MAYBERRY who taught me my first lessons at their training center in Ocala. They knew me when I was first starting out.
Additionally, I can’t forget DAVID. It is through DAVID that I met my TEAM way back when I was HIP # 703 as a yearling! LUCKY ME!
It is amazing how in life…if one thing takes a turn or twist in a certain direction… how things in your life can completely change. That is why this morning, I just wanted to be sure to say an EXTRA THANK YOU. John has always believed it is important to stay focused and in the moment! He wanted the barn to do just that each day when working with me…to help me reach my goals! EACH of these people worked to make this happen. They are ALL truly a part of TEAM ZENYATTA!
7 DAYS and COUNTING! I’m off to go play with Alys, P.Q, and Sea Gull!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Mary McQuire
Thank you for all this information! When you have a chance could you post a picture of you with all of your friends?
Mary McQuire
Thank you for all this information! When you have a chance could you post a picture of you with all of your horse friends?
Casey Laughter
im thinkin her match made in heaven would be Tale of Ekati and/or Bernadini
Ekati is an AMAZING miler. and Zenyatta has the running style that Secretariat had, which makes races that much more exciting. Put the speed of the miler Tale of Ekati and the strength and distance of Zenyatta and you have a possibly perfect colt/filly. What ya think Z?
Barbara Wood
THANK YOU, LANIE!
I have a dumb question about TVG. I know my cable company doesn’t carry it, but can it be ordered through internet streaming?
I sense this morning’s article about Blame being the top-rated horse is trying to tell us something. I hope not.
Love you, Z. Hang in there with this cold weather. It’s bound to get better sooner or later. Love you always.
Dana
Thank you Zen, for your wonderful updates!
Your fans know that you are the true
winner!
Julie Ann in O.C. CA.
Dear Zenyatta and Dottie, Thank you for acknowledging everyone who has taken such great care of you along the way. I hope you’re staying warm and cozy with all the cold, cold weather in the South! Abrazotes!
Julie Ann
Cathleen
Dear Zeyatta, Speaking of Team Z, did you know that Hootie your Pony horse has his own fan page on Facebook? You should check it out:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hootie-Zenyattas-Pony-Horse/175877012452045
Maybe in one of your posts you could tell us more about Hootie!
Thanks! Cathleen XOXO
Patricia M
Love as always, sweet girl! Good luck, enjoy the snow, and God bless you and all of your family, caregivers, and friends. We love you so much, Zenny-
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
To Barbara Wood. You can sign up for a TVG account if you live in a state that allows the gambling. It’s a worldwide company but still has to be “allowed” by various state or country laws. Also, you have to open an account (I think it’s a $50 minimum) and $4.95/monthly. Can’t just sign up for info. Hope this info helps. GO Z FOR HOY Peace & Love
Betsy Bailey
Hi Zenny, Just wanted to let you know I am on a beautiful Gunboat in the British Virgin Islands….and guess what her name is….Zenyatta,,,,and guess what else…they have a wonderful picture of you on board winning the 2009 Breeder’s Cup. You are so wonderful you rock…and I’ll send you some pictures of the boat and your photo soon!
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Heather MacMullen: Thank you for your gracious tribute to Dottie for acknowledging those workers often unmentioned and often unrecognized, even by their employers.
Team Z has a gift for inclusivity, which extends to fans as well. Think of the access Zenyatta’s fans had to her during her racing career. Now, I learned from one earlier post that fans can visit in July. Remarkable.
Best regards–Robbie
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Team Z: Please don’t tell Zenyatta, but i just read a news item (you’ve probably seen it) that upset my conviction that Zenyatta will win the Horse of the Year Award, formally. Of course, to those who respect and love Zenyatta, she is Horse of the Century.
Best regards–Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Here is the beginning of the article:
Blame is Top U.S. Horse in World Rankings
By Mark Popham
Posted: Tuesday, January 11, 2011 9:16 AM
Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Blame has been judged the best horse to race in North America during 2010 by the compilers of the World Thoroughbred Rankings, unveiled in London, England, on Tuesday, Jan. 11.
Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/60697/blame-is-top-us-horse-in-world-rankings#ixzz1AkK6kXWJ
Jean Moore
Beautiful Zenyatta, How wonderful that you have recognized other members of TeamZ for their contribution to your success, both on and off the track. Love the photo of you using Cheva as a headrest. Underneath your regal exterior I suspect there is a fun loving girly girl. Imagine my delight when I received your thank you card, you are too precious in every way. Thank Dottie and thank you for sharing your life with us. Much Love From Me To You.
suemar
I can not wait for the awards! Everything I have is crossed. Also, Im anxiously waiting for the print of the MONEIGH you painted to arrive. Thank you so much for giving of yourself to raise money for retired horses via CERF. I donated to FLTAP at Fingers Lakes also. Great causes for our beautiful horses. Dont forget, check out Lemon Drop Kid for your baby daddy!
PerkyGreen
Thanks for the info Robbie, someone needs to pop Mark right in the Ham. Blame horse of the year, I think not, deserving, NO WAY. To the people who vote for the Eclipse Awards,I think you need ro really look long and hardto the principals of this award. I am not saying that Blame is not worthy of an award, but come on guys Horse of the year? I don’t think so look at all the tapes of the Breeders Classic Zenyatta would have had him in one more jump,she was closing like a bat out of you know where. Zenyatta has not only been a champion on the courses but off the courses as well. She was cheated out of the award last year when the distungished voters said THE CLASSIC SHOULD NOT BE DETERMINED BY THE WINNER TO BE THE AWARD WINNER. Now they say that the winner of the classic should be named horse of the year, so much for double standards. Zenyatta’s contributions both on and off the courses to horseracing should certainlt be more than sufficient for her to be CROWNED HORSE OF THE YEAR
PerkyGreen
Thanks for the info Robbie, someone needs to pop Mark right in the Ham. Blame horse of the year, I think not, deserving, NO WAY. To the people who vote for the Eclipse Awards,I think you need ro really look long and hardto the principals of this award. I am not saying that Blame is not worthy of an award, but come on guys Horse of the year? I don’t think so look at all the tapes of the Breeders Classic Zenyatta would have had him in one more jump,she was closing like a bat out of you know where. Zenyatta has not only been a champion on the courses but off the courses as well. She was cheated out of the award last year when the distungished voters said THE CLASSIC SHOULD NOT BE DETERMINED BY THE WINNER TO BE THE AWARD WINNER. Now they say that the winner of the classic should be named horse of the year, so much for double standards.
Alene
Hi Zenny, First off. Love you. Team Zenyatta is awesome!!! They deserved you and vice a versa..Zenny, no need to even think about a week from now…You are already a Star!!! You are horse of the year,century, etc… The exciting thing is the much deserved award Team “Z” is getting.. I hope the other trainers have learned a few things from them…Just a few would be nice… Thank you Jerry and Ann!! Thanks Dottie….Lots of Big hugs and Kisses Zenny, Alene
cheryl
Team Z—-BEST in the business!
lizzy
@robbie
I hope this isnt a precursor of things to come. There will be many who will be upset. I guess popularity isn’t factored in and what HOW that contribution benefits the horse racing community as a whole.
Quarterhossgal
Patty…loved the description of your day at the Classic. I have watched it over and over and each time I feel Z will win!
Can’t wait until Monday when Z will win HOY!! If all her fans voted she would win be several furlongs, it wouldn’t be by a short head. Godd luck Team Z.
Robyn Mullhausen
Z, it is very nice of you to recognize all the wonderful people who helped you become the Queen you are. Nice to see some of them and read their names as they were usually in the shadows. It truly does “take a village” to keep a great Thoroughbred happy. Bless them all.
Di
I love that picture with Cheva! Thanks for the updates Zenyatta!
Cathy P
Hi Zenyatta, it’s really nice that you recognize all the people that have helped you, become who you are today (a kind, and wonderful thoroughbred) the QUEEN. We wish YOU and TEAM Z all the luck in the world on the Eclipse Awards this Monday (GO TEAM!!!). Do you and the girls have a flat screen TV in the barn where you are so you can watch the awards? I hope so you’re worth it; and it’s also another one of your very special days, because you are going to win HOY!!!!! We love you Z and lots of hugs, Cathy
Deneen
Z/Dottie, it is so kind of you to mention other Team Z members and how each person played a key role in Zenyatta’s life. How wonderful!! Thanks to everyone for your hard work and dedication — we appreciate you beyond all words!!! Z – sending you good luck wishes for HOY!!! Love and blessings to all!!
patty
Hello Zenyatta, I have been following horse racing for a very long time and I must tell you, you are the greatest horse I have ever seen next to Secretariat. And anyone who does not think you shouldmuch be horse of the year is crazy, especially those who announce the races on TV. I love you and you gave me one of the greatest thrills of my life – thank you so
Stella
Dear Queen,
Horse of the year, century, and ages for you! We’re rooting and praying for you, Z! You’ll always be #1 in our hearts!
Hugs,
Stel
Zeina
Best of luck in everything you do!! Me and all my friends have voted for you and so did my mom and sister!! Remember Zenny that you are loved all around the world and not only in the states!! I’m in Kuwait!
I have an assignment that I decided to do about you and I’m going to mention you as the winning Horse of the Year!! I hope this brings good luck. My mom simply adores you and sends her love.
Thx again to you and all your team for everything!!
Zeina
Cynthia Ann H.
Now, this is what I call a REAL “Dream Team!” What an extra-ordinary group of people! In just five days, your owners will be admiring the two newest tropies for their large collection—one of which will be your HOY!
Shirley Nolan Al-mlaiti
ZENYATTA you have to win this award , your the only in it as far as I am concerned , I will be waiting with my fingers and toes crossed for the win..GOOD LUCK LUCKY LADY…LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU, LOVE YOU
sue
Each and EVERY present moment with you is and has been a godsend, Queen Zenyatta! Your FAMILIES have been so good, supportive, and loving with/to you….