Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Happy Derby Weekend!

Morning at Lane's End. Photo by Tyler Matson

Happy Friday!

Are you excited about the Kentucky Derby? We are, and we want to wish the best of luck to all of the horses and their connections!

Zenyatta and Baby Z have been in the Kentucky news recently. Be sure to check out both of these video segments:

Born To Run—WDRB 41 Louisville and Zenyatta’s First Foal A Handful—wave3.com

We will be returning next week with the second installment of our Lane’s End interview series, this time with assistant broodmare manager Donna Vowles. In the meantime, here’s a short video that was taken in early April by Ann Moss. She really captured Z’s excitement about peppermint treats!

Enjoy your weekend!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

1,099 Comments

  2. / Reply

    OHH, BLESSED YOUR HEART ZENNY FOR SUCH A GREAT MOTHER, ALSO TO YOU PRINCE Z12,YOU BOTH ARE THE GREATEST.

  3. / Reply

    A Birthday Poem for Jerry Moss
    (May 8, 2012)

    Dear Mr. Music Man,
    The M of the A & M label,
    How blessed we all be
    That you with your incomparable Ann
    Were able
    Yearling Z’s
    Potential to see
    And set her on course
    To meet her destiny
    As horse
    Of the century!
    Zenyatta, whose very name
    Does proclaim
    Prominence
    In the music domain,
    Heard the music too
    And danced to it
    For us and for you–
    And, oh, how that did befit
    Her exuberant spirit!
    ’Twas a joyous show
    That did permit
    Us better to know
    The illustrious mare,
    So aware
    Of her own dominance
    That she delighted to engage
    In victory dances
    Before each war she was to wage!
    The others had to take their meager chances
    And live forever in the dimness of her shadow.
    Dear Mr. Moss,
    You spared no training costs
    Though you knew you faced
    A time bound to be
    Lengthy
    Before your Princess Z
    Ever would race.
    And so it was: she grew and grew—
    Did not race at all at two.
    ’Twas November of her third year
    When she began her races,
    And then, boy oh boy, how she did go!
    Nineteen wins in a row
    In her brilliant racing career,
    And along the way, she
    Claimed her place
    As the acknowledged Queen
    Of the racing scene.
    Then came the time
    When Z was transitioning
    To be a mom,
    And you, Mr. Moss, and our dear Dottie
    Created this marvelous balm
    Known as Zenyatta.com
    Which did so much to becalm
    The souls facing future despair
    When the Queen
    Nowhere
    Would be seen.
    When Z left behind the So Cal palms
    And sunny racing tracks
    And went back
    To her Kentucky,
    We were so very lucky
    That you did so much
    To keep us all with her in touch.
    Mr. Moss,
    We’re glad that your path did cross
    With the nameless filly who at Keeneland did wear
    Hip number 703,
    But who in your care
    Would grow up to be
    The world-renowned Z.
    Dear Mr. Moss,
    This world has so many ways
    To separate the gold from the dross.
    With Herb Alpert you rose straight to the top
    And never did stop.
    Now we know you and your Ann
    As Thoroughbred breeders and owners,
    And charitable donors,
    Extraordinaire,
    And especially as Zenyatta’s foremost fans
    Who have so graciously shared
    With us this wonderful mare
    Beyond compare
    Whom we’ll never forget!
    Dear Mr. Moss,
    We’re forever in your debt
    And remain at a loss
    To suitably thank you
    For all that you did
    And continue to do!
    We wish you
    The happiest of birthdays,
    And hope life has many more
    Of the same for you in store!

    Happy birthday, Mr. Moss, and many, many more!

    • / Reply

      Bravo Trina! You have outdone yourself!

      I would like to add my birthday wishes to Mr. Moss and let him and all of you know that I consider him to be an owner of the lofty caliber of the great Charles S. Howard who understood what the people felt for his horse and gave them every opportunity to express those feelings. Thank you Mr. Moss for all you have done for racing and for the fans. You are a true Prince of the Sport of Kings and your lovely Ann is a true Princess of the sport we all love.

      Your humble J

      • / Reply

        Thank you, Jeanie, and thanks always for your work coordinating with Marlene Dodge of Valley View Ranch Horse Rescue to save horses!

    • / Reply

      Happy Birthday Mr. Jerry Moss. I hope you and Ann enjoy your day as you are so very special.

      Dumpling Trina, Thank you for expressing the feelings we all share with such a perfectly wonderful poem for Mr. Moss. This one takes the “Gold” in my book. WOW!!

      Happy Birthday Nancy!! May 8th, enjoy every hour of it.

      dumpling Sally

    • / Reply

      Trina-There is nothing anyone could add to this classic poem. Happy birthday to the music man!

    • / Reply

      Dear Trina:

      You have expressed what many of us would like to say to Mr. Moss on his special day. Thank you for the wonderful poem. Hugs, Marilu

      Happy Birthday Mr. Moss. May you have many more birthdays to come!

  4. / Reply

    A Birthday Poem for Nancy in NJ
    (May 8, 2012)

    Dearest Nancy,
    I didn’t have time
    To prepare anything fancy,
    But I’m
    Sending this little rhyme
    To say
    We Z-sters all wish you–
    Our fellow Dumpling too—
    The very happiest birthday
    And may
    All things go your way
    On this, your special day!

    Happy birthday, Nancy, and many, many more!

    • / Reply

      oh, trina, what a lovely way to begin my day – a birthday poem from you! certainly a surprise, but so appreciated! you do have a gift, dear trina, and i always look forward to reading your work. thank you so much!

      ps – age is a funny thing. officially, i am 65, but i really think i am a case of arrested development and got stuck somewhere around 45-50. regardless, i am liking the freedom that comes with advanced years.

  5. / Reply

    Happy Birthday to Zenyatta’s daddy! Sending many hugs, lots of love and kisses. Thank you, so much for all you have given us. What a blessing you are to share Zenyatta with us.
    Trina, what a lovely poem. I am teary eyed. Thank you.
    I read in the blog where someone mentioned Hansen was injured. Is that so?
    Have a great day all
    Love hugs and kisses

  6. / Reply

    Happy National Teacher Day!
    A salute to all teachers today.
    Thank you for all you do to educate our children.
    For Shari Voltz & all our teachers!

  7. / Reply

    O’Neill may face suspension for total carbon dioxide violation
    Trainer of I’ll Have Another may have violated California standard
    By Jerry Bossert / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
    Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Doug O’Neill could be facing up to a 180-day suspension within the next two months over failed tests by several of his horses for elevated levels of total carbon dioxide, according to the California Horse Racing Board.
    O’Neill, who saddled his first Kentucky Derby winner Saturday with I’ll Have Another, is facing his third total carbon dioxide (TCO2) violation in California and fourth in a career that began in 1988.
    TCO2 tests are done to detect the illegal practice commonly known as “milkshaking.”
    Milkshaking refers to the illegal administration of a mixture including bicarbonate of soda, sugar and electrolytes to a horse in hopes of reducing fatigue and enhancing performance.
    A violation occurs if the levels in the horses blood exceed 37 millimoles per liter.
    While Maryland and New York — where the Preakness and Belmont Stakes will be run — would honor the California suspension, it likely won’t be handed out until after the Triple Crown series is completed. I’ll Have Another arrived at Pimlico Monday in preparation for the May 19 Preakness.
    Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/kentucky-derby-winning-trainer-doug-o-neill-face-suspension-total-carbon-dioxide-violation-article-1.1074154#ixzz1uHL2KXJD

    • / Reply

      Oh Please! I have never heard of this. PLEASE tell me it is not true. What a bubble burster if it is.

      • / Reply

        I have to say this, but being here in CA, I have heard “gossip” about this gentleman for some time in terms of this type of activity. He and a recent (not this year) HOF inductee who just recently branched out significantly from a Northern California base to other parts of the country are ones I’ve heard talk about. Hopefully we won’t see another Dancer’s Image situation here with post-KD blood testing. That would be such a knife to the heart for those of us who love the sport and its great equine athletes. j

        • Agree. Ms. Voltz is indeed a treasure, not only for her students but us as well.

        • The above should have been higher up. However, Jeanie is correct. There have been problems before with Doug O’Neill and Mr. “H”. However, the CHRB has a history of not getting it right, so we will wait and see. This just underscores the need for national standards.

    • / Reply

      Keta, Thank you so much for all you share with all of us. As you all know I am a quiete a novice at all this, and as you can probably tell from my back and forth posts this morning I am pretty upset by this. It really bothers me to stand by someone and a horse and then find out what I thought was a really awesome thing was something possible tawdry.
      The way I understand this, is it like a human stoking up on caffeine and sugar and running your body so hard for a period of time and then crashing. We all know that humans have irrevocable consequinces to behavior like that, I would assume horses would have irrevocable damage as well to their overall health and well being. Poor I’ll have Another” and all those horses if this is true.

      • / Reply

        Darlene,
        This was not the news that any of us wanted to hear.
        It is both sad and shocking.
        It is the type of article that I am reluctant to share.
        But, it was not just a rumor and printed in a major newspaper.
        Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but thought all should know.
        Do not know if this was any part of the Derby–what you read is pre-Derby.
        So, hopefully, the Derby drug tests are clean.
        Keta

      • / Reply

        It is similar to the old problems with blood doping. An athlete has his own blood drawn and stored and then trains. Right before the competition is to take place, the athlete is injected with his own blood giving him a temporary high. Not exactly what MIGHT have happened here, but close. Again, we should wait for all of the facts to come out.

    • / Reply

      Oh, how awful to think these trainers do this to the TB’s. I wonder since he has done this before, he’ll be able to stop this practice. Shame on him.

    • / Reply

      Thank you, Keta, for this important news. We must be vigilant for the good of the horses, especially when there are repeat offences. The horses can’t speak up for themselves.

    • / Reply

      That breaks my heart to think that someone would do that to these beautiful animals. I didn’t really know anything about Mr. O’Neill, but he seemed like such a likeable man on the Derby broadcast. No matter who wins the Derby I always cheer for them to win the Preakness and Belmont because I want to see a Triple Crown winner, but it would be awfully hard to cheer for this guy.

      • / Reply

        Debbie-Rules change and are modified over the years. The only disqualification for post-race testing was in the case of Dancer’s Image. He was found to have bute in his system, Perfectly legal today.

  8. / Reply

    Happy Birthday Jerry Moss and many more. Thank you for all you have given us.

    Happy 2 month old birthday, precious 12Z. My how you have grown and what a charmer you are!

  9. / Reply

    What does this mean for the derby results? Are they saying the horse was tampered with before the race? Then this should make Bode the winner. And why are they letting him run in the Preakness and Belmont? I don’t understand their thinking on this one.

    • / Reply

      Sue,
      I am just flabbergasted, if this is true. I’m speechless and heartbroken, IF it is true.

    • / Reply

      Unless they can prove that I’ll Have Another was tampered with the Derby results would not change.

      However, this reminds me of how I felt in regards to Rick Dutrow and Big Brown.

    • / Reply

      Means nothing for the Derby results. The alleged violations occurred in California, and there is no suggestion in the article or elsewhere that I’ll Have Another had any issues. As for the Preakness and Belmont, if O’Neill is not under suspension at the time they are run, then he can enter his horses. If worse came to worst for IHA’s owners, they could switch barns.

      • / Reply

        Agree. If the post-race testing had indicated any kind of a problem, it would have come out by now. Mr. O’Neill’s problems seem to be just in California. And, that state has been none to make egregious errors in this sort of thing.

  10. / Reply

    And congratulations to Zenyatta, Tapit, Team Z and Lane’s End!!

    Here’s hoping for another healthy pregnancy and safe delivery in 2013!!!

  11. / Reply

    Congratulations to the Moss’s, Ms. Z, Mr. Tapit, LE..
    Here we go again!!!! Z 12, you’re fixin to have a brother or sister.. YEAH….

  12. / Reply

    How super that the announcement of Zenny being “in foal with Tapit” was made on little Prince’s two month birthday!! The “pacing clock” begins again – woo hoo!! Just trying to figure out when the delivery will be. Do we think this was probably 60 days?

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jerry Moss! There is no way to embellish the sentiments in Trina’s poem so I’ll just say “ditto from me!” THANK YOU for everything.

    Happy Teachers day to Shari and all of our teachers (that used to be me, sigh). Even though I dealt with college kids, the “generation gap” was overwhelming, and I just can’t imagine trying to teach younger kids in today’s world.

    • / Reply

      Probably ~40 days. After 40 days the chance of a pregnancy loss is much reduced. Little Prince Z is only 61 days old, so definitely not 60 days.

      • / Reply

        Thanks, Laura. I realized (right after I hit the submit button, of course :-) that 60 days couldn’t be the case, and I think I remember that you said there was some reason to think it was March 31st. I just had 60 in my head after last time.
        Sandy

  14. / Reply

    Adorable Trina your poems from the heart are always Z best of Z best – you have outdone yourself in the last week with them! I’m lovin’ it!!

    • / Reply

      As one who has met Trina, I can vouch for the fact that she is adorable. However, Trina, how much would it take for me to buy back that group picture that you took on Gold Cup day?

  15. / Reply

    Wonderful TV reports and video of Zennie and Baby Z. What a character he is! Thanks for posting.

  16. / Reply

    Where is the announcement about Zenyatta being in foal. When was she bred? I remember reading she was going to be bred to Tapit in April.

  17. / Reply

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mr. Moss, Nancy in NJ. and Z12
    CONGRATULATIONS Zenny, Tapit, Lane’s End and Mr. and Mrs. Moss. I guess we can all start counting again.

    Shari, You’ve already got the answer to Hansen and “rate”. With the time difference between the East and West coast it seems like I’ve already gone to bed before some of you have got home from work. Happy Teacher’s Day

    Trina, Another fabulous poem for a very special man. I wish that I could write one for you but I don’t have a single artistic bone in my body so maybe I can just give you a hug when we meet in November.

  18. / Reply

    CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS
    I JUST MADE MY DONATION TO HELP MARLENE DODGE AT VALLEY VIEW RANCH EQUINE RESCUE IN HONOR OF THE BIRTHDAY OF JERRY MOSS — OWNER OF THE GREATEST FEMALE HORSE OF ALL-TIME — THE GREAT ZENYATTA. I INVITE YOU ALL TO DO THE SAME TO HONOR MR. MOSS. WE ARE NOT EVEN 10 PERCENT OF THE WAY YET TO SAVE THESE INNOCENT HORSES.

    THANK YOU ALL!
    JEANIE

  19. / Reply

    Happy Birthday, Mr. Moss and Nancy in NJ! Hope you have the best ever.
    We honor you, SHARI VOLTZ, today as it’s National Teachers Day. Do hope you get some rest soon as caregiver. It is so hard, especially when working full time.

    As to the violations, trainers will never stop doing illegal things as long as retribution is not swift and sure. That is not fair to the one who do abide by the rules.

  20. / Reply

    @Dearest TRINA–thank you once again for your amazing poems. You are amazing!

    @JEANI—great idea to donate in honor of Jerry Moss. I wish I had known when I made mine.
    To any who think your “little bit” doesn’t add up, it does! I wish all of mine could be a hundred times more.

    @ZENNY–congratulations on being in foal to Tapit. You are such a wonderful mom. I just cannot tear myself away from that video of you and Baby Z!

    • / Reply

      Thank you, Barbara, for your kinds words, and thank you too for all you do for the horses!

        • Judy B. Thank you for the link. What an impressive pedigree. 15 is too young. We have lost some wonderful horses recently. I am still upset about Dynaformer. There was another horse who died from a freak accident in the starting gate at the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on the weekend, 3 year old filly Gray Pearl. Although they look strong and tough, horses are very delicate creatures. RIP Gray Pearl and Aptitude. Always in our hearts like all of our loved ones.

        • Dear Judy,
          Thanks for posting this lovely picture of Aptitude. What a beauty he was. You can really see the “Indy” influence of good bone and musculature. I just hate losing these beauties like Mr D. and him, especially so young. It didn’t say what he died of in the Bloodhorse article, I wonder what happened. Hugs

        • Judy B.,
          Thank you for posting this photo of Aptitude. What a beautifully formed horse! So sad that we have lost another at such a young age.
          RIP Aptitude.

    • / Reply

      Hello Judy again!

      Sorry I missed the “O” in my previous message. I meant Hello Judy!

      Marilu

  22. / Reply

    Hello Everyone ~ Since “Z” stopped writing her blog for us, I haven’t visited this site as often. I stopped by today after receiving an email from the Bloodhorse about Zenyatta being in foal to Tapit and was surprised that there was no news about it posted on this site, except in a few of your posts. I must say, you are a well informed group of Zenyatta fans and I read items here that I see no where else. Thank you for all the news you share.
    Question: Is there someplace on this site where the news about Z being in foal was posted? If not, I’m disappointed that this is no longer the place to find the most recent news about her firsthand. Thank you again to all who share here.
    Well wishes to all,
    Mary Ann

    • / Reply

      It was posted on Team Zenyatta’s Twitter feed, which can be accessed by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page, or near the top of the home page. I’m sure quite a few people on this site have signed up to follow Team Zenyatta and got the news immediately.

      • / Reply

        Thank you Laura. I don’t Twitter{or is it tweet? :-) } so I didn’t think to check the Twitter feed. I’ve done it and it works. Thanks for responding so promptly.

    • / Reply

      Mary Ann,

      I first saw the announcement on Zenyatta’s Face Book page this morning. She has over 106,000 “Likes” there so I think that was a wonderful way to inform her fans first, before the media. Some people only visit her Face Book page. Zenny’s connections are always considerate of her fans. They are the best.

      • / Reply

        Hi Marty ~ Thank you for the info about checking Facebook, which I’ve done. (shaking head with how ‘dense’ I can be at times) I appreciate your prompt reply.

    • / Reply

      MaryAnn, Team Z’s tweets are posted on the right side of the whole blog section (including this page). The most recent news shows up there if you don’t want to check Twitter or Facebook

      • / Reply

        Hi Sandy ~ I’ve checked the tweets. Thank you for letting me know; really appreciate your taking the time to reply. ~ MaryAnn

  23. / Reply

    Love the Little Squealer – and Charles and Matt are kind of cute too!

    But why no pics or report about Mike Smith visiting last week?

  24. / Reply

    To Shari Voltz on National Teachers Day

    Dearest Shari,
    We hope that today
    You’ll feel merry–
    You’ve been elected Queen
    Of the fifth-grade scene
    On this National Teachers Day
    ’Cuz your students have fun
    And get to see horses run
    While they knowledge and skills attain!
    Here’s wishing you a happy reign!

    Love in Dumplinghood,
    Trina

  25. / Reply

    Just love all those little squeels when Baby Z is running……..looks super fast already

  26. / Reply

    Dear Trina Nagele,

    Your heart has got to be as big as the world!! Your tributes to EVERYONE are beyond grand. Thank you for what you do here. Marty R.

    • / Reply

      You’re MOST welcome, Marty! I’m feel so gratified when my poems seem to be a bright spot in someone’s day. As Karen Gogue said, they come from my heart.

  28. / Reply

    Happy Birthday to Nancy in NJ!! (I somehow missed that the first time).

    Trina – you have been super prolific today – 3 more wonderful poems that not only honor the intended person but also teach us so much!
    Sandy

  29. / Reply

    Hey, Zenyatta! Congratulations on the news on the news that you’re confirmed in-foal to Tapit.
    I hope your pregnancy with your Tapit foal goes smoothly.

    I love that video of your Baby Z tearing across the paddock squealing away. He is showing speed already.
    It so reminds me of that video of you released at Christmastime 2010 when you were allowed to run loose at Lane’s End for the first time.

    Clearly, you love playing with him,. You were running around with your tail up and you guys almost collided! LMAO

  30. / Reply

    I must say Happy Birthdays to Nancy and Jerry Moss, hope you both have many more.

    Also happy Teachers Days to our “best on the planet” Shari Voltz. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, ” I wish they had teachers like you when I was in school.” Bless you for all that you do for these lucky kids, they’ll remember your classes forever! Hugs

    So sorry to hear my Indy loss one of his great sons at such an early age. RIP Aptitude.

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