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Zenyatta halter raises over $6,400 for Bluegrass Red Cross

From left to right: Dr. Spike-Pierce, Zenyatta, Ann Moss, Wynn Stephens, Jerry Moss. Photo by Kyle Acebo

Our recent trip to Lane’s End was filled with lots of excitement, including the pleasure of being able to help present a donation to the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross. The donation came from the sale of one of Zenyatta’s halters by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. If you would like to join Zenyatta and Rood & Riddle by making a donation to the Red Cross’s disaster relief fund, click here.

Here is the story from Rood & Riddle:

April 2, 2012, Lexington, Kentucky –A recent eBay auction of a halter worn by 2010 Horse of the Year and legendary race mare Zenyatta brought a final bid of $6,712.50 in a fundraising effort for the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross. Zenyatta, along with owners Jerry and Ann Moss, and Rood & Riddle veterinarian Dr. Debbie Spike-Pierce, presented the check from the sale of her halter to the Red Cross at Lane’s End Farm on Monday.

“It’s a great tribute to her, and to racing fans to come up with this size of a check,” said Jerry Moss.

After fees, the Rood & Riddle Foundation was able to donate $6,478.84. Jerry and Ann Moss also made a generous personal contribution to the disaster relief fund.

“She’s always been so generous with all the people, dancing for them, and showing up for them … it’s nice that she can still contribute. As you can see, she really enjoys it,” agreed Ann Moss.

Z was thrilled by the size of the check. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Zenyatta was famous in her days on the racetrack for her 17 consecutive victories in graded stakes events, including 13 grade one races, which inspired a legion of devoted fans the world over. Since her retirement in 2010, the mare has resided at Lane’s End Farm outside Lexington, where she gave birth to her first foal, a colt by Bernardini, on March 8.

Dr. Spike-Pierce purchased Zenyatta’s halter in 2011 at a fundraising event on behalf of the Foundation, which chose to put it up for auction for the Red Cross after a line of severe storms and tornadoes tore through Kentucky in early March, destroying homes and farms, killing 21 residents.

“I guess you could be surprised [about the price it brought], but with it being Zenyatta and the absolute superstar she was on the racetrack, I wasn’t,” said Spike-Pierce. “We’re so excited to be able to give the money to areas that were so devastatingly hit. We’re excited we could be part of all this … and that Zenyatta could be too.”

Red Cross director of development Winn Stephens says the organization is thrilled to accept the donation, particularly given its unique origins.

“It’s been really amazing for us, because we’re providing services to Kentuckians, and this fundraiser is an only-in-Kentucky kind of thing,” said Stephens.

The money will go to the Red Cross’s disaster relief fund, which is used after natural disasters for both immediate needs like getting supplies to first-responders and individuals, and long-term needs such as financial aid to victims, cleaning materials and other supplies.

Reader Interactions

701 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Thanks for sharing this information and the great video! I’m sure Zenyatta thinks that Jerry and Ann Moss are the best parents in the whole world!

  3. / Reply

    @Sue Noel–weeping tears of sadness here for Casey and tears of joy for YOU and Barnaby! Going right to Marlene’s site now to find him. God bless you. There are no coincidences! The timing is perfect.

  4. / Reply

    First, this is my favorite video of Zenny and Ann and Jerry. All three of them doing something so wonderful, and Dr. Debbie as well. Zenyatta looks so happy and so does her boy. I love it when she goes to nibble on the “check.” Zenny has been the gift that keeps on giving for the welfare of all those around her. There has never been a horse that has had so much donated in her name. Ann and Jerry are simply incredibly kind and generous human beings. I am so grateful that Zenyatta had these people for her family and not others who would have not done nearly as much, or maybe nothing at all, for their fellow human beings and retired horses. Jerry and Ann, you may never read this, but when I donate to Old Friends/Michale Blowen, it is because of you. They never would have been on my radar until I learned you supported this wonderful retirement home. I knew nothing about them until I read that they were one of your charities.

  6. / Reply

    Yes 19 consecutive victories….of which 17 were consecutive GRADE I victories (the highest level of Stakes Competition).

    Wonderful story, wonderful photos, wonderful video. Love seeing baby Z in action.

    • / Reply

      Agree. The reigning horse of the year, regardless of sex, should always have the highest weight assignment until she or he starts losing. Then the racing secretaries will adjust accordingly. Instead of having the racing secretary justify the weight assigned to a horse, let the horse’s connections say why their charge should not be weighted the way it was. This is what a handicap is supposed to do. In theory, it should be a five or six horse dead heat due to the weights. Enough of the complaining.

      • / Reply

        Your comment is true; but the company in that race have more than demonstrated
        a very high caliber of racing ability and go give the KY Oaks winner 6 lbs; and Its Tricky 5 lbs is not equal to the quality of the other horses racing.

        She should go elsewhere where her talent will be aknowledged.

        The days of Seabiscuit carrrying 130 lbs is over.

        • Your comments are correct. However, if a trainer is ducking horses just because of the weight assignments then he should never enter his horse in a handicap. There are plenty weight for age races out there.

        • Don’t forget that our Zenny carried high weight in some of her races …. so I don’t think ‘those days’ are over.

        • Karen, thanks for that link to a great article, and funny. It made me think of spats on a playground, where one kid says, “I’m taking my marbles and going home!”

        • Great link Karen G; it does say everything, but

          Plum Pretty the KY Oaks winner 117
          HDG 123

          That looks like a fix, by BB.

          Zenny carried 127 maybe even 130, but she is huge and proably could
          have carried even more with her huge frame and stature; Blind Luck did not do well with heavy weights either.

          Horse racing is a bunch of _____ in all respects sometimes; no one cares about the horse and his or her talent; just boozing it up, partying and getting that adrenalin to flow.

    • / Reply

      Karen-The author of the article must have been channeling my thoughts when he wrote it. Now, if the trainer or owner wants to say that their horse cannot carry weight then restrict their charges to the type of races that do not require them to. Then, no more complaining about the assignments. Dr. Fager, one of, if not the, best horses of all time and certainly one of the fastest, carried some pretty hefty weight in his time. In the old days, races like the Santa Anita Handicap were weighted prior to the meet even starting. Then, as the race got closer, the owners and trainers evaluated the field and decided whether to run. Maybe the weights should be assigned in that manner now. Gee, I wonder how Zenyatta would have done carrying 123 all the time. Would she have won more races and accumulated more earnings?

  9. / Reply

    Thanks for sharing the wonderful story. Zenny likes to be encluded in all that is happening because she is so fun loving. Love seeing new pictures of Zenyatta and would like to see recent pictures of her with baby Z. He is such a beauty and hope is much like his Mommy. Thanks for keeping us informed as it is really appreciated. Good work Z-TEAM. Love and kisses to Zenyatta and Baby Z. We miss our Queen!

  10. / Reply

    @max-A horse joke first, then some rednecks. This is a golden oldie, as are the redneck jokes. A horse visited a baseball stadium, trots over to the manager and asks for a tryout. The manager, stunned by a talking horse, figured he’s give the horse a chance. The horse took batting practice and slammed several balls out of the stadium. Next came fielding practice. The horse stopped everything at short stop, and flung the ball accurately to first base every time. Impressed, the manager then said “great. Now let’s see you run.” The horse then said “Are you kidding me? If I could run, I’d be at Churchill Downs.” Now some rednecks. You might be a redneck if you’ve ever let your dog babysit for you. You might be a redneck if you’ve ever shaken hands with the Tidy Bowl man. You might be a redneck if most of your teeth are on a chain around your neck. You might be a redneck if you go to a wedding and ask someone to pull your finger. You might be a redneck if you’ve ever had a catfish come out of your bath water. You might be a redneck if you use coffee filters when you run out of toilet tissue.

  12. / Reply

    @Barbara Wood–Thanks so much for the sweet post! Isn’t he cute?? I think he looks like he’s saying “here I am Mom,come and get me!!!

    Wish all could have seen Casey–he was such a character–really had a lot of spirit and personality–a real “people” horse!! I used to tell him all the time that he was the best boy in the world and how much we all loved him and he really seemed to understand that he was special!! It was hard not to come out of the barn down there, on Saturday morning, and call “Casey” in my loud voice and then wait for his answering whinny–he never failed to answer my call–he knew I always came attached to treats!! I introduced him to pears and watermelon,both of which he just loved!! I always told him when giving him pears that “the great Zenyatta” loves these too!!

  13. / Reply

    Dear Mr. & Mrs. Moss:

    Thanks for sharing this information and video with us. It made my day. I did not expect to read anything new but when I saw the picture I was so happy. She is too cute biting on the check and the video with baby Z is just wonderful to watch.

    More great things to come from her and the Moss’!

    Thanks again, Marilu

  14. / Reply

    A big high hoof to the Moss’ and Zenyatta!! The Moss’ are very generous and Zenyatta really seems to enjoy helping the various charities she supports. Seeing the video of Zenyatta and Z12 is just too cute! Thanks, Team Z, for continuing to share Zenyatta with the world. She truly is a treasure.
    Love to all,
    Leslie

  16. / Reply

    Zenyatta and Jerry and Ann Moss, how great it is that Zenyatta keeps on giving, thats one of the things that makes her so special. The video with 12z is precious, he is just TOO CUTE.
    @Sue – so sorry about Casey, but timing is everything and Barnaby will be very special to you expecially at this time. Congratulations and good luck.
    @Keta – the horse video was fantastic. how special these creatures are.
    Zenny, special hugs and kisses to you and 12z, enjoy your special times together. XOXOXO

  17. / Reply

    Z looks so comfortable with all of the people around. 12Z is getting old enough now that she’s not watching him every second. Hard to believe that he’ll be 5 weeks old this Thursday. It looks like both the mares and colts are gettng along nicely. Good company for the little ones. Makes me happy1

  18. / Reply

    ONE SMART HORSE . It was so good to see Zen and her Boy . They look great. Thanks for sharing with us Team Z

  19. / Reply

    What a great tribute to the ability of Zenyatta to have loving, supportive fans in her life off the track, and thank to the Mosses for their charitable work.

  20. / Reply

    The Mosses are just that way!!!!! Terrific!!!!! Of Course, Zenyatta you are outstanding !!!! Thanks, everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!

  22. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta you have one special family. Mr. and Mrs. Moss are both so giving. Sharing You with all of the world. That was a really beautiful story and video. Zenyatta it looks to me as if you know exactly what is going on. I love you sweet girl. Kiss Kiss for you and Baby Z. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO

  23. / Reply

    Oh! My beautiful Zenyatta you are greatest, I know that for the rest of your live you going to keep helping and giving pleasure to every one, because you are one a million. Love you so much miss you so much. Ingrid.

  24. / Reply

    Zenny, you still love the camera, sweet girl! I am beyond thrilled that you continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Your team is superior in every way and constantly raises the bar for others.
    By the way, YOU look awesome as does little prince in the video.

  26. / Reply

    Oh, Zenny, you and your owners are too cute in these photos. And the video that accompanies the article is wonderful. Everyone looks so darn happy…but that’s what happens when you are doing good deeds for others. All of you continue to rock the world!

  27. / Reply

    I love this video! Zenyatta was showing off, as usual, and little Z12 is just so darn cute. I can’t believe how much he’s grown! The Mosses never cease to amaze me with their generosity. Thank you, Team Z!

  28. / Reply

    God Bless the Mosses for their gving and kind hearts.IIt is amazing how Zenyatta continues to inspire and do good works for all.

    Any new pictures/videos of Zenyatta and son coming soon? Also, any pictures forthcoming of Tasty Tempation and her foal??

  29. / Reply

    Wonderful story. Love the video and especially being able to see Zenyatta and her colt. He is beautiful. Thank you so much.

  30. / Reply

    Another wonderful example of the kindness and generosity of the Mosses!!! What a wonderful thing for them to share Zenny’s halter to benefit those who faced the tornado’s destruction. I am grateful for the wonderful video giving us a glimpse of our beautiful Queen and the precious Prince – I think I will be watching this over and over!! Thank you all so very much for sharing your wondermare with the rest of us. Zenyatta fills my heart with such joy and happiness.

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