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The Zenyatta statue will be unveiled in Santa Anita’s Paddock Gardens area at noon (PDT), Saturday September 29. Watch the ceremony live here on Zenyatta.com courtesy of HRTV.
LEGENDARY MARE ZENYATTA TO BE HONORED FOR ALL-TIME WITH LIFE-SIZED STATUE IN SANTA ANITA’S PADDOCK GARDENS AREA, UNVEILING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 29
ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2012)—The legendary Zenyatta, winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita and Horse of the Year in 2010, will be honored for all-time by Santa Anita Park as a life-sized statue of the great mare will be unveiled in Santa Anita’s Paddock Gardens area on the first Saturday of Santa Anita’s upcoming Autumn Meet, on Sept. 29.
Additionally, the inaugural Grade I, $250,000 Zenyatta Stakes (formerly the Lady’s Secret), a race won by Zenyatta over three consecutive years from 2008 through 2010, will be run on Sept. 29.
Zenyatta, who at the age of eight is currently enjoying her role as a broodmare at Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky, will be joining two of the greatest horses of all-time, John Henry and Seabiscuit, as her statuary likeness will now join these legends of the American Turf adjacent to the track’s grandstand.
Named after The Police’s blockbuster album “Zenyatta Mondatta,” Zenyatta is owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Moss and his wife, Ann.
“Like the song written by Sting and performed by The Police, everything Zenyatta did here will always be magic for the entire Thoroughbred industry,” said Santa Anita President George Haines. “Her win against the boys in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic is considered by many to be the greatest moment in Santa Anita history.”
The incomparable Zenyatta retired with a remarkable 19 wins from 20 career starts and $7,304,580 in earnings. Although she was defeated by a head in her final start, the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic, her stature as one of the sport’s all-time greats remained undiminished as she was voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year for 2010.
“The breadth of her accomplishments at Santa Anita alone is astonishing,” said Haines. “She won a total of seven races here, all stakes and six of them were in Grade I competition. Her story will forever resonate with our fans and we know we’ll have many thousands of people coming here over the years to admire her statue, which will be situated on south side of the Kingsbury Fountain, directly across from John Henry.”
Trained by John Shirreffs and ridden in her final 17 starts by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, Zenyatta made her third career start on Jan. 13, 2008, winning Santa Anita’s Grade II El Encino Stakes by 1 ¾ lengths under David Flores.
As was the case in her 2009 Classic victory, all nineteen of Zenyatta’s wins came in last-to-first fashion.
After winning the El Encino, Zenyatta’s subsequent Grade I wins at The Great Race Place came in the 2008 & ’09 Lady’s Secret Stakes, the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic, the 2009 Classic and the 2010 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap.
“We’d again like to thank the Mosses for running Zenyatta here and we look forward to welcoming them back as we again honor ‘the big mare’ on Sept. 29,” said Haines.
Sculpted by Nina Kaiser, who also created the statue of John Henry, Zenyatta’s likeness stands at her height of 17.2 hands, and weighs 1,200 pounds, which is approximately what Zenyatta weighed throughout her racing career. Commissioned by Santa Anita, the world-renowned Kaiser worked on the project for more than two years.
Santa Anita’s 2012 Autumn Meet gets underway on Friday, Sept. 28. For more information or to make dining and seating reservations, fans are encouraged to visit www.santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
HERE IS THE VIDEO FROM THE UNVEILING, FOR THOSE WHO DID NOT SEE IT LIVE
http://www.hrtv.com/zenyatta-statue-unveiling/
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Sorry slide show !!
Darlene Daniels
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Moss, Zenyatta.com, HRTV, and everyone involved in the live stream of this auspicious occasion of Zenyatt’s unveiling. It was incredible and such a blessing to get to see it Ilive. Thank you a million times.
Zenyatta, your statue is unbelievable!!! Absolutely gorgeous, just like you. All, my love to you. I cant wait to see your statue when I get to Santa Anita.
It was also so much fun to see some of the dumplings there.
Congratulations to Royal Delta and Mike Smithe. Awesome race!
Love to all and have a great weekend.
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Bloodhorse; Snow Fairy out for the remainder of 2012 !!!
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73135/snow-fairy-out-for-remainder-of-season
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Dear Nina Kaiser, The Mosses, Santa Anita and Team Z.
Thanks so much for commissioning the development/final unveiling of the Zenyatta statue. Nina she even looks more alive that the matel size bronze you have done.
Her head is gorgeous, with her neck more downward, mane flowing and a more
flexing movement of her leg.
Superbly done, Nina. Thanks to everyone else, especially the Mosses who have
who have been soooo generous to allow her fans to be in her and 12 Z’s life.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Zenyatta and Wonderful Z-sters,
I have been watching the unveiling with tears in my eyes. What an amazing tribute to you, our Queen, Zenyatta!! Nina, you need not be concerned if your work meets our approval, the love you feel for Zenyatta and that you share with all of us is reflected in the sheer beauty of your work. Anything that comes from a place of such love will touch the souls of all who pause to look upon it and remember the one and only Zenyatta. You give us such joy, Zenny. You will live in our hearts forever! Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of wonderful Team Z!!! It was so special to see you all together. The gift you have given us over the past several years is priceless. I feel as always so honored to share these remarkable moments in Zenyatta’s life with not only Team Z, but with my dear, dear Dumpling, Z-sters. How I love you all, especially you my beloved Zenny. Hugs and kisses,
Dawn
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Dawn, Why do I tear up so like you do? I loved your words Dawn, dumpling-Z-ster!!
hugs, Sally B
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Amen, Dawn, to all you said. I had tears in my eyes too as the veil was dropped and I gazed in awe at Zenny’s gorgeous head and the loving expression Nina had captured. I had moved well to the right side in the crowd and got a beautiful frontal view of Zenny and was amazed to see her signature white blaze. We were told the white blaze and white socks will continue to lighten as the bronze ages. It was a great thrill to be on hand for the unveiling and to meet the marvelous and ever gracious Nina Kaiser. High hoof, Nina!
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
Dawn: I teared up as well and especially as Ann touched and kissed Zenny’s face. It was such a powerful gesture that I started to cry (and sputter!) like a geyser!!!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
I am in good company then my friends. We are all just a bunch of softies and isn’t that wonderful!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Sarava being retired to Old Friends.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73137/belmont-winner-sarava-retired-to-old-friends
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Thanks Barbara for this info. We got a classy one coming to Old Friends and a Belmont winner, wow.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Just U N B E L I E V E A B L E!!! I watched the HRTV for just about an hour. Z is absolutely stunning as she is in real life . I tried taking pictures with my camera at the monitor just to remember this beautiful unveiling of the greatest race horse mare in history; my horse of my lifetime. I wonder if they will turn out. Of course there were so many people I could never get a full complete picture of the entire statue with base. Too many heads! That does it, I WILL get to Santa Anita, preferrably with my BF, but I will find a way!! Can not wait to hear from those that were actually present for this.
Thankyou Again I sure love them ; Ann, Jerry, Dottie and John; such wonderful kindness they display. I miss them as of course I do Zenyatta!!
Sending my love & kisses to Z and to her 12z too! Auntie Sally
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Mike,
Just wanted to let you know how very much I missed seeing you at the unveiling today, but CONGRATULATIONS on an amazing victory with Royal Delta!!!!! Yippee!! Dawn
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dawn, we’ve mised you. You lucky girl. Will you go back fro the BC?
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Hi, Barbara! I have missed you all too! Things have been rather hectic lately. I had been feeling under the weather some myself and work has been really busy. In addition, my mother took a fall several weeks ago in her kitchen and hit her head on the stove. She had one big goose egg on her forehead and was bruised from one end to the other, so I have been taking her to several doctors appointments just to be sure what may have happened. She is doing very well now, thank God. I couldn’t believe that dear Shari’s mother also took a fall. It is always so scary to have a loved one hurt. Unfortunately, I did not get to California for the actual unveiling, I just watched it on this site as you did. I will be at the Breeder’s Cup and can’t wait to see Zenyatta’s statue in person. I am getting so excited!!! I hope everything is wonderful with you and your husband. Hugs, Dawn
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Dearest Dawn, best wishes for restored good health for both you and your mom. I will be looking forward to meeting you and all the other Dumplings who will be visiting here in SoCal for the BC.
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
BARBARA! Missed you! I should really check here more regularly — I keep missing all my Dumplings!!!
HeidiK (Vallejo, Ca) aka DinkyDiva
It looks like it was pretty crowded during the unveiling. The statue is amazing!!! I don’t know how you can do any better than what Ms. Kaiser did. I would love to see some pics from the front actually, every angle. LOL
I think I saw JAG… Blond hair and was that Trina in the teal summer dress with the pink around her waist with the teal umbrella? What the Dumplings should do, is take a group pic with the Statue and share with us, so we can put a face with the name. That would be too cool!
Team Z….. All I can say is Thank You, Thank You, Thank You soooooooo very much for providing us with the live feed!
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Hi, Heidi! You have good eyes–that was indeed Judy with the blond hair, and me in the teal sundress with the hot pink sash. Casey Phillips took pictures of gathered Dumplings before the unveiling, and Karen Gogue got a good bit of video throughout the day. I hope they will post links.
sue and tony
We are speechless after seeing the unveiling of Zenny’s statue. It is magnificient as is our Queen. Nina captured the essence of Zenyatta perfectly…we feel any moment the statue will spring to life and begin running around the track. Thanks to everything who made this tribute possible.
Arlene
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Moss, Zenyatta.com, HRTV, and everyone involved in the live stream of the unveiling of Zenyatta’s statue. It was great to be able to see this historical event LIVE!!! even though could’nt be in Santa Anita. It’s beautiful.
LOL, Arlene from Vermont
sheena.davies(wales)
dear sign thanks soooooo much for the slide show the statue is so beautiful nina should be really proud of herself she’s captured everything we love about Z am sure all the Z dumplings had a great time and the weather was gorgeous!!much love sheenaX
Kathy R.
Sign: agree with Sheena – thanks so much for the slide show – the statue is absolutely amazing!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Dear Sheena and Kathy,
So glad you enjoyed the photos,
She does have white socks, dapples,
And blaze.
Two both of you Nina did a desktop bronze
Of her as a “pilot” for the life size. It is still available
A little pricy but a must have for any Zenny fan.
Carol from Connecticut
Great idea about the group photo of the Dumplings, Heidi. I am so happy that those of us who were unable to be there for the unveiling were able to see it on Zenyatta.com. A huge thank you to one and all who made that possible.
I wonder how many people at Santa Anita will be going home tonight with a photo of themselves next to this absolutely beautiful statue?
(Dawn and Sally B., seeing the statue brought tears to my eyes, too, just like watching Zenyatta on the race track did.)
Arlene
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Moss, Zenyatta.com, HRTV, and everyone involved in the live stream of the unveiling of Zenyatta’s statue. It was great to be able to see this historical event LIVE!!! even though could’nt be in Santa Anita. It’s beautiful. THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
LOL, Arlene from Vermont
Max
That was a wonderful event and so much fun to watch. The statue of Zenyatta is almost as breathtakingly beautiful as the Queen is herself. It is nice that it has pride of place for all to see when they are at Santa Anita so that they can remember and celebrate a truly inspirational champion. Thank you to the Mosses and Team Z for letting her many fans continue to share in the highlights of her life. Live long and prosper, Sweet Zenyatta. You are always in our thoughts. There is no other horse like the Queen.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Already in news just posted: http://www.montereyherald.com/state/ci_21661779/zenyatta-honored-bronze-statue-at-santa-anita
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
And another, with a picture: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/more/09/29/zenyatta-santa-anita-statue.ap/index.html
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
I didn’t know that Nina included the white blaze on Zenyatta’s head! We haven’t seen any pictures of that yet. I had told Nina that for me, that was the one thing missing from her small statue, along with her white socks. But it’s not Nina’s style, and I didn’t think she would add the blaze. Aah, I wanna see it!
Keta
Must see! Photos of Zenyatta Statue Unveiling!!
Americas Best Racing
If you couldn’t make unveiling of Zenyatta statue, we’ve got you covered with
photo blog honoring Zenyatta
http://www.followhorseracing.com/en/the-latest/news-stories/2012/9/29/zenyatta-honored-with-statue-at-santa-anita/
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks Keta – great shots!
Sandy
Louise Castello
Thank you Keta, awesome photos! I missed it live!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Point of Entry wins, around the far turn pushed
Point of entry to the middle of the course and
Pulled away. Treasure beach made a great move
And pulled away from Little Mike. POE still the best!!!
Little Mike eased up,
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
POE had difficulty with yielding turf, had to pull wide
With the slow pace, came off the bridle for a while,
Relaxed and was able to pull away.
Hope he comes out of the race well. Maybe he can beat the
Euros !!!!
Max
He just did. POE also denied a grade 1 win to Aidan O’Brien in his quest to take away Bobby Frankel’s world record. Congrats POE. You did super.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Tresure Beach pulled away and pushed POE into
The middle of the course.
Not an easy one for POE !!!
HeidiK (Vallejo, Ca) aka DinkyDiva
I see that she has her hind socks and her blaze. Wonder if the polka-dots are on her front left? I don’t see any dappling though. Maybe we need MORE pics. LOL
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
She has her dapples, Nina talks about
How difficult they were to replicate !!!
sheena.davies(wales)
dear max the statue is absolutely stunning i love ann moss kissing Z’s nose you were all so fortunate to see the unveiling .thanks for putting the article about frankel on a previous post it was wonderful to see him and how he loves all the attention!! it’s sad to see sir henry still looking and sounding ill please include him in your prayers hugs sheena
Kathy R.
Sheena: hugs and prayers to both Frankel and Sir Henry!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Sir Henry is in our prayers.
Max
Sheena. Frankel is amazing. He reminds me of Nijinsky. I hope that the treatment goes well for Cecil. Interesting that they (Cecil and Grimthorpe) are now saying that the final decision to retire Frankel rests with Prince Abdullah. This is a less categorical comment than before about his retirement. I wonder?
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Prayers for Sir Henry.
Abigail from Montreal, Canada
I will, Sheena. Such a great, great trainer — and what a gift after all his other greats, a thoroughbred like Frankel who may well be the BEST EVER!
Sue Fredrick Co-P WI Chapt.
Yippee, Point of Entry just won his turf race at Belmont!!!!! We now have a BC Turf horse to compete with the Brits. Big D must be so proud of his boy.
Max
Thunders of joy roll in horsey heaven today. He did it for Big D.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Well, the live feed finally stopped. i was still listening to everything going on at the track, races in the background, it was nice. I think I could have that on, any time.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Post parade on now for Jockey Club Gold !!!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Fort Larned the favorite with Ron the Greek
Second.
Safe trips to all.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Mike is on Atigun !!!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Stay Thirsty on the lead, fort Larned 4th, Ron the Greek
Last !!!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Stay Thirsty lost to a flared nostril !!!
Flat out waters him out.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Flat out Wins Jockey Club Gold
Kathy R.
Carol: Hopefully I’ve been able to copy a piece from the Herald Sun (Melbourne) on the internationals arrival yesterday (Saturday):
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superracing/dunaden-americain-and-international-horses-arrive-in-australia-ahead-of-melbourne-cup/story-fn67siys-1226484019486.
Fingers crossed!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Love this link Kathy !!!
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Mikey came in 4th on Atigun
Great ride by Joel Rosario on Flat Out.
Stay Thirsty loves Belmont !!!!