VERSAILLES, KY — (April 13, 2016) It is with heavy hearts that Team Zenyatta and Lane’s End Farm must announce the passing of Zenyatta’s 2016 foal by War Front. His death occurred at approximately 9:00 am this morning due to complications of meconium aspiration syndrome. We express our deep gratitude to Dr. Peter Morresey and the professionals at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital who worked tirelessly to support the mare and foal. Zenyatta is in good health and back home at Lane’s End Farm.
Update — 5:30 pm
Zenyatta has returned to the field that is her original home at Lane’s End. She has been paired with the mare Vixana, who is also owned by Jerry and Ann Moss. Zenyatta and Vixana are the same age, and they trained together under John Shirreffs at Barn 55. The two are becoming reacquainted and have already shared a drink at the water bowl.
Linda Dunn
I have just cried my way through all these pages of heartfelt condolences, beautiful poems, inspiring quotes, and realized that I recognized names from when we were following Zenyatta’s amazing racing career as we fell in love with her not only for her tremendous talent but even more for her great heart and gentle spirit. The only words I can add are my gratitude that Zenyatta has Ann and Jerry Moss who have always loved her and appreciated the great gift they were given. May God grant us all peace and comfort.
Patricia
Dear Ann and Jerry,
So sorry for your loss. Thank you for posting Z’s pic. I know it helps everyone to
see her.
Patricia Sebastian
Gail Clark
What devastating news. I keep a scrapbook on Zenyatta . This will be a very sad addition. Losing the little Princess and now a Prince. My heart goes out to everyone connected to this special mare and her caring family. Especially, the Mosses.
Christine
U are right Sandy. I too, have no one who understands my love of horses & the deep connection I have always felt for Zenyatta. I feel so lucky to be connected to such wonderful, loving people & will always consider u family.
NancyStamp
I am touched and comforted by all those “out there” who say what I am feeling. I do have a niece who will listen, but it is out of kindness mostly. No one else to share my grief and joy and we have experienced both here in Zenny Land. I do pray that happy times are coming. We all hear of sad news for many other horses, but Zenyatta seemed to be lucky until Z Princess died and now this. I pray her luck will change and we can all be happy again. I hope her boys can have some great days to celebrate soon. Thank you all for sharing so many kind thoughts and lovely poems but they bring lots of tears.
Peggy1
It’s always so sad when a baby dies. I raised horses for a long, long time and sometime, no matter what you do, some are lost. It’s painful for everyone, partly because this tiny foal has been anticipated for so long, dreamed about, wished for and secretly planning for the future just a little bit, too! I’m sorry, Ann and Jerry. Like so much in life, a person has good with the bad, and you are blessed by Zenyatta’s presence in your lives. She’ll raise many more and they will be just fine, I’m sure.
sheena.davies(wales)
RIPApollitical Chic broke down and fell at Los Alamitos.
RIPShellbell spinal fracture At Los Alamitos.Both quarter horses
RIPCuantos broke down at Aqueduct.
Judy B from Rhode Island
RIP beautiful innocents. Love and Hugs, JB
Roberta Gonzalez
I am so sorry for everyone who loves and cares for Zenyatta, I know that you love her so much, and have waited so long for this foal. especially after what happened to our little princess. Now our little princess has her brother, the prince to keep her company. I’m worried about Zenyatta, and how she is doing. We know how Zenyatta likes being a mother, even to mothering other foals that come up to her in the pasture. I wonder what they are doing to help her deal with this? Can anyone that knows more about horses then I do, maybe tell us about what is usually done when a mare looses a foal like this? Goodbye little one!
z13rulz
One way farms allow a mare to come to terms with the loss of her foal is they will allow the mare time with the body, to sniff and examine the dead foal until her instincts kick in and she accepts the loss. We don’t know if this was done at Rood and Riddle but from the picture with Ann and Vixana we can see that Zenyatta is grazing peacefully, not walking the fence or looking sweated up/anxious so it is a safe conclusion that she has accepted the foal’s loss and will move on.
From the update it sounds like they have moved her back to the part of the farm with the other ‘open’ mares for 2016. She’s been pastured with Vixana, another Moss owned mare who does not have a foal.
This way she’ll be away from the mares/foals, much like she was last year when she was left open for 2015.
Mary Margaret in Central Georgia
Thanks z13rulz for you explanation and conclusion. We can only speculate when are miles away from our precious Zenyatta.
Linda in NJ
Thanks so much for the insight. I was wondering the same thing. How would Zenny cope with all this.
Lucy M (Barrie, Ontario, Canada)
When I look at that beautiful face, tears run down my face. So very sorry for your loss.
Mary
How is Zenyatta doing?
Ann and Jerry,
My heart aches for you and all of us who love Zenyatta.
Kathryn Dube
I, too, am so sad at this unexpected passing. I am wondering, though, if the lateness of the foaling had anything to do with the outcome, or if it is just a fluke that sometimes occurs. So glad to see Queen. Z. back at the farm with her buddy, and Ann. What do the humans do to ease the pain of the loss for the horse?
vicki
So heartbreaking to see Ann with Zenyatta. At least Zenny has her Mama Ann. I felt for the lovely young lady on TVG that had to talk about it and choked up.
Allie
I send my condolences to Ann and Jerry Moss, Team Z and everyone at Lanes End Farm. What should have been a happy joyful time welcoming a new little life has turned to tears and sorrow over the loss of that beautiful foal. People say they don’t know if animals have feelings I have been around enough to say they do so I hope Zenyatta’s empty heart is full once again by all the incredible people who love her and may her paddock mate comfort her too. God Bless.
Janit
I am so sad for Zenyatta and her family. Sending lots of love your way.
Donna Olinger
Zenyatta,
So saddened to hear the news about your colt passing away. You got to enjoy him for a brief time, and I am sure you showed him nothing but unconditional love the few days you had him at your side nursing and snuggling….. He is in Heaven running with his sister “Princess Z”…may you find comfort in knowing they are together.
RIP …Little One.
Shari Voltz
dear zenyatta im so sorry for the lost of the new horse I hope you do good next time if you have a baby girl and im from mrs volts class and im so sorry im Charles zenyatta 1 fan I have a lot of pichers of you and I got two shirt to represent you love Charles
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear Charles:
What a lovely post. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Charles,
Thank you for writing at this sad time. It is good to know that you are a Zenyatta #1 fan.
I hope that next time is good for her, also. It’s great that you have pictures of Z, and I know you look nice in your shirts.
Your teacher, Mrs. Voltz, is a favorite of Zenyatta’s, and I am sure she is very proud of you.
Best wishes to you, and we will look forward to happier days.
Hugs and Love
Ann NC
♥♥♥
Rosemary McCauley
Dear Charles. You are very kind to write a note about how much you admire Zenyatta and offering sympathy for their loss. All of Zenyatta’s fans feel the same as you do. I am sure Zenyatta’s owners appreciate your message.
Bluegrass Girl
This beautiful blog is a loving lament & a comforting read! BGG
Elegy for a Newborn Colt
Julie June Stewart America’s Best Racing April 13 2016
http://www.americasbestracing.net/en/the-latest/blogs/2016/4/13/elegy-for-a-newborn-colt/
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Blue.I read this earlier .A truly touching tribute Hugs Sheena
Judy B from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
I too read this article yesterday. Beautifully done. Thank you for posting it here. Love and Hugs, JB
Sally Blank
Thank you for the link to this beautiful read Bluegrass Girl. I think it will take a long time before my heart will heal such as with Z princess. But Z’s new born colt, less than 3 days old……….devastating. hugs, Sally B
Marsha & Joe Roliardi
Today my eyes are so puffy from crying for Zenny, The Mosses, everyone involved with Team Z and most of all for that beautiful baby boy who was a spitting image of his momma. THOSE EARS just killed me. What hopes we had for him. Can’t believe that we are mourning the loss of another Zenyatta Baby. We pray that she will get another shot at being a mom again. She is so good at it. We have followed Zenyatta from age 2 and it feels like the loss of a family member. We are so thankful for this website, all of the beautiful pictures, and keeping us all informed of everything either good or bad.
I know how a lot of the Zenyatta followers feel when you can start to cry about a horse, her connections and family. People don’t understand that haven’t watched her dance before a race and come from last to first with ease. We still feel that she misjudged the finish line against Blame. She still won in our hearts. it’s okay Zenyatta Nation, if we want to show our love and our emotions for this beautiful, sweet mare. Lets pray for Zenyatta, all of her babies, everyone associated with Team Z, and all of us. Someone mentioned that Z-16 should be know as Z Angel, how true. Love to all, Marsha & Joe
Alexandra Bowdoin
Vixana ran 7 times, 1 Win, 2 seconds and 4 thirds. I really like her Damn side. She was bought at the Keeneland Sale. I am happy Z is with her old training pal. HUGS TO ALL
Pamela Davis
So heartbreaking for all involved! I love the humanity the Mosses’ always display regarding their horses. Obviously, money is not the major motivation behind their race horses! It is so nice to see. I wonder if after losing two babies in a row, they will retire her as a brood mare.
Sharon Kuhn
My heart broke this morning when I read the news about Zenyatta’s beautiful baby boy.
I know we often cannot wrap our heads around such sad news. Sending healing thoughts and loving support to all who love, admire and appreciate Zenyatta. Hope the future brings many joyful times.
Deb E.
How is Zenyattta doing today? PLEASE provide an update Team Z. I am not worried about her physical health as much as I am how she’s doing emotionally. People say horses don’t have emotions and they “bounce back” quickly, but NO mother of whatever species who carries a baby for months and months only to lose their child so soon after birth could fail to feel nothing. Zenyatta is highly intelligent. She has to be grieving in her own way. I hope all her loved ones give her the strength to deal with this tragedy.
lizzie
I pulled up site to see how Mom & Baby were doing……I feel (physically) sick…..
I know many on staff and Moses are heartbroken but can’t quit think about Z. She’s such a loving (maternal) horse with such an incredible awareness about her-cant imagine how she is feeling. Curious (if possible), do they let Z say her goodbye? So she knows?
Lucy M (Barrie, Ontario, Canada)
Kind words can be short and easy, but their echoes are truly endless
Aphrodite
Any talk of leaving Lane’s End? She’s lost two of four babies there now….
I know it’s horse heaven on earth but…
Cheryl in Bellflower, CA
Hi Aphrodite~ZPrincess was lost in a paddock accident that could only have been avoided if they had put her in isolation. What a sad thing that would be to a young horse. Even Zenny gets at least one paddock mate, and sometimes more. And what happened to her new little guy couldn’t have been avoided either. It happens occasionally-also to humans-and was not a result of the care she received. So why punish the farm?? They did exactly what needed to be done by taking them immediately to Rood and Riddle, and we all know what an amazing facility that is.
Sally Blank
Aphrodite, I have visited Lane’s End twice and Z is at a wonderful place with such professionals there. It was not any ones fault. God is the only one who knows why these things happen to one horse over another. I am hurting too.
Sally B
candace james
So sad……poor Zenyatta
RIP BABY BOY
Christine
Dear Deb E. I agree. No species can lose a baby so quickly & not carry emotional scars. I know there busy & grieving at Lands End but I hope we can get an update soon.
Nila
I am so very sorry for your loss, Ann and Jerry. This is heartbreaking news.
Amanda Gilliland
I am heart broken for Lady Zenyatta & the whole Zenyatta Team.
Jacqueline Howison
Z Princess and her little brother are together in “Horse Heaven”, she’ll take good care of him. Love to a very special MOM, the one and only Zenyatta. God Bless.
Lisa Yowell
I’m so sorry the horse didn’t make it. It is hard to lose and kind of horses. Horses are wonderful and beautiful and fun to ride. Last year we had a horse that died of cancer and we are all sad about that. Everyone does go on even though it is not easy.
Lisa M Yowell
Fort Collins, CO