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.
Susan Haynes
This is so sad. Poor little boy never had a chance. Please hug Zenyatta. She has lost 2 babies.
Pam from Florida
My heart goes out to everyone. I do not have the right words to express my sorrow. I am a retired neonatal nurse and we have had to treat infants with meconium aspiration. So sad that there was so little we could do to help these beautiful full term infants to survive up until about 20 years ago. A system was used called ECMO which is a type of heart lung bypass machine. Most infants placed on ECMO these days survive and do well. Maybe this technology can someday be used for horses. I pray that everyone concerned will heal I am sure that Zenyatta and this beautiful colt got the absolute best of care. Maybe the vets who cared for them gleemed knowledge to help others in the future
Blesssings to all
Pam in Florida
Terry Starr
Heartfelt condolences to everyone on Team Z. We all waited for Zenyatta’s baby but the people closest to her are hurting the most. Zenyatta’s heartbreak must be huge – she was all set to be a wonderful mother again. Give her love and pats and mints for all of us please.
Gloria
Thank you for the update. Glad Zenyatta’s back home and with Vixana. Very glad Ann is there with Zenyatta. Wishing all involved well going forward.
Teresa in So Cal
I’m speechless but couldn’t have said it better than you just did.
Still shaking my head… God Bless you Zenyatta and Team Z.
Judey Mastain
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of the promises that Z16 held for all of us who love Zenyatta and all that she stands for. The Mosses have allowed us almost unlimited access to applaud, love, sometimes meet, and once again grieve for an athlete
who doesn’t realize she is a horse.
Sympathy to all who love Zenyatta
Catherine Uher
I have no words right now to express how sad I am. To think of two Z babies running in Heaven is more than heartbreaking. At least they are together. I am most thankful that my beloved Zenyatta is ok and am happy to see her back at the farm and that she has a new paddock buddy. I wish Life Is Sweet was there with her. I can’t even imagine how the whole Team Z, especially the Moss’ are feeling and my thoughts and prayers go out to them and everyone involved with Zenyatta’s care. I still have no words….just sadness and tears. Rest in Peace little Z Prince. You ar already loved and missed by so many more than you know! ??????????
Deb E.
I’m glad that Zenny has her Mommy Ann’s support at this terrible time. She must be so sad.
Kyle Stasierowski
I’m so sorry to have learned that Zenyatta has lost another foal this time a War Front
colt due to meconium aspiration syndrome at 4-days-old.
Kyle Stasierowski
31-year-old Zenyatta fan from Alden, New York
Donna H
I have cried and cried especially thinking of how loving and happy Zenny looked with her precious new baby. So glad to see Ann with her. My heart aches for all those who waited and cared for this special colt. Sending love and prayers your way.
Karen in Indiana
My deepest condolences to the Mosses and everyone who has been so involved with Zenyatta. This colt looked just like his mama and I know this must be a hard blow. Thank you for keeping all of us informed. We are all mourning this loss.
Nick
Oh come on. Thoroughbred breeding is fraught with risk and there is no safe way to “induce” a mare . Sorry, I doubt that Zenyatta was aware of Princess Z’s situation, the mares and weanlings are thoroughly separated to aid in breaking the bond. This is a terrible situation and there’s no reason to soap operatize.
Natalie
I just so so so so glad that Queen zenyatta is OK but speechless and heartbroken for her cuz she just lost one of her foals she but is also good because she made a new buddy and is amazing and I wish you the best of luck Zenyatta
Pam
So very very sorry for you all. Appreciate you sharing this heartbreaking news with your fans. God’s peace to you and Z.
Margaret Churchill
Oh! This is so sad! I am sorry for your loss , but mostly for Zenyatta’s! Please give her time to grieve and talk to her often. She needs to know that you will support her through this. Keep talking to her. Cry with her. Let her know she is not alone in her grieving.
Blessings,
Marg Churchill
Heaven’s Touch -Animal Reiki Master
liz in illinois
My heart goes out to the Queen, Team Z and Lanes’ End, such a tragic outcome for all involved. I so appreciate the updates and now knowing that Z is back home with a new paddock mate and is doing well.
Melanie Goss
God Bless you Zenyatta! You will always be FIRST with me. I’m so sorry for your loss…it’s our loss too! We want everything from you because we love you so very much! It’s okay mama…..love you Zenny!
Cathy
omg, how terribly sad. I am without words. He looks like Zenny. Prayers all around.
vanessa
taken to soon RIP our sweet Angel may you run in green pastures with you sister prayers go out to team Z sorry to hear about Zenyatta’s lose I know he did not have a name but I named him ( Zenyatta’s Angel ) that’s if ok with you all ?
Crystal M.
Oh man, this breaks my heart. :( He was so cute, and the initial sounded like the prognosis was good for him and that he was doing well.
Condolences to the Mosses, everyone at Lane’s End, and especially Zenyatta. I’m glad she has Anne and Vixana to lean on in this time.
sue and tony
Thank you for this latest update. It makes our sorrow easier to bear to see Zenny with her Ann and a familiar equine friend in her original pasture at LE. So many thoughts, questions, concerns. But we know that all will be well. God Bless Zenny and all of Team Z who continue to share her life with us.
Marilyn Braudrick
In my terrible deep crying sadness over the loss of Zennys extraordinarily beautiful colt, I neglected to give my deepest condolences to Ann and Gerry Moss, all of Zennys caregivers at LE and all of the medical staff at Rood and Riddell. Also am sending condolences to John and Dottie, and my old friend Mario. Thank you all for your love and care for Zenyatta and her gorgeous Prinz. There are no words to explain my bond to Zenyatta as I knew her at barn 55 at Hollywood park as I had 2 mares on the shed row with her and was blessed to see her and interact with her at that time. Like every one else I fell deeply in love with her.
Dear God please bless Zenny and all of her team with nothing but the best of breeding fortune from this point on. And please provide her with anything that can help her be able to stop grieving and move on.
Ann you must have been up with Zenny for days and days. I know that is a great comfort to her. She loves you. Violet Rose and her foal could help too as Zenny. being an alpha mare, will mother all foals in her world. This could help her get over her grieving. Her hormones are all mixed up now. Good luck to you all and please try to get some rest.
Z13Rulz
Zenyatta won’t be turned out with other foals, as you can see she has a new paddock mate now.
Laura
For anyone who thinks raising animals is easy this ending can tell you it truly can be heart breaking and not for sissy’s . such a pretty baby. I am deeply sorry for your lose
Paula higgins
This is heartbreaking news. He was such a beautiful boy. My sincerest condolences to Ann and Jerry and to everyone who worked so hard to try and save him. I am glad Ann is with Zenyatta.
joy dunn
There are no words. I am heartbroken for Z, and all her family…I am so, so very sorry.
Katherine Dillard
Condolences to all that love her . I know she is in good hands.
Rita
Maybe I will be able to write now, I can’t stop crying long enough to see. I wish all the Zenyatta team, Ann and Jerry especially my deepest sympathies. I love Zen so much it is like she belongs to me and of course all her fans. We waited so long for this little boy and he was beautiful like his Mom. I think it will take me a while to get over this. He is in God’s hands now and I pray He holds me and comforts me through this too. Love to all.
Allie in Texas
Seeing Zenyatta with Ann certainly makes me feel better. Z is such a sweet mama and I know she is wondering what happened to her little one. So glad that Ann is spending time with Zenny and that Z has been paired with her friend Vixana. Thank you so much for this update.
Paula higgins
This is heartbreaking news. He was such a beautiful boy. My sincerest condolences to Ann and Jerry and to everyone who worked so hard to try and save him. I am glad Ann is with Zenyatta. I am sure she has some sense of loss to be parted from him so soon.
Doreen in CT
If I feel devastated by the news, how do the Mosses and especially Zenny feel? My heartfelt condolences go out to them and may God give them both peace and strength during this time. Thank you to the staff at Rood and Riddle for their endless support of Z16 and to Lane’s End for their support during/after the birth and I’m sure with extra attention now that Zenny is back home. May everyone here find peace and comfort.
shirleeinindy
Just in a state of shock. So sorry for Ann especially since her love for Zenyatta and all the foals has been so deep. Condolences to all of Team Z. I know they, like us, are heartbroken. I’m sure Z Princess was there to greet him as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge.