Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Special Events

2020 Zenyatta Celebration Results

No visit was complete without packing the Guinness Extra Stout. -Cynthia Holt, winner of the 2020 Zenyatta Celebration fan photo contest.

The results are in!

We’re so grateful to each and every participant. We sold a record number of stickers, and with Zenyatta’s owner Ann Holbrook matching every donation, we raised over $30,000 for Hope for Horses.

Zenyatta’s halter, auctioned by Thoroughbred Charities of America, brought in $4,000 for California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation, Inc.

Grand Prize: An Invitation to Meet Zenyatta

Gina Danna, TX
Wesley Schroeder, KY
Karen Halvey, NY
Cyndi Hendrix, GA
Judith Berube, RI

Zenyatta Shop gift certificate: Our favorite fan photo

Cynthia Holt, CA

Daily Giveaways

Details about each giveaway can be found here.

November 6
Diana Hanson, OH

November 7
Tom Norris, CO

November 8
Theresa Powers, OH

November 9
Diane Burge, MI

November 10
Diane Lee, TN

November 11
Linda Davis, TX

November 12
Angela Wolenski, FL

November 13
Tina Farrell, UT

November 14-15
Michele Kafka, Canada
Elizabeth Erwin, NE
Kurt Gravenhorst, CA

Reader Interactions

570 Comments

  1. / Reply

    There is some more info. on the name on the Forum side. As always, it won’t satisfy some folks inquiring minds!
    Z-Z has new digs! Not far from his old one and still with the same trainer, Sarah.
    I am fortunate to be able to have my first Covid19 vaccine this week and pray all can get them ASAP! Lindal

    • / Reply

      Thanks Lindal!
      Just checked the Forum — very enlightening info.
      Good to see a post from you!

      Hugs and Love

  2. / Reply

    Apparently, I missed something. Did Zenny already have her little one or is it that she hasn’t been able to post the news or a picture yet?

  3. / Reply

    Dear Martha:

    Believe Z was bred back to Candy Ride in June, so baby’s due in May this year.
    Have been trying to find recent photos of 20Z, but nothing yet. Will keep on looking. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Oh Judy,
      Charlie looks so good! He is such a handsome boy. ❤️
      Thanks for giving us a glimpse of him!

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Such a handsome boy!
      That mane is looking really fierce. Did they roach his mane Judy B?
      Thanks for sharing his pic with us.
      Luv ya!

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall, Shirlee and Ann:

        Charlie’s been off the track and at the farm since 2012. I am so happy that he is thriving. His Best Bud, Simon, has gone off to college with his owner and I know Charlie misses him. Hope when she graduates, she boards him back on the farm. That will be a joyful reunion for sure.

        Ann, yes they did cut down Charlie’s mane. Personally, I love to see it long and flowing, but I guess it’s easier for grooming to keep him trimmed. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Charlie is looking great (and that blue sky and sunshine are pretty great too). Hope you gave him a pet from me :-)

  6. / Reply

    Lindal, thanks for the heads up on the Forum. It was interesting to read the comments about the name Zilkha. Seems to be a fitting name for her.

    I also am excited to see a recent photo of her. She is very striking in her previous photos.

    Stay safe everyone!

    • / Reply

      Dear Celeste:

      Wish Charlie was mine. With the help of my Z rescue friends, I was able to get him off the track and luckily to a farm that is located 10 minutes drive from where I live. When I called the farm originally, Charlie was supposed to be there temporarily until we could find a rescue that would secure a permanent home for him. Angela, the owner of the farm, once she saw him get off the van, decided she wanted to adopt him herself. I couldn’t have been happier because that meant he would be close by and I could see him often.
      He is a great grandson of Secretariat and I followed him from the time he was born on McMahon Farm in Saratoga, NY. He’s my “heart horse”.

      I’ve linked his pedigree below. Love and Hugs, JB

      https://www.pedigreequery.com/papa+charlie2

      • / Reply

        Judy that is wonderful that you rescued him and he has stayed close by you. I am so happy for you. Enjoy!

        Have a nice day. It is a beautiful day here in Western Mass., hope it’s nice at your location too.

        • Dear Celeste:

          Yes, it’s a true blessing that Charlie ended up here in RI. He could have gone to a rescue out of state where I would not have been able to travel to see him. If it wasn’t for the rescue group of ladies that I met through a shared love of Zenyatta, I would have never been able to get him off the track. They all made it possible.

          Was a little colder here today than yesterday, so Charlie had his blanket on. He enjoyed all of his treats and pets and smooches. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy,
        Charlie has a very impressive pedigree! I remember the awesome Secretariat connection, but I just noticed that his dam-sire has Sir Ivor in his background. Sir Ivor was so important in the founding of Mill Ridge Farm, an excellent sire for the farm of Mrs. Alice Chandler. Mill Ridge is a place I would love to visit!
        Thanks for sharing!
        Hugs and Love

        • P.S. I am glad Charlie enjoyed his treats, and I am certain he was delighted to see YOU!!
          ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
          More Hugs and Love

        • Correction:
          Sir Ivor was one of the first foals that Alice Chandler bred — he was out of her mare Attica by Sir Gaylord, an excellent stallion at Claiborne Farms. His sale and success was very important to Mill Ridge.
          Apologies for getting my timeline wrong. Just google “Sir Ivor, horse” — it is an interesting read!

        • Thanks, Marshall. I did google him and how exciting.
          Sir Ivor won the DC International at my hometown track. So neat that JB’s Papa Charlie has him in the bloodlines.
          Saw many of those races on International Day. Great times!
          He was a handsome horse.

        • Dear Judy and Ann,
          Yes, Sir Ivor was very impressive and quite handsome. Lester Piggott thought him the best, and Vincent O’Brien considered Nijinsky and Sir Ivor the best he had trained. That was high praise indeed.
          Glad you enjoyed the read about him. How exciting that he won the DC International at Laurel — your home track, Ann!
          Charlie has some extra fine ancestors, Secretariat & Sir Ivor!
          But then, we already knew Charlie is something special, right? ?
          Hugs and Love

        • Charlie is very special and our Judy B is extra special!
          How fitting, just watched the old footage of that DC ’68race.
          After the race they filmed Lestor smoking a celebratory cigar as he walks in DC with the US Cap in the background.
          What a classic piece of film.
          Love to all. Stay safe and well.

  8. / Reply

    Hi Zsters ?
    Thx for all the links!
    Glad u still can visit Charlie JB. ?
    GTG.
    HugZ ❤ prayerZ ?. ?‍♀️

    • / Reply

      Dear Vamp Sue:

      Love visiting Charlie on the farm. Such as calm and peaceful place. Hope you’re doing well; Robbie too. Love and Hugs, JB

  9. / Reply

    Dear Judy:

    Charlie has a beautiful story. I wish other horses would end up in loving forever homes too. it’s wonderful he is only a few minutes away. You are so lucky.
    Take care. Love and Hugs, Marilu

  10. / Reply

    Hello Zenyatta!!

    How is the weather out there? Is it snowing? I hope you are doing well. A few more months and you will have your baby. Take good care of yourself.
    Love and Hugs, Marilu

  11. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL and DC:

    Stay comfy and cozy and Happy Dreams. Love all of you so much. Love and Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Dear Ann and Marshall:

    Both of you are very Special to me. So thankful to know you.

    Ann, have to look for the ’68 DC replay. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy,
        Thanks for posting the ’68 DC International win by Sir Ivor! He sure came on flying. What a finish!
        You are special to us, too❣️
        Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Thanks, JB ! How great to see this. Those of us who frequent the Mill Ridge live shows on Facebook have certainly heard how important Sir Ivor was to their farm! If anyone is reading this before 3 PM EST today and has access to FaceBook, Mill Ridge is hosting a tour of their foaling barn. One of their mares, Miss Chapin, is one of the foaling patrol expectant moms this year!

        • Dear Sandy,
          Thanks for the Mill Ridge foaling barn tour news!
          Rats! I missed it — I will check their site to see the replay.
          I do follow Mill Ridge Farm tours; although, I am not on Facebook so I cannot post comments. Love Miss Chapin!
          Hugs and Love

        • Dear Sandy:

          Have you heard any news of Third Act, a full brother to Oscar Performance (Kitten’s Joy/Devine Actress). He is a Yearling now. Mill Ridge posted a video of him at 5 weeks racing round and round in the paddock. I was in awe when I saw the video and holding my breath too. Been wondering how he’s doing. Love and Hugs, JB

  15. / Reply

    Happy Friday everyone! Hovis has heard from a lot of his fellow horses who have also suffered less than stellar hair cuts during the “human strangles” siege. They seem to be plotting some sort of eventual revenge :-) I couldn’t follow quite a few of his references this week, but there are still giggles to be had.

    https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-diary-remember-karma-comes-in-many-forms-735850

    Excited for Pegasus Day tomorrow although there are horses running in both races (dirt and turf) whose names don’t ring a bell at all. At least the event is a sign that winter is moving along . . . . . Hope everyone is safe and well.
    Sandy

    • / Reply

      Thanks bunches, Sandy!
      Love these weekly Hovis adventures — they have been a godsend especially over the past year when smiles/laughter were in short supply.
      Yes, I will be tuning in for Pegasus Day Saturday! There were races on today that I missed, on channel FS-2. I didn’t check listings until 6PM so I missed all of those.
      Safe racing to all tomorrow!
      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy:

      Thanks for our Friday Hovis update. I think he looks quite handsome in his blanket, fringe and all.
      Really hilarious commentary by Hovis of Mums reaction to his “Hi Ho Silver” routine. He does seem to be feeling a whole lot better, thank God. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Sandy,
      Thanks for out Friday Chuckles With Hovis. I, like you, do not recognize some of this references, but he is funny anyway.

      How in the heck do we pronounce Zilkha’s name? Guess we will just have to cheer for Zilie.

      The Pegasus is not what it used to be but I am excited to see it. Sentimental fav. Tax. Yeah, I know. I don’t recognize some of those names.

      Everyone stay safe and well. Oh forgot to tell y’all. I got my first Covid vaccine last Sunday. No side effects and not even a sore arm. Get second dose two weeks from this Sunday. Got in early as I have face to face contact with patients at the hospital. They are trying to get we older folks back to work as soon as possible.

      • / Reply

        Dear Shirlee,
        Love your nickname for Zilkha — “Zilie”❣️

        I got my first Covid shot this morning and am scheduled for the second dose in three weeks. NC expanded the 75+ age to include 65+ on January 14th. As luck would have it, I had an annual wellness check with my CNP on the 18th. She asked if I had gotten the vaccine yet and referred me to a small independent pharmacy next-door to their office. I sent them an email, and they quickly responded! Wow, am I grateful!! So far no side effects or sore arm.

        Good luck to all and stay well!
        Hugs and Love

        • Dear Shirlee and Marshall:

          Got my first Covid shot yesterday afternoon. Arm is swollen and sore, but no other reactions. Scheduled for my second shot in three weeks too.
          Zilie; too cute. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall:

        I believe that ZEL is back at SA in John S’s barn. Have been checking for works; none so far. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Zellda and Mario certainly have a LOVING relationship. She’s so gorgeous. Thank you for sharing! I’m doing well, hope you are, too1

      Love and hugs, Kathy

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy:

        Yes, that’s a sweet bond. According to the Forum, those photos were supposedly taken in December 2020 at JS’s barn at SA. Hopefully, ZEL will make her first start soon. Love and Hugs, JB

  19. / Reply

    Congrats to Colonel Liam on his spectacular win. What a race! Every horse in that field was there to win. Theme song for that race was Tighten’ Up. Oh my gosh. IRAD!!!!
    Congrats to Knicks Go. Great win. Great racing day.
    Happy to hear my friends are getting their shots.
    Stay safe/well.

    • / Reply

      Ann,
      Wasn’t Colonel Liam amazing? Congrats to him and all connections!
      Knicks Go really did (Go, that is)! Impressive! Very handsome horse, too.
      Congrats to Knicks, JR, Brad Cox and team! (I hope he doesn’t end up in Korea though).
      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        One more thing:
        Congratulations to Jesus’ Team and Irad for nailing second in the Pegasus; also to trainer J. D’Angelo and connections! They made a good run!

        Cheers to all!

  21. / Reply

    Dear Ann, Marshall and Z Fans:

    Congrats to Colonel Liam, Knicks Go and Jesus’ Team. Great efforts all.

    Also, congrats to Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Was rooting for my favorite New England quarterback. Always felt Pats made a huge mistake when they let him go. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      Yes, I agree about Tom Brady. I don’t follow Pro-games very much, but it seemed a mistake to lose Tom Brady.
      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Judy,
      Cannot argue about Brady being a great quarterback. But you know how Colts fans feel about him and New England! Just kidding. I wish Tom and all of the players a safe game with no injuries.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      You know you surely had my attention! What a great slideshow — he is a wonderful guy and fantastic PR for UPS❣️ TOO cute!
      Thanks for sharing.
      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      What cute pics. Shows that the mail delivery person can get along with dogs. He and they are so cute in their photos.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      I LOVE this! Wonder where they are? This really makes me smile — wish I were there. SNOW!!!!!! All we can get in my area anymore is “gruesome rain”! My inner-child is very sad. ☃️ ❄️ ☃️
      Oh well, maybe I will yet get a glimpse of a snowflake or two.

      Thanks for the link, my friend!
      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Yes, didn’t he though! Papa is very proud of his very talented son.
      Cheers for Knicks Go!

      Hugs and Love

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