Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

jetgemini — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:31:31 GMT

Ode to Zenyatta

"Bring me your best," said Zenyatta.

Your bright shining boys of the year.

Bring them all

from north, south, east and west.

Bring them here.”

I will dance for my people.

The crowd will roar.

They wait for the gate,

the slamming of the door.

My rider so sure, gathers me now.

Together we fly past the pretty boy crowd.

On and on in our flight,

like one beast of thunder.

A thing of beauty and of wonder.

For I am Zenyatta, the gypsy queen.

The mightiest mare there has ever been.

By Jane Taylor

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

VizslaLady — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 17:02:24 GMT

Well Arts and Letters aren't you the smart one picking Bernadini.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Tina — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 00:09:09 GMT

Zenyatta the Great,

Thank you so much for the wonderful ride you took horse racing fans on. Has been so good to be inspired once again by an amazing gift of God. We are only allowed a few as great as you to make our hearts pound within our chests it has been incredible fun.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Zen4Zen — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 06:43:26 GMT

Great posting, Steve; thanks! One of your readers, "Slew," had a great idea: "a quilting competition of horse blankets in Zen's honor that are then donated to Old Friends facilities." One doesn't have to wait, though, for an organized competition, let alone have quilting skills, to think of gifts to worthy charities in Zenyatta's honor.

Maybe you, Steve, along with Zenyatta's devoted owners, the Mosses, can think of a way to channel the charitable impulses of Zenyatta's many fans. The Mosses did so much for charity in her name when she was racing that I'd be surprised if they don't continue the good work she inspires when she moves to Land's End.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Criminal Type — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:38:10 GMT

If I was Zenyatta, I would be extremely humiliated if Curlin showed up in the breeding shed with amorous intentions (I like the sleeping with the exhusband analogy)...<shudder>...He is not even close to being worthy of her. She is royalty, He is a muscle bound street hustler. She deserves better. Can you imagine Jess Jackson as your kid's grandad? uGGG

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

markinsac — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 05:30:16 GMT

Zenny, you came along at a time when people are hurting. It's tough to make a living right now. Thanks for cheering me up.

Your star belongs on Hollywood Blvd.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Dragonfur — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 03:33:55 GMT

How about Curlin as a match for Zenyatta?

I want to see her win Horse of the Year! She won the Classic last year, but did not get the top honors. She overcame a lot in her only race against Blame, to come up only a half-head short, and was obviously (to me, at least) the best horse, and moving fastest at the finish. She deserves it, more than Blame, more than anyone in 2010. Zenyatta for Horse of the Year!!!!!

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Nancy J. — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 13:37:28 GMT

When I first saw Zenyatta's size, she reminded me of the large mare Manistique. How could such a large mare have enough speed?! The dance moves were beautiful to watch, almost as if she was intimidating her opponents. Nervousness, or not, it made her unique. I think a Tiz Now

meeting would be an awesome match. A two time BC winner with a first and second place winner. Pedigrees on both sides were somewhat unknown. I agree, too much Kris S. with a Blame breeding. You are asking for more nervousness in a foal. Afleet Alex might be an ideal second breeding for 2012. He had wonderful swinging gaits. Mike Smith you did a great job with her. You performed your best. When will be see another incredible horse? On average, every 33 years. Zenyatta,

Moss family, thanks for the ride.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

MIKE T. — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 01:17:44 GMT

Long live the, The Queen. Zenyatta is the most impressive racehorses I have ever seen in my life time. Love you, and Good Luck.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Mary — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:39:14 GMT

For myself, I am so grateful that God gave us Zenyatta and placed her with her "family". I firmly believe had this not have happened we would not have seen the Queen of Racing! I also am thankful that I got to watch her run from the start to finish.

I live in Oregon some 8 hours from Hollywood Park, if God would only see fit to send me to her retirement party, I would die a happy person.

May your retirement be wonderful and full of blue skies and bluegrass!

Thank you to Zenyatta and TEAM ZENYATTA

Mary

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

seatariat — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 02:12:36 GMT

Steve,

As always your beautiful words have moved me although this time I wasn't ready to hear them. Even though my head told me that this time they were going to really retire her my heart has been in denial.

I love Zenyatta along with a million other people and I didn't want to see it end. Yes, I'm happy she is retiring healthy and sound and it sounds like the team is doing everything they can to assure a peaceful transition and a happy life at Lanes End. My worry right now is living a life as a broodmare for a intelligent horse like Zenyatta. Years ago I helped a friend with a breeding, I held the mare, and it was not pretty for the mare. I am having a hard time imagining that happening to Zenyatta and her reaction to it. I found the video of her being sold at the auction hard to watch, you can see she is crying out. And yes, I think she will be a wonderful mother but how will she handle the weaning process. When I was a kid we had a Shetland pony that we bred and we just assumed that the mare would wean her filly on her own. Well it didn't happen and so when we finally sold them we insisted on selling them as a pair because we didn't have the heart to try and wean a five year old. I was once at a farm that raised paints and they had separated the mares from the foals the day before and it was so hard to watch all the crying going on with both foals and mares that I had to leave. I know..I know this is all part of the breeding process and without we wouldn't have racing but Zenyatta is different and I'm worried as to how she will react, I keep picturing it breaking her heart.

In my perfect world I would love to see Zenyatta sent to the Kentucky Horse Park where she could be pampered and admired by her fans for the rest of her life. You see there will never be another Zenyatta no matter who they breed her to . Steve, any encouraging words?

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

ceil — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:32:35 GMT

Zenyatta is not going to be in a stall in the barn. She is going to live in a pasture with a group of other mares and (hopefully) her colt. This is what makes the logistics of trying to find a way for fans to see her so problematic. The safety of the mares and foals has to come first. And Blame is not a good match for Zenyatta. Too much Kris S. Also, you don't breed a maiden mare to a first-year stallion. One of them needs to know what's going on. I just wish her a long and happy life. I am really going to miss her.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

jayjay — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:28:32 GMT

Steve (or anyone) : What do you think my $19 win ticket is worth now ? Wondering what the price would be. I'm thinking about putting it up in eBay but not sure about the rules if I decide not to sell it.

One idea about Zen at LE is for them to have a 24 / 7 streaming webcam to allow us to watch her in her stall. I would love to see her prancing and playing around and see how she sleeps :) I think that would be awesome, full access via webcam to the Queen!

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Linda in Texas — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 23:10:30 GMT

Steve, i wrote a comment earlier and i thought maybe everyone was as bummed out as i since no one had commented since the 20th and i deleted it.

I am admittedly suffering withdrawals from not having a Z race to look forward to.

I must admit though that i must reroute my thinking to newer and younger horses since so many of the 3 and 4 year olds are being retired. With LAL out, i can think of Jackson Bend and First Dude. I like The Dude a lot and Jackson Bend is a trooper.

Watched, as i am sure many of you all did, The Races at Delta Downs.

Gourmet Dinner did himself proud but Aces N' Kings i hope is okay, waiting and watching for his news.

Calvin will be testing out "Turkey in a Tube" and "Turkey in The Straw!" Just glad he was able to walk away from that issue. Hurry and get well enough to ride again Calvin.

The fillies are going to be fun to watch, just love them all, and so many new colts to admire as they mature.

And i would not want a Blame and Zenyatta match. That would be like me having to sleep with my ex husband! If he were still alive. And i think Blame's nose is not attractive either.

I have a feeling they already know the choice and i bet is is gonna surprise everyone.

Just a hunch and i have no idea who it is either. It should NOT be a horse her size. She would have a terrible time physically trying to

foal. Just a thought.

It will be a good year for the horses and all of us. And my hopes are for everyone to have a very nice Thanksgiving.

Steve, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Please feel free to edit my comments. Just sometimes cannot help myself when a thought pops up.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

racehorselover — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 19:21:47 GMT

Steve Thank You again for another wonderful piece on The Queen. I hope Lanes End is reading this and truely hope we will be allowed the Privilge of visiting Zenyatta in her new home. I hope those that cast votes for HOY realize any other horse would be a travesty. I pray Zenyatta is bred to a horse that retired as happy and Sound as she did. Curlin maybe? Yes Steve you should write The book, being one of the few writers that appreciates The Queen for who she is. We have all been Blessed from knowing Zenyatta, from far away or close at hand. God Bless the Queen may she live always in our hearts.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Riket — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:45:16 GMT

Thank you Linda in Texas for you kind words in spanish.

Zenyatta is horse of the year, she is for sure the MVP of horse racing; I think that this award should consider all the things that involve a horse with the busisness; Fans, Media, athletic ability, local exposure, internacional exposure, merchandise, gambling, attendance, feelings, sponsors, miracles, and much more.....she is simply all that.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

NotRealQuiet — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 07:17:55 GMT

Maybe Z and Blame should get together and workout their differences in the bedroom. Why not Z and Blame? He's a beautiful horse, too. I wonder though if she is what the American Indians would have referred to as "a contrary." We had a contrary stallion in our barn for a short period of time--because the other stallions were obviously quite disconcerted by his presence. Nice horse though. In nature, there are contrary animals as well as in human nature. Well, I do hope for the best for Z--a long, healthy life for the Queen!

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

jayjay — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 01:10:54 GMT

Anyone know any other ranch in Cali where Z can go to ? I only know of Rancho San Miguel. I don't think Team Z has many choices. I personally would like for her to go to KY just because they have the best ranches over there and Z deserves only the best. Team Z, specifically the Mosses will make sure that everything is taken care of as far as what she needs : Visits from her adoring fans, great food, a nice bedding to relax in, TVG/HRTV in the barn stall and a case of Guinness.

I hope when everything is settled,the Mosses and LE will make an announcement on how they plan to allow fans to visit the Queen.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Pat — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:25:41 GMT

It goes without saying that the best should write about the best, Steve. There is no more to be said about this great mare. I am just thankful that I was fortunate to live in the years that held Secretariat and Zenyatta, and that I was able to experience the words and photos of the likes of you. Keep it going, Steve.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Deacon — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 20:01:35 GMT

Excellent idea Slew, along with everyone else. Look how much we all miss her already. I just believe that the Queen brings out the best in most of us. She transcends the sport. This 3 plus year story with her is simply amazing. Could anyone ever guess that a horse could have such an impact or hold on folks like Zen does. It just leaves me in awe.

Happy Holidays to all..........

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Mike Relva — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 16:29:53 GMT

SARA

Are you serious? I've defended "the other horse" on many occasion. Why don't you read the many neg. posts that the individual blogged?

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Slew — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 13:32:36 GMT

Deacon: Better yet...a quilting competition of horse blankets in Zen's honor that are then donated to Old Friends facilities. It still gets pretty cold in KY and NY. A clothing line would be too restrictive and have too narrow of an audience to be profitable for any length of time.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

sherpa — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 03:53:31 GMT

Personally, I wish the Moss's would buy a little CA farm just for Zenny, then let Bold Chieftain come visit her paddock and let nature take its course.

Don't laugh! BC is as close to worthy as they could get. And he needs a place to hang his hat - the farm where he was going to stand is shutting down, so he's back at the barn and may continue racing. With his pedigree and stamina, I can't imagine why the KY farms aren't competing for his services.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Nancy — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 02:40:23 GMT

I wanted her to stay in Cali with us so bad. We are so saddened that she is leaving her home where her heart is....I will go see her with a heavy heart at Hollywood for the last time. :( Cali loves Z and will miss her very much.

re: Hangin' With Haskin: Farewell to a Queen

Linda/Maryland — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 01:03:16 GMT

Zenyatta is the Horse of the Year.

Horse of the Decade.

The Greatest Horse since Secretariat. There will be many many years before we will ever see a horse like this, probably NEVER.