Zenyatta’s California connections came to visit on Dec. 20 at Lane’s End Farm near Versailles, Ky.
Zenyatta responded to all of her visitors and especially groom Mario Espinoza and trainer John Shirreffs who spent so much time with the champion during her racing career. Zenyatta buddied right up to Espinoza and rubbed her head on him when he came to her stall.
Also onhand from California were owners Ann and Jerry Moss, Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs (the Mosses’ racing manager), and hotwalker Carmen Zamona.
Zenyatta walked in her paddock checking out her surroundings--fresh hay, her waterer, and her visitors. After a while she kicked up her heels and went for a run across her paddock.
Safety measures were top priority with Lane’s End farm personnel who were stationed around the inside of the paddock. The paddock surface had been groomed for safe footing after recent snow and rain fall and her waterer had a protective cover around it.
Before returning to her stall, Zenyatta enjoyed mints and carrots with her California visitors. Lane’s End personnel noted that Zenyatta has adapted easily to her new routine and loves her treats which also include bananas and yams.
The industry was blessed with two incredible race mares in Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra. Correspondence with Rachel Alexandra connections for a possible visit are underway.
Happy New Years to all. Enjoy the new photos and be sure to let me know what you guys think. Also, keep coming with the suggestions for who I should visit in the coming year. Thanks everybody. And a very big thank you to Lane's End Farm!
Mario Espinoza and Carmen Zamona up close with Zenyatta.
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Trainer John Shirreffs, camera in hand, visits with Zenyatta.
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Ann and Jerry Moss share a moment and a mint with Zenyatta.
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Queen Z looking good.
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Zenyatta, running around the paddock.
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Carmen Zamona gives Zenyatta carrots as Ann Moss and Mario Espinoza look on.
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If you would like to see more photos from my most recent visit with Zenyatta view the full slideshow.
We also had our Blood-Horse videographer on site to capture the scene and he was able to put a great video together afterward and I have embedded it below for your enjoyment. It is well worth the watch.
[brightcove videoid="719312513001"]
