Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Cozmic One

Coz & Isabela: An Update

Isabela and Cozmic One in the show ring this summer. Photo by Shawn McMillan.

Cozmic One retired from the track in 2017 to embark on a second career as a hunter/jumper. He is trained and managed by Isabela de Sousa and her father, Sergio, at De Sousa Stables in Lexington, Kentucky. Notably, Isabela and Coz appeared together at the 2018 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover.

Paulick Report recently published an article about their progress that can be read here, and Isabela has this exclusive update for Coz’s fans:

Coz had some time off last year, and then we turned him out for the winter, like we do with all of our Thoroughbreds. The break helped him mature mentally and physically since the 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover.

Isabela and Coz. Photo by Kaitlyn Karssen.

We had our first show back together in June of this year, and I can’t say too many good things about his performance at that show. Ever since he came back into work I told my dad, “I really want to work on the basics, make him stronger, and help him be the best he can be.” By that I mean we are doing a lot of flat work to make him straight, lateral work to keep him flexible, and gymnastics and grids to help the shape of his jump so that he can use himself better.

As everyone knows, Coz has a very strong personality and can be tricky to ride—this improves as he matures mentally, and he is making a lot of progress. He’s a big horse, and he has the coordination that his size requires. We have been jumping him so small for a long time, so he doesn’t try too hard over the jumps, which is okay. At home we just work on the shape of the jump, as the height never really daunted him.

My dad has taken over the reins for now, since I am heading off to college. I’ll still ride him when I can. We aren’t worried about how far he will go in his new career, it’s his “retirement” and we want him to enjoy himself without any pressure. With all the shows being canceled I’m not sure when Coz and my dad will be making their debut, but I certainly know they enjoy each other, and he is a happy horse!

-Isabela de Sousa

Left by Shawn McMillan; Right by Kaitlyn Karssen
Photo by Kaitlyn Karssen

Reader Interactions

592 Comments

  5. / Reply

    What an excellent day of racing it has been. However, their were a few hiccups along the way. In race #3 Dynacharge was pulled up and vanned off. That’s not a good sign. Of course there was also the incident with Thousand Words. Being a granddaughter of librarians that name rang a bell or two in my name. Oddly however, I’m actually somewhat relieved that Tiz the Law didn’t win because I think he would have won the upcoming Preakness, and with this year not really being a true Triple Crown, perhaps its best their isn’t going to be a BIG winner of all the races. Maybe next year. Besides which there were two horses I really liked, but knew their chances of winning were slim and none. Even though I don’t actually bet, I do keep track of who’s running and pick at least one to win and today
    I guessed right on five races. Have a great night and like me I hope you’re looking forward to the Preakness as well as the Breeder’s Cup.

      • / Reply

        Glad no one was hurt.
        Congrats to Authentic.
        Bob sure had two testy ones from his barn yesterday, wow. 2 for 2 behaviour wise.
        Tiz and Honor and all the rest, good job!

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy,

        Thanks for the links above. Congrats to Authentic, Johnny, Bob and all connections on the Derby win! Glad no one was hurt in the Winner’s Circle.
        Darn those ribbons!! They didn’t even look right streaming down at the “hem” of the rose blanket. Hope that’s a design that will not be repeated.

        What a day and what a year!
        Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        So happy to see happy stories about OTTBs, I have 2 and they have been simply wonderful horses, they both did 4-H and summer camps for kids And have given many first rides for kids and even several riding lessons, I couldn’t have asked for better horses! Please if you are thinking about getting a horse consider a OTTB (off the track thoroughbred)
        John W

  9. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Was just reading the race notes on the Derby in Equibase. Honor A P hesitated at the break.

    Hoping Authentic, Tiz and Honor all have a rematch in the Preakness. Three beautiful, talented boys. Love and Hugs, JB

  10. / Reply

    Congrats to Authentic and his team. I hope all the horses came back safely. I feel really sad for Manny. He looked so dejected after the race. For some reason I had a bad feeling about the Derby draw when I saw Manny and Tiz were in between Mike and Johnny V. Not that they would do anything unethical but between the 2 they have about 50 years of experience.

    Judy, Thanks for the Winners Circle video. Authentic was really nervous. Put BB on his B! Agree hope these boys have a rematch in the Preakness. One bit of good news. War of Wills is being retired to Claiborne. No trips out of the country for him.

    All of you Zsters be safe and healthy.

  11. / Reply

    Dear Marshall, Ann, Kathy, Shirlee and Z Fans:

    Yes, most importantly, no one was hurt in the Winner’s Circle incident.

    Marshall, I agree; hope they make future Derby Rose Blankets minus the streaming ribbons.

    Ann, glad Words is OK and healing prayers for Jimmy’s broken arm.

    Shirlee, felt bad too for TIZ, Manny and BT.

    Mikey indicated Honor hesitated at the break and didn’t get hold of the surface right away.

    Kathy, yes maybe a rematch in the Preakness?

    Hope all came back safe and sound.

    Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Nice article! Thanks for posting. BB is so proud of Authentic, rightfully so! So good to know Thousand Words is okay. Best wishes for Jimmy’s recovery. What a freakish accident with the ribbons!

      Hugs, Kathy

  16. / Reply

    On a sad note:

    On Friday at Saratoga in the Seeking the Ante (Race #1) for 2 year old fillies, Samborella won the race but took a bad step at the wire and was vanned off with an injury to her left foreleg. I discovered this evening (what I was afraid of) that she was euthanized. RIP beautiful girl — much too young. Run free with the angels, sweet baby. Condolences to all connections.

    Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Marshall:

      So very, very sad. Brought back the tragedy of Eight Bells too. RIP beautiful babies. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

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

        Stay comfy and cool and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  17. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta Fans

    I felt really embarrassed with the way I handled the post on Subzero’s death and of Graham Salisbury. I tried to do a post on Sheena’s behalf and failed to get it right, insulting her memory with sloppy typing and needing your kindness to fix the mess. And I know nothing about racing in the USA or Britain. I rarely watch racing in Australia since I got my girl & now don’t see her often because of my health. So just wanted to say I’m sorry for the stuff up to Sheena’s memory, and I only want the best for Zenyatta and her foals and loving fans. Hugs.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.,

      Nothing to be embarrassed about — Sheena would be pleased with your post, and very honored that you let us know about Graham and Subzero. She loved them so much. I think your post was just fine. My fingers and brain get out of sync, too!
      We are happy to hear from you and love hearing about your sweet Thurzel.
      Please keep in touch!
      Take care.
      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy R:

        Totally agree with our Marshall. Sheena would love your posts.

        As far as faulty typing goes, you’re not alone. “zhuhai”; need I say more! ?????

        Love and Hugs, JB

  18. / Reply

    Well Z Friends, the Saratoga meet is over. I sure will miss viewing the races there!
    September 18 seems so long off (it’s not) — that’s when they will be back covering the racing at Belmont again. I admit that I enjoyed seeing Harley escorting the horses at Churchill Downs; I look forward to seeing this magnificent boy doing his job at CD and at Keeneland — he exudes calm, and he is gorgeous❣️
    October will be here before we know it — wonder what the Preakness will look like?

    Hope everyone had a nice weekend!
    Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Oh Marshall, I have enjoyed Saratoga so much. It helped to divert attention away from that Covid-19. New canoe looks great!

      Harley is The Best. Love him. Wonder what his take was on that ribbon dancing performance by, Authentic. I tell ya, that Bob B. is one tough guy. He really got body slammed by the hind end of Authentic. Such power!
      Jill was a pro and held on tight to the roses…good for her. Did not miss a step and looked beautiful for the winning photo.
      Like JB and TC say, Even when you know, you never know.

      Oh boy, the Preakness. The real Blackeyed Susans might be flowering? Can’t wait!
      Have a nice week Zfans. Love to you Zenny and little missy!

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall and Ann:

        I always enjoy Saratoga meets; just such a special place.

        It’s true, BB is a trooper and Jill too. I read one of the owners of Authentic was knocked down too and sustained a minor ankle injury. So blessed it wasn’t worse.

        On to the Preakness!

        Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Wow, real Black-eyed Susans! Who would have ever guessed that could be possible — they may not need to color the daisies this time.

        I think Harley would have been a calming influence on Authentic if he had been in that circle. He understands the “ignorance of youth”!

        I sure miss watching the races this week! (I know it has only been 2 days!)
        Looks as though FS-1 & FS-2 will be showing races at Belmont starting the 18th.

        Stay well neighbor!
        Hugs and Love

  23. / Reply

    Rushing Fall is also headed to the FT sale after the Breeder’s Cup.

    There are some good articles in today’s Thoroughbred Daily News including one with a video about a Paint mare who adopted a 1-month old TB foal who lost his mom to colic and another that Honor AP actually was the fastest horse in the Derby.

    I hope everyone is doing well after the long hot & humid summer we had on top of the pandemic. We’re finally getting a break from those temps here in NY just south of Saratoga. I missed going to the track this year.

    Prayers for good health for everyone here.

    • / Reply

      Dear Donna Z:

      Good to have a post from you.

      Yes, Rushing Fall is in the sale too. Not surprised that Honor A P came up the fastest; he closed from far out of it to finish 4th. Love that boy.

      Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Donna Z.,

      Hope the beautiful Rushing Fall gets an excellent home where she is valued and loved — good health and happiness to her forever.

      That was a very sweet story(video) about the colt (xHaynesfield) who was adopted by the paint mare. She accepted him with love, and he bonded with her, too. It was meant to be. Thanks for sharing!

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Thanks for posting these articles, Judy!
      Hope new laws will keep horses safer and that the humans involved will develop integrity and compassion — without the horses there is nothing.

      Nice article reporting the after-race conditions of the horses who ran in the Derby. Glad they all seem in good shape!

      Hugs and Love

  27. / Reply

    Sending prayers for better conditions for all affected by these disastrous fires on the West Coast. Here in Canberra, which is the national capital, we had the worst
    pollution in the world for weeks, even affecting the hospital where I was over New Year. A combination of smoke from the coast blowing in one direction and dust from the drought blowing the other way. And thousands were trapped needing evacuation by the Navy and Air Force from the coastal holiday towns over the Christmas Period. So can well understand the problems they’re facing. And we share fire fighting crew as well. So God bless America

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.,

      Thank you for the kind words. These fires are truly awful; I feel so sorry for all on the West Coast. I remember those terrible conditions in Australia back in December.
      What a disastrous year this has been.

      Hugs and Love ❤️

  28. / Reply

    Hi Zsters ?
    I enjoyed the links. Thx for sharing them. ?
    I was disappointed Tiz didn’t win but no excuses. Authentic ran really well. Best horse at the time.
    Time for me to go to bed. Im tired from treatment tonight.
    Every 1 plz stay safe on the West coast .
    Praying for every1???.
    HugZ, ❤vamp

  30. / Reply

    Happy Friday everyone! I echo the need for thoughts and prayers for our friends in the west. Santa Anita has been designated as an evacuation spot, and the fires are not far away from some of our Z friends.

    Hovey and his mum had a disagreement (just for something new – ha, ha) about the pace at which he should be motoring around the stubble field, but the somewhat worse news is that he is back on the vet’s list. Sounds like it might not be too bad.

    https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-diary-she-was-either-smiling-or-she-had-wind-sometimes-it-is-hard-to-tell-724822

    All of the exciting racing this weekend will be at Kentucky Downs. Waiting with everyone else for things to resume at Santa Anita and Belmont. Have a good weekend!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy,
      Thanks again for our dose of Hovis! He does have a time with Mum. Sure hope the foot problem clears up quickly. We don’t want a reappearance of Kevin the Keratoma! It is reassuring that both Herman and CNSM think it isn’t that.
      Hooves crossed for smooth healing.

      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Dear Sandy, Marshall and Judy,

        I was distressed to see that Hovey is having foot issues again. Prayers for the big guy!

        Hugs, Kathy

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