Good Morning Everyone!
What an amazing photo! I just had to share it with you. I’ve flown several times on horse planes, H.E.Tex Sutton, but those planes do not have windows. Ann was on a plane recently and took this photo from her window. It is so unique to see the reflection of the plane in the clouds! In my opinion, this is truly a WOW moment!
There were other WOW moments over the weekend in racing. The results to the 3 Year Old Derby Preps left the entire Kentucky Derby picture wide open. My friend, MR.COMMONS, ran very well and was 3rd in the Santa Anita Derby. Bernardini’s son, ARTHUR’S TALE, was a closing 2nd in the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct. The Illinois Derby winner, JOE VANN, ran a very good race…but is not nominated to the Kentucky Derby. To run, his owners would have to supplement him to the race and that is extremely expensive. His team will have to make this decision for themselves as to what they want to do!
What happens in stakes races is the owner/trainer have certain dates they are to comply with in order to nominate a horse to a particular race. With the Triple Crown Series, there are 2 definite times when this opportunity is offered. In mid-January, you can do the ‘EARLY NOMINATION’. This is at a cost of $600 per horse.
During the final week of March, the ‘LATE NOMINATION’ option is offered. This time the fee is $6000. Sometimes, your horse is a late developer so this provides you with a 2nd chance to be sure your horse is nominated.
After this, it is very, very expensive to nominate a horse to the Triple Crown Races. That is why most people try to do the $600 early nomination process. This gives you an opportunity to ‘watch your horse and see how he matures and advances through the early part of his 3 year old year’. If all goes well, you are nominated and ready to move forward.
On a day-to-day basis, the nomination of horses to STAKES RACES is a very interesting process. ALL stakes races have deadlines for nomination purposes before the race. Once closed…(meaning the day after the nomination deadline)… the Racing Office publishes the names of the horses who are considering running. At times, supplemental nominations may be taken for a particular race if you missed the initial nomination date, but that is for a much higher fee.
Thus, when a horse runs in a STAKES RACE, there are normally 3 fees to be paid by the owner: a nomination fee, an entry fee, and a starting fee. When you are at the track in the future, you will see this information detailed at the top of the PROGRAM PAGE or RACING FORM CHART. It will tell you exactly what the fees are to run in that particular STAKES RACE.
Some stakes races are BY INVITATION only. This means that the Racing Office invites the most promising horses to run in that STAKE. When this happens, there are NO nomination, entry or starting fees…the horse is INVITED to run! The SANTA MARGARITA (Grade 1)…which I won last year at Santa Anita…is an Invitational Stakes. I was one of the horses who received an INVITATION to participate in this Grade 1 event. I must say, that was sure a FUN RACE TO WIN!
This is all part of the BUSINESS OF HORSERACING. Thank goodness, I had MY TEAM to take care of ALL of this FOR ME! Have a great day!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
PS…The ZENYATTA BRONZE contest is moving along. Barn 55 is drawing the names of the SWEET SIXTEEN today. We will print this list of 16 in tomorrow’s Diary. GOOD LUCK TO ALL!
Arlene
@Jean, I see what you see; also if you look right beside it I see a horses head facing the other way! Also I see a black horse head above that facing to the left!
FUN.
Stephanie Quilichini
Great Photo-Can you give us an update on your next meeting with Bernie??
Michelle
Very cool photo. Fingers crossed for the Sweet 16! Good Luck everyone! Love Ya Z
Fran
Thank you for the pic and the lesson. I never knew that :) Looking forward to the Derby and praying that every horse makes the run without injury!!
Vicki B.
And as someone who is pretty new to racing, I very much liked the Stakes Race nominating process education here. Whether from Team Zenyatta, or from the equine-knowledgeable and horse-loving posters on this diary, I love it all.
Eveline
Hi Zenny, thank you for the nice post. I don’t write on here often (my English is not that great), but I always read all comments. We had disappointing news about our boy today,instead of one more prep for the Preakness he now needs some time off. Oh well he’ll come back bigger and stronger. He has been running in your bit and with an angel on his browband. Zenny I hope you have a great day!
Tatia
Happy Tuesday, Z! Hope you are having a wonderful day. Love the picture – thanks, Mrs. Moss (and Dottie – as always.)
Along w/ many others, I’m curious about your next date w/ Bernie – but I know you will tell us as soon as it’s appropriate. Forgive us for being a bit anxious and excited.
I, too would love to hear more about how horses are transported by airplane. I know it’s done, but don’t really understand HOW it’s done to ensure comfort and safety. Perhaps you and Dottie could fill us in on a future diary post.
Peppermint Hugs!
Barb France
That is a spectacular picture…thanks Ann and Dottie for sharing it!! Just like some have commented, you can see outlines of horse heads. Amazing!! Can’t wait till the next draw..good luck to all.
Very interesting how the stack race process works. I never really knew the way it was decided.
Pamela Hill
what a neat picture! looks like a ghost plane. thanks for teaching about the in’s and out’s of racing. watch hrtv alot and often wonder what’s what. what is an allowance race? and how is it filled? claiming races pretty much describe themselves. but the horse must be claimed before the race, right? appreciate your crew keeping all of us zenny lovers up to date about you and all the going’s on in your life. dottie, you do one heck of a job!! pleast keep it up! so wonderful for us wanna-be’s to live vicariously in the race world thru you! thank you!!!
Cara Ezzell
What an amazing photo!! Thank you so much for posting Ann!! Everyone sees something different when they look @ clouds & it looks like the plane is @ the tip of a grey horse’s nose! I know, I probably sound crazy; maybe it’s because my horse is a grey. Thank you so much Dottie for the information on the Stakes races & the process horses go through to get to the Triple Crown races. This is great information. I’ve been debating about 4 different horses, but it’s really hard. I look @ their bloodline & race record but like they say “on any given day any horse is capable of winning”. I never will forget picking Mine That Bird for the Derby. I didn’t know much about him @ the time so I picked him because he was wearing # 8 which was Barbaro’s no. in the 2006 Kentucky Derby.
Anyway, love you much Queen Z & hope you’re enjoying yourself!!
Once again, thanks to Dottie, Ann, Team Z & of course Z!!
Good luck to everyone in the competition!!
Luv u baby girl!!! xxxooo
Cara from Houston
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. What a fantastic picture. The rainbow affect is amazing. Looks like John and Dottie are both pretty good with their camera’s. Sounds like the weather has been a little rainy in Kentucky. It will make that blue grass even thicker for you, Zenny. Yum!! Thanks for the great information on the Derby, Stakes and Invitation races. I enjoy such educational tidbits from you and Dottie a great deal. There is so much to the business of horse racing, I am always learning. You are right, Zenny, the Derby picture is changing very fast and becoming less and less clear as to favorites. So, happy that Uncle Mo appears alright after his last race, and wishing all the others who have suffered injury a speedie recovery. Here’s wishing everyone safe trips going forward. How exciting, that the sweet sixteen drawing is happening!!! Hoping I see my name. :) :) Enjoy the rest of the day beautiful!!! Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Shari Voltz – Hello my friend, hope your week is wonderful!!!! I am no expert by any means on horseracing, but I think you are doing great learning. Bloodhorse.com is a great source, as well as many of the other thoroughbred resources. You Tube has some great documentaries, educational pieces and races to watch. Abigails site is wonderful. Wow, lady, I applaud your running capability. Awesome!! You and I are both in our 50’s, but I am still trying to become friends with my treadmill and walking as much as I can. Sounds like your girl, Miesha is lovely. How fortunate you were to find one another!! Thanks again for being such a special you!
@Peggy – I can’t wait to hear about your trip to the sales. What a great thing to do, getting to see all of those beautiful thoroughbreds in one place. LUCKY YOU! I’m afraid I would want to bring them all home. :)
@Sue Fredrick – Enjoy your trip. Be sure to say hello to everyone at Old Friends and share some carrots from us. I just love it there!
@Valeria – Still gotta love that Mo!
@Margaret – Thanks for the information.
@Sue Noel – Thank you!!!!!
@Peppermint – Thanks for the support from the Colorado contingent!
@Trina – Your Zenyatta story was great. Sounds like you and Shari are both outstanding runners!! You Go Girls!! How special that you spent so much time helping our four legged friends.
@Sharon Call – I agree, the writer of the “Votex” is very talented.
@Kathryn Cogswell – As always, love the sentiments you express.
@Ensign – Hello, welcome back!!
@Barbara Wood – My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope everything is ok. Miss you.
Barb France
@Eveline-don’t worry about your English. I also enjoy reading everyone’s thoughts and I know I’m not all that concerned about someone’s grammer. So please continue to add your thoughts!!! Zenny loves everyone!!
judy berube
Dear Z and Dottie:
Thanks for the interesting photo and behind the scenes racing info.
Z, we hope you are well and having fun running and grazing with your friends. Love to all of you. Judy and Russ
Mary
DEAREST ZENYATTA
I AM UNPACKING FROM MY HONEYMOON, WHICH I WROTE YOU ALL ABOUT IN YESTERDAYS DIARY POST. YOU ARE TRUELY AN AMAZING HORSE AND ITS SO GOOD TO BE ABLE TO WRITE TO YOU, I SURE MISSED YOU AT SANTA ANITA THOU…WISH YOU HAD BEEN THERE…I WONDER HOW OFTEN NEWLY WEDS HONEYMOON AT THE TRACK…LOL…PROBABLY LOTS, I AM THE FIRST I’VE KNOWN THOU LOL.
GREAT PICTURE:)
ZENYATTA I LOVE YOU:)
Marilu V
Hi Zeny! Please tell Ann it is a wow photo. Ann just gave me an idea. I take very long flights when I go back to the Philippines to visit my mom and family. Next trip I will have my camera out and take beatuiful shots of the islands from the sky! Please thank Dottie for helping you explain the mechanics of entering some of the races. I always learn something new when I read your Diary Post. Hugs, Marilu
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Wow, what an interesting and informative diary entry Zenyatta. Never knew all that is involved in what you call, the business of horseracing. And boy, can be quite expensive, lots has to do with proper timing to keep costs down I see. And of course, the races that are by invitation only, well, those are definitely ones that I am sure the owners and trainers really appreciate.
The picture that has been included today is absolutely stunning. Ann Moss caught a very rare moment in time and that is a once in a lifetime shot for sure.
Enjoyed the races last weekend and am looking forward to seeing Mr.Commons on the track again soon.
Hope you are enjoying the warm weather there in Kentucky and are eating good.
You shine brighter than any star up in the sky!
Love & Blessings to you Zenyatta!
Ingrid in MA
What a great photo! Awesome! And thanks for the stakes races information. Always wondered how it worked,especially with races like the Triple Crown ones. Love you,Sweet Zen!
janet tedford
beautilful picture colorful rainbow how everyone doing on team Z hope you all are doing fine and dandy .thats a lot of 3 year olds that will be RUNNING on the first saturday in may may the best HORSE win LOVE YOU 4 EVER ZENYATTA
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, I agree, that is an awesome photo! I’m glad Ann was able to capture that. It really is terrific. Please give Ann my thanks for sharing it with us.
Thanks also for all the information on stakes races. It is very interesting and informative. I would love to see Mr. Commons in the Kentucky Derby or even the Preakness. I’ve got my fingers crossed that he has enough earnings to make it to the Derby if they choose that route.
Oh, could you ask Dottie something for me? I commented on your April 6th post and it is still under moderation. I was wondering if someone could let me know what I did wrong. I don’t want to get in trouble with anyone here. I love being a part of this community. Thanks Zenny!
Love to all,
Leslie
Tere Thomas
Gorgeous photo! I didn’t realize that was a reflection of the plane – wonderful. And thank you so much for more racing education I love it and I love you precious girl!!
Mary Stanford
Wow…there is a whole lot that goes on in the racing world. Now you can stand back and enjoy the fun….and also no more training. I am retired and I love it…and I know you are loving your retirement. It is exciting….Derby time….fun to watch. I have to say I do love Uncle Mo…he is fun like you. He had a tough race over the weekend but Secretariat did too. I hope he is not thinking too much about girls. I saw a video of him going wild over Awesome Maria….now that was “too cute”….I miss seeing you Z…but very glad you are happy and nothing was ever hurt while racing. Hugs to you Z….
Sharon in Seattle
loved the photo – even though I’m too much of a nervous Nel to fly, I appreciate the perspective. Good luck to all 32!
Victoria
every time your diary posts we learn something and we also continue to feel connected to the greatness of your sprit and love. thanks
judy berube
Dear Leslie R:
If you scroll above, you will see my first post today. It too has “Awaiting Moderation” note. I don’t think you did or said anything wrong or offensive. As you can see, neither did I in my post. Must be some kind of glitch. Judy B
tony and sue
Zenny…Be sure to tell your Ann how much we love that photo. And…to those still in the running for the bronze, GOOD LUCK!!!
Sharon Call
@DawnConrad. Wow,how do you do it and remember what everyone says. You must make copious notes or have one amazing memory.
I always love these posts but like some others, would love to hear more about Z. Will there be any other b’day pic’s besides the ones in Bloodhorse? Hope so. I think we’re all picture and video starved right now.
Celeste
Wow is right!! That is an amazing photo!! I would not have understood it to be a reflection of the airplane in the clouds if it had been explained so beautifully. At first glance, I thought it might be another airplane in the distance but surrounded by clouds and a rainbow. Wow! Yes, after seeing the comments now I can see also that it appears to be flying at the tippy end of a gray horse’s nose. Wonderful!! Since Mrs. Moss is an artist, I can just imagine how thrilled she was to capture this artistic beauty in the sky. Thank you so very much for sharing with us. Well, of course, I am grateful for everything you are sharing with us. I appreciate the explanation of how the business of stakes racing works, too. We are able to learn so much from our beautiful Queen. Thank you, Zenyatta and Dottie, for keeping this wonderful diary going, to keep us connected. My heart is happy.
Joanna
Amazing photo! And very interesting info regarding the entry process of stakes races. Reminded me of….I grew up in a dog-show family and with dogs, we had breeders futurities, where a litter could be nominated and individual puppy(s) re-nominated as they grew up (and proved worthy of showing) until the show date. Winning one of these was a huge honor!
Well Z…you take care. I LOVED that pix of you and the girls all laying down together.
Linda Henderson
An incredible picture! It is like a beautiful painting. Thank you for sharing it and continuing to share racing information. I like it.
Randy
That picture is so eerie… like a plane going into the Bermuda Triangle or something. Great shot Ann!
Zenny… you never fail to enlighten and educate us. I’ve been a “horse girl” and ridden all my life, but I know about hunters and jumpers not race horses, so I’m fascinated to learn how things work behind the scenes. I’m looking forward to all the lessons you can possibly teach us. I hope you’re having a wonderful day with your barnmates. Love you Z.