Good Morning,
It is Preakness Week and everyone is very excited about the 2nd Leg of the Triple Crown taking place Saturday. This afternoon, on HRTV, they will show the post position draw. My friend from Barn 55, MR. COMMONS, is running! He was stabled about 3 stalls away from me. I was there when he first arrived as a 2 year old to begin training and then when he ran his first race! I truly want to wish him GOOD LUCK while in Maryland and in the PREAKNESS STAKES.
I’ve heard at this particular race track that you’d like to be somewhat in the middle of the field in the starting gate. The Preakness allows 14 horse to enter…unlike the Kentucky Derby which permits a field of 20. We’ll see who is in the field and the posts when they draw the race later today. SUCH FUN!
It is so interesting to ME to watch races and evaluate them now from this point of view…as an ATHLETE and a FAN…rather than that of being an ACTIVE PARTICIPANT on the playing field.
Dottie was telling ME several years ago, Patrick Valenzuela, who is a very talented jockey, came to the Turf Club one afternoon to watch a few races with her when he had completed his riding assignments for the day. He was watching a race very intently when he made a comment she will never forget!
‘WOW, IT IS SO MUCH EASIER TO “RIDE” THE RACE FROM UP HERE! YOU GET A FULL VIEW OF THE WHOLE FIELD AND WHAT IS HAPPENING. IT IS SO MUCH DIFFERENT THAN BEING ON THE TRACK, IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT, AND NEEDING TO MAKE SPLIT-SECOND DECISIONS SO QUICKLY.”
These words really made her think and left an impact. They sound so simple…but actually say so much. From that point forward, every time she would evaluate a particular move a horse or rider would make…in the back of her mind, she would reflect on PVAL’S statement. It truly has great merit…not just in racing, but in life. It is so often easier to comment upon or evaluate something someone else does…but not as easy to accomplish that task when “WALKING IN THEIR SHOES”. Perhaps, it is best to often consider the WHOLE PICTURE.
When I’d be in the midst of running, making moves, inside-outside, going between horses, MIKE had to make so many split-second decisions. Holes open, then they close quickly. The horse in front of you can be making a big move and then suddenly slow down and change momentum. It is so tricky!
When I was running full speed, I was clocked at over 40 miles an hour on Trakkus. (Clement Hirsch/Del Mar) That is why the comment Patrick made is something to reflect upon when watching races, horses, and their performances. There are constant decisions to be made so quickly when you are actually the one running and / or riding the race! The action changes every second! There are many challenges to meet. Racing luck is also extremely important and does play a significant role in all of this! Head up or head down on the finish line can make the difference between winning and being 2nd. ( I can testify to this!) These are the components that truly work together to make HORSERACING such a fascinating sport! I feel totally BLESSED for the part I have been able to play in it!
Thinking of MY BARN 55 Friends today, I wanted to share this photo Mattea Kelley took recently with ME with ISABELLE. She was one of my dear riders while I was in training…and I JUST LOVE THIS PHOTO! If I say so myself, I think we both look TOO CUTE!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
PS…Speaking of the Preakness, as many of you may remember, Patrick rode Sunday Silence to an amazing victory in this race. Per many of the sports writers and fans, this was one of the most exciting finishes ever in a TRIPLE CROWN RACE…and Patrick’s ride was one of true perfection!
Shari Voltz
@Susan in Tn my HOMEROOM SAY HI :)
LauraJ
@Judy B., John and Mike Luzzi are brothers.
Randy
That is just the sweetest picture! I know that not all owners, trainers, riders, grooms, etc. actually love horses… to some they just represent dollar signs. But it’s obviously different with you and your team Zenny. You seem to be so loved and cared for by everyone in your life, past and present, and that is wonderful to see. You really are one lucky girl! And count me in as well… I love you too. Hope everyone comes home safely in Saturday’s race.
Sharon Call
@ALL. Someone on this site mentioned a piece on PBA regarding the history of thoroughbreds. I finally got to see it the night before the Derby. An historian (girl) said something about horses in the early 20th century were bred to run and over the past several decades were bred for sale. She sited some numbers on sale prices spanning about the last 20 to 25 years and they were astronomical (Z not included, what a bargain she was). She also said the high sale prices were coincidental to the growing number of injuries in young horses on the track and the slower times of races. I have read that in Man O’War, Seabiscuit and Citation’s times, horses were raced every week. Is this a difference in the way the horses are bred or different training philosophies? I’m not well-read enough to be able to answer that question. I do know that never before has it been 30+ years between Triple Crown winners. If there’s someone out there that can answer this, I know I would love to know if there IS an answer.
Doreen
The original Triple Tiara consisted of the Acorn Stakes, Mother Goose Stakes and the Coaching Club American Oaks, haven spoken a couple of years ago to H. Allen Jerkens, the last trainer to win it. The other races mentioned here, are only a proposal at this time, with the Mother Goose Stakes being another option to the Acorn Stakes because the Acorn is only one mile in length. This would make it a “National Triple Tiara” instead of the “New York Triple Tiara” as some people prefer to call it. Sky Beauty was the last filly to win it in 1993, and who rightfully was elected into the Hall of Fame this year along with another winner Open Mind who won it in 1990. As of last year the “Triple Tiara of Thoroughbred Racing” is comprised of the Acorn, Coaching Club American Oaks and the Alabama.
Barbara g
I couldn’t agree more with PVals statement about being there in a job. People can see a job as easy(like mine-grocery store checker)It’s not as easy as it looks. Stand awhile in my shoes before you say it’s easy.
Janie
@ Sharon Call: from reading “Seabiscuit” back in his day the time between races was very short and by today’s standards seems almost abusive, but it appears the horses had the stamina back then to race well without much down time in between. It swung the other way in recent years and there almost seems like too much time between races and that’s why it’s difficult for today’s horses to run in the Derby, then 2 weeks later in the Preakness and then 3 weeks after that in the Belmont – they’re just not used to that kind of schedule. Maybe there should be a happy medium between the old days and now in terms of frequency of races or we may never see a Triple Crown winner again…
Zenyen
@ Sharon Call
The answer is ‘yes’. Breeding for precocious speed, surgery to ‘correct’ defects before going to sale and then medication at the track to mask symptoms.
It’s a cycle that hopefully will be getting more and more scrutiny, starting with a ban on any drugs at race day for runners.
Right now the US is the only major racing country that still allows the use of race day medication. This can allow horses to compete and win at high level, when genetically speaking they are not a ‘superior’ animal.
Animal Kingdom could make a very compelling argument for major change, if he goes forward and continues to compete well. Personally I’d love to see him win the Triple Crown, not just to have a Triple Crown winner but because, he’s a horse bred from stock OUTSIDE the USA and he’s trained by a man who is very vocal on the ‘oats, hay and water’ philosophy.
Sharon Call
@Janie. I know what you mean. I’ve always questioned running 2 year olds especially early in their 2nd year. I really don’t think they’re mature enough for the stress of racing at that age and also the stress of training for the races. I also question the Triple Crown being run relatively early in the horses’ third year and so close together. I get that no one would want those races run in the summer – way too hot. But it’s an enormous amount of stress on immature horses to train and run those distances early in their third year. Witness, Mucho Macho Man won’t officially be 3 until a few days past his third birthday. It’s true, his owners and trainer didn’t have to opt to run him but the lure of the Triple Crown is so great.
So many questions – so few answers.
Sharon Call
@Zenyen. I certainly see your point. However, one of the things that leads to the high sales prices are the pedigrees. If you go by pedigrees alone, they are all “superior”. I also see your point about being drug free. I do know that Lasix is used on almost every horse going into a race. If Lasix is banned, then you’re going to see a whole lot of horses not run, or excessive bleeding during/after the race and racing in the US will take another nose-dive. I’m not supporting the use of any drug. I’m just trying to look at it from all angles.
Lynn ..... (nearby Hwd Park) California
Love the photo above. Z you close your eyes like a ‘person’ when kissed. Too Cute.
So I have been awaiting the Preakness and moment the K.Derby was over! My goodness, who to Pick! 1st, they All better get across the finish line safely.
Being that I got to hug Mr. Commons, and get a photo with him last Sunday, I’m rooting for him for sure. I’m in Love with him. I love so many others too.
I wish for you Zenny, that you give birth to the next future triple crown winner, since the last one in 1978. From you, he’ll come from the best with the Heart to win! That will show everyone who the best racehorse mamma is. Love you always Zenny.
Lisa g
@Zenyen: I did not know all that about Animal Kingdom, that is absolutely wonderful, I hope he does win, he has already made a statement winning KY Derby.
@Sharon Call: Agreed on MMM, and am worried. John waited till Zenyatta ‘grew into her body’, I think about Eight Belles, she was a big girl..and as a two year old they said she was clumsy and did not know how to run. Cruz even said regarding her breakdown, she tripped over herself trying to slow down, she did not know how to do it yet, with all her speed. Yes, I worry about MMM, he is a big boy, and only TWO.
Zenyen
@Sharon Call
The thing about Lasix is it masks the presence of other drugs. Also it’s not used in England, France, Japan and all those countries have strong race meets. The US might dip in the short term, yes but in the long term we might see genuine improvement in the quality of animal being run.
Terry Crow
@Doreen–You are correct about the triple tiara. Don’t know what I was thinking. The Kentucky Oaks, Black eyed Susan and Acorn have been proposed as the triple tiara, but it is now as you have described it. Thanks for the correction.
judy berube
Dear Laura J.,
Thanks for finding out. I think he’s a great jockey like his brother. That’s good for Step. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Sharon Call:
I do think in the early days of breeding and racing, owners and breeders like Hankcock Farm and Calumet Farm did breed more for stamina. I watched the PBS program too and they did state that since the end of family owned farms and breeding of homebreds, stamina is no longer key. I do think European horses in the mix (like Street Cry in Z’s case from Ireland) tend to help breed stamina back into our TB’s. AK’s a good example. I don’t know anything about breeding, but just a thought. Hugs, Judy B.
Doreen
@Terry – No worries. I wish they had more of a “Triple Crown” as the colts/geldings do, even though fillies are allowed to run it those races too. It sets the spotlight on the fillies for that year and it gives people from different areas of the country a chance to see them in person.
Marilu V
Dear Zeny and Debbie:
Thank you for mentioning – SUNDAY SILENCE and his race at Preakness. I read his story and was truly amazed by his Major Awards, Wins and Honors! He won in 1989 – Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Breeders Cup to mention a few. Plus HOY, US Hall of Fame and TOP 100 US Race Horse of the 20th Century.
I learn something every time I read your post. Thanks again and Hugs, Marilu
Sally (B)
Lovely sweet Z; First of all I have to admit I am soooo jealous of your buddy kissing you!! I wish I could. But, she does deserve that pleasure for sure. Isn’t it amazing to learn such lessons in life? I now know for sure, both jockey and a great horse must be in tune to one another. Then both have to contend with the other horses–fast, slow, changing stride, or in or out from where they are running and find that opportunity to break into an open so that you can excel in talent and speed to challenge for the win!! It is so exciting especially when there is a special horse you want to win from my view. (Like I always did with you!) I have been suddenly so busy helping my adult child and my other with his children that I hope you know I love you and will make a special wish for your friend Mr. Commons in the Preakness. BUT- no matter what, I will watch the Preakness!! love you with a kiss on your soft nose.
Sally L. Hopkins
The photo is too cute, Zenyatta! Thanks for the updates. Take care and with xoxoxxoxoxo
Diana_NV
Well, I’m really jealous of Isabelle. I’d love to give you a kiss someday, Mama Z! Of my eight girls, about five are kissable.
Safe race to all of the Preakness starters and jockeys. It’d be great for the sport to have a King with a crown this year.
Henrietta Wolfe
Great photo of two lovely ladies!!! Zenyatta, YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE!!!
Anna Wiley
How sweet! I love the picture, you reunited with an old friend. Too sweet! Mr. Commons rab an excellent race-you should be proud of having that hors in your barn!!!!! Love you, ZZZZZZZZZ…..
Hugs, kisses, and carrots~
Love Anna <3 <3 <3 :D :D
Anna Wiley
@ Kirrin and Sharon Call: I agree with you completely! I was writing an essay about champion racehorses once, and my section about Blame was “Don’t Blame it on Blame!” In my opinion, he ran an admirable race, and I would have cheered for him wholeheartedly had it not been The Queen that he defeated. I am glad to know you share my opinion!
-Anna
Paul
Zenyatta, I love all of your pictures, but this one has to be the best that I have ever seen. I love you enough to do that and more myself. You would need a crow bar to get me off of you. I agree completely with Patrick Valenzuela’s comment that watching the races as a spectator is totally different from being a participant in it. That’s true everywhere in life. There’s something about experiencing something in the flesh that you will never get if you are just watching it. Good luck to any of your buddies running in the Preakness, Zenyatta.