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!
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
What a beautiful photo. I feel as If I am giving you that sweet Kiss! I just recieved by statue of you and it is gorgeous! Your tail has a little swish of movement to it and your leg is doing it’s little prance! Thank you Nina! For others, it is worth eating “Z” food for a couple months if it is not in your budget :) I know I had plenty of greens!! Good luck Mr. Commons and go Mikey! Have a beautiful day Queen Z.
Robin
I love this picture! Zenny you are such a sweet girl! I save everyone of your pics to my screensaver!
Linda
Beautiful, Beautiful Zenyatta – miss your racing days. . . .
DJ
and you can wash them down with a Guinness!
#1NewEnglandFan
Queen Z,
What a sweet photo — your fans (like me) who haven’t had the chance to meet you are would love to be have a chance to give you a hug and a kiss on the nose too!
I am learning so much from you and Dottie — I really look forward to my daily visit to this wonderful site.
THANK YOU!
Happy Preakness week!
Annie B in MA
Gloria Jeanne
Good Luck to Mr. Commons!!!!
Sandy
Love this photo. What a wonderful mare you are!
Love you Zenyatta and miss you so much!!
Rosemary McCauley
Don’t the two of you look beautiful together. You are both fortunate to have gotten to know each other. Good luck to Mr. Commons!
Cheryl Smith
Sweet Photo, you are one lucky girl to have so many wonderful people in your life. Gosh, I hope all the horses have a safe trip in the Preakness.
You take care and keep the updates coming!
Love YOu
Karen
Thanks for a different insight to the world of horse racing. Loved your post yesterday and hope the wink means what I think! What a treasure that “wink” will be!
Bridget
Would love to visit you, Z!! Is that possibility still in the future, Dottie??
Wennies
After every big race I go back and watch your races…such perfection!
Daphne
Hey beautiful Z! Don’t forget your Bernie won the Preakness in 2006! Your diary posts always make my day brighter! Love you and stay well!
Nancy Bickford
And also speaking of the Preakness, it is a race that your man, Bernardini, won. Except that Barbaro broke down in this race and Bernie’s victory was somewhat overlooked, to say the least. Bernie ran a great race though. God Bless all 14 runners at Pimlico on Saturday. May they come back safe and sound!
Neva Rae Powers
What a horse!
Nancy Bickford
Couldn’t help but notice you have a “tag” on your halter!! Exactly what does that signify, Zenyatta my Queen? Good stuff?
Kathy Baldwin
Well said Zenny and Dottie! And so very
happy that PVAL is staying focused and
doing well! He is won of the best race
rider’s ever, as is your Mike! :)
Love & Blessings,
Kathy from SoCal
p.s. Your right, today’s posted photo is
“Too Cute”! And very sweet! :)
Joanna
Great posting today! While horse racing surely is thrilling, sometimes it scares me to death watching you horses run full tilt in close proximity. Sort of like the Blue Angels flying. You made it through, Z! Enjoy the rewards of your success…you and your team deserve it all.
Monica Horn
I love this post! Some believe that racing is just horses running in an oval with men “riding” on their backs— they are in a state of extreme ignorance of the facts. There is SO much more to it!…..and yes, knowing the details is what makes the sport so exciting. I will copy PVAL’s quote and reflect on it often.
I will be at Pimlico this weekend- working! Tentative assignment is the Trophy Table! So excited!
Sarah Powell
Much “food for thought” today – and good advice, as usual. Those split second decisions that have to be made are one of the reasons that we are so grateful to Mike for bringing you home safe and sound for 20 races – really remarkable!! Lucky Isabelle to get Zenny smooches – would sure love to get that close!
@DJ – lucky you to get a mini-Zenny – I could eat greens for months but my horses get “testy” if they don’t have their full buffet!! LOL (thanks Dottie)
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, another beautiful picture of your beautiful face, and yes you both are TOO CUTE FOR SURE…Ms Isabelle is a very lucky girl. I would love it were that was me giving you that kiss. I have watched enough videos riding with the Jockey, and it is scary. I do not know how they do it, they are true, brave athletes. Not only are they responsible for themselves, but the beautiful horses they ride as well
Good luck to Mr. Commons Saturday, does this mean we will see John? Your post today makes me miss your dance to the starting gate, you and Mike giving me a HA before you cross the wire, and your Victory Dance…I love you, Big Girl..thanks for beautiful picture today..Lisa g.
Lover of Horses
I, like you Lady Z, am very excited about the Preakness!
Donna from Baltimore
Z looks like she is just eating up the love. She has such a calm, serene look on her face. I am jealous of everyone who has been able to hug and kiss the Queen. She definitely looks like she loves it – and Isabella!
judy berube
Dear Z,
You are the most gentle, loving and kind horse ever. This photo of you and Isabelle is so touching and sweet. As you described what PVAL said and all the things that go into a successful race, it just makes us realize once again what a spectacular athlete you really were on the track. What you and Mike accomplished together is just stunning. Makes us in awe of you, race horses in general and jockeys. Love you much and love to all of you. Judy and Russ
judy berube
PS: Rooting for Mr. Commons in the Preakness. Thank you again Dottie for all that you do. Hugs, J. B.
Gloria Jeanne
I love the photo Zenyatta!!! Way Too Cute. I love the story you told today, it’s very true – it’s easy to judge from the sidelines and couch from stands, but living in that moment, you often have to make quick decisions that will effect you for a long time to come. Said perfectly Zenny and Dottie, unless you walk in someone elses shoes – well you know the rest.
Thanks for a great post Zenny and keep your head high and your ears forward.
Love you!!!! Wink Wink
sherry drish
WHAT WAS SAID ABOUT RACING IS SO SO TRUE. I GET NERVOUS JUST LOOKING AT THE CLOSENESS OF THE HORSES. YOU DO HAVE TO REACT QUICKLY. I AM SO THANKFUL YOU HAD NO INJURIES, WE ALL LOVE YOUR KIND SPIRIT. GREAT SWEET PHOTO. LOVE TO ALL. SHERRY D. WV
Lorri
Great post Zenny! Always giving us something to think about. Love that about you! Love the photo!
xoxo
Roxi Cook
Love this post, and the photo is very dear too! The movie “Seabiscuit” was an eye opener in the scenes that were shot from the perspective of the jockey; I don’t know why helmet-cams are not allowed more often (maybe a weight issue) so that folks can experience the THRILL of the race from horseback. Wouldn’t that be something!
Tatia
Looks like they both have their eyes closed for this smooch. How sweet! What a great photo.
Best of luck to Mr. Commons on Saturday.