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!
Sandra Ryan
I wish you and Mike were running in it, you could give those “youngsters” a “Clinic” on how to run a REAL horserace. You’re the BEST!
Shannon From Cool
Love your lessons of the racetrack, it’s such a great way to educate people about this sport. Thanks!
DJ
Dear Kirren,
Congratulations..You will be “in love twice!” I just sent Nina a thank you note. She brought every element that IS Zenyatta to this sculpture. God has truly gifted her with an incomparable talent that she has shared and given joy to others with. It is an honor to support her gift. Blessings to you!
Cathy Marshall
She is one lucky lady! Good luck to Mr.Commons in the Preakness, and may all the horses come back safe and sound! Love ya, Zenny!
Brenda
Dear ZENNY & DOTTIE,
What a beautiful post! ZENNY, YOU still give us GOOSEBUMPS! Always taking the global view!
YOU are always thinking of OTHERS. Hope someone told YOU that YOUR PICTURES and memorabilia are raising funds for the Southern California Throughbred Rescue on eBay http://shop.ebay.com/so_cal_thoroughbred_rescue/m.html?_trksid=p4340.l2562
Zenny, YOU & YOUR TEAM are the BEST!
XOXOXOXO
Sharon Call
@Kirren, LauraJ, LisaG. My soapbox is getting full – will definitely get a bigger one. LOL!
—————————————
@Susan in Tn. One of the things I left out of my story about the abused mare I had, was that one of the things that helped bring her around was TREATS! Apples and carrots. I didn’t know about peppermints back then. I would place the treat on top of her stall door and then sit down in my chair and proceed to ignore her all the while keeping a watch on her out of the corner of my eye. She would turn around, staying towards the back of the stall and stretch her neck out as far as it would go, turn her head sideways and grab at the treat with her prehensile upper lip. It was all I could do not to LOL. Eventually, she would come a little closer to the treat and I just let her do her thing until she came all the way up and then I would talk to her. It took a lot of time, but was worth it in the end. She wound up coming willingly to me because I didn’t rush her and won her trust gradually. It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. No one taught me to do that, I figured it out on my own and it worked. Wish it would happen like that all of the time.
judy berube
Dear Max,
Thank you for the link on Mr. Commons. How do you find these great articles. Hugs, Judy B.
Christine Coleman
Hi Zenny Moss-Shirreffs-“Mario”-Smith-Coleman :) I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT WHEN YOU GIVE US INSIGHTS INTO HORSERACING THAT WE LAYPERSONS CAN’T HAVE ACCESS TO. This de-mystifys the sport for us and makes us feel like we are welcomed to share in the love of our horses and not just betters who provide money to the sport. Your connections are amazing and truly appreciated. I see a change emerging among owners/trainers–little by little! The smart ones are realizing that by embracing the fans more, it helps build the sport! Love you Zenny-kins!
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, What a wonderful Post! Tell Dottie, I absolutley love the photo & the Post! Isabelle is such a lucky lady to have gotten to exercise you and watch you develope into that Champion you are & will always be. I can see the bond between you both in this sweet photo. It’s simply priceless. I dream of a moment like that, Zenyatta, to culp my hands and if you chose to rest your soft nose in my hands so I could gently kiss your face in appreciation of your heart & soul and the amazing life force you are to me. It’s just a dream. Zenyatta, you are such an incredible creation of God that I will always feel overwhelmed with emotions when I see or read about you. I loved the quote Dottie shared from Patrick Valenzuela. It does apply to everyday life. When I heard the word split-second decison, it reminded me of your split-second decision in your 20th race that changed my life. I will be forever grateful to YOU. Zenyatta & Dottie, I just wanted to say “Thank You” for being so sweet, kind & genuine in the way you express your words & thoughts. Zenyatta, I appreciate & love YOU & your family for all the memories of YOU.
I pulling for Mr.Commons & Barn 55 in the Preakness. I hope we can all celebrate his win. I just pray for a safe ride for Mr. Commons & all the horses & jockeys. Sending Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love, Amanda G.
Janie
How I wish I could give you a kiss on your soft nose like that, Zenyatta. And a hug, too. What a sweet picture. And you’re so right about how intense it is to actually be in the race and to make split-second decisions – the horse and the jockey work together as fine athletes to accomplish their goal. You and Mike worked together so well and thank God you always came home safe! Best wishes to Mr. Commons on Saturday.
Cindy from LA
@Sharon Call
Just read the article Steve Haskins wrote about MMM.
Thanks for mentioning it. What a wonderful title
MMM becomes a man. So many of the jockey’s comment
When a horse only has one gear. Did not realize many
Gears is a sign of maturity and Talent. What a wonderful
Article about a trainer/horse match. Also mentioned the
Great relationship between John and Z.
Oh I forgot about Shackelford. He made a great effort in
The Derby, too. It is so hard to chose!!!
Terry Crow
@Lisa g–There is a triple crown for fillies, it is called the triple tiara. It consists of the Kentucky Oaks, Black Eyed Susan and the Acorn Stakes.
Sue Fredrick
Great post Zen/Dot, I guess you gave us all food for thought. I, however, have never blamed Mike for the loss, and those that do would do well to remenber he piloted her to almost all those others wins. Why should he be remembered for the one that was lost?
I am so jealous of that picture of “The Kiss”, I would die to plant one on that velvet nose, I dream of it!!!
Good luck Mr. Commons, Astrology, Dialed In, MMM, I would like to see an American horse win our race……I’m just saying.
Rest up that body Zee, luv and KISSES ON YOUR NOSE
Gloria
Hey Big Mama Z! Oooh, I’m gonna bet Mr. Commons! Good luck John!! I love that picture of you and Isabelle. I’d love to give you a big kiss on the nose, Zenny! One last thing before I sign off. JOCKEYS ARE THE BEST ATHLETES IN THE WORLD, BAR NONE! XOXOX!!
Hernan Tovar
My adorable Zenyatta; in every photo you always look so sweet; this is the reason why we all love you so much!
PLEASE, FANS OF ZENYATTA, WE HAVE TO GIVE SUPPORT TO MR COMMONS, WE SHOULD ALL US, BET ON HIM ON SATURDAY, TO WIN!
BECAUSE WE OWE THIS TO JOHN & DOTTIE SHIRREFFS, FOE BEEN SO CAIN TO ALL US… Ingrid from SoBe.
Cheryl
Love the picture. It is so cute, good Luck to ALL the horses running Saturday, hope they all have safe trips! My personal fave is Mucho Macho Man, have you read his and his trainer”s inspiring stories. She is a heart transplant recipient and he was foaled lifeless at first but survived and was running from the start.
Thanks for keeping us posted, can’t wait to find out if you are going to be s mommy!
Hernan Tovar
My adorable Zenyatta; in every photo you always look so sweet; this is the reason why we all love you so much!
PLEASE, FANS OF ZENYATTA, WE HAVE TO GIVE SUPPORT TO MR COMMONS, WE SHOULD ALL US, BET ON HIM ON SATURDAY, TO WIN!
BECAUSE WE OWE THIS TO JOHN & DOTTIE SHIRREFFS, FOR BEEN SO CAIN TO ALL US… Ingrid from SoBe.
Kimberly Potter
@LauraJ~ I know Mike Smith is riding Astrology~ I was just wishing him luck as well as Mr. Commons. But thanks for pointing that out.
Zenyatta’s #1 fan in Montana!
judy berube
To Kimberly Potter:
Just read your post to me from yesterday. I’m still hoping, but in the meantime I will enjoy my Bryer model of Z as you will yours. Hugs, Judy B.
To Laura J: Just checked and Step has his Gate Card. Congrats on his entry in the 7th race at Charlestown on Saturday. Good luck and safe trip. All the info you posted on partnerships is so interesting. It’s something I would love to do some day, if I can. Hugs, Judy B.
Lakeway
Well darn, darn and darn.
I picked Archarcharch for the Derby and he drew the number 1 (and worst)post, and as we know he got hurt.
My pick for the Preakness is Astrology, and just found out that he drew the number 1 post. Hope he can overcome this…
judy berube
Dear Sue Frederick:
Animal Kingdom was born in Kentucky, but he does have a Brazilian sire and a German dam. I think he has a good chance at the Triple Crown. I think Mucho Macho Man, Dialed In and Mr. Commons are going give him a good challenge. Hugs, Judy B.
Mary
Hugs to you Zenyatta. Such a sweet picture.
When can we see you? Summer? Hugs and Prayers
Hooves up, Wink, wink
judy berube
Dear Eveline:
Thanks for the link on the free streaming of races from Charlestown Race Track. I did not know that. Hugs, Judy B.
judy berube
To Cindy from LA:
Enjoyed your post and story about your TB gelding. Hugs, Judy B.
Abigail from Montreal
@ MAX: Thanks for the great article!
Charlotte A. Farmer
Thank you Dottie for the lovely information on Patrick Valenzuela. His uncle, Milo, would be very proud of him. I will be keeping hooves crossed for Mr. Commons and your John!
Love you Zenyatta!
Marilu V
Hello Zenyatta! What a beautiful picture of you and Isabelle. The picture just says it all! She must miss you very much!
She is one lucky lady to have spent so much time with you!
Good luck to Mr. Commons and the entire team. I wish them a safe trip and a great race.
Hugs to you Zeny! Marilu
barbara
what a wonderful and tender photo!
thank you for sharing and dottie, your words and thoughts are always so uplifting. you two make such a great pair!
and sharon: very, very well said!
Lisa g
@Terry Crow: I thought so, I was looking to see who would be running Friday and they are different fillies than the Oaks? Am I looking in the wrong places? Please help, Terry. Lisa g.
Lisa g
@Sharon Call: Get that bigger box, if it too much too carry, you know we will help.