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!
Lisa g
Mr Commons may take the Preakness, we all know how John is…Mr. Commons was not ready for the Derby, so John, the patient man he is waited until Mr. Commons IS ready..Look out, he is coming.
Judy (Maass) Gadwood Adores Zenny (CA)
Good afternoon, Zenny!
I agree with what is written: Until you’ve walked in someone else’s shoes (or horse shoes) you have no clue what they’ve been through! I admire the jockeys; tough life! I wouldn’t sit on anything going up to 40 mph!
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I found this article about your boyfriend, Bernie, and thought I’d share it. Speaking of what someone has to go through ~ can you imagine winning a race but with tragedy there, too! :-( I love Bernardini. He won this race fair and square. He gave it his all. That’s all anyone can ask for!
http://www.drf.com/news/preakness-albertrani-has-bittersweet-memories-2006-win-bernardini
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HUGS & KISSES MY QUEEN XOXOXOXOXO
Debbie G
What a beautiful picture, Zenny! That Isabelle sure is lucky. I think that Mr Commons got the #14 post position. I know that’s not the best post, but I will be cheering for him! Loving you in Lexington:-)
P.S. If anyone is interested in pictures of our Zenny, there’s a great website that has many pictures of her, some of them autographed by Mike Smith. I’ve been to the gallery and bought some of her prints and was very pleased. The address is http://www.galleryofchampions.com.
judy berube
Dear Judy (Maass) Gadwood:
Thanks for the link on Bernie. Hugs, Judy B.
Maggie
Queen Z, your face is so Royal, you look so beautiful when someone is with you showing love. Your look is magnificient. Love you much,
Sue Noel
Zenny Dear!! LOVED your post #249!! You really are TOO CUTE!!!Thank you for this wonderful,subtle,message—WINK,WINK!!! Stay happy and healthy and dream of your future!!
What a precious picture on # 250!! I can only imagine how exciting it would be to actually ride you (though the video cam “ride” was fabulous!)–you two obviously share a real bond.
@Sharon Call–Loved your posts today!! Make room on that box for me too!!
Am so looking forward to Saturday–like always,I will be praying for safe trips for all. Go Mr. Commons,MMM and Animal Kingdom!!
Zenny,may tomorrow bring you the sun on your back and a soft breeze to ruffle your mane.LOVE YOU!!!!
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
A very lovely picture of you and Isabelle, you two are look so happy together. So looking for Mr. Commons on the track for the Preakness this Saturday, the best of luck to him and Mike Smith! Miss seeing you racing Zenyatta but now it is your time to stand back and watch, enjoy and root for your favorite horse! Love you lots sweetie!
Alene
Hi Zenny, This is a beautiful photo. You`re VERY photogenic. You look gorgeous in all of your photos. You`re lovin that kiss. I wish it were me. Good luck to Mr. Commons. Would be nice if he won. I, unfortunately, don`t think we have a chance for a triple crown any time soon. maybe your colt will do it. That would be incredible!!! Dottie, thank you for all of your info. Much appreciated!!!! Lots of Hugs and Kisses. Alene :-) :-)
Sue Noel
Ooops!! I meant posts # 250 and 251!!
Linda from Vermont
That is such a nice photo. You look so happy!! Do you miss racing Z??
Misty
Such a sweetie!!! Love this picture!!!
Debi Hamari
Beautiful Queen Zenyatta,
I love the photo! I can just feel your love and warm breath!
So happy to hear that you are doing well.
Sending prayers and positive thoughts for Mr. Commons and all the horses in the Preakness. May they all come home safe and sound.
Love and hugs!
Lori K
ZENNY, I LOVE THE PHOTO IT IS TOO CUTE:) I WILL BE CHEERING FOR MR.COMMONS AT THE PREAKNESS! I WILL BE THERE AT THE TURFSIDE TERRACE. I HOPE AND PRAY THAT I GET TO SEE OR MEET YOUR LOVING JOHN THIS WOULD BE SO AMAZING!!!!! GO MR.COMMONS:)
judy berube
To Sharon Call:
I agree with you. Well said. Hugs, Judy B.
suew
I’m on that soapbox with the rest of you. Lots of sheer talent and guts brought Zenny to her 19 wins and that improbable second. To me she really won the BC last year but that’s another story.
Oh, if only she had a longer nose. ;-)
Zenny, I will be rooting for your pal, Mr. Commons, because of his Barn 55 connection. John and his team sure know how to treat and train a horse. I am positive Mr. Commons will be in top form and capable of winning the race. And Dottie, once again the photo you selected for this entry is perfect. The tenderness between Isabel and Zenny is so real, I only wish it were me kissing that nose.
To the Mosses, I cannot thank you enough for this site. You understand our intense need to remain close to your girl.
She gives us far more than we could ever give back. God speed to all…
Terry Crow
@Lisa g–You are looking in the right p;laces. The Black Eyed Susan, run at Pimlico like the Preakness, is not nearly as highly regarded in breeding circles as the Kentucky Oaks. Therefore, most of the fillies who run in the Oaks are not wheeled back for The Black Eyed Susan. If you research the history of both races, you will find this to be so. Last year when Blind Luck won the Oaks it was the same thing. The lack of top fillies gets more acute in the Acorn, which is run at Belmont. Why is this so? Probably because it is a tough schedule for a three year old filly to run in races that are so close together. Like I previously said, however, when Citation won the triple crown he actually ran in a race between the Preakness and the Belmont.
Margie
Sharon Call – I’ll supply the wood to build that bigger soap box! lol
Great articles, etc., shared by so many ZP’s (Z Posters) – thank you to all.
Will be praying for everyone to come safely home from their races.
Zenny, what can I say? You are the ultimate sweet girl and I feel blessed every day that I drove over to Barn 55 to meet you. I don’t have your bronze like some of your lucky ZPs do, but I do have the last original Zenyatta Moneigh painting hanging in my house. It is truly treasured; each time I look at it, I can’t believe you actually painted it yourself. Rerun (rescue) kindly included snapshots of you with the paint all over your beautiful self. That painting is more valuable to me than any Rembrandt could ever be!
Moneigh note cards may be purchased from Rerun. I bought a couple of packs and I think they run about $18. They include 4 of Z’s Moneigh, plus some other well knowns. The proceeds go to Rerun.
Debbie
hi Z! wow I hope to one day be kissing you like this photo, how precious, and how I want to see you, hopefully soon! thank you for sharing such fascinating insight on racing, I’m looking forward to the Preakness, although I have sad memories of Barbaro breaking down, those images will never leave my mind, but I will enjoy the races remembering his greatness and YOURS! love you so much gorgeous girl xoxoxo
Pam Zacek,
What cute picture, and looks, like your enjoying that Isabella Kiss really cute, oh and love this post, because, when you were, in the last Breeders cup, I think Mike got stuck, for 2 to 3 seconds, and that would have been so different, that race, if he did not, that split second, he did his best, and you did too, just those little tiny, difference can sure change the way a race does go, and thanks, I forgot the Preakness is this Sat, Ill sure me hoping, your stable mate, gets a good run and win. GOD BLESS all of the horses running, and SAFE trip
Mary Stanford
Love the picture Z…once again it shows the love you have in your heart for people…that is why us fans love you so much …because you give it back to us. We loved your racing…but we now love your heart. You are just “too cute”…..excited about the Preakness…hope I make it home to watch..I am going to a air show with the Blue Angels performing here in Lynchburg, VA on Saturday but have it set to record in case do not make it back in time. My son invited me…I said…it is the Preakness but I will go…but if this had been a Zenyatta race…I would not have gone. He knows how much I love you!!
Robyn Mullhausen
Ohhhh myyyyy. Zenyatta, I would give almost anything to be able to kiss your beautiful, sweet nose like Isabelle is doing in this photo. Enjoy the Preakness, Zenny!
From Robyn in Baltimore, Maryland.
Paula Higgins
This is a picture of two very beautiful women! Just lovely. Dottie, what a wonderful blog about jockeys and the split second decisions they have to make. Mike Smith did an awesome job of riding Zenyatta, including her 20th race. He was a major reason she won those 19 races. Without deciding when to go to the outside, split the horses etc., the outcome might have been different in any one of her races. Great horse, great rider. Whenever John Shirreffs has a horse running, that is the horse I will root for. So Mr. Commons first, and then MMM in the Preakness.
Karen Mitchell
Hi Zenny, Great post and wonderful lesson about how we should all live our lives, every day and in every situation. TB racing is a perfect metaphor. And PVal’s comments were very illuminating. My husband was a professional steeplechase jockey, then later exercised the TBs at HP, SA, and DelMar, and he helped me to understand how incredibly strong and intelligent jockeys are, both as athletes and as horsemen and women. They are just amazing, as are the horses they guide.
@Sharon Call: count me joining you on your soapbox. As you can see from all the many comments, you said it perfectly and with wisdom and heart. I share your thoughts and feelings totally.
nina
Great picture. Shows true love and respect between Isabelle and the Zen.
KIMBERLY
Hi Queen, You can truly guage your sweet nature in this photo. Isabelle is so very lucky to snuggle up to you so nicely. I bet she misses you sooooo much.
Thank you Dottie on the info. We all appreciate you so much!!!
Janet
What a great photo. You always look beautiful Zenny girl and you’re definitely too cute. I wish it were me giving you that kiss.
DJ
Thank you Sharon C. Your comment corresponded perfectly to what we witnessed that day at the Kentucky Derby. It was just between Mike and Zenyatta, and there were many variables that were different from the last five races we watched her win. Especially that it was evening, it was cold, it was dirt, but those are not excuses…just facts. She ran the most amazing race we have ever witnessed, and every one around was still cheering as she over took each horse with ease at the end and came thundering in! We all thought she won, and were as shocked as the lovely Moss’ were. However, in our hearts, there were two winners – Blame and Zenyatta. Zenyatta stole our hearts that day. We heard Mike’s speech while at dinner at a local restaurant and he was as gallant and honorable as one would expect of him. He is a gentleman through and through, and he was so heartbroken, that there were no words expressed of critique that we ever heard that evening or any time hence forth. His silent tears were are tears…they are winners and she ran the race of her life! I do not belive there is another horse that could have done what she did and she did it for him and for what was asked of her; she put her feelings aside and went all the way!
DJ
thank you for letting me borrow your soap box :)
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
They really bred for stamina in Citation’s time didn’t they? Still, he was exceptional. Please let us hear more of your stories about your Mom and her time in racing. Very interesting. Hugs, J.B.
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. What a wonderful picture of you and Isabelle. Those soft velvet nose kisses are the best. I am sure we all dream of giving you one someday, Zenny. Loved the story of Dottie’s conversation with PVAL. I cannot imagine how hard it is to be a jockey. I think they are some of the best athletes in the world. Horse racing is very exciting and you did play a major role in it Zenny. A role that will live through the history books of the sport. And, yes, I agree it is a great lesson in life to try to see the whole picture before passing judgement. The Preakness is right around the corner, hope Mr. Commons has the best of racing luck and that everyone has a safe trip. How wonderful to see you looking so content and happy, Zenny. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Karen Mitchell and Margie – Your stories of meeting Zenyatta and the look in her eyes were both beautiful.
@LauraJ – Hope to get some time to stop by Our Mims while in Kentucky. Have been checking out their website. Very interested on information about your horse. I love Eddington. Did he get his card yet?
@Sharon Call – I am right there on the soap box with you girl. Loved the story of building trust with the rescued mare.
@Sue Noel – Aren’t books just amazing. They transport us.
@Susan in TN – You are right, it is a little difficult to get the stirups right on a western saddle for jockey practice. How special that the older gentleman you described cared enought about his horses to put them in a better place, even if it meant losing them.
@DJ and Kirren – Congrats on getting your very own bronzes of Zenyatta!!!
@Abigail from Montreal – I will be sure to check out the Preakness information you have put on the vault.
@Peggy – Hello twin sis. Yes, I am going to the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale next week for tests on my liver tumor. My best friend is going with me and I told her that as long as we were going, we were having fun. So we are stopping at several places in route and after the hospital visit heading to California for a few days. Thanks for checking on me. :)
@Shari Voltz – Did not see a post today. Hope everything is great with you!!!