Happy Preakness Day to All!
From all reports, it is absolutely GORGEOUS in Maryland this morning. The high will be about 80 with a slight breeze. The wind is blowing softly and the chance of rain is really non-existent. This sounds like the perfect weather for wonderful racing. All the best to each of the participants! My BARN 55 friend, MR. COMMONS, is a very happy guy. He is enjoying his time there…and from what I’m hearing, they have TONS OF LUSH GRASS to graze on right by the Stakes Barn. He must feel perfectly at home!
Steve Haskin of The BLOODHORSE did an interview with Dottie and John yesterday…and several questions were asked about ME! If you have a moment, I thought you might enjoy viewing it. Here it is!
All else is fine. I’m really feeling TERRIFIC and my guys at the barn are quite excited. There is so much going on now, not just with the last few months of the breeding season, but with the Preakness, and all of the Basketball Play-offs. Dialed In, one of the Preakness contenders, is by Mineshaft. He is a wonderful, well-bred stallion who resides at Lane’s End in our Stallion Barn. Astrology is by A.P.Indy. As you know, he has been a long-time favorite who lives here as well. He just recently retired from his Breeding Duties…but his accomplishments both on and off the racetrack are totally amazing.
So, I’m hoping this is really a fun, safe, and terrific race for all! It runs a bit after 6 Eastern Time! It’s getting EXCITING!
Enjoy your weekend!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Lynn ..... (nearby Hwd Park) California
Hi Zenny, …. I LOVE your photo today. How spoiled to get another post from you so soon. I appreciate it very much. :)
Boy, that was an unpredictable Preakness race to predict. Mucho Macho M. coming in 6th? what! Well, what do I know anyway. I love Shacklefords determination to win. He has a lovely big white blaze.
Mr. Commons looked gorgeous, and ran a really good race. Soon, I will come visit you again and give you another kiss.
I’m just happy they all crossed over the finished! Right Zenny! I love YOU.
Abigail from Montreal
Hi there Zenny! Well, you’ve gotta be really proud of Mike and of Mr. Commons. Astrology ran big and Mr. Commons did well to come in 8th on a race with such blistering opening fractions. And I’m certain that Mr. C. learned lots from the experience — every race will help to build his stamina and understanding of what it’s all about.
On NBC, I thought it was interesting that Animal Kingdom pulled up a little when the dirt hit him in the face. You’d understand that, wouldn’t you Zenny? I agree that Shackleford was amazing considering his condition when he went into the gate and, as a Canadian, I’m always proud when a Northern Dancer descendant wins a major race!!! I’m a bit of an expert on Canada’s little hero — I’ve a 700+ collection of Northern Dancer and his descendants over time that I am putting into albums and writing up for each thoroughbred represented. it will be like a pedigree history of the Northern Dancer line when it’s finished.
For those who might be new to the sport, Northern Dancer was the first Canadian bred & owned thoroughbred to ever win the Kentucky Derby. He was about the size of Hyperion (just over 15 hands) but had the heart of a tiger. In personality, he was extremely hard to handle and the only person he really behaved around was his owner-breeder’s wife, Winifred Taylor, whom he just adored. There’s a very funny story of Northern Dancer chasing his trainer out of his stall and almost biting him on the rump just seconds before Mrs. Taylor was due to arrive with a young blind boy whose dream it was to visit Northern Dancer. As ND’s trainer & groom watched in amazement, ND turned into a big, loveable puppy for the young lad and Mrs. Taylor. He stood like a statue as the child petted him (something ND despised) and knickered sweetly to Mrs. Taylor. When she and the boy left, ND shook his head and then snaked out his neck to take a chunk out of his trainer! Everyone there that day was amazed by the “two faces” of Northern Dancer.
For anyone who might be interested, I wrote about Northern Dancer on THE VAULT some weeks ago now. Here’s the link:http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2011/03/23/kentucky-derby-1964-remembering-northern-dancer/
Goodnight to you, sweet girl. Love from your biggest Canadian fan!
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Sending you my love and hugs Zenyatta!
mary bobolis
A good race for Mr. Commons considering the terrible post position #14. Could it have been a worse post? I’m so excited that my boyfriend, Steve, got to meet John today at the backside at Pimlico as he is with the military and has a VIP pass. I wouldn’t have been able to walk with my bad foot. I can’t wait to see him tomorrow and hear all about it and see the pictures. I’m so jealous as I am the ultimate Z fan! I have the DVD, framed pictures of all of her races and the beautiful lithograph that Mike signed in the most beautiful custom frame you can imagine.
Thanks for the interview. We sure miss the two of you, all of the Z Team and you Zenny. So happy that you are thriving in your new life. You are so smart that you can adapt to most anything in no time at all.
Love to the Z Team!
Irene Caty
Peek-A-Boo Zenny I see you. It looks loke you are out grazeing and eating your share of blue grass. Mr. Commons did not make it in the Preakness but Mike came in third with Astrology. That is a tough race to run and Shackleford was the winner. Congradulations to him! Animal Kingdom came in second but thats ok, he is a young horse and has many races to run and will probably do very well. No triple crown winner this year. Love you Zenny.
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. Happy Preakness Day to you also!! It sure was an exciting race. Animal Kingdom just missed, no Triple Crown this year. :( Congrats to Shackelford and all of his connections!! Mr. Commons did very well and looked amazing. Dottie and John were just great in their interview yesterday. Steve is right, they are the two most popular people in racing!! I loved the interview with John today, he was TOO CUTE trying not to let anything slip about your possible announcement, Zenny. You look beautiful munching away in your paddock. Each new picture of you is a gem to treasure. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@Amanda Gilliland, Marshall, AudreyC, KimS – Thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts!
@DJ – Loved the poem, yesterday.
@Karen Mitchell – Thank you for your prayers. You are right, it is wonderful to have my bronze of Zenyatta. I am always walking by and laying my hand on #19 for a moment. It makes me feel like I am sending a pat to Zenny each day and that is a very special feeling.
@Susan in TN – You are TOO CUTE, I absolutely love your enthusiasm!!
@Dani – I admire your passion. We have to believe that the future will hold change.
@Dorothy Hopper – Your post on the BC 2010 was beautiful. You expressed what so many of us feel.
@Tammy B – The story of your beautiful Bonnie was lovely.
@Shari – The relationship between you and Brooke appears to be very special indeed. You seem to be wonderful kindred spirits. You are an extremely caring teacher and she a sweet, intelligent girl. You are both lucky to know one another and share a love for horses, especially our amazing Zenyatta.
Max
@Abigail from Montreal. Very interesting article on Northern Dancer. Z’s fans may know that Z’s foal will have a blood link to the Dancer through Bernardini’s mother.
Z’s picture today shows her classic right hoof dance step even when she is eating. Her great and powerful legs also show well in that picture. What a beautiful horse she is.
Louise Castello
Does anyone know if paddy o’prado was vanned off after his race? Love you big girl! Can’t wait for a big announcement. If anyone know about paddy, please post. Thanks.
ENSIGN
@ Louise,
.
Yes, Paddy was vanned off after the race. Waiting on futher word on what’s going on.
Trina Nagele
@TAMMY B—Thank you for your moving comments about your beloved QH Bonny. I hope you’ll share some more about her in the future.
@ESPECIALLY HORSES—I enjoyed your turn of phrase regarding Graham Motion’s “Kingdom to come.” Sadly for him, Animal Kingdom didn’t quite make it all the way to the front, but he certainly was coming!
@Susan in TN—I love your humor: “Put the mouse down and step away from the keyboard!” Only to be followed by “I had to step back again!” But like you said, it’s always a good idea to repeat a name so people don’t have to scroll back (BTW, it was a good thing you repeated it within your post too, because “Edge” was missing the first time). Looking forward to more updates on the horses at River Edge Farm Horse Rescue.
@LOIS GILLESPIE—Recognizing Dottie even from the back and feeling like a groupie! Too cute!
@Dorothy Hopper and @Shema—Beautiful tributes to Z and what she teaches us about life. Well done!
ENSIGN
Update on Paddy, he’s gone back to his own barn. Hoping just perhaps a bruise from the turf course. Sounds like they’re just being extra cautious at this point.
Signofthetimes
Thanks for sharing the interview with John
Sherriffs on Versus. Liked the “Dottie will kill
me”. He is truely the real deal. Zenny you just
Graze and stay healthy. LE will make the announcement
In their usual professional manner. Stay beautiful.
I really loved when Dottie said you visit with everyone
And make sure they are doing what they are supposed
To. You are truly the gentle alpha mare for humans
And horses. TO CUTE!!!! No wonder you were discussing
Things with LE farm manager a couple of posts ago.
Cathy Marshall
Thanks everyone for the info. on Paddy.
Zowie
Although the Preakness was exciting, it was also a bit disappointing as for the 34th year there will be no Triple Crown winner. Animal Kingdom’s race was more than a little like your run in the Breeder’s Cup. It was close and he was flying at the end, but he just ran out of real estate. Oh Well! Sounds like you’re doing well and I couldn’t be happier for you. Who knows, maybe your little one and LaVille Rouge’s little one that was born 3 days ago may race against each other one day.
Louise Castello
@ENSIGN Thank you so much for the news on Paddy. Was worried and praying. Thank you so much!
Signofthetimes
Sorry, Paddy came in second. Nothing in the news
About an injury.
Have wonderful Zenny !!!!!
Sharon
Hi Queen
Thanks for the link to the interview. I always enjoy reading and hearing anything about you. I feel the same way Doddy does about the letter Z. It just makes you want to smile.
Looking forward to the upcoming announcement.
Stay in good health.
Zenyen
Paddy O’ Prado won his race.
ENSIGN
RE: Paddy, his trainer Dale said they’ve been icing him and he should be fine in a few days so seems nothing serious : )
Lynette Lucas
Zenny – Hope your Saturday was a great one!! I loved the story of you with Dottie! Like I tell you everyday I look forward to reading your posts everyday!! Love you!! Hugs and Kisses from Roswell,NM
Paula Higgins
@Ensign, thanks for the ultrasound picture! Wonderful to see. Congratulations to Shackleford and his connections, Animal Kingdom and Mike Smith on Astrology’s 3rd place finish. Mr.Commons ran a respectable race also. Closing from the back is always a challenge and Zenny did it 19 times. She always made it look easy but it wasn’t and Animal Kingdom’s race was proof of that.
Mary Stanford
Well Z…..no Triple Crown winner this time….Animal Kingdom likes to run like you…made me think of you..but he was going so fast at the end…just needed a little more time….but Shackelford was very good. He was really wound up before the race and was sweating…but guess he was just excited to get things going. I still miss watching you race….but I am glad you are retired…happy…..not hurt…sound…and this part is so much fun. We get to write to you every day if we want on here and the facebook page. Hugs to you Z…
Mary Stanford
Need to correct my spelling of Shackleford….. he deserves that. Great job Shackleford!!! Again….hugs to you Z…. there will never be another one like you …never.
Trina Nagele
@Abigail in Montreal—Thank you for your great post on the two faces of Northern Dancer. Isn’t it amazing? And congratulations to you on Shackleford’s victory.
@LYNN (nearby Hwd Park)—I too love Shackleford’s face with that big wide white blaze.
@MAX—Thanks for the info about Bernardini’s blood link to Northern Dancer.
EK
Paddy O’Prado won the Dixie S. Congratulations to all the winners especially No Explaining(Ire) who won the Gallorette S. She was the only one in the entire field to be racing without any drugs and she won by a length. Special congrats to her own Harlequin Ranches and her trainer Roger Attfield for running her drug free!!
Barbara Wood
Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t I hear that Life at Ten was to have run this weekend?
ENSIGN
Speaking of Northern Dancer here today as well as the other day’s conversation regarding linebreeding and “soft bones” (lol), congrats to Roderic O’Connor who won the Irish 2000 Guineas today. He’s 3x4x5 to Northern Dancer (via 3 different sons…Sadler’s Wells, Danzig & Lyphard) and is one of several Guineas winners this spring produced from a Galileo/Danehill cross.
ENSIGN
@ Barbara Wood,
.
Life at Ten ran today in the Allaire DuPont Distaff S. She finished 3rd.
AJ from CA
Zowie – How could you compare Animal Kingdom’s race today as “more than a little” like Zenyatta’s Breeders Cup race? Z came from much farther behind and made a stronger race to the finish only to lose by a nose. That was the heart of a true champion and greatness which few of us will ever see again. NO COMPARISON my friend!!
Sharon in Seattle
love the newest acronym, heard on the Versus interview with John S. He was asked about what it’s like with LAZ – life after Zenyatta!! luckily we are still connected to the Queen and not suffering through LAZ. and for as much as I’d love to see you barreling down the homestretch, it’s just as satisfying if not more so to know that she’s safe and happy at Lane’s End.