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
signofthetimes
@Abigail
Will start posting on your site tooo. Want to keep you
In business and let everyone know how much we love
Your site.
DJ
Kari B.
Welcome Back. We missed you.
Trina Nagele
@Ann From Paramount, CA and Rightful Image—Congratulations on your win! How do you feel?
ENSIGN
@ signofthetimes,
.
Shackleford IS a colt…
Roberta Smith
Hellow beautiful! Sorry that Dialed In did come closer!! I have to say tht Astrology in one really beee.u..tiful horse..as I watched him to into his post…he was the most gorgeous…a great build..one I haven’t see in a long time…I didn’t know he was “retired” now from his breeding duties! Hope you enjoyed the race..I would have liked Animal Kingdom to win..we so would like to see a Triple Crown..it’b been a long time! I love you Zenyatta!
Peggy One
The disease you are speaking of is equine herpes and there was an outbreak in Utah at a big cutting horse event. Horses from there were dispersed to many different states, of course. Yes, any horse can get it and it’s passed via nasal discharge from horse to horse and very quickly spreads. There is no vaccine for it and many horses have to be euthanized because of it. Keep your horses separated from “strangers!” for awhile. Many shows have been cancelled and some farms, horses and the Veterinary Hosp. at Pullman, WA. are all under quarantine.
Ensign: Do you feel that Shackleford can’t get the distance of 1 1/2 miles? Being by a son of Storm Cat and out of a mare by Unbridled, I would think he could very well go that distance. It was interesting to me that his 1st 3 dams were bred by Frances Genter, the lovely lady who owned Unbridled. (will we ever forget the call made by her trainer when Mrs. Genter’s Unbridled won the Derby?! Just precious). Had I known about his dam and hers’, etc., before Shackleford ran, I’m sure I’d have been more of a fan. I am, now!
Peggy One
EK: I believe I read somewhere that Mucho Macho Man DOES have glue on shoes.
Barbara Wood
@Peggy One–yes, I knew where it started etc., but my question was whether or not it is affecting sales, racing events, etc. in Kentucky, Florida, or anywhere else. I’ve not seen it mentioned on Bloodhorse or any of the blogs yet.
I thought it was amusing that Donna Brothers and the other experts figured Shackleford was out of it because of his pre-race demeanor. It’s always a horse race, and “it’s not over until it’s over”.
Marilu V
Dear Zenyatta: Now that Preakness is over you can relax a bit. Based on what you said concerning Mr. Commons starting from Gate 14, I think he and Victor did well despite the circumstances. There will be another race for Mr. Commons.
I thought you would be happy to know that
Bill Dwyre of LA Times mentioned you in his article Saturday before Preakness – I quote
” Nothing short of Zenyatta stirs the public pot over horse racing like a Triple Crown.
So you see Zeny – you are so special! We all miss you!!!
Hugs N Hugs, Marilu
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hi there Queen Z and @ Judy Berube and Trina Nagele and everyone interested: thanks for your nice responses regarding Rightful Images’s win!!! YAY!!! It felt GREAT being in the winner’s circle (and the paddock beforehand) and cheering him on during the race. I continued to cheer my way to the winner’s circle. What a thrill…he really ran well, even with that bump (?), and more great news, he wasn’t claimed!! I can’t wait to go see him to congratulate him. Three related items: it’s so good this was on a weekend–made for a large winner’s circle crowd. (I sometimes feel sad when there’s perhaps two people in winner’s circle besides trainer, jockey and horse.) Second item: we have our photos already! After soaking up the winner’s circle atmosphere we went right back to the photo shop where they took our particulars, then right before the 9th race they were ready. Because we ordered two, we got a third for free–one of a close up of “Rightful” himself going through the finish line. Third-and Queen Z listen up (ears perked?): I wore YOUR cap!! Figured if anyone knew how to help us get to the wire first, it was you!! So, our Queen, thanks! :) Oh yes, in addition to the partnership names, on photo you can ask to have your own last name on it,..so we did! All in all a great day! (Now I’ll go back and read some more of your Preakness comments. I have a couple of more amusing “side bar” things to relate about that, another time. Thanks again,and once again sweet dreams, Zenyatta!
signofthetimes
For clarification, Paddy was not “vanned off” the track, he went to the test barn and went to his stall in a van as stated by his trainer today.
Great slide show on Bloodhorse of the Preakness. Such an emotional race. Shackleford was really into winning. His ears
told the story. Animal Kingdom was very intent. In the Derby,
it was mentioned Shakleford was “stubborn” and finally AK rebroke and passed him.
It seems at this time the trainers really don’t know what the
colts/geldings will be able to race well on; dirt, turf, mile, mile and 1/4, mile and 1/2. We will have to see.
Look at Goldi, she made a mile and an 1/8 yesterday. Sooo very talented and seasoned. It is soo very interesting how the different trainers train their horses and they all win at times.
signofthetimes
Sweet Dreams Zenny !!!!! You look sooo cute in your picture with your eye looking at the camera saying Hi !!!!
Oh yes, they are saying AK is a KY Bred with immigrant parents
TOOO CUTE !!!! Those europeans are very talented. John was very
interested in you dating Sea the Stars. Love Rags to Riches
foals by Galileo his dad.
audreyc
The Preakness was a great race. I was so very concerned when I saw Shackleford just drenched with sweat, prior to the race – “washed out”, I guess is the “term.” As a speed horse, I almost hope they give him a break from the Belmont….might not be his race. But, what do I know? Not a whole lot. The one thing that concerns me, (compared to Zenyatta, with her ears pricked, etc., etc., enjoying her racing career) is that, a horse that gets that nervous, and tense, might (and I do say “might” – don’t know) have ulcers – which is not uncommon for racehorses. At any rate – Shackleford is a beautiful horse. I am rather sorry that we do not have a triple crown contender……and I hope, that, like John did – the owners and trainers of these 3 year old babies put their horses first…..
judy berube
To Audreyc:
I was concerned for Shackleford before the race as well. Then after he won, someone posted that his trainer and jockey said he’s that way before every race. Maybe he works off the pre-race nerves that way. He sure ran well. I also was hoping for a Triple Crown possibility going into the Belmont. Maybe one of Z’s babies some day. Hugs, J. B.
Trina Nagele
To everyone who like me doesn’t recognize Mrs. Genter (referred to above by the more knowledgeable Peggy One who asked “Will we ever forget…?”)—I found the following in Wikipedia: “Frances A. Genter (1898 –1992) was a major figure in American Thoroughbred horse racing. She is best known as the owner of Unbridled, the 1990 American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse and winner of the 1990 Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup Classic. Part of horse racing lore took place at the 1990 Kentucky Derby when trainer Carl Nafzger called the race aloud to the petite 92-year-old Mrs. Genter because she was unable to see over the crowd as her horse headed down the stretch en route to winning the race. The staff of Blood-Horse Publications selected the scene for its book Horse Racing’s Top 100 Moments.”
signofthetimes
@Audrey C
This 2 and 3 year old pressure to win triple crown/triple crown
Is a lot for horses and trainers. Most seem to be
Concerned for their horses, but the growth and development
Physically, emotionally and maturationally seems to take
More than one year. There are some horses that explode and
Feel better after and come back together fouled and ready to work.
I had one. He loved to explode, get it out and then
Get down to business. Unfortunately racehorses are not
Lunged so they do it while being walked by someone or when
Jockey is on top. Every horse is very much an individual.
There is a Sherriff’s training video of one of his two year olds with
Isabell riding him. He reared up about 5 times before
He got down to business of galloping. They are babies doing
A mans job. Steve often talked about Zenny bucking and rearing
And playing the first quarter of a mile before getting down
To business. It will all work out for the best. Shackelford is
very talented. Watch Secretariate’s Belmont race. It I’d awesome.
Is important
Susan in TN
Happy Sunday evening, everyone! Enjoyed all the posts today and like everyone, I loved the interview with John and Dottie.They are SO NICE! Aren’t we lucky? I thought Mr. Commons ran a respectable race and will only get better.He is really beautiful! Congrats to Mike and Astrology!I think Mike was racing in England today but I don’t know how he did.
@ Dorothy Hopper: RE: gray Arabian mare: The rescue owner misunderstood which mare I was talking about so it turns out that the mare you referred to was surrendered by an owner who bought her and a gray(not flea-bitten)gelding from a sale,but she did not know what sale. They are still up for adoption and if you want me to try to find out more specific info about their background,just let me know.
@Linda in NJ: Glad you had fun at the Preakness!
@Kari Bussell: Glad to see you back!
@Abigail from Montreal:Loved your story about Northern Dancer and the article and photos posted on The Vault.You do such a great job and your passion is very evident!
@Max: Zenyatta’s leg is gorgeous,isn’t it?It could be part of an anatomy lesson!
@Laura J: I watched the replay of Step’s race and from what I could see,he is beautiful! He came out of the gate well and went to the rail well-I don’t take anything for granted! I thought he did a good job for his first race!
@Anne from Paramount,CA: congrats on your horse’s win!
@Anna Wiley:Nice post and loved your friend Hannah’s poem. What fun to have a friend who is a Z fan!
@Vicki B: Enjoyed your post about getting your bronze Zenny-I’m so happy for you! And you are right about the sensitivities of horses-they really are so amazing and if you are quiet and observant and have the time,it’s like they let you into a secret world that most people don’t know exists.I guess that sounds like “magical thinking”-but it’s true.
@Everyone interested in River Edge Farm Horse Rescue(think I got all the words in this time,Trina!):There are a couple of photos posted on their FB page of the foal at age 2 days. He is a little thin but healthy and I did get to pet him yesterday. He is SO soft and you’re right,Audrey C-the little wispy mane and baby tail are unbearably cute! And his little feet and…well, you all get the picture! His mother is so sweet-she was terribly thin when she got to the rescue and I’m sure this pregnancy took its toll, but she is looking pretty good.I spent quite a bit of time with the shy two-year-old yesterday and there has definitely been some progress.He eats freely from my hand and I can pet his face but he is not ready for me to go any further. He is very sweet and as they say,I have more time than money,so I’m in no rush!His friend (the mare’s baby from last year) is a hoot!I think he would get in my car and go home with me if I let him! He is ready for haltering, grooming,etc. I am going to go out there every other day. Chester,the formerly starving older pony(see website), stays pretty close to the mare and foal.Kind of surprising that she tolerates that, but they hung out before the birth and he is beyond sweet and very unassuming.I’m sorry I can’t remember who suggested it,but I got some pears today to try on him tomorrow, since he is missing some teeth.I could go on and on-but I won’t (collective sigh of relief)!
@Trina: This isn’t exactly a “Scout the pony” story but it came to mind: when Scout was about 15-18 months old,he got out of his field(don’t remember how) and went over to a neighboring farm where they had a (large) mare in heat.Later,a friend was over and,while looking in the general direction of Scout’s rear end,asked when we were “going to get him cut(gelded).” Our six-year-old son was with us.I just said “soon” and left it at that.Later,my son said,in a small voice,that he didn’t want Scout to get “cut.” I was mentally trying to decide what to say,thinking this must seem pretty traumatic to a little boy, when he said,”I’m not sure he’ll look good with a short tail.”
@Dawn Conrad:Thinking of you!
Warm wishes to all !
+
Susan in TN
@Anne from Paramount,CA:how exciting!
@Trina N:thanks for info on Mrs.Gentry-I didn’t know,either!
judy berube
To Susan from Tn.:
Glad your making progress with the two year old. That “puppy dog” one year old sounds like a hoot. The foal must be adorable and I hope his Mom gains some weight. They are all so special and loveable. Hugs, Judy B.
judy berube
oops, “you’re” making progress with the two year old. J.B.
Trina Nagele
@Susan in TN—Thanks so much for taking the time to give us that update on the horses at River Edge Farm. And I loved the story about how your son didn’t think Scout would look good with a short tail! Looking forward to the next installment…
Trina Nagele
To everyone—You can help name the baby colt that Susan in TN was talking about. If you go to the home page of the River Edge Horse Farm Horse Rescue, you’ll find pictures of mother and baby. Then it announces a contest: “The new colt needs a name! For the next 2 weeks we will be taking suggestions for the name of the new colt. After that, we will post all of the names and let you help decide what he will be called by making a donation to the rescue for the name you like the best. The name that gets the most donations is the winner!” Let’s come up with some good suggestions! http://www.riveredgefarmhorserescue.org/index.html
Trina Nagele
PS The e-mail to send your name suggestions for the colt to is riveredgefarmhorserescue at gmail.com
Vicki B.
Like others commented, the way Shackleford was sweating and seemed nervous beforehand yesterday, I was so surprised it wasn’t a problem, just apparently normal for him.
@judy berube – I did go look at Zenyatta’s Breyer model, it is beautiful. I’m glad you love yours, congratulations. Somebody else, on an earlier post, I think, said they keep theirs near their computer, so they can always see it while they’re working.
@Trina Nagele – Thanks for pointing out that Ensign’s Preakness link had more pictures than the van, I missed that the first time. And yes, “Z” gets pats at least a couple of times a day. I wish everybody here could have one, or even at least see it and touch it, hopefully if Nina gets to create a full-size at some point. I mean, that’s why we go to museums and look at Rodin sculptures — you wanna touch the thing, but the more famous it is, the less likely you’re allowed to touch it.
@Judy (Maass) Gadwood – I kissed her for you, twice, lol.
@signofthetimes – Thanks, it’ll be exciting when you get yours, too. Yeah, Mikey is very lucky, in having that dream realized, the way he talks about Zenny, he feels she’s the greatest he’ll ever know.
@Abigail – I really liked the story of Northern Dancer, an amazing Canadian, and the related YouTube vids. Thanks.
@Susan in TN – Thanks, I look forward to learning more about “the sensitivities of horses”, and I think I know what you mean — that spending enough quiet time paying attention, is our best shot at learning/knowing what they think and feel. Doesn’t sound like “magical thinking”. I like your stories too from the River Edge Farm, I will go take a look on the site.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, good morning to you, I hope you had a grea weekend. Your Mike and Astrology did good. I love you…Lisa g
signofthetimes
Good Morning Zenny
Hope you have a fun day with all your friends human
And equine. Enjoy your healthy snacks.
@Trina
What a lovely story. How very special.
@Vicki B
What a great idea to put the Breyer model
By ones computer. Where did you put
Your Z statue?
Sharon Call
@susan in tn. I suggested the peeled pears. Let us know if he can manage those OK.
janice
GOOD MORNING ZENYATTA JUST NEEDED TO SAY LOVE U MISS WATCHIN U RUN IT WAS ALWWAYS A EXCITING DAY FOR ME.
Dorothy Hopper
Zenny, I checked Shackleford’s pedigree more closely and discovered that he also has some old Count Fleet blood along with SEVERAL lines of Man O War, (and Secretariat, and Dr Fager and Northern Dancer) so we’re looking at TWO TRIPLE CROWN winners in his background, Secretariat and Count Fleet! Man O War won the Preakness and Belmont but did not race in the Derby. He was very difficult at the starting gate and actually started one race facing backwards! Seems like Shackleford has inherited some of Man O War’s blood! I can hardly wait for the Belmont, save a place on your dance card for him girl!
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta – what a beautiful picture of you and thank you so much for sharing the interview with Steve and Dotty and John. They are so gracious! Love them all. It is always so nice hearing you enjoying yourself standing on the hill and grazing on that beautiful blue grass in Kentucky. Love you. Have a great day, enjoy the racing, send kisses to Mr. Commons, eat well and have loads of fun with your BBFs. Love you, Angel in Disguise.