Good Morning,
Look who is peeking out of her stall at BARN 55! It is my dear baby sister, EBLOUISSANTE! We have the same MOM, Vertigineaux, but our sires are different. My DAD is STREET CRY and her’s is BERNARDINI.
John keeps teasing that he would know those EARS anywhere! The first time he saw “E” at Winter Quarter Farm last year, she was in a field with several other yearlings. He got out of the car, looked around for literally one short moment, and said…”there she is, Zenny’s sister”. He felt her body carriage and fabulous EARS were definitely a huge clue. Those qualities truly reminded him of ME!
Per John, Eblouissante is also very, very inquisitive. (Sound familiar???) She wants to always check everything out that is going on in the barn and she pays close attention to all that is happening around her. (If I say so myself, I THINK SHE IS PRETTY SMART too!)
As you can see, she does not have any white on her. Per the Jockey Club, she is considered to be dark bay-brown / black in color. “E” is also a good-sized girl, I know that feeling, with a great shoulder and hip! Our MOM had a great deal of size and presence….so I’m sure some of this we inherited from HER! Lucky Us!
From all reports, “E” is adapting very well to her new environment and really catching on well to the training routines at Barn 55!
John said he’d keep us ALL posted on how she is doing! As her BIG SISTER, I hope I can offer some great advice to her as we go along! Dottie has mentioned to ME that is something big sisters often do!
In reality, that is what is so much fun right now for ME…I can also help to TEACH things to my family and friends drawing upon my wide range of challenges, life-experiences, and accomplishments!
Have a fabulous Tuesday!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Especially my dear baby sister, Eblouissante!)
Z
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Zenny & Team-Z,
Can’t wait to see E race &/or work at Hollywood Park!! She looks so cute in the photos of her, that you have shared with us, but I know she’ll look amazing in-person. I wish you were my Big-Sister, Zenny.
Hugs to you all. Fondly, OraJean
Charlotte A. Farmer
She is a doll. Congratulations to Barn 55 and the future of this little horse.
Love you Zenyatta!
J Smith
@Shari Voltz, Awesome Maria is on Facebook too!
Dona
She’s a doll, just like you big girl!
I’ll put her in my virtual stable and keep track of her workouts just like I did for you. Course it’s going to be a while but when she works, I’ll know it! Did I mention how happy I am that your little sis is in California? See you in my dreams,
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z, Once again it is past my bedtime, but I had to get this post done. Sweet dreams, sleep tight.
@Mary Bobolis—Congratulations on winning Z’s halter! Just think-—the Queen actually wore that very halter! Her aura will always emanate from it and directly into you. Lucky you, and I’m so happy for you that you got it.
@Susan in TN—-You’re making progress so fast! Like Z barreling down the stretch!
@Judy Berube—Thanks for the link to the heart-warming story of the blind mare and her four-legged caretakers. Aren’t animals wonderful?
@Kathryn Cogswell—-Thanks for the heads-up about the films on TCM-—I tuned in as soon as I saw your post, and they were still showing horse-oriented films.
@ Ken Johnson—Thanks for bringing the controversial question of changing the name of the Lady’s Secret to honor Z to our attention. I agree with you and others that this is not the right way to honor Queen Z. I will send a letter to Executive Office, Santa Anita Park, PO Box 60014, Arcadia CA 91066-6014 and incorporate your thoughts with Amy K’s suggestions. I hope others will write also.
TO EVERYONE—The article in The Independent (UK) that Paula Higgins and Judy Berube mentioned above is fascinating in its discussion of Z’s final race and Mike Smith’s views on it. The following is all directly quoted:
Smith needs no absolution… “You can’t push her,” he says. “You push her, she’d be worse. You gotta wait on her. She was having trouble with the track, she was stumbling, on the wrong lead. And in the meantime they’ve gone – I mean, they really have gone. If she’d stumbled one more time, I would have pulled her up. I had to make sure she was OK.”
Zenyatta was not really gathering her giant stride until the field approached the home turn. “I knew we were too far back to go all the way round,” Smith says. “And when Quality Road stopped in the stretch, we hit him. Hard.” He simulates the collision with his fists. “So we had to go again. And to only get beat a head, after all that… I knew she was the best horse. …Even that day, it wasn’t like she was all out. That big light across the track, at the wire, she was looking up at that. She made up 30 lengths and was still messing around.” http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/mike-smith-allstar-rider-prepares-for-ascot-at-the-grass-roots-2288485.html
ENSIGN
LOL, I love how NewTo/LuvsHorses/Notafanofensign/et all keeps changing their username thinking that anyone believes that they’re actually multiple posters. How CUTE! ;-) We seem to have a few fond of that little game…
Dorothy Hopper
Zenyatta your baby sister sure is cute. I’m glad that the terrible tornado system didn’t hit your area, I was concerned when I learned the system was going through Kentucky. I checked Google Earth yesterday and saw that your farm is still there, thank God!
Elizabeth
Zenny, it looks as if EBLOUISSANTE is already beginning to love the ‘camera’… just like her older sister. She is beautiful with her perfectly sculpted head, long legs, and she stands so tall! Will be fun to see the two of you together in a photo someday. A few days ago I got to watch John and Dottie’s interview with Steve Haskins. Dottie and John are both so inspiring, kind and encouraging. You have such a very special and wonderful family Zenny! God’s blessings for you and your sister to have a wonderful Kentucky day, Z!
GloriaK
The first time I saw her I said, “How beautiful is she!” Takes after her big sister.
Shari Voltz
@ Thank you everyone for the information on Maria. I showed the class. I can’t get Facebook at school but I will look at home. I showed the children the blind horse and read them the article about the goats and sheep leading the horse. Animals teach us lessons all the time. Thank you all again, Shari and Homeroom 215 :)
LauraJ
@Leslie, yes it is weird from a human perspective. But Zenyatta and Bernardini aren’t mates in any real sense. Although we love him, and we like to make jokes about candlelight and Guinness, the reality is that he is a sperm donor. One reason that Bernardini was selected for Zenyatta is that Eblouissante has turned out so nice. And their mom won’t be seeing Bernardini again, nor will she ever go back to Street Cry.
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@Susan in TN and @Judy B, it is interesting how horses and other animals form friendships and help each other out. I have a cute story although t’s not as dramatic. It involves a retired race horse named Nate, who had a long career in the claiming ranks. During one race he lost his tail in the starting gate. All he has is a hairless stump about 4 inches long. Poor Nate has no way to whisk flies. Fortunately he has a buddy who shares his very long tail. They stand side by side all summer, and his buddy whisks flies off both of them.
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@Gary Moulton, thanks for the story about The Very One. I was not familiar with her.
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@Trina, thanks for the link.
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@Ensign, you have your very own sock puppet. TOO CUTE! :-)
annie
Zenyatta, I am hoping that you are in foal, but if not, I would fly to the ends of the world to see you. I like the idea of bringing you to the Breeders Cup. That said, only want the best for you and I know that your owners will make sure that happens. Miss ya.
Signofthetimes
@Trina
Thanks for sharing that link about 2010 BCC.
I enjoy hearing jocher analysis of race. I don’t
Think Breeder’s Cup advertisement is meant to
Be offensive. It was one of the most awesome
Stretch duels. Like Rags and Curlin, EasyGoer
And Sunday Silence etc… Unfortunately one horse
Has to lose.
Dear Zenny
Have a great day in the paddock and making
Sure all jobs are done on the farm today.
Really love E. She is a doll.
XXXXOOO
Roberta Smith
Hello Zenyatta! Yes, your little sister has your ears..definitely! Nice to hear she also shares your personality! Your Mom did a great job with her girls! I love you Zenyatta!!
Robyn Mullhausen
Awwww, Zenny, your baby sister is almost as beautiful as you….almost. John knows you so well he can spot your relatives right off the bat. John is TOO CUTE. I know he will take good care of her.
Have a great Tuesday, Miss Z. ˙·٠•●♥Zenyatta♥●•٠·
mars
thanks LauraJ!! for the story about Nate and his buddy sharing his tail. Guess there is a lesson for all of us.
Terry Crow
@Barb France–most of what I know I learned from my mother who was very into the history of racing. Any book about a great champion such as Man O’War or triple crown winners in general will give you the basics.@Gary Moulton–You are obviously experienced and know what you are talking about. I agree with your comments about the number of races Zenyatta should be honored with. Lady’s Secret does have a race named for her at Monmouth, Rachael Alexandra won it in 2010. I don’t know, but I feel that this website is not the proper place to lobby posters or any track management as to which horses races should be named after, especially one which would be named for Zenyatta. The gentleman can lobby for Lady’s Secret with Santa Anita management all he wants and if the naming of the race remains the same more power to him. However, names of races change all the time. Think of all the greats who do not have a race currently named after them.
DJ
Good morning Sweet “Z”,
I will check back later for your next ‘Hello.’ Enjoy your friends, goodies and hugs today!
…………………………………
Gary M. – You have both my votes! Especially for the the second cause..what a thrill it would be to have “Z” do her little dance and prance parade one more time for the hugs and applause :)
………………………………..
Leslie – I also used to think it odd..especially when I picked out my white long-haired Chihuahua Shawnee from the breeder 11 years ago and met her mother and then found out she was bred with her father! Siblings are too close, and thus not acceptable but the father is fine especially to keep a specific characteristic or personality trait ongoing. Her mother was ‘Bambi’, a beauty with long hair and her father was short haired ‘Yogi-Boo-Boo.’ They said he was a real character and they were right! Sometimes I call her my little zenyatta because of her beauty and personality switch! She has both :)
……………………………………
Trina N. – Thank you for the direct quote. Mike said during the interview after the race that he could “not pull her up!” It is curious to speculate that one could force Zenyatta to go against her will. She has a mind of her own and her own timing. He was instead resigned to patiently wait which must have been gruelling in itself for him because he noticed the sharp change in her behavior; but then when she was ready he brought it all out of her, just like he always did at every race. He is a hero and she is just who she is – The Great Zenyatta!!
DJ
p.s. Meant to say that Mike could not get her to “pick it up!” in the beginning.
Patricia Emery
Pretty Girl! I am sure she is proud of her BIG sister! I love her ears too.
XOXO
Jo
what a cute baby sis. I worked at a farm once and there was a family of grandma her baby her grown baby anther baby. Make Merry was tHe moms name. And they all had ears that were so long they kinda flopped like a donkeys. They were all so close the foals would switch moms and even nursed each mom what wonder girls they were
Jean M.
Beautiful Zenyatta, Apparently, Vertigineaux will gain the reputation of producing the Glamour Girls of Racing, Queen Z and Princess E. You will be the dream big sister. Be happy, stay well and know that everyone misses you and loves you.
Sally (B)
Hi sweet Z; so happy to meet your young sister and cute to know she is inquisitive like you!! That’s so special; so are the ears!! You will make a fabulous teacher to any. Have a fun day with your friends!!
love with a kiss on your soft nose.
mars
Jean M. you put it nicely!! The Glamour Girls of Racing. Exactly!!
RITA
Hi Z, Im so delighted to know that your sister E is at barn 55, she looks terrific. Welcome E. Lots of hugs to you both.
ENSIGN
@ LauraJ,
.
Ha ha ha thanks for the laugh! I feel honored, too CUTE indeed ;-)
Sara
@Dorothy Hopper ~ I’m so sorry, but it appears that Google Earth’s imagery is nothing like “real time”. I just checked, and on Google Earth, Joplin, MO remains in perfect order, and there was no damage at all from the March 11 tsunami in Japan, the reactor buildings at Fukushima Daichi remain totally unscathed, and it appears that no one lost their homes or businesses.
Please note: I truly believe Zenyatta is fine, even though I haven’t worked myself up to calling the emergency services at Versailles for confirmation…
However, I do wonder what the emergency / severe weather drill is at Lane’s End. Do they have an enormous storm cellar that would accomodate all those irreplaceable horses and babies?
Kate Wheeler
Queen Z and Princess E. Although no one can really replace you, Zenyatta, we know that Eblouissante will be givne every opportunity to “dazzle” at Barn 55. What a lucky filly to be placed in the care of John Shirreffs.
Doreen
Zenny, I know that you will be a wonderful older half-sister to Ebby. She looks a lot like you and hopefully she will be a great racehorse in her own right. Looking back in history I found some notable half-sisters or even full sisters to other notable horses. Personal Ensign (retired undefeated, 1998 Eclipse Champion Female of 1988, Hall of Fame Inductee 1993 and Broodmare of the Year 1996) was a full sister to Personal Flag who earned 1.2 million. Desert Vixen (Hall of Fame Inductee 1979) was a full sister to Valid Appeal who earned over $811,000 and sired 86 stakes winners. Dreaming of Anna (Eclipse Champion 2 year old Filly in 2006) is a half-sister to Lewis Michael (set 2 track records), Precious Kitten (earned 1.9 million) and Kitten’s Joy (2004 Eclipse Champion Turf Male). Rags to Riches (Eclipse Champion 3 year old Filly in 2007, winner of the 2007 Belmont Stakes) is a half-sister to Jazil (2006 Belmont Stakes winner) and Casino Drive (winner of the Peter Pan Stakes in impressive fashion and the main competitor to Big Brown in the 2008 Belmont Stakes before being scratched for a bruised foot – if Casino Drive had won the Belmont Stakes, it would have given his dam Better Than Honour 3 straight Belmont Stakes winning offspring). Ta Wee (Champion Sprinter 1969 & 1970 and Hall of Fame Inductee 1994) was a half-sister to Dr. Fager (Champion Sprinter of 1967 & 1968, Horse of the Year, Champion Handicap Horse, Champion Turf Horse of 1968, Hall of Fame Inductee and Leading Sire 1971) and of course without saying you Zenny and your half-sister Balance (who earned over 1 million). It also speaks volumes of the wonderful broodmares that give birth to these notable horses and shows why Vertigineux rightfully won 2008 KTOB Broodmare of the Year. I wish Ebby the best of luck and safe trips in her racing career. I will be following her just as closely as I have you throughout your career.
Snoprinz
Hi Judy Berube,
Thanks for the info on Vertigineaux’s current owners. She is a great broodmare and I believe became Broodmare of the Year (not sure what year). She has passed on her beauty and grace to Zenyatta and baby sister E.