Good Morning,
I want to wish all of you a very Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Please be safe as you travel and enjoy your free time! This is technically the opening day of the ‘SUMMER SEASON’. It is such a terrific time of the year!
On the West Coast, we have the Hollywood Park Meet running now. In mid-July, Del Mar opens for their summer season. On the East Coast, the Belmont Meet is in full swing now. Then those horses move upstate to Saratoga for their summer racing dates. In between, Churchill and Delaware Park, to name a few venues, will enjoy their seasons. It is a very exciting time in racing. These summer meets are FUN! I always enjoyed them! The big stake days are quite crowded and the people are always so enthusiastic!
I’ve heard many people also like to BARBEQUE on holidays. My Pals and I are very content to GRAZE! One thing for sure, we all like to be with our friends and have a GREAT TIME!
This is the view I have each day from my gorgeous paddock. My pals and I get to share time with our friends and enjoy this absolutely lovely scene each day! We have soft breezes here now and the sunshine is just perfect!
It is funny how the simple things we see so often in nature can be so special! It is really the time of the year to enjoy the outdoors and all the beauty nature provides for us!
FROM MY HOME, TO YOURS… HAVE A SAFE AND BLESSED HOLIDAY!
I’ll catch you up on ALL of the news next week! HOOVES CROSSED!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Sara
Very sweet vid of your big nice daddy (Street Cry), just a year ago, with extra about YOU and some of your sibs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL-D0x_HweM
Sara
…and another, older one, has footage of Street Cry at liberty in paddock…racing…famous offspring:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6WQDE3lWFQ
Wayne C
HOOVES CROSSED! :-)
Trina Nagele
@ Quarterhossgal —[re #258] What a small world! Smoke the donkey lives 2 miles from your barn with a friend of yours! So much nicer for him than in Iraq. Maybe your friend will have stories to share. We’re fans of Smoke already.
@SHARON CALL— On TVG on Saturday I saw a QH colt named One Sweet Jess that was racing at Ruidoso Downs, and I immediately thought of you and your mare from long ago who was also “one sweet Jess.”
@SUSAN A.—Happy birthday! Hope you have a lovely day, and many happy returns
@ KIMBERLY POTTER and others in Montana – I hope you stay safe from the floodings.
@LYNN ….. (nearby Hwd Park) California—That’s great news about your friend getting Cousin Sara, a granddaughter of Secretariat!
@VALERIA—Did you see your namesake is running at Hollywood Park for the Mosses and Jon Shirreffs today? Race: 7 – 4:10 PM PDT, with Tyler Baze up. GO, VALERIA!
Trina Nagele
RE VALERIA –Oops, that’s John, not Jon, of course.
Sara
Poor Affirmed!
Kincsem ran in races as long as 2 1/2 miles and carried as much as 168 pounds!! She ran and won 17 races (out of her lifetime unbroken 54 wins) as a three year old — which averages at a race every three weeks! (Please someone, I need a time machine!)
We will never know what Zenny could have done, how far she could have run, what weight she might have carried…she always looked like she was just getting started…just when the race was over.
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hello Queen Z…your view is simply beautiful. So peaceful. Small wonder you enjoy your grazing! @Trina Nagele from previous diary, thanks for the Paddy O article link. @ Judy Berube, same for Mucho Macho Man. There are many,many people looking out for him. @ Amanda Gilliland, thinking of you and your family. And @ anyone who may find themselves at Hollywood Park next couple of months, we usually go one weekend day (yesterday being our day this time),and Rod’s license plate reads WNG PONY. Black car. If possible we park in Handcap spot (we have “issues.”) Inside we sit near winner’s circle in what used to be Clubhouse section (they just recently eliminated that.) If we go on a Sunday we go early to Railbird Club at 7:30 am, then stay for most of day. This is a long winded way of saying if you see us say hello! Would love to chat. A peaceful long weekend to everyone.
pamela
Love your view Zenny!! Have a wonderful and safe weekend. Love and Kisses
AJ from CA
@Sara – (is that a snipe against Affirmed?) I don’t think you can compare todays’ thoroughbreds to those like Kincsem or even Man O’War because of the way they’re bred now but thank goodness they don’t have to carry ridiculous weights or run marathons anymore!
J Smith
Everyone, sorry, I had no idea print was sold out. I didn’t even think to check, you’d think if something is for sale online, they’d actually have the item. Huh, that’s what u get for thinking!
Anne from Paramount, I’m sure to be at H.P. sometime soon, will look out for you. I’ll have to see when 1 of my fav’s is running.
Terry, and other H.P. folks, I have been wondering why, if they really are going to demolish H.P., don’t they build the new football stadium on that site. It already has a ton of parking, is near the airport, and that area sure could use the biz it will generate. Maybe the city can get with the 21st century and actually put a subway stop right by it and continue the subway to the airport. No, that would just make too much sense!
Especially Horses
@Kathy Kimber: I was so delighted to see the update on Pale Male. I didn’t realize it had been seven years since his last chicks.
Hernan Tovar
To, Lynn, good luck to your friend with his new mare.
To, Amanda Gilliland, your writing is wonderful.
To, D J, I agree I agree with you.
Ingrid.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Hope you are having fun in the bluegrass today. Love you and love all of you, Judy and Russ.
Z Fans:
Found this site of the Jockey Calendar for 2012 with photos by Barbara Livingston. Money from the sale of the calendar goes to the Disabled Jockeys Fund. When you purchase the calendar, you also get an 8×10 B. Livingston photo of Z. That will sell a lot of calendars. Hugs, Judy B.
http://www.blacklinerproductions.com/
Terry Crow
@J Smith–When the Raiders were still in LA and the owner wanted to abandon the Coliseum, the Hollywood Park site was considered as a possible place to build a new stadium. Those plans did not include the demolition of the track. There is plenty of room there to build a stadium and still keep the racetrack as a viable entity. The talk about building a stadium now centers and is being “guided” by the people who own Staples Center in downtown LA where the Lakers, Kings and Clippers play. It would involve tearing down part of the convention center and is really quite a project, if you are one of those who will be a partner in the venture or if you are a politician. There is no parking in the area and the whole thing will be quite expensive to eventually make it viable. The Hollywood Park site makes perfect sense except that the land is owned by the Bay Meadows Company and would involve a of horse trading, if you excuse the pun. A bunch of ultra rich people are involved who want to make even more money. For me, I am sad that Hollywood park will be eventually demolished no matter who makes it happen. After all, Seabiscuit won the first Hollywood park Gold Cup. The thing now is to make sure that nothing happens to Santa Anita. What used to be pristine horsey property is encroached on by a shopping mall and eventually who knows what. The public was told originally that nothing would ever be changed there. Then, a developer waved some money under the noses of the Arcadia City Council and we have what we have now. When will all of this end?
judy berube
To Anne from Paramount, CA:
Wish it were possible for us to get to meet you. We don’t travel anymore (issues too). How is Rightful Image doing?
To Susan in Tn:
Hope you are feeling better today.
To “Mrs. Voltz”:
Your students are TOO CUTE and really love you.
To Patricia: So true.
To Vicki B. and Abigail in Montreal:
Wouldn’t it be great if Street Cry’s son wins the Epsom Derby. He’ll have Champions on two continents. Very interesting posts on the origin of TB bloodlines.
Hugs to all of you, Judy B.
J Smith
@Terry Crow, didn’t know that about Raiders looking at that site. I am familiar with the whole downtown scenario. I don’t like that idea at all. Where are 35,000 people going to park? Thats supposing that 70,000 go and some take train & some car pool. As a hockey fan, know that $ & real estate are the bottom line in all this. I wondered if the track could remain at H.P. as well as a stadium, Raiders answered that. Santa Anita is a beautiful track, I hope they do not destroy it. How that ugly mall ended up in the parking lot is beyond me. Would it have cost that much more to build it tastefully, instead of building an eyesore? If u are on FB feel free to contact me there so we don’t bore everyone else here with L.A. building blight! Jillian Smith, seen a friend request.
judy berube
Z Fans:
Thanks for all the great links. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Z Fans, Vicki B. and Abigail in Montreal:
I just realized Street Cry already has Champions in Australia, Great Britain and here at home. Maybe even Japan, I’m not sure. He’ll probably have Champions on all the continents. Then he’ll become Grandpa to Z’s Champions when they race. Hugs, Judy B.
Susan in TN
“Rescue at River Edge”-sounds like either a Dateline episode or a Hardy Boys book! I did make it out to the rescue today, so for anyone interested, here is an update.
I had a glorious time with Rusty (the friendly yearling) and Root Beer (shy one)! I found out a little more about Root Beer: He was brought to the rescue, very thin, by a man who told the rescue owner that if she didn’t want him, he was going to shoot him-not an idle threat, as he had his rifle out. Jane(the owner) said Root Beer was a mess-starving,visible worms in his manure and scared of all people. Of course,she took him. She told me today that he is doing so much better since I’ve been “working” with him-that he’s really making progress. Well, what I’m doing is certainly not work but I am thrilled that he is starting to let down his guard. He is very Quarter Horsey-looking and very pretty! He is a dark bay, no white that I can see. Today, I just hung out with them again-petting,giving treats,talking. Rusty greeted me like I was his BEST FRIEND in the whole wide world-he is so full of sweet personality, it just bubbles out of him. I can do anything with him-he is such a good influence on Root Beer! Root Beer has relaxed enough that he didn’t mind me rubbing his neck and I briefly stroked his side. Of course, while I am doing anything with him, Rusty is trying to pull my hat off! Chester had his feet trimmed today and he was so good! Sharon Call: I did take him a sweet potato today. He wasn’t overly enthused but there was a lot going on, so I will try it again tomorrow. I wonder if John added anything to Z’s sweet potato.I got to really pet the new foal today! I had horse cookies for his mom and while she ate, he got VERY interested in me. I petted him everywhere except his little legs and then he played with my hand with his lips-no teeth yet,just little pink gums! TOO CUTE! He is so soft and his little wispy mane stands straight up. He seemed really comfortable with the contact. I think tomorrow I will put a halter on Rusty and let Root Beer get used to the idea. Sometimes I just loop a halter over my arm when I go in with them, to get him used to the jingling. Well, I’ll stop for today. I learned some more histories on other horses-just heartbreaking. Jane is doing wonderful work!
@Brookie:How is Dusty?
@suew: :)
@Susan A: Happy Birthday to a fellow Gemini!
@Diana Hanson: I am so sorry for your
loss<3
@Chris H: How are your filly and mare?
@Quarterhossgal: What are the odds that Smoke would live 2 miles away with a friend?!? I hope we get to hear about him!
I enjoyed everyone's posts-I am learning everyday about racing and appreciate the links!
@Trina N, Judy B: I feel much better today-thank you for your concern!
@ Shari Volz: I hope you are having a well-deserved weekend off! How do you feel after running 7 miles?(!)
@Zenny: It is your pure spirit that has brought us all together here-thank you.
Susan in TN
@Judy Berube:How about that Street Cry?!
judy berube
Dear Susan in Tn:
Root Beer is finally going to have the love he deserves because of you. I think you ARE Rusty’s best friend. Absolutely look forward to your posts. Street Cry is fabulous. So glad you’re feeling better. Hugs, Judy B.
Terry Crow
@J Smith–I am not on facebook as I am too old for modern technology. Guess I am just somebody who has outlived his time. There is plenty of room for HP and a stadium to coexist. Just may not be as much profit involved in going that route. It is not often that I can communicate with someone who has seen what I have seen. You are right, though. We could possibly be boring some very good people with this thread. Let me say that I am grateful for the new friends I have made on this site. If it had not been for the greatest mare who has ever lived, I would not have been able to communicate with some very good people. Susan in TN is a shining example of what somebody who cares can accomplish.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Your posts are always informative and interesting; never boring. Look forward to them. Hugs, Judy B.
Diana
From my house to yours, much love and many kisses!
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube–Thanbk you for the kind comment. For those who missed it, last Thursday at Hollywood Park a 78 year old trainer had his first winner. The horse’s name was Charleysboywins. The newly minted trainer explained in an interview that he was an ex-vet and the name of the horse was based on the fact that his father’s name was Charley. This type of story is what horse racing should be all about.
wendy bratten
Zenyatta, I love the picture of your beautiful view! You are so deserving of that beautiful retirement life! Thank you for keeping in touch, it is such a thrill for me to hear about your life.
judy berube
To Terry Crow:
Great story about Charleysboywins. The trainer was prophetic. Just proves you never know what life has in store, even in the Golden Years. Hugs, J.B.
Yvonne
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, Zenny! I love you!
Sharon Call
@Susan in Tn. Just loved this post and your stories of making friends with and caring for horses than may never had that is not for you and the folks at Rivers Edge. Maybe just a touch of honey would make the sweet potato a little better for Chester.
@Terry Crowe. I just can’t believe you are someone who has outlived anything. You are a fountain of information and I, for one, am so grateful for it. I look forward to your posts and read each and every one of them.
Anna Wiley
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to the BEST HORSE IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!
Happy Memorial Day to YOU TOO, SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU ARE SOOOOOOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL, and SOOOOOOOOOOOO sweet, and I love you SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much!!!!!!!!!! Wishing you and your pals AAAAAAAAAALL the VERY BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE, hugs, kisses, CARROTS, SUGAR, PEPPERMINTS, and APPLES with LOVE!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU ZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Anna