HAPPY BELMONT DAY!
Today is such a fun day of racing! There are so many quality races taking place around the country this afternoon headed by the 143rd running of the BELMONT.
From all reports, it is still rainy and wet in New York. It is supposed to rain until early afternoon and then level off to a 40-50% chance of rain until early evening. The track surface, both turf and dirt, at this time is listed as ‘good’. Of course, all of this can change at any moment….weather being weather! Let’s hope all is comfortable for everyone!
The Belmont Stakes runs at approximately 6:35 East Coast Time. The horses usually leave the barn area to walk to the paddock about 30 minutes or so prior to post time. Thus, today’s 12 entrants will be leaving their stalls around 6ish and head to the paddock for the race. It is such an exciting time for everyone! Just imagine, you are participating in a TRIPLE CROWN RACE. Then, the ANTICIPATION of the race and how it will develop is so much fun. Racing is so EXCITING! My best wishes to ALL 12 of today’s Belmont starters. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!
I’m thinking I will sit back, relax, and enjoy watching all of the great races today. In looking over the entries, I see ZAZU’S friend, Turbulent Descent, is running in the ACORN today at 2:34 NY TIME. Then at 5:39, my dear friend, Gio Ponti, is running in the Manhattan Stakes for the 3rd year in a row! I have such great memories of running with Gio Ponti in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic. What a guy! I really want to wish him well.
If you are not going to the race track today, these events…and many other races…will be on television. I know MY TEAM at Barn 55 and my friends at Lane’s End will be checking in on the updates, races and results all afternoon.
HRTV and TVG will be showing many of the day’s activities. Then a channel named VERSUS will be showing several of the stakes starting at 2 eastern time. At 5, the programing switches to NBC for the balance of the NY Stakes and the Belmont.
VERSUS is a relatively new channel that is going to carry quite a few races today and in the future. On your computer, if you go to NBCSPORTS, then click on TV LISTINGS, they will provide you with the TV schedules for today. If you put in your zip code, they will tell you the exact channels you need to go to in order to find the races you want to see on both VERSUS and NBC. This is really good to know. We have DISH and now we know exactly what channel to program in so we are ALL SET and READY TO WATCH GREAT RACING!
Which horses do you think will win today? Have fun handicapping!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta: AT&T U-Verse Sports channel had a special about you today, A Race with Zenyatta. It showed your races, dancing, Jack, the autisic child, you made his life so much better. It showed his visit with you. Wonderful things about Old Friends and you. God Bless Ann and Jerry Moss, angels walking the earth. Of course, Mike Smith, and his endless love for you. Versus Prep show in one hour, I cannot wait.
Linda
And your barn 55 mate, Star Billing,is racing in a G2 today!
Susan in TN
To all my Z friends: Will you pray for my daughter’s dog Lou? She is on her way to the animal ER-he might be having a stroke. He is so wonderful and sweet and her constant companion. He is only 7. Thank you-
Carol from CT
Keeping my fingers crossed today for Gio Ponti (he almost always gives his very best) and Animal Kingdom (and Mucho Macho Man). Racing is exciting though not quite as exciting as it was in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Anyone who missed seeing Zenyatta run missed seeing a very, very special horse who is in a class all by herself
Happy Belmont Day. Hope everyone has a safe trip.
Abigail from Montreal
@ Susan in TN: Both Jericho & I are praying for Lou. Hopefully, the ER will be right there for him, even if it is a stroke. I know how your daughter must feel — my Jericho is my constant companion too and it’s impossible to think of my life without him. So prayers are shooting heavenward for Lou.
RE: Belmont. Hard to know how to bet this, although I’m favouring AK + Shackleford in the top 3, with Brilliant Speed in there as well. Master of Hounds is doing well in the betting but he’s only raced overseas against pretty mediocre horses, except for his victory in Dubai. MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL is a safe trip for everyone. Good luck, too, to Gio Ponti and Turbulent Miss. I watch racing on HRTV — it’s impossible to get racing channels here in Canada at the moment. Thank goodness HRTV streams live and this week, starting on June 15 it will be live from Royal Ascot!!!!!
Hernan Tovar
Memories are great, and one of those is you Tiago! In addition, my dear Zenyatta you are always is my mind! HAPPY BELMONT DAY TO ALL! I bet on, Turbulent Descent,
On Little Drama, on Aviate, on Gio Ponti, on Master of Hounds, on Shackleford, on
Animal Kingdom! In addition, few more we hope I win! Ingrid.
Abigail from Montreal
WHOOPS! Turbulent Descent ….not Turbulent Miss!
Diana Harris
MS. Z thank you for keeping us up with who is running and when. I love that you do this for us so we dont miss out. I am rooting for Shackleford today, I know he is a speed horse but Belmont usually goes with the speed horse even with the distance and if its muddy most horses dont like mud in their face so Shackleford likes to come out first and stay there. I wrote him a poem today for good luck here it is and what do you think?
When the race is over I will have run my best; for this was my biggest test.
my heart was in this I ran for you,
for my best is all I can do.
When I cross that finish line and leave the others behind;
The best is what I gave and all they saw was my BIG RED BEHIND!
sherry drish
I THINK HORSE RACING IS SOOO EXCITING. IT DOESNOT GO ON FOR HOURS, LIKE MOST SPORTS PLUS IT IS REALLY NICE TO SEE ALL THOSE BEAUTIFUL HORSES. I NEVER TIRE OF WATCHING HORSES DOING ANY JOB. THEY ARE REAL INTERESTING TO WATCH IN A SLOW MOTION RECAP. LOVE TO ALL OF YOU, SHERRY D. WV.
Charlotte A. Farmer
Thank God it has cooled down for the race today. I read where they had to cancel races due to the heat wave. I am so glad I am on this side of the Rockies. Hate humidity and all that goes with it.
@ Zenyatta – I agree with you on Gio Ponti, what a guy, and I love the name. I too intend to just sit back and enjoy the race.
@Laura J – Thank you for your Post on Noor. The following is an update on where I am at with regard to relocating Noor.
@NOOR – Michael Blowen, at Old Friends Equine, will take Noor’s remains. It will be a joint venture with Saratoga Racing and Hall of Fame. Hopefully, the expenses that will be incurred will not be too steep for either place and it fall through. Laura J., you mentioned the Kentucky Horse Park. I had spoken with John Nicholson, the Director of the Park, regarding Noor’s situation. The criteria for getting Noor accepted there is a stiff one; he would have had to live there. If they make an exception that might open the flood gates with request and they do not have that kind of space. I had planned to address the situation with them by pointing out the following: 1) Noor’s grave is in jeopardy due to development; 2) he is a Hall of Fame horse; and 3) he is listed #69 in the Top 100 Thoroughbreds of the 20th Century. That door is still open, but I would have to make one heck of a case before their Board of Directors.
Golden Gate Fields could not take him due to environmental issues. Del Mar is owned by the State of California, not happening there. Hollywood Park will probably close its doors sometime within the next two years. Saratoga Racing and Hall of Fame was stopped due to residential zoning laws. Until I pulled the plug, this last Wednesday, Santa Anita was still thinking about it. I approached them 6 months ago.
We have an 18 month contract to remove Noor’s remains and that contract will expire in May 2012. Right now the ground there in Grass Valley is soaked so there is only a small window of time, August through possibly the first part of November, when the ground will be sufficiently dried out to dig.
I am working up the dollar amount for Michael this weekend. Where the greatest cost will be is in getting Noor back to Georgetown, Kentucky. I need a one-ton truck and that is not as easy as it sounds plus the cost of diesel, food and lodging. I have tried to keep the cost to a minimum. For the most part rentals of a one-ton do not allow you to take the vehicle that distance. That is where I am at. I am hoping I won’t need Zenyatta’s Guinness. I get such comfort from ALL of the Posts. My heart sings with the passion I read and the love for the breed.
Suzen
Hi Big Girl! Hope you enjoy Belmont Day. I am rooting for Shackleford to win, he’s quite handsome, did you notice?
Mary
Hi Z….. I am going to watch the Belmont from my living room. It is exciting…but not as exciting when I watched you race. Boy you would give us fans a thrill…I would be yelling at the TV…go Zenyatta…come on Zenyatta…and my two dogs would look at me …like is something wrong. But nothing was wrong….you were just giving us fans a fun and thrilling time. We miss you Z…but glad you are happy and safe in KY. Hugs to you Z….
Marty
Go Animal Kingdom…
Have a great Saturday you beautiful girl!!!!
Carmela Bozulich
Lady Z–you seem so happy & content, just what an equine mom-to-be should be. My hopes are with Animal Kingdom–he’s run 2 awesome races, he’s got a classy trainer who appears to have him figured out pretty well, and I would love to see him win today.
Pamela Hill
here’s a michigan prayer for lou. hope he makes a complete recovery. i know how it breaks our hearts when we lose them, but we remember the joy of the years they were with us. horses and dogs! the bread and butter of life! zenny, please thank your team for me, keeping you and racing available for us! sure appreciate it and thing is wonderful you are “with foal”. there’s a time for everything, and everything in it’s time. your racing career thrilled us all, but so glad you are sound, healthy and happy at l.e. time for you to thrill us in the foaling barn now!
Linda
I pray that all the horses in the Belmont run safe and run well. I wish you the best with your baby when the time comes. You will be a great mom. Very loving Queen Z.
Sarah Powell
Got as many of my barn chores done as possible this morning so that I could watch the race – still have that feeling about Nehro. Have they got your TV set up so you and the girls can watch the race?! Hooves and fingers crossed for safe rides for all – that’s the main thing.
@Susan in TN – prayers for Lou – hoping for the best – keep us informed.
(thanks Dottie)
Carmela Bozulich
@Charlotte–is it possible to have him buried on Ridgewood Ranch property? I know it’s smaller than it was back when the Howards owned it, and it’s now owned by a church, but could there be a chance he can be interred there? He stood at stud, for a short time I believe, at the Ranch. I’m a member of the Heritage Society and have been to RR several times, even tho I’m in So Cal.
PeggyOne
I’d like to see Animal Kingdom win the Belmont, as he’s such an aristocratic kind of looking horse and so beautiful. On the other hand, I root for Shackleford, also, because one of the highlights of the past few decades was the sight of Mrs. Frances Genter, getting a play by play of Unbridled, in the Derby, and she is the breeder of most all of the horses in Shackleford’s pedigree on the bottom. When I think of him, I think of that wonderful old lady that so dearly loved her horses…and named them well, such as “My Dear Girl”…..I’ve heard that Shackleford isn’t bred to go that far, but he is, if any of those people would consider the bottom of his pedigree, which suggests he could run all day. Good luck to all! It’s a wonderful day! (except for the darned muddy track!)
Kathy Kimber
@Charlotte A. Farmer: Please keep us updated on the situation with Noor’s remains. He was a great horse and really deserves to be at Old Friends. I shall keep you and this work in process in my prayers every day, that a good solution can be found. Don’t give up hope. Hugs
Terry Crow
@Susan in TN-I am praying for Lou. I know how it feels to have a beloved animal in a bad situation. Keep us posted. @Charlotte Farmer–I hope everything works out for you and Noor. This is truly a noble cause. How can a normal person help?
Kathy Kimber
I agree with Terry can we, ordinary people, on this site help with the situation in any way. Please don’t be afraid to let us know
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. Yea!!! Isn’t today just too exciting. I am so looking forward to all of the great racing and particularly the fantastic Belmont. I hope the weather does hold the track at a good rating and keeps the heat down. BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE RACING TODAY AND SAFE TRIPS FOR ALL. How fun to see the picture of Tiago heading for the paddock. It must be so. . . thrilling to be involved in a Triple Crown race, I can’t imagine. Watched a couple of interviews by Bill Nack on You Tube last night. He is such a great writer and magnificent keeper of the history of horse racing. I was watching some of the past Belmonts, too fun! I will be glued to Versus and NBC, it is wonderful that more coverage has been occurring lately!! Love you to the moon and back, Zenny!!!! Have a wonderful day! Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO
@LauraJ – Loved your remarks about comparing horses! I know the sculpture you are referring too and then down the walk from there I love seeing the markers that show the length of stride for Secretariat. I do remember that your boy is sired by Eddington, I thought that was so special! How is your horse doing? Saw your remark about a problem and a scope?
@Shari – Yes, you certainly will have to visit Claiborne Farm. In addition to the wonderful history, they allow you to get up close to the stallions for some pats and pictures. Have a fantastic day!!! Give your fur babies a hello from me.
@Secretariat Fans – So glad that several of you enjoyed the description of Claiborne, I do think it is a special place.
@Charlotte Farmer – Yes, I have read Bill Nack’s wonderful book. He also did one on Ruffian. He loved her a great deal.
@Diana S – I am sure the doctor ordered the visit to Barn 55, it was just what I needed!
@Marshall – So happy to be back!
@Karen and Trina – Can’t wait to hear from you on you know what! Too fun!!
Maggie N – Your mastiff sounds like a big “cutie”.
Kim S – Having the whole set of Legends would be great, I have only seen them individually, but will keep looking. Thanks.
@Kirren – How fantastic that you have your very own #47 of Zenyatta. It is just so special!!
@Bonnie MacRaith – The photo of Zenyatta was remarkable, thank you!
@Barbara Wood – Enjoyed your story about Claiborne. Shared experiences with Z friends are always great.
@Cheryl Y – Your post certainly brought a smile and what an appropriate name for the horse that was trying to pull the chair, Foiled Again!
Brenda – Peppermints, perfect!!!
Kathy Kimber
To all a new video is up at http://www.palemale.com of Palemale’s and Lima’s two babies. A miracle after seven years.
Dawn Conrad
Susan in TN – My prayers go out to Lou. Hoping for the best.
Terry Crow
@Carmela Bozulich–Wonderful idea about Ridgewood. Yes, it is smaller that it used to be but there is still plenty of room. Management keeps Noor’s old stall as sort of a shrine and it would be a natural place for him to be. Last time I was at Ridgewood was for Seabiscuit’s birthday when they unveiled some new bronzes. Michael Howard was in attendance as well as some relatives of Red Pollard. I, too, live in SoCal but I love that place.@Charlotte Farmer-Ms. Bozulich has a great idea here. What do you think?
darlene
Hi Z I hope all the runners in todays races come back safe I wished all throughbreds could be blessed to have owners and trainers like yours was thanks for all you do to ensure that all throughbreds are taken care of you are very special love ya always when can your fans visit??? will your team keep your baby when the time comes for him / her to train for racing?
Judy (Maass) Gadwood (CA)
Hi Zen~Zen!
Well, Turbulent Descent came in second. But, she sure gave it her all; just not her day today :-(
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We are having our usual “June Gloom” here in Southern California. I see YOUR JOHN has TIZ GIANNI, with Mikey in the irons, running in the 6th at HP today.
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Speaking of Mikey, I understand he is heading to the Ascot to race… how cool is that! He sure gets around doesn’t he… ;-)
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Best of luck; safe racing around the country today.
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HUGS & KISSES, MY QUEEN! XOXOXO
p.s. Can’t wait to see a photo of you with your “baby on board” LOL :-D
Fran
HI Z. I will be watching the races on TV. Hope your day is a good one. The weather is nice here in CA, but the very hot weather is right around the corner. Hope you are eating lots of that Kentucky Blue Grass! Have fun and talk to you soon xxoo
Kimberly
Tiago was probably one of my favorite race horses. Tiago had so much heart and always came from last place to top 3. 2007 was an amazing horse racing year.