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
Andrea
These 3 year old horses are really so young! I think they may be the equivalent of a 13 or 14 year old boy being asked to do the most physically demanding thing ever! Some of them have not been 3 for very long! Besides, I think some of these bloodlines are weak. They are breeding speed, not stamina. I think they are breeding their bones away! Such a crying shame!
judy berube
Dear Sharon Call:
Here’s the article http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/63533/ruler-on-ice-puts-the-freeze-on-belmont-foes Hugs, J.B.
Linda in NJ
Hey Z Fans that were at the Belmont: From the different posts today, it sounds like quite a few of you folks were there. What a shame that we didn’t plan a time and place to meet yesterday. It would have been great fun meeting all of you.
Is anyone planning to go to the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park in NJ? Let me know. It is scheduled for the end of July.
Also is anyone planning to go to the Del Mar’s Clement Hirsch race. I am considering a trip to CA in the beginning of August. I saw Zenny last year in the Clement Hirsch, and I had a great time.
@Max: Thanks for the link to the update on Nehro. I didn’t realize he was hurt.
There was one horse, I think it was in the 5th race that had to be vanned off the track. Does anyone have any info on him?
@Ann in Indiana–wishing your husband a speedy recovery.
@judy berube and Terry Crow: I know the feeling. I was only right on one race yesterday. My winnings were $17 for the entire day. It’s okay-I had a great time playing.
@Trina Nagele–Thanks for posting Karen Gogue contact information.
judy berube
Dear Christine in Va.:
I know exactly what you mean. I can’t watch the Hurdle races at Saratoga. Wait until it’s over and check who won. Someone always seems to fall. I must admit, even in flat races, I say a little prayer that they all have safe trips. We also don’t watch nature shows anymore. We know animals hunt and kill one another; we can’t watch it. Hugs, J. B.
Kim S
Well Zenny, you are just the most wonderful informant to us fans. Hope everyone enjoyed another weekend of amazing racing. Even if our chosens didn’t win, most everyone came out well. Sending prayers and crossed hooves to Nehro on his surgery.
@Susan in TN–prayers to Lou and your daughter with her exams. Hope all is well with Lou and she can take them.
@Ann in Indiana–so sorry for the past 6-7 weeks with your husband’s illness, praying for his speedy recovery.
Thanks to everyone for the informational links posted. Had not heard about Nehro’s chip until I read it here.
@Charlotte Farmer–we Z fans are here for you, let us know if there’s any way we can help with Noor. Maybe a flood of letters or emails or I’m sure, those that can, would help with monetary issues.
Zenny, hope you are getting your beauty rest (not that you need it) and your BBF’s are well. Everyone try to stay cool and have a great week. Lotsa love to all.
judy berube
Dear Linda in N. J.:
It really was a day of surprises on an off track. But, we love to see these beautiful animals and we’ll try our luck another day. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Max:
Thanks for the link on Nehro. I hope he recovers well. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Here’s another article on what happened to AK http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/63542/belmont-winner-back-at-monmouth It says AK went back to Maryland training center this AM, though it doesn’t elaborate on how he came out of the race. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Thanks for all the great posts and links today. Enjoyed them all. Hugs, Judy and Russ
Astrid
and more from Barry Irwin – *sigh!
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/barry-irwin-classics-are-no-place-for-amateurs/?commentStart=40#Comments
Astrid
Hey Zenny, hope you had a great day! Remeber your fellow athlete Switch? This is too cute!
–
Lee Searing, owner of Switch, said he plans to give away 4,000 free T-shirts to fans in honor of his star filly for the Vanity.
“I just thought it would be fun,” said Searing, who will distribute the T-shirts on a first-come, first-served basis in conjunction with Hollywood Park.
“The T-shirts will have a ‘Go Switch’ logo on the chest,” said Searing. “I have owned horses a long time, and Switch is a special horse.
“Our silks are mostly purple, a lot like the Lakers uniforms,” continued Searing. “My family thought it would look great if we had a lot of color and a lot of people rooting for our horse.”
Searing hoped the T-shirts would contribute to the sporting atmosphere at the track. “It’s a big day, a fun day, a fun race,” he said. “Come to Hollywood Park, get your free T-shirt and root for Switch.”
Sharon Call
@Judy Berube. Here’s the article I read in DRF. It says that MMM was in the gate between AK and Isn’t he Perfect. I believe they were post position 9, 10 and 11 with Shackleford in number 12. This article reads a little differently than Bloodhorse.
http://www.drf.com/news/belmont-stakes-velazquez-has-harsh-words-fellow-rider-maragh
You are right about who AK clipped heels with – it was Monzon. If the film transfers with the link above, take a look at the head on shots. It distinctly shows Maragh turning Isn’t he perfect directly into MMM, bumping him into AK who stumbled and then clipped with Monzon. It’s a wonder that one of the horses didn’t get seriously hurt from that.
Vicki B.
Here in Zennyland, fans regularly talk about John Shirreffs exceptional talents and skills as a trainer, so I thought you might find interesting an article about Buck Brannaman, the inspiration for “The Horse Whisperer”, and the subject of the new documentary film, “Buck”, which won an award at this year’s Sundance Film festival. There is a wonderful review called “Seeing things the horse’s way”, by Kenneth Turan in today’s L.A.Times, that talks about Brannaman’s mentor, Ray Hunt, and Hunt’s mentor, Tom Dorrance, and the entire natural horsemanship movement. I can’t wait to see the film, when it comes out! http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-buck-20110612,0,5625726.story
AJ from CA
Barry Irwin needs some humility and class. Putting other horses down and pointing the finger outwards for his loss really turns me off. Doesn’t serve a classy horse like AK to have an owner with a mouth. Let cool heads prevail.
Kathy P.
There is something extra special I’ve learned from all of you up here in the ZENYATTASPHERE with me. Being generous, caring, and sharing is what it is all about. This year’s Belmont specially taught me how blessed I am to have a loving husband who is with me. Please pray for “Julie,” her two little boys, and for Mary Gaffney. They are two brave ladies striking it out on their own. I had told Penny that her story makes me feel like I can do anything. She replied, “You CAN do anything!” I then thought, “Yes I can.” Just like Zenyatta.
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. What a heartbreak today for Animal Kingdom – even if he did not win, it would have been great to see him run his race. Just as long as everyone is safe; Nehro has a chip in his ankle that will require surgery. It should be a great rest of the year for the 3 year olds. This all just shows everyone how special you were and are – you won 19 in a row and your best race was your 20th! You are the best and the most gorgeous!! Love you. Love all the pics of Mr. Commons and Tiago, one of my favorities. Stay comfy, eat well for two and have loads of fun with your BBFs. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
Delrene
I think the Belmont Stakes race was so very exciting and another longshot wears the carnations. What a big stinker he is! Quite the excitement before the race during the walk out and after trying to get him into the winners circle. I was so impressed with the jockey and his excitement. All smiles and so happy. Scary start and glad JV recovered and Animal Kingdom showed lots of courage. My heart went out to Shackelford who really was trying right up to the end and then tired. Congratulations to Bernie’s son and his connections. Great job. On another subject although it relates to horses,a wonderful story and play won the Tony this year. This is an incredibly emotional play about a horse from birth to serving in the cavalry in the 1st World War. Thank you Zenyatta for all that you have done for horseracing. And as I watch more and more races and learn more and more from your website, I see how well you were cared for and came out of your racing career with no injuries. Thanks to John and his team. Bless you and all who take care of you. I hope more and more horses are taken care of as well as you are.
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hi Queen Z…so nice to end my Sunday with you. Hope you grazed and had many carrots and peppermints.:) @KathyP, I agree with the others: you do have a huge heart. Susan in TN, sure hope Lou will feel better. It is hard. Sending positive thoughts across the country. We have had three dogs during our married life and all three (lively Samoyeds)
lived to almost 15, so we were very fortunate to have had them healthy for so long. @Linda in NJ: wow, imagine running into Penny Chenery and then having your picture taken with her. Wow! I’m in awe. Also Ron T. @Ann from Indiana, be sure your husband continues to wear his ZCap–I’m sure it will help him in his recovery. :) And to everyone: I did not know about Nehro- so sorry to learn that he got hurt. I was/am also worried about Animal Kingdom. He did so well…came in 15 lengths ahead of MMM. Impressive! Want to take time to look at some of the links provided-thanks to all of you for doing this. Really appreciated. Goodnight/good morning Queen Z..depending on when you “read” this.
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z, Goodnight for now. Sleep tight.
@Vicki B.—-Thanks so much for the tip about the film “Buck.” I can’t wait to see it! Another “horse whisperer” is Monty Roberts, now 76, who published his fascinating autobiography “The Man Who Listens to Horses” in 1996. He calls his natural method “the Join-Up.” Queen Elizabeth invited Monty to England to demonstrate his abilities with previously unridden and unrideable horses. She is said to have burst into tears of happiness watching Monty ride her unrideable horses after getting them to “join up” with him by purely non-violent, peaceful persuasion. Just yesterday, June 11, she made Monty an honorary Member of the Royal Victorian Order in recognition of his service to the horseracing world. http://www.montyroberts.com/latest-news/monty-roberts-honored-privately-by-the-queen-for-service-to-the-royal-family/ The Monty Roberts Equestrian Academy is located on Flag is Up Farm in Solvang, California. I highly recommend his autobiography.
@Astrid—Good to know about the Switch shirts for the Vanity.
@Susan in TN—Continued prayers for Lou’s full recovery. I hope your daughter can reschedule her exam.
judy berube
To Sharon Call:
OMG Sharon, it is a wonder nobody was hurt. That could have been a multiple disaster. I hope it was not done deliberately. Don’t even want to go there. I did check out the video (head on shot). We’ll have to see what comes out of the meeting on Wednesday with the Stewards. Hugs, J.B.
Diana S
Dear Z Friends, I’m so sorry it takes me forever to find time to read all the posts, so if I’m bringin’ up the rear – well, I know a certain racemare that might forgive me!
First: Count me in on D-Day – Trina, I’ll email off site and you can feel free to connect me with the rest of the co-conspirators :-)
Next: Silky Sullivan. Wow does that bring back memories. My Mom took me to see him run (just like she took me to see Swaps). They called him the “Heart Attack Kid” for a good reason!
Last – and this is really bringing up the rear: I actually put money down on the Belmont (and lost it too – serves me right). I bet Bright Speed to win – all those Belmont horses in the pedigree and extended pedigree. I also did a couple of trifecta boxes with combos of Animal Kingdom, Nehro, Shackelford, MMM, and Bright. Right horses, wrong combos. Sigh.
Zenny: It was so much easier betting on YOU! But it was still fun to scream at my TV!
diastu in tempe
Vicki B.
@Trina Nagele – Thanks for the news on Monte Roberts’ latest award from Queen E. I had heard about him years ago, from an Australian friend who came here and met Monte, because she thought very highly of his methods. It sounds like he really helped the Queen, that’s great!
Mary
Oh Zenny you and Bernie must be thrilled to see his son Stay Thirty put in a gallant effort and almost win the Belmont. I was screaming for him to win and just bawled my eyes out with joy! you must be so happy, tell Bernie he must be very proud and i hope he is strutting around his paddock today.
Lisa g
@Sue Fredrick, I agree completely that the announcers should talk about the other horses as well as the favorites more. I have watched Stay Thirsty from the beginning, I knew he likes distance and he loves mud, when it started raining in NY, I knew he would win or place. Surely they would have known that as well, I am just a fan and knew it.
Lisa g
Good Morning, Beautiful. Are you rested up from the exciting weekend? Have a wonderful day..I love you so…..Lisa g
Trisha Veazey
This may be a stupid question, but do horses have morning sickness or anything like it? If so gorgeous one, I hope you are over it by now.
It truly is not the same watching races without you in them.
Love hugs and kisses
judy berube
To Trina Nagele:
Thanks for the info on Monty Roberts. I remember reading some time ago that Queen Elizabeth asked for his help with some of her horses. I remember seeing a piece about him, either 60 Minutes or Dateline, and his “horse Whispering” method. He came from a very different background of “breaking” horses and, God Bless him, he knew there was a better way. Hugs, J.B.
Kari Bussell
Good morning Zenyatta I hope you are having a great day. I love you.
Mr. Shirreffs uploaded a new video lasr night …Ebby is in almost all last 3 minutes…first 3 minutes is great…Zenyatta will you please ask about Wonderful Town..Thank you…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjsW0eiTVFk&feature=channel_video_title
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube and Sharon Call-The start for the Belmont was utterly ridiculous. The distance was 1 and 1/2 miles and the nonsense at the start should not be tolerated. Suspensions should be handed out. @Judy Berube-Agree on the “reality” type animal shows. We know it happens, but we don’t have to see it. BTW, thanks for the gesture with the blood.
Kari Bussell
Plase remember to leave a comment thanking Mr. Shirreffs for taking the time to do this for us….Silent Poetry…Wow….G-10?…stinker…notice how kind and patient my hero is with him….
@KarenP beautiful story
@Karen Gogue-count me in…
@Tery Crow-Thank you for always being so helpful and kind.
I hit send by mistake a few diary’s ago…I will clarify where I was going with that and finish when I get a chance..
@everyone thank you for all you kindness I did notice…Have a great Monday everyone!