Good Morning,
It is hard to believe how fast time flies by. The sun is now setting on another Triple Crown Series. The 2011 Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont are in the recoord books and congratulations to all 3 winners: Animal Kingdom, Shackleford, and Ruler On Ice.
The Belmont on Saturday was very exciting! I have to admit, I was like Max and Sharyn. Per their comments in the responses, they were watching Bernie’s son, Stay Thirsty, cut to the rail in the stretch and close steadily to be 2nd. So was I! I have to admit, I did cheer him on a bit. After all, he is Bernie’s son! GREAT JOB, STAY THIRSTY!
The winner ran a terrific race. My sincere congratulations to RULER ON ICE and his team. I would like to give a special SHOUT OUT to Jose Valdivia as well. He is a terrific guy! MY TEAM knows him very well as he used to ride in California. WE are so happy for him. We’d also like to thank all of the people who work so hard to make racing and these events so special!
On an industry note, it was GREAT to see the ‘handle’ for Belmont day. I’ve heard that they bet over 70 million dollars. This is so encouraging for our sport! PEOPLE DO LOVE RACING! YIPPEE!
Again, my heartfelt congratulations to all! Now we move forward to other exciting racing events. We have lots of 2 year old action beginning. This is always fun to monitor the new faces, names, and pedigrees of the adorable “babies”. The summer seasons at Del Mar and Saratoga are always highly anticipated. Several other tracks also add to this great mix. Then on November 4th and 5th, all eyes will turn to Churchill Downs who will again host this year’s Breeders’ Cup. There is always so much going on in our sport! All of this activity is so much FUN!
It is TOO CUTE that Kari mentioned in the responses that TIAGO was not only 3rd in the Belmont…he was also 3rd in the BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC. He accomplished this in 2008, the year I won the LADIES CLASSIC.
In 2008, it was the first year they made The Breeders’ Cup a 2 day event. I ran on Friday afternoon in the LADIES CLASSIC. Then TIAGO ran in the CLASSIC the next afternoon. He truly ran a terrific race! TIAGO finished a very, very competitive 3rd…closing tons of ground and flying at the finish. What a great weekend of racing it was for both TIAGO and I….and of course, MY TEAM as well! Such fond memories we have!
Enjoy your day! I hope you had fun over Belmont weekend…and picked LOTS of winners.
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Karen Gogue
@Kari B.
Ditto that on Frank Leal! Sweetheart he is indeed!
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
@ Cynthia H ~ you are absolutely right! Zenny racked up win #17 at Hollywood Park on this day! Shame on me for not making note! :-(
Abigail from Montreal
@ Kari Bussell: Thanks for the links! I just spent a few minutes with Tiago (what a handsome colt) and with Eblouissante & Silent Poetry. Geez — John’s French accent when he pronounces Ebby’s name is IMPRESSIVE! Keep this up, John, and you’ll soon be ready to visit Quebec with Dottie!!!!!
Hugs to my favourite girl. Hope you had your pears today!
Mary
Yes Z….. the Belmont was exciting. I wanted Stay Thirsty to win…there is one picture of him on his Facebook page…and you can tell he has his whole heart into it and was like he was saying…I got to win… it is a great picture…he is a handsome guy….takes after his dad. ;)
Hugs to you Z…
Kari Bussell
@Karen Gogue- I left a comment on last diary post telling you to count me in…You Will hear from me..
s in san diego
I definitly agree!! The Z effect is still going strong and bring new fans to the sport. Zenyatta + John + Dottie + Anne + Jerry = An incredible Heart that pours out so much goodness and joy….and I was just wondering what the bump in subcriptions to Bloodhorse and DRF looked like over the past couple of years you were still in training? Have a great week Z and all :)
Bridget
I know that I am now a race fan because of you, Z! And I know a lot of other people are as well. You did so much for racing! Soon I might be taking riding lessons since I want to be around horses now and work with them somehow…all because of you, Big girl!
Fran
Hi Z, hope you are having a great day. It is getting hotter here-going to be 90 today. Kate was in the pool at 9 a.m. Tomorrow taking her to ride Dozey and leaving her to stay for a few days. She rides and helps Megan around the barn and helps with the horses in training. Good stuff for a 15 year old to do-keeps them focused on the right things. Have a wonderful day Z! xxoo
PeggyOne
I know the whole crew at Barn 55 had so much to do with your success, but I believe the Steve and his horsemanship and gentle, kind hands were the key to making you the Champion you were on the race track. I wonder if Steve will also be on Ebby? (Seems I heard something about him retiring when Zenyatta did?) I personally hope he’s there to show Ebby just the nuances she needs to become one of the greats, also.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Hope you are well. Very exciting racing weekend. So happy to see Stay Thirsty run well. We will, no doubt, see him at Saratoga. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
Kari Bussell
Me Again—anyone wanting to see great new pictures of Zenyatta go to her FB page and enjoy Karen Gogue’s pictures she so generously uploaded…they are pro-quality…
Cynthia H.
@Judy (Maass) Gadwood: You bad, gf!
sue
Hi Zenny:
Glad to hear you enjoyed this weekend as well. Congrats to the Belmont winners, especially Stay Thirsty, half brother to Zendini!
Enjoy the bluegrass, Zenny.
Love ya,
Sue
judy berube
Dear Susan in Tn:
We hope Lou continues to improve. We will keep praying for him. Hugs, Judy B.
Brenda
Beautiful dappled sky in the picture, much nice than the overcast grey in Fort Erie today. Good wishes to Nehro, I’m sure he’ll come thru his surgery well. Given the conditions at the Belmont it’s a wonder that there were no other injuries. Zenny, you take good care of yourself and the bambino and enjoy all that healthy food and the company of your other pregnant friends at Lane’s End. HUGS & KISSES to you and baby.
Cynthia H.
For anyone wishing to re-live Zenyatta’s thrilling victory on June 13, 2010, in the Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park last year, here is the link (I hope. I have never tried this before.):
http://you.be/m6-LN96ikfw
Cynthia H.
One more time, please. I am as green at this as one of John Shirreffs’ training youngsters:
http://youtu.be/m6-LN96ikfw
Hernan Tovar
My dear Zenyatta, YES, I agree the Zenyatta effect continues the boost interest in the sport! I have being a fan of horseracing for a long time, I had seen all those incredible races including Secretariat, and when you Zenyatta stated racing the sport got Alive, was really incredible, but I have to say that now horseracing and I really believe that without you horseracing will never be the same… I will love you forever Ingrid.
Margie
Sweet Z, I was super happy to see Stay Thirsty do so well, too. Uncle Mo is always referring to his “cousin Thirsty” – Too cute! Well, I can tell ya, Zenny, that I didn’t pay any attention to TB racing before YOU. It was exciting when I started recognizing names of TBs in different races, and actually knowing a glimmer of something about them. All because of you. I love them all, but of them only YOU are in that special, elevated place reserved for those who will live in my heart forever.
@Cynthia H: I didn’t know you worked at SA. Maybe you knew my sister Charlene; she ran the TB Center (promotional stuff) for many years until she retired 2 years ago. She used to sneak upstairs and place a bet every now and then – good thing she didn’t get caught cuz employees weren’t supposed to bet. Her favorite horse was John Henry (and Z, of course!).
judy berube
Dear Sharon Call:
You’re so right. I think an Angel was on Johnny V.’s shoulder. That could have been a multiple horse disaster. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Thanks for all the great links. Hugs, Judy B.
Margie
P.S. Susan in TN: so glad to hear Lou is doing better and hopefully all will be well.
dunie
Just wait till your baby runs, Zenny.
Can’t imagine the excitement of all your loving fans!
Kathy Kimber
@Susan in TN: Poor Lou I’m glad he’s doing better though. If I was having to take all those meds I’d upchuck too just keep the loving going it is the best medicine of all. Prayers for Lou every single day on my prayer list. Hugs
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta I had a fun Belmont. I made a first real bet and won 24.00 on Stay Thirsty. I bet him because he is Bernie’s son. I was so happy for him. Stay Thirsty has a nice owner that cares about his horses. I hope your having a great day. I am going to take my dogs out for a walk. It is beautiful and cool out. I love you sweet girl. I am sending you many hugs and kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@Susan in Tn I am thinking and praying Lou is doing well :)
@ Dawn hi hope you had a good Mon. Don’t forget to get some info to me aboutKentucky. Larry can only give me two full days there. It is better than nothing :)
Cynthia H.
@Margie: I started at Santa Anita in 2005 and knew Charlene for several years (my fellow Gemini). I enjoyed working with her so much. She always had a smile, and many is the time I ltook refuge in the little cubbyhole behind the Thoroughbreds Center, which she herself fixed-up with homey touches and magazines, etc. I hope she is well and loving her retirement, and would appreciate it if you could please tell her that Cynthia from Group Events says hi!
Dona
This picture makes me miss LA so much. Lived there for eons and never got enough of the track. :)
Sorry about Star Billing. She was very unhappy and fighting Michael. Did she want the lead or is she juct green? Maybe she missed Chantal! :(
@Charlotte A Farmer..Re: NOOR
Would you consider going to your, or a nationally known Bank and open an accout just to address the cost of handling Noor’s remains and the transfer thereof? If so, maybe the Bank would defray the account costs and handle the deposits for you. There’s 80,000 on the Big Girls Facebook and if everyone could donate a small amount, the funds may be substantial. Even if just the folks that post here could donate $10.00, it could help you. I would be happy to donate for this noble cause. I know the Loma Rica area, my cousin’s co-worker’s family has a large horse ranch in that area and it’s been my pleasure to introduce them to the big girl. So, you see, I have many valid reasons for jumping on your love wagon.
Kathy Kimber
Gosh so many great photos of Zenyatta on Facebook since I last looked. Check them out. Also if you haven’t already check in with Karen G. She has such a wonderful plan to surprise Dottie.
Hernan Tovar
Do I, remember the Lady’s Classic of o8? I remember all your races!!!
I told you I love , and I will love you forever… Ingrid
Especially Horses
Just returned from a long weekend in Baja and caught up on all the wonderful Posts/Comments from the last four days! Even though I was in Baja I made my husband find a place where we could watch the Belmont. We ended up at Bobby’s By the Sea. They were having a “blind pick” for the Belmont so I but my $5.00 down on slot number 10. When all the slots were taken they revealed the name of the horse associated to each slot and I ended up with an “unknown” by the name of Ruler on Ice. I told my husband “good thing it’s only $5.00”. Now I only wish it was a real bet for $5.00. LOL. I love tough and durable geldings; I hope my new fave, Ruler on Ice, has a long and healthy career. Oh…and for the person who said something about hoping he doesn’t end up in a can…well I can tell you most assuredly that the majority of the folks who post on Z’s site would go to great lengths to make sure he ended up at Old Friends, or in one of their stalls, or even their backyard, before that happened.