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
Cynthia H.
@Margie: Too bad you never got to see her run, Margie, but you got to see her up-close and personal and touch her, and that is pretty good compensation, I would say! Many, many fans would love to have shared that experience! We in Southern California were beyond lucky to have had her basically to ourselves for all of her racing years. When I viisted her and placed my hand on her neck, I remember thinking that i have never felt anything which seemed so alive. Good luck to you and Charlene at the casinos, and you have a good evening, too. This is yet another prime example of Zenyatta briniging people together.!
Karen Gogue
@Mary Copelin
I haven’t forgotten you, will get back to you soon!
Terry Crow
@Cynthia H-Glad that the new arrangements at least resulted in employment for you. I won’t put you on the spot regarding the changes, just think that it all was a darn shame. The Breeder’s Cup people were prepared to sign a contract with the Oak Tree Racing Association to make SA the permanent home for the BC. I hope to get out there during that time and I will stop and say high if you don’t mind.
Terry Crow
@Cynthia H-That is “hi.”
Carol W
Hello to the Queen,
Yes, YOU are the one who has brought the fans back to the race track. Look at all of the women who are now horse racing fans – you bring out the best in all of us in sooooo many ways. I saw Stay Thirsty earlier in the year, and he was definitely one of my favorites for the Triple Crown races, so I was thrilled to see him running in a real battle for 1st. So, the thrills continue even if we can’t see your beautiful form out there competing. Stay well, beautiful mama.
suew
Hi Zenny, as so many others have said YOU are the reason for the renewed interest in horseracing. Yep, you brought thousands back to the sport with your magnificient personality and outstanding talent. Your team helped to nurture the interest by making you so accessable to us. Thank you seems such a small word for everything you have done and continue to do. Here’s a high hoof to all of Team Z and, of course, you. Yes, the races were exciting over the weekend. Part of me misses seeing you on the track but my heart says you are exactly where you should be…enjoying a life of leisure and much love.
bridget
1st Congrats!! Can’t wait. 2nd Funny story about the Belmont. Was there checking out the form before the big race. Said to hubby Look at this one, won in the slop last year, short race but they’ve been getting longer. In the money every time this year & is fresh. hmmmm. Watched the race standing on the bench, hubby standing on ground behind. I leaned back when it was thru & gave him the #s. He said Hon, that was the horse you were looking at. (I won’t repeat what I said there). Then he said Do you want your ticket now or later? He had bet $2 across the board for me on Ruler on Ice. How cool was that? We split it. One of the few times I’ve come home from Belmont w/$ in my pocket, lol. I thought it was a nice racing story & you might enjoy. Good luck to you, and thanks for 3 great years of racing! We love you Zen!
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
@ ALL ZENYATTA COLLECTORS: Perhaps you’ve not seen this zazzle link to purchase Z stuff ;-)
http://www.zazzle.com/zenyatta+gifts
Judy (Maass) Gadwood ~ CA
Info regarding your girlfriend, Goldie, and her big race tomorrow in the Queen Anne (I almost typed Queen Zenyatta LOL)
http://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Goldikova_Canford_Cliffs_Clash_at_Ascot_123
Christine Coleman
Hi my beautiful Zenny Moss-Shirreffs-Mario-Smith-Bernardini-Coleman!!! Great weekend of racing indeed Big Girl! Can you PLEEEEEZ ask Dottie to ask your John a question? IF YOU HAD A BAD START LIKE AK, DOES JOHN THINK YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE UP THE GROUND LOST BY AK AND RUN DOWN RULER ON ICE? After all, this was 1 1/2 mile, (Not you as a 3 yo. Say this field in 2011). PLEEEEEEEZ ask Dottie to ask John!!!!! Continue enjoying life Zenny…you make us all so happy!
The Kennedys in San Diego
@John Shirreffs — Thank you for posting the June 12 training video — Eblouissante looks so mature, sensible as well as beautiful.
@Kari Bussell — Thanks for posting the link to the above training video.
Debbie G
Hello my sweet beautiful Zenny. I agree with everyone else that you are the reason so many fans have rediscovered horse racing. And I completely agree with @suew – although I miss seeing you on the racetrack, I’m so happy knowing that you’re safe and living the life of leisure that you so deserve. Loving you in Lexington. :-)
@Dawn Conrad – I know I’m late writing this because I didn’t read post 269 until last night, but I just had to let you know how deeply touched I was by your description of Claiborne Farm. I felt like I was there, and when you started describing Big Red’s grave, I couldn’t hold back the tears. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I’ve lived in Lexington my whole life and I’ve never visited a horse farm. I guess it’s true what they say that you take for granted what’s in your own backyard. Well, your post got me motivated and now I’ve got an appointment to visit Claiborne in 4 weeks, Three Chimneys in 2 weeks, and I’m waiting to hear back from Lane’s End. I’m unstoppable now! Thank you so much, Dawn. And I’m so glad you’re feeling better, too. You are in my prayers. :-)
Lynette Lucas
Love you Zenny!!! Hugs and Kisses from Roswell,NM!!!
Cynthia H.
@Terry Crow: Yup—we were to be the home for the BC for many moons. I hope we can meet, also. Please be sure to give me a heads-up when you are thnking of coming to SA. The employees who worked for OT were/are SA employees, so the only employment lost by many of us was when the OT meeting was moved to HP last year. Then, the HP people were employed for what would have been “our” meeting. As far as I know, SA has put in a bid for hosting the BC in 2012.
Barbara Wood
Dearest Z–hope you are feeling fine and frisky and that you have had a pleasant day, Good night, sweetie, until tomorrow. Love you always.
Maggie N
@Susan in Tn Please no need to explain the cartoon factor, I FULLY understand! See if you can picture this one: Mine walks up to the couch, plants his butt on it ( front feet on the floor) and looks like this is what he is supposed to do. The goof factor is unreal.
Much love to Zen and all
Max
Zenyatta: When I watched the Belmont, I was struck by the sweet exuberance of the comments of Jose Valdivia after his win. He was so honest, thrilled and refreshing. Stands to reason that he would be associated with the Queen. You attract great and good people.
@Cynthia H. If you work at Santa Anita, do you know how John Shear is doing? I hope that he is getting better after the accident with the runaway horse earlier this year. A real hero.
Cheryl Y
JUDY BERUBE Sorry didn’t answer sooner,had a busy weekend.Yes,you were right about Foiled Again and the trainer Jonathan Sheppard.The terminolgy is Steeple Chase,but we do refer to them as jumpers.Before he became a jumper,he was a turf horse.In my story,we were at Laurel Park in Maryland and he was still a turf horse.He was a big boy,about the size of Zen and he was a character,but I loved him.I’m glad you remembered him. SHARAN CALL. My daughter reminded me that the next picture I took was her dumped from the chair and him,pulling it into the stall!!! And trust me it was a hoot.Thanks for responding to my story both of you.Thanks John for sharing the training video,although it made me even more homesick for my barn,but I felt like I was there.Barns are such happy places!Love to you Zen.
Sunny Boyd
:) :) :)
Paul
I am very happy for Ruler on Ice winning the Belmont. All these horses, trainers, jockeys, and owners worked very hard. Congratulations to them all.
Signofthetimes
@Kari
Thanks for posting the link to the video of Tiago.
What a beautiful and mischievous colt. Really live
Bob Dylan a perfect song for the video.
Snoprinz
Zenny, thanks for reporting on the three races. Congratulations to the winners of the Kentucky Derby (AK), Preakness (Shackleford), and the Belmont Stakes (Running on Ice). I thank the high heavens for bringing all the horses and jockeys safely to the finish line.
Zen, these races remind me of your racing days. You brought the spark back to horseracing and your team showed the others how to train and take care of a race horse. You and your team are such an inspiration.
Stephanie AnneSylvester
Hugs and kisses to the best racehorse we have seen or will ever seen ,,,,Good luck with the little one Zenyatta teach him your dance I can not wait we love you atephanie and Suzanne sylvester
Cynthia H.
@Max: John Shear is truly a hero, and is universally loved at SA. He was one of the first people I met when I began working there, and went out of his way to be friendly and helpful. John has his own Facebook site, to which he posts news of his progress and announcements. He has been given awards by his home city of Sierra Madre, and was recently honored by the city of Arcadia, as well. He has been absolutely INCREDIBLE in the speed of his recovery, and his attitude is un-believable. Thank you!
Kim S
Hi Zenny. What a beautiful picture, thank you. Hope all is well in your little world Zen, with you and your friends.
@Susan in TN–glad Lou is better and keeps on improving. Let us know how Beth’s exam went, when you find out.
@Barbara Wood–thanks for the link about Frankie. I donated thru Paypal last week, so they should be getting those funds soon.
@Kari Bussell–thanks for letting us know about the new workout video from John. All the horses look great.
Thanks John and Dottie for all that you do and just for being you :)
Everyone have a great night. Lotsa love to all.
Sharon Call
@Cheryl Y. How funny! I’d love to have seen that. Amazing how horses can find things to amuse themselves.
Susan in TN
Hey,everyone! Lou is definitely doing better this evening! I increased the amount of his food today and he has kept everything down-YAY! He also isn’t drooling as much, so maybe we are over the worst. THANK YOU, ALL, for your thoughts, prayers sent his way.
@Kari B:Thanks for the E video link-isn’t Eblouissante a doll? She is such a soft, pretty mover. John’s narrations are so funny :) And I love your enthusiasm!
@Terry Crow and Judy Berube: I KNEW “rare blood” HAD to have something to do with “Let It Ride”! I haven’t been able to find it to rent in this area yet.
@bridget:What a great story!
Thank you to everyone for posts,links and general good cheer. There is a saying(and I probably don’t have this exactly right): Be kinder than is necessary,for everyone is fighting their own battle.”
@Charlotte Farmer: I like the bank idea, too.
@Barbara Wood: Thanks for info on Frankie. I sent a little money and meant to follow-up on her. I’m like Sharon Call-kind of fun that she feels good enough to be bad!
Hi,Judy and Russ <3
Zenyatta brought me into racing again,for sure. I always watched the Triple Crown and that was about it. Now, I get all these racing and thoroughbred updates by email and have race horses as friends on FB and on and on.
@Terry Crow:What a great idea to do a tour of race tracks-and with your knowledge of racing lore?!? Now, you will think I am kidding, but I think you should write a book about your trip with references to the past and stories of today. Even if you print it yourself at home and distribute it -there are people who would love that! Maybe you could include Noor's story and his final journey. Just a thought-I would buy it.
Warm wishes to all of you! <3
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: I also agree with many, many, many of your fans that you are the reason for the upswing of attendance at these races. The attendance at all three jewels of the Triple Crown were fantastic. Zenny, I hate to be a nudge, but would you please ask John if he plans or if Mr. & Mrs. Moss plan to enter any of their horses in the Clement Hirsch race. Zenny, for those of us that are planning a trip to CA, if there is any chance you could let us know in advance what races your former neighbors plan to enter that would be great. It is always fun to look forward to seeing a horse like Mr. Commons, Zazu, Makoma or any of John’s horses– maybe even Ebby might make her maiden run this season. If possible, you’ll definitely have to let us know if and when John plans to race her. The airfare is so much more reasonable if you buy tickets in advance. Thanks and take care, Zenny. Love you. Linda
Max
@Cynthia H. Thank you for the information about John Shear. I will check out his Facebook. I am very glad to hear that he is recovering. When I ordered my Zenyatta lithograph and the Racing Royalty poster from Santa Anita, I was very pleased with the high quality of service from Christine Crocker. She was super efficient and pleasant. The order was done perfectly. Santa Anita sounds like a very nice place with lots of good people. Enjoy your time there.
judy berube
To Bridget:
Great racing story. Very thoughtful husband. Hugs, J.B.