Good Morning All,
Yesterday’s results at Royal Ascot were quite interesting. FRANKEL, the 3 year old colt by Galileo out of Kind owned and bred by Juddmonte Farms, won again! This time his victory was by 3/4 of a length. He is still undefeated…7 for 7…which I can say from personal experience…is not an easy thing to accomplish. My sincere congratulations to FRANKEL and all of his connections!
GOLDIKOVA ran a very solid race and finished 2nd losing by just 3/4 of a length. Then, MY MIKIE finished 4th on his mount in the 2 year old stake. While in England, Mike also did a very nice interview which is currently being played on THE BLOODHORSE website. You might enjoy viewing it if you have a free moment!
Speaking of yesterday’s races at this historic race course, I wanted to share with you a photo of the human FRANKEL taken during the 1985 Royal Ascot Meet. Here he is, the real Bobby FRANKEL pictured on the left, attending the races with his friends Phil Werkmeister and Richard McCormick. Ann Eberhardt sent us this photo.
As you may know, the dress code on these racing dates is very specific. It supports a history of tradition. Formal day dress is required. Gentlemen are required to wear either black or grey morning dress, including a waistcoat with a top hat! Just imagine, all of these years later, we have a photo of Bobby taken at Royal Ascot…the same place where yesterday a horse named for him won such a prestigious race to remain undefeated. This is absolutely TOO CUTE!
I can only imagine that Bobby would be quite pleased…and so very, very proud!
On another note, in relation to American Racing, they have a HUGE PICK 6 CARRY-OVER today in New York. I gather this was somewhat aided by the results of the BELMONT! I know lots of people are studying their FORMS, CHARTS, PAPERS etc. this morning hoping to handicap all of the winners!
I better go study a bit myself! HOOVES CROSSED for all of you to GET LUCKY!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Patti in Carlsbad
FABULOUS PICTURE OF BOBBY…THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES :)
Barbara Grimaldi
Yes, international thoroughbred racing is just as exciting as ours, but they differ with us in one critical point. I hope Team Z leads the way to stop this so that USA racing will come back with a roar instead of going out with a wimper…
Medication Is Cited in Horse Racing’s Decline in U.S.
By JOE DRAPE
Published: June 13, 2011
The American thoroughbred industry has acknowledged recently that it is in trouble, and on Monday, its counterparts from around the world told it why: it races too often, allows race-day medications that prop up inferior horses and is paying the price for these flaws with plummeting sales at breeding auctions.
“European buyers are drifting away because we view the performances of U.S. horses with skepticism because of the medication policies, and the stallions are not comparable to ‘clean’ European stallions,” Denis Egan, the chief executive of the Irish Turf Club, which is responsible for regulating Ireland’s racing industry, said at an International Summit on Race Day Medication at Belmont Park.
With bipartisan legislation calling for federal regulation of performance-enhancing drugs and medications as well as stiff penalties for offenders, horse racing’s stakeholders are taking a hard look at their medication rules.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, one of three sponsors of the forum, offered polling numbers from 2008 and 2009 that showed its core fans’ positive impression of the sport more than doubled after the industry prohibited anabolic steroids around that time and initiated an injury-reporting system and safety measures. Still, John Della Volpe, a consultant hired by industry groups, said that racing fans wanted even higher levels of integrity.
“Make everything public and publicize the results,” said Della Volpe, who also is the director of polling at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. “I can’t tell you what to do, but do it collaboratively. Do it transparently. Do it for the health and safety of your athletes and with the industry’s fans and futures in mind.”
The thoroughbred racing industry is in a downward spiral. From 2007 through 2010, the annual registered thoroughbred foal crop in the United States slipped 19 percent, the races run declined 9.6 percent and purses decreased 12.6 percent.
The amount of money bet has fallen by 22.5 percent, from nearly $14.7 billion in 2007 to $11.4 billion in 2010. The North American auction market for yearlings has fallen by almost half, from $561 million in 2007 to $302 million in 2010.
The debate over race-day medication has focused on furosemide, a diuretic known as Lasix that has been used to treat racehorses since the 1970s. The medication stems exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, or bleeding, in their lungs. Most countries ban the use of Lasix on race days because it improves performance. In the United States, however, virtually every horse receives it on the day of the race.
Veterinarians and racing officials here from England, Ireland and Hong Kong, backed by data from jurisdictions across the world, told their American colleagues that they were medicating horses who did not need it. There are not that many severe bleeders, and the ones who are are being kept on the track with Lasix and should be not be racing, anyway.
Bill Nader, the executive director of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said that Hong Kong did not allow Lasix on race day or any other day. It averages only 42 incidents of bleeding a season. After the first incident, a horse is banned from racing for three months. If there is a second incident, Nader said, the horses are often forced to retire.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has perhaps the most restrictive medication rules in the world. Over the past five years, it has had only eight sudden deaths among 45,000 runners, or one per 5,692 starters. The American fatality rate is 2.14 per 1,000 starters.
Nader, a longtime executive with the New York Racing Association, said that Hong Kong’s commitment to integrity also meant stiff punishments for trainers and jockeys, as well as transparency — the veterinary history of each of its horses is available to the public.
The strict policies, he said, were good for business. Even though Hong Kong has a population of seven million and races only 83 days a year, bettors put $10.3 billion through the windows last year, almost as much as the United States.
“The quality of our racing is at a very high standard, our customers demand it, and horse racing is the No. 1 sport by far,” Nader said. “It’s really quite refreshing coming from America.”
The Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella was among a panel of trainers that acknowledged that Lasix was a performance-enhancing drug and that he and his colleagues could do without it. “Racing will go on with it or without it,” he said.
Dr. Anthony Stirk, the senior veterinary adviser to the British Horse Racing Authority, said that it would benefit American horsemen to get in step with the rest of the world, not only in medication policies but also in racing less frequently.
“My worries for American racing is that you’ve become isolated,” he said. “We want to see more international racing.”
Cynthia H.
@ Lisa g: Candle lit for J.O. (Tobin), and Exceller (Excel).
Didn’t Bobby Frankel train Leroidesanimaux (these French names are going to do us all in), sire of Animal Kingdom? And there was another horse that he really loved, which was not among the major names. I believe the horse was Exbourne—or am I confusing Bobby with another trainer?
Lisa g
@Cynthia: You remember Exceller to. To cool. I remember when Exeller beat my boy Tobin.
Lisa g
@Cynthia: You can watch Tobin beat Triple Crown Winner Slew on Youtube, I still watch from time to time and it is still exciting.
Lisa g
@Cynthia, lit my candel for Exceller just now. Wow. I miss them.
Cynthia H.
@ Lisa g: Thank you so much. I will defintiely look for the video. And thank you for lighting a candle for Exceller. He did beat our Tobin—also Affirmed and Seattle Slew.
Quarterhossgal
Zenny….each day a trip to your website is an adventure! Goldy ran her heart out, wish she could have held on. She is a champion in every way! Frankel might make a future sire of one of Queen Z’s babies. Z’s friend Switch runs this weekend, small field but some very good mares!
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Hope all is well with you. What a great picture. How cool is that that your Dottie was Bobby Frankel’s business manager. Love you Zenny. Be sure to keep us updated on Ebby.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, it is way past my bed time. I bet you are all cuddled up and asleep by now. I love you and will talk with you tomorrow. Lisa g
Michelle
I don’t know anything about pedigrees but if it was a possibility – Galileo (Frankel’s daddy) would be a GREAT date for you next year. Sea the Stars or Frankel when he retires would be good choices too. You deserve only the BEST. Frankel was great at Royal Ascot. Goldikova was great too but her jockey got her beat. He was 2 pounds overweight and got fined for it. They say that the 2 pounds would equate to slowing her down a length. I know he didn’t do it on purpose but it is frustrating to see her get beat like that. I hope to see Frankel and Goldikova at Churchill for Breeders’ Cup. Also, would love to see Black Caviar at the Breeders Cup. She is amazing. Love you forever Z – Hope to see you at Lane’s End someday.
Tere Thomas
Very interesting bit of history – thx for that. Hope you and the wee one are doing well – love you!!
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z”, What a charming picture. I think the men look dashing and the women elegant! What a funtime.
Congrats to Frankel on his win 7 for 7! What an honor to Bobby Frankel!
Thank you Barbara Grimaldi on the your post. I wonder if there is a connection on medications and how fragile our race horse has become. I often wonder if medicating these horses mask other underlying problems which may result in them breaking down or potentially having to be euthanized.
Congrats to Mikey on his fine performance. Gee! with the Queen (of England) being such a fan I wonder if he had an opportunity to meet her. Why not he only rode one of the greatest racehorses of all time! What a treat that would be.
Hugs and Kisses
Jackie
Annie
Zenyatta, you got my vote. Hope you win the Painted Ponies contest. You are so precious. You make me smile every day. Miss ya.
Charlotte Farmer
I agree with you Zenyatta, congratulations to Frankel. Undefeated, on any level, is quite a testament as you so rightly said. Love the picture of Bobby Frankel, Phil Werkmeister, and Richard McCormick wearing their proper Ascot attire. Thank you for sharing. Can you imagine wearing something like that to our Derby? They would just melt away due to the humidity, but they would God they would be fashionable. I love tradition.
@Regarding yesterday’s Post 272
@Michael Blowen posted – We are very excited that Charlotte and Kit have chosen Old Friends as the final resting place for that great Hall-of-Famer, Noor…We are working with The National Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs on a program to insure that all these late, great athletes have an appropriate place where their fans can pay their respects. We’re very grateful to everyone for allowing us to be that place. If everything works out, Noor should be re-located to Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky in August. If anyone would like to contribute to his journey from Grass Valley, CA to Georgetown, Ky you can send a tax deductible contribution to Old Friends, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd., Georgetown, KY 40324. Make sure to write Noor on the check or e-mail so the donation will go to the appropriate place. Thanks so much..Michael. P.S. Little Silver Charm sends his best to the greatest horse of our generation.
@ Jeanie & J.Smith – How did Noor end up in Grass Valley? Without going into the details, the Howard Estate opted to send him to Loma Rica Ranch there in Grass Valley, CA. During Loma Rica’s heyday it was one of the most prestigious horse farms this side of Kentucky. Also, the Howard family had a close friendship with the owners, the Knoops. Grass Valley is located in the California Sierra Foothills, just an hour from Sacramento and 3 hours from San Francisco.
@Zenyatta’s Facebook – Can someone post Noor’s situation on Zenyatta Facebook along with Michael’s posting? Facebook is not my forte, just getting old I guess. I know I am feeling it.
@LauraJ – I am not sure as to all that is going on regarding Kelso’s grave and that of his dam and others that are buried there at Woodstock farm only to say that the late Mrs. du Pont’s property is up for sale. Michael had mentioned to me that Noor would lead the way for possibly Kelso. You might e-mail Old Friends and make your inquiry to Michael.
@I loved reading about the “Grateful Candle.” I plan to follow Judy (Maass) Gadwood’s steps and check into it. Did you know that on “Find A Grave” you can leave flowers for the some of the great thoroughbreds that have passed over? Go to Famous Grave Search and put names such as Whirlaway, Kelso, and others. The jockeys and owners are also there. I have left flowers along with notes for those that I cared about. If the name doesn’t appear then it doesn’t exist.
Jamie
Thanks to everyone who voted for Zenyatta in the painted pony contest!! I really want them to make it because then I can have my own “Zenyatta.” I do love her so….
Hugs to Zenny!
Charlotte Farmer
Looks as if the second time was the charm.
@Thank you Trina Nagle
Delrene
Hi – Cast my vote for Zenyatta painted pony. Beautiful artistic interpretation of our beloved Zenyatta.
I will search for the video on little Silver Charm. I met him at Old Friends and in Z & Dottie’s words, TOO CUTE!!!
Terry Crow
@Sharon Call-Sorry I did not respond sooner. Us “oldsters” sometimes forget.@Judy Maass Gadwood-Lit candles for Zen, Ruffian and Eight Belles. Also voted for Zen’s statue on the painted ponies site. Didn’t need to feel bad about maybe depriving some deserving pony a vote. Zen’s WAS the best.@Cynthia H, Janie, Lisa G and Sarah Powell-Thank you for the kind words. There was a movie starring Robin Williams about 15 years ago titled “What Dreams May Come.” The Williams character has to put down his dog early in the film and then is killed himself in an auto accident. The first soul he meets in heaven is the dog he had to put down, except the dog is young and healthy again. Truly moving. After that, The film went downhill for me. But I have never forgotten the scene when master and dog were reunited.
Lynette Lucas
Zenny – Thank you for letting us know how Mike did!! I wish I was able to watch him and Goldikova I think they should have one their races!! Love you beautiful girl!!! Hugs and Kisses from Roswell,NM!!!
KIMBERLY
Nitey Night ZZZZZ and baby!!!!
judy berube
Dear Max:
You’re welcome. Doesn’t she seem to move effortlessly (like Z). She looks really good, and still has some growing to do. It will be such fun to follow her progress. Hugs, J.B.
Dear Abigail in Montreal:
I remember Sightseek. She was one of BF’s favorites. Jerry Bailey was her regular rider, I think. He would have loved his namesake. What a beautiful colt he is. Hugs, J.B.
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hi Queen Z. It is so-ooo wonderful to go through this week’s’ posts. It has been a very stressful work week and all I could do in the evening is collapse on the sofa. I thought of you and smiled but no energy to “talk” to you and our friends. But now, let’s see: @your John, THANK YOU for the wonderful training video!!@JSmith, thanks for the reminder of MMM’s b/day. Hope he got an extra carrot. @Little Silver Charm, so much LOL (which I desperately needed) watching you play soccer. What a kick–ha ha, get it? Just TOO CUTE. @DJ I voted for our Z! @Judy(Maass)- Gadwood-CA thanks for the Steve Haskins reference. @Susan in TN, hooves crossed for Lou. And @ Karen Gogue, now that I can catch my breath, I will be further in touch with you. Thanks for the info. And Z, love the pictures on all the posts…thanks to you and Dottie. Now time to get my lunch together for tomorrow (still Wednesday here)–who fixes your lunch? Someone must since you are our QUEEN. Of course you have your greens right in front of you! :) :)
Holly Zemba
Congrats to Mike.
AJ from CA
That’s such a great pix of Mr. Frankel and certainly gives a feel for the tradition and pageantly of that event. After looking up a little bio on him, I discovered that his daughter is Hollywood celebrity Bethany Frankel and he was also our Dottie’s former boss not to mention that he was one of the most respected trainers of all time. How cool it is to learn so much about the horse racing world from this blog! It never gets boring and there is so much goodwill and caring from the fans plus great information as well but the prime point will always be Z!
zenyattaloveramy!
yes! ascot weekend was very exciting with another win for frankel and i was sad that goldikova didnt win but she was close and shes still great! to bad mike didnt get a win but i hear he still had fun! HOPE YOUR HAVING A GREAT DAY! FROM YOUR BIGGEST FAN AMY.
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, Thanks for letting us know how Mike did in the race. I’m so glad that he had the chance to ride in the race and he did pretty good. Just love Mike and memories of you and him racing, there was nothing like it. Good to hear Frankel won his race and that he is now 7 for 7. That is pretty good and I will have to keep watch on him to see how he is doing from now on. You are the greatest racehorse of my time and I dont believe there will be one of comparison any time soon. I miss you and love you much Zenyatta and my best wishes to little Wink Wink, hope all is going well.
Marilyn Watson
That’s sad Mike didn’t get a win. Went to Del Mar Fair today and while walking around looking at all the stuff I couldn’t help but remember seeing you here last year for you 18th win. That was cool seeing you do your thing at our local track, I don’t think I will ever look at Del Mar again and not think of you. Miss following your races but am glad you retired and living the life now. Hope all is going well.
sue
Thanks for the report, Zenny.
Love ya,
Sue
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z—Once again the day is ending and now a beautiful full moon is sailing through the night sky. Goodnight till tomorrow, and sleep tight.
TO ALL WHO ARE GOING TO HP THIS SATURDAY—I HOPE TO MEET UP WITH YOU. I plan to go and wear a white visor, white Zenyatta T-shirt, and white slacks. Are people meeting at the paddock?
It’s still Wednesday night here in California, so it’s not too late to wish Mucho Macho Man a happy birthday. My Internet connection has been AWOL a lot lately, so I have to do some catching up:
@Bridget—Loved your Belmont story, and that hubby of yours sure is a keeper!
@Debbie G—Great point about one’s own backyard. Go enjoy those horse farms, and fill us in. I’m going to try to explore my own backyard a little more too (see above).
@Teresa E-—What a lovely comment you wrote about imagining Z layng her victor’s blanket of flowers on Ruffian’s grave. It brings tears to my eyes.
@Abigail from Montreal—I’m looking forward to reading your new article. I always love your work.
@Lisa G–I love how you introduced your special dog.
@Janet Cutting—HAPPY BIRTHDAY on Thursday! And many happy returns!