Hello Everyone!
I am so excited! Today there are so many wonderful races running around the country…but one in particular, The Vanity G-1 at Hollywood Park, really captivates ME! I LOVE THIS RACE! As a matter of fact, I WON IT 3 years in a row. The last 2 times I carried 129 pounds when recording my victories! In all circles, this is considered to be quite a bit of weight.
The Vanity is a HANDICAP RACE. In this type of stakes race, the racing office reviews the nominations and then ‘weight the horses’ according to their individual current accomplishments. This is done to try and make the fields ‘more equal’ and enable all horses entered in the race to have the opportunity to run competitively.
If a stakes race is not a ‘HANDICAP’, then the weights are allocated by age and set forth in advance when the race is being programmed. For example, in the Kentucky Derby, all horses carry 126 pounds. They do allow a few pounds for a female when running against male horses. This can range from 3 to 5 pounds depending upon the age of the female horse and the race.
In races as the BREEDERS’ CUP, weights are established in advance by age and sex. For instance, in the LADIES CLASSIC which I won in 2008 and my friend, LIFE IS SWEET, won in 2009…the established weights are 121 pounds for 3 year old fillies and 124 pounds for 4 year olds and up. (A 3 year old filly born in the Southern Hemisphere carries 116 pounds due to the age differential as to when they are born in that Hemisphere.) Thus, both Life Is Sweet and I carried 124 pounds in this race as we each won it at age 4.
Weights for the BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC are set forth in advance as well. No matter what one has accomplished, the weights are as follows: 3 year olds are assigned 122 pounds (Southern Hemisphere 117) and 4 year olds and older 126. They DO allow 3 pounds for all fillies or mares who may run in this race. Thus, I carried 123 pounds both times I ran in the B.C. CLASSIC.
Often, I do not think about what I have accomplished….but when races as The Vanity are scheduled, it is so much FUN TO REFLECT upon my achievements. Today is one of those days!
My racing pals, SWITCH, BLIND LUCK, and ST. TRINIANS are all competing in this year’s edition of THE VANITY. The weights they will carry range from 123 (Blind Luck) 120 (Switch) and 119 (St. Trinians). I know all of these horses very well…and truly want to wish each of them ALL THE BEST!
Perhaps one day I’ll have a baby of my own run in and WIN the VANITY! Now, wouldn’t that just be TOO CUTE!
Enjoy your weekend!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Kari Bussell
Zenyatta- You look so Happy and beautiful in Sarah’s picture. When I reflect on all you accomplished I feel such pride & Joy. You are Our Forever Queen. I love you more & more if that is possible!
@Karen Gogue-Words aren’t adequate to express my sentiment after reading your private message.Tears of shear Joy you gave to me “sharing” that story…You will hear from me as soon as I find words….WOW!..THANK YOU-for sharing “that”…(I hope it makes sense between the lines)!!
@Linda E Ohio-You words deeply moved me as I had deleted that specific one after being teased by my friends and family who did not “get” it…So a huge Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to tell me it was very generous of you. What a joyful blessing you gave me!
@All the “Groupies”- I am thrilled you all had such a priceless, wonderful time…thank you for sharing your blessed day..
Judy (Maass) Gadwood (CA)
@ Kari ~ I was one of the Z Groupies. We sure spoke of you fondly, my friend! Wish you could have been at the track with us {{{hugs}}} Big E is gorgeous! She didn’t have any cotton balls in her beautiful large ears yet LOL
Kari Bussell
@Kathy Kimber- I favor the pictures of Zenny in the snow for the same reasons. thank you for All of your many kind words…Forever Hugs to You! You remind me how blessed we are!
@ Terry Crow – Praying for you, yours & your friend…
@Charlotte Farmer- What a great inspiration you are to never giving up and getting the job done you are…Wow! Thank you for doing this for Noor..I will give what I can..
@Judy Berube-you are such a kind person always encouraging others.
@Susan in Tn- You, Lou…and yours are always in my prayers! Love reading your posts!
monica
zenyatta you are too cute!!! and you look so good too – we are so happy to see you looking so healthy and happy – and blind luck did her best to honor your tradition in the vanity… another closer winning the race! we thought of you zenny and knew you would be so proud of blind luck yesterday – it wasn’t the same without you though – we still and always will miss you – take care of yourself dear zenny – we love you!! monica
Shari Voltz
HI Zenyatta I am having a rather hard day. No food all liquid for my test tomorrow. But I had to read the other posts to make me feel a little better. I hope you had a rain free day or I hope if you got rain no bad storms. I was excited to read Brookie is home from vacation. We are planning on getting together to see Dusty. It sounds like a big group enjoyed Barn 55. How lucky. I would love to see it one day. Well sweet girl enjoy the rest of tonight and sweet dreams. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Hi Brooke :)
@ Trina sounds like an AWESOME day !!!
Charlotte Farmer
@Terry Crow – Thank you for giving me the heads up on Diane S.
@Diane S. – You were the spark that ended with Terry contacting Dywre. I am so grateful to the two of you for this.
@Dream Team – That is my new title for all the people who post to this site, who care on multiple levels about all animals, and how each of you who help whether through prayers, good wishes, donations, or just listening.
@Susan in TN – I am so glad Lou is doing okay. I continued to pray for his complete recovery.
@Noor – For these past three years I have referred to Noor’s journey as his final race. We are now coming around the final turn into the homestretch where he will cross the finish line the champion that he is thanks to the Dream Team i.e. Zenyatta’s fans.
@Signofthetimes – Thank you for the beautiful words.
judy berube
Dear Susan in Tn.:
Just checked out the slideshow. Whoever took the photos did a very good job. Is the gray at the beginning of the slide show the 2l year old Arabian you mentioned? I saw Chester with his fly mask. Rusty and Root Beer look like twins. They really seem to be interested in the red ball. Cheyenne’s baby has filled out nicely. He’s too cute. It wasn’t difficult to pick out “Tina Turner”, another cutie. Thanks, I really can picture them now when you post about them. You’re doing a great job. God Bless. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kari Brussell:
Thank you and I think you are a kind, caring person with a beautiful soul. It’s a joy to be a part of this Z Family. My husband and I really look forward to reading all your posts. Hugs, J.B.
Cheryl Y
AJ Thanks for sharing the article on geldings,it was very informative and interesting.I had missed that one. Dear Zen I loved the new photo of you!!! Absolutely gorgeous.Thanks Dottie for the info on the weights and how they are applied.Sometimes I don’t know a lot about racing rules,I guess cause I spend too much time in the barn,learning every thing I can possibly absorb about the horses.Hope all is well with everyone.
judy berube
Dear Max:
Thank you for the link on Pool Play. I was checking out his pedigree. He has Deputy Minister, Mr. Prospector and Northern Dancer on his Sire’s side and Cox’s Ridge, Danzig and Northern Dancer on his Dam’s side. He definitely inherited these genes. Hugs, J.B.
Barbara Wood
Heartbroken to hear about Tiz Zoe. RIP, beautiful one.
Good evening, dear Z. I will be out of town for the next week and will catch up as I can–will miss all the Zenyatta Dumpling Gang.
We replayed our video of the 2010 Apple Blossom, and I told our daughter that in 30 years she will be glad to have that footage.
Abigail from Montreal
Zenny — I am so glad to see you again. The other posts & photo subjects are all terrific, but I’m always thrilled to see you looking beautiful with that special glow of a mother-to-be! I just love you so much, big girl.
Special & heartfelt thanks to all those who expressed their pleasure that THE VAULT had made a contribution for all of us on zenyatta. com to Noor’s journey to his final resting place. I just believe that people with the wisdom & passion of our Charlotte make a difference to the world — because the present could not be without the past. QUESTION: How do I put up a lovely old photo of Noor from the cover of an old Thoroughbred Times for everyone to see?
As for THE VAULT’s “Power of X” series, part two looks at the contribution of mares to the excellence of the thoroughbred by de-coding a little part of genetic science. I’ll post here when part two is published. I still can’t tell whether Rachel. Rags & Zenny will make a huge appearance in part two, but the genetic stuff is necessary & fascinating to fully appreciate their roles in shaping an extraordinary thoroughbred future!!!! HUGS to all —
Elizabeth
Oh, Z, I wanted to wish many blessings today to you so much (and Bernardini – upcoming Papa- on this Father’s Day especially)! What a great day to watch the races – with so many updates and helpful information from you about everything “Horserace”! You have given us so much hope and inspiration ….. not to mention turning us all into Horserace devotees! We are going to the races in New Mexico now – due to YOU! Please also pray everyone here in New Mexico – for our firefighters and everyone affected by the fires here – and please pray for RAIN! Even though ‘sloppy tracks’ are cumbersome… we really need ‘sloppy tracks’ right now in NM! Love and always prayers for you, Z, and your FAMILY!
judy berube
To AJ from CA:
Thanks for the link on geldings in racing. Made me think of John Henry. The article mentions him, Kelso and Forego, among others. Fantastic race horses. Hugs, J.B.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z”,
Here’s wishing all of your “Z” Family Fathers a very peaceful and joyful Fathers Day today….Just For Them:
……………………………..
WHAT MAKES A DAD
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece
Was complete,
And so He called it…Dad.
…………………………………..
DJ
To Shari V. – sending a little prayer for a Blessing to come your way!
Karen Gogue
@Kari B.
Ahhh, :) Hugs!
KIMBERLY
Queen, You still have your lovely shape. What a beautiful photo of you. Thank you!!!
Arlene
Hi Zenny, Beautiful current picture. Great, inspirational posts from your fans.
Have a good night all.
Christine Coleman
Hi Zenny et al-Coleman! You look beautiful my big girl! Thank you for another educational post. I love it when you teach us about racing. Please give my regards to all your 2-legged family members and my gratitude for them graciously sharing you with us. Love you Zen….
janet tedford
good evening pretty lady how are you and your human cxare takers doing wow thats a race I will never forget you allways seem to amze everyone with your come from behind wins 19-1 take care big z love you a hole bunches
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenny—I forgot to give my congratulations yesterday to your dear John, Dottie, and the Mosses on their victory with Loro! Congratulations, and well done, Loro! And happy Father’s Day, Zenny, to your dad Street Cry and Ebby’s dad and dad of your little one that’s on the way, Bernardini!
@Max–Thanks for the Pool Play link.
@AJ from CA—Thanks for the link to Jay Hovdey’s DRF article about geldings.
@Shari Voltz—Sorry you need more tests, and I hope you get a good report. BTW, it was so sweet of you to get the Jolly ball for Rootbeer and Rusty. You must be so pleased with how they are enjoying themselves with it.
@Susan in TN—Thanks for the updates on Beth, Lou, and Rescue at River Edge Farm. I see here are four names entered in the contest for naming Cheyenne’s colt—loved how you wrote that he needs to learn to be “a LITTLE afraid of SOMETHING!” As I write this, it says “More pictures coming soon” for Chester on the website http://www.riveredgefarmhorserescue.org/. I’m glad you told us there are photos on the River Edge Farm Horse Rescue facebook page. They are excellent—thanks to Beth for taking the new pictures! @Judy Maass Gadwood and Jane W—Thanks for the new photos you took of Zenny’s Barn 55 stall and posted on her facebook page! Super pictures!
@Karen Gogue—Last night just before midnight I had my comment all typed up and ready to go, and then I did something wrong and the whole thing disappeared–don’t you hate it when that happens? Well, I retyped it, but it was shorter because by the time I had exhausted all the possibilties for trying to retrieve what I had written, it was already past midnight and I was flagging. One of the things that got left out was mentioning our visit to Zenny’s stall. I’m sorry you couldn’t go to Barn 55 with us, and I hope your sister feels better today. We saw your incredibly intricate and detailed photographic collage on the right-hand wall (you can see it now on Zenny’s facebook page-see comment above to Judy and Jane!), and Judy’s poster in turquoise and pink on the back wall, and of course the magnificent and touching life-size multi-media portrait of Z done by Shari Voltz’s class on the left-hand wall, plus other paintings and drawings. Quite a collection, but in all honesty if you’ll forgive me, I still felt sad because Z herself was not there, and I never got to meet her in person. But you know what? Ebby is a very special horse, and I think I experienced a good measure of Z’s sweetness, intelligence, beauty, and magical aura through meeting her. She certainly stole my heart. BTW, I didn’t have the energy left last night to go to Switch’s facebook page to thank Lee and Susan Searing for those gorgeous free Switch T-shirts, but I did it today. And let me say thanks to you and J Smith again for yesterday. You made sure I didn’t get lost.
Cynthia H.
Today is….FATHERS’ DAY. I wonder how many people on this site were introduced to the sport by an enthusuastic dad? I suspect there are more than a few. My own father loved the racetrack, and was determined that his daughter learn to love it, too. But he needn’t have worried. Racing captured my heart and threw away the key at such a young age, that even the jockeys seemed as tall as giants, and the thoroughbreds appeared as large as percherons. Thus, began the many years of our racing adventures—countless Saturdays (there was no Sunday racing back then) which stretch like a chain of golden memories throughout the years.
As dad moved up the corporate ladder and was transferred to cities all over the country, he never failed to choose an apartment or house which bordered a racetrack—Arcadia, San Diego, Phoenix, Arlington Heights. Our house in Arlington was situated so close to the track, the the noise from the crowd reverbrated throughout the rooms on those sweet summer days.
The most precious racetrack memory which I shared with dad is also the most recent: Zenyatta’s 18th consecutive victory in the Clement Hirsch at Del Mar in August, 2010. We had not seen each other for (too) many years, and dad was unwell. But his gaunt face, ravaged after a hard-fought two-year battle with cancer, lit up like a tote board following a 100-to-one longshot when Zenyatta crossed the finish line. For a fleeting moment, the years fell away, and he looked as happy and handsome as he had 50 years ago, when we rooted Carry Back home in the 1961 Kentucky Derby. A decorated World War II navy pilot, dad was always one to defy the odds, and I was sure that his biggest life challenge would prove no exception. If he could evade Emperor Hirohito’s kamikaze daredevils, then he could certainly
thwart the disease which had vanquished so many. There would be more memorable sunny afternoons, and time to make-up for all which had been lost. But I was wrong. This was to be the last afternoon. Nineteen days later, the best racetrack buddy a girl ever had was gone.
But not really, for on every visit to the racetrack I can find him still—at the windows, at the snack bar, on his special bench near the paddock. MIss you, dad.
Cherish your dads, every day of your lives. Thank you all so much for listening to what I so desperately needed to share on this Fathers’ Day. And thank you, dearest Zenyatta, for that 18th victory, which meant everything to a girl and her dad.
Max
@judy rerube and Trina Nagele. Pool Play is a very nice horse who is 6 years old. It is good to see that Bill Farish is allowing Pool Play to continue with his racing career. Zenyatta showed that some horses take a little longer to come into their own and be successful. It is also good to remember the Stephen Foster on Father’s Day. All Zenyatta fans will recall with pride that her father, Street Cry, won that race.
Susan in TN
@Christine Coleman:”Zenny et al-Coleman”-too funny!
@DJ: I love your poem! My husband is that kind of dad.(he would be so embarrassed that I posted that-haha-he’ll never know!)
@Elizabeth: My thoughts and prayers go to the people of New Mexico (and Arizona)-must be awful. I hope you are not in harm’s way.
@Judy Berube: My daughter took the photos-it’s her hobby. She’ll be glad to know you liked them! The gray you are referring to is a mare(not sure how old) who was abandoned with the next gray shown (looks white, lots of pink on his nose)and they were so afraid, it took weeks for them to be contained and brought to River Edge. They are very sweet. The mare(Willow) is braver than the gelding(Willie) but he is getting better.The really huge black and white horses were both “nurse mare” babies who were hand-raised at River Edge. Judy, thank you for being you and taking such an interest in so many of us! You are too kind. You also have helped me learn so much that I didn’t know about racehorses and racing (as have so many others). Hugs to you! (and bless you for thinking of Lou!)
@Kari Bussell: Thank you! You are full of love and light <3
@Charlotte Farmer: Thank you-I am so truly touched by you and my other Z friends who have,even with their own busy lives,kept a sweet dog in their prayers whom they have never met.
Hi, Brooke! Glad you are back and hope you had a great time at camp!
Good night, Zenny!
DJ
Congratulations to your owners Mr. and Mrs. Moss for Irish Gypsy’s spectacular Win today with M. Garcia aboard!! Can’t go wrong with that name :) Great race!
………………………………….
Trina Nagele
@Cynthia H–Thank you for sharing such moving words on this Father’s Day. Blessings to you and to your dear departed dad. I picture him still thrilling to horses racing over the clouds in God’s great heaven.
Cynthia H.
@ Trina Nagele: thank you so much, Trina. I can picture Dad, too, checking-out Man O’ War and some of the other greats which he missed. Hope not to meet you at the racetrack soon. I am so glad you had a wonderful time yesterday with the group. Hugs and blessings to you.
Shema
Dear lady Z, today is one of those days, like your dear John says, get a hug from a horse. So I’m here to get a virtual hug with you. Thank you so much. It means so much to me to be able to see pictures of you and know you’re doing well. Thank you so much. I love this photo of you. You certainly do look intent on where you’re going! And it’s funny, for some reason the beautiful white markings on your hind legs look to me like you’re wearing socks today. I’m being silly. I love you girl! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. All my best to your team too!
Cynthia H.
* Hope NOT to meet you at the racetrack soon? Please excuse! (Am famous for my typos)