Happy LET’S ENJOY GREAT RACING SATURDAY!
Today is such a fabulous racing day around the country. My MIKIE is riding at Calder in their SUMMIT OF SPEED races this afternoon. This is a program filled with all sprint stakes. The ‘quick action’ going on there today will be such fun to watch. I truly want to wish Mike and all of the horses competing in these events the very best!
My dear pal, GIO PONTI, is entered in NY in the MAN O’ WAR-G1. He is trying to win this stake for the 3rd time in a row. I know a bit about this as well. I’ve done it a few times with a couple different grade 1 races. It is an accomplishment of note!
I know they have had quite a bit of rain lately in NY…so, from what I’ve heard, they will look at how ‘soft’ the turf is at race time. If too soft, GP may not run. So, please keep up on the updates concerning Belmont’s turf condition. If all looks good with the turf, his connections are stating he will run. I truly want to wish GIO PONTI the very best today. I have such an ‘endearing spot’ in my heart for this wonderful and accomplished horse! GO GET ‘EM, GP!
At my racing home base, Hollywood Park, in addition to the Swaps Stakes for 3 year olds, they are running the G1 Gold Cup this afternoon. This is one of the hallmark races of the entire meet. I want to wish all of the horses competing on the card today great racing luck…but I do have a special connection with TWIRLING CANDY. He is racing for people I know very well. The Craigs bred TC and also raced Candy Ride, his sire, who stands here at Lane’s End Farm where I now reside. Then the 2 other partners in TC, Farish and Wygod, are also involved with Candy Ride. They all know ME very well and have spent quite a bit of time with ME! Additionally, The Wygod’s bred and own my dear, dear friends LIFE IS SWEET, AFTER MARKET, and HARMONIOUS….who as you know…I spent so much time with at BARN 55.
I know David is in California to see this race. (This is TOO CUTE! He was at Barn 55 yesterday with MY JOHN enjoying all of my friends there.) He mentioned that TWIRLING CANDY will join the stallion roster here at Lane’s End when he is ready for that stage of his career. So, I do have a number of home ties to TC….and want to wish him the very best in this prestigious race. Needless to say, I’m sending him a HIGH HOOF for good luck!
I know that ‘oval’ at HP very well. I trained there all during my athletic career, raced on it for several important races, and schooled in the paddock often. My final racing retirement celebration was also held there…and the road by BARN 55 is named ZENYATTA WAY for ME! It is a wonderful racing venue that holds so many outstanding memories not just for ME…but for so many other amazing horses who have graced our sport for so many years!
How much FUN is all of this! I know the Gold Cup is on ESPN today as is the segment they are doing updating the fans about ME. Additionally, the PINCAY AWARD is being given to my beloved owners, Ann and Jerry! All of the other races will be broadcast on the various racing channels throughout the entire afternoon. It is truly one busy and exciting racing day!
I better get back to HANDICAPPING! It truly amazes ME how there is so much to learn and review when you are ‘studying the FORM’. It is so intriguing!
Here’s to great racing luck and handicapping to ALL!
Have one terrific day…and a lovely weekend!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
From my serious side, I’ve heard Barry is doing OK. My John spoke with one of his assistants yesterday. He came home from the hospital and will need some treatments…but he is home, on the phone, thinking about his horses, and on the mend. Blessings to HIM!
Rosie…the DRF said she is out indefinitely and the TTimes said that ALL WENT WELL with her surgery. Wishing her a healthy and speedy recovery, for sure!
IN MEMORY OF…today, July 9th, would have been Bobby Frankel’s birthday. It is so sweet to follow the 3 year old colt, FRANKEL, who was named for him! I think Bobby would have very proud of the horse’s achievements to date and very honored by the thoughtfulness of Juddmonte Farms naming this colt for him!
suew
Zenny, the ESPN piece ws fantastic. Everyone was giving you props …you ARE simply spectacular in every way. Loved the coverage from your shrine at Barn 55 to you and your pal at LE. Long may you reign, Queen Z. We will never see your likes again.
tony and sue
Zenny, ESPN did you and us proud. We loved how they agreed you are one in a million. Your little sis is a cutie…we hope they don’t put too much pressure on her to take your place. She will be special in her own way. You have mighty big hooves to fill…we wouldn’t wish THAT job on any horse. Loved the pics of your old stall…yes, you will always be remembered and dearly loved by all.
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Not enough of you from ESPN. A good update.
Love the pics of your little sis. Great race by Gio
Ponti. Those Europeans are tough this year. So
Wished TC won. Distance is too much for him. He ran
Awesome. Congrats to the Dudes, Chantal and Martin.
Hope you had a great day. XXXXOOOO
s (in San Diego)
DUDE and DUDE…wow. Good effort by your buddy TC.
Wish your segment had been longer…but I am grateful for all things Z <3
Sharon Call
@Signofthetimes and S in san diego. I so agree with you. I, too, wish we had seen more than 2 pictures of Z at Lane’s End considering the time they spent there taking pictures and video. The commerials were longer than those very brief shots. Guess I was expecting too much. Loved the video of Ebby. Looks like she has her sister’s hindquarters. That being said it was an exciting race. Kudos to Chantel for her awesome ride and could the finish be any closer. Overall, I enjoyed the race but, again, wish we had seen more of Z.
Jody
Great coverage of you Zenny from ESPN!! Love you girl!!
Barbara Wood
@the Dumplings–BIG QUESTION– where were the crowds?? On the tv screen, it looked as if no one was there. You are all probably still not home, so I hope someone who was there sees this and can clue me in. Congrats to the Dudes. Chantal almost got a big one. And they all appeared to come home safely.
Zenny–you looked fabulous as always, and we loved the shots of Ebby as well. I LOVE that the announcers are taking note of your 90,000 FB friends and incorporating more about YOU in their telecasts. I felt vindicated to hear them say the 2010 BCC was your greatest race. I’ve been saying that since the day you ran it.
One more question–Are Flat Out and Runflatout the same horse? I don’t think it could be because of the wording and spelling, and I know the Jockey Club is picky about what they allow. Those names seem very similar.
Lisa B
Hi Precious Zenny,
The segment of you on ESPN brought back so many memories. How I really miss watching you race. It has surely been a GREAT and EXCITING day for racing!! Love YOU OOOXXX
Debbie G
Oh, Zenny, you looked so beautiful today on ESPN. You truly are one in a million. I just wish they would have shown more footage of you now at Lane’s End. But I liked that they showed your little sister, Eblouissante and your stablemate Tasty Temptation. You talk about them so much that it was cool to see them on TV. I also liked when they said it was ironic that eight months after the Breeder’s Cup Classic, no one is talking about Blame, they’re all still talking about you! You are so very, very special, Zenny. I love you! :-)
Also,thanks for the updates on Rosie and Barry. I’m so thankful they’re doing OK. I’ll keep them in my prayers. And I couldn’t agree with you more about Bobby Frankel. Juddmonte couldn’t have picked a more fitting person to name their horse after. I’m sure he’s looking down on him and smiling. Love you, Zenny!
Judy Idriss
Hi Zenny, I really enjoyed the segment ESPN did during the Gold Cup coverage. It’s always a thrill to hear about all of your wonderful accomplishments. It’s still hard to watch the clip of the 2010 BC race but it actually was your best race. Keep happy & safe. Your fan always.
Lois Gillespie
Z, switching back and forth between HRTV and ESPN, I happened to catch a telephone interview with Mike after his win on Sassy Image. The announcers asked him if he thought of YOU often, his reply was “every day that ends in Y” – How sweet is that! We all do the same, and luckily we can keep current with this wonderful diary. Racing just isn’t quite the same without your fantastic finishes, but I will trade the racing for knowing you are sound and happy and eating for two. Congrats to all the winners today.
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
You looked absolutely stunning today on tv Zenyatta and everyone at ESPN said such wonderful things about you-you have truly captured everyone’s heart and will never be forgotten. You have made such a postive mark in the sport of horseracing! Lucky you! You just keep on shining and sparkling as you are brighter than any star up above. I love you a whole lot Zenyatta and you will live in my heart forever!
Barbara Wood
Just saw an update on bloodhorse.com that Rosie Napravnik had to undergo another surgery on that arm–very complicated–will be out 3 months or so. I’m sure prayers would be appreciated.
It was such a sweet thing for Mikey to say that he only thinks of OUR z every day that ends in “y”.
Margaret
Silly me. I had it all planned to watch and guess who fell asleep. Pain killers tend to that I suppose.
I’m hoping with a little time ESPN 3 will put this up in replay. Since the show just ended I’ll wait a bit and check again.
Perhaps some enterprising soul will youtube it and then I can see it.
And if ESPN chooses to sell the dvd I’ll be right there to buy a copy.
Sorry Z. My back went out. I’m okay.
LauraJ
Good race and good coverage. Kudos to the ESPN crew for talking about horse racing! How refreshing. The Zenyatta piece was nice but too short (it could never have been long enough, though). Shame about the sparse crowd.
LauraJ
@Barbara Wood, they are different horses, but they have the same sire: Flatter, a son of A.P. Indy.
–
Flat Out, 2006 b H., Flatter-Cresta Lil (Cresta Rider) 9 Starts: 4 – 1 – 0, $359,713
–
Runflatout, 2008 dk b/br C, Flatter-Slammin’ Lil (Grand Slam) 5 Starts: 1 – 2 – 0, $81,400
–
Hope that helps.
Louise Castello
Oh Zenyatta, you were absolutely beautiful on ESPN! So very, very proud of you. Love you so much!
Barbara Wood
@LauraJ–thanks! I don’t know why I didn’t go to the pedigree website. That clears it up. We even met Flatter at Claiborne.
Kathryn Cogswell
Dear Margaret: Glad you are better — sure a repeat &/or copy will surface, and rest is best. Kc.
Dawn Conrad
Dearest, Zenyatta. How great seeing you on ESPN!!!! I really enjoyed the recognition they were all giving you. You continue to give so much to the sport even in retirement and love for you just continues to grow as more and more realize how absolutely wonderful you are. Definitely once in a lifetime!! Thank you, Dottie, for everything you do to keep the dream alive and well. What John said about your stall was so touching, Zenny, seeing it always brings a smile and a tear. I have to admit that hours of coverage would not be enough to match the desire we all have to see you, we love you so. I was sorry that Gio Ponti and Twirling Candy missed out today, but the two Dudes really put on a show. Wow!! I am so happy for Mikie with Sassy Image and that move in the stretch certainly did look familiar. What a beautiful thing for Mike to say in his interview after the race. We all love you the same way, everyday with a “Y”. I know I look at #19 each day, give her a loving pat, and think of you. TOO CUTE!! I continue to pray for Barry and Rosie. I read today that Rosie had a second surgery, hope it is successful and that she gets to go home soon. Sweet dreams, Zenny. Hugs and kisses, always. XXXOOO
@Lois Gillespie – Thank you for sharing the expression of Mike’s love for Zenyatta.
@Leiana – LUCKY YOU, seeing both Dottie and Ebby in the same day!!
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. We enjoyed watching a great day of racing. Mike pulled a “Zenyatta” with his trip on Sassy Image – what a great finish. You would have been proud of both Mike and Sassy!! What a fitting tribute for Ann and Jerry to receive the Pincay Award – well deserved! So good to hear about Barry and Rosie. We will continue to pray for their speedy recovery. So sorry that Twirling Candy or Awesome Gem did not win but Twirling Candy rated very nicely. Perhaps it was the extra weight. He is a very handsome fella. As I mentioned in your other diary, the ESPN special on you was wonderful. You are so beautiful and majestic. All of the announcers spoke so highly of you, especially about your 19 wins and your greatest race, your defeat in the Classic. You are truly the best horse that has ever lived and the most gorgeous!! Love you big girl. Stay comfy, eat well for two and have loads of fun grazing and chatting with your BBFs. Love you Angel in Disguise.
Mary R. Oakley
Saw you on TV today during the Hollywood Gold Cup coverage. Much fun! I’m also a Gio Ponti fan, but we had to settle for a runner-up effort today.
Sarah Powell
Loved the ESPN tribute – just wasn’t long enough – I was hoping they would give you most of the hour and just run the race at the very end!!LOL Never get enough Z time! Congrats to the 2 Dudes and to Mike for a great come from behind win – I’ve heard more than one announcer call this the “Zenyatta move”! Hoping the “dumplings” will post pictures on your facebook page.
Martha Kinkead
Hello, Lady Z. I watched the Hollywood Gold Cup and was rooting for Twirling Candy. When I saw him, I thought Wow, what a great looking horse. He is a very handsome fellow as you are a very beautiful girl. As I’ve said before, I am a Fan of Barbaro, so I think that he was the most beautiful horse that I had ever seen, and then I saw you. I’m glad that you are a mare because then I don’t have to feel guilty about loving you, too. Now I have a favorite male and female horse. Hugs to you and your connections. I think that you are awesome—- GIRL POWER.
Sunny Boyd
:)
Kim S
Happy Saturday evening Zenny!! Haven’t had a chance to watch my recording of wonderful you and your Team.
Had to work today and carefully (at work) caught up on the few days of posts from everyone. Spent some one on one time with my daughter this afternoon and evening, so will now go spend some time with you.
@Stephanie–sorry things aren’t going as you planned. But just like everyone here has said, we’ve all been there and most of the time the best things in life are Unanswered Prayers. Hope you are having better days.
@Charlotte Farmer–great seeing that total for Noor. Please keep us posted and let us know if more is needed when it comes down to the wire.
@Shari Voltz & Margaret & anyone else I might have missed–praying for you during your healing process. Think positive :)
@Terry Crow– great stories, I too am from that era and a big Kurt Russell fans. Great new/old jokes ;) LOL
@Dawn Conrad–your words are always spot on and true inspirations. Thank you
@DJ–your prayers are so uplifting and always appropriate.
@Susan in TN–Hoping Chopper is doing better. Poor guy :( Anyone trying to befriend him yet? Besides us Z fans :)
@The Dumplings + Terry–hope you all had fun today and will share some of the highlights.
As always, wonderful reading and links from the past several days. So many I can’t remember which ones I wanted to comment on. Just love all the animal lovers out there.
Thinking and praying for Barry Abrams and Rose Napravnik. Get well soon!!
Well Zenny, need to go watch Too Cute you on ESPN. Have a wonderful night.
Lotsa love (which there seems to be a lot of here) to all.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes and Sharon Call:
I agree with you, segment was too short. Z, E and TT (with her fly mask) all looked good. I was rooting for Twirling Candy too. He gave it his all and was carrying 122 lbs.; First Dude 116 and Game on Dude 118. Don’t know if that made the difference. Hugs, J.B.
Andrea
Oh, Zenyatta, you are so remembered and talked about and loved! This site is such a wonderful place to see all the feedback and emotions that you inspire. The footage of the Breeder’s Cup of 2010 still stings!!! But, hey, we are all here, a great online community, loving our Queen!!! And her unborn princess!!! Just my prediction!!!
judy berube
Dear Brenda and Abigail in Montreal:
I have been searching the web trying to find a video of the ESPN Hollywood Gold Cup show and the segment of Z. So far can’t find it anywhere. Brenda, I’m glad your daughter has taped it for you. I will keep on looking and will post it if I find it on line. It was rather short. The commentators did pay her tribute and there were a few photos of Z, E and TT (wearing her fly mask). Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Congrats to your Mom and Dad on the Pincay Award. Hugs, J.B.