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!
Karen Gogue
My feet hurt, I have sunburn, my rear hurts from those G–forsaken excuse for chairs, I have bloodshot eyes, and I think that’s a headache behind my eyeball that is twitching…but I’ll get over it, you’ll see! Now, if the smile that is stretching the heck out of the wrinkles…….
Elaine
I was at Hollywood Park today and was right in front to see your Dotty accept the Pincay Award on behalf of the Mosses. She looked fabulous as always! I also met your “little” sister. She even gave me a kiss. She seems to like attention much like you.
Dottie Combest
Queen Zenyatta, u r theeeeee best !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I spoke with Bernardini today ~ he truly loves you and is sooooooo happy to be the sire of your little sister the dazzling one named “Eblouissante” ~ She looks alot like you, but without a white blaze. Her conformation and beauty are very similiar to yours ~ I hear she has a very sweet disposition just like you ~ don’t know if she can dance yet ~ but I guess we will find out :)
Snoprinz
Zenny, I saw the segment about you on ESPN during the Hollywood Park Gold Cup. As someone said earlier, the segment was brief but I taped the whole hour.
Margaret
I don’t know if anyone will see this, so I’ll post now a couple more times over the next couple of days. Please don’t be annoyed if it feels like spam.
If you’re like me and missed Z today you may be able to catch it at ESPN 3. Go to replay. You’ll put in today’s date and time and it will start. Z is up front about 10 mins in.
Nancy
Queen Z, I was happy to meet some of your “Dumplings” at Hollywood Park today. After we got home I watched the EXPN show featuring YOU and was so happy to see how much time they spent on you and your legacy. I miss seeing you run and all the excitement you stimulated.
Brenda
A Happy Sunday Morning Zenny. You must be feeling very happy today after Mikey and Sassy Image did such an awesome “Zenyatta” run to get the win. As a sadly deprived Canadian (NO racing at all yesterday on TV) it’s so reassuring to know that I could still see the race – thanks Judy B and signofthetimes. It’s sounding like there was a family reunion at HP yesterday, I wish I could have been there to join in, especially the visit to JOHN’S barn. I sometimes think that Dottie must be amazed at the result of her decision to become Zenny’s scribe. Who could have imagined this huge family that has come together out of love for Zenyatta, the Moss and Shirreff families and the entire TEAM Z. THANK YOU DOTTIE.
DmamaKlock
YOUR Mike is Zbest. Saw him at Calder yesterday and very kindly signed several autographs for us :-) So happy to have met him and watched the amazying Sassy Image run.
Lobieb
I was getting so excited for ESPN to start yesterday thinking of a whole lot of footage on Queen Z from the farm, but alas that was not to be and can’t quite figure out why unless they will use it later. So wanted to see her and her best friend, running and eating etc. The tribute to Z was very good but my expentations of live footage fell very short. Just want to see up close and personal on her right now. My prayers go out to Rosie, hopefully this second surgery will do the trick and pray she gets over being in pain soon. Love to watch her ride and will miss her all these many months to come.
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. I felt so bad that I did not mention in my previous comment Bobby Frankel. He is so missed and was one of the greatest trainers of all times and such an animal lover. It brings tears to my eyes every time I see the majestic horse, Frankel, run. Yes, you are so right – it is an honor for the horse to be named after our late and great Bobby Frankel. Love you Angel in Disguise.
Lois Gillespie
@Charlotte Farmer – out of the blue comes your reference to Alex- I am a parrot mom and every day I am amazed at how easily I can understand what they want. Still wild animals at heart yes, but when one forms a bond with s sweet being who only wants scritches (and actually “purrs”!), she becomes more than just a bird. Loving bonds between animals and humans, whether large or small, as evidenced by all in this community – as necessary to us as breathing. Thanks for rmembering Alex. Dr. Pepperberg’s book is good reading for anyone- and should be required reading for those who think “they are just animals”.
Kathy Kimber
ZENYATTA: Oh sweetheart it was so great to see you yesterday. You look fabulous I wish we could have seen more but they TALKED ABOUT YOU A GREAT DEAL. About you and your wonderful charities. About how your Breeders’ Cup 2nd was the greatest race you ever ran how you cemented your place in history. How all these months later everyone is still talking about YOU.
Jerry Baily said if the race were run again ten times you’d win. Something to the effect he tought one more day of traing on the track would have made the difference. A remark was made how you were the best horse they had ever seen run on dirt or synthetics ever. YOU ROCK LADY but we all know that. ‘
Also high hooves to both the dudes.
Kathy Kimber
THIS IS ON NOOR: Wanted to get this started and may repost of the next few times. First I don’t know how many if any of the people on site live in or near Lexington. If so could anyone put up Charlotte and Willy for the one night they will be staying. Orginally Charlotte thought Michael would be putting them up but he is not. If someone could help out they wouldn’t have to increase the daily per diem so much.
If you can help contact Karne Gogue for Charlotte’s contact information.
I will be posting some more things on Noor later today. We still need help so stay tuned. A big thank you to all those who have helped. More later.
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta. I want to start out saying that just like the song ” Zenyatta you are the Queen the Greatest Race Horse that we have ever seen. I watched the ESPN special on you and thought it was good. I just wanted more about You I just can’t help it. You have it all looks, talent and personality. Your Breeder’s Cup Race for 2010 was one of your finest races. It showed the world your power and strength. It showed everyone just how good you really are. That race reminded me of Secretariat’s Belmont( his power and strength) in that you came from so far behind and just flew I mean look at what you showed us. The immense drive to not give up was overwhelming. I wish I could write like our dear Dawn but I am not that gifted. I hope this made some sense of the magnitude of what I feel for you. I am so very proud of you and your baby is going to be so talented. I just know it and feel it deep in my soul. Your family was smart to breed you because to give the world another Zenyatta would be just extraordinary. I love you sweet girl. Have a Great day and enjoy the sunshine. Big Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Hi Dawn. Yes I am feeling better just still a little wiped out :)
@ Hi Brooke. I can’t wait to see the new pink and black saddle. Famous Dusty will look so pretty with it on :)
Kathy Kimber
CONTINUING NOOR’S JOURNEY: I want to thank everyone who has donated on behalf of Noor. Times are hard and people have donated and it is so appreciated. Getting the word out is so important. There is virtually no coverage on the East Coast and none in Kentucky. On July 1st the total contributions were $1161.00
On July 6th that total was $1325.00 that brings the grand total to $2485.00 the goal is now $5780 if an extra per diem of $180.00 is added for the extra day.
I have important questions for Michael Blowen as I have been thinking on some things for the past couple of weeks. Charlotte had had no answers from him. So I am going to e-mail him and if I have to I will call later.
First I want to know when Noor is going into the ground I hope it is the day he arrives. I don’t want to think of this horse setting on the side of the road, on the patio, in a shed or a barn or heaven forbid in a storage unit. He needs to be interred the day he arrives. Also how are they getting him off the truck Charlotte is expecting 2000lbs of decomposed dirt. You can’t lift that off with six men and two boys I’m not sure a fork lift can do that, so is standdard cemetary equipment in place. I certainly don’t want to see that beautivul box dropped into the ground. The grave will have to be six feet deep and I don’t want him shoveled in. The is a hall of fame horse and needs to be treated with respect these questions need to be answeres and so far no answers.
I also want to know if the land where Noor is buried and the other horses is secured by a special deed so that it will always be a cemetary. God forbide if something should go wrong and the land had to be sold I don’t want any of them lost like poor Omaha or Crusader.
I also am bothered by a wooden sign for a grave marker. Noor should have a granite marker. The standard size at the Kentucky Horse Park is 2’long x 3′ wide x 2″ deep. One of china black granite with unlimited lettering runs about $1001.00
Charlotte’s orginal wording listed Noor’s parents. Nasrulla and The Queen of Bagdad. I personally think they should be listed. Noor was Nasurla’s first son.
Maybe I am asking a great deal. I don’t want to sound mean or disrespectful. Micale had worked hard to make Old Friends happen. He wants a cemetary for Hall of Fame Horses if so these questions need to be addressed and I’m pretty sure the owners who donate any horses want them treated with respect too.
I don’t know if a ceremony is planned and that part could be handled later if Micale wanted one. But the interrment immediately is necessary.
I apologize ahead of time if I have upset any one that has not been my intention. If you have questions please address them if not on site e-mail me tarquin_lhs57@yahoo.com. I have a break down on all expenses and believe me Charlotte has been through she has taken grat care with this. Never having done this before a great many things have come to light, as some are listed above. It isn’t as simple as digging up remains and just delivering.
The box for instance gets into a whole other process. I will state one thing. The box will be sealed inside and out once sealed it will not be reopened and nothing absolutely nothing can get out.
I apologize for the length again thanks to all who have helped. Hugs to all on this site. You are the best people ever.
Kathryn Cogswell
More than the loss of her life, the legacy of Betty Ford remains a remarkable gift to women. One dancer, wife of a loving husband, growing into a unique First Lady and a leading voice for expression of the true, however it jolts mores.` A grande dame [pronounce it as we will].
Kathy Kimber
TO DOTTIE: After watching the ESPN coverage yesteday and getting to see our beautiful Zenyatta and her sister. To hear the wonderful comments about her. You know we have you Dottie to thank. You campaign this special horse in such a wonderful way.
I’m reminded of Mrs DuPont and the way she campaigned Kelso. What a great horse he was and she worked hard for him. You and Penny Chenery and Gretchen Jackson have promoted horse racing in such positive ways. Your name belongs in the same breath as these great women. Thank you Dottie
Terry Crow
I have never spent a more enjoyable day at the races than yesterday. I am still trying to wake up, so will post more later. Might I say that the nickname of dumplings does not do you ladies justice. Special thanks to Karen Gogue for arranging the visit to Barn 55 and Judy Maass Gadwood for conducting the tour. Met Z’s sister, Harmonious and Mister Commons among others. The only thing missing was our friends from far away, including Judy Berube,Kathy Kimber and Susan in TN. And a friend from near, DJ. I will post again later.
Terry Crow
@Judy Maass Gadwood-Your idea about sending a card to John and Dottie was great. Could you provide the mailing address?
Celeste
Because my settings did not work and the Hollywood Gold Cup featuring Zenyatta’s update is no where on my list of recordings, I am truly bummed out this morning so I came here knowing that at least some of you who read the comments would understand and perhaps tolerate my little whine session. Bummer. Ok, I’m sorry to be such a grouch, but I was looking forward to watching that recorded program this morning. At least from reading the previous comments I can see that it was a good segment/update on our queen and I’ll be able to read about the race results on the various web-sites, but I appreciate having the opportunity, for having this place in which to express my feelings for our Queen. Have a beautiful day, Zenyatta/Dottie and all of Zenyatta – land. Thank you!
Kathryn Cogswell
*** ^ Speaking ‘HER’ truths — not always others` — were her strengths; Betty Ford was aware she spoke only for herself, but it was rare and refreshing for some, and opening her Center benefitted more ordinary people [90,000, to date] than celebrities. Khc.
signofthetimes
@ Kathryn Cogswell
Lovely post on Betty Ford; she was the leader in speaking about
issues that were unspoken about in her time. I truely lovely lady.
@Dottie Combest
Look at Bernies head and look at E. She has his lovely head. Bernie has a very awesome regal well proportioned head.
Zenny’s head is more like her dam and sire. E has a similar body of Grand Dam and Zenny. Large shoulders and hips and buttocks.
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Have a wonderful peaceful fun filled sunday. Don’t give away too many kisses or eat too many hats. Love the pic of you and PQ.
You are really talking in horse language. Both ears pricked and looking at each other is the nonverbal for horses speaking. And they do.
XXXXOOOO
signofthetimes
@Abigail from Montreal
Thanks for posting the CBS 60 minutes from a couple of months ago. I did not have the link.
Annie
Watched ESPN yesterday and now I am missing you more than ever, Zenyatta. Take good care of yourself and your foal. Love Ya.
signofthetimes
Sunday’s Silence legacy lives on through his son Deep Impact;
His first foals have gone up for sale
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/46151/japan-sale-young-sire-has-deep-impact
signofthetimes
Street Sense sires first winner in Japan: (Street Cry’s son)
firsthttp://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/63949/champion-street-sense-sires–first-winner
signofthetimes
Street Sense sires first winner in Japan: (Street Cry’s son)
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/63949/champion-street-sense-sires–first-winner
Kathryn Cogswell
‘signofthetimes said’ it better: Elizabeth Bloomer Ford . .. returned home from dancing w/ Martha Graham [who told her she would be great, if it were her sole interest, but it wasn`t], married, re-considered that, married again — ” . .. a Ford, not a Lincoln,” as he sweetly warned, just before his political career took off; eventualities led him to the White House & she said she`d go, but not change — and didn`t, except to become even more herself as life tested in painful and public ways, always turning it to the public`s good. And all ways a lady. ~ PS: `Though couldn`t provide personal forgotten keys, access to ‘Z`s’ Gold Cup Saturday IS on ESPN 3 & appears not too difficult, except to the digitally-challenged .. . like Khc.
Kiki Sim
Love you Zenny. Cant say anything more. :)