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!
Trina Nagele
Dearest Z–Yesterday was so much fun for the Z-sters who got to know each other at Hollywood Park. The SoCal Z-sters felt so honored to be able to greet out-of-staters Diastu (Diana S) from Tempe, AZ and Linda all the way from NJ! In-state folks drove distances too, up from San Diego and down from Visalia and Bakersfield. Karen Gogue and Judy Maass Gadwood were wonderful organizers/leaders for the Dumplings. Thanks to Diastu, too, for the name tags! Zenny, it was special seeing your dear Dottie accept the Laffit Pinkay award on behalf of your dear owners, Jerry and Ann Moss. We wish the Mosses could have been there too, and we extend our hearty congratulations to them on the award.
@ All Z-sters who couldn’t come—We’re sorry that you couldn’t be there, but we brought you ALL along in spirit. Many pictures were taken, and people are figuring out how to post them–I’m sure it will happen soon.
@Joan—Hope your wrist heels quickly and well.
@Margaret—Hope you get good results on that biopsy, and sorry your back went out too.
@S in San Diego—I hope your mom feels OK now, and I’m sorry you weren’t able to join us at HP yesterday.
@ DJ—Also missed being able to meet you.
@Dawn—Thank you for your kindness.
@Lois Gillespie—Thanks for that super Mike Smith quote! And it is touching to hear about your relationship with your parrots.
@Judy Berube and Signofthetimes—Thanks for the links to Mike and Sassy Image.
@Terry Crow—Loved today’s joke! Thanks for your kind words, and it was a delight to meet you.
Ingrid Arnone
You are lucking so cute with your baby bump, is really so great to see the way people remember you my adorable Zenyatta, You are one in a million! Love you forever.
Yesterday, I won with Fist Dude, I bet on him to win, and with Goi Ponti, I bet on show,
I lost with Mission Approved, wow, congratulations to Mike Smith what a great race.
Ingrid.
The Kennedys in San Diego
We also visited Barn 55. Saw Eblouissante grazing — got some nice photos particularly a great head shot of E with Zenyatta’s green leafed tree in the background. Watched Mr. Commons gallop on the training track preparing for his Del Mar Opening Day race. Gave congrats to Harmonious.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@ Z Dumplings — We cannot tell you how much we enjoyed meeting you yesterday at Hollywood Park. What a great day it was! Nothing better than beautiful Thoroughbreds, new friends, beautiful weather and a good glass of wine. We looking forward to sharing photos. It turned out that we only had one of the group — it seems that Richard was using others’ cameras much of the time. Hope to hear that some of you will be coming to Del Mar in the coming weeks. We are only 7 minutes away so we will be there often.
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Sounds wonderful. Any chance of seeing some of the photos on Z’s Facebook? Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Ingrid Arnone:
Dear Ingrid,
Good for you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Trina Nagele:
You’re welcome. Glad you guys had such a fun time. Looking forward to the photos. Thanks for thinking of us in spirit. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s:
You’re welcome. How great is that to be able to feed carrots to HDG. I’ll be rooting too. Hugs, J.B.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@judy berube — just posted some E photos on Z’s Facebook.
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Thank you so much. Hugs, J.B.
Barbara Wood
@Trina N.–so glad you took lots of pictures. I was hoping you would. Looking forward to seeing them!
judy berube
Dear Carole Kennedy:
She’s got the same strut as Z and Oh, those ears. Hugs, J.B.
Sally (B)
My sweeet Z; All that you have written today is so special in many ways! I wish all that you have mentioned good luck with a high hoof! Mike is dear to me cause he rode you; besides he is just so cute! How are you feeling my lovely mama? You are everything to me, and to the rest here. Keep happy and healthy and glowing with your little one. love with a kiss 2 kisses on your soft nose; one for baby Z.
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, I did so want to watch the ESPN program covering The Gold Cup Race and the segment they had on you but was unable to see it as we had to travel during that time to a family function. Is there any way there is some filming of that event that I could check out on my computer? I really felt bad haveing to miss it. I’m sure that you were really proud that they did that segment about you at this point of time at Lanes End. I am very proud of you and happy to see that there is still so much interest about you. Congradulations and I love you much.
Brenda
Dear Judy B Thank you so much for posting the link to ESPN. Unfortunately, this severely, technologically challenged older lady cannot seem to find our lovely Zenny. As a result, I have made sure that my daughter does not forget to bring whatever she used to record the race, and other coverage ESPN filmed, with her when she flies in next Friday. I will also make sure that she gives me a lesson on how open what you posted. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness. Many Hugs.
Signofthetimes
So glad the Z Dumplings had a great time.
Thanks for the photos of E on Facebook they
Are TOO CUTE.
Signofthetimes
Thanks Judy B for links on Blind Luck and her
Rival also on Uncle Mo. Not real comfortable with
His training plans. They may land him in briefing shed.
Liver disease is a serious issue. Oh well so much for
A non-trainer opinion.
judy berube
Signofthetimes:
You’re welcome and I so agree with you on Uncle Mo. I’m really hoping Uncle Mike will do what is best for him. Maybe he just needs to be given a forever home to live out his life and hopefully it will be a long one. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Brenda:
When you click on the link I posted, you have to wait a few moments for it to load. Then there are a few times you will have a blank pause where there were commercials. They mention Z in the beginning and then after the first pause. Is it loading for you when you click on it? Hugs, J.B.
Quarterhossgal
Hi Queen Z….loved the story on ESPN except it wasn’t long enough!! Needed more pictures of you.
Z’s Dumplings I hope to be at Del Mar on July 23 or 24. Any chance of meeting some of Z’s fans? Did you meet at a special place at HP? Do you all wear one of Z’s colors? Sounds like you saw some great racing and made new friends.
suew
Zenny, I rewatched the ESPN segment on you from yesterday. For those who wish it was longer we must remember that our Queen is retired and STILL receives first rate media attention. What other retired mare gets that? None. I am so thankful for this diary, all of you who post here and Zenny, herself who makes it all possible. (Dottie, too). So many hopes are now on “E”, but she will be her own horse. There simply is not another Zenyatta. We can hope for another splash of brillance from others but none will have the penetrating light of Zenny. She has an aura that is something rare and special. I am just thankful I am alive to enjoy videos of her races and anticipate the arrivals of her foals. Like her Ann has said countless times, she is a gift.
There were some nice horses racing yesterday but none had that “it” factor our Zenny has. Every time I see her, in photo or video I have the biggest smile on my face. She brings out the best in everyone and she is surely missed on the track.
Susan in TN
Zenny- I missed posting yesterday and I would be remiss if I didn’t thank you for the heads up on the day’s racing schedule.
Also appreciate the updates on Barry and Rosie, although I see that Rosie had another surgery and it looks like Barry has to have treatments of some sort. My thoughts and prayers are with them. And I honored Bobby Frankel in my mind- I didn’t know he shared a birthday with my daughter. I’m glad he has such a representative as Frankel! I’m sure Dottie was thinking of him yesterday<3
Your MIKE rode such a race- you would think he had done it before, wouldn't you, Z?!? I was proud that your mom and dad got the Pincay Award yesterday and that your DOTTIE got to accept it!
You looked so good on "your" TV show yesterday (ESPN)- I DID think they could have shown more of you but since we have Sarah Campion to keep us in your loop, photo-wise, I can live with that! You and Tasty T looked TOO CUTE! I am guessing that you don't like your fly mask :) but TT seems to like hers! You posed beautifully- TT was so cute with her ears kind of out sideways. She hasn't had as many photo ops as you have, Zenny!
Well, you have a nice evening, sweet girl. Love you<3
Delrene
Your ESPN segment was fabulous – You just look terrific. Great job. Thanks to Dottie and Jeanine Edwards. Beautiful ladies, inside and out. Exciting race too. It was a day for Dude’s! My sentimental favorite ran out of the money, but I love him no matter what. Looking forward to races at Del Mar. Perhaps to meet in person some of you that live in the San Diego area. I’m in Carlsbad, but not too far away. Always enjoy the early morning workouts. Met some very nice people including Mr. Mandella. A very good friend works there during the racing season and always fun to catch up where the “turf meets the surf”.
Charlotte Farmer
@Kathy Kimber and Zenyatta’s fans that have supported Noor – What Kathy has posted is right on. I am expecting 1-ton ~ 2,000 lbs. of material that will be Noor. Obviously there will some dirt mixed in, hopefully not very much. Whether we find any bones remains to be seen; won’t know until we start digging.
Kathy, the questions you are asking are same questions that have haunted me, specifically protection of all the graves at Old Friends and in particular that of Noor’s. I have asked Michael whether there is a deed restriction in place protecting the graves or, not sure if this term is correct, a conservation easement.
One of things I was asking for, when I appeared before meetings of the Grass Valley Planning Commission and City Council was that a condition be added to the Loma Rica Ranch project, setting aside Noor’s grave in perpetuity. That way he would have been protected long after I have left this earth. I think people have the right to know if such a thing is in place there at Old Friends especially if Skip Away, per Steve Haskins article, is to follow Noor in.
Finally, Kathy, there is no disrespect towards Michael in any of this, neither in your questions or mine. I think it is wonderful what he has done for the thoroughbred world and what he continues to do. This is just business with a very large heart connection ~ Noor.
Kathy is right, as I get closer more things are popping up that I had not thought of. One thing for sure that after we have Noor safely tucked in at Old Friends there will be a BLUEPRINT in place on how to do this. If it had not been for David Hagar, Sr., who was the person in charge of removing Man o’ War, War Relic, War Admiral, War Whisk, and the colored jockey, it would have made it much harder on me. He gave me so much information on what to do and NOT do. It was his mortuary that embalmed the great Man o’ War. But I guarantee, no one will have to go through the learning that I have had to go through should they wish to remove a champion horse because I will share everything as David did with me.
@Betty Ford – I have been so saddened to hear of her passing and my heart goes out to Steven and the rest of the family. I had the opportunity to talk with Steven once when I was assisting the family of the late legendary rodeo cowboy Casey Tibbs. Steven had been like a son to Casey and there were some questions that needed to be asked. He was courtesy and very easy to talk with. Betty left quite a legacy with the Betty Ford center. What a wonderful first lady. Now she is with Gerald.
@The Dumplings’ and Karen Gogue – I can’t stop laughing at your post i.e. feet hurt, sunburn, rear hurts . . . It sounds as if you have a wonderful time and I am so glad that all of you are posting your adventures from yesterday. I am also glad Terry got to be part of it. Maybe when I make it down to Hollypark to visit my friend in Media, Kip, we might be able to meet. It probably wouldn’t be during Hollypark’s racing season, but you never know. God, I love this site for it makes me laugh and feel really good. Love you all especially Zenyatta!
LauraJ
@Anyone who is interested, Mr. Besilu had a workout today at Belmont. So did Take Control, Azeri’s son by AP Indy. He is at Santa Anita.
Charlotte Farmer
@Lois Gillespie and Alex – Your post about Alex just tugged at my heart. In one of the chapters where she was working with one of the other African gray Alex would keep butting in with the correct response. He definitely was the big cheese on campus. I know that she had him cremated and is there in her office with her, but what a loss and at such an early age. I love to go to Alex’s website for Dr. Pepperberg continues with her work and it is all in Alex’s name. Alex, you are forever special and I will always love you.
OraJean Stevenson
Dear Zenny & Team-Z,
You were right; the racing yesterday (Sat)
was GREAT!! I was out at Hollywood Park,
and the weather was PERRRRfect! I watched
Dottie accept the PINCAY AWARD for the
Mosses, and saw, up-close, several retired
jockeys…they all looked so fit and
happy to be at HP. When I got home, I
watched the recorded ESPN coverage of the
GOLD CUP…and YOU. It was great TV, but
the section on Z was much too short!?!
Well, I am a little bias.
Have a super Sunday. Hugs to all. Fondly, OraJean
Julie DuVall
Oh, dear, I missed out on the “field trip” to see Barn 55 it seems … but I was busy working the booth, catching up with a dear friend and spoiling Lava Man :) With luck I will get a chance to meet E one of these days — I never thought I would ever get to meet YOU, Z and I did :)
Susan in TN
Hi, Z friends, fans and Dumplings! I have so enjoyed all the stories coming from yesterday’s get-together! I looked for you all on ESPN whenever they showed any people but, actually, I didn’t know what I was looking FOR! I just felt like I would know you if I saw you! It’s so exciting that you got to see Barn 55 and E and JOHN-hope to do it myself one day but as Charlotte F. said, I have no problem living vicariously-it IS cheaper :) Hope everyone is rested up-hugs<3
judy berube
Dear Laura J.:
I saw those works and also that Step is entered in the 3rd at Charlestown on 7/15/11. Hugs, J.B.