Good Morning, Everyone,
Here we are starting another week with so many different activities scheduled. I do want to take a moment and CONGRATULATE my Barn 55 Friend, NEREID, on her Grade 1 victory in the American Oaks! Her sire is ROCK HARD TEN, who just happens to be on our stallion roster here at Lane’s End Farm. Needless to say, everyone at our farm is also pleased to hear this news.
YEAH, NEREID! I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU!
To win a Grade 1 race is the ultimate victory in our sport. In our country, a total of 123 Grade 1 races will be offered throughout 2011. This number is further defined in the following manner. There are 112 Grade 1 stakes races offered throughout the year at various racing venues which are designed to incorporate and appeal to the 1) sex of the horse 2) a variety of distances, and 3) different racing surfaces as dirt or turf. Then, additionally, the Breeders’ Cup offers 11 GRADE 1 races on their 2 days of Championship Racing. Thus, to win a Grade 1 race at any time during the year is truly a wonderful achievement and a fabulous addition to one’s pedigree page.
A horse’s pedigree page is a detailed history of the horse’s family. It notes the horse’s race record as well as that of family members. It is outlined through the female members of the family….as 1st Dam, 2nd Dam and 3rd Dam etc. Their names are written in ALL Capital Letters…and whether in blacktype or not depends on the dam’s racing accomplishments. There is an industry format that has been created to note all of this information in a clear and precise manner.
If a horse is unraced or a winner…the name is listed in normal print.
If the horse has achieved in stakes competition….1st, 2nd or 3rd…. BLACK-TYPE print is used.
For example, I will use my name to further illustrate the manner in which this information would be provided on a horse’s pedigree page.
Zenyatta…………written in lower case letters and normal print….means 2 things…that the horse is either “UNRACED” or “WON” some type of race whether it be a maiden race, maiden claiming, and /or additional races at either claiming or allowance levels.
Zenyatta………written in ‘blacktype’ letters in this format indicates the horse has placed (2nd or 3rd) in a stakes race
ZENYATTA……written in BLACKTYPE letters and ALL CAPITALS…indicates that the horse WON a STAKES RACE.
ALL BLACKTYPE ACHIEVEMENTS are very, very important to a horse for many reasons. Firstly, it truly enhances the value of the horse at the breeding shed. Secondly, the trickle down aspect of stakes activity and ‘blacktype’ also extends to the rest of the horse’s entire family.
On the pedigree page, after the horse’s name, they list other pedigree information, the number of races won during the horse’s career, the total amount earned by the particular horse, and the names of the stakes races and their ratings: as G1, G2, G3, (L) which means listed…etc. Further details as this are provided. It is almost like a coding system which is highly monitored to specifically make all of this information readily available to all aspects of the industry.
To further illustrate all of this for you, I’d like to share MY PEDIGREE PAGE which is current in the details through my 18th victory. I’d like to thank the Thoroughbred Daily News for this pedigree information!
Click here to see my pedigree.
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Especially Horses
Yesterday I was given an assignment by my nephew to find some childhood photos of his mother, my sister, for her upcoming 50th birthday on July 23. I was successful in finding some great pictures of my little Sis, but in doing so I also was able to relive some of my teenage horsey-girl passion for the Thoroughbred. I stumbled across an old photo album with photos I had taken at Santa Anita and Hollywood Park. Of course, as the racehorse-crazy teenager I was, I carefully documented the back of each photo with the name of the horse, its Sire and Dam and in some cases its race record. I had to laugh because I’ve never been so meticulous to do such a thing for my family photos! Thankfully I did, or I am sure I would not have recognized all the magnificent racers that have thrilled me over the years. There for me to enjoy again were the likes of Allez’ France, Ancient Title, Holding Pattern, Royal Glint, Forceten, Tizna, Dulcia, L’Enjoleur, Avatar, Brent’s Prince, Diablo, Podium, Sibirri, and snapshots of Bill Shoemaker and The Bald Eagle himself Charlie Whittingham. Also, and I have no clue as to why my teenage self felt it necessary, but I have a photo of Hop Louie, the winner of the 4th race claimer, with Howard Grant riding, on Sunday June 29, 1975 (I wasn’t kidding when I said, I documented each photo). As I write this I can’t help but think of all the teenage girls, who in thirty plus years will be able to enjoy their personal snapshots of Zenyatta. It may be a digital photo they are looking at, but I have no doubt that they snapped the photo with the same love and passion for the equine that has stirred my heart for all these years.
DJ
To Trisha V: Agreed! I would rather watch a Stock Horse than a Stock Car any Day! Totally different horsepower :)
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To Lil from KY: You’re welcome! See you around ‘The Barn’!
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To JB: Ouch! That is hard! Why did the horse cross the road? I don’t know…you’ll have to ask the rider :) Hugs, DJ
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To Kim S: Share your sentiments about the ASPCA commercials. Often wonder if they would ‘gather more’ showing happy, grateful, cuties?!
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Texas: Lone Star..I am praying for some ‘Big’ Rainfall for you!!
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Barbara Grimaldi
Congratulations to Nereid! I get to experience big races through this site! My eyes were focused on Delaware Park and the photo finish!!!!
This site always teaches me something, and for that I am grateful. Zenny/Dottie, never knew these details before–thank you!
Zenny, you never were and never will be upper and lower case–you are diamond caps all the way!!!
Have to agree that it was disappointing to read about Chantal and what she is going through…unfortunately, I don’t think any woman jockey has not been abused that way. I cannot think of her last name, but I remember a jockey named Robin in the 60s and 70s who had the same problems. What are the men afraid of? Aren’t there enough tracks and horses so everyone can ride? Enough, already.
I want to extend my thanks to everyone on this string for offering so much fascinating information on thoroughbred racing…and for being so sincere and warmhearted in their love of Zenny and horses…very touching. One person’s words were so poetic that they caused me to smile and cry at the same time. What’s impressive about this site is that people are striking up friendships, united in the love of Zenyatta. What a refreshing place to come to after reading all the bad news in the world. Here, love and generosity reign.
Amanda Gilliland
My Sweet Lady Zenyatta, Congratualtions to Nereid on a Grade 1 Race! She is beautiful! Thanks so much for explaining the meaning of the races. I love you for sharing this knowledge! It’s great to get to see the info on YOU! Hope you have had a good day!
Love ya, Zenyatta! Sending Hugs & Kisses From Alabama With Love, Amanda G.
Sunny Boyd
:)
Abigail from Montreal
HI ALL! KISSES TO YOU ZENNY, AS ALWAYS.
I posted my congrats to Nereid et al. in the previous post, so I won’t repeat all of that again.
@Judy Berube: Zenyatta’s Great Ancestors — if you start on page 1 of this post, you will find my original article about Zenny that Steve Haskin posted last year–pre the HOTY awards — PLUS SOME GREAT PHOTOS!
Abigail from Montreal
WHOOPS! Here’s the link: http://community.tvg.com/t5/History-and-Photos/ZENYATTA-quot-S-GIFTED-ANCESTORS/td-p/424235
Jackie
Good Evening Queen “Z” Congrats to Nereid and John of course on a fabulous race. You look simply smashing in the picture!
Dottie as always thank you for the educational post. I truly have learned so much more than what I thought I knew about horseracing.
Can’t write this post without congratulating Blind Luck on a SPECTACULAR Race on Saturday. You deserve to be #1 right now! Keep up the good racing and be safe.
Looking forward to Del Mar racing. The last time I was there we lost our racehorse in a claming race and was never able to go back, but there are so many good horses and races coming up why not, can’t beat the Pacific Ocean. I am sure we will have a splendid time.
I tried to attach the Del Mar Program twice, but for some reason couldn’t. Check out page 4 of the Del Mar Program. A lovely piece on Zenyatta.
Hugs and kisses
Jackie
Janet Cutting
Hi Zenny !!! You are so smart– thanks for all the info in todays post. What is this I hear about Hollywood Park closing? Does this mean that John has to move? Well,good-night and sweet dreams Zenyatta.
Sunny Boyd
@ Kathryn Cogswell
surely you are joking or at best exploiting the almost lynching of Lara Logan to get attention to some unfortunate name calling in an in-house professional setting.
This is outragous.
Paula Higgins
Gladdened my heart to see Nereid do so well on Saturday. Beautiful name and beautiful horse. She has alot of talent. Thanks for the information Dottie!
Sally (B)
Dear sweet Z; everytime I get to your post I learn so much!! Congrats to your friend at barn 55 for a grade 1 win. Pedigrees, blood lines(?) I guess mean a lot when breeding or purchasing. One strives for the best. But, a horse of a lifetime surprises everyone, like you did Z, like Secretariat did. like just a few others have done. So, I believe there is some rare desire with in a horse’s heart, and if treated special and trained with patience all is possible and so goes history. You proved that point. But then, you were a dancing queen to boot showing such endearing personality which I will never forget.
love you with 2 kisses on your soft nose; one for baby z
Linda/Maryland
Thanks for the refined explanation. Your pedigree looks wonderful to me. Thank God that Dottie’s son was there to get you for Jerry and Ann~!!
Love you Zenny~!!!!
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: There was a lot of great information in this post. Thanks so much for the lesson. Congratulations once again to Nereid and also to Star Billing. What a very exciting race it was.
@The Kennedys in San Diego–Thanks for letting me know in yesterday’s post that the Alabama is for 3 year olds. I’ll have to rethink my plans. To tell you the truth if there is an opportunity, I would really like to see Zazu race. What a beautiful horse she is.
Paula Higgins
Sunny Byd you are absolutely right. Comparing inappropriate comments made by male peers to Chantal Sutherland, with what happened to Lara Logan is wrong on every level. One was vicious and criminal, the other insensitive and obnoxious. Huge difference. I would never compare the monsters who assaulted Lara Logan with anyone at Hollywood Park.
kristen
Thank you Zenyatta on the pedigree page lesson.
Terry Crow
@Judy Berube-It is show business tradition that the straight man’s name comes first, Abbott and Costello, Martin and Lewis, etc. Your catalog of jokes is starting to exceed mine and I must slip into the straight man role. I couldn’t resist the wild guess. However, that does not mean that I feel any different about it than what has been expressed. The glass ceiling? @Especially horses–Your list of photos and the names involved literally brought tears to my eyes. Ancient Title was a big favorite of mine. Shoemaker and Whittingham–It just doesn’t get any better than that. Sure glad that they had one last hurrah in the Kentucky Derby with Ferdinand and later in the Breeder’s Cup. @Kim S- Have decided not to post that joke. I consider all people on this site to be my friends and I do not want to do anything that might bring some discomfort. I made a vow some time ago to live my life differently than I had before. @Charlotte Farmer–The best news I have had in quite some time. Are you going to post your travel plans when you leave for Kentucky? All of us here hope you check in during your journey. The Derby? What can one say about such a historical place. I am glad you enjoyed your visit there. The various diners used to bring their tables together so that stories of that day’s races could be heard by all. I just wish I had been more cognizant of the Seabiscuit story when I used to go there. Farrell Jones, who was the Biscuit,s exercise rider and a leading trainer in nhis own right, used to dine there often with his son, Gary. Gary was Best Pal’s trainer
Karen Gogue
@Charlotte
From the heart to the heart….
Debbie G
@Kim S – I totally agree with you. I can’t stand to see any animal mistreated or harmed. I have the local Humane Society on my speed dial in case I see any animal I think is being mistreated on my mail route. And I HATE those ASPCA commercials. The second I see one of those sad little faces and hear that Angel song, I can’t change the channel fast enough. DJ has a good point about them doing more good if they showed happy faces. As it is now, I don’t know anyone who can actually sit through one of their ads. That surely can’t be helping them get contributions.
Sharon in Seattle
to Charlotte Farmer – congratulations!! your persistence is paying off and I wish you only the very best in the rest of this journey. Also, I loved the Derby Restaurant!
Terry Crow
@Diana S-Just watched the news which had a story about the sand storms in the Phoenix area. Hope everything is OK with you.
Linda
I learned something new and very useful to me! Thank you so much!!
Brenda S
@ Barbara Wood LE opened for visits to the stallions in July. I started contacting farms in February to make appointments, trying to fit in as many horses/farms as possible. Bernie was not accepting any
visitors, he was going to be in quarantine prior to going to Australia. Rachel A has open house on specific days and the dates are posted on the Stonestreet site. She had one of her meet and greets last week.
@ Judy B and Debbie G Thanks for your good wishes – needless to say if we get anywhere close to Zenny she’ll be well and truly hugged and kissed on behalf of all dumplings.
@ Charlotte – Congratulations, great news. We’ll still be making a donation at Old Friends tomorrow in Noor’s name, there are always last minute expenses.
Yvonne and Maurice Kirby
Hi Zenyatta. Congrats to Nehreid, Star Billing and See You at Peelers, a standardbred who just won her 20 race at the Meadowlands. They call her the Zenyatta of Standardbreds. I just loved reading about the pedigree page but unfortunately, I was unable to open the link. We are getting our new computer installed on Wednesday, yea, hopefully it will be a lot faster and I will be able to open these links. I hope that they are not closing Hollywood Park. We went there many times to see you race and “retire”; it is so beautiful – it would be a terrible shame to close it down. Love you big girl. Stay cool, eat well for two and have loads of fun eating treats and sharing girly secrets with your BBFs. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
Michelle
Thanks for the information. One of those things I always wondered about. Congrats to Neried, I got to meet her daddy Rock Hard Ten at Lane’s End last year. He is absolutely breathtaking!!! I hope we get to visit you one day. Love you forever Z.
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Thanks for the great post. Congradulations to Neried.
Boy does she look like “daddy”. He is one very very handsome
Heavy weight stallion. Looks like the fillies are going to give
Us the biggest thrills this year, too. Zenny you need to stamp those
Y chromosomes and get some stronger “boys” in the TB mix.
Great info on pedigrees.
@Laura J
Thanks for the pedigree definitions
@ Judy B
Thanks for all the great links
@Gary M
Boys will boys. So glad they were dealt with.
Paula Higgins
Actually Debbi G, D.J., the reason the ASPCA runs those ads, again and again, is because people are donating to the ASPCA in droves. I am one of them. Like you, I was tempted to change the channel too. But I thought better of it and decided to support such a worthy cause. Those ads aren’t designed to make you feel comfortable, they are designed to wake you up to the plight of abandoned and abused animals. Just so you know, horses are high on the list of animals they help, which you would know if you supported them with a monthly donation because they send emails showing where the money goes :).
Kathryn Cogswell
‘Thank His Goodness,’ [DJ`s wording]] other somebodys can`t face those ads!! I always feel like a wuss, & a bad person, but just can not bear their ‘sad little faces’ & stories . .. know them all too well, as it is. ~ Thanks, all, for letting me feel perhaps I am not ‘turning away’ as it is to me one thing to know and plan to support good charities and wallow in the tragedy of the most maudlin. Whew.
Julie DuVall
Congratulations to Nereid! I have lots of photos of her sire Rock Hard Ten when he was racing at Santa Anita. He was sired by Kris S. just like YOUR dam, Vertigineux! And both RHT and V (and YOU and little sister E) are tall, dark, very well built horses. I love being able to see family traits in horses!
Barbara Wood
@Laura J–yes, I remember reading about Arctic Bright. Thanks for the extra info.
@Brenda S–we were able to meet Bernie our last trip, but it was late May of ’09. He came right up to us. Of course he was not quite so famous then.
Someone mentioned the unusual coloring of Puchilingui(sp?). He is in Barbara Livingston’s “More Old Friends”. I remember thinking, “How can that be a Thoroughbred? He looks like an Appaloosa or Paint something.”
@Sharon Call–if I forgot to mention it earlier, I LOVE your story of the “secret spaying”. How clever you are! And I’ll bet the owners never thought to look for the scar.
@All who have prayed for rain for us–we had rain in the area today, but just thunder here at the house. Summer thunder is a blessed sound.
I must be the odd duck here–those Humane Society ads make me want to run for my checkbook and give.
Well, it’s bedtime here, so I will bid you good night, sweet Z, until tomorrow. Love you and Baby Z always.