HAPPY DEL MAR 2011 EVERYONE!
Today is the beginning of the WEST COAST SUMMER RACING SEASON at Del Mar. It is a race track that is also known by the phrase….”Where the turf meets the surf”.
When you are sitting in the grandstand watching the races, the Pacific Ocean is directly to your left. The ocean breezes are always surrounding you…and the environment is breathtaking. You literally get to see the waves roll into the shore and later watch the sunset while you are enjoying each race!
I remember Del Mar very well. I won the Clement Hirsch G1 there on 3 different occasions. They use the TRAKKUS system to monitor how fast the horses are moving while running…and they noted that I was closing in the 2009 Hirsch at over 40 miles per hour. NOT BAD…if I say so myself!
Dress is totally California Casual. Nice Walking Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are A-OK for most parts of the track. You do need to dress ‘up’ a bit if going to the Club House or Turf Club….but it is still summer casual and very relaxed.
MY TEAM tells Me the restaurants are fabulous down there. One can drive down to San Diego and eat on the water or stay in and around Del Mar and enjoy the local restaurants. I’ll share some of those with you as the season goes on.
Overall, it is a wonderful change in scenery and pace for all of my friends.
I truly hope that you get the opportunity to go RACING AT DEL MAR!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Jacalyn
Today was my birthday, Zenny. Unfortunately, I am in bed with a nasty virus. So, no cake for me. But, I received your beautiful glass set 94/500 as a present. That made my day. And, remembering how much you liked the Z cake I brought you at Churchill Downs was better than any cake I could have eaten today.
Marilu V
Hello Zeny! Give my congratulations to Mr. Commons, Mike and your dear John. I just read the results. I am so happy. I wish I could watch a video of the race but don’t know where to find it. Take care of yourself. Hugs and kisses, Marilu
Barbara Grimaldi
Hi Debbie G–appreciate your words. Bugs kind of scare me but I try to co-exist! Cats are natural hunters, and that kill instinct is deep in their psyches and genes!!! That’s why my previous two were in-house cats, and my third will be as well. I think they are safer there…Well, don’t let me start on cats, as I love them so much. My favorite animal in the wild is a cheetah and I belong to the Cheetah Conservation Society which is trying to help save them from extinction. Anyway, please let me say thanks again for showing me we are kindred spirits.
Barbara Grimaldi
I just visited Ruffian’s page–and cried. Here’s what I wrote there: ONLY 791 FRIENDS FOR ONE OF THE GREATEST RACE MARES WHO EVER LIVED AND WHO DIED HORRIBLY BECAUSE SOME MEN WANTED TO MAKE MONEY ON A MATCH RACE THAT KILLED HER AS SHE RAN HER HEART OUT? HECK, WE CAN DO BETTER THAN THAT! I was at Belmont the day she broke that leg and died. All of Belmont went silent. Before that, we heard the actual crack of the bone because of mikes placed on the track. What fools these mortals be. Her progeny would have graced our tracks for so many years. She had such promise. I weep to see her photos here…look how magnificent and beautiful she was…
And now I add: thank God for our precious Zenyatta and owners who took care of her so well that she will receive our love and applause and help racing for years and years and years. Zenny, Rachel, Zazu, Ruffian–precious, all.
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hello Queen Z!! Catching up on the week’s posts. CONGRATS to you and Dottie on #300. As others have said, we thank YOU for being there for us. Thanks also for your pedigree and as always for the lovely photos.
@Charlotte Farmer: Many high hooves to you re Noor. Wow, amazing, fantastic and just plain terrific. :) Just reading about your upcoming trip with Diana S and K Kimber has me feeling warm and fuzzy. As Barbara Wood said, this should be a documentary. Really.
@Lil from Ky…loved your Old Friends story. Can’t wait to hear from the other lady dumplings about their visit there. I have some friends who may visit there in October, so my cup will runneth over with Old Friends tales. If that doesn’t make one smile nothing will. :)
To those who mentioned the SoCal tracks (Terry Crow and Kathy Baldwin for two, I think–sorry if I have forgotten others): I often think of how fortunate we are here, those of us who live within driving distance of three great tracks. (Occasionally we go to Los Alamitos also, but not as much as the others.) For us Del Mar is the most challenging as it is 90 miles from our door to Del Mar’s gate, so we plan carefully. Hollypark and Santa Anita are practically (not quite) down the street for us. And I agree this was a very enjoyable HP meet, highlighted by meeting some of the Dumplings in person. :)
Also@ Mr. Commons: way to go! You looked great (and yes, beautiful, as Janice said) on the turf and JOHN was practically chatty being interviewed post race. :)
I have a (friendly-feel good) personal story to tell, but will do so in a separate post. Hope all of you in the terrible heat are faring well, or as well as can be expected.
Thanks again Queen Z…your diaries have brought so many people together. As was mentioned earlier, stay hydrated and get your rest!
s (in San Diego)
congratulations john and mr. commons.
Patti in Carlsbad
WHERE THE TURF MEETS THE SURF..
LOVE DEL MAR, BUT MISS YOU QUEEN ZENYATTA.
Marilu V
@Sharon Call: Thank you so much for the link on Suki. What an inspiring horse, owner and great hospital. Never give up. Always have hope is the lesson we learned from this story. Thanks again, Marilu
Jane Wade
Already have our reserved seat tickets for the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes but it won’t be the same without you there! I remember when you raced there last year…the crowd was unbelievable!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have a question. Seems like every horse that John Sherriffs races has a “nose roll” on. (is that what it’s called?) But on Saturday at Hollywood Park, Star Billing was not wearing one. What is it’s purpose and why was she not wearing one? Inquiring minds want to know! ;-) Here’s the link to my pictures I took on Saturday of Nereid and Star Billing, what an amazing race they had!
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.252691691423816.84051.100000489627965&l=a300e1cbf0&type=1
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
Did you ever leave your e-mail on a form at a pet supply store. You know they ask for info to apply for a discount card at PetCo, etc.? Or perhaps you ordered some pet products on line in the past? Those are the only ways I can think of that your e-mail might be accessible. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Jane Wade:
I’m pretty sure that piece of equipment is called a Shadow Roll. It keeps the horses eyes focused forward and not toward the ground. There are other Z Fans that could explain this better than I. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Charlotte Farmer:
You’re welcome. Safe trip. Will be waiting to hear from you when you get back. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Marilu V.:
Here’s the link to California Live Racing. Registration is free. Once you register and log in, you can watch races live as well as replays. Hugs, J.B. http://www.calracing.com/video.php
judy berube
To Marilu V.:
Just disregard my log in info and click on
“Click Here to Register”. It’s a short form to fill out and you will be set. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To Jane Wade:
Thanks so much for the photos of Nereid and Star Billing. They’re beautiful. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Jacalyn:
Happy Birthday. Hope you feel better soon. Hugs, J.B.
DJ
For those who would like to pray a night prayer:
………………………………
Oh Lord who art the light and day,
Who chasest nightly shades away,
Thyself the Light of Light confessed,
And promiser of radiance blest:
O wondrous Creator we pray to thee,
Throughout the night our guardian be;
In thee vouchsafe us to repose,
All peaceful till the night shall close.
O let our eyes due slumber take,
Our hearts to thee forever wake:
And let thy right hand from above
Shield us who turn to thee in love.
……………………………
Lord, you offer to those who follow you
a yoke that is good to bear,
a burden that is light.
Accept, our prayer and work of this day,
and grant us the rest we need
that we may be ever more willing to serve
you and one another in love.
Diana S
@DelMar is the Saratoga of the West Coast. I could so use some soothing sand and surf right now – – – um, well maybe I can do without any more sand – – – .
@John and Mr. Commons: Wowee! What a way to start a race meet! Nothing “common” about this gorgeous horse nor his trainer.
@Sarah Powell: Love your little black snake – he be doing you favors when you’re not looking. I recently lost my checkered garter snake rescue, “Irish”. She was green with black checks. She lived 12 years and grew to 28 inches long. I miss her.
@Barbara Grimaldi: How horrid that you not only saw Ruffian break down but heard the bone crack. That would have kept me from ever going back to the races I think. Poor beauty.
@Barbaro: RIP dear boy and may your little brothers live very long and happy lives. You, like Zenyatta, have done so very much to help so many.
@Judy Berube: I’m so tickeled that cool color genes are being bred for. Sato stopped me in my tracks – I WANT HIM!
@All: I am meeting with a gal pal’s hubby who is a videographer to get a refresher course for the upcoming Noor pilgrimage. Not to worry about lots of photos and video! And I will be honored to ride “shotgun” – or is that “shotcar”? – and provide escort, and “protection” (yes, I am trained).
@Kathy Kimber: So glad you can ride along for part of the trip!
@Charlotte Farmer: PLEASE go to bed and get some sleep!
@Terry Crow: Hi-yo Silver!
@DJ: Rats! I’m going to bed before vespers.
@Anti-Rats: All of you. Thank you.
diastu in tempe
Diana S
@DJ: Oh yay! I hit post and there you were! Now I can go to bed!
diastu
Karen Gogue
@Stephanie J Lambert
May Zenny’s Angels comfort and keep you wrapped and folded in soft Angel Wings with more blessings of strength, courage and determination….the kindness in the heart of one is truly healing indeed…. sometimes faith and kindness is all one ever needs….
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Thank you for the night prayer. Hugs, J.B.
Dear Diana S.:
Love your sense of humor. Will look forward to your photos and videos. Safe travel. Hugs, J.B.
Dear Karen Gogue:
You have a lovely way with words. Hugs, J.B.
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenny, Congratulations to your dear John and the uncommon Mr. Commons on their win at Del Mar. Now it’s already tomorrow, and I’m still catching up. Sleep tight till the morning light. @Susan in TN—Wow! Marvelous media work you’re doing! Sheer brilliance! And a high hoof to you for your Zenyatta-inspired courage on the Fourth of July! Hoof-ray! Loved your Rescue at River Edge Farm update, especially how you put if that for Rusty, EVERYTHING is his favorite thing! Too cute!
@Abigail in Montreal—Thanks for the link on Nereid. Love how she’s surging in her third year.
@Diana S—You are always TOO CUTE!
@Jacalyn—Happy belated birthday! Hope you get rid of the virus soon. And how special is that that you gave Z a cake at Churchill Downs! What lovely memories you have to cheer you when you’re not feeling so great.
@Terry Crow—I’m not getting pet product offers, but Viagra has popped up recently —oops, I wasn’t intending to make a pun! Love the cowboy joke.
@Sarah Powell, Kathryn Cogswell, Judy Berube, Sharon Call, and Diana S—Thanks for all the entertaining contributions to The Saga of the Snake. (Hope I didn’t leave anyone out.)
@Stephanie J. Lambert—Thank you for your inspiring account of the healing power of Z and her team. Best wishes to you as you continue forward on your journey.
@Joan—So nice of you to type to congratulate Z on #300 even though your wrist was broken. High hoof!
@All—Nitey-night, and blessings to all. My own prayers tonight will include wishes for cooler weather and rain for the half of our great country that is suffering with terrible heat and drought.
Elizabeth
We watched Del Mar’s opening day coverage, and it looked like a great start for them. It was wonderful to see Mr. Commons win so handily. Congrats to John, Mikey and all the connections! Like Carolyn and others, we were stuck in Del Mar’s parking lot for hours after the Clement Hirsch last year, but we were thrilled to see our Queen Z again! We’ll be there next month and hope to eat at En Fuego again. It was amazing!
Kari Bussell
Way to GO Mr. Commons. Congratulations to Mr. Shirreffs…”What a Joy”…Indeed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow7EMctRNus
Kari Bussell
Zenyatta, my Queen- I have missed you so much and everyone else here in Zennyland…I am so far behind. The day after YOU were featured on ESPN ( what a great segment that was) …My husband fell asleep while “watching” our 3 (ages 5-7-9) Grandchildren and they destroyed our new comcast box for high-speed internet….we had to pay for it (expensive) before we could get new one…but I am up and running now. I have read all your diary’s, but need to catch up on wonderful friends comments….I love you Zenyatta and always will…Love to Everyone!
@ Lil in Kentucky- I am so sorry about your husband…You have been and remain in my thoughts and prayers…
Kari Bussell
@Stephanie Lambert-My dear friend thank you for taking me with you in spirit on that trip to Del Mar…I got to live it vicariously through you(I kept telling you.. YOU would see HER in person somehow …someway)…thank you for joining me in spirit on my trip to the Apple Blossom it made it all the more special… thank you for joining me in person at the 2010 Breeder’s Cup it meant the world to me and would not have been the same without you and Michele….most of all thank you for being my friend for almost 3 years now and every moment, thrill, chill, and JOY of Zenyatta’s amazing journey….You will always be part of my most cherished memory…I am so proud of you for making every moment count even with all the heartache you have known in such a short time….You are a inspiration…just like Zenny…
Thank you Team Zenyatta for running her in 2010 and allowing Stephanie, Michele and me to get to see her twice :)….I am eternally grateful and I will love you all forever…
Lisa g
@JAG: My sincerest sympathies for you and yours. Mary is in my prayers and thoughts daily. May the angels comfort you.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, good morning to you and the life that grows inside you. I love you…Lisa g.
Lobieb
Zenny: Just a congratulations to Mr. Commons in his race yesterday at Del Mar and was ridden by your guy Mike. Know you miss your fellow horses at barn #55 but then again with all that lush grass in KY. you might have second thoughts. Love you Zenny.
LauraJ
@Barbara Grimaldi, please don’t interpret the low “friends” count as a slight against Ruffian. A lot of people probably don’t know the page exists. One can’t “like” a page one doesn’t know about. There are so many FB pages now for horses living and dead that it’s hard to keep track. It might not occur to many folks even to look. Ruffian has and will always have many fans. She remains one of the great racing fillies. However, if you post a link on a few select pages (Zenyatta, Barbaro, Old Friends, Rachel ALexandra, TRF, and maybe a few others) her “friend” count will surely rise. :-)