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
Joanna
I’ll add my two cents about breeding for color too. I showed Afghan Hounds for a few years back when they were a very popular dog breed in Calif. There were breeders across the nation who bred for ‘blue’ coloring (not a common breed trait), some to the exclusion of other qualities. The results in some cases were horrifying…warped or missing skull caps and other birth defects. I shudder to think what might crop up if this practice grabs hold of even the fringe of the TB breeding industry. A dog is one thing…a horse is something else again.
On a much happier note, we got some RAIN the other day! First time in months!
judy berube
Dear Barbara Wood:
You’re welcome. Did you register at California Live Racing.com.? Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in SD:
Thank you so much for the article on In Excess. He’s is a very handsome boy. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
To The Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Wouldn’t it be something if Uncle Mike and Mr. Robsham decide to breed Mo and Maria, when they retire from racing. Don’t know if Mo’s condition would be a problem. But, if not, that would be “Too Cute”. Hugs, J.B.
Barbara Grimaldi
Thanks to those who explained Ruffian’s bloodlines–definite portenders of tragedy, which makes it all the more heinous an act by her owners. Thank heaven for team Z.
About the possible convention, Barbara W and Sharon C–it seems we all have had experience with arranging for large conferences. Yes, it takes a boodle of work and attention to every detail to make it happen, but the location doesn’t have to be where the organizer is. If that were the case, companies all over the world would not be able to create their own conference events in places where they are not located physically. So much can be done with phones/email.
The way I see it is this: we (and I count myself as a newcomer) are united in our love and respect for this horse and this team. Friendships are developing on this string, kinships, commonalities. For those of us who have schedules that permit, a two-day conference in a good city facility that is easy to get to by plane and train would be the first consideration–and checking prices. Step one would be putting together a planning board to define the composition and function of the event. Step two is building a treasury by getting checks or PenPals from those who really want to see this happen and want to go to it. Thus, a treasurer is needed. Public relations/publicity/marketing is needed, and that was my career for about30+ years so I can spearhead that and form a committee of Zfans who can help me with the details. Then we need professional outreach–going to the various horse-related organizations who would wish to run a booth there, thus giving us revenue. Then we need a coordinator with Team Z. Then we need to find speakers IF the planning committee decides that would be essential. Then we go to vendors selectively, and charge them the most to have booth space–our main source of revenue. Publicity-wise, the least expensive way to do it is through Facebook–through a separate page set up for just this purpose. Responses can be directed there, addresses/PenPal info posted.
Another way is to forego the myriad of conference details and just pick out a good hotel in a good location and each book our own rooms and just plan to meet!!!! That might be an easier way to start this! It can still net national publicity, show the world how much we are dedicated to Zenyatta and Team Z, and throw light on her favorite charities when we get press attention.
Yes, HUGE undertaking, but it may be an event whose time is near.
Happy Thursday, everyone!
judy berube
Dear Barbara Grimaldi:
Like your ideas. What a joy it would be to meet all of you. Hugs, J.B.
Lisa g
Ruffian’s trainers advised Ruffian’s owners to wait 3 or 4 months to have the match race, but decided not to. Ruffian was not at her 100% at the time of the match race.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z” and little “z”,
I am sure you have heard the good news and are celebrating Mr. “Extraordinary’s” Great win at Del Mar! Hooray for ‘Your’ Mikey and Mr. Commons. Wish I were there.. I would have been jumping up and down and embarrassing myself for good reason!
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Diana S: Glad the Vespers arrived in time for your sprinkling of Angel Dust :) It was a long, hot day in Palm Desert 115!
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JB: You are so welcome! Hugs always, DJ
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Terry C: ugh! There is a little groan :) Actually, I thought it was a very cute joke.
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Susan in TN: Missed letting you know how much I enjoyed your sharing of the encounter with the Police Officer! He is probably telling the story still also. They are so used to being the ‘city pump,’ everyone usually needing something, but rare to have someone give something for no reason but kindness. So refreshing..blessings for a beautiful Today. A kiss and big hug for Sassy XXOO!!
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Kc: Battened down the hatches and turned up the A/C here…think possibly the Ale should be chilled today? Or at least a frosted glass? :)
Lisa g
Congratulations Zenyatta’s John and Mr. Commons
@Ann: Heartbroken about Mo’s Maria, it would be wonderfuf if Mo and Maria had a date when they retire.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Z’s Dear John has Cloud Man in the 7th at Del Mar Tomorrow; Joe Talamo up. On Saturday, 7/23/11, he has Middle Club in the 5th; Mikey up. Bobine was scratched out of the 5th yesterday at Del Mar (same race that Roxanne ran in). Don’t know why; hope he’s alright. Hugs, J.B.
Alexandra Bowdoin
@Sharon Call, I agree with you.
@Zenyen, I believe Unbridled Song is another one who is unsound and has passed that along. These breeders are breeding for the Sales Ring and for speed…Too bad. I firmly believe that you have to go back to the “old families” to breed back good bone and soundness…I hate to see these breakdowns and horses retired much to early at age 3!!!
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Love your posts. Definitely, chill that brew. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Another injury; Pool Play, owned by Bill Farish, Jr. of Lane’s End, probably career ending. Hugs, J.B. http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64121/pool-play-injured-career-likely-over
Sharon Call
@Barbara Grimaldi. Love, love, love your ideas, especially about publicity and marketing. There’s no telling what we could attract with good publicity. Maybe Purina, tack companies, etc., that would have the budgets to pay for the exposure (provided the country doesn’t go backrupt before then). The first city I thought of was Chicago since it has a great airport and plenty of hotels. Just a thought.
The only thing I’m not sure of is letting everyone make their own reservations. Of course, it would be up to the individual if they didn’t want to stay at the hosting hotel but reserving blocks of rooms can get you some pretty good perks for meeting rooms, meals, etc. Plus, if it’s a big enough hotel, they usually run a shuttle to and from the airport saving folks money on transportation. Just another thought.
The only thing about Chicago is that you would really have to pick the time of year. We don’t want to butt into the BC this year to be held at Churchill Downs again and I’m not sure what the racing season includes between now and then.
It might actually be another idea to have an East and West conference???
Sharon Call
Sorry, meant bankrupt.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Just found this video Remembering Bobby Frankel. Hugs, J.B. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsDFwwiilE0&feature=related
Kim
Zenny-Hope you are staying as cool as possible. I worry about you but know Lanes End is keeping the Big Mare cool and comfy.
Peggy One
Margaret: I hope this will explain to you (and others on this site, as well) why the “wild” horses are rounded up in Wyoming, besides other places in the West. The land will only provide for so many horses and the rest will be sold or cared for by “us” the people with our tax dollars. By the way, these horses are fed about as good as you could feed one, from my observations at the Palamino Valley pens in Nevada. At the time I was there, they had many horses, all being fed 3rd cutting alfalfa hay, for Heaven’s sake! the most expensive stuff you could buy and they were fed free choice. The procedure to adopt was quite extensive and included what kind of trailer you could haul one in, a home visit to be sure you would put them in a nice place, etc. As per the rest of this post, they are also vaccinated, dewormed and cared for. There is always the other side to the story you provided in your previous post.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT NEWS RELEASE
Rock Springs Field Office
Release Date: 06/22/11
Modified White Mountain/Little Colorado Wild Horse Gather Decision Released
The Bureau of Land Management Rock Springs Field Office modified the decision record (DR) for the wild horse gather slated for the White Mountain/Little Colorado Herd Management Areas (HMAs). The modified decision returns only gelded wild horses to the herd management areas, and does not include spaying. The goal of the gather is to help create a minimally reproducing herd.
This modified decision returns about 177 geldings to the two HMAs to reach appropriate management level (AML). AML is the point at which the herd’s population is consistent with the land’s capacity to support wild horses in balance with other public rangeland uses and resources. The projected wild horse population remaining on the range following the gather would be about 205 in the White Mountain HMA and about 69 in the Little Colorado HMA.
The current population estimate in the White Mountain/Little Colorado HMAs is nearly 1,000 wild horses. AML for White Mountain HMA is between 205-300 horses, and for Little Colorado HMA the number is 69-100. AMLs for the HMAs were established through an agreement with private land owners and wild horse advocacy groups, and confirmed in the 1997 Green River Resource Management Plan. The two HMAs were last gathered in November 2007. The gather is scheduled to start in mid August 2011 and expected to conclude in early September.
Initial public scoping on the proposed gather was conducted in April and May 2010. The EA was made available for public comment in April and May 2011, and all comments concerning potential impacts were addressed.
All gathered horses will be examined by a veterinarian, dewormed, Coggins tested, and given booster shots prior to being made available for adoption to qualified applicants. Adoption applications and requirements for the White Mountain/Little Colorado gathered horses are available at: http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/Wild_Horses/adopt.html.
Dona
Would you uninformed please stop with the pedigree nonsense opinions. There was nothing wrong with Ruffian prior to her match race and I dare you to provide proof of written word from her trainer that says otherwise. Also, it’s stupid to fault Shenanigans demise on soft bones. She came out of surgery and fought just like Ruffian did and hurt herself in the same way. Recovery from surgery was difficult because the knowledge and care was not available at that time. Fault the medical industry and breeders for not providing the money or research for the horse but blaming a horse is like blaming a rape victim for being born a girl. Getting your facts and opinions from wikipedia is even worse. #1. It’s not written by experts and until challenged by knowledgeable people, any thing goes. That’s a price we all pay for instant information, believing anything in print is epidemic. Thank goodnes for snopes and other sites for providing some help. If you want to know anything about pedigress, know your source. Anne Peters, Avalyn Hunter, Heritage, bloodhorse, etc. Read your history and be informed before you spout an opinion. Better yet, look up the definition of “opinion”.
eastcoastkid
To all who have posted about Ruffian;
She was the most beautiful race mare of the 20th century. Her videos move me to tears as does the mere mention of her name. I weep just thinking about her. Even today, reading the postings, I am in tears…she spoke to my heart. She was doomed due to her bloodline but thank GOD, we have the videos to watch and see how truly magnificent she was.
The 21ST century has been blessed with Zenyatta and due to the incredible care, love and nurturing of John S, the Mosses and a GREAT RIDER in Mike, her healthy offspring will be racing years after I am gone.
Thank you all for remembering Ruffian…I have her picture in my office and Zenny is right next to her. I have been given a second love in my love…I do not take it for granted.
Doreen
Here’s a link to a story in which a retired racehorse had enough of the hot weather and somewhat took matters into his own “hooves.” Thankfully, he wasn’t injured or it could have been a story with an unhappy ending: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/os-horse-rescue-brevard-county-20110720,0,6999850.story
Lisa g
@Doreen, thanks for sharing, too cute, but your right glad it was a HAPPY ending. Wish they would have told the horse’s name. I guess we could give him a pet name for Zenyatta’s World.
Lisa g
@eastcoastkid: My feelings exactly. I did not watch horseracing for years after we lost our beloved Ruffian. Zenyatta opened my heart to it fullest as it was when Ruffian was blessing us.
Fran
Del Mar is a beautiful place Z. And, what a wonderful place to race. You could even walk your horses on the beach. That would be so much fun. Have a wonderful day Z! Stay out of the heat! xxoo
DJ
To JB: Thanks for the head’s up on Cloud Man and Middle Club! Love your sharing too! Will chill the glass, still a long way to go before ‘Happy Hour’ things seem to be heating up.. “Uncommon Ale” is on the menu in honor of Mr. Commons :)
Kimberly Potter
@Barbara Grimaldi~ WOW, I think you are on to something…
@All~ I have been away but trying to get caught up on posts. Prayers for all who are suffering in the heat…as well as prayers to all who have other needs.
Love Always,
Zenyatta’s # 1 fan in Montana!
Barbara Wood
@Barbara Grimaldi and Sharon Call–you guys are WAY ahead of me on this. I have no experience with anything remotely like it(retired English teacher). The only part I don’t care for is separate venues. I want to meet everyone, and I’m right in the middle, albeit the southern middle. Keep coming up with ideas. I absolutely agree that we need RSVP’s.
I would hate to think Native Dancer had anything to do with the breakdown of the line of Ruffian, as he is in our horse’s pedigree. According to allbreedpedigree.com, Shenanigans was born in 1948 and died in 1977, so that is a very long life.
@the Kennedys in San Diego–Interesting that you mentioned Vessels. Our horse’s grandsire, Beduino, was there for many years.
@judy berube–thanks for the heads up on californialiveracing.com. Hugs.
All this talk about match races has me concerned for Mikey/Chantal’s coming up soon, as well as for their horses. I’m going to start NOW to pray for safety.
DJ
To Kimberly P: Thank you for your prayers. Praying too, for relief for people, cattle and other creatures who need assistance. Thoughtfulness goes a long way with ice blocks and other kind offerings for animals. It is good to have you back with us Dumplings :)
eastcoastkid
@Lisa G.
Zenyatta has filled a void in many hearts left open when Ruffian was put down; the only consolation I can come to is that her last 36 hours gave equine veterinariay medicine information to improve the protocol for bringing a horse out of anesthesia…certainly much has greatly changed since the “70”s…Zenyatta had the luck of being purchased by the Mosses and trained by John and ridden by Mike and groomed by loving Mario; they ALL made sure she was safe and healthy..if you really think about it, 20 races with 19 wins (20 as far as I am concerned) is a miracle that won’t soon be attained again. It is another record the connections should be proud of…I admire all of them so very much for her health and stability…it is a feat that will probably never be repeated…
Debbie G
@Barbara Grimaldi – I can’t imagine being at Belmont when Ruffian broke down and actually hearing her bone crack. That breaks my heart. I was only 12 when that happened and didn’t watch horse racing, but I read a book about her and have watched a couple of her races on YouTube. I can’t bring myself to watch her last race. It’s just too sad. What an awesome, awesome horse. Also, what you said about a cat’s instinct to hunt and kill is right on. I have four and they are house cats, but I let them out for 5-10 minutes a day when I feed the ducks. I watch them closely and they never leave the backyard. They seem happy with just that. I love cheetahs, too. I’ll have to check out the Cheetah Conservation Society.
@Zenyen – I couldn’t agree more with you about Rachel Alexandra. After the Woodward Stakes she was a different horse. I watched that race again a couple of weeks ago and she just ran her heart out from start to finish. I think it wore her down and she just lost her desire to compete. I just thank God that she didn’t break down like poor Ruffian or Eight Belles.