Hello Everyone,
From Del Mar to Saratoga…which opens today….HAPPY RACING!
This is truly the DAILY DOUBLE of summer racing in our sport. It kicks into full swing today! You have Saratoga which starts the day on the East Coast…and then Del Mar on the West Coast to round out your day of thoroughbred enjoyment! During the next several weeks, there are so many options, so many great horses, an abundance of stakes races and LOTS OF FUN!
Even though it is exceptionally warm on the East Coast today, in the mid-90’s and a heat index of 100, the NYRA stated that the race meet will open on schedule. There are 2 stakes races on their program, the Sanford for 2 year olds and the James Marvin Stakes for older horses. The latter drew a field of very accomplished stakes winners going 7 furlongs. Both races will be very competitive and fun races to watch.
Each coast offers deep racing fields over the entire weekend. Have a great time handicapping, watching the races, and analyzing all of your selections! Additionally, HOOVES CROSSED for great racing luck for all of YOU!
Again, please take special care of yourself in this heat. It is really important for you to monitor your physical activities and stay properly hydrated! I know something about this. MY JOHN always monitored my hydration levels when I was at Barn 55. Due to my size and weight…and then in consideration of my physical activities as an athlete, this was a very, very important part of my overall well-being. That is why I know the great importance of monitoring one’s HYDRATION LEVELS!
Happy Weekend to all of my dear, dear FRIENDS!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Terry Crow
@DJ-That’s a good one. One more, hope it doesn’t offend-Dropkick me Jesus through the goalposts of life.
DJ
Kc: Yes, so unfortunate that the ‘mud bath’ becomes fun and the ‘corn cobs’ taste good..for the lost prodigal child. Bless her heart, she left her legacy and her lesson.
Terry Crow
@Brooke-Good to see you posting. Come back soon.
DJ
Terry C: Touchdown! and a happy dance :)
DJ
To Patricia: Thank you for sharing such lovely memories. Yes, when we love someone, whatever we do is never enough, and you were certainly blessed with parents whose great love for you surpassed their goal! That you think of them with love every day..
JAG ~CA
Rest in peace AWAD :-(
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64158/multiple-grade-i-winner-awad-dead
Terry Crow
@Patricia-Thanks for the lyrics. In my swiss cheese memory I thought it was Lonnie Donegan. You are correct. Zenyattta and her connections is the cause of all of this. @DJ-Thank you.
Marshall (girl's name)
Again, a million thanks to Zenyatta and Dottie for this wonderful diary site! What a marvelous group we have here. Please stay cool!
@Terry Crow: Thanks for the hilarious song titles!! Loved your story about Buddy and The Budster, too. Keep those jokes coming!
@Diana S.: Enjoyed your post about your father so much. Would have adored a mechanical horse — how special for you!
Terry Crow
@Barbara Grimaldi-Glad you enjoyed the cowboy joke. @Kathryn Cogswell-That is indeed lofty company to be compared to Henny Youngman. Take my wife–please. I do have to go to a gathering so I am signing off temporarily. Since everyone seems to be enjoyed these real country titles, more forthcoming tomorrow. Take care, everyone.
J Smith
MATCH RACE TO BE HELD AT DEL MAR!!! I am behind on the news, so hopefully one of you can correct me and tell me it’s been cancelled. But, as of last week, it is called Battle of the Exes, between Mike Smith and Chantal Sutherland, horses yet to be named. I think this is a horrible idea and have left a message on Mike’s fb (as have many others) and have emailed Del Mar (just go to their website – contact us) am looking for a contact for Chantal. If you feel the same way, please let all concerned know. Hopefully we can get them to reconsider. I did suggest having a jockey foot race, or golf cart race, on which the public at track could wager, and the winnings could go to the winners fav charity. I’m all for fun and light releif, but NOT at the expense of a horse (or any other animal).
Signofthetimes
@JAG
Thanks for the link about Awad. How sad, but he
Had s wonderful life being cherished at Old Friends
Waiting for the big filly race at Saratoga!!!! I like them
All.
Max
Zenyatta. It is always wonderful to hear that you are well and enjoying life at Lane’s End with your pals. Stay healthy and happy, great Queen.
Signofthetimes
Great filly race. It’s tricky over plum pretty.
Great stretch drive battle.
Abigail from Montreal
I join all who expressed sorry at the deaths of those in Norway, of Amy Winehouse and of the great Rewilding. In the latter case, trainer John Gosden whose lovely colt Nathaniel (by Galileo) won it was the first over the fence when Rewilding broke down. He got hold of the colt and fed him grass while they waited for help to arrive. this kind of commitment is the other side of horse racing. The wonderful side, to be exact.
judy berube
Signofthetimes:
Just watched American Oaks. Bit of an upset with It’s Tricky at 6 to 1. Exciting finish. Hugs, J.B.
Sally (B)
Thinking of you Z!
@Judy Berude; thanks for the link to Z running free for the first time at Lane’s End. It has been a couple months since I viewed it!! I ordered a picture of her from the Bloodhorse. You can see the air-hitting the cold from her nostrils.
Hope all is well.
judy berube
Dear Abigail from Montreal:
What a touching story about Rewilding. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Sally B.:
You’re welcome. Love to watch that video. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
Looking forward to some more song titles. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear JAG:
Thanks for the link on Awad. Glad his last days were happy at OF. Hugs, J.B.
Margaret
Hi Z
Well in two days I’ll be home and then can start putting together a synopsis of this part of my trip. Parts of it leaves many troubling questions and there is happily one photo of three deer I saw.
But thanks again for reminding me about staying hydrated. Think I’ll have anise cold water to wash the dust down!!!!!
Barbara Wood
@Terry Crow–LOL!
@Patricia–thanks for sharing your memories. It’s tough when we lose both parents and become orphans.
@J Smith–agree with you completely. It’s probably already set in stone, but I’ll try voicing an opinion as well. Beyond that, all we can do is pray for all involved.
So tragic about Norway, Amy, and Rewilding.
Michael must be heartbroken about Awad. He used to race along the fence with one of his fromer competitors.(can’t remember which–Kiri’s Clown??)
It’s Tricky had the last laugh after all, dumping her jockey. He was good-natured about it, though, and unhurt. So thankful there were no catastrophes from the heat.
judy berube
Dear Patricia:
Thank you for your lovely post. Hugs, J.B.
Signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Hope you had a great Saturday- grazing and lazing
With your BBF’s. Tomorrow is the Sanford one of
The only races Man O War lost. Good luck to all
The boys in the race. A safe and healthy trip!!!!
XXXXOOOO
judy berube
Dear Kathryn Cogswell:
One of Henny’s (I revised it a little). I take my husband everywhere, but he keeps coming back. Hugs, J.B.
Signofthetimes
@Judy B
Yes quite an exciting race. Guess It’s Tricky is a
Little bit of a challenged but she was sure focused
And won. Really great effort by Plum Pretty. 5 really
Good fillies.
judy berube
Dear Margaret:
Admire you so much for your dedication to help our wonderful wide horses. I did contact my state reps on behalf of the horses. I guess we just have to keep at it. Hugs, J.B.
Mary
The race today that It’s Tricky won made me think of you Z…her markings and color reminded me of you…and her determination definitely was like yours. Hope you are having a great day in KY…hugs to you Z….
Signofthetimes
@Patricia
What a lovely post. Thanks for sharing.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes and Barbara Wood:
Did you see Barbara Wood’s post above. It seems It’s Tricky threw her jockey after the finish. I didn’t see that. Did you? Hugs, J.B.