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
Kathryn Cogswell
NPR links a half-dozen articles on the heat dome of high pressure & how it`s affecting 4/5 of the country .. . http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyld=138534409 ~ Starting the day earlier, if possible, and specific strategies, such as utilizing municipal cool sites — like libraries, theaters, planned gathering places for older family members & neighbors, and pets [in N. Dakota pets are being offered space in an air-conditioned public basement, while their families make do in tents, or RVs since the flood] — are written about in these NPR articles, and local papers & news media. ~ Some forecasts are for continued heat trapped in this high pressure system, but some predictions for lower temps by next week are encouraging.
Kathryn Cogswell
‘Cooling Centers: Where The Hot Go To Chill’ http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2011/07/20/138548802/cooling-centers-where-the-hot-go-to-chill ~ The address above says it`s a page ‘unfound’ !!?!!
DJ
Kc: that shot me a smile! Thank you..
DJ
To Kari B: If we could just harness your Halleluja! :)
Barbara Wood
Good night, sweet Z. We are all united in our love for you and little Z. Sleep well, sweetie. Love you always.
Barbara Grimaldi
Dear Peggy One: Do you think Team Z would have ever keeled in to public opinion and entered Zenyatta into a match race, period? And if Team Z knew Zenny had a physical fault that could result in disaster for her, do you think they would have raced her? That’s why I cannot agree with you. They sacrificed their treasured horse in favor of public opinion? Would you respect people like that? I don’t think so, because you are here with love for Zenny all the time. Everyone here on this string loves Zenny but also loves Team Z because they know that Team Z’s care and vigilance and conscience and sense of decency about Zenyatta would NEVER sell Zenny out.
THANKS TO EVERYONE HERE WHO TOOK A MOMENT TO VISIT RUFFIAN’S PAGE AND BECOME A FRIEND–the number has jumped significantly!
Does anyone know which horse was bigger/taller–Zenyatta or Ruffian? Both so tall, beautiful and imposing.
Judy B–I love everyone’s messages here and yours are often special treats!
Last thought of the day: Zenny was West Coast, many of us are East Coast and so is Zenny now. If we ever make a plan to meet, why not at Saratoga in summer or Hollywood Park in winter? Just a thought…
We’re still over 100 degrees in NJ–Team Z: keep your beauties cool and comfy!!!!
Delrene
Dear Zenyatta – Congratulations to Cloudman. He is the big man today at Del Mar. Congratulations to the Mosses and to your “John” and thanks to Dottie for making all of this happen on the internet. Hopefully a picture of Cloudman?
That would be so nice.
Stay cool and happy
Kari Bussell
@Barbara Grimaldi- Zenyatta was much taller and bigger than Ruffian who was 16 hands 5’4″ from ground to withers and Zenyatta is 17&1/2 hands 5’9″ from ground to withers…
judy berube
Dear Barbara Grimaldi:
Thank you. Enjoy your posts and all the others so much. Love being part of Z’s Fan Family. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kathryn Cogswell:
Thanks for the link. What a good idea for those who don’t have ACs. Hugs, J.B.
Marshall (girl's name)
Sweetie Z, have a wonderful weekend and enjoy those races! You are a true angel!
@Diana_NV: So sorry for the loss of Slewpy
Extra hugs and kisses on noses for her offspring and for you, too.
I love the Three Tenors, also. My tastes in music run the gamut(except for rap and most, but not all, hiphop. Pavarotti was truly magnificent, but I also like Patsy Cline, Willie and Dolly et al., pure Rock and Roll(not to be confused with Rock) — fifties, sixties and though, before my time, Big Band music of the thirties and forties, too! For me, country music picked up after the demise of rock and roll. Love Frank Sinatra as well.
Everybody have a great weekend!
Think COOL and reflect on Snow — AHHHH!
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Congrats to Cloud Man and Dear John. Cloud Man’s Grandsire on his Dam’s side is Kris S., just like Z. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you, Judy and Russ
DJ
For those who would like an Evening Prayer/Hymn:
…………………………………..
For the fruits of his creation,
Thanks be to God;
For the gifts to every nation,
Thanks be to God;
For the ploughing, sowing, reaping,
Silent growth while men are sleeping,
Future needs in earth’s safekeeping,
Thanks be to God.
In the just reward of labor,
God’s will is done;
In the help we give our neighbor,
God’s will is done;
In our world-wide task of caring
For the hungry and despairing,
In the harvests men are sharing,
God’s will is done.
For the harvests of his spirit,
Thanks be to God;
For the good all men inherit,
Thanks be to God;
For the wonders that astound us,
For the truths that still confound us,
Most of all, that love has found us,
Thanks be to God.
…………………… F. Pratt Green..
Kari Bussell
@-Judy Berube & Barbara Wood I enjoy most all music too. I love Nessun Dorma and Pavarotti. You are so lucky to get to see him in person. I have played that song at least once weekly my entire adult life. It always makes me cry with awe & wonder when he hits the high note at the end..just like Zenny does….Terry Crow I also love the three tenors version…
@ Diane_NV- so sorry about your Slewpy…I was 22 when my beloved Ginger passed….you never quite get over it. I miss her just as much today…just have to keep going, learn to cope and know you will be together again some day…my thoughts and prayers are with you.
@ Eveline-What a awesome, beautiful service you gave for your husband…you remain in my prayers.
@Diane S- Thanks for sharing your story in a previous post. I really enjoyed it.
@Marshall (girls’…) -missed you guys too
@DJ- You are a beautiful sweetheart…Love your daily prayers…they have blessed me more than I know how to say…Thank you!
@Terry Crow..again…love the jokes-Keep them coming always…
@Cynthia H-Until the 13th of never poet of more grace, class, elegance,kindness & wisdom than I could ever possess if I lived to be 1,000- not to mention command of the English language-LOLOL- Love YOU!
Christine Coleman
Hello Ms. Zenyatta Coleman! Thank you so much for stressing that HYDRATION is critical in this severe weather. All my horses’ water troughs are checked several times a day here on our farm. The word for the days lately has been WATER! I know Lane’s End is on their toes for all you beautiful equines cared for by them. Don’t forget I suggest CANDY RIDE as a sire for your next baby! LOL Tell him I said Hi. PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW PIRATE QUEEN IS. Is she still in your barn? Love you beautiful thoroughbred mare!
Diana S
@My Z family: Just want to share my reflection this evening. Two years ago tonight, my Dad passed away. I miss talking to him about the weather, earthquakes, birds, cars, and horses. For this horse-crazy daughter, he designed and built a mechanical horse for me that ran with a 5-horse lawn mower motor. It still lives! Many generations of kids and not-so-kids have enjoyed riding “Trigger”. A master of wood and tools, he also designed from scratch, and built over 2-years-worth of weekends, a 36-foot sailing yacht that actually made it around the world a couple of times – after teaching me how to sail in the Catalina Channel. He taught me how to read maps, pitch a tent, and fish. He taught me how to be me (and to cuss). He taught me to live. If you have a Dad about, give him a hug from me. Love you Dad and miss you so.
diastu in tempe
s (in San Diego)
Beautiful Z, I will be thinking of you tomorrow while spending the day at Del Mar. It was where I first saw you and feel in love you! Had no ideas that years would pass and you would become such a wonderful part of each day.
@Diana..such a touching post, thank you for sharing.
@ Judy, Kathryn, Sharon,and Everyone who has been inquiring about and offering help for the Mare saved from slaughter. She is safe, still looking for new home, but Keith, the man, who has her will take care of her till that happens. He is so kind, since he had someone else step up to offer $200.00, he asked me to only give him the other $200.00 and save the other in case additional cost arise and need to be covered. I was able to see some additional picture of her, and she is at least 200lbs under weight. (per Keith), but the pictures showed her under saddle with his step daughter on, jogging her around. She looks so quiet, head down, and relaxed. While she looks much thinner then the pose in the barn, you can see real potential when she fills out. (I think she is so lovely) She is 4 years old and will give someone years and years of joy. When I thanked Keith for all he was doing, his reponse “Well it is the right thing to do”. I let him know that the friend of Zenyatta were offering assistance, but I think he just want to find her a home now that he has secured the money to keep her safe.
Till then…if you know anyone who would want her..she is free (to the right person) and looking for a Happily Everafter soon. I will keep updating till then. Thanks again..everyone!! God Bless.
Tomorrow…a day at Del Mar. I feel like such a weight has been lifted, knowing that she is safe and being cared for.
Good night and God Bless!!
s (in San Diego)
Please forgive the terrible grammer and spelling in my last post. After re-reading…I think I need to go to bed.
judy berube
Dear s in San Diego:
So glad this beautiful mare is being taken care of and hope soon she will find a forever home thanks to you and Keith. Hugs, J. B.
judy berube
Dear Diana S.:
What a heartfelt post. Made me think of my Dad who past six years ago. What a special bond there can be between Fathers and their daughters. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kari Bussell:
That high C in Nessun Dorma was his specialty. When he was older and felt that he couldn’t continue to reach that note perfectly, he stopped including it in his concerts. We saw him about one and a half years before he passed. He was no longer doing Nessun Dorma in his programs. My sister and I, however were so thrilled to see and hear him in person. He did not disappoint. He was wonderful. I listen to Nessun Dorma all the time too. Love it. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Thank you for the Evening Prayer. Hugs,J.B.
Trina Nagele
I’m just trying to catch up. Here are tardy responses to #302.
Congratulations to John Shirreffs and Mike Smith on Mr. Commons’s 1½ length turf victory!
Congratulations to the Mosses, John Shirreffs, and Joe Talamo on Cloud Man’s brilliant win by 2¼ lengths on the turf!
@Catherine Hicks—Belated happy 60th birthday to you! Those are sweet friends you have. Hopefully they can manage to arrange that visit to Mayberry Farm. I wish you good luck in the lottery too!
@Gary Moulton—Love your poem even though I’m not learned enough in the lore to understand all the references. Dare I mention I noticed a typo? Make that “a long-stemmed rose.”
@Patricia Littlefield —Loved your post, and as Karen Mitchell said, you may be our matriarch! Please keep posting.
@Eveline—What a wonderful memorial service for your beloved husband! I’m sure he was pleased from above. Those service dogs are indeed amazing. Back when I was a dog rescuer, one collie I placed trained herself to be the hard-of-hearing grandmother’s hearing ear dog, alerting her to sounds that she was missing like the telephone or doorbell. Another dog, a border collie, received training for that same service. A Golden Retriever I had rescued became a helper for a partially disabled lady. Hugs to you and your four-legged angels.
@Christine Coleman and Darlene—-That was Pirate Queen that Z was sharing news with in the second picture down on #290.
@Brenda S—So glad to get your LE’s update.
@Kari Busselll—We will all be eternally grateful to you for the beautiful videos you made to honor the Queen and spread her fame.
@Lil in KY—Your dog show at the retirement center sounds charming and so very nice of you to do. If you get video of it, maybe you can post it somewhere on Facebook? I would love to see it!
@Diana_NV—So sorry that you lost your beloved broodmare. I hope her progeny will bring you much happiness and you will continue to see her in them.
Trina Nagele
Zenyatta and Diana S have shared valuable tips on avoiding heat exhaustion. Here’s another one that I learned from my dear departed mom: when you are sitting, keep your feet immersed in a cool tub of water.
Still praying for the heat to go away in affected areas of the country.
Holly Zemba
You take care of yourself in this heat too Zenyatta!!!
Joan
@ Abigail
Iam a huge fan of Little JBend,little sneaky guy taking the rail for the win.Loved it and you are spot on Zito is the man.Have a great pic of him in the paddock at Breeders Cup last year.
Being in Texas, the heat is terrible,drought conditions, no grass, what there is is scorched and waiting for just one spark to burn thosands of more acres.Sad time in Texas. At least the days are beginning to shorten and get the sun down quicker. Ready for fall,that could be because I am going back to BC again this year. Can’t wait to see Goldi win her 4th in a row.Wish I had just one more chance to Z run her race. The Cal tracks just aren’t the same without her.
Love ya Z
Trina Nagele
Nitey-night, Z. Sleep tight till the morning light.
Kari Bussell
BarbarabWood – Yes, you have been leaving me messages on YT a long time…You and a few others have had me at a disadvantage…LOLOL! I’ve had such fun learning who people on YT are here…Zenny is the gift that keeps on blessing & giving. I agree with you about Stehphanie’s videos…Her “World’s Greatest” is still one of my favorites. She did the one “I Hope You Dance” the day before the HOTY-Eclipse Awards in keeping with her tradition of doing one the day before….I love that one too!
@-Judy Berube-I am not usually a star gazer, but talent like his awesome voice was so exceptional…He was one of a handful of famous people that caused me too love him to the point of crying like a baby when he passed….What a blessing you got to see him…Hugs & Joy back to you friend, as always-Kari
Kari Bussell
@Trina Nigale-You are way too kind and left me too overwhelmed to respond with grace…
I am still a little behind reading all the comments I missed…did I miss something about Karen Gogue? Is she okay?