Good morning everyone,
I hope you have had a very nice week. I have. It has been quite relaxing and peaceful here at Lane’s End.
Right before my team left Barn 55 for the summer (remember they had to take everything out for the every other year cleaning process) a friend of Anita’s (John’s sister) came to visit the barn.
He is an artist named Pema. He brought John a lovely piece which is meant to bring ‘good luck’. What a very sweet gesture on his part! Many thanks to him. For people in racing…luck is a very precious consideration!
In looking over the entries for this weekend…..the races look to be very exciting. Again, as seems to be the case during the summer seasons, there are quite a few major stakes races running around the country. They have definite implications as far as the road to the Breeders Cup is concerned.
David is currently at Saratoga for the next few weeks working. They have a yearling sale there next week. He also enjoys the opportunity to visit with the other horses he has purchased for clients and see the ones that have grown up from the matings he has planned for their owners. It is always so much fun to touch base. We horses….are like his dear friends!
Sarah will also be going to Saratoga to work for a few weeks. This is great news as Dottie has asked her to get some ‘fun photos’ from that venue for us to share with you in the diary. This will be so special to get an up to the minute report on the Saratoga happenings from these two people we know so well.
I’m off to stay cool under one of my favorite trees. Have a splendid weekend…enjoy the great racing…drink lots of water to stay hydrated….and most of all enjoy your time with your family and friends.
With love,
Hugs to all~ (especially my John’s mom, Mary Jane, who is truly not feeling well at this time)
Z
JAG from California :-)
@ LauraJ
Regarding Lauren: She asked, I replied. Yes, Lane’s End gets lots of calls (NOT just regarding visits with Zenyatta). They are in the business to deal with the public’s inquiries. Of course the majority (I’m sure) are for The Queen.
I like your suggestion that she visit the Kentucky Horse Park ~ always a FUN place to visit! :-)
Eveline
Hi Zenny , I hope John’s mother will be feeling better soon, thinking of her. @ Kari B. – loved the mouse story! @ Terry, sure hope we get our daily joke ; we can both be upset about something, but we also got to go on.
Gary Moulton
@EVERYBODY – Just want to keep this on the front page –
..
Mary Johnson – Deputy Broad said:
August 5, 2011
My name is Mary Johnson and I am the person who brought Deputy Broad’s story into the spotlight. Yesterday, I spoke to Joan and she asked me to share this information on Zenyatta’s website. I will try to keep this short as I summarize the events that have transpired over the last 2 weeks.
Deputy Broad last raced at Mountaineer on July 11, 2011. On July 20th, I was having a conversation with a TB trainer that I know well. She told me that Deputy had finished poorly the week before and said that his trainer of record,Danny R. Bird, had told her that Deputy was “gone” and he didn’t deserve a home. She then told me that Danny meant what he said and she wanted to know if there was anything that I could do to help Deputy. Little did I know at the time, but Deputy was processed at the Richilieu slaughterhouse in Canada that very day. At that point, I reached out to several people and begged for help. By Thursday morning, the 21st, things were moving fast. Another trainer at Mountaineer approached Bird and asked him about the gelding that had finished poorly the week before and wanted to know if Bird might be interested in selling him. She received the same response from Bird. Deputy was “gone” and he didn’t deserve a home. Two other people contacted Bird and were told the same story. I then called Bird and he told me the same story so, by this time, Bird has admitted to five different people that Deputy is “gone”. I asked Bird if Deputy might be at the Sugarcreek kill auction the next day, but Bird said no because Deputy was already with the kill buyer. I asked Bird if he knew about the Mountaineer “no horse to slaughter” policy and he said he didn’t care. He then told me that he would “take care of” anyone who came after him for breaking the law. I took that as a threat but reassured Bird that I couldn’t be easily intimidated and that he would be held accountable for the death of Deputy Broad. On that Thursday, the 21st, I spoke to the kill buyer three different times because I thought that there was still a chance that Deputy might be alive since it had only been a little over a week since Deputy had been handed off by Bird to the “middleman” at Mountaineer. However, during my last conversation with the kill buyer, he told me that his horses had arrived at Richilieu on Tuesday the 19th and they were processed, i.e.slaughtered, on the 20th. I was heartbroken. I then called Rosemary Williams, the Racing Director at Mountaineer, and left her multiple messages. She did return my calls on Friday, the 22nd. I told her what had transpired and she said that Mountaineer would “look into it”. The next week, I called Williams again and she then told me that Bird had sold the horse to a Bob Lee and Lee is the one that turned Deputy over to the middleman. I now knew that Mountaineer was into the damage control mode and might potentially be part of a cover up to protect Bird. Bob Lee was already banned from the track for refusing to take a drug test, so it would be easy to make him the scapegoat. I also knew that Lee was in dire financial straights and had lost his house among other things, so I was doubtful that Bird would sell Lee the horse since Lee was struggling just to exist. How could Lee afford to buy Deputy from Bird? However, it did make sense that Bird sold the horse to the middleman at Mountaineer and then gave Lee “hush money” to keep him quiet and have Lee take the blame. Bird hadn’t mentioned Lee to me during our phone converstion so I felt sure that Bird was the culprit.
During my phone conversation with Rosemary Willams on July 25th, I asked her if she knew that TB racehorses went to slaughter and she admitted to me that she did. I then asked her if she knew that Mountaineer horses went to slaughter and she said that she had no documentation. I then asked her if she remembered the HBO documentary (hosted by Bryant Gumbel) about No Day Off, A MOUNTAINEER HORSE THAT WENT TO SLAUGHTER AFTER HER LAST RACE. Williams said she didn’t remember that even though the documentary was shown nationally and was the REASON that Mountaineer instituted the “no horse to slaughter” policy. I knew Williams was lying and before she cut the converstion short, I told her that she had the blood of Deputy Broad on her hands. She vehemently denied that, which I knew she would. No one likes to be caught with their “pants down”. I then realized that Mountaineer had no intention in bringing Bird to justice so it was up to me, and others, to seek justice for Deputy Broad.
There is a lot going on behind the scenes. Several national organizations have been contacted. I did contact the editors of the Bloodhorse, including Ray Paulick, but all is quiet and I haven’t heard back from anyone which, of course, doesn’t surprise me. Also, I have been told who the “middleman” is at Mountaineer. He operates openly at that track and he is the main player in the slaughter pipeline. Of course, there are minor players as well. The owners and trainers who want to “discard” their unproductive horses hand them off to this kill buyer and collect a couple hundred dollars for doing so. That makes more sense to them economically than holding onto the horse for several months and having to feed, worm and care for the horse and then donating that horse to a rescue. Rescues are full and there are long waits to get into their facilities. There are thousands of horses looking for a good home. With the economy in shambles, there just aren’t enough places for these low level horses to go.
Also, I wanted to share with everyone a little bit about my background. I have been involved with horses for 50 years and currently own six of them, including two off-track Thoroughbreds. My one TB, Fleet Crossing, is by Afleet and he ran at the upper level tracks, including Churchill and Keeneland. My other TB is a low level horse who ran most of her races at Beulah Park here in Columbus, Ohio. I have another TB who was dumped by her owner when her showing days were over. Two others were pulled out of the Shipshewana, Indiana, kill pen in March, 2008, and my broken down Saddlebred was on his way to Sugarcreek when I saved him. Also, back in the 60′s when I was a teenager, I galloped racehorses for a friend of my mother’s who had a small training facility outside of Cincinnati. I have volunteered for CANTER-Ohio at Beulah Park and have worked the shedrows of that track, sometimes buying horses out from under the resident kill buyer who also happens to be a “trainer”. His name is Edward J. Harvey and he, too, operates openly at Beulah Park even though they have a “no horse to slaughter” policy. With this policy instituted, horses now go “underground”. In other words, they go directly to the kill buyers and circumvent the auctions where they did have a chance of being purchased by a private buyer. Now they have no chance at all.
Deputy Broad isn’t the exception here. He is the rule. His situation happens multiple times a day at tracks across the country. However, he now represents all the TB racehorses that have been slaughtered before him and all those that will be slaughtered after him. He is the poster horse, so to speak. I do believe that this is carried out at all tracks, but probably happens more at the lower level tracks. However, I don’t care if a horse wins $5 or $5 million dollars. In my eyes, they all deserve a happy home and a dignified death. Not every horse is a Zenyatta.
I will never forget Deputy Broad and I will continue to fight for the justice he deserves. I don’t care if I step on toes in doing so. Also, if anyone wants to e-mail me privately, please feel free to do so. I am keeping the name of the main kill buyer at Mountaineer off this post for now because there is a lot going on behind the scenes. Thank you all for reading about Deputy Broad and how this wonderful horse never had a chance to enjoy the “good life”. RIP DEPUTY BROAD…
Mary Johnson
cconroy4150@att.net
Columbus, OH
Gloria Jeanne
Zenny – I passing well wishes to Your John and his Mom Mary Jane. I hope she feels better soon. I know how it is to have your mom not feeling well. Love to your Barn 55 family.
judy berube
Dear Gary M.:
I agree with TC, I too bow to your handicapping skills. Continued good luck today. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Stay cool today under your shady tree. Hoping for good health to return for your Dear John’s Mom. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
Cathy Marshall
l will keep John’s mom in my prayers. Love ya, Zenny!
Patricia Emery
Best wishes to John’s mom and all of the horses and riders this weekend!
Hugs and Kisses to the Queen…
Barbara
@Mary Johnson
You are an absolute saint.Thanks for bringing this to people’s attention. I live in Colorado but will be contacting you via e-mail to see what I can do to help…
Kari Bussell
My Queen, I am imagining YOU by your shade tree with the beautiful landscape of Kentucky surrounded with endless, beautiful,& Yummy bluegrass. Now all you need is some old fashion southern lemonade. I am sending positive thoughts and prayers to your ‘Dear John’s’ Mother. I hope she is feeling much better soon. I love you precious and while sometimes humans do acts that can really bring me down….YOU, my Queen have brought me nothing but PURE JOY….and I will love you with all my heart Until the 12th of Never! Have a weekend full of all the wonder, joy & awe you give to me. ….and
GO ZAZU GOOOOOOO!!!!!
Kari Bussell
@TERRY CROW- INSERT JOKE HERE-
Trina Nagele
@All Valley View Ranch Equine Rescue supporters (Laura J, Kim S, Judy B, Barbara W, Barbara G, Patricia, and others I may have missed)—My donation went out via PayPal this morning. The website hadn’t been updated yet, so it’s hard to tell right now how close we have come to the amount needed. Thanks to all for joining in! http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com/
judy berube
Dear Terry Crow:
I think we could all use one of your jokes. Hugs, J.B.
Robin
Have a wonderful and peaceful weekend!
Your loving fan in Ventura CA…xoxoxoxox
judy berube
Dear Mary Johnson:
One of our Z Family posted this article on yesterday’s Diary. His idea is a very good one and perhaps contacting him and having his input would be very helpful. Hugs, J.B. http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/finalturn/archive/2011/02/08/getting-a-handle-on-after-care-by-gary-biszantz.aspx
Maria K.
Have a great weekend my dear Zenyatta. Stay cool and I love you soooo much!!!
Jeanie
Dearest Z,
This story of Deputy Broad made me sick to my stomach. How could a trainer or any human being for that matter be so callous of an equine life. This has been something I have always wanted to do something about. Mary Johnson and others out there, if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know or tell me where to start!
Z, thanks for being there to help other horses who are not as fortunate as you! You are the best!
Your humble J
Linda
News and views for horse advocates – check this out tuesdayshorse.wordpress.com – alot of information here.
Kari Bussell
@Mary Johnson-Thank you for all you have done and are continuing to do for the horses.
@Gary M. -thank you for re-post.
@Sunny Boyd-I read your additional comments to me. WE both love Zenyatta and your beautiful poem was breath taking. We agree on all that matters (more than you think)….I sincerely hope you have a great weekend filled with joy and laughter.
Sue Fredrick
Hey big Z enjoy your day beneath the big tree, I can just picture you there in that lovely pasture. I send positive thoughts and prayers to John’s mom and hope she feels better soon.
@Mary Johnson, my god woman you are a saint! I so admire all the tough work you have done for our glorious horses. I have made calls and sent emails…..I hope that helps.
@Kari Bussel, thank you for the mouse video….how appropriate is that!! Lets hope people get the message.
Good luck to Zazu this weekend, she’s younger than the rest of the girls but she’s a real pistol and I’ml sure will be trying to the very end.
Luv you Z and kisses on your nose
LauraJ
@Mary Johnson, why not contact Joe Drape at the New York Times? He is not afraid of causing a fuss. You could pitch the Deputy Broad story as the centerpiece of a larger story–namely, enforcement of anti-slaughter policies,or lack thereof.
Kim
Z – More than anything I MISS U!!! I want U back on the Track or in barn 55 not way east in Florida. Icry at night at time cuz you are not around anymore.
Hugs and Kisses!
lalter
Deputy Broad had career earnings of $39, 641 and 40 starts, including 3 firsts, 4 second places and 1 third place. Trainers like this don’t deserve to train horses and only give horse racing a bad name.
judy berube
Dear Trina Nagele:
Unfortunately we could not send as much as we would have liked, but every little bit, hopefully, will add up to what they need. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Laura J.:
Good idea. He’s a good man. Hugs, J.B.
nancy
Urgent!!!!! This just got brought to my attention. Z, Dottie and John and everyone at Barn 55 and others, Time is running out for 52 Throroughbreds they are not wanted they are all free, owner had passed away and the son does not want anything to do with them, broodmares, weanlings, yearlings, 2 and 3 yr olds that are gelded. friend of owner is trying to get them homes, they are sched. to go to slaughter tommrow sat. if no homes are found, I think the firend that is trying to find homes is name David ? his phone number is 440-463-4288 all the horses have papers horses are located in Barnsville OH, if any one can help before the deadline please let people know, this is a sad thing about to happen, makes me sick.
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenny, I posted my earlier comment before I even read your post because those horses that Valley View wants to rescue need to be bought out by Monday. Now I want to hurry to wish your dear John’s mother a speedy and full recovery. I know she must love you too and really appreciate your sweet hugs, to which I add my own, if I may be so bold. Hugs and best wishes to you, Mary Jane!
sherry drish
MARY JANE, I WILL HOPE YOU WILL FEEL BETTER REAL SOON. WE WILL SAY A PRAYER FOR YOU. PEMAS GIFT WAS VERY KIND. ALL FANS TAKE CARE. LOVE ZENNIE AND HER L.E. FRIENDS. SHERRY D. WV.
Joan
@ All
MAry is very busy, she works full time and does the horsie thing after work. Please email her, her email was shown. She would love to know of all your support. She is running her race in this fight which takes a lot of time and I don’t expect she will read your comments
because she will be on the trail alot and not on the Z board.So if you really want her to know where your heart is post her direct.
I was so impressed with her when we first spoke, she is a chosen one.
I Love ya Z
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Just read the Morning Prayer. Beautiful. Hugs, J.B.