Good Morning Dear Friends,
What a special time this is for our industry! This week the ‘bones’ of NOOR, a very famous racehorse, were moved to OLD FRIENDS in Kentucky for truly their final resting place.
NOOR resided at Loma Rica Ranch in Grass Valley, California…after retiring from his very successful racing career. He was a strong and magnificent thoroughbred who was famous for his racing achievements which included beating Citation. For years, he stood as the ‘Senior Senator’ in the stallion barn at Loma Rica. Upon his death, he was buried there.
Henry Freitas was the manager at Loma Rica during this time. MY JOHN later spent a great deal of time at this Ranch during the early part of his career….and adored Mr. Freitas. MY JOHN, to this day, considers HENRY to be his greatest MENTOR in the thoroughbred industry. He was an excellent and very practical horseman…and shared his knowledge, skills, and love for the horse with all who were blessed to be under his guidance and work with him closely.
NOOR was one of those horses.
As happens in today’s economic environment, this property has recently been sold. It is going to be redeveloped for commercial purposes. Enter…CHARLOTTE FARMER. She has worked endlessly during the last several months to have ‘NOOR’S REMAINS’ properly moved to a new resting place…one where his memory will live in dignity. She contacted our friend, Michael Blowen from OLD FRIENDS in Kentucky, and a plan was created.
Ms Farmer did all of her homework to be sure everything was done perfectly to protect NOOR. She contacted people who worked at the Ranch during the time NOOR was there and even called MY JOHN to see if he could help her with details. John was not there at that time…but knew Henry and how he might do certain things. The information proved to be helpful. They were able to find the exact place, size, and depth of Noor’s grave…and were able to move HIM proudly to OLD FRIENDS.
What is truly special about all of this…is that PEOPLE REALLY DO ÇARE. Without being asked, so often people step up and work with great passion to encourage and assist ‘the right thing to happen’.
For NOOR….the RIGHT THING HAPPENED!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(With great appreciation and love to Ms Farmer and all who helped her with this endeavor!)
Z
Gary Moulton
@Baby Results —————————————– 09-01-11
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SARATOGA –
Race 3 – “Anne M. Clare Stakes” – “Why Take a Chance” ran a real good race and came in 2nd from too far off the pace. Next time a little longer and a little closer to the front. The time was fair for a deep track. Granny cashed and we didn’t. -$10.00
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Race 6 – The key horse “Street Surprise” end up the favorite, he never got going and finished 5th. The time was 2 seconds slower then the gals in the Anne Clare. The under numbers came in 1st, 2nd, & 4th – $6.00
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Race 9 – “With Anticipation Stakes” – My key horse “Optimizer” ran a good race, game, battled hard but just couldn’t get by the winner to earn a BC berth. He came in 2nd by a ½ a length. The time was so-so. Granny cashed an even money ticket. The others finished 4th, 5th, & last. -$6.00
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Race 11 – The key horse “Island Prayer” didn’t show anything and finished well back in 10th. Pletcher wins another one. The time was good in this one. The under numbers came in 2nd, 5th, & 9th. -$6.00
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DEL MAR –
Race 3 – Our key horse “ Frisky Moment” won this time but we couldn’t catch both under numbers, we caught one . The time was below average. The others finished 2nd, 5th, & 7th. Today Granny bet $10, cashed 3 tickets and lost 50 cents. -$6.00
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-$34.00 Today +$116.20 Starting tomorrow
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@NOOR – Charlotte Farmer and everyone else involved. I’ve held my comments till the job was done. I hate it when someone keeps telling me, “you got it, you got it, you got it” when their coming down the stretch and then you get nosed out. I want to personally thank you for a job well done! I believe GOD and the people that understand are so happy about what you have accomplished. I am so grateful for your exemplary good deed.
d. scott
Per your request, the Facebook link for Noor,Remembering a Champion, http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Noor-In-Memory-of-a-Champion/231251930249034
ariadne
Karen Gogue
Yes, Judy! You are Zbest! Thank you, hope Marty got it too…
Cathy P
Thank you Ms. Farmer and OLD FRIENDS, for helping NOOR to get to his final resting place and it’s a great resting place. It’s nice to see that people do care in this world about thoroughbreds. thank you again Ms. Farmer and Old Friends. With Lots of Love and Big Hugs.
judy berube
Dear Sunny Boyd:
Another funny one. Hugs, J.B.
Karen Gogue
Ariadne
You Too! Too cute! Thank you! Could not get it to go.
Sue Fredrick
@Kim S, your welcome I’m glad someone appreciated it. If it can prevent someone from being robbed or worse (I shudder to think) a child from being snatched it was worthwhile posting.
DJ
To JB and Barbara: Thank you! Good night hugs. I guess He’s in the timing, as always!
judy berube
Dear Karen Gogue:
You’re so welcome. You’re Zbest too. Lola Mae says Hello. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Gary M.:
Still in the Black and Monday is the last day at the Spa. You’ve done very well indeed. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear DJ:
Goodnight. As always. Hugs, J.B.
Jan
Thank you Charolette Farmer. You are a angel. :) RIP Noor.. Love you Big Mama.
Trina Nagele
Congratulations to Charlotte Farmer and thanks also to Michael Blowen and Old Friends. RIP Noor.
Trina Nagele
TO ALL RE: PEPPERMINT PALS— Shari Voltz posted on #331 how her class was asked to participate in writing to Madame Mistletoe, a racehorse in the Ice Racing Stable, as part of the Peppermint Pals Project. Here’s a link to the
YouTube video where Tim Ice, trainer of Eclipse winner Summer Bird, talks about this project to help teach kids about racehorses and horseracing. He mentions that the kids learn that the horses that don’t make the big races are just as special as the horses in the Triple Crown. He adds that kids can watch the horses train for their races and they learn how much you can accomplish if you work hard every day. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cztUrtYW8LI
Trina Nagele
To learn more about the “Peppermint Pal Project,” go to http://www.peppermintpal.com.
Yvonne and Maurice
Hi Zenyatta. What a great story about Noor. God Bless Ms. Farmer which proves that one person, another person and another can really make a difference. It is wonderful that Noor can rest in peace with all the great champions buried at Old Friends. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story. Zenyatta, please stay comfy, eat well for two and have loads of fun with your paddock BBFs. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
Trina Nagele
@Susan Benoit—Nicely said!
Kate Wheeler
Zenny and Dottie, thank you so much for this gracious tribute to the great Noor and to tenacious Charlotte Farmer who brought him with gentle reverence and love to his final home.
@Charlotte Farmer: you persevered in finding Noor a permanent resting place in the face of many hurdles. We honor your extraordinary quest, not only to preserve Noor’s memory, but to find for him a place where we can all go to honor him. Bravo, Charlotte.
@Kathy Kimber and Karen Gogue and all who accompanied Noor on his final journey or so expressively chronicled for us its details, thanks to you, too.
@Michael Blowen and Old Friends: Thank you for giving Noor a place to rest with permanence and dignity.
@Kari Bussell: Thanks for linking us, in honor of Noor, to the video “Together We Are One.”
@Kip Hannon: We appreciate your sharing that extraordinary footage of Noor frolicking and racing. What a peek into history.
@Arlene: Being from Louisiana, my heart aches for you and what you and your neighbors are going through now because of Irene. One step at a time, one day at a time. I wish that we could all just swarm up there and lend you a hand. I’m good with a mop and at ripping out and replacing sheetrock.
@Kari Bussell: On a lighter note, you had me dancing in front of my computer to your latest video of Queen Z, “Joy to the World.” Unfortunately I attracted a snickering audience of co-workers. Going to have to tone it down the next time you post a video link.
@Zenny, Dottie and All: It is just a downright joy and an education to visit this website.
Carmela Bozulich
A wonderful accomplishment…congratulations to Ms Farmer, and to Noor, who is getting the respect he deserves…and you Lady Z are as special as ever.
Trina Nagele
@Heidi Kreizinger—Noor is buried at Old Friends Equine, a retirement home for retired racehorses, run by Michael Blowen in Georgetown, Kentucky, not far from the Kentucky Horse Park. http://www.oldfriendsequine.org/directions.shtml
And, yes, as Janie said, Noor’s owner was the same Charles Howard who owned Seabiscuit.
Trina Nagele
@Tricia Brauner—High hoof for updating Noor’s Wiki page.
Trina Nagele
@Gailg—Wow, very interesting how you use Liza G Fly’s song and the TVG montage of Z’s races as your own personal pep rally to get ready for work every day–high hoof!
Trina Nagele
@Cesar Rodrigo Surian in Brazil—Greetings to you from Southern California!
Kimberly Potter
A sad story but very touching. RIP Mikey C
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-he-was-like-my-family-cop-says-of-fallen-police-horse-20110829,0,6092579.story
Marshall (girl's name)
Dear Zenyatta and Dottie: Thanks so much for today’s lovely post and photos! Now Noor’s earthly remains can rest peacefully. You’re the Best!
Grateful hearts thank you, Charlotte, for your tireless devotion and successful results. What a tremendous act of love!
@Laura J: Well said! I totally agree with your response.
@Diana S: So glad that your sister got good news! Hope things continue to be favorable! All the Best!
Goodnight, All!
judy berube
Rest In Peace Mikey C.
Kari Bussell
@DJ- Amen!
@Diane s- So glad you are back and very happy about news of your sister.
@Susan in Tn- thank you. It was touched with JOY!
@Sharon in Seattle & LouAnn Cingel-I am praying for you. Joy & Love to you!
@Dawn Conrad- May you know the same… kind one.
@Kate Wheeler-The mental image of you dancing with Zenny to Three dog Night …. at work and getting caught….still laughing…thank you!
@Terry Crow- Love today’s joke, It ranks in my top 10 TC joke lists- Thank you my friend for the all the joy & laughter you have given me with your jokes …I hope it is returned to you.
@Laura J- another thoughtful post- well put!
Arlene- I hope life is starting to return to normal.
@All- I continue to be locked out of my yahoo…so if I have not answered.I hope to have it solved by next Wednesday.
Love & Joy to you all-
Kari Bussell
@Kimberly Potter – thank you for the link about Mickey C- May he Rest in Peace-
My heart just aches for Officer Casasanto- I felt a instant kindred spirit for what he said “He was like my family. They bring you nothing but joy.”
Delrene
I am extremely touched by the tribute to Noor and his tireless heroine, Ms. Charlotte Farmer. Thank you so much for bringing Noor to a dignified, final resting place.
And special thanks to you Dottie and Zenyatta for such a lovely tribute. I would not have known about Noor and his background but for this amazing Zenyatta website. I have learned so much and it is all because of all the postings and the links. To all of you too numerous to mention whose names I know only from the shared love of Zenyatta and all things related to horses and other animals, thank you so much. As I write this 2 of my rescue cats are playing with the computer . I will be lucky if this post makes any sense. All of a sudden there are yellow rectangles all around the postings. Here goes!
Love to you Z and baby Z
Trina Nagele
@Kip Hannan—-Thanks so much for the beautiful footage of the frisky Noor and his 1950 Hollywood Gold Cup victory..
@Abigail in Montreal—Thanks for the link to Kip Hannan’s footage of Noor.