Happy Friday!
It is always so hard for ME to believe how quickly time is literally flying by. It is already September 2nd….and the closing weekend of racing at both Del Mar and Saratoga. Labor Day is upon us…and students all over the country are returning to school.
I hope all of you enjoy your weekend and all of the great racing that is scheduled. The 2 year olds are starting to step up to stakes activity on both coasts….and then Havre de Grace is going to take on the males in The Woodward Stakes–G1. Additionally at Del Mar, the Del Mar Derby G-2 will be showcased. All the best to all of the participants and their connections.
Yesterday, a few dear friends of mine sent Dottie a link regarding an article in the September, 2011, issue of THE AMERICAN TURF MAGAZINE. The piece is written by Mark Shrager. In it, he is listing (in his opinion) the TOP 10 AMERICAN RACE HORSES EVER!
Guess who is there at #6? ME!!
Now this is very special…and I so appreciate Mark’s ranking. The list of horses and how he rated the TOP 10 are as follows:
1) DR. FAGER
2) KELSO
3) SECRETARIAT
4) SEATTLE SLEW
5) CITATION
6) ZENYATTA…….THAT’S ME! (BLUSH, BLUSH)
7) AFFIRMED
8) MAN O’ WAR
9) SPECTACULAR BID
10) JOHN HENRY
Click here for the article.
This is a list of some amazing thoroughbreds with massive racing accomplishments. I am so PROUD to be included with this elite company. Dottie was commenting to John last night that I AM THE ONLY FEMALE on the list. Also, I am the only horse to be included who ran in the last few decades. John Henry won his HOTY titles in 1981 and 1984. All of the other horses represent decades of racing before that time. This is truly significant and as I mentioned earlier, I am extremely PROUD and HONORED to be in such company.
I hope you enjoy the article, your weekend, and some great RACING! Cheers to great handicapping!
With Love,
Hugs to All~ (Thank you Camille and Jim for sharing this article with US!)
Z
Barbara Wood
@Kim S– oh, no! I didn’t know he was a Barry Abrams horse. What a tragedy. Poor Mr. A. Double condolences. Hope his health is improving.
Trina Nagele
RIP Burns. Condolences to the connections.
@Barbara Wood—Thank you for the link to Burns on the Pedigree Query site. At first I didn’t see the sad update, but it came up when my cursor hovered over the upper part.
Trina Nagele
@Kim S—Thanks always for all you do at the rescue.
Quarterhossgal
Happy Sunday Queen Z! Yah for Havre de Grace!
Barb Z: you were correct my vet gave my mare dex! Started with antibiotics, then went to dex for HIVES.
Judy Berube: thanks for the well wishes.
Trina Nagles: thank your for your thoughts.
EK: this the first horse I have owned in 40 years to develop this problem. I have spoken with the top vets around the country, Including Dr. Robert Bowker, we have tried mnay different suggestions to help my mare and as long as she is willing to fight laminitis I will do withever is necessary. Unfortunately this disease does not have just one solution, there are many opinions as to how it should be treated. As you look at some of the great race horses that have lost the battle with laminitis, I’m sure you realize they had excellent vet care and still were unable to survive. The vet colleges are making some headway in fighting laminitis but we still have a long way to go. I have supported Laminitis
research long before my mare developed the disease and will continue to do so. I’m justing hoping with good vet and farrier care and the right meds we can help my mare recover. She is definitely not ready to give up.
Susan in TN
@Quarterhossgal: Well said! I am pulling for you and you mare <3
Marshall (girl's name)
So sad about Burns. A double rainbow and a beautiful sunset — very fitting.
RIP handsome boy. :(
Susan in TN
I am so sorry to hear about Burns. My condolences to all his people. <3
Marshall (girl's name)
Zenny, have a good sleep tonight and only the nicest dreams! Love you!
@Quarterhossgal: My thoughts and prayers for your dear mare and you. Hope healing comes soon. Hugs!
Trina Nagele
Sleep tight till the morning light, sweet Zenny.
@Gary Moulton—Thanks for that poem Challedon and the explanations. As someone who lived in Baltimore for a few years, I recognize the poem as a take-off of the state song “Maryland, My Maryland,” sung of course before the Preakness every year.
@Sunny Boyd—I agree with you about your neighbor being crazy to mutilate that tree.
@Terry Crow–Love the bear joke.
Trina Nagele
@Quarterhossgal—Just in case you missed this article about stem cell treatment for laminitis I’ll repost here http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/horse-health/2011/06/17/stem-cell-treatment-for-laminitis.aspx
Trina Nagele
@Quarterhossgal—Also just in case you missed this article that Eveline linked to on Entry #328, it’s about the same Doctor Doug Herthel from the link above who has successfully used stem cells to treat laminitis. This time he used stem cells to restore the quadriplegic donkey Eli to mobility. http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2010/november/15/horse-health-quadriplegic-donkey-walks-again.aspx
Gary Moulton
@BABY RESULS ………………………………… 09-04-11
.
SARATOGA –
Race 6 – The key horse “Salsa Mambo” at almost 40-1 was on the lead for ¾’s then faded to 9th. The time was below average. The others finished 2nd, 8th, & last. -$6.00
.
Race 7 – My key horse “Trading Paint” was in this race until 5o feet before the wire. She was hooked with the winner, bobbing heads down the stretch, ran back at the winner twice, then gave it up and lost by a ½ length. The time was average. Granny cashed a $8.70 ticket. The under numbers finished 4th, 9th, & last. -$6.00
.
Race – 10 “Spinaway Stakes” We played a straight tri and the first horse “Lady Pecan” showed nothing and should have stayed home. She must not like flying. Our 2nd horse “Judy the Beauty” finished 2nd, so that was good and the 3rd pick “Georgie’s Angel” came in 4th missing 3rd by a half. The time was a little better then average because of the way the track was playing. -$5.00
.
DEL MAR –
Race 3 – “Tap It Twice” held her spot most of the way around and finished 6th less then 4 lengths from the winner. The time was below average. -$10.00
.
Race 6 – “Mr. Newton” was up with the pace in 3rd by a ½ a length at the top, took an awkward step in mid stretch and weakened to 6th. I had to play him again because I thought he was sandbagging last time and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve played a horse, got off them, and the next time they won. Even though he lost I wasn’t going to let that happen. The time was very good in this race. -$10.00
.
-$37.00 Bet Today +$48.20 Going into Tomorrow
.
@Granny only cashed two tickets and lost $2.30.
.
@Trina Nagele – Your Welcome
Quarterhossgal
Thanks for all the thoughts and well wishes.
Trina Nagele: I did read the article about stem cells by Dr. Doug Herthel. It sounds promising. I forwarded the information to my vet for his opinion. I shall continue to search all available information about laminitis, fortunately with over 40years with horses I have several veterinary contacts at different schools who are kind enough to share the new studies with my vet and me. I appreciate any suggestions that Zenny fans might have for my mare and her treatment. Thank you very much for your kindness.
DJ
For “Z” Friends who would like to pray a Night Prayer:
………………………………..
Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom his world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
O may this gracious God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts,
And blessed peace to cheer us;
Preserve us in his grace,
And guide us in distress,
Till heaven we possess.
All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
Who reigns in highest heaven;
Whom earth and heaven adore
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be ever more.
……………………………
judy berube
Dear DJ;
What a beautiful Evening Prayer. Thank you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Quarterhossgal:
You’re so welcome. Hope your mare recovers. Hugs, J.B.
Trina Nagele
@Quarterhossgal—Thank you for letting me know. You and your mare remain in my thoughts and prayers. Wishing you both all the best and a complete recovery for your mare.
Delrene
Dear Zenyatta – The highs and low-lows of racing. It’s a rollercoaster ride. I cried for Burns and was happy for St. Trinian’s who put forth such an effort today. So did Burns and I’m so sorry for his owner, trainer and connections. He was an incredible horse. My condolences to all.
Thank God and John and everyone who took care of you every day of your life and continue to do so that you are happy, healthy and leading a wonderful life. My hope would be all horses have the same kind of care or at least humane care and treatment during their entire lives.
Good night Z and bless you and your prince/or princess.
judy berube
Dear Z,
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. Love you lots, Judy and Russ
Kari Bussell
@Karen Gogue- I will be eternally grateful to Zenyatta for blessing me with a friend like you. You give new meaning to going the extra mile to show you care. I hope your life overflows with all the joy & strength your beautiful words and the stories you share give to me. May all your dreams come true and this be the kind of September you dream of my friend.
From the bottom of my heart , thank you for being my friend…
@Zenyatta-It is 2:30am… I hope you are sleeping peacefully. I hope your Monday is as perfect as you are! ….and that all your days are full of Joy & Love.
Doreen
@LauraJ – According to “Factors affecting Bone Health in Horses” by Equine Consulting Services you are correct that nutrition and exercise are two of the main factors in bone strength, however, the article also mentioned that bone density has been shown to be a heritable trait in humans and other mammalian species. European horses are known for their stamina and their durability. They run more often than the horses that we have in the United States. You can say that exercise must be a factor, but you could also say that European pedigrees may have strengthened the Native Dancer line. I’m not saying that breakdowns are solely caused by breeding. I agree with you that surfaces, training, and drugs, and you can add missteps, are also factors in breakdowns. All I am trying to say is from the research that I’ve found on the subject of breakdowns, breeding has changed over the last 50 to 60 years and that speed is stressed more than horses that are not as fast but are more durable. The Native Dancer line was known for its speed.
RIP Burns, my condolences to all of your connections.
Kathy Kimber
Karri Bussell
Enjoy your Monday
Susan in TN
@Quarterhossgal: My daughter would be glad to talk to you or your vet. Please email me if you would like to do that: carothers.susan@yahoo.com
She is an equine internal medicine clinical instructor at Mississippi State. Best wishes to you and your mare <3
Susan in TN
@Barbara Wood and Lisa G and other Texan Z friends: You are in my thoughts and prayers today especially- I hope the wildfires are gotten under control and that everyone will be safe (I saw on the news that there had already been casualties).
george matkovich
Congratulations With you being the only female on the list that would make you number ONE amoungst the female horses of alltime!I still say that last year OCT 2ND
@ Hollywood was the greatest sporting event I saw live when you won your 19th consecutive race I was shouting “Come on Lady, Come on Lady as you made your stretch run and when it was over my wife looked at me and said”Your Crying” I will never forget it.
Annie
Wow. Those are some seriously intense names you beat, Z!!! Congratulations! You really deserve that :)
Peggy (N)
@Quarterhossgal, your mare will be in my prayers. Hoping very hard she gets better.
@J,Martin, my prayers go out to you.
@Anyone who knows did Fire Power survive.
@Zenyatta love you very much.
@Everyone racing today. Save trips to all.
Love Peggy
Peggy (N)
@D.J. thank you so much for the wonderful Prayer.
Barbara Wood
@Quarterhossgal–Sounds like you are doing all in your power to help your sweet girl. I wish all owners were so kind to their horses.
@Susan in TN–thanks. The fires are dreadful. We have friends in Austin who have family members threatened. All of TX is like a tinderbox.
@DJ–lovely prayer. We always sing it at Thanksgiving, but I think it’s appropriate all year long.
As long as we’re doing RIP’s, I would like to add the names of some I remember: Ruffian, Pine Island, George Washington, Gold Ember, Rough Sailing, Deputy Broad, Ferdinand, Exceller, Eight Belles… way too many to count.
Susan in TN
Rescue at River Edge: An update on The Sweeties ( this will pretty much be a re-run for those who have read the posts on “Chester and Friends” FB page!)
CHESTER: He is doing GREAT! He has put on a little more weight- which is not always easy for a 29-year-old pony in the extremely hot summer we had. He had a check-up with our very nice vet Dr. Matthew, who was very pleased with Chester’s appearance and attitude. He did a dental and removed 2 more rotten molars, so he is missing quite a few teeth on the right but still has some grinding surfaces on the left. He gets a senior feed mash 3 times a day and alfalfa pellets twice a day. There is still some grass here, which he can manage, but he is unable to chew hay to the point of being able to swallow it (it “balls” up). Dr. matthew said his heart and lungs sound good and his arthritis isn’t even very bad for his age. He drew some blood for chemistry and a CBC and Coggins and it all came back NORMAL, which I think is amazing for a pony his age who was almost starved to death 8 months ago!! He is such a dear- he knows my car and is waiting for me in front of the barn when I get there to give him lunch. He starts this little under-his-breath whinny that doesn’t let up until his food is soaking- he knows it has to “cook”- and then starts up again when it’s ready and he leads me to the round pen where he eats. When he is done, he likes me to scratch him in certain itchy spots and massage his back. When he has had enough, it is time to go to the water trough and get a nice, long drink. Then it is time to find a shady spot! Chester adores little Sass (Sasparilla), who is now almost 3 1/2 months old! Chester was there when he was born and has been there his whole life, loose with him and his mom, Cheyenne Morningstar. He is Sass’s Uncle Chester, which always makes me think of “Uncle Fester”-haha. Sass loves him, too. He likes to “play” with Chester, who is very patient! Right now, Sass is the only “horse” that Chester is not afraid of or at least VERY cautious of at the rescue. Sass has no concept of herd hierchy (sp?) or dominance- he just knows that he is the center of the universe! He is ADORABLE! He has shed his baby fuzz and is a very pretty dark bay-no white at all. I measured him a couple of weeks ago and he is approximately 12 hands high- which is pretty big when your mother is only 14.1hh! It’s getting more challenging for him to reach the milk spigot! I’ve been putting the halter on and leading him around and he is very good. He will also pick up all four feet without TOO much difficulty. He’s so flexible that he bends his entire body around while I have a hind foot up to see what I’m doing- it’s so cute! He is still very curious and you better not put anything down that you don’t want “inspected”!
Well, I better stop for now- I realize this has gotten very long but I have a lot more to tell! They truly are the Sweeties <3