Happy Monday to All!
It’s Labor Day! It is so hard to believe that it’s technically the last day of summer.
Today at Del Mar, the race track is hosting a group who serve in our Armed Forces. MY JOHN was a Marine during his time in the service. He is going to visit with the guests today at Del Mar and participate in some of the activities with them. I gather the executive offices told MY JOHN that even if some soldiers were not really familiar with racing…they did know about ZENYATTA! (That’s ME!)
Hearing this is very special to ME! (Wink, Wink!)
MY JOHN is going to speak with the group later in the morning. We’ve heard they were going to ask him for some ‘handicapping tips’. Dottie was teasing him last night that he better start studying the FORM for the entire Monday card quickly! I’m sure he will do very well!
One of the things I remember fondly about BARN 55 is all of the YOGA type exercises we would do. My dear trainer would have ME do lots of stretches all of the time to help ME in any way possible.
Well, I gather he has his exercise riders doing the same thing. John was buying yoga mats to use at the barn the other day…so individuals could stretch any time needed. Michelle took this photo of MAX, one of the exercise riders, after he completed the daily training exercise with 3 fillies: Harmonious, Star Billing and Gelila.
From all reports, MAX agrees with ME. These stretching techniques really work!
I’d also like to send a special HIGH HOOF to Havre de Grace. Last Saturday, she ran a great race at Saratoga winning her Grade 1 with style against the boys!
Enjoy your LABOR DAY! My Team and I so appreciate all who defend our country…and those who work so hard each day to make everything in our lives better.
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Robyn Mullhausen
Hope you are enjoying your Labor Day Holiday, Zenny. wink wink
Anne from Paramount, CA
@Kathy Kimber: thanks for the update on Noor at Old Friends. @Ingrid in MA, yes it does make me smile to think of Z’s JOHN being a Marine. I’m sure we all applaud him. And best wishes for your hip replacement recovery. Ouch!
@”Charlie” in Delran NJ, thanks for the Seattle Slew memories. I wasn’t “into” horse racing then, but who was NOT aware of “Slew” and Secretariat, before him? Also, someone more (much more) knowledgable than I can probably answer your boys vs girls question better, but doesn’t it have something to do with in Europe the racing is mostly on the turf?
@Karen Gogue, Hi lady!! :)
@Cynthia H and Terry Crow, did you hear about Jeanine Sahadi retiring? Have not heard too much from her lately anyway, a horse here and there, but still was surprised. When Rod & I go early to Clocker’s Corner there she sits talking up a storm to her co-horts sitting with her. Never at a loss for words, four letter or otherwise. :)
@signofthetimes, HEADS UP for sure!!!
Queen Z, have a wonderfully, relaxing day.
YOU ARE THE BEST!!
Gary Moulton
@Terry Crow – Loved the statue joke.
.
You know the Myth of horse statues? If the horse is depicted with one hoof off the ground, the soldier was wounded in battle (and may have died later from the wounds); Two raised hooves indicate that the soldier died in battle. If the statue shows all four hooves on the ground, the rider survived all battles unharmed. This theory holds true with most Civil War Statues and other American Battles but you can find exceptions. In the rest of the world not so much so and most exceptions are in Europe. On a statue or grave covering of a knight, the crossing of the legs (sometimes arms) indicates whether they took part in a crusade. The supposed logic behind this is that the crossed legs are another symbol of the Christian cross, a prominent symbol of crusades; crusaders were often said to have ‘taken the cross’ when they went on crusade. However, there are numerous statues of people known to have gone on crusade with uncrossed legs, and vice versa, just as there are riders on statues with raised legs who died of natural causes. This isn’t to say that there are no statues of either type which fit these myths, but these are just coincidences.
signofthetimes
@Terry Crow
Found this paragraph on Larry Jones Bio;
Really shows how much Trainers care about their horses and how when they speak they listen;
The day after the Kentucky Oaks, Larry saddled his other top filly, Eight Belles, to run in the Kentucky Derby. Eight Belles had won a lot of hearts during the weeks and months leading up to the Derby. Her sweet disposition was enough to make anyone and everyone love her. The nation got a glimpse of the love Larry felt for his special filly, too, when, with ESPN capturing the moment on camera, and the world watching, Larry galloped Eight Belles a few days before the Derby, in preparation for her up-coming big day. When the filly was reluctant to stop galloping, Larry called, “Hello? Larry to Eight Belles! Pull up!” When she obeyed, he rewarded her by saying “there you go, baby; that’s it, sweetheart,” and made everyone watching smile.
signofthetimes
@Susan in TN
I really do love “horse talk”. I took my greyhound Katlyn to the barn, she was not a very good barn dog, a little to finicky and prissy. I took TB out of stall with one hand and her in the other had to put her in his stall, she was twisting and turning and
whinning. My TB picked up his right front foot and slammed it down on the barn floor, which was concrete as if to say “enough is enough’. TOO CUTE !!!!!
signofthetimes
@ Gary Moulton
Love the horse stautue information. Will definatley be more observant of them.
C in AZ
Hello Z, just read about your half sister who will go through the sale ring in the near future. Saw her photo on bloodhorse website, she has your ears!
Cathy Marshall
I hope you aren’t getting as much rain as I am, here in Tennessee.
Anyone that planned a picnic today is having it inside. Enjoy your day! Love ya, Zenny! Happy Labor Day everyone!
Sharon in Seattle
@Dawn – bless you, your kind wishes, smiles and hugs are always welcome greetings. And to any others I may have missed who have also sent good thoughts, more gratitude.
high hooves, for sure, to Havre de Grace. and an especially high hoof salute to ST. TRINIANS who captured my heart with her all out effort and guts in the Vanity against Zenny. I always imagine that Zenyatta was thinking during that home stretch run “dang, that girl can RUN and I’m gonna have to pour it all out”!!! I always think that Zenny would admire, in an equine way, any horse who could give her a run for the money. She would have that kind of generous attitude – a true hallmark of a champion – all heart!! with the athleticism to match.
"Charlie" from Delran, NJ
@Dawn Conrad Thanks for the site suggestion for Three Chinneys Farm. I did go there to find the video on Seattle Slew, but didn’t see how to get to it. If it’s not too difficult, would you please direct me as to how to find it. I’m really technologically challenged.
@ Judy Berube & Anne from Paramount Thanks for the kind words & references to Seattle Slew.
Sharon in Seattle
just watched the video replay for St. Trinians race – she’s got that funny little left front hoof move that doesn’t make her look very elegant head-on, but she’s all in for the win!!
Elaine
Queen Z,
Did you see the Breeder’s Cup post on Facebook advertising the upcoming Breeder’s Cup? They are still heralding YOU!! (Don’t BLUSH….you deserve it!) That will forever be known not as the race Blame won, but the only race you lost…..and it was only by inches. One more step and YOU had the race won! No other horse could have possibly done what you did that day! You will ALWAYS be one of the best horses in history. Love you!
Paula Higgins
@Elaine, the Breeders Cup 2010 will also be known as the grittiest race ever run by a horse (Zenyattta), along with Seattle Slew’s loss by a nose.
Pat Beck
@judy berube: Thanks for the Affirmed article. It was nice to be reminded of that fabulour guy. Love you always, Z
Barbara Wood
Dear Z– what a great picture. If we had done more stretching before we did all those mountain hikes, we would be better off today! That yoga position looks like a great stretch for the back. The only problem for this 65-year-old would be getting back up!
@Dawn Conrad–thank you so much, and thanks for sharing the story about your family. I love that.
@All our service men and women–thank you so much, especially to Dumplings who have served.
@signofthetimes–I can still the see the video of Larry Jones talking to Eight Belles.
Got to go out to the farm and watch our grandhorse run in the arena. It’s been too hot this summer to do anything as far as riding. Today it’s much cooler, and he was saying, “Yippee! Thanks!”
@Gary Moulton–thanks for the statue info.
@”Charlie” from Delran, NJ–Welcome back. Thanks for the background on Slew/ the Taylors. I knew they had moved him to Hill n Dale becaue it was quieter there, but did not know the rest of the story.
Happy Labor Day to all the Dumplings. Don’t laugh, but I’m taking our daughter to the dollar theater to see Winnie the Pooh. 35 years ago, when she was 3, it was her first visit to a movie. We’re kids at heart!
Vicki B.
@Linda/Maryland – @Eveline posted a link above: “Rapid Redux, a 5-year-old gelding based at Penn National Race Course with trainer David Wells, extended his winning streak to 16 races Sunday by taking the eighth race at Timonium.
In winning for the 14th time this season and 16th time since his streak began last December at his home track, Rapid Redux joined all-time greats Citation and Cigar as Thoroughbreds who have won 16 in a row. The mares Zenyatta and Pepper’s Pride share the North American record of 19 straight.”
Susan
Hi Z!
Havre de Grace gives me cold chills, but not like you did!
By the way, I notice Max has on a #18 jersey…..I guess he’s a “Peyton Manning/Colts” fan??!!! We are big Colts fans at my house!
Take care!
Ingrid Arnone
This is the sad part of horseracing… Burns rest in peace, and my prayers are for Jockey Jacky Martin from QHR for his terrible tragedy.
Cloud Man he ran very good, but I lost, well maybe next time. The good news is, in Saratoga, I just bet $ 50.00 on Ambassador Bridge and I win! Wow!!.
Love you my adorable Zenyatta, Ingrid.
Terry Crow
@signofthetimes-Don’t think that HDG will run in the BCC. Rather, she will probably run in the ladies classic. If she does and wins convincingly, she will be HOY. I think Jerry Hollendorfer is between a rock and a hard place now with Blind Luck. I wish that Zenyatta had take a similar path last year. Run in the ladies classic and retired 20 for 20. Hindsight is always 20-20. Larry Jones is an excellent trainer. @Kathy Kimber-Time to return to the real world. It will be a while before you return to normal. Anybody would have the same trouble. @Gary Moulton-Good stuff about the statues. @Anne in Paramount-Any conversation about Jeanine Sahadi is a touchy subject. When she was winning, it was because she was more or less an assistant trainer. The real training was being done by Julio Canani, her boyfriend at the time, but Sahadi was given all the credit. When Bob Baffert dared to bring this up at a gathering, fireworks resulted. I don’t know who your trainer is, but he or she probably knows this. When Canani returned to training himself and they were no longer an item, her fortunes took a tumble. I know this sounds crazy, but check it out with horsey people you know and trust.
Jan
Zenyatta,
Happy Labor Day. Hope you are staying happy and healthy Big Mama. :) We love our country and all that serve her. Past and present. A salute to all of our military friends.
tony and sue
Zenny, another great post from you today. Thank you for remembering our service men and women who are always at the ready to defend our great land. We love the picture, too. John is one thoughtful trainer when it comes to his human and equine charges. There is only one reason YOU remained so healthy during your 4 year career. John and his team always did exactly what was needed to keep you strong and healthy. How we would love to see some pictures of you doing stretches…”too cute”. We are sending a high hoof to your entire team and hoping all who read and post here have a safe and happy Labor Day holiday. It’s a perfect time to count our blessings and we have many.
Vicki B.
@Judy B – Thanks again for the continuing links to champion horse bios on “the list”.
@”Charlie” in Delran, NJ – Always nice to see somebody else mention Kincsem, who was a wonderful story of a horse with personality.
@anyone interested – speaking of fires in Texas, reminded me of a wrenching story (so be warned) in the L.A. Times yesterday of the Cajon Pass fire (now contained), and a man who had to evacuate from his ranch, and could only watch the flames from afar. He had to come home after, to find not only his uninsured home destroyed, but 100 of his goats, rabbits and birds dead, looking as if they had strained to escape from their pens (of course!). 30-35 sheep survived, as they were protected by their “guard llama”, who shielded them with his own body, suffering burns, but expected to survive. No horses, thank god.
Trish & Mike in Colorado
Hope this isn’t too much anthropromorphizing [sp.?], but noted the difference b/t Havre de Grace and Zenyatta’s warm-ups. Zenyatta would puff herself up, do her “dance” [of intimidation/pride], then stand and “people watch” from down the track. Was at Saratoga Saturday and saw that HDG actually trotted amongst her competition before the race, looking intently at each in turn [sussing them out?].
susan Orth
Thank goodness for all the soldiers who defend and fight for this country. My hats off to John Shirreffs too. I recently started doing Yoga and it really is a great ab workout and helps my back! Love you Zenny.
suew
Zenny, I hope you are having a relaxing Labor Day with your LE buddies. I loved hearing about the stretching exercises you and John did…but then, anyone who dances like YOU did, would certainly know all the right moves. May everyone enjoy this day and remember all of those who sacrifice so much to keep us safe and our country strong.
Trish & Mike in Colorado
Meant to add that it was good to see St. Trinians win yesterday . . . she never raced the same after laying her body down when she raced Zenyatta.
Debbie
hi Z! Happy Monday & Labor Day to YOU!!! I hope YOU are having a cool, relaxing day enjoying all of YOUR friends! I’m watching the races, dreaming of YOU!!! I was so happy when Havre de Grace won the Woodward against the boys;) Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Sarah Powell
Thanks for honoring our service men and women – my nephew just returned from his 2nd tour in Afghanistan doing route clearance and we’re greatly relieved to have him home safe and sound! Hope the temps have cooled where you are Zenny. I’ve been reading all the posts but haven’t posted in some time.
@Cara Enzell from #332 – so sorry about Mercy Merci – I wanted to share some info with you in case you are interested. There is a Navy wife located in Cal. Candace Chapman. She takes horsehair and makes lovely bracelets, key chains and maybe other items – I particularly like the bracelets. Her e-mail is braided heartstrings@yahoo.com. I have 11 horses plus 3 that are grazing in the sky and I’m taking a little hair from each tail to send her for a bracelet. She needs about 9-inches about the size of a pencil. Thought this might be a nice memento.
@Susan in TN – love hearing about the rescues. Mine are all rescues also and your story of Sass and Chester reminded me of a quarter horse I have that was at the bottom of the pecking order until I separated my little filly from her mother and put her in the paddock with him. She thinks he is wonderful and follows him around and his whole personality has changed. He bosses her around but he grazes right next to her. Don’t you just love seeing the different personalities?
Sarah Powell
@Cara Enzell – sorry that should have read: braidedheartstrings@yahoo.com
judy berube
Dear Sarah Powell:
Thank you for a great post. Thank you for sharing with us. I love to learn about the different personalities. They’re all individuals with their own little traits. Have seen the same in the dogs we’ve had over the years. We never owned horses, but in reading about different ones, you learn how unique each one is (especially Z). Hugs, J.B.