Happy Friday, Everyone!
Suddenly it has become a bit chilly in Lexington. I need to have MY cozy blanket on for my early morning grazing fun with Matt! It is pretty out, though! The fall leaves will start to change soon…and the added color will really make the trees look amazing! This is MY first ‘fall’ in this regard for many years. In California, the seasons do not change as prominently as they do in Kentucky!
I am so pleased that YOU really like the idea of MY PARTY. So many fans have already responded and purchased tickets. If you have done so already…you are definitely in the first 500…so do not worry. The computer people are getting this refined for you so the people purchasing tickets in the future will know this information right away. This should all be completed today. Thank you for your patience!
I am also so excited about the incredible weekend of racing we are all going to be able to enjoy. From the East Coast to West Coast, it is one contentious stakes race after another with so many of the results having Breeders’ Cup ramifications. I love the fact that Havre de Grace and Blind Luck are each performing at such a high level. Their races are going to be so exciting! (I have a special fondness for the LADY’S SECRET which runs this weekend.) Then to see all of the other possibilities…whether turf or dirt for so many other terrific horses…will make handicapping GREAT FUN this weekend!
I can’t wait!
All the best to each of the horses competing during the next few days! All of my pals at Lane’s End and I will be watching!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Debbie G
@J Smith and Kimberly Potter – Thank you so much for your posts. You’re right, I shouldn’t let being shy stop me from doing things I really want to do. I know if I don’t go I will regret it. Your posts inspired me so much that I just ordered a ticket! I don’t have a dumpling tag, though. If you read this, Diana, could you let me know how to get one? Thanks again. I am so looking forward to Zenny’s party now!
@Vickie – You said in your post that tickets to the party were sold out, but when I just ordered mine it didn’t say anything about being sold out. Could you let me know how you found that out? I’m confused! Thank you Vickie!
@Terry Crow – I loved your comment about being disguised as a KY football fan. Sad but true!
@Trina Nagele – Those are beautiful poems. You are so talented!
LauraJ
@Suzanne G, the first step to take if you want to claim a horse is to make sure you meet the licensing requirements. These vary by state. Then, you must establish an account with the track office to ensure that you have funds available to pay for the horse. You also need to make arrangements for the horse re: boarding, stabling, trainer, transportation, etc. When your ducks are in a row, then you can put in a claim prior to the start of the race. If you are the only claimant, the horse becomes yours the moment it leaves the gate. That means if the horse becomes injured during the race, you get the vet bill. Prize money, if any, goes to the previous owner. If there is more than one claimant for the horse, the new owner is determined by a lottery process called a “shake” following the race.
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Rules for claims are generally published in the track condition book, or you can call the track for more information.
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@Signofthetimes, there were a couple of Galileos in the Keeneland September sale. Hip #27 went for only $200K. The dam, Honor Grades, won the BC Distaff and over $2 million in her career. I really thought this one would fetch a lot more.
J Smith
Debbie G that’s great. Good for you, you’ll have such a wonderful time, and be busy afterwards, as you’ll have to give the rest of us a full report! Once, I was in New Zealand (by myself) and met an 87 year old lady at the YMCA, she was also travelling alone! She said she didn’t really like travelling with family as they slowed her down and were a bit boring!!! Loved it, she was from the UK. I think I have Diana’s email, I will let her know u need a tag. Well done, I’m proud of you.
LauraJ
RIP Champion Fleet Indian. The daughter of Indian Charlie was euthanized due to complications from colic.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65322/champion-fleet-indian-dies
:-(
judy berube
RIP Beautiful Banned and Fleet Indian. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Laura J.
Thank you so much for the info on Claiming. You always provide answers for me on facets of racing that I’ve wonder about. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Especially Horses:
Thanks so much for the updates on Life At Ten (it’s about time) and Blind Luck. Hope BL recovers to race again too. Hugs, JB
Brenda S..
@ Debbie G – You can do it!! I went to Cuba on a week’s vacation by myself. My girlfriend had to drop out when her mother in law passed away. I couldn’t see throwing the money away and we had no cancellation insurance, so I went and had a great time. The benefit of going on your own is that you can do what you want, when you want and you don’t have to negotiate with husbands, children or, in my case now, a teenaged grand daughter.
judy berube
Dear Terry C.:
Cute joke. Hugs, JB
Kimberly Potter
Zen Nation~ a remarkable story that warms the heart. McShane is a hero in my book. Enjoy!
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/beyond-the-blinkers/archive/2011/09/28/australian-horse-provides-inspiration-through-recovery.aspx
Kimberly Potter
@Debbie G~ BRAVO! I am sooo proud of you. I am sure you will have your Z Dumpling name tag in time for your adventure….I wish I could meet you there….look forward to you sharing your experience. HUGZ
Kimberly Potter
RIP Fleet Indian~ What a beautiful tribute to her at the end of the article.
RIP Banned~ What a beautiful boy…
Max
This is an interesting little story about the victorious Danedream with a sweet picture of her as a newborn foal with her mother. As Dottie might say, very cute.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-2044377/Danedream-wins-Arc-France.html
Debbie G
@J Smith, Brenda S and Kimberly Potter – Thank you all for your kind words. I really am looking forward to it. I guess it’s time to come out of my shell after 48 years! I can’t wait to meet some of the dumplings out there. I wish all of you could come. Thanks for your support! :-)
(J Smith and Brenda S – I can’t believe you went to New Zealand and Cuba by yourselves. Wow! That’s incredible.)
JAG ~ California
@ J Smith
Hey gf!! Wasn’t it fun closing COCOs LOL!!!
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I hooked up with numerous Z Dumplings throughout the day on Saturday: Jane (her hubby James) and her “famous” grand-daughter Madison; Karen; Anne; Nancy W.; the Kennedys; Robyn; Maureen and Donna.
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I also ran into people who don’t usually post on the diary: Jeff, Curt, and Cathy!
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OF COURSE I won’t leave out Zenny’s John, and Dottie :-) TOO CUTE of a couple!
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It was a very warm day – but an absolute blast running from paddock up to watch the races then back to the paddock. Plus watching the major stakes races run at other tracks on the big screen in the SA paddock! I never have a problem speaking to total strangers either ;-) If we ALL love the horses, then it’s easy to strike up a conversation…
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I look forward to seeing the Z Dumplings next Saturday to celebrate my b’day WOO HOO
Judy G
p.s. Last, but not least, I also shook the hand of our HERO – John Shear!! I told mhim that my mother and he are the same age. He smiled
JAG ~ California
@ ANNE FROM PARAMOUNT:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL FRIEND ~ FELLOW LIBRA :-) See you Saturday….
Arlene
Hi Zenny & all. Been having some rainy days. Congratulations to the Moss’s with Zuzu!
@Kari Bussell – Thanks for the link to Zuzu’s race. It looks like she won effortlessly.
@ Trina Nagele -Beautiful poems.
Happy Birthday to the birthday Dumplings.
Barbara Wood
@Kimberly Potter–thanks. Are those of us living in the netherworld of neither coast ever going to get to wear our nametags? Also, thanks for the link. McShane is a hero, for sure.
@Debbie G–Way to go! You are so lucky to be able to go. I’m with you–I can’t believe DJ and Brenda S did that either. When we went to the UK, there were 2 elderly ladies in their 80’s traveling together. They each had one TINY suitcase, and that trip followed on the heels of another they had just done!
@Laura J–you know so much that is helpful to us. I did not know that the claimant had to put in the claim before the race. Seems like a risky move to this financial conservative. When we were at the 2010 Apple Blossom, I remember a son of Smarty Jones was claimed.
@Max–thanks for the link about Danedream.
Cannot believe we lost another great–Fleet Indian. RIP sweet girl. This is happening way too often.
And good night to you, Queen Z. Every one that we lose makes us all the more thankful you are healthy and safe. Love you always.
signofthetimes
@Marty R
Turn of foot is also termed a “kick”. Watch Goldikova’s
2010 BC Mile. When she rounds the last turn
She accelerates very quickly and passes a bunch of
Horses to win. The turn gives her the leverage with
Her back legs to push off strongly and move forward
Quickly. Not sure this can be taught???? Also Winter
Memories last race was a very obvious turn of foot the
Jockey got her clear, she exploded. For Goldi
I think it is harder to have a significant turn of foot
On s straight away. Freddy Head was saying may be
The mileage and diminished turn of foot lost her
The race. I think it was raging testosterone and also
The winner started his run before she broke free
In anticipation of Flash Dances move out of the way
For her.
signofthetimes
So glad the CA dumplings had a great time at SA,
What a beautiful track.
Debbie G
@Barbara Wood – Thanks for sharing the story about the 2 elderly ladies. That’s too cute! I have a bad habit of overpacking whenever I go somewhere. It’s scary to think what I would take if I went all the way to the UK!
@Kimberly Potter – Thanks for the link to the Walter McShane story. He truly is a hero! I also like what you said about life being an adventure. That’s such a good, positive outlook. I guess I’m just now starting to be adventurous. (Although I don’t think I’ll ever work up to traveling cross country alone like you!)
Marshall (girl's name)
Hello, Sweet Z! Hope you have had the beautiful weather in KY that we enjoyed this weekend in NC!! Fantastic fall weather! Enjoy your time in the pasture with Tasty T. Love you!
@Anyone who knows: Do any of the Z’sters know what happened to Nijinski’s Song at the Goodwood Stakes (Santa Anita) on Saturday? Hope it wasn’t critical or fatal. Please post any details. Thanks!
RIP Banned and Fleet Indian.
signofthetimes
@ Marty R
Here is a link on definitions of racing terminology:
Hope this is helpful.
http://www.runhorse.com/popular_horse_racing_terms.htm
Marty R
@Zenyen- Thank you for your explanation for “turn of foot” The word “turn” had me puzzled, but now I know it means turn on the speed, not turn in a direction. There may be some swivel hips, but not swivel hooves.
Thanks to all who post such great links. I enjoy them all.
Rip Fleet Indian. Another champion gone too soon.
I also relate to those who go to the races alone. I’ve tried with family members and it’s not enjoyable for anyone. I also travel between the paddock and finish line. Occasionally I’ll run inside to the ticket window, but I really have no confidence in betting. Definitely hope to learn more about it next year.
The exciting racing weekend is over. Hope everyone has a good week and there will be more diary entries to enjoy.
judy berube
Dear Anne from Paramount, CA:
Happy Birthday. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Max:
Thanks so much for the article on Danedream. She’s a beauty. Hugs, JB
Marty R
@signofthetimes- Thank you for the link of horse racing terms. I just took a quick look and added it to my favorites. That will be a great reference, I’m sure.
judy berube
Dear J. Smith:
Laura J. provided info on Claiming races. She’s very knowledgeable about all things racing. Durtrow has Indian Tale entered at Parx on 10/4/11 $25,000 Claiming race and also on 10/6/11 at Belmont MTO Allowance Optional Claiming. She’s never been entered in Caliming race before. Hugs, JB
Marshall (girl's name)
@Arlene in Vermont: Many thoughts and positive vibes going out to you as you clean-up after the flooding. Hope all is well with you. Glad to hear from you, too!
@Debbie G.: You Go Girl!! Wish I could be there to meet you! I am certain you will have a wonderful time in L’ville at Churchill Downs with all of our great Z’sters! All the Best!
Trina Nagele
To all who need a Dumpling tag –Diana Stuart’s e-mail is diastu46@gmail.com. Let her know how you want your name to appear on your tag and give her your snail-mail address so she can send it to you.
@Max—Thanks for the great Danedream link.
@Brenda S—Thanks for the great news about the win at Belmont by Newbie, Bernie’s daughter.
@Terry Crow—Good one about the three boats!