Happy Monday to All!
It is the beginning of another wonderful week! I am enjoying all of the time I’m spending each day with my friends here at Lane’s End.
I just had a long chat with MATT…in between bites of my favorite grassy treats. We reviewed the entire weekend of fabulous racing. There were so many impressive winners in the various divisions. I absolutely LOVED seeing my pal, GIO PONTI, return to the winner’s circle again. His race was so impressive. I am SO PROUD of him! To stay at such TOP FORM and to COMPETE AT SUCH A HIGH LEVEL for years…is not an easy task. He and his connections deserve a big HIGH HOOF for doing so!
Some of my other personal friends also performed very well. On Saturday, SWITCH ran a very contentious 3rd in her return to the sprint arena at Keeneland. She will be sprinting again in her next start. I must also say, my 3 year old Barn 55 friend, MR. COMMONS, did a fabulous job to close in such fast fractions to be a very strong 2nd in the Oak Tree Mile. He clearly ran his highest speed figures to date…and he is a 3 year old running against older horses. This is not easy to do! The ability to move forward and continue to make steady progress as he has done is always important when one is competing at these graded stakes levels. My compliments to BOTH!
The 2 year olds, competing on 3 different types of surfaces this weekend: dirt, turf and Keeneland’s all-weather track, truly provided a great deal of excitement! Members of this age group are now at such an important time in their careers. In many instances, they are now being introduced to the concept of ‘going around 2 turns’ in their races. The ability to perform well at this is something that can truly begin to separate ‘the men from the boys’ in the future…so to speak. This is especially important as we begin to look for the ‘classic type horses’ who will be moving onto this stage at the Breeders’ Cup next month and also as 3 year olds next year.
Congratulations to ALL of these athletes and their connections for definitely providing the sport with exciting performances in these prep races.
The next few weeks will be so important to all of these horses and their ‘teams’ as they prepare for the World Championship Events. I remember every bit of it all so well!
Here’s wishing EVERYONE the best!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(It is getting exciting!)
Z
Kris O.
We will miss you, Zenyatta, but it looks like the Breeders Cup will be very exciting.
Bella
“Z” you always make my day.
brenda webber
love you zenyatta nothing is as exciting out there in race land since you retired so glad you are healthy and there will be a beautiful baby soon love and miss you.
Debbie
hi Z! Gio Ponti was definitely my favorite winner but all the races were very exciting! YOU have a wonderful Monday, grazing and hanging with YOUR friends! Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
christine from Va
You look MARVELOUS DARLING. I know it is getting exciting for all who will attend. I am looking forward to lots of pics of you watching the party.
Eat well Zen.
GIRL POWER
Haley
Z the breeders cup will never be the same without your dance moves. Love and Hugs from Georgia <3 .
The Kennedys in San Diego
Update on Here Comes Frazier — very unfortunate.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65453/bizarre-bourbon-won-by-maiden-animal-spirits
Donna from Baltimore
The Queen looks wonderful, as always. I love the race recaps…helps clarify who won what!!!
judy berube
Dear Z,
Stylish your fall “Poncho”. You look lovely. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
Kim
I know a lot were happy to see Bernie’s son ALPHA do so well in the Champagne in his second start!
Love that picture! That blanket does a great job of hiding your baby bump! :-)
judy berube
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
So sad for “Frazier”. Hoping he can make it through and live a comfortable life. Hugs, JB
Annie
Hey this is the earliest I’ve ever commented! Haha! Ok well, hope you are having a great day Z and Z fans! Please check out my blog, just click my name!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Bravo, Gio Ponti! Sure hope they run him in the Classic.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65445/gio-ponti-back-to-new-york
Lou Naylor in TX
Zenyatta, I know you wish all your horse friends a safe trip while racing, so could you say an extra prayer for Here Comes Frankle. Bless his heart he got spooked during his race and needs everybody praying for him during his serious recovery time. God be with you Frankle.
Z you look amazing! Have a happy day with Matt and all your friends at Lane’s End. Look forward to seeing you on screen in Nov. Love you lots sweet girl.
Lou in TX
Sunny Boyd
Good morning Zetty,
my, this morning I’m also one of the early crowd.
You’re looking ab fab as usual, smashing in your matching colored cloak if I may say so myself. :)
Chuckle in the am:
Do you think God gets stoned? I think so…look at the platypus. Robin Williams
Haha heehee
Have a great day :)
JAG / California :-)
Zenny!! I have sooo much to share, but I need to get some work done. I will be back later… ;-)
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Congrats to MR. COMMONS. I was at Santa Anita. SWITCH is still tenacious as ever, isn’t she?!
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Hello Dottie! Thanks so much for the birthday wishes ~ Sophie is truly TOO CUTE!
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Kisses & Hugs Queen Mamma Z and Baby z XOXOXO
Judy
p.s. @ ALL I haven’t had a chance to read the remining posts for Friday (so busy this weekend), but I MUST thank all of you who lit a birthday candle for me! I’m humbled and honored that you were so thoughtful, and took the time to lit them XO
JAG / California :-)
CONGRATS BLACK CAVIAR!! Another Girly Girl Rock Star!! :-)
Christine in Michigan
Watched the Keeneland Races yesterday and saw the magnificent Here Comes Frazier hit the rails. Totally heartbreaking and I have to say that I blame Julien LaParoux for the outcome. Seems to me he uses the whip excessively as I witnessed in one of his previous races. Frazier’s trainer commented on the accident saying that Frazier was not used to the whip. Praying so hard that Frazier will survive. Is beating a horse really necessary? I don’t think so.
Cheryl Smith
Love you Zenyatta!
Cynthia H.
Dear Zenyatta, you are A-1 First-Class reporter of all racing news! Thank you for providing all of the great updates!
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Your old Barn 55 stomping grounds has two entries slated to run today at SA:
First race: #2 Maestro J. Talamo Moss; #6 Tiz GIanni Mike Smith.
Best of luck to both of these lovely colts. Hooves are crossed for a dead-heat!
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Have also read that the very talented Nereid is to run this Saturday at Keeneland, in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge! How exciting is that, Zenyatta!
suew
Zenny, you look very stylish, as usual. Does Matt know what a lucky guy he is to have you around every day? Yes, the races were exciting BUT no one will ever stir the heart like YOU did. Hope little Z is staying warm, safely tucked inside your magnificient self.
Dottie Moore
All the races were very exciting this
past weekend, Zenny Girl; however, they
didn`t hold a candle to all of your
races. You are THE QUEEN!!
Much love, blessings, and prayers,
Dottie
Elizabeth G.
Lovely coat- perfect coloring for you….love that you are enjoying and having fun with your friends. xxoo Keep warm and well.
elizabeth harris
so good to hear from you, miss Z. how are you feeling? I look forward to hearing any updates about mini Z.
I’ll say a prayer for Frankie too, Lou.
Selene McCarthy
High hoof to Mr. Commons! I am in love with that horse! Can’t wait to see your sister,shall we call her Ebby for short, begin her career! love to you, Zenny!
Peggy (N)
Hi Zenny, I got in here early today as I am off today and on vacation this week and part of next. I hope you are having a wonderful day in Kentucky today.
@Christine in Michigan, I agree with you totally. Everyone has to start taking better care of these two year olds. They are just really babies. Jockeys please don’t whip them. I know I get on my High Horse about this but we are losing to many of these beautiful creatures. And, I know we don’t want people to go away from racing again.
@Dottie, Zenny I admire your John so much as he seems to have done such a wonderful caring job with youngsters. I am in tears already about Here comes Frazier, but I am praying so hard that he survives. I remember my young filly, if anyone had ever hit her with a whip well…..I don’t know what I would have done, it wouldn’t have been nice, though. I’m sorry but please lets take good care of these babies.
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
You look so glamorous in your blanket! Your face is positively glowing. Motherhood definitely becomes you!
Yippee for Gio Ponti! He ran a fabulous race and it was wonderful to see him in the winner’s circle again. Congrats to Mr. Commons and Switch for their gallant efforts, too.
Have a lovely day, sweet girl.
Hugs and kisses,
Stell
Peggy (N)
Hi back I know that Frazier was not a Filly, my youngest horse that I had was a filly. I didn’t want anyone hitting any of my horses. I know, I told you I get on my High Horse about it. So passionate about this issue.
SHERRY D. WV.
THIS SATURDAY, WILL BE THE WV BREEDERS RACES. HOPE RAPID REDUX WILL REMAIN UNDEFEATED. HE IS ON A ROLL. HOPE EVERYONE WILL WATCH ON THE RACING TV CHANNELS. LOVE TO ALL, SHERRY D. WV.
signofthetimes
@Christine in Michigan
It is the owner and trainers responsibility to tell
Jockey how to ride the horse. If the horse never
Felt a whip, instructions should ne given not to use it.
Jockey used it once and he spooked and threw him.
Jockeys only have hands and whip as aids, no leg
which puts them at a disadvantage. The owner and
Trainer are partially responsible. Quirks and issues
Need to be communicated to the rider.
Ex: Alternation’s jockey has been told not to use
The whip EVER. PVal is noted to be a heavy whip
User and followed instructions. Quirks or issues
Need to be communicated to rider.