Good Morning,
This is going to be a very busy week. Some of my dear friends from Barn 55, NEREID and STAR BILLING, are in town to run in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup this Saturday at Keeneland. It is a Grade 1 stakes race going 1 1/8 miles on the turf for 3 year old fillies.
This is an Invitational Race…and both fillies were invited. What an HONOR for each of them! When a race is classified as an ‘Invitational’…it means the Racing Secretary (the person who manages all of the entries for races and writes the condition books) reviews all of the possible candidates for a particular race . He and his staff then decide which horses would be the most qualified to run in the particular race based upon their accomplishments. After all of this is considered, the top horses are given an ‘invitation’ to run.
NEREID and STAR BILLING arrived Tuesday at about noon Kentucky Time via a Tex Sutton Charter. MY JOHN, Frank, and Jose Luis traveled with them on the plane. I heard the flight went very well and they have settled nicely into their Keeneland barn.
The weather here is picture perfect at this time. I hope it stays this way the rest of the week for them.
When MY JOHN took this photo, Frank was doing something by NEREID’S stall. Jose Luis’ charge, STAR BILLING, was in her stall relaxing nice and comfortably.
So much fun!
As you may recall, FRANK was on my traveling team. We always had such fun together.
Entries for Saturday’s race will be taken this morning. Here’s hoping they both get a GREAT POST POSITION!
Joe Talamo will be flying in from California to ride NEREID. Victor Espinoza is coming into town to ride STAR BILLING! Hmmm…..I wonder if their jockeys will travel together and be on the same flight…just like the fillies did?
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Alex Bowdoin
In regards to Blind Luck, I think she will be fine. She is worth quite a lot of money! The winner bidder in November at Keeneland will either take her to their farm or send her to a farm like Lanes End. I would think she will be living in KY for the rest of her life. Who know’s she may end up in the same barn as our Z…
judy berube
Dear Elizabeth:
Thank you for the link to that magnificent drawing. I remember that Belmont Stakes. Charasmatic was going for the Triple Crown, having won the Derby and the Preakness. As Signofthetimes said that is truly a jockey displaying love for a horse. I do believe Chris Antley saved Charismatic more sever injury to himself or worse by holding him until he was vanned off and attended to by the vets. Charasmatic actually finished 3rd in that race. Here’s a link of the vet and Chris Antley. Hugs, JB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ddAvRGfm4Q
Brenda S..
Re Dutrow – When New York has banned him for 10 years anyone with a grain of sense would never allow him to operate in any other state. We have to assume that the powers that be in each state are aware of what is happening and must know how totally stupid they will appear if Dutrow is allowed to set up shop anywhere else.
@ Terry C – The Mass Rednecks story appeared on the evening news in Toronto.
@ Judy B – Your cousins are quite famous. See comments to Terry C above. Love the picture of Mikey hugging Zenny, how I wish that I could do the same.
Paula Higgins
Good luck to both horses in their races!!! I know some people are very happy that Rick Dutrow has lost his license in New York for 10 years. I will say this: I do not take any joy in seeing anyone lose their ability to earn a living. I am well aware of the numerous infractions he has been accused of and cited for, but I still feel sorry that this has happened for both him and the horses in his care. A sad situation all around. I am also well aware that trainers like John Shirreffs are not fallng off trees. His number 1 concern is always the welfare of the horse. There are other trainers out there that have had issues besides Rick Dutrow. We need more John Shirreffs in this sport.
Trina Nagele
Good luck to the Mosses, John, and Victor Espinosa with 4-yr-old Valeria at Santa Anita Park tomorrow in Race 3— 2:03 PM Pacific.
@Judy Berube—Thanks for the TONK link on youtube. That was such a great segment on David Letterman. Kudos to him for bringing TONK and Erin Bolster on LIVE!
@Suew—Your story about you, hubby, fb, and Z was TOO CUTE!
@Alex Bowdoin—Thanks for the heads-up about the Charismatic and Chris Antley documentary on ESPN on Tuesday-—like Jeanie, I’ve set my recorder.
@Diahann Perrin—Thanks for your post about the offspring of Lonhro and Street Cry in Australia.
@Margaret and Heidi— Hope those colds go away soon!
@Elizabeth— Thanks for the link to that beautiful Fred Stone print of Chris Antley lovingly holding up Charismatic’s leg.
@Mary Copelin—You were missed at the birthday bash. Hope we can get together soon.
@Diana S –Love the Folsom Prison redneck joke!
@Terry Crow—Your joke reveals the value of being literate—if only he had used pen and paper instead of a sign language professor! And good riposte with San Quentin.
@Judy Berube again—WOW! What a wonderful photo of Zenny and Mike! I don’t think I ever saw that before. Thanks for finding it for Jeanie.
Kimberly
Hi Zenny, I hope you have a restful night with Baby Z in the belly! Love you.
judy berube
Dear Trina N.:
You’re so welcome. Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele
@Judy Berube—Thanks for the Charismatic link.
judy berube
Dear Brenda S.:
I wish I could hug Z too. I guess my cousins have had their 15 minutes of fame. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Trina N.:
It’s hard to watch. But what a beautiful heart and courage Charasmatic had that day. So wonderful to see a jockey care for a horse like that. I always liked Chris Antley and really wish he could have fought his demons and been with us today. I think he was a good, caring person. Hugs, JB
Sunny Boyd
Good evening Zenyatta,
wow, what glam limo & jet your friends get to travel in. I hope they do well and come back safe. :)
I hope you had a great day with plenty of good food, and drink and lotsa time to horse around and relax. Snoozing away by now.
Pillow chuckle:
Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy. Benjamin Franklin
Heehee Haha
judy berube
Dear Alex Bowdoin:
Thank you so much for the link about the ESPN documentary on Charasmatic and Chris Antley. I will make a note of the day and time. Don’t want to miss it; and you are right, will need a box of Kleenex. Hugs, JB
Jeanie
Dear Judy Berube,
THANK YOU! That was the photo. When I look at this photo, I not only see great affection/love but I see the trust in the horse/human relationship that brings me back to how man treats his historical helpmate in the development of our society. They bow to us, defer to us. If they didn’t, they could greatly harm us. But they don’t (exceptions, I know) but generally speaking they expect a mutually trusting relationship with us. Some people violate that trust. I just think this photo speaks volumes. Thank you Judy. This makes my day!
J
Yvonne and Maurice
Hi Zenyatta. Great pics as always. Good luck to Nereid and Star Billing and Frankel. Good luck to Rapid Redux who will be going for his 18 win this Friday at Charlestown if it is not a sloppy track. Should be an awesome weekend of racing. Thanks to all who have provided info. on Blind Luck. I am just sick over it. I am so hoping that the Mosses, Mike Repole or Bobby Flay purchase her to be a broodmare. It would be great if she could go to Lane’s End with Z, TT and all of their friends. Zenyatta, stay comfy, eat well for two and have loads of fun this weekend with John and all of your friends from Barn 55. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
judy berube
Dear Jeanie:
You’re welcome. It certain does speak volumes. Have you ever seen Barbara Livingston Photographic Tribute to Z. There are some beautiful photos her and one of Mario and Z. Z is hugging Mario; it’s priceless. Hugs, JB
http://www.drf.com/blogs/2010-horse-year-zenyatta-photographic-tribute?page=2#comments
Barbara Wood
@signofthetimes–what a great idea for our Z. to do something to benefit Our Mims (now that she herself is a mom-to-be)! However, if memory serves me correctly, there have been mares at Old Friends. One was Bonnie’s Poker (I believe she was the dam of Silver Charm?) I can’t remember the name of the other.
@ all who love Charismatic–when I get home, I’ll try to remember to call Old Friends and see if they are keeping tabs on him.
suew
@judy b, How can I thank you enough for posting the link to that moving picture of Mike with Z and the articles associated with it. She always brings tears to my eyes…such magnificience and gentleness in one amazing 17.2 hand high package. Reading these articles makes me miss her all the more on the track but I know she’s earned the good life at LE and thank goodnes the Mosses love her totally and make sure she has the very best of everything.
Mary
So much fun going on….you know so well about flying on that plane. When you would come off…it was like a rock star was coming off…and but Z…you are more than a rock star. Hope you are nice and warm in your stall tonight….hugs to you Z!!!
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, it is good to see that barn 55 brings some horses out your way to race once in awhile. It would be nice if John could stop by to see you. I like when you have company from barn 55 because I do believe that you miss what was once a great life for you and I know you had loving feelings for the barn 55 team. Glad to see the weather has warmed up there and hope your Horse friends do well at the race track. I will be thinking of you and know I send you much love Zenyatta.
judy berube
Dear Suew:
You’re so welcome. Z is magnificent, gentle and amazing. We all love her so much. Hugs, JB
Peggy (N)
@Barbara Wood, yes I dearly love Charismatic have for a long long time. He was o,k last I knew after the Earthquakes. Please let me know if you find out any news about him.
@Everyone, someone said earlier that they thought Blind Luck would be O.K. I so very much hope so. I know I am a huge worrier. This horse just seems so special, not to mention how beautiful she is, just very special. I guess we all just fell in love with her. I guess I am so worried because I believe it is going to take someone with Mega Bucks to buy her. I hope I am wrong. But, the Japanese have mega bucks and I think it is going to take someone to really outbid them. They seem to really be enterested in buying them. Didn’t we loose a horse just lately (a well known horse) that was bought by them. At the two Florida sales I went to this year they were very well represented there, and I believe if I am not wrong they paid some of the highest prices if not the highest one day. And I guess they have the right to do it. I just so wish for her to stay here. Somebody else asked what could we do.. I wish I knew.
Remember in the Movie Secretariat, the reporters were almost chasing after Penny Chenery as she was leaving the barn before his race and they yelled at her, what are you to Secretariat, or what do you do for him, and she stopped and very sternly said to them (I’M HIS VOICE’)
Well who is Blind Luck’s Voice??????
She doesn’t seem to have one, as someone mentioned this earlier too.
candi carter
good evening my queen take care yourself and the baby.Am rooting to neired and star billing be a champ. the ouner of blind luck is cold hearted and greed after the horse give him a multi million pay check and recognition never care and just get rid for money again what a greedy bussness man.the horse is always a victim with cold hearted ouner without the welfare of the after they cannot make to earn million dollars for them it’s so sad.
signofthetimes
@Barbara Woods
Thanks for info about mares at Old Friends. It seems
We always hear about the geldings and stallions.
signofthetimes
@Judy B
Thanks for the summary of Indian Tale.
I knew you were following her closely.
She has a wonderful pedigree, hope someone
Really nice claims her. I bet she could be a talent
In the right hands.
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny
Thanks for the great update on your friends.
Really can’t wait to see the run. They have two great
Sires. I love Nerid’s look. She is so very muscular
Like her sire. Hope you had a great day today in
The fall KY weather. Think about Our Mims as a
Charity. It is such a great charity.
XXXXOOOO
Susan in TN
Zenny- please thank Your John for the photos! I love the “behind the scenes” stuff. Congrats to your friends Nereid and
Star Billing for being invited to be in the QEII! Hooves crossed! Hope you and John get to visit. Love you, big girl <3
Susan in TN
Thank you to all for the great links, comments, jokes and general good cheer! Warm wishes to all!
Susan in TN
Chester’s and Chopper’s sheets and blankets came today, so we had a fitting and fashion show and they fit great and the boys look gorgeous! Their new children friends helped and much fun was had by all. :)
Diana S
@Dear Judy Berube: I am glad I was sitting down when I clicked on the link to the photo of Mike hugging Zenny. It would have dropped me to my knees. So very touching.
diastu in tempe
judy berube
Dear Diana:
It’s a beautiful thing to see. Hugs, JB