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
judy berube
Dear Susan in Tn:
What fun for all of you. Those boys must be so happy. Hugs,JB
Diana S
@Last Call for Z Dumpling Name Tags!
Now don’t panic everybody – it is the last call for people who are ACTUALLY GOING to Zenny’s Party. I want to be able to finish them and get them mailed out in time. Your snail mail address, the moniker or name you want on the tag (keep in mind the idea is to recognize Z Dumpling friends who POST HERE)sent to me at diastu46@gmail.com
As for the rest of us “outsiders”, I’ll do more tags for y’all later.
dia-working-fingers-to-the-bone-stu in tempe
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
Yes, Indian Tale does have a nice pedigree. Her Sire is Tale of the Cat out of Indy Power (a daughter of A.P. Indy). I was wrong about her only running in one Claiming race. Actually that was the second time she’s run for a claming price. She won a Claiming race at Saratoga. We’ll have to see who ends up training Mr. Dutrow’s horses. Maybe owners will want to stay in New York with different trainers. I wish the best for her and all the others. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Peggy (N):
Are you thinking of the Balance-Street Cry colt who was purchased by Japanese interests at the Keenland sale for $750,000.00? Hugs, JB
Diana S
@Peggy (N): WE are Blind Luck’s voice! In this instant electronic world, there is no hiding. We are watching. We will follow. Any bad behavior with this lovely and heroic mare guarantees bad publicity. Racing does not need any more viral bad publicity.
diastu in tempe NDO
judy berube
Dear Z,
Goodnight and Sweet Baby Dreams. We love you, Judy and Russ
quarterhossgal
Hi Queen Z…what great news, more visits with John and your family from Barn 55!
Regarding Blind Luck I am concerned about her future too. Here is a mare that ran her heart out, she is very much an over achiever! We can only pray that some owner like the Mosses will snap her up and treat her as the Champion she is!! JH
should be ashamed of himself after all BL did for him. She gave him everything she had and more.
Peggy (N)
@Diana S, yes, we definately are her voice everyone of us. That helps my feelings.
@Judy B, that might have been the one, I know I read about it in Bloodhorse.
@Quarterhossgal, yes we all have to pray very hard.
Roxi Cook
I am not sorry that Blind Luck is going to be taken to a Keeneland auction. It’s not like she’s going to wind up as Alpo; she’s looking at a life of luxury, probably just like Zenyatta’s life at Lane’s End. Perhaps there’s something wrong that for whatever reason cannot be publicly disclosed, and the very best thing is for her to retire young and sound. As far as Star Billing and Nereid racing this weekend, yikes, I also really like Winter Memories … guess I’ll have to go with a trifecta!
Re Rick Dutrow — he cannot step onto a New York racetrack, but he can continue training horses. He just can’t race them.
Delrene
I think Diana S (diastu in tempe) has hit the nail on the head. We ARE BLIND LUCK’S and the other’s voices. The Zen army of followers as to all things related to the care and welfare of the racing horse – and all things equine. I am absolutely positive there will be letters to the Editor of Bloodhorse Mag, Thoroughbred Times. All of us think (what, 90,000 and counting followers) care about what happens. That’s a huge number of outspoken people that will step up to the plate. We have to hope she will be sold to caring people, but all of us are watching this situation and other circumstances very carefully.
On another note, the Dave Letterman show with the segment on Tonk & Erin was so good. So inspirational. What a big boy! Today’s posts had so many wonderful links and comments. I have the ESPN noted on my calendar. Thanks to all , too numerous to mention. The picture of Mike and Z and Chris and Charismatic say everything good about the racing world. It is very sad to know that Chris is gone.
Good Luck Star Billing and Nereid!
Terri Z
Roxi Cook: The concern about selling a horse is that the horse will end up in Japan. And once there, if there are fertility issues, the horse can end up in the slaughterhouse. Such was the tragic ending of Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand.
He not only was a very talented stallion but a sweetheart as well. And who would want an animal to be exposed to radiation in Japan anyway?
Terri Z
JAG: A belated happy birthday. Sounds like you had a terrific celebration the Z dumplings in Santa Anita.
Thanks for quoting the Miami Herald. I live in Miami and they are one of the few newspapers that reguarly have a column on horseracing.
As you are involved with the Z supporters, is there an effort underway to support any of the other wonderful fillies and mares currently running? I know that Zenyatta would approve. Two wonderful examples of Girl Power are Harve de Grace and Awesome Feather. Awesome Feather is undefeated and has won her 7th race.
Harve de Grace’s sire, Saint Liam, won the Breeders Cup Classic. She is totally awesome. She resembles him physically and has his attitude. And she represents the memories of her and her sire’s connections. Saint Liam died tragically after only one breeding season due to a freak accident. His breeder, Edward Evans (who also bred Quality Road), also died last year from Leukemia. And she runs in the memory of Eight Belles who had the same owner and trainer. She runs like daddy and Eight Belles are whispering in each ear.
It seems that the Racing Gods and the spirits of her connections will make this year’s classic a very special event.
Elizabeth
Judy, Alex, and others who enjoyed seeing Fred Stone’s painting of Chris Antley and Charismatic, you are very welcome. More of his paintings can be seen on the artist’s website: http://www.fredstone.com/artist/index.html as well as his wonderful book, “The Racing Art of Fred Stone.” When we met him at Santa Anita in April, it was very cold for S. CA, but he graciously autographed all books and prints at his outdoor booth. In his book, he answered the question of why he painted that image, “Although he did not win, I felt very strongly that that I must paint it, to record for history this selfless act, this grand gesture.” In June, 2011, Christine Crocker of Santa Anita, wrote about the artist in “Thoroughbred Times” as an unsung hero to the horse racing community: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2011/06/28/unsung-heroes-fred-stone.aspx
>
Elizabeth in OR
Susan
Hi Z
I’m so excited…I’ll be at Keeneland on Saturday for the QEII! Wish it were you that was coming to run, but I’ll love seeing Nereid and Star Billing!
LauraJ
Good morning all. I was not going to weigh in on the Blind Luck situation, but some of you are getting way ahead of yourselves and suffering a lot of anxiety, unnecessarily IMO. Blind Luck is a champion and multiple Grade 1 winner. She will sell for a pretty penny, assuming she is not withdrawn from the sale. Her buyer(s), regardless of nationality or location, will be making a huge investment and will have every incentive to keep her happy and well. It’s possible that she will end up with someone who wants to continue racing her. It is also possible that one or more of her current connections will buy her—auctions can be used as a means to buy out other partners at a fair market price. Or maybe she doesn’t want to run anymore, and none of her current owners is interested in breeding. If that’s the case, then she is better off with someone who is a breeder.
–
Yes, there is a chance Blind Luck (or any of the other high-class mares being offered) could end up being sold to foreign interests. Yes, there is a chance the Japanese could buy her. They want to elevate the level of Japanese racing and are investing a lot in top-quality broodmares. But she is at no more risk in Japan than she would be in many other places, and potentially less. The farms in Hokkaido are top-notch (and they are NOT in the radiation-affected areas). Also, there are Japanese animal welfare advocates who look out for horses there. Frankly, there is no reason to single out Japan as a scary place where horses should not go. Yes, Ferdinand was slaughtered in Japan. But Exceller was slaughtered in Sweden. Our Mims was left to starve in Kentucky. And how many other, less famous horses right here in the good ole US of A have been neglected, abandoned, or sent to slaughter? Unfortunately, bad things can happen to a horse anywhere. That doesn’t mean bad things WILL happen. Meanwhile, we in the U.S. need to get our own house in order. As long as we’re still shipping horses to Canada and Mexico, as long as new “processing facilities” are slated to be built here, we have little room to criticize other countries. JMHO.
Barbara Wood
@Terri Z–yes, we love HDG and Awesome Feather too.
@Peggy (N)–I’ll report back after I talk with Old Friends.
@Laura J– your comments are always appreciated.
Rosemary McCauley
Good luck to Nereid and Star Billing this weekend. They are both very talented and glad to hear they will have good racing weather.
@D. Stuart – love the California Redneck jokes.
@Terry Crow (Director of Admissions) are we all in the same redneck club – I am in California but consider myself to be a “generic” breed of redneck. Will there be a redneck meeting in January to celebrate our national day? Here are some redneck definitions: Heavy Dew – phrase. A request for action. Usage: “Kin I heavy dew me a favor?”
D&C – Where Washington is. GI series – world series of military baseball.
Suzanne G
@LauraJ–as you say, the farms in Japan are beautiful and the web site is beautiful BUT I have not found a way to follow up on some of our star fillies and mares who are residing there. (Couldn’t find any email addresses or a ‘status’ link on the site.) An occasional column is written about Azeri but what about Ginger Punch, Dubai Majesty… To me that’s the issue with sending these girls to Japan-finding a way to follow them. Do you have any suggestions or does anyone else? Thanks very much, Suzanne G.
eveline
@ LauraJ- thank you so much for your explanation on Blind Luck. It was starting to really get to me. The filly is going to be just fine, she only cares where her next carrot comes from.
M. Kern
Thanks for the info Queen Z. Good luck to Nereid and Star Billing. Have fun with your friends and I love you!
eastcoastkid
@Judy Berube; I got “verklemfped” looking at Barbara’s Pix…some I had never seen before..Ann and Jerry Moss laughing and just looking at each other is priceless..wish more owner had their class…funny, whenever I see Z with Mario his is always looking at her, very infrequently is he ever looking away…amazing devotion…the pix with John, Zenyatta and Life is Sweet is adorable…too cute…the reality of her life is love…every pix with a human in it is a photo of unconditional love.
@Laura J…well said…Blind Luck is a champion and a prized broodmare now…she will be just fine
Rosemary McCauley
@LauraJ – well said, thoughtful and concise. I agree. What I find sad is that from an outside perspective, Blind Luck and St. Trinians are being “discarded” although their new owners will pay a pretty penny for them and they will likely (hopefully) live very good lives in the next stage of their careers. It seems to be when you own a racing champion – you would want to build your stable from that champion(s). However, I try to keep in mind that we haven’t heard from the owners and don’t know what prompted this decision to auction these two exceptional racemares. I’ll get off my soapbox now. Hard to do once I get started, though.
eveline
@ Susan in TN – I love clothes shopping for my boys and girls. Even my poor dog has a wardrobe. Looking forward to pictures on face-book.
Zenyen
@LauraJ
Very well stated, thank you.
.
@Suzanne G
With all due respect, the Mosses and Dottie have really spoiled us fans and perhaps it’s been forgotten that they are the exception, not the rule. We fans do not pay for the upkeep of breeding stock, we don’t bet on stud fees, we don’t pay money to go to the farms, the owners of these horses and the owners alone bear the financial burden of these horses and that makes it their own private business on how much access they will or will not give out on their property.
.
I’m sorry but this is starting to sound very, very intrusive into areas where we as fans don’t have much say in the matter.
.
As LauraJ has said, there are international watchdogs who keep an eye on top horses. Many sale contracts involve a ‘return’ clause and foreign owners are not blind to the concerns of the public. Alysheba was sent back to KHP when he was pensioned, yet we seem to forget this fact.
.
America is certainly no safe haven for horses, sad stories on this very blog have proven that time and again. These mares are the creme de la creme and they will be well cared for by whoever signs their seven figure ticket.
JAG / California :-)
@ ALL
I’m viewing the web cam located at the KHP (Hall of Champions) and it’s raining… 57 degrees. This isn’t far from Queen Mamma…
Judy
Terry Crow
Catching up on the posts. @Susan in TN-Pleased to see that Chester is having fun again. Kids and Horses, there is no better combination. @Diana S-Well said about Blind Luck. @signofthetimes-My daughter is a happy adult. At this point in time, I wish I was as happy as she. Agree that the Kennedys in San Diego are a valuable resource on California racing. It is also a fact that you couldn’t meet nicer people. @Judy Berube-It is up to you to recruit your cousins as members of the NE Chapter of the Redneck Club. They should be honored. @signofthetimes-It is a shame that Chris Antley could not save himself from whatever demons were in his head. A tragic loss. @Brenda S-Do you think there should be a Canadian division of the redneck club? @Trina Nagele-Praise from our resident poet is praise indeed. You are correct. Communication can be a problem. @Rosemary McCauley-You are correct, we are all members of the national redneck club. But, if some feel especially attached to geographical locations, I am not opposed to regional chapters. Of course, all dues are to be paid to the national chapter. Since you have spent some time in Arizona, would you be willing to accept Diana S as Arizona/California president? You also have the credentials. Your latest jokes are certainly redneck enough. January 27 is still a day of celebration for ALL rednecks. @Diana S, Denise in AZ and Rosemary McCauley-You might be an Arizona/California redneck if your primary income involves manure. @Judy Berube, NE president-You might be a redneck if your daughter got married before you did. @Susan in TN and Kari Bussell-You might be a redneck if your coat of arms includes a tire iron. You might be a redneck if your chili’s secret ingredient comes from a bait shop. You might be a redneck if your sewage system consists of a pipe down the hillside. You might be a redneck if your dog has ever brought home something that you cooked for dinner. Will post a joke later.
Shari Voltz
Dear Zenyatta Good Afternoon. Long day today with Parent Teacher Conference until 8:45. I hope you have a great day my sweetie. Tell Tasty T hi. I love you so much. I am sending you many Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Terri Z My class and I are supporting a Beautiful Girl named Mistletoe. I think Z would approve. Madame Mistletoe is not as big as some of the others but to us she is a STAR!! We all love her in Homeroom 215. We are following her and her racing pals :) RUN MISTLETOE RUN!!!!!!!!
Rosemary McCauley
@Terry Crow – oh, my gosh, I’m still laughing at “manure income” joke. I nominate Diana S. as Arizona/California president.
Terri Z
We are indeed so fortunate to have this opportunity to get updates on Queen Z in this blog donated by the Mosses and written by Dottie. This is the first time that this has ever been done for a mare. I never see any information about the other fillies or mares that I love who have gone into retirement.
The Mosses have started a revolution. Filles and mares were often seen as second rate and never as good as the boys.
It looks like we are having a world-wide femanist movement by female equine athletes. I wonder what these girls are saying to each other?
It’s interesting that when Zenyatta arrived at Oaklawn Park, the other horses knew that the queen had arrived. Even Joe Drape, the NY Times sports columnist, had witnessed it.
Incidentally, thanks for information about Mistletoe (from Shari Voltz). I will try to watch out for her.
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Terry Crow — Thank you, Terry. We feel the same about you.