Happy Friday to ALL!
I so hope all of you are well…and our friends who needed some of our ‘special thoughts’ earlier this week are doing better!
Recently, I have spent some time outdoors with Matt contemplating so many different things. On Saturday, BLACK CAVIAR is competing in the G2–Schweppes Stakes at Moonee Valley Racecourse. She is going for her 15th victory in a row…with the hope of becoming 15 for 15. Here’s wishing her a safe and successful trip! This is quite an accomplishment to achieve the first 14 victories…so all the best to her!
Then in America, we have some wonderful races taking place over the next few days. New York has their Showcase Day on Saturday. The Breeders’ Cup prep events are concluded and we are now gearing up for the Pre-Entries to be taken on Monday morning. It is getting quite exciting!
The majority of horses preparing to run in the World Championship races will probably have 2 more workouts before their BIG DAY! So much needs to be organized and planned in advance so each horse is RIGHT ON TARGET to do his/her best when competing in these events!
As for my dear pal, ZAZU, she will not be participating in the Ladies’ Classic this year. After she breezed the other morning, she had an inflammation in her right shoulder area. The proper tests were performed. It was discovered very quickly and she will be 100% soon. She simply needs some RNR at this time. Zazu will be out of her regular training routine for about 90 days. During that time, she will be hand-walked a couple times each day and enjoy a well-deserved and relaxing vacation.
We thoroughbred horses are athletes…no different than humans. Sometimes, we are not quite ourselves, for one reason or another. Fortunately, we have wonderful people around us who pick up on this very quickly…and the proper measures are taken to be sure we will be fine.
The technology today is also at such a high level. The veterinarians and vet hospitals have machines that can evaluate the different parts of a horse’s body to see exactly what is going on with specific bones and muscles. The level of sensitivity that these machines can analyze and detail is quite amazing. The constant growth and progress in this aspect of the industry truly amazes ME!
Relax and have a fun weekend! As for ME, I’m resting up for MY PARTY. It takes place exactly 2 weeks from today!
With Love,
Hugs to All,
Z
Kendra
Oops forgot to tell you one more thing. When we stopped at Ashford Stud, now Coolmore America, turns out their breeding shed manager is the Irishman that stands with Grand Slam in the Disney movie, “Dreamer”.
Phyllis James
So sorry to hear about Zazu. One good thing is that she has good owners and a good trainer who will let her have the time she needs.
Kendra
I so wanted to see Bernardini, but most of Darley’s stallions had been shuttled to other countries for our winter when I was visiting Lexington. The Darley Tour Guide understood that we were Zenyatta fans so she showed us where Zenyatta and Bernardini had their dates. I imagine that is also where Street Cry and Vertigineux met this year. Each farm had their own routine in the breeding shed and it was interesting to hear the different precautions taken. Most of the farms filmed the breeding process, though Claiborne did not. If you visit Lexington, be sure to take the Thoroughbred Training Center Tour. Well worth the money.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z,
Happy Saturday. Hope all is well with you and TT. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Signofthetimes:
Thanks for the update on Rosie N. Wish her the best. Hugs, JB
eveline
@ Signofthetimes – Rapid Redux is entered in the 6th race in Laurel Park on thursday. posttime 3.37 EST.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Anne from Paramount, CA:
Is Rightful Image ready to run again? Hope he’s all recovered. He has some good company. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Gloria Jean:
Adorable photos of the mare and her foal. Thank you. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki B.:
Carolsel sounds wonderful. We grew up near a beautiful one designed by Charles Looff. It was in an amusement Park called Crescent Park. Had all unusual animals as well as horses. Of course, it didn’t have Z, Giacamo or Tiago. It has been restored and is still operating, although Crescent Park was closed long ago. Funny redneck joke. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kimberly Potter:
Making wonderful memories. Enjoy them. Hugs, JB
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
After watching the special you tube video on Secretariat – thank you Dawn I saw this short one. A visitor to the farm took what ended up being the last footage of him before he had to be euthanized due to laminitis. It is quite touching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oyQPvoXMvs&feature=related
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Diana S.:
So sorry to hear of your Aunt’s passing. Hugs to you and your family, Judy and Russ
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kennedy’s in San Diego:
Wow, that was quite an article on breeding from Lane’s End. They really run it like an assembly line. Very interesting. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Don’t know if anyone posted this previously, but here’s a video of Black Caviar winning No. 15. Hugs, JB
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/10/22/black-caviar-extends-winning-streak-to-15.aspx
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sharon in Seattle:
Good to hear from you. Great memories you have of seeing Z at Oaklawn. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail from Montreal:
Thank you for the links to Sonic Blast and Black Caviar. Sonic has such unusual face markings. He’s very striking. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Oop, Sorry meant Scenic Blast. Guess I was thinking of rockets. Ha,ha. Hugs, JB
eveline
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65713/rapid-redux-looks-to-tie-record-next-week
christine from Va
Just watched you again in your Breeders Cup Race and it was again a thrill. YOU ARE AMAZING and still are.
Now that I have a smile on my face I can go off to sleep.
Have a great Sunday Girl Take care mom
Debbie G/Kentucky
@Diana S – I’m so sorry about the loss of your beloved Auntie Helen.
@Judy Berube and Doreen – Thanks for the links to the Black Caviar video. I forgot to set my DVR up last night, but I knew one of my fellow Z’sters would have the link on here.
@Deborah Richman – Congratulations on your new grandson!
signofthetimes
@Eveline
Thanks for the link on Rapid Redux. I’ll be watching
This talented horse.
Trina Nagele
Filling in for Terry Crow: On the radio this morning, I heard a country song called “It’s hard to kiss the lips at night that chew your a_ _ out all day long!” -–written by Vince Gill (based on an idea of his dad’s!).
@Terry Crow—Hope you’re OK and will be back soon. Are you up for the projected carousel / LA Zoo get-together?
@Dawn—Thanks for the Secretariat documentary link!
@Anne and Rod of Paramount—Oh, that Rightful! I hope he gets a little more Grateful and Respectful! LOL
@Signofthetimes—Thanks for the link to the TV coverage of the Breeders’ Cup.
@Delrene—Thanks for the additional Secretariat footage.
signofthetimes
@Kendra
Thanks for sharing you experiences with KY
Visits.
signofthetimes
Twirling Candy retired to stud at LE with his Sire.
Mary Copelin
DIANA S- So sorry to hear of your Auntie Helen’s passing. Prayers to you and her.
Mary Copelin
What great news about Rosie! It has taken her so much effort to get back to racing. She is an excellent jockey.
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
Sincere condolences on the loss of your Auntie. Truly must have lived a wonderful life.
I also read there is a Secretariat Festival held every year in Paris , Kentucky. It really sounds like lots of fun. I was reading the blog from Old Friends and then went to Secretariat. The event sounds like lots of fun and great exhibits, this time one of Secretariat’s daughters.
Zenyatta – I’ll bet you are getting excited about your party. What girl wouldn’t? I will be there in spirit and look forward to DVR’ing the complete Breeder’s Cup event. Hope your weekend is fun with lots of girly time with TT.
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
Terrific article by Steve Haskins about how the girls are really taking over!!!
go girl powerhttp://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2011/10/22/girls-gone-wild.aspx
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
Sorry, I couldn’t get it work this time, but it’s at Bloodhorse.com
Vicki B.
@eveline – I Loved the story-vid of the 101 yr. old cowgirl (who doesn’t care for the term). Thanks for the link! My 101-yr. old aunt certainly wasn’t doing ANYTHING like that at the same age. Just shows the difference, if you keep active all your life.