Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #366

The European Horses go to the track together at a special time each morning while at THE DOWNS. Photo by John Shirreffs

Good Morning,

We have all had a day to review the Breeders’ Cup pre-entries and the anticipated fields. It will be very interesting to follow the cross-entered horses as they finalize their racing plans.

The next step in the ENTRY process for the Championship EVENTS will take place on October 31st. This is the day when the connections formally ENTER their horse for a specific race and the final fees are paid by the owner. Fourteen horses will be accepted for the BODY of each field and 2 also-eligibles…if the race is over-subscribed.

To quote the Breeders’ Cup Horsemens’ Information Guide on the final entry options which might be considered on this day, “A horse will be permitted to enter 2 Breeders’ Cup Championships races under the following conditions: (i) the horse is eligible for both races; (ii) the races will be contested on different days; (iii) the pre-entry and entry fees are paid for both races; and (iv) neither race is oversubscribed. A horse may not double-enter Breeders’ Cup Championships races if the effect of such double entry is to exclude another horse from competing. A horse entered in two Championship races on different days may not compete on both days.”

“Scratch time for all Championships races to be contested on both Championship Friday and Championship Saturday will be 8:00 a.m. (EDT, Friday, November 4, 2011.”

Thus, a horse like GIO PONTI will have to decide the race he is competing in by the October 31st Entry dead-line. He has pre-entered for both the MILE and the CLASSIC. They both run on the same day…so his decision must be finalized on this entry date. The same would be true of SIDNEY’S CANDY who is cross-entered in the MILE DIRT and TURF…which both run on the same day.

So many details! It is always interesting to note how many things need to be properly taken care of to make these days go smoothly for all concerned.

Amidst all of these things, the horses and their connections need to travel to CHURCHILL DOWNS, settle in, and train forwardly for these special races.

The European contingent arrives in large groups on certain days and must immediately go to a Quarantine Barn area. These horses reside in this special area during their stay at Churchill Downs and train together at a special designated time each morning.

Other participating horses arrive from different racing jurisdictions on the various plane schedules each trainer is working with right now. In reality, so many detailed ‘safety procedures’ on so many specific levels are constantly initiated and followed by our industry for the benefit of all.

There is so much to think about right now!

With Love,
Hugs to All~(A special hug to our dear friend,Samantha, at this very difficult time…the loss of her beloved father, Mace.)
Z

Reader Interactions

175 Comments

  1. / Reply

    @Gloria Jeanne – Thanks for the link – HDG vs. Zenyatta. No question, Zenyatta is the Total Package.
    @Kathleen Kimber — While we love Goldikova, we will be rooting for Gio Ponti as well.
    @Dawn Conrad and Erin — Agree that Larry Jones is one of the good guys. Happy to see his success with HDG. Erin, moving that you still carry the EB Derby ticket.

  2. / Reply

    @Barbara Wood – Thank’s for thinking about me in the Colorado cold. It was pretty chilly and did snow on the mountain right behind my house, just rain lower down. I turned up the heat and cuddled up with my Bindi and Sassy in my big reading chair.

  4. / Reply

    Z like so many of us I look forward every day to reading your post. I am one of your many fans drawn into horse racing because of you. I like your posts about rules and races because it helps me learn more about the sport instead of focusing on just the Triple Crown like I used to do. Like someone earlier posted I will be watching the Breeders Cup with great excitement after learning more about the horses and how it all works. Our world needs champions who bring hope to people and shows them that anything is possible no matter how far back they may begin in life. I tell people there is a champion that fulfills that. Her name is Zenyatta.

  9. / Reply

    Good evening Ms. Zenny, Dottie & Zen Villagers:
    Interesting “insider” view of the preparation before next Nov. 4 & 5. Thanks Dottie! And a ZV (Zen Villager) — I think it was the Kennedys — mentioned a possibility of rain. This ALWAYS worries me, whether dirt or grass, but does anyone here remember George Washington — England’s beloved one — going down in the mud the same year Barbaro died? He was, of course, euthanized right there. While rain is a challenge for ALL of the horses, a horse like So You Think making his FIRST dirt start, in the rain……GEEZ! I do worry about that, let me tell you.
    @ JAG: THIS CAM IS SO NEAT!!! Who knew????? I’ve BOOKMARKED it. Thanks so much!
    @ Joyce in Vegas: Fascinating — and disturbing — news about Omaha. There was actually a point in time — a good 20 years ago I would think — where few even knew where he was buried. This disturbed me so deeply, I can’t even describe it. I own two original photos in a series of shots taken of Omaha with his Canadian jockey — clearly, they adored each other. One is posted on my Facebook page in Photos. (Just go to Abigail Anderson in FB, my photo is of Jericho, my dog and I’m in Montreal to see it. In fact, there are about 30 of my personal collection on FB, if any ZV’s are interested!) To continue: A few thoughts. If lime was used, it would be traceable in the soil even now. So that could be checked to verify this account. Too, you might try http://kdl.kyvl.org/ This is the Kentuckiana Digital Library & includes the Daily Racing Form, which you can use for further research (for free). it’s a GREAT site — DRF, old photos, the works! Hope this is useful.
    @ ZV=ALL. I have to agree with the Thoroughbred Times. Much as I love Havre de Grace and much as I admire Larry Jones, for her to take the Classic is a HUGE step up compared to our Zenny. Still, my heart rides with her. Such a gutsy filly! And re: Gio Ponti. Their decision reminds me of Steve Haskin, who has been insisting for some time now that Gio would make a great miler! However, a few months back, Steve also said that he thought Gio’s chances in the Classic this year were very good, given the field. But this was before O’Brien & company decided to bring So You Think & Dream Ahead (who is also a fine colt).
    LOVE TO ALL

  10. / Reply

    Dear Tony and Sue:
    Oh yes, it was. Once in a lifetime thrills; every one of her races. Hugs, JB

  11. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:
    I found this most beautiful poem site all about horses:http://www.angelfire.com/tx2/kidshorses/horsepoems.html

    Here is one of them (make sure you have tissues). Hugs, JB
    The Horse’s Prayer
    To thee, my master, I offer my prayer.

    Feed me, water and care for me,
    and, when the day’s work is done, provide me with
    shelter, a clean, dry bed and
    a stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.

    Always be kind to me.
    Your voice often means as much to me as the reins.
    Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more
    gladly and learn to love you.

    Do not jerk the reins, and do not whip me when going uphill.
    Never strike, beat, or kick me
    when I do not understand what you want,
    but give me a chance to understand you.
    Watch me, and if I fail to do your bidding,
    see if something is not wrong with my harness or feet.

    Do not check me so that I cannot have free use of my head.
    If you insist that I wear blinders,
    so that I cannot see behind me as it was intended I should,
    I pray you be careful that the blinders stand well out of my eyes.

    Do not overload me,
    or hitch me where water will drip on me.

    Keep me well shod.

    Examine my teeth when I do not eat; I may ahve an ulcerated tooth,
    and that, you know, is very painful.

    do not tie my head in an unnatural position,
    or take away my best defense against flies and
    mosquitoes by cutting off my tail.

    I cannot tell you when I am thirsty,
    so give me clean, cool water often.

    Save me, by all means in your power
    from that fatal disease – ganders.

    I cannot tell you in words when I am sick,
    so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition.

    Give me all possible shelter from the hot sun,
    and put a blanket on me, not when I am working,
    but when I am standing in the cold.
    Never put a frosty bit in my mouth;
    first warm it by holding it a moment in your hands.

    I try to carry you and your burden without a murmur,
    and wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night.

    Without the power to choose my shoes or path,
    I sometimes fall on hard pavement which I have often prayer
    might not be of wood but of
    such a nature as to give me safe and sure footing.

    Remember that I must be ready at any moment
    to lose my life in your service.

    And finally, OH MY MASTER,
    when my useful strength is gone,
    do not turn me out to starve or freeze,
    or sell me to some cruel owner,
    to be slowly tortured and starved to death;

    but do thou, My Master, take my life in the kindest ways,
    and your God will reward you here and hereafter.

    You will not consider me irreverent if I ask this
    in the name of HIM who was born in a stable.

    AMEN

  14. / Reply

    @ ERIN: How magnificent that you carry EB’s Derby ticket. More tears thinking about that horrible, horrible day. Big Brown aside, I adored Eight Belles and man, did she run down the field that day> What a great, great heart.

  15. / Reply

    Sending my best wishes and sympathy to Samantha-losing your father is a very difficult and saddening time in life, there is no one like a Dad!
    Thanks lots Zenyatta and Dottie for all the interesting information on the Breeders’ Cup rules and regulations and how things are done. I am learning so much from you and appreciate knowing.
    Wishing you the best and love yuo more and more Zenyatta as time passes on. Miss seeing you
    Love & Blessings

  16. / Reply

    Hello wonderful girl.
    I know a good name for your baby.
    FireStorm.
    This week no matter what race in the BC or what horses are mention of course your name comes up and a FIRESTORM insues.
    Love you lady

  17. / Reply

    @JAG” Thands for the web link. I had it years ago but never marked it. Now I can check everyday. Cigar was getting his nails done when I was there I was bawling like a baby when I saw I couldn’t believe I was actually touching him. He gave me a big swipe with his tongue what a kiss that was. I thought about never washing again. Guess he thought I needed a kiss I was just so happy I was there and previously had been setting at John Henry’s grave for a few moments. I left peppermints for JOhn. Gave all the boys mints and left some for there supper feed

  19. / Reply

    @ Abigail from Montreal, I do remember poor GW and what happened to him. He had been retired and went to Stud but sadly that did not work out. I am worried about So You Think, he has run (2) very difficult races in October!! Too many races so close together and having to travel to run in this Classic on Dirt???

  20. / Reply

    Thanks for the information Zenyatta! I am very exciting next Friday and Saturday. I am so happy they are celebrating you Zenyatta! Do you have any favorites in the races Zenyatta?

  21. / Reply

    @Dawn C – I didn’t want to use the s word yesterday but you got it – SNOW. Our temp is going down below zero tonight so I’m thankful that no precip is forecast. Stay warm and toasty Dawn.
    @ JAG – I have also bookmarked the KHP camera, thanks for the link.
    @ Judy B – What a tear jerker and oh so true. It should be mandatory reading for everyone who deals with horses.

  22. / Reply

    Good evening Zenyatta,
    yes, the plot thickens. I wonder why the European horses are quaranteened from the American horses, does this also effect the Canadian, if there are any, or if they came from the Americas/ Central, South?
    Yes, that was your world once, I bet you’re glad where you’re at though, now, paddock life has its advantages, too.
    Have a restful night and sweet dreams

  23. / Reply

    @Judy Berube~ Wow, what a fantastic poem. Unfortuntely, my tissue box was empty and I had to use my sweatshirt sleeve…I’m still sniffling…thanks for sharing. I just wish that the people the NEED to read it….would.
    @JAG~ thanks for the KHP cam…I bookmarked it too!

  24. / Reply

    Lovely Z, thanks sweetie for your wealth of knowledge. It sure is a busy time. Do the European horses need certain shots before coming to U.S. BC? Does keeping them in separate barns & training have something to do with health of other horses here? As you can see, it’s not easy being green; like me.
    I think of you all the time. I wish I had a soft stuffed plush Zenyatta horse to cuddle up with since I can not be with you. Bet I’d sleep better too!
    Sweet dreams Z. love & 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z

  25. / Reply

    @Abigail
    Thank you for nice comment. I recall how excited everyone was back then when EB broke the male barrier in The Derby. Her tragedy caused such confused outrage to cast blame on someone. This resulted in a wonderful and caring trainer Larry Jones to leave us for a while. It was no one’s fault but it lead to better improvements in track conditions. So incredibly ironic and right that Derby ticket brought me back to Larry and this great filly he and his connections truely care for.

  26. / Reply

    @Jeanie and Joyce — When I was at Old Friends this September, I mentioned Omaha. They wished me luck, but did not offer much advice. But I suppose it could not hurt to contact them.

  28. / Reply

    Dear Brenda S.:
    Yes, it should be on the registration forms when the foals are registered. Hugs, JB

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