Good Morning,
This is going to be one FUN yet BUSY WEEK! This morning entries are being taken for both days of OUR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. A very specific procedure must be followed. Every trainer is to formally enter each horse for the specific race he / she is participating in by 10 a.m. Eastern Time. The final entry fees must be paid and the jockey named.
MY JOHN went to the Racing Office right after his horses trained this morning and did his entries. YEAH, JOHN!
When entries close at 10 a.m. Eastern, the Racing Office officials then prepare the paperwork for each race in relation to the post-position draw. This is going to be televised on HRTV at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. Once the post positions are finalized, the Racing Form, the professional handicappers, and all publicity sources will be able to compile the information for the public. Official programs will be printed….and WE ARE OFF TO THE RACES!
One of the many wonderful things that happens in our industry is the RACING WORLD is like one big family. Often when you travel for certain events, you see many familiar faces.
That is exactly what happened this morning. MY JOHN walked into the Breeders’ Cup offices to place his entries and there working the phones was TOM ROBBINS. I know Tom quite well. He is the The Executive Vice President: Racing and Industry Relations/Racing Secretary for Del Mar Race Track. He used to come by and see ME all of the time when I was at Del Mar to run in the Clement Hirsch each year. Officials from several tracks pitch in to help out. They ALL want everything to run smoothly and be as special as possible for the FANS and ALL participating in these events.
They do a wonderful job!
I must also say, I am getting very excited about MY PARTY. IT IS THIS FRIDAY! MY TEAM has ordered a ‘party present’ for all who are attending. I hear they are TOO CUTE! Then Leonard was telling Dottie that the artists who have worked on MY SPECIAL PAINTING and mini-collectibles of ME will be attending the party to meet with the guests as well.
THE ZENYATTA, a Z drink, will also be introduced. I have always been a Guinness person myself (except now I am being SO GOOD while in-foal)…but I have heard that humans like other types of ‘adult beverages’. This one has apparently been developed and named for ME! I’ve heard about the ingredients and have seen a photo of what it will look like in a glass…but it will be interesting to see how all of you like it! HOOVES CROSSED! I’m requesting an adaptation be made ‘for children’ as well.
The horses from Europe arrived at Churchill Downs over the weekend. They are presently in Quarantine for the required amount of time by legal standards and will be back to the track very soon. It is all so well-planned and organized by everyone who works with these horses.
GOLDIKOVA is on the grounds and I’ve heard she looks fabulous. What a lovely, lovely accomplished horse!
Enjoy your week and ALL of the great racing updates from TV, on-line, and in print! THIS IS SO MUCH FUN!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Jeanie–and if you check the pedigreequery site, it says her mom was saved from slaughter the day Burning Lady broke her maiden in July 2010.
Here’s the link for you:
http://www.purethoughtshorserescue.com/index.php
Katie
Beautiful, beautiful Zenyatta! I so wish I could go to your party! I hope that everyone who is able to go has a wonderful time! I love you girlie!
Jeanie
@Barbara Wood
I saw that Barbara.Just shameful. What can you say…so we must save her daughter as well. Let’s get Burning Lady to safety!
Abigail from Montreal
Good evening one & all from cold (but no-snow-yet!) Montreal. Hello there big girl, baby bundle & Dottie.
Methinks we’re in for endless postings here re: Zen-Dottie’s “have a great week!” so I’m trying to get in here early-ish for my first post! I’m sure it’s just terrific for all of the “horse people” to come together once a year at the Breeders’ Cup — it’s just the same at our annual teachers’ conference here in Montreal. And Breeders’ Cup has always been one of my favourite weeks of the North American horse-racing season. I love EVERYTHING about it from the press releases to watching the morning works to the post position draw to reading the DRF & TDN!!!!!! Then I settle in for Friday & Saturday with super snacks and some wine, my big comfy quilt and the kitties, of course, to see all the year’s 4-legged luminaries (or at least most of them) running on heart. I do wish that I had the Zenny drink recipe in advance, though….just to make sure I have all the ingredients in stock! And BOY — this is going to be PURE FUN for my fellow Zen-sters, both the ones meeting in Kentucky and those of us meeting in our very own Zen Room here!
@ Linda in NJ & Anna M: Happy Birthday! How great to be celebrating with the likes of Goldikova, Uncle Mo, HDG, So You Think, To Honour & Serve et al. this week AND on Saturday!
@ The Kennedys: loved your account of your Hallow-Fun party and Zenny’s costume!
@ Judy Berube: Glad to hear from you and to know that you’re getting some home support next week. Thinking of you!
@ Trina & JAG: Thank you for the Carousel clip. ADORABLE!
@ Jeanie re: Omaha: I can’t believe what great progress you’ve made in such a short time. Interesting, too, that like Noor one of the biggest issues is researching the exact WHERE of Omaha’s remains. I really admire your dedication enormously!
@ ALL — IMPORTANTLY — Am I wrong or was our KARI also planning to go to Kentucky? If I’m right, and if she might not be able to make it, could one of you DUMPLINGS pick up goodies for her at Zen’s party & etc? What do you think?
@ ALL: I posted late on the previous weekend diary that THE VAULT is celebrating the Breeders Cup with 3 “imagine if…” articles that focus on some of the great horses of the past. The first is a “Fantasy BC Turf Classic” with great photos & live video. I posted it last evening. Next will be a Fantasy BC Ladies Classic (up on Wednesday) and Friday morning (I hope!) there should be a Fantasy BC Classic. ENJOY!!!
http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2011/10/30/breeders-cup-fantasy-1-the-turf-classic/
sharon in seattle
I do have a few favorites for the BC races, but I just want EVERY horse and jockey to make it to the finish line safe and sound.
signofthetimes
Update on BCC 2011 post positions, should be a great race for all of the Dumplings going and spending time in Zenny’s box.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65907/classic-draw-sets-strategy-in-motion
signofthetimes
Goldi draw post 1, for the BC mile.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65903/goldikova-draws-post-1-in-quest-for-4th-mile
Rosemary McCauley - Southern California
I believe I am the first California Dumpling to ride carousel Zenyatta (after Mrs. Moss, of course) last Saturday, October 29.
signofthetimes
Update on Shackelford and his draw post postion 2 in the Dirt Mile:
Good Luck Shack !!!!
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65898/shackleford-draws-post-2-for-dirt-mile
old horse lover
Let us have the recipe for the ZENYATTA.So those of us at home can enjoy it too andraise a glass to you whenever we fell the need
signofthetimes
@ Terry Crow, gypsy for now.
You may be a Texas redneck if you think Sherlock Holmes is a housing project in Houston.
You may be a Texas redneck if you think you got a set of matched luggage if you have two shopping bags from Nieman Marcus.
You may be a Texas redneck if you are stopped by a state trooper, he asks you if you have an ID? And you say, “Bout What?
Hope you get your computer fixed !!!!!
signofthetimes
Thanks to everyone who posted video of the LA Zoo’s new Carousel;
Where else would something so unique and different be by the CA.
Ann looks like she is having a great time on Zenyatta and Jerry is riding Giacamo. Love the very unique other animals. Such a generous offering from the Mosses and everyone else who sponsored the carousel.
Carole #42 Wisconsin
Zenyatta, Wish I could be at your party but I will be there in spirit…hope we get to see your collectibles and will they be available for purchase? Love to you and baby Z/B…kisses on your soft nose. XOXO
Heidi (Vallejo.Calif)
Hmmm, a Zenyatta drink? Interesting, I sure hope they share the recipe with us before the weekend so that we can gather all the ingredients before hand. I will be glued to the TV on both days and will put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door and turn the phone off.
I still can’t believe that it’s been a year already. Where has the time gone? That just means, that you’re DUE date is going to be amongst us very very soon and I can’t wait to see the Newest Dumpling!
Kathleen Kimber KC.MO
The sun is setting at the Horse Park and Cigar is in his paddock./
signofthetimes
Sorry above, posted article and not video of Larry Jones helmet cam galloping HDG, she can really move with that 200 lbs !!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEZoku0ALb8
signofthetimes
Breeders Cup Store link for those who are not going to BC and want rememberances
http://ntrastore.stores.yahoo.net/
Kathleen Kimber KC.MO
Well Zeny come Friday you will be The Hostess with the Mostest. What a wonderful day that will be. Love you on the carosel. You make the world go round sweet lady.
Kimberly Potter/Montana
@Rosemary McCauley~ love, Love, LOVE your story of riding our beloved Zenyatta…thanks for sharing.
@Linda in New Jersey~ Happy, Happy Birthday….and praying for a speedy recovery!
@Trina Nagele~ You never cease to amaze me Z’ster…such a beautiful poem for Linda in NJ.
@Kennedy’s in SD~ I want to come to one of your dinner parties!!!
@Daina Ryan~ I so loved your post…I believe in Zenyatta’s mind…she won that race…..and the hearts of the world. Thanks for sharing. :)
@Sharon in Seattle~ YES…above all else..let them ALL come home safe and sound!
Hugz
signofthetimes
Complete BC review of post positons and ODDS !!!
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65905/2011-breeders-cup-complete-entries-with-odds
signofthetimes
Union Rags a very talented 2 year old colt in BC Juvenile post drawing, lots of good talk about this talented mature beyond his years colt !!!
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65901/union-rags-draws-post-10-for-juvenile
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
My adorable Zenyatta, my tears are running down I fell very sad because is impossible for me to go to the breeder’s cup great party, maybe next time I can go to your next party.
I love you Ingrid.
@ Judy B, so glad he is better, hugs Ingrid.
signofthetimes
To all the Dumplings going to BC:
Have a wonderful time and enjoy “The Zenyatta” drink and all of the special tokens and experiences you will have with Zenny and all of her wonderful connections.
Safe trips to all the EQUINES in the BC !!!!!
signofthetimes
Go Goldi !!! GO GO GO !!!! You are the French Queen of the BCMile !!!!
signofthetimes
@ Alle in Texas
What a wonderful drink you shared with us !!!!
Sweet and potent !!!!! I will make some for BC days.
Debbie G/Kentucky
Hello Zenny. I’m getting so excited about your party! I am definitely going to have me a Z drink. I have no doubt that it will be good, whatever it is. Love you, big girl!!
@Barbara Wood – I just made a donation to Burning Lady.
@Sue Frederick – I’ll be looking for you at the Barbaro statue Friday!
@Judy Berube – I’m so glad that Russ is doing better and that you’re getting some help. You’re both still in my thoughts and prayers.
@Linda in NJ – Happy Birthday!!!
@Trina Nagele – Another beautiful poem.
Speaking of Trina, I got the nicest gift from her today! I don’t want to say what it is until the other two Zenyateers get theirs, but it’s something that will go perfectly with my Dumpling tag. No one will be able to miss the Three Zenyateers! Thank you Trina! You’re the best!!
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
@Rosemary- I just love that you got to ride Zenyatta. My time will come. I am so excited for all of you that get to attend the Z party on Friday. Soak it all up and tell us all. Bad timing on my part with family responsibilities, but I can live vicariously through all of you. Thanks to JAG and Trina for the great carousel video. Just too cute to see your human Dad riding Giacamo and your human Mom riding you!!!
and the drink sounds wonderful. Hope we get to hear all the ingredients and try one at home.
I share in the thoughts that ALL HORSES AND RIDERS come home safe and sound. You are all winners just by being there.
Take care all and Happy Halloween.
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny: Today is my birthday and I am so lucky Trina wrote such a very lovely and very creative poem in celebration of my special day! Trina, thank you for taking your time to do something so very nice for me! Your kindness and thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. I will treasure your poem forever. It is great!!!! You really pay attention to detail. Your talent is amazing!!!!
Zenny, as Trina mentioned in her poem, I will be watching the BC races on my new TV in HD. What do you think of that!! I am very excited for this Friday and Saturday to roll around. If there is a chance Zenny could you give us the ingredients for your special drink? That way for those of us that cannot make your party; it would be so much fun for all of us to all sign onto your site at a given date and time with your special drink in hand and send you a virtual toast! What do you think of that!!!! I love you Zenny!
@ The Kennedys in San Diego,
@ Barbara Wood
@ signofthetimes
@ Kimberly Potter/Montana
@ Abigail from Montreal
@ Dawn Conrad / Colorado
@ To any others I might have missed:
Thank you ALL for your birthday greetings and get-well wishes. I really appreciate it.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Debbie G/Kentucky–thank you more than I can say.
@all going to CD–please remember to give us a report on the “new and improved” KY Derby Museum. I haven’t been there since the flood. I loved it before, but I think they have added a lot. One thing that was simply amazing to me was that they had a starting gate you could walk through. It WAS claustrophobic. Very narrow for a horse.
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
Trina – You outdid yourself with Linda’s poem. Congratulations to you and Happy birthday Linda in NJ. – Recuperate quickly and enjoy the races on your new t.v.
got my Bloodhorse today and I love your picture with TT in he pasture. You look so relaxed.
I do worry about about the late racing time in the evening for the horses. I just don’t know enough about it, but since they are such early risers, I would think they are ready for their evening rest when they have to gear up for a huge race. And those lights? Last year I sure didn’t like how it looked. ( hate to be so negative, but wish it wasn’t so late) I know they have night racing at Hollywood Park, but it isn’t quite as cold here either…
Just thinking out loud…..