Happy Wednesday to ALL!
It is amazing that in our horse racing world…things really do not stop. Amidst all of the holiday activities, we still have to plan for the future and get everything ready to begin one of the biggest race meets of the year in our industry…”SANTA ANITA–THE GREAT RACE PLACE”!
During the current week, there is NO live thoroughbred racing in California. It is a bit of a breather in that regard for everyone. The day to day work, though, continues. This morning, ENTRIES will be taken for Santa Anita’s Opening Day! This means that the Racing Office will be getting the RACE CARD organized for December 26th. So many tasks must be completed in advance to make all of this information available to the Racing Fans.
This morning, trainers will enter their horses to run on opening day. When they have the ‘fields created’, the race card will be put together for that day. This information is then sent out to the Daily Racing Form and various other publications so all of these facts and details can be shared with you, the FANS.
The data for the programs is then compiled so they can be printed and ready to go as soon as the gates open at 10:00 that morning.
Entries are normally taken ‘at least’ 48 hours in advance. This is true of all race tracks around the country. In California, it is often done 72 hours out. This gives all of the different offices the time required to complete their tasks. The goal of all of this is for the racing public to have as much information as possible when doing their handicapping and making their race day selections.
Such FUN!
It does amaze ME, though, how in all walks of life so much goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to make everything work perfectly. Last night, when MY JOHN and Dottie were walking SOPHIE at Santa Anita, the crews were doing TEST RUNS on the tote boards and the new infield video BOARD to be sure all would be working without a glitch. They have also installed new state-of-the-art VIDEO BOARDS out by the paddock…all to make the racing experience for the fans the BEST IT CAN BE!
From what MY JOHN and Dottie saw last night…these boards are really high-tech!
I must say, I DID LOVE RUNNING AT SANTA ANITA! It will always hold a very special place in my heart, for sure!
Have a wonderful day!
With Love,
Hugs to All~ (Especially Trina Nagele…for the beautiful Anniversary Poem she wrote for MY JOHN and Dottie…Thank you SO MUCH!)
Z
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Thanks lots Zenyatta (and of course you too, Dottie, love ya), for explaining the race card process and all that goes into getting it all together. There truly are so many procedures that go into making the races a successful and enjoyable event. And have to admit, I am sure looking forward to the opening of Santa Anita! Missing the California racing this week, but it is nice for everyone there though, to have a break from the actual racing, even though they still are pretty busy each and every day. Life at the track goes on day after day, no matter what. You take care Zenyatta and enjoy each & every moment. Love you more than ever and you make me happy and smile each and every day.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dearest Z–your 2nd Christmas at LE. I can’t believe it. I love that you are happy there and have such a dear BFF in Tasty.
@Cynthia H.–thank you.
@JAG–so sorry for your dear friend’s illness.Sending prayers.
#DMCQ–your technologiacal skills are to be envied. I can barely (if at all) navigate FB. Thank you for the help for Georgia.
What a wonderful online family we have.
Lucky CA Dumplings + 1 AZ redneck–have fun next week!
@Terry Crow–love the jokes always.
Kelly-Allentown,Pa
Love you Zenyatta! ^-^
WILD HORSES
Love Ya Big Mama Z. You’re the bomb!!!!!!!!!!! Lori
Delrene from Carlsbad - (California)
Oh my gosh, I’m so bummed I cannot come the day after Christmas. What a fun event….. ladies and gents have an absolute ball and I will be there in spirit and on some of the other days, but just can’t make that one.
@TRINA- You have reached a new level in that wonderful heartfelt poem for John and Dottie. You are a treasure and so very talented. I’m so happy, that my son is home for two weeks ( in Mo) before he has to return to Afghanistan. I have been crying lots this a.m. just with the emotion of knowing he is home if only for awhile. I know my beautiful grandkids and their Mom are so happy. I’m just happy he is on U.S. soil. Love to all and we ( my friend and I ) are looking forward to the Equestfest and hopefully a Santa Anita day that weekend.
Love to all
Jamie
I took my granddaughter to Santa Anita’s opening day last year… We had a BLAST!! Can’t wait to see the new stuff. Thanks for the update. Stay warm and safe. Hugs and kisses to Zenny and Tasty.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Celeste from #401, who said she “doesn’t post often”—Are you the Celeste who has a birthday around this time? Has it passed already? Waiting to hear from you… You can also e-mail me at trinambn@yahoo.com
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Delrene—Congratulations on having your son “home” for the holidays–even if he is half the country away! I so wish he didn’t have to return to Afghanistan. Please give him all the best from me and the other Z-sters who know him through your posts.
bill
Happy Holidays to the Zenyatta family!
Sally B. (Wi)
@Sharon Call; that video I linked on was just adorable (post400?) thanks
@Peggy (n) I have missing a lot lately reading comments. I sure hope you are well!
@all; my computer is playing games. I think I should take this opportunity to thank all of you on this post for the most interesting,enjoyable year . May each one of you enjoy these upcoming days with love of family (including your animals) and friends and continued good health in the New Year.
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
Yes, Santa Anita is a beautiful racetrack, is a shame that TVG does not show the races there, I do not like to bet blind.
Trina Nagele she is a very special person.
And you are a very special horse, love you Ingrid.
sharon in seattle
@Carol Weinstein – we must have been a few feet from each other that Nov 7, 2009!! Being so close to Zenyatta was one of the great thrills of my life!
PatB from NM
It was so obvious you loved racing at SA–and we loved watching you! I saw your John interviewed in 2009 on TV by your side, saying, when asked about you and your gifts, “Zenyatta is Zenyatta.” How well we all learned what that means, as we grew to know you and love you and watch you tear by those boys in the BC Classic that year. It’s been a great experience to hitch a ride on your star. You are a gift to the universe. Love you always, Z.
Sally B. (Wi)
@Terry Crow, I think a pig should be left in the pig pen as a referee to break us up if Sue F. gets too rough. I’ll just have to spit in her eyes with my chew! ha ha (I am sure having fun) I’ll need some moonshine before the match I think! ha If I am getting out of hand just let me know.
I do not want to ruin your redneck joke post.
@Sue Fredrick; Okay, I won’t wear shoes for this mud wrestling if you don’t. I do want to be completely fair. After all, your balance may be a little off as when you stepped in and fell out of a canoe within several seconds!!ha ha
JAG ~ Queen Zenny's Auntie Judy (So. Califoria)
http://www.santaanita.com/content/2011-santa-anita-autumn-meet-pricing
Casey
I’ll be there on opening day with a few friends. And for the first time, I wont be coming with no sleep or going to work after. And, I’ll get to go again on the 29th! Already have my tickets for Photo Day- The only thing that would make it better, is if you were going to be there, Zenny. Well, maybe I”ll get to see your John and get some good photography feedback from him….. Merry Christmas, beautiful Queen
D Stuart
@All: This is a very quick – and clever – link to a greeting card for all of us from Sandy (Ohio) that she wanted to share. How’d she do that? Thank you Sandy!
http://www.msn.americangreetings.com/ecards/view.pd?i=448868338&m=1260&source=msne992
diastu in tempe
JAG ~ Queen Zenny's Auntie Judy (So. Califoria)
California Sire Bertrando Pensioned
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66665/california-sire-bertrando-pensioned
JAG ~ Queen Zenny's Auntie Judy (So. Califoria)
TVG to Televise 2012 Oaklawn Meet
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66672/tvg-to-televise-2012-oaklawn-meet
MARY
MERRY CHRISTMAS ZENYATTA…
Karen Gogue
Oh, Zenny, I love you more and more and more … Z Dumplings – I love you too – Zanta Hugz all!! Ho Ho Ho!
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Wow Zenny, Santa Anita sounds fabulous, wish I could fly out to California some day and visit all those tracks. Good luck to John on all his entries. I loved seeing your pics on the Bloodhorse you look like a mama to be for sure. Can’t wait.
@TERRY CROW hey, moonshine, never thought of that….sure would be appropriate, but would it go well with brats? Also January would be too cold we wouldn’t be wrestling in mud and I’d be wearing a snowmobile suit,course maybe that would be a good idea.
@DIANA S Veggie dogs, huh, well that sounds interesting, something for everybody….but having you come would be very special, I’d like to put a face to that brain. Hey, maybe you could be my second, or whatever they call that person that wipes off the blood, gives you a slug of water, wipes the mud off. Think about it.
@JAG on a more serious note so sorry to hear of your friend Lewis, will add him to my prayer list. I liked your thought on he and JH meeting at the Rainbow Bridge….so sweet.
Love you Z kisses on your nose
Karen Gogue
All
At least Santa Anita is allowing TV coverage of Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from HRTV….Check out your LOCAL TV stations for channel and station on SantaAnita.com …Yahoo! Long Beach area is channel 21 KVMD.
Dallas from Texas
Hi baby girl, I hope you had a wonderful day. Every time I think of Santa Anita, I obviously think of you. Will talk to you tomorrow baby girl.
@Trina Nagele, thank you again for the beautiful words in your poem.
Sally B. (Wi)
Sweetie Z; you always share with us such interesting info. I wish I could have watched you on the track at Santa Anita. Just happy I did experience being there with you at Oaklawn, the Breeders Cup 2010 and Keeneland. I am happy you have such wonderful memories. Wait until you become a mama; special memories too!!
I love you! 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Delrene–so glad your boy is back home for a while, and I wish he didn’t have to go back either! Sending hugs.
@Diana S–so glad you posted the link to Sandy from NE Ohio’s card. It is too cute!!
@Sally B/Sue Fredrick–you two are too funny! Maybe you could sign up for Mikey’s $1/day charity and sell tickets???
Sally B. (Wi)
@Jag & Stephanie; thanks for the link of Z on Bloodhorse. She is forever stunning. I hope Z delivers before or on her due date. I remember so well what it was like to be only one day late of my due date!! I do not want Z any more uncomfortable than she will naturally be.
Kathy B. (SoCal, FL)
Wow and all I have to do is get my Christmas shopping done! That certainly sounds like everyone is very busy with opening day fast approaching. Who actually prints the programs? Are there print shops at the tracks or do they use outside vendors? I’ve always wondered….but whoever it is they do a fantastic job! Merry Christmas Zenyatta!
Sally B. (Wi)
@Jag, I have said a prayer and will have Lewis C. in my thoughts. (Such bad news)
Sally B. (Wi)
@Barbara Wood; what is Mikey’s $1/day charity?ha