Happy Friday!
I sincerely hope the first week of 2012 has been a very good one for you, your friends and families! The NEW YEAR here at Lane’s End is off to a wonderful beginning. The weather in Lexington has really been rather pleasant. So far, it has been a much more mild winter than I experienced last year when arriving at my new home.
Dottie was teasing David this morning and asking…”What happened to the 7 degrees we were in last December?” It has not been anything like that to date. I must say TASTY and I are enjoying all of our time outdoors. It has rained a bit and that is terrific! The rain has provided ME with several fun opportunities to ‘roll and play in the mud’. Fortunately, Matt takes such great care of ME that I was ‘bathed and polished’ afterwards! He is such a GREAT SPORT! I am truly one fortunate horse to have so much personal attention!
Many of you are already keeping track of the time until MY BIG EVENT happens. Since it is so new to ME…and this is the first time I am experiencing all of the life changes with becoming a MOM…I am going day by day, taking great care of myself, eating right, and enjoying every moment!
We do have something very special to share with you today. Last November, when the video feed was being organized for my ZENYATTA BREEDERS’ CUP PARTY, I was able to meet MY PLUSHIE for the very first time. This PLUSHIE was created especially of ME for ME! I was able to see it… play with it… and ‘check it out’. What a thrill! I must say (BLUSH, BLUSH), I think they did an absolutely fabulous job capturing ME and ALL of my features! Purchase one here.
CAN YOU IMAGINE ME and A BABY ME?
The thought of having someone to nurture and care for is truly something to appreciate and look forward to in each of the coming months!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Have a fabulous weekend…and enjoy all of the good racing around the country!)
Z
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
My sweet special angel Z; Sunday early morning to my surprise here is what I have been waiting for: A plushie of you Zenyatta & baby z!!! I will cherish this through the rest of my years. Your plushie is the first I will sleep with since my childhood.
The weather has been mild in Wi., I am happy it is mild by you so you safely can run around with Tasty. I would love to see you with fresh mud. You would still look beautiful to me!!!!
Love this picture. I was at your party and watching you on the screen was just Too Cute, so thanks for putting the video here for all of us to see. I still need to see you some day.
love you with 2 kisses on your soft nose, one for baby z
Darlene Daniels
Good Morning all. With the exception of Karen Gogue, Vicki B, SalllyB, wake up you sleepy heads. I have a question to ask. Is there a book or DVD out there like TB’s 101 or Thorouhbred racing for Dummies, that anyone knows of. I feel like I like want to learn a lot more, This website is a priceless piece of information but in some ways is just opening more questions. Have a Happy Sunday and Happy Birthday to the late great Elvis. Trina, got a poem for him? That woud be great! Zenyatta, my angel. Do they ever play music for you and Tasty in the barn? I’m thinking if they played Elvis singing “Mama loved the roses” it might inspire your little ones to “run for the roses”. Love you my angel and Tasty too. Love to all. Darlene Daniels.
signofthetimes
I know there is so very much to learn; depending on what direction you want to go
in handicapping; just watching; breeding; owning etc…
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Darlene Daniels:
Your suggestion for Inspiration Music is TOO CUTE. Hugs, JB
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Donna Barton has written a book that is a “racing 101”. You can get it through Exclusively Equine, which is The Blood Horse’s store. It includes practical material that you usual “handicapping 101” type books do not, such as what to wear to teh track. It is not very expensive. I can’t think of the title right off hand, but it should be easy to find on the site.
Darlene Daniels
@signofthetimes, @judyberube, @lauraj in Cincinnati, Thank you for all of your responses. Laura I will definitely be looking up those and ordering. Thank you for your time and graciousness in responding to me.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
For you, Darlene, to commemorate Elvis’s birthday. I hope you don’t find it disrespectful—it’s heartfelt, believe me!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He’s the man with the velvet voice,
The King, by the people’s choice,
Who sang divinely with all his being.
To hear him was sheer bliss.
But we’ll also never forget seeing
How our handsome young Elvis
Could sexily roll that pelvis!
Darlene Daniels
Trina, you are SO talented. That was perfect. Thank you and I’m sure Elvis would have loved it too.
Darlene Daniels
Ok my first reply did not show up so I am sending a repeat. Forgive me if they get duplicated some how.
Trina, you are SO talented. That was perfect. I loved it and I think Elvis would have loved it too. And of cource no disrespect was taken. Thank You!!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Make that “rock and roll that pelvis!”
Abigail from Montreal
@ signofthetimes: Here’s another try @ the Discreet Dancer footage:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66859/discreet-dancer-impressive-in-gulfstream-test
@ ALL: Great news that Zenny’s special friend, Steve Haskin, won the Eclipse Award for his blog, Hangin’ With Haskin!!!!
@Darlene: Thinking about your question. I have a pretty decent thoroughbred library & will take a look and get back to you later.
Happy Sunday sweet Zenny & TT & babies-2B!!!!
signofthetimes
Great going for Steve Haskin’s !!!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof, Steve Haskin!
Heidi Kruckenberg (vallejo, ca)
Steve, we love you!! Congrats!
Abigail from Montreal
@ ALL: Just checking out yesterday’s racing and — WOW! — Discreet Cat had a second winner, Out of Bounds. Geez — what a handsome-looking colt, as is Discreet Dancer. We may be seeing the beginnings of another terrific sire!!! Here’s Out of Bounds winning the Sham Stakes from the favourite, Secret Circle:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66858/out-of-bounds-reaches-late-for-sham-upset
ALSO just caught Alpha’s win. Another super effort from this colt! I guess he got Bernie’s courageous heart.
signofthetimes
Great race, only one I saw yesterday. Love Johnny
V’s comments, thought he was going to win after
Rounding the turn; he had to get after him and get
Him focused to win. So very amazing these baby’s
Can go fast and win!!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail from Montreal:
Thank you for the video links on Discreet Dancer and Out of Bounds. They’re both beautiful and talented. Discreet Cat just pulled away from the field and Out of Bounds was so impressive going from the rail to the outside to win. I think you’re right about Discreet Cat maybe following in Bernie’s footsteps as a Sire. Hugs, JB
Sunny Boyd
What is a Permalink
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Permalink
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks for this link, but I’m afraid I still don’t “get it” in regard to how it would be used on this website.
Sandy
Hi Sandy ;) I’m pretty sure these are permalinks to each comment. So if you want to go back to your comment and view replies you can just save that link (and you don’t have to scroll to look for it).
Sunny Boyd
@Abi from Montreal
except he doesn’t know the difference between a horse having white legs or white socks. In one of his blogs about ‘Z’, one of the most photographed horses in recent history, he referred to her as having white legs. A true Faux Pas, if there ever was one and did not impress.
Terry Crow
I have been taken to task by one of my favorite people on this site for not extending invitations to join the club to more of our Canadian friends. The ones I know of are Cindy and Wiggy in Ottawa, Lynne Langille, Annette Reynolds and Linda. If any of you are interested, just let me know in a post and you will be added to the roster. @Rosemary McCauley, Denise in Az and Diana s, charter members of the Arizona/New Mexico chapter-You might be a redneck if you own more than five dress shirts with the sleeves cut off. @Debbie G, president of Kentucky chapter-You might be a redneck if you have fallen for the flaming bag trick on Halloween. @Stephanie in San Diego and Vicki B, members of the California chapter-You might be a redneck if you had to remove your Marlboro in order to kiss the groom. @Marshall, president of North Carolina chapter-You might be a redneck if you have relatives named Elmer or Jed. @Judy Berube, president of New England chapter-You might be a redneck if you think BMW is the call letters for a radio station. @signofthetimes, president of Texas chapter-You might be a redneck if you quit your job to avoid paying child support. @Darlene Daniels, president of Indiana chapter-You might be a redneck if you think Ernest is/was funny. @Sue Fredrick and Sally B, charter members of Wisconsin branch, presidency to be determined-You might be a redneck if your will states that all of your possessions are to be sold at auction. @Brenda S, president, and Abigail in Montreal, charter member of the Canadian chapter-You might be a redneck if you invented screen doors for submarines. @Susan in Tn and Kari Bussell-You might be a redneck if all of the art in your living room was purchased at gas stations.You might be a redneck if any of your hobbies involve a dog and a lantern. You might be a redneck if the highlight of your day is finding the prize in a Cracker Jacks box. You might be a redneck if your local funeral home has a neon sign in the window.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Uh, what is “the flaming bag trick on Halloween”? My uncle Elmer never told me about that. Ernest is NOT funny, and only some of the artwork in my house came from gas stations in the ’50s, but yes, a few times I was definitely excited by finding my Cracker Jack prize.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
I ,too, wonder about the “Flaming Bag trick” but am afraid to ask. After all, I was the one who thought “diastu in tempe” was a Latin phrase/motto!
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
You’re not alone, Barbara, so did I, but I was too afraid to admit it!!! LOL
Terry Crow
I am surprised that some of you are not familiar with the flaming bag trick. It works like this–Kids gather a lot of dog doo doo in a paper bag and put in on someone’s porch. The doorbell is then rung, and the bag is set on fire. If it works like it should, the person who answers the doorbell sees the bag on fire on the porch and stomps on it to put out the fire This Halloween stunt is from the same era as tipping over an outnhbouse. Vicki B-you may be only slightly redneck, y’now what I mean (Earnest).
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks for the enlightenment, Terry! Along with tipping an outhouse, my mom laughed when she told how in high school (~ 1930) some kids took the gym teacher’s wig while she was in the shower, and ran it up the flagpole. I thought it was more shocking & hurtful than funny, so yeah, I may not have inherited all of my family’s bountiful redneck genes.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Terry C.:
Funny, as usual. Thank you. Hugs, JB
signofthetimes
Dear Terry,
Love the jokes today; all of them are great.
Thanks for keeping us laughing.
Darlene Daniels
What you mean Earnest wasnt funny?? Hey, are you a redneck if you still have a chianti bottle with a candle in it?
Terry Crow
Darlene-Do you have a friend named Vern?
Marty R / Colorado
A little story that really doesn’t have anything to do with anything, but here goes.
At Arapahoe Park, my local racetrack, I plant myself along the fence at the finish line when the post parade for a race begins. Last year at a quarter horse race the last horse had been ponied to turn to head to the starting gate when the man next to me said, “That’s my horse”. Of course, I told him how good looking she was ( aren’t they all ?). I said, “Let me check my program”. She had one of those strung together names that ended in Queen. I asked him what he called her and he told me “Queen” or “Queenie”. Then I looked at the program for the owner and that’s when I chuckled to myself. I said “You’re Mike Smith”? and he told me he was. I thought to myself there was another Mike Smith and his Queen.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marty R/Colorado:
Loved your story of the other Mike Smith and his Queen. Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Great story, Marty R. Thanks for sharing!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Eblouissante worked this morning — 4 furlongs in 50:60 Handily.
Past the Grandstand
Awww! I remember watching this live while at your party and grinning from ear to ear. And by the way, the picture by John took my breath away. You are so beautiful, Zenyatta! Love you!
Terry Crow
Past the Grandstand-Now that I am familiar with your background, I look forward to more of your posts. Racing cannot have enough young fans.
Cynthia H./Santa Anita Girl
@Terry Crow: I apologize for the lateness of my reply to one of your posts. I am so far behind on Diary-reading that I will not pretend that I will ever catch-up. I will preface my remarks regarding the placement of George Woolf’s statue at Santa Anita with this excerpt from Laura Hillenbrand’s masterful biography on the great Seabiscuit:
“Woolf’s handsome face looked out across Santa Anita once again. He stood just as he always had in life, hand on hip, chin up, radiating insouciance, the kangaroo-leather saddle over his arm. His gaze fell to the east end of the paddock and rested on the life-sized bronze image of Seabiscuit that Howard had placed there.
‘George Woolf is at Santa Anita, there near the paddock, facing (sculptor Tex) Wheeler’s magnificent figure of Seabiscuit,’ wrote the THOROUGHBRED TIMES’s Jack Shettlesworth. ‘He’ll be there as long as Santa Anita stands. Santa Anita will be there as long as people feel anything about anything in racing.'”
Today, George Woolf stands on the fringe of the west end of the paddock, his face surveying the south parking lot, with his back turned towards the splendid replca of his beloved fellow warrior.
Management—please take note!
Terry Crow
Cynthia H-Thank you for the excerpt from Ms. Hillenbrand’s book. I remember that when I read that quote I became slightly choked up. Words for SA management to live by indeed. Hope that the powers that be rectify the situation. I knew I could depend on you to give the straight stuff about this.
Karen Gogue
I could not agree more with Terry and Cynthia – thank you Cynthia for posting that about the George Woolf statue at SA. Imagine my surprise when I went up to visit jockey Jerry Lambert before Christmas, and there hanging on his wall was one of Woolf’s famous saddles. It was one Woolf used while riding down at Agua Caliente race course. Jerry Lambert rode and won on Rey Tuerto II in the George Woolf Handicap Feb. 18, 1968 at Caliente. Jerry has an engraved gold plate inscribed on the saddle. I am so glad I took a photo of it while there. Indeed, the Woolf statue should be placed back with Seabiscuit, IMO.
Terry Crow
If Jerry Lambert makes the Hall of Fame, as he should, it will be because of the efforts of Karen Gogue and Charlotte Farmer. Kudos to both of you. Lambert was a hero of mine when I was young and I remain an admirer today.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
It seems outrageous, that they could let this happen! I mean the place is their bread and butter!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Dear Cynthia,
Thanks so much for this passage. I lend my voice to the protests above calling for the management at Santa Anita to rectify this travesty. High hoof to you!
Cynthia H./Santa Anita Girl
Barn 55 entry today at Santa Anita:
RACE 6 #11 SPRING BLOOM 3-year-old bay filly (After Market/Spring Festival, by Bertrando); owned by Pam and Mary Wygod; trained by John Shirreffs; ridden by Mike Smith.
GO, BLOOMIE!
Anne from Paramount, CA
Hi Queen Z…it is great to return to YOU– and your plushie–made me giggle and giggle. Happy New Year to all dumplings. Due to circumstances way beyond our control (thief, apprehended and arrested; will not sully this site with details) it has been some time since I have talked to you , our QUEEN and everyone else. I will peruse recent diaries and get back to you! Had hoped to go to track today, but alas, did not. We were there on New Year’s Day–did not see any dumplings in my travels. Hope those of you who braved the 44,000+ opening day (!) had a fantastic time! :) , So nice to see you again, Z!!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Anne from Paramount:
Happy New Year to you. Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
Anne-Sorry about ylour trouble but glad to see you posting again.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
What a nightmare! We’re glad you’re safe and back with us.
signofthetimes
So glad your back.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
@Anne and Rod from Paramount—High hoof to your Rightful Image’s trainer for his first place finish with Caracortado at SA! I’m sorry to hear you weren’t there to see it, but so glad to see you posting!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z and Z Fans:
Happy Sunday to you. Love you and love to all of you, Judy and Russ
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
Dear Judy B, same to you, hugs to you and Russ, Ingrid.
sharon in seattle
Cigar is outside in his paddock — 12:50 PM PST
sharon in seattle
oops – now he’s moved out of camera range – 12:55 PM PST
JJ from MN
I was wondering of any of you have found the song about zenyatta on youtube yet. if not you should check it out. Its called zenyatta more than a racehorse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr4dD7v-Eqw
Denise Skladany
The song brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing. Loved it.
Max
Great video. Zenyatta is the best always. The pictures are fantastic.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks for that, I had not seen it before.
AJ from CA
JJ from MN – thanks for the link to “more than a racehorse” – she really does take your breath away, doesn’t she?
JJ from MN
Thanks you guys i thought it was a nice video and a good tribute to the Queen. Thought a lot of effort was put into for being over 7 min. I also liked the beat.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
GREAT SONG! Thanks, JJ from MN, so much for this link!
Darlene Daniels
Thank you so much. I just watched it. Had never heard of it before. It is great and I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Dear Zenyatta I hope you and Tasty enjoyed your outside time today. Just came in with the dogs. It is chilly. I just think how lucky we are to have this site and all because of YOU sweet girl. I loved the story of the Queen and the other Mike Smith. That is so cool. Have a Great night Zenyatta. I love you very much. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Marty R I loved the story
@ Anne I hope all is well :)
Karen Gogue
WOW! Scarface (Caracortado) atta boy! Congratulations, what a race, what a turn of foot! Zenny, it was like you flying down to the wire!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Karen G.:
Just watched the replay of the Daytona and Caracortado’s come from behind win (shades of Z). Amazing. Hugs, JB
Abigail from Montreal
@ Terry Crow: You are a RIOT, girl!!! (Normally the “redneck” talk gives us Canucks a bit of a rash….but I’m learning!!!!)
Trina Nagele in So Cal
OOPS, Terry Crow is a gentleman!
Karen Gogue
Zenny
I had a wonderful visit today with your sister Eblouissant. She was out grazing after her work and bath. I will post photos later and I will post the video as well – she loves your grass Zenny! She tasted your tree but went back to the grass – I must say she is a noisy muncher and loves pulling up the short turf! Looked like divots from a golf course!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Karen–what a lucky girl you are! Hugs.
Marshall (in NC)
Beautiful photos, Zenny! Very cute plush Zenyatta, too! Hope you and Tasty have had a nice weekend enjoying the outdoors.
@Susan in TN: Hope you are doing okay — have missed your posts. Take care!
@Terry Crow: Very funny redneck jokes! I intended to send this along last month, but alas, holiday time ran out! You might be a redneck if your spouse sends you to the store to get dip for the party and you come back with a can of snuff!
Everyone, have a good week!
Kari Bussell/Tn.
Hi Marshall! I love the joke. I always enjoy your post.
Terry Crow
Marshall-You have reaffirmed your status as President of the North Carolina chapter.
Karen Gogue
Some interesting facts on George Woolf and THE famous saddle. George Woolf was given the saddle by Phar Lap’s jockey. Woolf used Phar Lap’s saddle in every race that he rode Seabiscuit. When the auction of some of Woolf’s memorabilia took place at Woolf’s former restaurant, The Derby, the it is a little known fact that Laura Hillenbrand actually did buy the Kangaroo saddle. Here is one article:
http://www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/sports/racing/seabiscuitsale_072203/
Marty R / Colorado
Very interesting article and great picture of the saddle. It certainly looks different from the saddles used by jockeys today. I think the rest of the memorabila brought good prices as well. Thanks for the link.
Terry Crow
Karen-Thank you very much for your post. The article does not make it clear that Ms. Hillenbrand purchased the saddle. It is in good hands.
Darlene Daniels
Good morning to my angels Zenyatta and Tasty. I would like to shout out a big Thank You to Mother Nature for this wonderful mild weather we are having here in the midwest. I love it and I am sure Zenyatta and Tasty are too. Have a wonderful day everybody. Love to all.
Cynthia H./Santa Anita Girl
Thank you, everyone, for your interesting and kind comments regarding George Woolf, truly a bright light from our sport’s illustrious past.
George Woolf’s famous kangaroo saddle was given him by his good friend, Australian jockey Billy Elliot, regular rider of the immmortal Phar Lap, after Woolf won the 1932 Auga Caliente Handicap. Tragically, Phar Lap died shortly thereafter, under circumstances around which speculation and conjecture were to whirl for many years.
For the next 14 years, “The Iceman” considered Elliot’s gift to be his “good luck” saddle, and it was used during the famous match race between Seabiscuit and War Admiral, in which the doughty runt of an upstart from the West defeated the aristocratic impeccably-bred blueblood from the East. In a strange twist of fate, the saddle was not part of Woolf’s equipment on what was to be the final ride of his life, as he was a last-minute replacement on Please Me.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Stephanie in SD:
Did a lot of web searching to see if I could find out if Freedom’s Flight was one of the horses who played Joey in War Horse. According to the link below (toward the end of the article) it mentions that 14 horses played Joey in the movie. A Thoroughbred named Finders Key played Joey in most of the scenes and other horses were chosen to play Joey who most resembled Finders Key. Since Finders is not a Chestnut, I guess Freedom’s Flight didn’t get the role. I do hope that FF is enjoying the good life with someone who loves him. Hugs, JB
http://ilovehorses.net/blog/history-2/war-horse-and-those-amazing-equine-actors/
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Stephanie in SD:
Please forgive my stupidity. I checked for Freedom’s Flight in the wrong movie. The link below mentions two horses that played Secretariat in the movie. I have read that there were five horses cast to play him in the film, but can’t find the names of the other three. Couldn’t find a more detailed article. Hugs, JB
Pattie in Pickens, SC
I ordered my Zenyatta & Baby BeZe Plush :) They are available at SHOP at the top of this page and I noticed they are autographed by Dottie & John Shirreffs. I can’t wait to give mine a Big Hug & High Hoof !! LOL
MaryAnn Donahue
Too CUTE! You are absolutely adorable as you check out your Zenyatta & foal plushie. As others have noted, you are one in a million, a once in a lifetime horse. Good health and good fortune to you and yours during 2012. I will always love you and I do treasure getting to see you here. Thank you for all you do.