Good Morning Everyone,
I hope you had a lovely weekend. Mine was perfect! I’m still elated over the fabulous JANUARY weather we are enjoying here in Kentucky. I understand from many of your comments that it is unseasonably warm in the rest of the country as well. Cheers to enjoying these “warm” moments!
Today marks the beginning of the “JANUARY HORSES OF ALL AGES SALE” at Keeneland. It is the first thoroughbred ‘auction’ of 2012 and it will take place for the next 4 days. It offers horses of ALL AGES…not just specifically YEARLINGS as the September Sale or 2 YEAR OLDS IN TRAINING as the April Sale does. This sale is much more open in its’ offerings. Upon completion, the industry will analyze the data and results to help them forecast the ‘climate’ of future sales for our new year. It is a very interesting concept to follow.
If you’d like to view the Keeneland activities, the LIVE feed of the auction may be seen at www.keenelandsales.com. On their web-site, they will also display the various catalog pages for you to review. You will have the opportunity to see the manner in which the family pedigree is presented. As I mentioned to you last week…it is always charted through the female branch of a horse’s family.
As you look through a sales catalog, it is interesting to note that each horse has a CONSIGNOR (a farm or agency acting on behalf of the seller for the sale) and is given a HIP NUMBER. Everything for a particular horse during the sale is referenced by these 2 things.
The way a horse is placed in the catalog and given a particular HIP number for sales purposes is very organized and detailed by the sales company. They want to keep it very specific for all of the sales entrants, their clients, and the consignors. The day a horse sells is firstly determined by which day his/her consignor is selling….for example, Monday or Tuesday etc. Different consignors sell on different days. Once this is determined, the horse is given a HIP NUMBER.
The HIP NUMBER is established by applying a two-fold process: (1) which day the consignor is selling and (2) alphabetically listing each horse selling on that day by name or if unnamed by the first letter of the MARE’S NAME.
The sales company varies the LETTER that is used to start posting the HIPS in the catalog for a particular sale. They do not always begin with the letter “A” and end with “Z”…they vary it. This system of changing the LETTER which starts off each sale seems to work well for everyone.
This is TOO CUTE! The photo for this year’s catalog cover was taken by “Z” (gotta’ love her name)…a terrific woman. You may have seen her work in various industry magazines and periodicals. From one “Z” to another….GREAT JOB!
Enjoy watching the sale!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Here’s wishing Garrett Gomez all the best following yesterday’s incident leaving the paddock at Santa Anita)
Z
signofthetimes
Here is a slideshow on Amazombie; Mike Smith rides him and he is a talent:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/slideshows/slideshow/amazombie/amazombie#OTA0Nzk2OTg3
signofthetimes
Rosie was spared injury !!!! The racing gods were watching. Go Go Rosie.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66866/napravnik-escapes-injury-at-fair-grounds
signofthetimes
Animal Kingdom works 1/2 mile
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66868/animal-kingdom-tobys-corner-work-half-mile
suew/Va
Zenny, what a great diary post today! Ever since seeing your video with a hip number proudly displayed on your gorgeous self I have wondered about the process. Once again you and Dottie have told the specifics with clarity and made it interesting! You are such a great team. Stay warm, eat for two and enjoy every moment…I know you do.
Ingrid Arnone. South Beach.
Thank you my adorable Zenyatta for the information, love you Ingrid.
Kelly J. /ND
LOVE YOU ZENNY! XOXO
Karen Gogue
Zenny
I posted the video of Ebby on your FB page. I love you more and more sweet girl! Oh, and baby too!
Donna from Baltimore
Thanks, Dottie for the lesson. We have all learned so much from these posts. And it is STILL the classiest, most civil site on the web.
Joan Walls
Zenny, I guess that I can just DITTO all of the above comments! I (we) all love and adore you. You makes us all happy and we would gladly help you in any way that we could. I just read that Lane’s End had their first colt born in 2012 last night. Perhaps the colt was not born at Lane’s End. I wonder when Baby Z will make an appearance. Enjoy the beautiful weather, the carrots, etc. We wish the best for Tasty also. Hugs and kisses to you. I also love this Web site. Thank you Dottie and anyone else that is involved with it!!
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Dear Zenyatta I hope you had a really great day. I love you so. Thank you Dottie for always being the Teacher. I love the education :) Zenyatta you were the talk at my Dr. appointment today. I carry your picture with me and my Dr. wanted to see it. He knew who you were. Then all the staff wanted to see your beautiful face. You do more things than you realize. Looking at your picture always makes me feel brave if I feel scared. You are an Angel on earth. I am just so glad you came here to all of us. I also thank your family for sharing you sweet girl. You are just so SPECIAL. Have a Beautiful night. Hugs and many many Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Judy G I read both articles abou Mr. Cenicola. What a beautiful man. My God Bless his soul and his family.
@ Prayers to Garret Gomez
@ To my Z Family If you came to my house and didn’t know you would think that I had a horse of my own. Her name is Zenyatta. Her pictures are all over. Just like my other fur babies Miesha, Oskar and MaximusT
Darlene Daniels
Shari, I carry a picture of Zenyatta in my wallet too. Recently I pulled the picture out to show to a horse lover friend. He said “Wow what a beauiful horse, is she yours? I laughed and said “I WISH!” Then I explained our Zenyatta to him.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Great idea, Shari, to carry a picture! Am going to get one to put in my purse!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Yes, when I show someone a picture of Zenny, I say “it’s my horse”, as if she was. Sometimes they ask me why I say it’s “my” horse, with an odd look at me, as if they wonder whether I believe it. It just makes me smile, as they don’t know the experience of having fallen in love with her, which was all that it took, to make her “mine”.
Carole #42 Eagle, Wisconsin
Thanks for the info. on the Keenland sales. Sorry about the sad news about horses and jockeys. Z. glad that you and BB are ok and having fun as horses should be. Kisses on your nose and TT too. Take of the foals. XOXO
Pam Homeier
As far as a birthdate goes, I think I will hope for Feb. 29th. A leap year baby would be so very special!!!!
signofthetimes
Here is a foaling calculator
http://duncity.net/horses/foalingcalc.htm
If you put in her second date with Bernie (April 2, 2011); you’ll get March 10 plus or minus 10 to 11 for maiden mares.
Alex Bowdoin in MA
To All, I have a good friend who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Please light a candle for my friend Amy….and my cat Tessie who has been fighting cancer for a whole year now! The vet found a tumor on her liver in January of 2011…so far so good she is a fighter. Lots of love, predinsone and prescription Science Diet ID food has helped her survive.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
# Alex
Theeee worst because it goes undetected for so long… I’m sorry for your friend, Amy, and you. :-(
Kisses to your kitty, Tessie! =^..^=
Judy and Hayley =^..^=
Abigail from Montreal
You must be an amazing person to battle on with your Tessie. When those we love are hit with serious illness, it is so hard on the soul. My heart goes out to you, Alex. I lost my beloved Jericho (dog) to cancer last September, and have known some terrible losses in the last 18 months, so I understand how you must be feeling.
Alex Bowdoin in MA
I have another cat also, Attie. She is fine and a “Senior Citizen” also. I
adopted them 13 yrs ago. Attie sleeps on the other pillow next to my
head and Tessie sleeps at my side…They are both so loved and love me back more….
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Alex; This must be devastating to hear of this news. Amy will be in my prayers. A good neighbor near me has been receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer. It is a long battle. With God and many prayers she will have the strength and positive attitude and can and will put this to rest or remission. It has been now over a year, and last I talked to him, he had gotten a good report from the doctors. I weish her the same.
AJ from CA
Alex – I’m getting ready to light a candle for your friend Amy and your dear cat Tessie and will be sending my prayers their way! A big hug to you and them as well!!
Jan S. in Houston
Alex, Will light a candle for your friend Amy, and also for Ms. Tessie. Lots of prayers coming their way.
Sue Colvin -NJ
saying a prayer for Amy & your kitty tess. hugs
Yvonne and Maurice
Hi Zenyatta. Thank you for info on the Keenland sales. I have been going to their website all day waiting for #539, St. Trinians and Cozi Rosie, #675. So sorry to hear that the very handsome Joker Face was euthanized, too too sad. Speedy recovery to Rosie and Garrett and sympathies sent out for Louie Cenicola. Wow, handsome Caracortado was unbelieveable, made me think of you beautiful Zenyatta. I was screeming so loud at the television, I was hoarse most of the night. We are having rain today in Texas which we need badly. Love you big girl, so excited hearing about the first foal being born at Lane’s End. Does anyone know when Rachel is due; is it February? Zenyatta and Tasty, enjoy the wonderful weather, eat well for two and continue to have loads of fun. Love you, Angels.
Diana Stuart
@Yvonne: Cozi is selling at Keenland??? Yikes!
diastu in tempe
Janet Newman
From what I understand she is due to foal February 1st.
signofthetimes
There a many many many foal calendars; her second date with Bernie was April 2, 2011; and due date in around March 10; with maidens most likely 10 to 11 days later.
signofthetimes
Here is a foaling calendar;
If you put in her second date with Bernie; April 2, 2011; date is 3/10/12, with maidens 10-11 days late; I am sure Lanes Ends will be weaving their magic for
Zenny.
http://duncity.net/horses/foalingcalc.htm
Janet Newman
Oops! I forgot to clarify the date of Feb 1st was for Rachel Alexandra.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
They are in Session 2, so they will sell today (Tuesday, Jan 10). I’d look for St. Trinians around noon and Cozi Rosie an hour or so later. I am also going to be looking for Wonderful Town, who was one of Dear John’s trainees. She was on some of his videos. She is hip # 598. Apparently she never made it to the races. She has a gorgeous long tail.
Celeste in TX
Thank you for another informative and fun diary post, Zenyatta and Dottie! I always feel like my time spent here is educational as well as entertaining and for that I am grateful! Like a couple of other Texans have already pointed out, it is cold and rainy here but I am so happy that you are able to get out and enjoy some of the warmth of a nice winter day in KY. Lexington is one of my favorite places!
Theresa Buck/Texas
Love the new site
Alex Bowdoin in MA
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=AB
For my friend Amy
AJ from CA
Just received my “Blood-Horses’s 25 Most Intriguing Horses & People of 2011” today and there is great article and pixs of Z (who made #1 of course) as well as Rachel Alexandra and all other favorite horses and people. A great collector magazine issue for sure!
Diana Stuart
@For those who follow Moss/Shirreffs/Mikey horses: Star Billing’s mom, Topliner, sold for $1.5 million and is going to Japan. May she have a long and happy life.
diastu in tempe
Diana Stuart
@All: Well – – – duh! Don’t we ALL follow Moss/Shirreffs/Mikey horses? I think it’s time to go home, Diana. G’nite all.
diastu in tempe
Erin
I recently watched the Showtime movie Buck which is based on Robert Redford’s “Horse Whisperer”. So sensitive and intuitive.The abusive behavior by his father suprisingly enabled him to communicate with distressed and neglected horses.Trauma can sometimes lead to salvation for both. I was reminded of our John’s past as a previous war veteran finding his ps
Erin
Cont`d ..appreciation for training and respecting horses. Zenyatta and he was surely a match made in heaven. His patience and skills truely made the difference between adequate and exceptional. We all look forward to Eblouissante`s debute as well. She seems to be progressing with each time on the track.
Alex Bowdoin in MA
Thank you for this wonderful Zenyatta website! The Kindness and Compassion here
is Amazing….I am very sad for my friend and my Tessie….HUGS TO ALL.
Paula Higgins
Thank you Dottie for the link to the sales. ITA with the poster who said this is such a wonderful and civil site. I love that. Very good and kind people on this site, like the Queen herself and her connections. RIP Joker Face. Hope Garret and Rosie are on the mend.
Abigail from Montreal
@ Barbara Wood (Texas), Sharon in Seattle, Laura J, Terry Crow, Sue Fredrick, Cynthia H./Santa anita Girl, Celeste in TX & Sally B (cherish Z-Wi): Before I shut down my Mac for the night, I always check in on my friends @ Zenny’s Place. I wanted to tell each of you how much I appreciate your taking the time to comment on the latest VAULT article. I just enjoy hearing your comments and views so much! And it’s wonder-full to be part of such a vibrant & passionate community. It’s been my lifelong dream to find my “kin” — and here you are!!!! Bon nuit from Montreal & love to all —
Darlene Daniels
@Abigail. Loved your vault article. Took me a while to read it all because I kept getting interrupted, but it was wonderful. When I read Seabiscuit I sort of thought of War Admiral as the “enemy”, now I love him so, too.
Pati
Here is something I wrote on another website:
(This is a response to someone else)
What CAN you say other than “Isn’t she lovely? Isn’t she wonderful?” Stevie Wonder wrote a song so beautiful, and also so fitting. What a sight to behold. She captured our hearts, and stole our imagination. Through this horse, for the first time in a long while, we felt invincible. We found something so special, she was perfect. Something almost human, with her love of dancing and attraction to the camera. She made us forget that times are hard, and showed us that, even in a world so divided by hatred and greed, something can bring us together as one group, regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, sex, or political view. She did something no bill or law ever could; something politicians had failed to do, time and time again. She made us whole, and we formed into one big legion of fans, all in agreement of one thing: how she is a once-in-a-lifetime find and so very unique. When she raced, our souls flew with her passed every pole.When she emerged from behind the pack, and swooped around the field, we all erupted into wild and passionate cheer. Before and after she entered the Winner’s Circle or the Starting Gate, we drained our batteries taking pictures of her. Our hearts soared with her with every stride she took. We cheered on our champion, The People’s Champion. She was a nation’s horse, and she carried the torch of un-ending love and faith that Barbaro, Ruffian, Secretariat, and so many other greats had lit and carried before her. We fell head-over-heels in love. She became America’s SweetHeart. She charmed us with her sparkling personality and dazzling good looks. Unlike many people with those characteristics, she never let us down. Even in defeat, she ran like an amazon and didn’t lose a thing. A Queen amongst a pack of teenaged wolves, hungry for a chance to take a crack at the main attraction. She is the Queen of the Sport of Kings, and that was undisputed. Our Horse of the Year, Our Queen, Our Champion, Our soul-mate, our better half, the completeing half; whatever you want to call her. One thing remains the same, she was extraordinary, a freak. There was nothing normal about her, but then again, when were the Great Ones ever normal? There will never again be another Zenyatta, consider ourselves lucky to have been here when the big mare made her mark on racing and history. The Sport of Kings has been changed forever, and the people she made fans of the sport can come back to the track and view it from a better light then before. Our feelings toward her will never fade. We will still smile when we hear her name mentioned, and we will still get goose-bumps when we see her races on Youtube or tv. She changed us and the world for the better. I will forever be grateful to the Queen for that. Hope you enjoy your retirement great Queen. I hope your foals will be just as amazing as you are. I couldn’t imagine trying to live up to you, it would be impossible. <3 Queen Zenyatta <3
sue and Tony
Beautiful! Thanks, Pati, for sharing these words with us.
signofthetimes
Very lovely post, Pati.
Darlene Daniels
@Pati, Wow!! Awesome post. Just when I thought I might get through it without crying I read on and the tears of joy began to pool. If anyone doesnt know our Zenyatta all they need do is read your post and they will surely know her then.
Vickie A Dana Point
Very very well done! Thanks!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Well said, Pati! High hoof!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Pati:
You’ve captured so many of the feelings in the hearts of Z’s Fans. Thank you. Hugs, JB
Debbie G/Kentucky
What a beautiful post, Pati. You captured our Queen perfectly.
kirkus
Thanks for all the info about the horse sales. I thought it was nice for you to wish GoGo well. I think you should know, that as a Santa Anita regular my wife and I always heckle him with a “Blame” jeer. I can’t be a fan of his after being there for your only defeat.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
I wanted Z to win too, but Garrett Gomez was doing what he was supposed to do in trying to win with Blame. There is no call for a jeer, though you may well shed a tear.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Maybe I fail to understand a “Blame jeer” –maybe it is another form of a cheer.
Andrea
Very nice, Pati. Lovely thoughts!
#1 New England fan
I just keep learning from you, Zenny and your scribe Dottie. I have often wondered about the Hip process and how the auctions are organized. I hope the gentle weather continues for you and TT to enjoy.
@ Abigail – another wonderful article! I truly hope you will publish a collection and write a book. I could read your writing all day.
@all who have lost friends, both 2-legged and 4-legged, recently, my heart goes out to you.
Sweet dreams to all!
Annie B in MA
Erin
@Pati
It has been too long since I have read something so exact and precise. Thank you. You have indeed expressed with such beautiful language everything Zenyatta has represented to us all. Just perfect. I have read your post many many times. Please write more. Thank you.
Pati
You are very welcome! I have been having some tough times, and I always come on here, to this site, and I always leave feeling better. I figured I should find some way to thank Z and everyone who loved her in some, small way. This is what I came up with.