Hello Everyone,
Wow…yesterday was certainly a great day at the Keeneland Sales for some families of my dear BARN 55 friends. The sales topper—this is the horse who sells for the most money on a particular day—was TOPLINER. She resided at Barn 55 during her time at the race track and then retired to become a broodmare. Her first foal is STAR BILLING!
STAR BILLING has been at BARN 55 since she first began her racing career. She is trained by MY JOHN and has a wonderful, caring groom, Jose Luis. As an inside note of interest, Topliner is currently in foal to Medaglia D’Oro. Jose was Medaglia’s groom throughout his racing career.
STAR BILLING has a very distinguished pedigree. She is by Dynaformer out of the mare TOPLINER (yesterday’s sales topper). Last year, as a 3 year old, she went from breaking her maiden (first win) to becoming a high level stakes performer winning a Grade 3 stakes race and then the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes against older fillies and mares at Hollywood Park in November. During the months in between, she placed 2nd and 3rd in some very prestigious graded stakes always very close at the finish. She is currently nice and cozy at BARN 55…having a few weeks of RNR…and then she will get ready to begin her 4 year old campaign.
A HIGH HOOF to TOPLINER and her first foal STAR BILLING.
When people are looking to purchase a top broodmare or a broodmare prospect, pedigree, conformation, and race record are very important. As mentioned in earlier Diary entries, GRADE 1 racing is the BEST and most PRESTIGIOUS level of competition in our sport! When G1 appears in a horse’s past performances or that of the foals…it always has HIGH REGARD.
Once a mare is already acting in her role as a broodmare, the productivity of her foals on the race track takes on extreme importance. As a producer, TOPLINER is off to a wonderful beginning with her very first foal achieving at the level of STAR BILLING.
This is so much FUN to watch and see how the sale is progressing. Today, Day 2, should be very interesting. I can’t wait to get all of the updates.
Have a wonderful Tuesday!
With Love
Hugs to All~
Z
Susan from Fl
Good Morning Z! Have a wonderful Day ! Peace & Happiness to U!
MarySue
Zenny, you are so right about Star Billing. A good friend of mine was her exercise rider last Fall at Keeneland. She is really a great horse. With wonderful owners. It was my privilege to take lots of pictures of her.
Becky
Roll Tide Zenyatta! Last time Bama won a national championship I was feeding you peppermints the next morning. Hope someone gives you a red and white candy today to celebrate this one.
signofthetimes
Good morning Zenny
Jeanne O.
Thanks for the pedigree info on Star Billing….she is one of my Barn 55 favorites. It is always interesting to read the info that you give to your fans. We are always learning (or re-remembering!) things from you and Dottie!
Trisha
Looks like “Your John” gets all the pretty girls. She is a beauty. Wishing her the very best in her career..
Trying to keep track of all this , makes me dizzy!!
Have a wonderful day Z and say hello to TT
Love hug and kisses
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
Star Billing is a very beautiful mare with a feminine look, surprised as she is by Dynaformer; guess her dam contributes to her that look. Love the cotton in the ears and love to watch her run. These pedigrees are so very interesting and how
they create specific families. Each trainer trains a horse and maybe continues on to train the family, which give that trainer an “in” into the mind and behavior of the horses that are part of the family. So glad Topliner was such a successful sales prospect.
So very interesting that you have War Admiral by Man O War in your pedigree. Gosh to go back so far with such a successful race horse in your family is so very
fitting for the Queen of Racing and Future Broodmare of the Year !!!!
Have a great restful day at Lanes End, mowing, exercising (up to the last minute make the delivery quick) and playing.
XXXXXOOOO
Kathy S.
Star Billing is beautiful! I see she has cotton in her ears just like YOU always had, Zenny. And she lives in Barn 55 and has YOUR JOHN for her trainer. It’s all good! Happy Tuesday, everyone. Kisses to Zenny and Tasty.
sharon in seattle
Star Billing is a BEAUTY and I wish her the best in her 4year old campaign. — and lucky, lucky Jose Luis!!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Good Morning Zenny, It’s a nice sunny day here in the Fort and I’m hoping that you and Tasty are are out enjoying the sunshine. Our Redneck friend Terry is in court today and I hope is behaving well, I don’t want to hear about disruptive activity in the court on any TV newscasts. I just spent some time catching up on yesterday’s posts and loved the video of the two horses blowing off steam, talk about cabin fever!!! Each day now is going to be more and more exciting as the foals are born and we get closer to March. I know that Auntie Judy wants March 9th for Baby Z, I would like February 9th but that’s not going to happen so maybe Rachel A’s foal will come on that day. Have a lovely day Zenny, hugs and kisses to you and Tasty.l
Janet Newman
Star Billing is a beauty. Yesterday I parked myself in front of my computer and watched the live feed of the sales. Today I have to go to work. Glad Topliner sold well, sad to see her go to Japan. Have a great day to all!
Judy from South Carolina
I, too, sorry to see her going to Japan! I think our best ones need to stay HERE and our ones over there (especially the stallions) need to come back to U.S. soil pronto!
But more importantly, I so enjoy coming here every day and reading all of your posts and of course keeping up with YOU, Beautiful Zenny!
Counting the days until Baby Z meets the world! Love You Z!
Abigail from Montreal
Hi Zenyatta, TT, Dottie & Zen-sters:
It was GREAT “catching up” with Star Billing. I watched her race in 2011 and thought her a lovely filly. I seem to remember first seeing her on one of YOUR JOHN’s YouTube videos.
Well, today in Montreal is just like SPRING! Ridiculous, really. Last night on the tv they did a cross-Canada check-up on the weather and our friends in British Columbia were walking around in SHORTS!!!! The Manitobans (on the Prairies) are in shock — they’re used to about 20 degrees below zero as “normal”. Blame it on El Nino according to the meteorologists — its bringing us the warm temps instead of the more usual wintry ones.
But it must be GREAT for you Kentucky Mamas. With your growing tummies, ploughing through the snow amounts to more strenuous work than trotting around your paddock, I would think!
Got some WONDER-FUL feedback from readers to THE VAULT’s latest on War Admiral that i dedicated to YOUR JOHN! It’s just so fantastic to read the responses. For those of you who have asked about a book or magazine, my problem is going to be getting copyright releases for the photographs. But I definitely LOVE the idea!
A friend of mine sent me this link to British artist Heather Jansch, who creates horse sculptures out of driftwood. AMAZING! Here’s the link. Enjoy! PS: I would LOVE to see Ann & Jerry commission her to build then a sculpt of Zenyatta & her first born for their home in California!!!!!
http://www.heatherjansch.com/index.php
Ingrid in MA
Those sculptures are INCREDIBLE! I can’t even begin to imagine the hours of work that goes into one. She’s amazingly talented.
Abigail from Montreal
I KNOW! I thought they were absolutely STUNNING!
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Abigail, I can attest to your article on War Admiral as being one of your very best, and you have some great columns. You now have an archive over a year old, so there are great “reads” anytime I need a trip back in time, or want to learn about bloodlines and pedigrees, as well as biographies of some great horses. One of my very, very favorites is about Your Host, who almost died from a bad injury, but was saved to sire the great Kelso! I get tears just thinking about that wonderful horse and his struggles. My other favorite has to be about Istabraq, a horse I knew nothing about but came to appreciate because of your bringing his story to light. Not far behind is the trio of articles you did on Zenyatta, Rachel, and Rags to Riches, which I go back to often to learn more about the importance of a horse’s bloodlines, what mtDNA (sp?) means, and how the “X-Factor” is passed through the female. There is so much rich material in all of your articles, and I highly recommend anyone who loves the Thoroughbred and the sport to spend time at your blog. Just wanted to give you a HIGH HOOF and say thanks once again. You are a great resource, and I hope one day we see your columns at one of the leading sport publications, as you definitely deserve a wider audience. Hugs, and glad you are enjoying El Nino’s little winter respite. Ann Maree
Abigail from Montreal
Ann Maree! This is just a FANTASTIC post about my work thus far on THE VAULT. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! It just means so much to have support from “thoroughbred people” like yourself. HIGH HOOF & HUGS RIGHT BACK AT YA’ , Abigail
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Abigail, the sculptures you link to are PHENOMENAL! I encourage eveyone to read the “Story of Bronze” which comes below the photo of Sugar Plum on the Bronze Casting tab after they look at all the bronzes. High hoof to your friend Heather Jansch!
Abigail from Montreal
TRINA: SO GLAD YOU LIKED THE SITE. THIS WOMAN IS JUST SO TALENTED!!!!
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Abigail I’m so excited you are at least considering the idea of a book, magazine, periodical etc. I hope I’m the first to know. Keep that thought!
Abigail from Montreal
SUE: YUP! It’s on my list, as they say. But I really need to explore the implications of obtaining copyright permission for the photos — even those in my private collection. Collecting them doesn’t mean you “own” them, in that sense.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Abigail just looked up the link to Heather Jansch, OMG, I can’t believe it, I want one!!!
I noticed there were no prices listed, just as well, I’m sure they are out of my price range. It never ceases to amaze me how some people are blessed with so much talent and I can’t do anything but admire others! Oh well, maybe that’s my talent. Thanks for sharing this post.
Abigail from Montreal
I KNOW! I’m so glad that my good friend Liz sent me the info. on her. I’d never heard of her or her work. I’m itching to draw some of those sculptures, in a very abstract kind of way. But the wood and the bronze treatments of the wood effect absolutely BLEW ME AWAY! I still say that Ann & Jerry should get her to do a wooden Zenyatta & her first born for their California home. Actually, it would be TOO CUTE to have a Zenyatta by her IN FRONT OF BARN 55, where she used to hang out & meet her fans. Then John could see her EVERY DAY!!!!
Carol
I have learned so many interesting things about the sport of horse racing, all because of YOU, Zenyatta. Since discovering you I am constantly increasing my knowledge. It’s a sunny 66 degrees at this moment on St. Simons Island, just the sort of weather you’d enjoy. Hope you have a glorious day.
Abigail from Montreal
@ Darlene & #1 New England Fan: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE WONDERFUL FEEDBACK. Hearing from my “Z Family” means so much to me!!!
@ Doreen in CT: THANK YOU for posting the beautiful footage of First Dude. Such a terrific thoroughbred. Steve Haskin always identified him as a “guy with bad hair day” syndrome because of that shaggy fetlock and so, I started following his career. I would be OVERJOYED if the handsome fellow turned out to resemble Zenny’s foal!!!! (Here’s the link to the footage of First Dude that Doreen posted late yesterday for those who might have missed it: http://ocalalicious.com/horse-farms/first-dude-at-double-diamond-farm/ )
Love & hugs!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Abigail–thank you so much for this LOVELY video!
Abigail from Montreal
I can take NO credit for it, Barbara. It was OUR DOREEN who posted it on the previous Diary page late Tuesday….But it sure is MAGNIFICENT!!!
signofthetimes
Thanks Abigail, returning credit on the person who post it first; thanks for the repost.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Thanks, Doreen! Sometimes I click “reply” on the post below instead of above, maybe. It’s been a long day. Computer guru here al;l afernoon, tinkering…….
Kelly, Allentown, Pa ^-^
Thanks for all the great info. Love you Zenyatta! ^-^
Jan S. in Houston
Zenyatta,
I just love all of the informative and interesting information you and Dottie provide for us. Star Billing is Gorgeous and yes, so feminine. John sure keeps his TB’s in top form. They always look so healthy, well groomed, well mannered and well trained. No wonder you turned out to be so Perfect in every way. Hope to see a current picture of you soon.. Have a fun day with Tasty. Love and kisses to you Big Mama.
Sharyn - Vermont
Star Billing is another beautiful horse – I have been following her races as I do with all of John’s horses!
Have a wonderful relaxing afternoon with Tasty!! And thank you for teaching us all so much about your sport!!
Katie Clawson
Good morning Zenny!! Can we have an update on Eblouissante? And maybe who the Mosses are thinking of being you’re new “boyfriend” ??
Have a great day sweatie! Less than 2 months to go untill we see you’re wonderful foal!
Love, Katie(future jockey)
Lorri
Katie, if you are on facebook and friend Eblouissante, there’s a video of her. She reminded me so much of Momma Z in her hoof action!
Gloria
Thanks for the great update on the sale yesterday! Love to Big Mama Z. and her connections!
Sheri Deets
Love the picture of you! You still look as beautiful as ever and your chest muscles look so strong!! I still miss the excitement you provided on the track but hopefully your little one will provide that in the future!! God bless!
Patricia Givans
Good morning Zenyatta @ Tasty hope you ladies are enjoying the sun today. Star Billing is beautiful. Zenny I’m like everyone else anxious for your foals arrival. Have a good day get plenty of rest.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Star Billing is a beautiful, kind filly. We loved visiting with her in Barn 55 and Del Mar and watching her race. We did not know Topliner had been also trained by John. Here is wishing Star Billing all the best in her 2012 Campaign — we will be rooting for her.
Debbie
hi Z! Thanks for all the info about Topliner and Star Billing! I hope YOU have a wonderful Tuesday, full of sunshine and tell Tasty hi too! Love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
Really enjoyed all the information in regards to Star Billing-she is such a beautiful and talented filly. Am looking forward to her returning to the track-hope she enjoys her R&R and I am sure that they are treating her great there at Barn 55.
Things are getting a good start already this year and before we know it, you will be ushering in a surprise for us all! Love you so much Zenyatta and there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you and smile. You have warmed my heart forever! Love & Blessings Always!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Topliner sold to Japanese breeder. So sorry to see so many of the best broodmares leave.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/66873/topliner-brings-14-million-at-keeneland
Suzanne G (IL)
Totally agree. Once they go, it’s impossible to find out anything about them unless someone writes a column about one of them.
Stella Bagwell
Dearest Zenyatta,
Please give my congrats to Topliner and Star Billing. I’ve been watching her race and am looking forward to seeing her run as a four year old! Your John is such a wonderful trainer, as I’m sure you’re quick to tell everyone! :)
Racing starts at Oaklawn on Friday–I’m sure you remember racing to those fantastic wins in the Apple Blossom—such great memories of you. I love this track and can’t wait for it to open!
The weather system that gave us rain has now turned to very cold wind. I hope it misses Lane’s End as it works its way eastward and that the weather stays nice so that you and Tasty can enjoy your paddock time.
Hugs and kisses,
Stel
Carmela B
Lady Z–Star Billing is gorgeous. I wish Topliner well in her new digs…I’m not crazy about horses going to Japan, they’re pretty ruthless there as to when the horses stop being “profitable…” more so than here. At least here there are owners who’ll put a horse out to pasture or in a retirement facility…there, they just kill & eat them….I hope I’m wrong.
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
You are wrong, at least partly. Let’s not stereotype, OK? Japanese horsemen are not ogres; some of them care about their horses just as much as owners here do–sometimes more. Horses are pensioned there just as they are here. And it’s not like American horses always get the retirements they deserve. Too many of them end up abandoned or on a truck.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Laura J.:
Unfortunately, you are correct. Too many of our beloved TB’s don’t get a chance at a life after racing. Mostly the low level Claiming horses that give so much, are the innocents abandoned or sent to slaughter. Hugs, JB
Carmela B
Laura–read the literature…I’m not stereotyping. I don’t recall calling anyone “ogres,” I said they were more ruthless about it. Call it more matter of fact, more willing to put practicalities above emotions, whatever. It is what it is. I didn’t excuse American owners either..if you read my post, it said that they were more owners who were willing to look at options other than slaughter. I didn’t give a number, nor did I say more in relation to a particular group. Just that we as a nation tend to be more sensitive to animal abuse…it’s a generality. Trainers as a group will be more sensitive to it…there will always be those who don’t care one way or the other. Just fewer of them as time goes on, especially with pressures put on them by groups like PETA & others. Don’t accuse me of anything…I’m calling it as I see it.
Judy from South Carolina
All I have to say is Exceller and Ferdinand………….the prosecution rests…………
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Hi, Z, thanks for helping us to understand more about the entire process that surrounds all Thoroughbreds. The many, many facets of the sport is what has drawn me to want to learn more. I consider myself more of a student than a fan…I haven’t ventured into handicapping, though I have added that to my curriculum and am enjoying trying to figure out odds, Exactas, and all the other ways I can be separated from my money!
So happy you are loving the wonderful, mild winter we are having (so far, anyway)! My very favorite kind of winter day is one where the temperature is about 50 degrees, no wind, and the sun shining brightly where you need sunglasses! We’ve had a few of those here in the Memphis area. We do get a dusting of snow, and in recent years, we have gotten one or two big snows during the season. Haven’t tried this, but here’s a photo of one of our recent big snows: http://db.tt/yrVzAlxa and then my back yard http://db.tt/IaCc2uGA In our area, snow rarely stays on the ground more than a couple days, but it sure is beautiful when it happens.
I remember the big snows you had at Lane’s End last year when you arrived there. I also remember how excited and happy I was when I watched the video BloodHorse did of you being turned out for the first time. I’m sure everyone here has seen that video, but, just in case, here it is: http://youtu.be/3PdIT-mxKOU
Big hugs, sweet girl. Ann Maree
Doreen in CT
Full sister to Rags to Riches sells for $600,000 at Keeneland: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/sales-news/2012/01/10/full-sister-to-rags-to-riches-sells-for-600000.aspx
sue and Tony
Zenny, Hmmmm, so grade 1 victories, conformation and pedigree all are very important to a broodmare’s potential success. We’d say you have all these attributes in spades. But then, everything about you s super spectacular. Star Billing is a beauty…thanks so much for giving us some information on her.