Good Morning,
The temperatures have been changing and the winter weather has definitely arrived in Kentucky. It is still ‘winter pleasant’, though, and TASTY and I are doing fine! Thank you for all of your continued interest in how WE are…and your LOVE! WE so appreciate it!
Last evening, when Dottie and MY JOHN went to Santa Anita to check on his horses there and walk SOPHIE, the film crews were set up and filming at the RECEIVING BARN AREA. There was a great deal of activity. Actually, many different projects are often filmed at Santa Anita. The setting is spectacular! As you may know, the new TV series, LUCK, has been filming at Santa Anita now for quite some time.
In California, the RECEIVING BARN is where the horses are required to go before each race. Each trainer must have his/her horses there approximately15-20 minutes before they walk over to the paddock. During this time period, several things are checked and monitored in relation to each horse. For example, the HORSE IDENTIFICATION person has a copy of each horse’s Jockey Club papers, his/her individual markings…along with photos of the horse…and the tattoo number. ALL of this is closely inspected to be sure the correct horse is there. A BLACKSMITH, who is employed by the racing association, is also on site. His role is to be sure each horse is wearing the appropriate shoes which comply with all of the regulations. Other details of this nature are constantly monitored, inspected, and recorded at this time…all with the goal of making racing a safe sport for horses, humans, and the betting public.
I know this RECEIVING BARN area very well! It will be such FUN to watch LUCK and get an opportunity to see the various locations around Santa Anita utilized in their filming. For ME, it will also be like VISITING HOME! I have such fond memories of ALL of my times at SANTA ANITA.
Have a terrific day!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
In the ‘OH DEAR’ department, I was dictating so much information yesterday to Dottie that I meant to use the word…ANOTHER… instead of THE ONLY OTHER. So sorry!
Jan S. in Houston
Zenyatta,
Thanks for the interesting info. Hope you and Tasty have on your warm blankets. @ Dottie and/or anyone in the know.. What is happening to Z at this point of her pregnancy.
p.s. What typo!!! lol
signofthetimes
Remeber it is bad luck to “prod” an expecting mare or human at the end of their pregnancy; they don’t feel well; maybe horses do better than humans as more space to
hold the baby between 4 legs rather than 2; pressure only makes the baby/foal come later and cause frustration for the mother. Let just be suprised when the photos come up on this site. The window of foaling for her is Feb 27 to March 12 plus 10 to 11 days,
which makes it March 22 or 23 (St. Patty’s day; luck of the Irish like her SIRE).
Celeste in TX
Thank you, Zenyatta and Dottie for sharing the beautiful photos of Santa Anita at night and explaining so much about the receiving barn. I always welcome the new information that we are learning from your store of knowledge and I am so grateful that you take the time to tell us and to share all the activities with us. Thank you and have a wonderful, beautiful day!!!
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, I’m glad you and Tasty are fine. It won’t be long now until you and Tasty become a mom for the first time. It sure is exciting just thinking about it! I hope your family lets us know right away when you have your foal. We’re all going to be on pins and needles waiting.
No worries about the typo – we all make them!
Have a wonderful night, sweet girl.
Love to all,
Leslie
MARY
HELLO BEAUTIFUL GIRL
ITS SO NICE TO READ OF YOUR FOND MEMORIES AT SANTA ANITA…
ALL OF MY FAVORITE ONES ARE OF YOU BEING THERE AND ME HOLDING MY BREATH AT THE SIGHT OF YOU TAKING THE FINISH LINE FIRST…I WAS ALWAYS ON THE RAIL AT THE FINISH LINE AND THE RUSH IS HARD TO PUT INTO WORDS…SO I WON’T I WILL JUST KEEP THEM IN MY HEART FOR-EVER.
I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE DOING SO WELL…YOU KEEP YOU AND BABY WARM…
I HAVE BEEN TO KENTUCKY YEARS AGO AND I KNOW IT GETS COLD…LOL…AND BEING A GIRL FROM CHICAGO…I AM SO GLAD FOR CLIMETS OF CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA AND ARIZONA…LOL
ZENYATTA I LOVE YOU…
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
I have just been thinking about all of the GREAT horses who have passed through that receiving barn: Seabiscuit, Citation, John Henry, Affirmed, Spectacular Bid, Alysheba, Lady’s Secret, Lure, Goldikova, Point Given … and of course YOU and Giacomo and Tiago. Hmmm … I should do a little research when I have time and figure out how many CHAMPIONS have walked through that barn. If only the walls could talk!
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Oh, yes! Santa Anita has quite the “history” :-D
carol in utah
That will be quit a list….another little girl who RAN LIKE A GIRL…was Landaluce…..I really think the ladies have it
Terry Crow
Landaluce might have been the best horse EVER. We will never know. I am somewhat concerned about what will happen to her and Native Diver’s remains when Hollywood Park eventually shuts down.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Terry – I so agree! Landaluce was remarkable!!! I hope plans are being made for both horses remains to be protected or moved.
carol in utah
@ Terry crow….hopefully they could be rehomed….like Noor’s were….I also read there some chance that golden gate fields is also at risk…I think silky Sullivan and lost in the fog are there…same prob
Karen Gogue
Terry
About 6 years ago there was an article in a local paper here about the plans for the new shopping-mall for Hollywood Park, whenever it is demolished. At that time ‘they’ said that the grave-monument of Native Diver would remain as part of a park to be erected in the new shopping center. Nothing was ever mentioned about the other horses resting at the track … there ARE MORE than just 2 others. I will try and find the article and get the other horses names. The track should NOT be demolished anyway – it should be declared an historical site if nothing else. Come on people – get out to HP when the racing meet is on-going! Sure, it is not Santa Anita, but it IS HOLLYWOOD PARK!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Terry C. Is it definite about Hollywood Park. I vaguely remember, something a heard or read. What is going on again? (It is a senior thing)
Terry Crow
Its not called “The Great Race Place” for nothing. There are so many you could add to that list. Damascus, Buckpasser, Native Diver, Ack Ack, Skywalker, Ancient Title, Rising Market, etc. The list is long and star-studded.
Pati
I heard about that! Such a shame to see such a beautiful venue disappear. Is there any way to save it?
I saw the Vanity when Blind Luck won it. I was right in front of the winner’s circle that day. I think I even have a picture of your trainer and his wife, Lady Z!! ;) Along with 5 or 6 pictures of every single horse that ran and a couple jockeys.
Terry Crow
Pati-I really think that Hollywood Park will disappear, just a matter of time before the economy improves to the point that another use for the property is financially feasible. It is owned by the same company that owns the ground where Bay Meadows once stood, and it did not hesitate to demolish that old track. Karen Gogue’s idea of preserving the property is a good one, but California has so many financial problems that I would doubt this could happen. I hope I’m wrong. There was a lot of talk a few years back about Santa Anita possibly being torn down. The property now sports a shopping center that was not there years ago. I try not to look at it when I visit The Great Race Place.
Julie DuVall / Ontario, CA
A partial list of great who ran at THE GREAT RACE PLACE (after a quick perusal of the Santa Anita Media Guide):
A Gleam
A. P. Indy
Ack Ack
Affectionately
Affirmed
Alphabet Soup
Althea
Alysheba
Ancient Title
Artax
Azeri
Balance
Bayakoa
Bed ‘o Roses
Bertrando
Best Pal
Bold n’ Determined
Brown Bess
Buckpasser
Busher
Capote
Chinook Pass
Chris Every
Citation
Codex
Cougar II
Crozier
Curlin
Damascus
Equipoise
Estrapade
Exceller
Ferdinand
Flying Paster
Fran’s Valentine
Gamely
Gato Del Sol
George Royal
Goldikova
Gulch
Gun Bow
Hill Gail
Hill Prince
Hill Rise
Indian Charlie
John Henry
Kayak II
Kennedy Road
Kona Gold
Lady’s Secret
Lamb Chop
Lava Man
Life’s Magic
Lit de Justice
Majestic Prince
Manila
Mark-Ye-Well
Medaglia d’Oro
Megahertz
Miss Grillo
Native Diver
Noor
On Trust
Paseana
Phone Trick
Point Given
Porterhouse
Precisionist
Rags to Richs
Real Quiet
Relaunch
Round Table
Seabiscuit
Serena’s Song
Sham
Silky Sullivan
Silver Charm
Silver Spoon
Spectacular Bid
Sunday Silence
Susan’s Girl
Swaps
T. V. Lark
Terlingua
Terrang
Tiznow
Tomy Lee
Triple Bend
Turkish Trousers
Twenty Grand
Very Subtle
Vigors
Weekend Surprise
Winning Colors
Your Host
Zany Tactics
ZENYATTA (saved the best for last!)
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Truly impressive! Thanks, Julie!
Terry Crow
Thanks for the list. Perusing it brought back a lot of memories. I didn’t see Bed O’Roses, Noor, Twenty Grand or Seabiscuit in person, but I think I did see all of the others race.
SHERRY DRISH WV.
HI YA FOLKS..I HAVE TWO NEW ZENYATTA PHOTOS UP NOW. I HAVE TO SAVE ROOM FOR THE FOALS PICS. MY HUSBAND SAYS THE WALLS ARE GOING TO CAVE IN FROM ALL THE THINGS I PUT UP. I THINK HE GETS TIRED OF MEASURING THE WALL SPACE SO THE PICS ARE STRAIGHT.. LOVE TO ALL. SHERRY
Irene Caty
Zenyatta, it would be so great if you could visit home some time and then we could visit you. It would be even better if you and your foal could visit home together, can you imagine what a flurry that would cause in California. I can really see it but I know that is just some wonderful dream. Love to you and Tasty!
Carole #42 Eagle, Wisconsin
Hi Z. – My Bloodhorse magazine came in the mail yesterday and you
sure look great as always. I learned alot about the receiving barn, wish I could get there to see it. Hugs and kisses to you and TT and take care and stay warm. Anxiously waiting for your foals in March.
Eveline – Buck Jake sure was a beautiful horse, and kind too the look in his eye.
Abigail from Montreal
Good (early) evening Zenny, Dottie, TT, Babies X 2 and Zen-sters:
I’m glad you’re doing as well as ever in the Kentucky winter. It was freezing here overnight and my poor Daisy (The Doodlebug) who is always so enthused to go out on our walks, was slipping & sliding on icy sidewalks only slightly less than her Abigail ! You tell Tasty, Miss Zenyatta, that your paddock is a whole lot less-wintery than Montreal today!
I too got my “Most Intriguing…” Blood-Horse issue today and I too LOVED the article about you and Rachel. The photos were beautiful and I thought that it was really CUTE that you were found inspecting the mud in your paddock with (understandable) disdain! And was thrilled to learn that you like pizza. And that your family are planning to be there with you when you give birth. I would guess by now that YOUR JOHN and YOUR JERRY, YOUR ANN and YOUR DOTTIE are practising all the BREATHING EXERCISES with you on TANGO, right?
And as for typos and grammatical glitches….you’re talking to another former English teacher here. LOL! And it was my experience that when writers have lots to say this happens FREQUENTLY !!!!
Loved the photos of the Santa Anita shoot. I hear LUCK is a REAL WINNER of a show. My son’s dad, who isn’t much of an animal person, called me before Christmas to encourage me to get HBO just so that I could see LUCK. He said that he couldn’t turn it off it was so OUTSTANDING! Now that’s a recommendation!!!
Love & hugs to all
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Dear Abigail Please do take extra care when out with Daisy Doodlebug, no slipping and sliding up and down the hills in Westmount.
Abigail from Montreal
Hi Brenda: Yes, I am and will in the future. The Doodlebug is now wearing a Halti and this gives me a lot more control than when I had her in a harness. Of course, she doesn’t mean to pull me around like a sled, but the Husky in her just does this naturally. The Halti was the kindest way to reassert my non-sled status!!!!
Terry Crow
Abigail-Racing will never die as long as people such as yourself write about it. Keep up the good work.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
This might be a “repost”
http://tuesdayshorse.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/every-one-of-them-is-dead-racehorse-slaughter/
:-(((((((
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/kelsey-lefever-every-one-of-them-is-dead/
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/kelsey-lefever-every-one-of-them-is-dead/
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear JAG:
That Paulik Report article was one of the saddest I have read in a while. I e-mailed him to thank him for exposing this horrible crime. Maybe with more people becoming aware of what happens to our beloved horses, the slaughter will end. Hugs, JB
Abigail from Montreal
Judy: I did the SAME thing! This has got to be one of the saddest stories I have ever read on what happens to some thoroughbreds after their “retired”. I hope that others in the industry take Ray Paulick’s lead on reporting these things. As I learned during my teaching career, exposing horrible behaviour to peers is a GREAT way to curtail it!!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail in Montreal:
I hope you are right and others with the power of the media will follow Mr. Paulick’s lead and expose these monsters. Love and Hugs, JB
Randy
This may have already been asked/answered/discussed, but if it was I missed it. I was wondering how old thoroughbreds are when they get their tattoos. Of course I’m thinking of Zenny’s baby-to-be and I rather hope it’s a little later in life after they leave Mom’s side and are a bit more “worldly.” Anybody know?
Eveline / Maryland.
Hi Randy, most horses get their tattoos a few weeks before they run as two year olds.
signofthetimes
Lovely video of some of the greats; with Celine Dion singing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJkYa9rth4U&feature=fvwrel
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Signofthetimes:
Thank you so much for that beautiful Memoriam video. Love the song too. Hugs, JB
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
@Signofthetimes – Thanks, that ‘Titanic’ music always gets to me. And I didn’t know the sad stories of a few of those horses.
Terry Crow
signofthetimes-Thanks for the link. The Shergar case should never be forgotten.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Important: Please Help Mustangs in Central Wyoming
This Is an Opportunity to Protect the Herds in Seven HMAs at the Same Time!
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6931/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9185
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
I have gone in and commented repeatedly on these issues and will continue to do so……….hope they get the MESSAGE!!
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
BLM Proposes Another Wild Horse Removal from Cloud’s Herd in Montana
Speak up for the Famed Wild Horses of the Pryor Mountains: Submit Comments by January 20!
http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6931/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9119
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thanks, Jag. I sent my comment to help Cloud’s herd.
JAG ~ Queen Zen's Auntie Judy ~ So. California
Wellington man donates reward money for information on wild horse incident
http://www.rgj.com/article/20120113/MVN01/201130347/Wellington-man-donates-reward-money-information-wild-horse-incident
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Bless the gentleman. I hope his offer of a reward brings the culprits to justice.
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
Lovely post and photos; expecially for those of us who have not had the opportunity
to see “The Great Race Place” in person. Oh yes and as far as Rachel Alexander
(no worry Dottie for any mispellings; you are a gem to keep this site going for so
long; we are so very fortunate that you are so caring, kind and a great multitasker)
I guess we will see her baby before baby Z/B, then we can do a comparison. Good thing she is on the petite side as CURLIN is a huge boy.
Hope you had a great day, grazing, mowing, running and getting ready for the big day.
Thanks to Lanes End for being such a great place for Zenny to live.
XXXXXOOOOO
Kelly J. /ND
It has been getting colder up in North Dakota too. I am glad to hear that you and Tasty are doing really well, I love you both very much XOXO!
Paul
Zenyatta, I’m happy that you and Tasty are enjoying the winter weather in Kentucky. It must be pretty exciting that they are filming a TV series at Santa Anita. When the show comes out, I should watch it and see what it’s like. You mention the receivers barn at Santa Anita that every horse that is racing there must go through. They check for identification and registration papers to make sure it all matches up to the actual horse in front of them-sort of like checking for ID at a bar or for buying beer at a store. There is also a blacksmith to make sure that the horses are shoed properly. Too bad you aren’t in that TV series, girl! If you were, I’d be watching every episode for sure!
Gloria Jeanne in the "O.C." SO CAL
http://tuesdayshorse.wordpress.com/2012/01/16/rapid-redux-poster-horse-for-ending-slaughter-and-better-treatment-of-thoroughbreds/
Just something I am passing along – please don’t attack me!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Gloria Jeanne:
I think any article written against the slaughter of our beloved Thoroughbreds (and all horses) should be commended by people everywhere who love these innocent creatures and realize how brutal and painful a death slaughter is. Love and Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele in So Cal
High hoof to Jay Hovdey, and to you, Gloria Jeanne!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Kari – Hello, sweet friend. I just had to tell you how much I enjoyed your post yesterday about going back to Churchill Downs the day after the BC Classic to see Barbaro’s statue and running into “you know who”, our beloved Zenyatta. Talk about the power of Z-magic!!! It is amazing. What a blessing to have experienced such a wonderful forever memory!!! I had to laugh about your husband saying it was all planned. Way too cute!!
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Hi Zenyatta Winter weather is coming. You and Tasty be careful and stay warm :) I know Sarah will take good care of you and Tasty. It was a Zenyatta day today. We did a project with Zenyatta colors for the paper. I mention you all the time. Believe me they know who You are. I love you sweet girl. Hugs and Kisses, Shari XXXOOO
@ Susan in Tn so good to hear from you.
@ Gloria I voted for the picture on facebooK. Beautiful picture WOW!!!!
@ I hope to visit Santa Anita someday. I just don’t like flying.
@ Hi sweet Dawn. I hope your feeling better and better :)
Debbie G/Kentucky
I got my Bloodhorse 25 Most Intriguing magazine today, Zenny, and I loved the article about you. The story about you and the pizza box is too cute! The story about Rachel Alexandra is really cute, too. I thought it was funny what they said about her being too elegant and dignified to roll around in the dirt, but her BFF Hot Dixie Chick starts rolling around as soon as she gets the chance! I also thought it was interesting what they said about Dottie already researching who your next mate will be. Should Bernie be jealous?!
@Cynthia H – Thank you so much for the Santa Anita link. I would love to go there some day, but I don’t know if I’ll ever make it out there. It looks beautiful. I just love old tracks like that. They have so much history. It gives you chills when you think about all the great horses that have raced there.
@Terry Crow – I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I actually did go out with a guy once who kept matches in his bathroom! It didn’t last long, though. LOL
Karen Gogue
Hay, don’t knock it – IT DOES WORK! (matches, that is!) :0 heehee
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Dear Zenny, Please stay warm and take care when you are out in the paddock. I am counting the days until the little one decides it is time to make an entrance but also waiting until Friday when I will go to my mail box in Buffalo and hopefully find my plushie and copy of the Blood Horse Top 25. Hugs and kisses to you and Tasty.
Randy
Thanks Eveline / Maryland!
Past the Grandstand
I think it’s great that there is a new show out there that features horse racing! It must be interesting to see the filming going on.
I can’t believe we’re closing in on the day you have dear Baby Z, Zenyatta! It seems like just yesterday you were racing in the Apple Blossom or approaching the Breeders’ Cup. I am so glad to hear that you and Tasty are doing well.
Also, Z, I thought you and your fans might enjoy a recount of my visit to Remember Me Rescue on Monday. Remember Me recently helped out with the Many, Louisiana horse seizure and I got to meet four of the horses involved. There are also links in my blog post to more information on how to donate to Remember Me and the other rescues involved. Here’s the link to the blog post: http://pastthegrandstand.blogspot.com/2012/01/visiting-remember-me.html
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Beautiful story, Past the Grandstand! High hoof!
Terry Crow
It would be interesting to see how the TV production is going. I visited SA when Seabiscuit was being filmed there. Jeff Bridges is a super guy.
Abigail from Montreal
@ JAG: I actually read this the other day on the PR. Have since read that she’s been fired. Thank goodness! Kudos to Ray Paulick for running this sad story of how even the well-intentioned thoroughbred owner can be taken in and his horses sent to slaughter.
Karen Gogue
At least this is a feel good story.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/317974
Darlene Daniels
Thank you Karen, What a beautiful horse, and to think what could have happened to him. Very inspiring. Thank you for all you do Karen.
Yvonne and Maurice
Hi Zenyatta. Thank you so much for your interesting diary. I did see the preview of Luck and it looks great, was upset about seeing and hearing one of the horses break down, though. Can’t wait for it to start end of this month. Counting the days till March – wow, just heard that Lookin at Lucky had his first foal – can’t believe how fast that time has passed. Love you big girl, please stay toasty, eat well for two and enjoy our time with Tasty. Love you, Angels.
Karen Gogue
This is interesting – flash, flash!
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/people/santa-anita-hrtv-announce-horse-racing-documentary-contest/
Terry Crow
Karen-Thanks for the link. I did get your message. I don’t know about how anyone else does it, but I always scroll down the previous two days postings to see if anyone left a comment. A race track documentary might be interesting. The only thing similar to this in my experience was a short film that was being done by students about my barber. They interviewed me and I told them that a barber was like a bartender and that there were not that many left.
Karen Gogue
Terry Crow
I left a message for you up above, somewhere! :)