Good Morning, Everyone!
It was such a fabulous, yet rather quick weekend! I am constantly amazed at how fast the time is flying by now.
It seems like BABY NEWS is definitely in the air here at the farm. I just received this message and wanted to share it with you. It’s from my dear friend, Pirate Queen. As you may remember, when I first arrived at Lane’s End she was one of my original paddock mates. Then Mike and Charles moved things around a bit….and TASTY and I became such dear friends in our own paddock.
Often, so many of you ask about some of my friends here at the farm.
Well, I am very pleased to announce that PIRATE QUEEN had a grey colt…this morning at 3:50 a.m… by QUALITY ROAD. This is her first foal…and the first crop of Quality Road foals…so this adds to the excitement!
I’ve heard that from all reports everything is going well for both Mom and Baby!
I’m due to be rechecked later today to see how i’m doing and how ‘my bag’ is developing. I can tell things are progressing ‘a bit’ in a very nice, positive, and relaxed manner. Since this is the first time for ME, I can’t wait to hear what my veterinarian and the professionals here at the farm have to tell me about my Mom-to-Be news!
I’ll share it all with you in the morning.
On the racing front, the stakes activity over the weekend was fabulous. UNION RAGS put in a very impressive effort in the Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth (G2). It is so great to see his successful 2 year old form carry into his 3 year old year. The Fairgrounds finish in the Risen Star (G2) was a close one…with both El Padrino and Mark Valeski separated by a close photo. The Factor ran one fast race at Santa Anita in the San Carlos (G2)…and a HIGH HOOF to Summer Applause on her victory in the Rachel Alexandra (G3).
Overall, it was a wonderful weekend of racing!
Have a lovely Monday!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(Congratulations, PQ on your new foal!)
Z
Beth Alexander
So wonderful to hear that Pirate Queen and baby are doing good! I hope you have a great report today, as well as Tasty! I know any day now we will have our little prince or princess to fuss over. Love you always!
Lisag in Texas
Ms Zenyatta, just to let you know I have an appt and will be leaving early today from work, I might be very late getting home, so I am going to say good night to YOU and Tasty now (just in case). I am getting more and more anxious about your baby coming, our niece/nephew. Since you have your marmellows, I am guessing March 17, is too far away for the little Irish lass/lad to wait. Good night, Sweetheart….rest, rest, rest, when was the last time you got your mani/ped? That is what you and Tasty should do, relax and get a mani/ped. I LOVE YOU…Lisag
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin -NJ
praying your appt went well.
hugs
Lisag in Texas
Thank you, VQueen. It could have been a little bit better, but then maybe I ask for too much sometimes.
Joan
I’m so happy to hear the news about Pirate Queen and her new baby. May the baby go on to have a wonderful life. I’m anxious to hear this news in the morning. I know it will be good news for you and your baby. The time is fast approaching and I’m so excited for you. Much love…
Kim
Congrats to Pirate Queen and her new son! Anxiously awaiting birth announcements from you & Tasty. It’s getting awfully close!
Love You, Big Mare
Kim
Barbara Wood (Texas)
CONGRATULATIONS, dear Pirate Queen on the birth of your little. I adore Quality Road, and I’m glad he’s having some dates. Hope someone posts videos.
@Keta–thanks so much for the report on Thisjyhasnolimit. Will pray that all continues to go well.
@Delrene in Carlsbad–we were at the Rose Parade in ’95 and LOVED the flyover.
We’re all getting antsy, Z., to hear that your dr. visit went perfectly. Love you always.
Susan from Fl
Yea PQ! Cheers to Union Rags…you’re my pic! Peace & Happiness!
Cheryl Ross
Can we get any video of Pirate Queen and baby?? Btw thanks for everything you already do for all of us! We LUV our glimpses into their lives:)
LouAnn Cingel of Union, Missouri
So happy to hear the exciting and wonderful news of Pirate Queen and her newborn Quality Road colt-fabulous! Thanks for sharing the news and keeping us updated on the others there at Lane’s End. Looking forward to hearing what they have to say in regards to your pregnancy status and sure sounds like you are getting ready for the big moment. Take care Zenyatta and get all the rest that you can and remember that I love you lots. Sending my Love & Blessings with lots of kisses!
Pam Homeier
Union Rags is my pick, too. Was very disappointed when he lost the BC juvenile, but think he didn’t have that great a trip. Love Michael Matz, too!
signofthetimes
Jockey also made the difference. JLP has very soft hands, which allows the horse
to place himself and be held tightly but not too tight to make him rank; also the very wide turns were probably a combo of jockey and horse; UR broke from outside and was guided in so he would not go so wide;
For many of these great talented horses the finesse for the rider makes a huge difference; like changing from Chantal to Mike Smith last week on one of The Mosses
horses; 5 races with minimal on the board; get a HF jockey and he won.
Jockey’s do a whole lot more than you think especially if you have never ridden a horse.
Max
The only horse to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the Kentucky Derby since 1984 was Street Sense, son of our Z’s dad, Street Cry. Some think that there is a curse which follows any horse who wins the Juvenile.
Union Rags looked very good yesterday in the Fountain of Youth. According to his trainer, Rags has grown up since the BC Juvenile and is now a mighty 17 hands. He looked like he knew exactly how to win in that race. There may be more victories for him on the horizon.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
I agree. He looked like he’s learned how to take the turns and not go wide. Maybe JL was able to help him with that as well. But, he really seemed confident and determined to win in the FOY. Hugs, JB
Pam Homeier
OMG!!!! I learn more from you people than you can imagine! Thank you Ann and Zenyatta for this blog!
Colleen Robbins
Great news about Pirate Queen. I always thought she was such a nice friend for you. Tasty seems to be very dear to you also. So excited about you and Tasty soon being Moms. Keep us posted. How about suggesting King of the Road to Pirate Queen for her little colt? Exciting news about Quality Road’s new crop. Also congrats to YOUR Bernie on all his nice foals…what a wonderful stud job he is doing! High Hoof to YOUR Mike for his racing weekend.
Theresa Buck/Texas
Good morning sweetie my fingers are crossed in hoping you have your foal on my birthday (woo hoo) hope that there wil be some good news today for you and Tasty…just hang in there I can’t wait (((pacing))) the floor every day… Love and hugs to you both
Lisag in Texas
When is your birthday, Theresa?
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Zenyatta. Hello, my sweet friend. What wonderful news about Pirate Queen. I know you shared a very special friendship. I always loved the picture of the two of you with your heads down that looked like a heart. Too cute. It is great that her foal is one of the first crop for Quality Road. When I was at Lane’s End last summer, I was lucky enough to get to spend some time with him, Zenny. We had just seen A.P. Indy and we were all heading back to the office at the end of our tour. I was a little behind everyone else and when I looked at the name plate for the stall I was walking past. Well there was Quality Road. I walked over to say hello to him and his groom was so nice, he asked if I would like him to open the stall so I could get a picture and give Quality Road a good pat. He is quite the handsome one, Zenny and very kind. I am so happy that everything is going well for PQ. We will be looking forward to hearing more about your condition my dear in your post tomorrow. It is all so fun and exciting!!! Speaking of exciting, this weekends races were great. What a performance Union Rags put in. It is very special to see Michael Matz back on the Derby trail!!!! You keep taking those naps and relaxing my love. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses to you and Tasty. XXXOOO
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Dawn- love your Quality Road story! I’m also glad to see Michael Matz in the thick of things!
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Dear Dawn, that visit to Lane’s End was the cat’s meow. Your personal time with Quality Road and my one on one with Langfuhr made the visit so very special. Lane’s End is as nice to the visitors as it is to the horses. Good Luck tomorrow.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Brenda, I thought it was very special also. Meeting you and your family was wonderful. I loved watching the glow in your eyes and the smile on your face when we got to Langfuhr’s stall! I think Vic was quite in love with Curlin!!
Abigail from Montreal
What a GREAT story, Dawn. I think Quality Road is a hunk as well, but will always think of him as the “boy with the bad hair.”
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin -NJ
nice story dawn
hugs
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
My sweet friend, Shari. I am thinking about you and Miesha today. I know you will be seeing the specialist and I hope that you will be given the help you and dear Miesha need. I am sending lots of love, prayers and positive thoughts your way!!!
Love and hugs,
Dawn
sharon in seattle
from me too, Shari. ALL the best!!
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Shari- thinking about you and sweet Miesha <3
Jan S. / Houston
High Hoofs to PQ and her new baby boy. Hope you are having a calming and restful day. Hang in there Mama Z. xoxo
nancy
Z tick tock tick tock, it is fast in comming is it not :) the days are going by and you will be a mommy here very soon. I’m happy to here that PQ had a wonderful foal out of QR, new life is just so wonderful is it not :) If all goes well I hope to attend the Trott event on the 10th, maybe I will get a chance to talk with Mikey :) Z you are the world to all of us. We still miss you, but look forward to the going on’ with you and were hoping Tasty is doing well also.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Delrene in Carlsbad – Hello my dear! I read your posts from yesterday and wanted to add my prayers to everyone elses for your son Steve’s safe return. I know how difficult it was for my own mother when my brother’s were overseas and far from home during the Vietnam War. I have been to Dana Point many times when I lived in California. What a wonderful place to stand, think good thoughts and send the love in your heart out across the miles of ocean and sand. I’m sure your son feels it, even when you are not near. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers until he is safely in your arms again. We owe so much to the brave men and women in our armed forces. I wish I could thank them all personally. But as that is not possible, I would love it if you would share my deep appreciation with your son!
Love and hugs,
Dawn
Have a wonderful time with the kitties. Sounds like a fantastic way to relieve your stress for awhile. Sharing love with some furry friends, has to be a great tonic for your soul. Besides they are so soft and cuddly!
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Sorry, Delrene, I meant Point Loma! Jeez!!!
Margaret
Z what nice news I came home too. PQ had her colt this morning. I’m so glad that both are doing well.
On my home front well things aren’t so hot right now. Actually they are!–I’m home ill with a bad virus/fever. I’m so hot–thinking about moving to the Antarctic just to cool off! But the nice thing about the aches and pains is its my body fighting whatever is invading it. At least I have the comfort of knowing my body hasn’t betrayed me yet.
So I’m home on bed rest for the next several days. As Joe at tbfriends would say “The crowd stands and cheers!” I expect to be in and out the next few days so if you don’t hear from me that’s why. Have to check on baby news even if I don’t post.
Hang in there everyone. There’s absolutely no rush now. We are in the homestretch. Just a bit more patience. I know foal alert is driving everyone crazy–I certainly understand the feeling.
Just a quick note or two. Delivery will come about as a result of hormonal changes. I think its progesterone that triggers the whole chain of events. All normal. PQ just went through that.
With labor and all don’t fear some of the inevitable. Z is in the best hands possible. You have to have faith in the system. Team Z would not leave her there if there was any doubt in their minds. The vets have the experience needed to do whatever is necessary to help her as does her own handlers.
I know its scary for the “newbies”. That’s okay. We all get scared. Just have faith, confidence, and some patience.
With that I’ll see folks later this week–if not before. Back to bed…
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Margret:
Hope you feel better soon. Hus, JB
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Good post, Margaret, thanks.
Kimberly Potter/Montana
Get better soon Margaret…..and thanks for your “calming” affect.
Heidi Kruckenberg (Vallejo, Ca)
Margaret, I hope you feel better soon and get all the rest you can and don’t forget fluids! Maybe some bouillon?
Maryp (New York)
Thanks for your calming words Margaret. Rest up and do nothing but take care of you.
Be well soon. God Bless.
Susan Carothers (in TN)
Margaret- hope you feel better soon! Thanks for more baby info!
Jan S. / Houston
Margaret, Bedrest, fluids, and chicken soup always does the trick.. Feel better soon.
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Margaret, I’m a big believer in a hot toddy, drink it in bed and then snuggle down. Hope you feel better soon.
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin -NJ
praying you get better soon, hugs
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear Margaret, I hope you get plenty of rest and are back to normal soon. Feel better!!!
Hugs,
Dawn
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Hoping you’re tip top really soon, Margaret!
Anita in SoCal
Congrats to PQ & QR! A gray colt – very special. Zenny, I am thinking of you & Tasty constantly and so looking forward to any news of the births. I can’t wait to see all of you in the pasture together! Can’t wait! Hey, I thought of a name for Tasty & Candy Ride’s foal – Divinity! Might work better for a filly. What do ya think? Union Rags was very impressive. Should be an exciting Derby this year! Much Love to You & Tasty, Queen Z. Have a beautiful day! xxxooo Anita
Joanna from TX
Divinity! Cute name and I too think it fits a filly more than a colt.
Anita Carville
Thanks Joanna. Glad you like it. It just came to me :-)
Stephanie
Congrats Pirate Queen and Quality Road- !!! And super Congrats to Union Rags whom seems like a Winner! I think Baby Z will be here soon! Hooves Crossed:)
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Zenny, oh my gosh, did not know what to expect in todays post……..this is like chinese water torture, just drip, drip, drips of information and then we have to wait all night till the next drip! I’m finding my stomach in a knot while waiting for your post to come up, just filled with so many butterflies. Guess I’m a real nut case!
Congratulations to lovely PQ on her baby, I bet it’s a real beauty. Working on these farms in the spring and seeing all the new life born must be just heavenly. CAN’T WAIT FOR YOURS!
Shari you and Miesha have been in my thoughts all morning hope you are getting some good news!
Love you Zen and TT too, kisses on your noses Auntie Sue
The Kennedys in San Diego
How exciting! Congratulations to Pirate Queen and Quality Road — love both of them. Perhaps since you know both parents, you will be asked to be godmother to their newborn colt.
We will be anxiously awaiting news of your status. It is getting very exciting.
carol in utah
PACE…PACE …PACE…
congrats to PQ and her baby….proud papa QR…would love plcs…if possible
ElPadrino and Union Rags both impressive…think EP got higher “figure”
PACE…PACE…PACE…
if PQ and Sea Gull on same “schedule” and foaled 5wks apart…and still waiting on Alyss
….good grief…we could be waiting a while yet…
PACE…PACE…PACE…
I know you are in the very best on hands…keep on with good diet…exercise…and rest…
all will be well….LET US NANNIES DO ALL THE WORRYING …its what we are for..
As always …kisses for your soft nose…lots for Tasty too
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
Alys and Sea Gull foaled within days of each other at the end of January. I’d guess that PQ got off schedule somehow. Or maybe she was just late, and/or the other girls were early.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Carol, above, Amanda posted that “Alys had a Rock Hard Ten filly Jan 22nd.”
carol in utah
Saw someone said Alyss had fiily on 22nd….missed that somehow …congrats to her
Ingrid Arnone
Congratulations Pirate Queen and Quality Road for your new baby, when you both were running I saw you many times, I miss you, please can you take a photo of the baby, I would like to see him.
I cannot wait to see Zenyatta’s baby, love you Ingrid.
Pati
At first I thought you were going to tell us that your time was coming soon, and I was like O.O, but when I saw it was Pirate Queen, I was still very happy. Will you have pictures soon, for us to see the little guy? I am glad you are doing well, and that you are progressing smoothly. I am very terribley excited, and I am sure the pacing commity is wearing a groove into their floor. ;-) Think Pink!! Can’t wait!! :-)
Annie
Congratulations to Pirate Queen! Glad to hear all is going well with you and always anxious to hear about your “Mom-to-be” news. We pray that all will continue to be well with you and with Tasty too.
signofthetimes
Dear Zenny,
Love the photo of PQ in her paddock before the big day TODAY. Boy QUALITY ROAD
is a very fast guy. Wishing her colt the best and a very talented future. I know she did not race much, but many successful broodmare’s have not been “work horses” on the track. And we know the sire is a very talented guy. Can’t wait to hear about your check and the size of your bag; perhaps another couple of weeks and you’ll be a MOM along with TASTY of course. Hope you had a relaxing day in the beautiful KY weather.
Love all the great 3 year old races; boy Union Rags was some very talented colt in his
debute in the FOY. Very excited to see your sire (Street Cry’s) colt Consortium who also has a little AP Indy as well.
XXXXXOOOOO
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin
Dear Sign, Consortium doesn’t have any Street Cry hes’ out of our Bernie(APIndy)and Marietta who’s out of Machiavellian. Hugs
signofthetimes
OOOPS !!!!
That is you and Tasty I think in the photo, right ?????
Thought the grey for a minute was PQ.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@MARGARET–please get well soon–I don’t think we can ask Zenny to “hold it” while you’re down for the count!–lol! Seriously, we’ll pray for you not to miss anything.
signofthetimes
Love the poem a lot, Gary Moulton !!!
signofthetimes
Dear Delrene,
Wishing you a very special B-day;
and your son the safest of returns
to his homeland; and a big thank you
to him for being one of AMERICA’s HEROS !!!