Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #12

Zenyatta, early September. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Q:

If a mare, for whatever reason, misses a “date” with a stallion, is it difficult to make up? Does one person juggle the breeding schedules for all the stallions and mares?

Barbara Wood

Waco, TX

A: Here at Lanes End we rarely miss a mare’s heat cycle due to the stallion being too busy. We work very hard to communicate with the mare’s boarding farm and do our best to accommodate each mare on the day that is requested. If it does occur we try to give the mare that we missed preferential treatment next time she comes into heat and is “back on the books”.

We have two people here at Lane’s End Farm that juggle the bookings. The stallions are divided between us at the beginning of the year, since we have a large number of them.  We each book half the stallions for the season.  We also have another employee who handles the bookings for the mares that reside at Lane’s End that are bred to stallions on outside farms.

Our Expert

Daniele Hunter

Stallion Booking Secretary, Lane’s End

Daniele has been working at Lane’s End Farm for eight years. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Communications. She has held many positions within the thoroughbred Industry including working for a veterinarian and managing her own thoroughbred breeding operation.

Reader Interactions

640 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Hi to all!! Looks like I am back. (Crossed hooves.) When we returned from Alaska we found this computer to be slower than the (fabulous) glaciers we saw, so off to the shop for a while! Now, having looked over this particular blog, I also send “feel/get better” sentiments to those who are going through rough patches. Here’s hoping for smoother sailing/racing/greener pastures to come. High hoofed thoughts are sent your way–to all of you.

    Darlene Daniels, a belated happy birthday to you! And how about that poem from Trina.!!! We will get more updated with the racing scene with S.A. coming right up! During Fairplex/Pomona racing (local County Fair) we make that our downtime and try to go to the movies. We then feel refreshed for the upcoming EVERYTHING! with racing. BUT last Sunday we met friends for breakfast at Clocker’s Corner–got updated on both ends (and showed off our photo albums, LOL) as well as saw Bob Baffert–among others–timing horses. So we are always involved in some fashion, of course, never far away.

    This Saturday is going to be a BUSY one at The Great Race Place–don’t know how there will be time for the races. :-) See you– whoever is there- then!

    As usual, thanks to Lane’s End. :-)

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne from Paramount,

      So glad that you checked in after a very fun vacation.
      Really look forward to your updates and insight as one
      of the in the know folks in CALI. Keep that Bob Baffert
      in line and get him to slow those babies down. !!!!

    • / Reply

      Anne-We have been kicking this around forawhile and you would be the one to answer it. What is the daily coat of keeping a horse in training these days?

  2. / Reply

    It’s another wild weekend at Woodbine. Here is something that you do not see often, a no contest. The rider was unseated at the beginning of the race. The good news is that both the rider and the horse are okay.

    In today’s races, one of the colts threw off his rider in the post parade and tried to breed with his pony at least ten times. The pony ignored these amorous advances and continued to work like a professional. The outriders finally got the jockey seated and the horse to the gate. He did not win as his mind was not on the job.

    http://www.drf.com/news/woodbine-no-contest-called-after-rider-unseated

    • / Reply

      Talk about a Post Parade…….love those ponies,real troopers.
      Is this the track where the horses were jumping the fence, Max?
      Go POE.

      • / Reply

        Ann. Yes, it is. These horses are not docile. The track workers earn their pay. It’s the home track to Musketier and Tasty Temptation among others.

        • Max,
          Must be in the water :)…..!
          I would like to visit there someday,sounds like it is an exciting track!

          Yes, I am glad all are OK.

      • / Reply

        They reconfirmed today on tv that both the horse and the rider are okay. The horse actually got up and tried to stay in the race before the outriders stopped him.
        One of the horses in the no contest was Street Fight, grandson of Street Cry, so that there is that connection to Z.

        • Max,
          Appreciate the update & video.
          Yesterday there was a tweet expressing concern that Matt was motionless on the track & asking for prayers.
          This fall had a good outcome for jockey & horse.
          Keta

      • / Reply

        Keta. It looked bad for awhile. Matt is okay but apparently he will take some time off because he is sore from the fall. Something similar happened to Justin Stein a few weeks ago. He was sent to the hospital, but he was okay too and is back to racing.

    • / Reply

      Max:

      Thanks for the link, so glad horse and jockey are fine! Amazing the way all jock’s and horses pulled up in safety of themselves and the injured jockey, very impressing considering most jock’s don’t get paid unless they win!! And we all know some “Hotdogger” that always thinks they can beat the system or odds to win, truly inspirational in my eyes! Nice to see good sportsmanship in a sport that is all about winning and getting paid to win, because in this sport if you don’t win you don’t get paid, unlike other sports!

      I can honestly say this video may my Sunday, people do care about other people!

      Thanks!!!!!

      GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      A candidate for GELDING, that is for sure.
      Jockey’s do have a dangerous job, glad they are both OK.

      • / Reply

        Sign. I was thinking the same. If that pony had decided to run away, it could have been very bad. At Woodbine, gelding is called the extreme makeover.

        • I like that one “extreme makeover”. It sure can be!!!

          HA HA HA HA !!!!

          Some laughter today, thanks Max

        • Ok, I played the link you gave and saw the race but, not the post parade where the “stuff” happened. Am I missing something? It was great how all the jockeys pulled their horses up out of concern for the fallen Jockey. Hooof Hoof Horray!!

        • Heidi. The no contest race in the video was yesterday. The amorous colt was in a post parade today. They do not usually have videos of those parts of the races. I was watching the post parade on tv. All that I can say is that it was different. After the other horses saw this behavior, some of them starting to jump up and down and act out before loading into the gate. It was quite a spectacle. The pony however was stoic. I was thinking that Lava Man might have given that colt a swift hoof or a bite to settle him. No one messes with Lava Man.

    • / Reply

      LoL, Max, at how he “tried to breed with his pony at least ten times. The pony ignored these amorous advances and continued to work like a professional. The outriders finally got the jockey seated and the horse to the gate. He did not win as his mind was not on the job.” I’m sure not fun for the jockey, but I would have loved to have seen it. Especially as you said it got the other horses to “act up” as well. Thanks.

  3. / Reply

    Max: LOL–loved your description of the Woodbine “activities.” :-)

    Have to run now…”talk” to you all later. Happy Sunday to one and all–horses and their two legged companions!

  4. / Reply

    Don’t be concerned if there are fewer Paynter Updates at the beginning of next week.

    Yom Kippur begins in the evening of Tuesday, September 25, 2012, and
    ends in the evening of Wednesday, September 26, 2012.

    I will share whatever I see on Twitter.
    But, expect it will be quiet during this time.
    Keta

  5. / Reply

    To cap off a wild day, La Tia, a granddaughter of Storm Cat, won the $150K Lalorgnette Stakes for fillies at Woodbine.

    In the homestretch, the leading La Tia hit the rail, looked like she was going to jump it, and nearly came to a complete stop before pouring it on again to win. This was something else even for Woodbine. I hope that Bloodhorse posts the video. La Tia and her rider, Justin Stein, are both okay. Incredible. All in a day.

        • Wow, I thought she was going over or, the Jockey for sure!! What a ride! I bet he needed some xanax after that! LOL

        • I told you guys before that the horses are jumping those rails at Woodbine all of the time, but it is usually not done during a race. This horse is not even from Woodbine. She’s from Chicago but she obviously learns quickly. She might have been talking to the other horses?
          In an interview after the race, the jockey, Justin Stein, said that he thought that she was about to jump because she objected to the whip, and then she decided at the last minute that jumping the rail might not be so good an idea. He was impressed by her ability to recover and regain her momentum. No kidding! Girl Power.

      • / Reply

        Max,

        La Tia spooked at something, probably a shadow and jumped to leaning into
        the rail. Impressive run by her to rally, get it together and win.

        There are quite a few colts who have done that, in fact Mr. Commons did it at the turf course at Santa Anita. When they see the dirt, color changes and surface changes so they have a tendency to jump and then rally. When Mr. Commons did it he was not able to make up the ground and win.

        Very impressive La Tia !!!

        • Sign,
          I’m with you-that was quite a spook. Wonder what she saw.
          Good win!!
          Max, Is it just me or do the starts at Woodbine seem more bump-and-run than other tracks?
          And, it doesn’t seem to matter how many horses are in the starting gate.
          Keta

        • Keta. I think that you may be right about the starts. They also tend to have interesting issues with loading the horses, especially the 2 year olds. They have minds of their own about what they will do. Saddling up can be entertaining too. Today seemed to be wilder than ever.

        • Sign. One of the commentators said the same that she thought that La Tia had seen something that scared her. It was quite a recovery. The video did not show her leaving the track after the winner’s circle, but she was as cool as a cucumber. She sauntered off with her groom as if she owned the place, which she did today. There were some very good fillies in that race. One has Big D as dam sire and is owned by the same US owner as Lucarno and Thought Worthy.

        • I noticed there were a lot of birds there. I thought she spooked at them, but then Justin said she didn’t like the whip, and that’s when she hit the rail.

        • Dear Max and ,
          Those TB are spook masters all of them.
          I got dumped quite frequently on a spook
          Until I figured out the feel. Jethro was so big
          And long, when he spooked it was not too bad.
          But, Oh My the crow hopping was impossible
          To stick with, he was too powerful.

          HA HA HA, those TB have sooo many antics.
          Woodbine sounds like a great place to visit !!!

        • La Tia….wow, incredible she could stay focused and held on to win.
          What a gal!!

          Thanks Max for showing us this crazy,wild,race. Glad everyone came home safe.

          Now to find out…what is going on there? Shadows,birds?
          I remember at Belmont, the birds were topic of discussion at one time.
          Nosey ole railbirds! Always wanting a handout.

          Sign….that would be crazy,wild,monster crow hopping!!!! We have massive amounts now going on, the cool weather has all horses acting…..zany!

        • Dear Ann in NC,

          Oh my the cold weather used to get Jethro crazy, longe time for quite a while until he bucked it all out. He was 17 when I started riding him and
          23 when I quite. Can’t take the “boy” out of those TB and he was a Gelding, Oh my !!!

          No wonder those “baby” colts are soooo crazy. I could never imagine riding a 2 year old. I rode a 3 year old once and it was an absolute disaster, neither of us knew what was going on and that is very frustrating.

          Are yours TB, too ????

        • Only two weeks untill the Arc. Can’t wait………………………….
          Wonder if Wise Dan will race on the 6th

    • / Reply

      Max:

      Great run by this tough filly! What a recovery! What is going on at Woodbine? Maybe the track needs a cleansing? There are some wild rides that go on up there, “thank God” everyone is alright, truly amazing jockey’s and horses you’ve got riding up there!

      GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Oh my gosh, Sign! These are insane as well! My favorite was the horse just running into the woods like he knew where he was going. LOL, thanks for posting this!

      • / Reply

        They are crazy aren’t they Louise,

        I agree with you, the one of the horse running into the woods is very unique.

        Jockey’s do have to have great riding skills. To perch a top a horse going 45 miles an hour, not even touching the saddle. Great balance and coordination.

    • / Reply

      Sign:

      These jockey’s could be on the men’s US gymnastics team, the way they fly and bounce around! WOW! What a talent these guys have! I like the ones’ where the horses went around the jumps and not over them! Those were so cute! “Like no way man”! And OMG where were those little boys parents? That sure is some crazy riding those jockey’s do!

      Thanks for sharing!
      GirlSaratoga

  8. / Reply

    Was just surfing on the web like I am prone to do and caught some great pictures of Havre de Grace and Princess Arabella at Taylor Made Sales. Looking beautiful. Hope this site posts okay for me.
    Also found some pics of Plum Pretty, but was not able to get the site.

    I am praying that Havre de Grace and Plum Pretty stay here in the U.S. Princess Arabella is in foal to Tapit.

    http://community.tvg.com/t5/History-and-Photos/Princess-Arabella-and-Havre-de-Grace-at-Taylor-Made/td-p/1023420

    • / Reply

      Janet,
      such lovely mares, great pics thanks for posting. And in the comments below someone said the same thing I have been saying. WE CAN’T LET THEM BE SOLD TO JAPAN!!!! Someone here has to buy them and keep them here in the states. Hugs

    • / Reply

      These are sooo lovely Janet,

      I am afraid the big money from Japan is going to get one or both of them.

      Very sad.

      • / Reply

        @ Sign
        I am afraid you are right. Japan has the stronger economy and are in the market. Musical Romance is going in the same sale I believe after her Breeders Cup. I also have read that IHA’s dam Arch’s Gal Edith and the dam of Bodemeister Untouched Talent are up for sale this fall as well.
        I believe Havre de Grace’s owner, Rick Porterr entertained any offers after her retirement and did not get any or at least any he felt high enough. I know he is just in the business of racing and he stated he has only kept one horse that was sentimental to him. That horse had to have been something, because Havre de Grace won him an Eclipse for Horse of the Year.

        • @ Janet
          Did not realize that Musical Romance is going
          Up for sale. Remember hearing the dam of Bode and IHA
          Are going up for sale. Good time to make money on
          Them when they produce a talent.

          Yes, you would think Rick Porter would keep her.
          So sad, at least he has been honest about his intentions
          Not like Redham. I bet he wants about $10 million.
          She is such an outlier pedigree wise, maybe someOne
          Like Besilu would buy her. He is trying to build a broodmare
          Band and paid 8 million for Royal Delta.

  9. / Reply

    I’m really behind on the posts and just saw that I missed Darlene Daniels’ birthday. Happy Belated Birthday, Darlene! And Trina, you’ve outdone yourself AGAIN! Beautiful poem!

    • / Reply

      Sign:

      She is sooooooo gorgeous! Why isn’t her owner keeping her? She was HOY? I don’t understand our American owner’s> I know it’s money? But if they breed her won’t her babies bring them $$$$$? We are loosing all our best horses to Japan! What do they know that we don’t know?

      Sad very sad!

      GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        GS,
        Her owner only races, he does not breed at all.
        Does not even keep a small broodmare band of his
        Own like some non breeding owners. I think in the
        TB world breeding is considered standing stallions,
        Which is a huge specialty.

        HDG is a very beautiful mare and sooo looks like
        She is enjoying her retirement. She will be a lovely
        Broodmare .

  11. / Reply

    12 Z getting this first bath,

    Mom is looking on saying “Son, everyone will gather around you when they happens every time.” Relax and enjoy the massage and attention, it is sooo much fun and very relaxing for your sore muscles”.

    https://staging.zenyatta.com/videos

    • / Reply

      I’m doing OK. I was out with Trina Saturday night at a fund raiser in the area where she lives and had a great time. It had a monster theme and the guests of honor were Bela Lugosi, Jr. and Sara Karloff, daughter of Boris. Got to talk with both for some time and really enjoyed he experience.

      • / Reply

        Good to hear from you TC GP.
        That event sounds like it was Spooktacular!

        I also meant to thank you for the great story about Shoe and N. Dancer. Always love those tid bits about our Greats!

        Don’t be a stranger!

        • Ann-That sorry episode was the worst thing, and perhaps the only bad thing, that Shoe ever did. Except for that, he was admirable.

        • One thing I heard about Shoe was that he had
          A hard time handeling large strong horses.

          Guess every jockey is not able to ride all horses.

          He sure was a great jockey !!!!

        • Kennedys and Jan S-You couldn’t meet two nicer people. I especially enjoyed talking with Bela Lugosi, Jr. about Martin Landau’s portrayal of his father in a movie named Ed Wood. Landau won the best actor oscar for his performaance.

  14. / Reply

    Anyone know what happened?

    Elizabeth Ellis tweeted on Sun. Sept 23 about 6 pm
    So thankful JoeTalamo is OK.
    Reminded again how dangerous this sport is and
    how truly lucky I am to have supportive family and friends

    • / Reply

      Sign,
      Found the info. Just happened today. Here’s the story
      Fairplex: Pedroza dethroned, but wins closing-day Hinds
      By Brad Free
      POMONA, Calif. – Jockey Martin Pedroza broke slowly at the start of the 13-day Los Angeles County Fair meet, and finished second in the standings. It was the first year since 1998 Pedroza has not led the meet.
      But 6-year-old gelding Norvsky suffered the season’s biggest stumble. Even money in the $100,000 Ralph M. Hinds Handicap on closing day Sunday at Fairplex Park, Norvsky stumbled at the start, and unseated jockey Joe Talamo.
      That left Pedroza and Worth Repeating ($8.20) with a perfect trip and five-length runaway victory in the centerpiece race of the meet.
      The victory was redemption for Pedroza, whose Fairplex dominance was expected to continue for a 14th straight year. But facing the strongest colony in years, Pedroza could only finish second as Edwin Maldonado won the title by a 26-19 margin.
      In the Hinds, Norvsky seemingly had the field at his mercy. Then the gates opened.
      “His head was turned, and he lost all his footing,”
      Talamo said. Norvsky stumbled, and Talamo went over the top and to the ground. Neither horse nor jockey was badly hurt.
      http://www.drf.com/news/fairplex-pedroza-dethroned-wins-closing-day-hinds

    • / Reply

      The article is dated in August. Talamo was riding roday at Pomona and went straight over his horse’s head when it stumbled at the start of the feature race. Don’t know the extent of his in juries, if any, but it sure looked scary.

      • / Reply

        Oh no, another injury for Joe!!!!
        Hope is OK, he is such a very young talented
        Jockey !!!

        Thanks for the Cali update, TC

    • / Reply

      Marshall (NC):

      Thanks for kind words and sweet thoughts, I’m keepin’ the faith! (At least I’m trying to!)

      GirlSaratoga

  18. / Reply

    Darlene Daniels,
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY (belated)!!
    Sincere good wishes to you for a wonderful year AND many more!!
    Cheers!

    Thanks for the great poem, Trina!

  19. / Reply

    Dear Judy Berube, went in to check on Gabby. Doesn’t look like she has done anything since I believe it was the l5th.Unless its been updated since I looked earlier today.
    Hope everything goes ok with Papa Charlie and the other horse. Will keep them in my prayers.
    PUP Paynter, Your in my prayers.
    Goodnight Everyone.

  20. / Reply

    Finally got to see the Woodbine race, stupid IP we have is so slow to load these things I get frustrated and walk away. What a great filly with a desire to WIN, she wouldn’t let anyone get past her.

    HeidiK(Cal) I bet he needed more than Xanax after that ride, he probably needed a new pair of underwear, ha, ha. Amazing

    • / Reply

      Read it 4x…..finally got it…..San Pablo worked…not P….I am going to leave reading tweets to keta or Pati in the future…I am obviously tweet challenged

      • / Reply

        Carol
        It is so easy to get confused with some of the tweets.
        There is a Twitter account named: @ZayatPaynter.
        I don’t think it is an official Zayat one. It is similar to the other horse accounts
        Here is what you saw

        David Grening‏@DRFGrening @ZayatPaynter worked 5-8 this morning in 1:02.74 w San Pablo. Pointing to Gold Cup I think

        What was happening Dave was answering ZayatPaynter who asked about his Royal Delta tweet.
        FYI-Royal Delta is scheduled for the Beldame & San Pablo for the Jockey Gold Cup. Both races at Belmont on Sept. 29th
        Keta

  22. / Reply

    @TC, GP–so glad you had such a good time. That sounds like something fun that you would like.

    @All who’ve been praying for Money–thank you so much. He comes off his meds Wednesday, so please pray we don’t slip backward. Daughter is sick and going to the dr. (sinus infection) just from exhaustion. I feel like I have the worst case of jet lag.
    He was walking well, and she said he could join an older horse in the small front paddock. Please pray that it goes well. Hugs to all.

    • / Reply

      @ Barbara
      Will continue to pray for Money and that your daughter gets to feeling better. Being exhausted and having a sinus infection makes it twice as hard. Take care of yourself too.

    • / Reply

      Barbara,

      Prayers and candles continue for Money and your daughter and yourself. It sounds like things have been going in a good direction for Money. Certainly hope he only needs one round of meds. Hope also that your hubby is feeling good now. Your family has been on quite a journey this year. Breeders Cup should bring it to a good close.

  23. / Reply

    Paynter Update Monday Sept. 24 8:30 AM Pacific A. Zayat tweets
    Paynter Update: Our star continues to enjoy a perfect weekend his temperature is normal, feet perfect, his blood work is good.
    appetite better, attitude bright and frisky, starting to fight with Dr. Laura for the first time. All in all we are happy.
    Let’s get a few more good days like these and than Paynter can declare his real victory. #Poweruppaynter #star #warrior #Champ

    • / Reply

      Great report on Paynter — paticularly liked the comment “starting to fight with Dr. Laura for the first time.” Such a positive sign — after all, Paynter was a feisty colt prior to his illness.

  24. / Reply

    something i can do….find Cigar’s paddock ….now has he been a bad boy…the sherrifs truck with horse trailer is pulled up to his paddock….hope they are not there to arrest him….always heard he was a sweetheart…hummmmmm

  25. / Reply

    Terry C sounds like you had a blast, did you wear your skunk hat……could have gotten away with it!!

    Barbara Wood,, praying for Money and your daughter, I had a sinus infection once……was just miserable!

    Continue to pray for our man Paynter, he’s sounds like he’s turned the corner, but we can’t stop now.

    GirlSaratoga, continue to pray for you during your hard times, I know it’s hard to keep your chin up sometimes, but coming here helps me a lot. Hugs

  26. / Reply

    Unfortunately, I have gotten sidetracked with obtaining the skunk hat. However, it would have fit right in. Here are a few redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you have ever tried to drown a fish. You might be a redneck if your dog can drink more beer than you can. You might be a redneck if you go to Wal Mart to watch TV. You might be a redneck if you got polaroids after sitting on the ice too long. You might be a redneck if your husband has ever been mistaken for Sasquatch.

    • / Reply

      Oh, no. Polaroids from sitting on the ice too long. I can’t stop laughing. Too funny.

      Terry, It’s good to have you back regularly now. Sounds like the event Saturday night was right up your alley. Kudos to Trina to get you out and about. You have a lot of people in your corner pulling for you that you will be walking on smooth ground soon. God Speed.

    • / Reply

      Mr. Grand Poobah.

      My dog loves beer, but of course we dont let her have much. Only what she sneaks. Does this make us a little less redneck?

      Thanks for the good jokes.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the jokes, TC.
      My husband came home from his Mancation fishing trip looking like Sasquatch.
      Yes, I am a redneck. No fish were caught…..really,come on…really!!!

  28. / Reply

    Eblouissante (3-Year-Old Filly)

    Date: September 24, 2012
    Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
    Distance: Six Furlongs
    Time: 1.15:20 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: All Weather Track
    Rank: 14/25

    • / Reply

      So what do you think? Is her first start in October or November at Santa Anita? Or could it possibility be pushed out to 2013 and she makes her first start as a 4 year old? I know some of us were predicting a November debut.

      • / Reply

        This appears to be a typical workout pattern for a horse who is getting ready to make a start. Short, fast breezes and then a longer, more leisuely drill. Looks like a go, and soon.

        • Will she beat her sister in her first start????

          Zenny started in November !!!!

          Guess like mother, like daughters !!!

          “V” was a slow starter too, large frame and weak ankles.

        • And Street Cry was winning at 2, go figure.

          “V” really seems to influence her daughters.

  29. / Reply

    Wanted to share Barbara Livingston’s blog on Deputed Testamony.
    There are some nice photos.

    shttp://www.drf.com/blogs/deputed-testamony-who-gave-all-he-had

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