Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #13

Zenyatta in her paddock. Photo by Alys Emson

Q:

When a racing thorougbred is retired from the track with the intention of being bred, do they generally settle down quickly from all the excitement of the track or does it take a while depending on the horse’s personality? Also, shortly after Silver Charm was retired to stand at stud, I watched a brief special on TV that said that he continued to be ridden and that he enjoyed being ridden. How common is it that thoroughbreds are still ridden after they are retired and are on a breeding farm? Just curious! Thanks for all you guys do!!

Megan Tallent

Indianapolis, IN

A:

Racehorses typically settle into retirement quite quickly. You have to remember we are actually putting them back in to a more natural environment to the one they have been living in at the track. However we don’t just bring them to the farm and put them out in the herd in a big field. The process is gradual and each horse dictates how long it takes depending on their behavior and also the time of year and weather conditions. We will turn them out in a small paddock daily and bring them in every evening. Typically with the fillies we then introduce them to a friend or two before they are eventually put in a larger field with a bigger group.

We do not ride any of our horses here at Lane’s End but it is not entirely uncommon to hear of Stallions being ridden after they are retired. At Three Chimneys Farm they do ride the stallions hence the piece on Silver Charm that you saw. We use a horse walker for the stallions that need additional exercise to help keep them trim.

Our Expert

Alys Emson

Client Management, Lane’s End

Alys has been at Lane’s End for fourteen years. She has worked in every division of the farm and is now in charge of client management, keeping owners up to speed about the lives of their horses.

Reader Interactions

898 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Deirdre B. Biles‏ The Blood=Horse tweet
    Remember In Lingerie from May when she emerged from her winning effort with a bloody leg, but was unbowed. Now she’s Spinster winner
    .
    Keta Note: Here is Video Replay fo Spinster
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bj3gTmqslj4&feature=youtu.be

    Jim Gluckson BC Racing guy tweet
    In Lingerie becomes 4th breeders cup Ladies’ Classic automatic qualifier.
    She joins Royal Delta, Include Me Out & Love and Pride

    LEXINGTON, KY (Oct. 7, 2012) – Gary Barber and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ In Lingerie took command at midstretch and pulled away to a two-length victory over Mystical Star to win the 57th running of the $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster (G1) before a crowd of 12,646 on a brisk afternoon at Keeneland.
    The victory earned a spot for In Lingerie in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) to be run November 2 at Santa Anita.
    Trained by Todd Pletcher, who also won the Spinster in 2007 with Panty Raid, and ridden by John Velazquez, In Lingerie covered the 1 1/8 miles on the main track in 1:49.42.

    • / Reply

      Keta I left you a message on page 6, I’m so glad I am off tomorrow for the holiday.. I’ll be searching for info on Orfevre all day. Please post if you see anything. You just worry always after those big races let alone him hitting the rail. Praying so hard he’s OK.

      • / Reply

        Dear Peggy,
        He lugged in and hit the rail.
        He is fine, thank goodness.
        Those quirks !!!

      • / Reply

        Peggy & Max
        Sent a tweet to Kate Hudson the Japanese horse reporter
        asking if she has an update on O from his trainer.

        Any comments from trainer Yasutoshi on Orfevre’s bumping the rail in the final strides of the Arc? How is Orfevre post-race?

        Did see a tweet that O was leaving for Japan on Oct. 9 and would land Oct 10.
        This is from a source I am not familiar with–waiting for confirmatin.
        That is it for the moment
        Keta

        • Keta. Looks like O has to get back to Japan because of quarantine issues for Japan Cup. See article from Daily Mail posted below. Except for Camelot’s loss of his shoes and small leg cut, have not heard that any other horse had any issues.

        • Keta, Max, Thank You both for this info. I guess he’s porbably flying home right now.

        • Peggy. The Japan Cup looks like an attractive target for him with both prestige and big prize money. Whatever he does next, he’s well worth following. What a run he had in the Arc! Not to be forgotten.

  3. / Reply

    It’s past the witching hour
    So October 8 is here.
    It’s time for Birthday wishes
    To a pal I hold quite dear.
    Her texts to me are endless;
    No race result slips by.
    Good thing work pays my cell bill,
    Else it would be sky high!
    I hold the fondest memory
    Of the night Prince Z was born.
    We jammed both cell and ‘net links
    Until the early morn!
    But little tops her B’day dinner
    At The Derby just last year,
    When Mike Smith himself became dessert
    And kissed her near her ear!
    For anything that’s Zenny,
    Judy Gadwood is the mag,
    So this heartfelt Happy Birthday
    Goes to our “Auntie Judy JAG”!

    All the very best, GF!

    diastu in tempe

    • / Reply

      Happy Birthday JAG! At least the electronic mail is being delivered today! Very best wishes for today and always. Looking forward to meeting you soon.
      Sandy (thinking pink :-)

      Super poem Diana!!!! High Hoof!

      • / Reply

        ♥ Sandy, I’m just reading all the greetings on here – almost a week late on replying!

        Thank you! I look forward to meeting you, too! Yes – think pink!

        Auntie JAG thinking PINK ♥

    • / Reply

      Happy Birthday JAG. Have a great day. Getting closer and closer to BC. Cant wait to meet you all.

      Diana, great poem! Have a great day.

      • / Reply

        ♥ Darlene – yes it’s going to be a blast! It won’t be long now…

        Thanks for the b’day wishes – it was a wonderful day!
        jag

    • / Reply

      Dear Jag,
      My libra counterpart. Wishing you the happiest
      Happiest birthday and many many more. You are truely
      A great link for us to everything Zenny and racing
      In California. Love your poem Diana, sooo looking forwarto meeting
      Everyone.

      XXXZZZ

      • / Reply

        Sign, thank you very much! I love sharing stuff happening, especially ariound Barn 55 :-)
        JAG

        p.s. Liba, huh? How cool is that lol Happy belated birthday to you!

    • / Reply

      Dear Auntie Judy (JAG):

      Happy, Happy Birthday. Hugs, JB

      Dear Diana:

      Great poem. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Hope you have a wonderful Birthday JAG. I know John Henry sends his birthday wish as well. Hope you have this and many more Happy Birthdays.
      Hey Diana, Great Poem

    • / Reply

      WOW, high hoof, Diana! What a grand poem!!

      And here, with my current happy birthday wishes for our dear Judy, is a look back at last year’s poem for her. Note: Judy’s maiden name “Maass” is pronounced “Moss!” How is that for a sweet Team Z connection! Happy birthday, Judy!

      A Birthday Poem for Judy Maass Gadwood (JAG)
      October 8, 2011

      Our dear Judy Gadwood, nee Maass,
      Finds Zenyatta a horse to treasure–
      Her love for Z has no measure.
      To spend time on Z’s site
      Is for her such a pleasure
      That she can’t stay away,
      Try as she might.
      She’ll even sneak minutes
      Out of sight of the boss
      On a work day
      For Zenyatta.com–
      For her soul
      It’s a healing balm
      Without limits.
      But before there was Z,
      There was another “hoss,”
      A superstar
      Who brought fans from afar.
      His attendants had found
      That when in his stall
      He dearly loved to pound
      Anything steel
      Right into the ground—
      Now that should reveal
      The name
      Known to all
      To which he brought
      Even more fame—
      Yes, ’twas John Henry,
      Another champion he!
      And Judy was soon in his thrall.
      He won his first Arlington Mile
      Beating The Bart,
      And that was the start
      Of a career
      That year after year
      Brought Judy many a smile—
      And she in turn gave him her heart.
      To this day his name
      Encircles her wrist
      On a bracelet she wears
      As if keeping a tryst
      With him whom she so admired.
      And when John Henry retired
      To Kentucky Horse Park,
      Judy was lucky enough
      To visit him more than once–
      For sure he had no better pal
      Than this gal from SoCal.
      And she was blessed
      To give him a final kiss
      And tell him goodbye
      As it came his turn to die
      –on her birthday, no less.
      Oh, how he would be missed!
      But before he departed
      To race cross the sky,
      His heart to her alone spoke
      What no other could hear.
      Soul to soul he imparted,
      “My time now is near,
      My race has been run,
      My work here is done.
      But have no fear—
      Though she is still young,
      Another already has come
      That you’ll love
      As you have me,
      Just wait patiently
      And you’ll see.
      From above
      To her my spirit I’ll send,
      To her my soul I’ll lend,
      And her with my fire
      I’ll inspire
      To be a great filly and mare.
      Of her I’ll take good care
      So no matter how fast
      She flies round the track
      And charges from last
      To be first at the wire,
      She’ll always come back
      Safe and sound.”
      Then he was gone.
      Judy cried many a tear
      When she lost her old friend,
      And was bound to fear
      That her sadness would never end.
      But she at last found relief
      From that deep grief
      When she finally met
      The promised Z—
      To her, a source of new-found joy,
      The best gift that could be
      From her beloved boy.
      That first encounter with Z
      Was some three years ago–
      Z’s now relaxing in Kentuck’
      And preparing to be a mom,
      So Judy now cheers for Mo,
      Black Caviar, the sweet Blind Luck,
      And today certainly Mr. Commons.
      And since in this world of saints and sinners,
      It’s true
      That her whole life through
      Judy has been on the side of the good,
      We would, if we could,
      Make her every wager a winner.
      And another wish we would grant her:
      These days
      She fervently prays
      That the stars may align
      For March 9
      To be the day that Z gives birth–
      The same day that in ’75
      John Henry first set hoof on earth.
      For her ’twould be a splendid sign
      That to be alive
      Is to be truly
      In a circle never broken.
      Meantime
      Let our love for dear Judy
      Be joyously spoken.
      We say hoof, hoof, hoof ray,
      And may joy with you always stay!

      Happy birthday, Judy, and many, many happy returns!

    • / Reply

      Hello Diana: What a fun and wonderful poem for Judy. I can imagine you texting each other and Judy’s posting race results too.

      Hugs, Marilu

    • / Reply

      Happy Birthday Judy (JAG)!!!! Wishing you health and happiness for many more!!

      Did Trina outdo herself on THIS ONE???!!!! AND loved Diana’s poem. You are very special and have very special friends here in Zenyatta land!!

      Love & hugs,
      Mary

      • / Reply

        ♥ maryp I appreciate your kind words! Yes, I’ve met some wonderful peeps on the blog and at the track – all because of Our Queen Zen!! XO

        Thank you for the birthday wishes!
        JAG

    • / Reply

      Great poem, Diana! Very well done.

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAG!! Best wishes for this and for many, many more!
      Always enjoy your posts, too.
      Cheers and hugs!

      • / Reply

        ♥ Marshall I don’t post often any more, but thanks for the sentiments! :-)
        JAG

    • / Reply

      I love the way he understands all of the languages,
      French happy, German not happy.
      Great update

    • / Reply

      I was a little confused but this cleared it up…..everything saying he is a French horse…but he is really Australian ….

    • / Reply

      Thanks Kathy R.
      How sweet,him following her around, like a puppy.
      Guess the Big D. attitude did not carry over. That is a once in a life time TUDE!
      great read…thanks.

    • / Reply

      Great description,SueW. This time of year with Z getting her winter coat, I bet she feels like velvet. Love that photo,Alys!
      remember…young z is getting his new winter coat. he will be a fuzzy wuzzy!

  7. / Reply

    dear sign thanks so much for the video of goldie’s groom sooooo funny reminds me of how I react when a horse I love wins a race you should have seen me when kauto won his 5th king george last year one crazy lady!!!! hugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena and Z Fans:

      Your description of “crazy lady” would suit me perfectly when Z was closing in the 2009 and 2010 BCC. Cheering and crying at the same time. Very emotional. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Sheena,Judy,
        The neighbors are close to calling 911 when we watch races on TV.The cheering is outracious…..Preak Day a fine example. Our wood floors will never be the same!
        Jumping up and down! Hubby wants to install another support beam.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Sooo glad you enjoyed that video of Goldi’s
      Groom. He did not know he was not supposed to
      Be on that part of the track, he just loved Goldi.
      Wow Kauto won a chase 5 times. Amazing,
      Wonder who is going to get to retrain him after
      Retirement. Please keep us up to date on his next
      Chase. My neighbors are always hearing me, cheering
      Too..

  8. / Reply

    dear peggy I felt so srry for orfevre on sunday he’d ran a perfect race but solemia was a soft ground specialist my 1st thought was”peggy’s going to be so sad”he’ a beautiful boy and will win again dont worry!!hugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena, Thank You, I think he will win big again, too. Hope so hard he stays healty. I am so hoping we will see him lots in the future.

      • / Reply

        Peggy,
        I hope we see him soon again. You can be so, so proud of that big ole chestnut!!
        The way the track was sucking the shoes off of some runners and for him to put a great effort in…he is ALL HEART!!!!
        What a horse.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena and Peggy,

      “O” is awesome and he kept his shoes on.
      Can’t imagine a horse liking heavy ground,
      What a mare. Looking forward to seeing
      “O ” at the races sooon.

      • / Reply

        Sign,
        Any news about the outcome and condition of Arc horses? Hope all came in sound. Your news about the shoes on Camelot has me wondering?
        What a condition to run on,heh? Just trail riding in that is enough to make a horse need care.
        thanks for the news…..much appreciated, as always!!

    • / Reply

      Sheena: one of our top trainers once said that you can’t be a pessimist and follow horse racing – as he said, “there’s always tomorrow” – and I think it’s true when you think of all the dreadful things that happen in the sport, no-one would follow it unless there was hope. At least, that’s what I hang onto! Cheers (and hugs).

      • / Reply

        Sheena and Kathy R
        So well said and true.
        Any horse activity comes with injury and other things.
        Some friends of mine were on a hunt and Amy Adam
        Youngest daughter horse fell, he could have fell on
        Her but knew that he could injure her so he fell
        Another way fractured a leg and was immediately
        Euthanized in the field. The whole team was devastated.
        The highs and lows of equine activities !!!

  10. / Reply

    Just a check in between classes! I love wacky day! You see a lot of interesting people roaming the hallways.

    • / Reply

      Pati…that would be ” car-doors “, as in corridors, as in hallways.
      What is this wacky day? Mondays can be a tad wacky??!!

      • / Reply

        Well, you dig through your closet for your weird, mis-matching clothes and put them on!! I have a picture around my phone somewhere, I’ll post it!

        • That’s what I was thinking…LOL!
          Fun,fun, bet you have seen many great outfits today. Enjoy!

          Do the teachers partake?

        • In fact, many teachers did, though my statistics teacher’s idea of wacky consisted of a dress shirt and a tie that didn’t match it….

          I had my tacky day stuff with two different pairs of shoes and bird feathers in my hair. Had to take them out when I got home though… They were itching.

          http://t.co/Aao5BIIt

  14. / Reply

    dear judy and ann am so glad you are like me when watching the races my late mother used to tell me “it’s only a horse race” she sadly never had the passion we feel for our horses was’nt trinas poem for IAG great!!! hugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, we love the horses above all else. We are of likes minds. It’s so good to have your input and knowledge. I learn so much from you, Max and Sign about the Euro horses. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thank you, Sheena! And I love all the great posts you contribute to the Blog every day! It’s so wonderful lately to be getting insights from our friends across the pond, and from our friends in Australia, too!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, Trina’s poem for Ingrid was wonderful. She writes a poem for everyone’s birthday. She’ a very special lady. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Yes, Sheena, we are “into” our ponies! Trina is magical when it comes to her poems.
      They are incredible and heartwarming. Hope you have a great day. Thanks for all of the terrific info you give us and glad you are here with us!

  15. / Reply

    dear sign kauto star has won a grade one race every season since he’s been racing and he’s the only horse to regain his cheltanham crown in 2009 it was such a pity he fell in training before the gold cup this year and did not recover in time they have’nt made a decision yet on whether he will race again or retire I hope he can race in the king george as plannedhugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Sooo hope Kauto Star comes back to the races.
      He is such a strong handsome boy !!!

  16. / Reply

    @sheena davies–I’ve not stopped for a minute to properly welcome you to the blog. I’ve been to your country, and it is absolutely beautiful. And the people are so friendly. Wish we could go back. Welcome! I enjoy your posts.

  20. / Reply

    Dear Judy,
    Happy Birthday to Z’s Auntie Judy!
    Have a special day filled with love
    Can’t wait to pace with you again in the spring
    Hugs,
    Keta

  21. / Reply

    dear kathy you are quite right we could never watch races unless we had hope especially over here with our jumps season when you see horses injured or killed it just breaks my heart but we carry on loving the sport and always hope things will get better have you got black caviar’s book yet?hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Greetings Sheena – jumps racing is not that popular over here – I think it’s mainly because they use “poor” racehorses as jumps horses – some retrain, others don’t, and the jumps people have a habit of saying “well, we’re just trying to keep them out of the knackery, and if they die jumping, they die happy” – which doesn’t go down very well with a lot of folk. At least in New Zealand they use horses specially bred for the sport. As far as the Nelly book is concerned, I have a suspicion I should wait and look in Santa’s sack !! Hugs!

    • / Reply

      Ingrid,

      You know it is JAG’s B-day ? right.
      How are you and your mom doing?
      Hope all is well and you are a winning handicapper,
      you have such wonderful “racing and betting Luck”.

      So glad to have you back.

      • / Reply

        Dear Sing and dear Judy B,
        Thank you so much for asking about my mother, thank God she is doing great she is a very strong person.
        Dear sing in the previous page I post my birthday whishes for you, and thank you for telling me about Jag, I also post my whishes for her. Big hug for both of you my friends.

        • Dear Ingrid:

          Glad to know your Mom is doing well. So happy to see more posts from you. Please keep in touch. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid:

      Thank you for wishing me a Happy Birthday, but mine was in April. This Judy’s Birthday is Z’s Auntie Judy JAG. I want to wish you a Happy Birthday, whenever it may be. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Max

      Thank You so much for that. Wouldn’t that be some race. Would just absolutely love to see those two face each other. When Orfevregets back to Japan they really have something to think about don’t they. Sounds like Soumillon really wants to ride him against Frankel.

      • / Reply

        Peggy. Orfevre could be a challenge for Frankel. He has a very powerful run. Like others, I wish that Frankel would not retire. He’s a horse who loves his work.

    • / Reply

      Max,
      Thanks for this article. Great photo of O. His mane must be very thick. I love how it is catching the air and flowing in the breeze. O looks great.

      • / Reply

        Ann. Is it possible that Orfevre is using Black Caviar mane products to get that thick hair look? He’s also got a great flowing tail sort of like Whirlaway. Thanks to Peggy for finding this talented runner. I hope that he does keep racing next year. He is one interesting horse.

  24. / Reply

    Dear Peggy N and Z fans.

    Nothing comes up for Orevre as far and any injury on the web.
    Just to reasure you Peggy N, and you have much more racing
    experience that I for sure. Lots of horse hit the rail and lug in,
    he had run a valient sprint at the end after goooing sooo wide,
    in heavy ground.

    Maybe the Queen of Tweets will have more information ???

    • / Reply

      I had been looking for something on him today. Hadn’t seen any problem listed for him. That’s good news. Hope he’s traveling well back home.
      Yes, Keta and Max said they would post when they heard something.

  26. / Reply

    Dear Peggy N,

    TVG showed the video of “O” bumping the rail after the arc. He bounced right off and kept running, no loss of stride at all, just slowed him down.

    • / Reply

      Hey I saw the French video of the race that Keta posted. It’s more clearer on that video. I did not notice him hitting the rail on the actual race Sunday. It is clear on the French video, though.

      • / Reply

        Oh yes, Peggy N.

        The video that was shown right after the ARC was the French one, they showed
        a closeup of him bouncing off the rail, slowing down, which hitting the rail would do. Bounced off, slowed down and kept on going. Just enough to let the fast closing filly win. He will get his revenge !!!!

        • Yes, I believe he will get his revenge………………………………..
          I left for Church right after the race was won so I might have missed some of the replay.

    • / Reply

      Hey Max! Hope you have decided in favor of “joining the group” at the BC? We would all love to meet you (and learn from your insights).
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      I love Pool Play’s running style. Very exciting closer. Good addition to the BC. Thanks for the link. Hugs JB

        • JudyB. Thanks for this. Pool Play is always covered in so much dirt when he wins because he runs from far back like Z did. Another interesting aspect is that Bill Farish has twice been out of the country when the horse wins on dirt. When Pool Play won the 2011 Stephen Foster, he was away at Royal Ascot. Casse the trainer of PP and Tasty called to tell him about the win. It is great that Lane’s End rehabbed PP and brought him back.

        • Dear Max:

          It’s wonderful that Pool Play was able to recover to race again. He’s got that closing style like Z. Makes for exciting races. It’s cool that he has the same trainer as TT. Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Happy Birthday Judy (JAG), I think your poem from Trina is my favorite so far! Just beautiful! Have a super happy day!

    • / Reply

      End of November. It’s worth $5.6 million US so that you can see why a return home for Orfevre would be on the cards.

      • / Reply

        Oh My Gosh, yes. You know I read some people wondering how long he had been in France. To do with Quarantine. They were asking had he been there 60 days. No one seemed to have the answer.
        I am thinking back, I don’t think he was there for 6o days, Could be wrong, but I don’t think he was. I think he left maybe Japan the end of August, Again, though I am not sure. They sounded like they were concerned about this.

  30. / Reply

    Mares in Japan: California Girls

    Some great photos of familiar race mares and their foals.

    http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2012/10/05/mares-in-japan-california-girls.aspx

    Two comments had me laughing hard. In response to The Yoshidas of Japan buying so many mares one reader/viewer said:

    They should’ve purchased Octo-mom, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton and ALL of the Kardashian girls too…

    The response from another reader: The Yoshida’s don’t purchase nags like those ;) heh

    Haha, I’m still laughing.

    • / Reply

      Very very very hilarious.

      Thanks for reposting those gorgeous mares in Japan.

      Hope HDG is not going there !!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Especially Horses:

      What lovely Mares and foals. Thanks for sharing this link. Some of those comments are hilarious. Hugs, JB

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