Q:
How much ‘training’ do the yearlings undergo (in handling, etc.) and what is the next step in their development (ie, when they are introduced to bridle/saddle, and eventually ridden, gate training). Do they ‘graduate’ to another location/farm where they are taught these things?
Sue MacPhee
Toledo, OH
A:“Training” begins at the time the horses are weaned at Lanes End and continues until they leave the farm. Horses are taught to lead, walk and stand while traveling to and from the barn as weanlings and into their yearling year. This is a very important stage in development where they build a cohesive bond with humans. In their latter weanling months/short yearling they are more formally introduced to plastic bit and grooming tools such as brushes, mane combs and hoof picks. Bits are connected to their halters while they are being groomed in their stalls for a smooth transition for when we start prep.
Usually sometime shortly after the derby, the yearlings are broke to a surcingle with side reins (tack) and prep begins. At Lane’s End we prep yearlings to be racehorses. The yearlings start staying up in the barns all day instead of going out in the afternoon to protect their coats from sunburn. We hand walk the yearlings in a 40 acre field as a training tool as well as trot them in a covered round pen for fitness. Both of these are important part of the prep process. We use the surcingle and side reins for both walking in the fields and trotting in the round pens to ensure proper movement.
More aggressive grooming methods are used during prep where they are introduced to a curry comb for shedding, rub rags to bring out the natural oils in there coats and a hose/bath. We do not ride the yearlings during this process—yearlings are broke to riders after they leave the farm in the fall. Most of the yearlings at the farm are sent to either Florida or South Carolina in September/October and the training process starts over with the next crop of weanlings.
Expert: Cooper Sawyer
Q:
Does your farm try to keep the same “social companions” throughout their years as part of the broodmare bands, or does this change often?
Carolyn Caswell-Brown
Alexander, ND
A:When broodmares have become good friends we do try and keep them together as long as their status allows us to. A happy mare is typically a healthy mare. However if a mare is given a year off from foaling and her friends are in foal then she will have to join a group of non pregnant or “barren” mares for the health of the herd, as her routine and feeding will differ from that of the pregnant mares.
When mares move away from their friends they adjust quite quickly to a new group and within a day or two have usually bonded with the new group. They are a social animal and need the company of the others in the herd.
Expert: Donna Vowles
Our Experts
Assistant Broodmare Manager, Lane’s End
Originally from Birmingham, England, Donna joined the Lane’s End team in 2004. As Assistant Broodmare Manager, she devotes her time to ensuring the health and happiness of all the broodmares and their foals.
Yearling Manager, Lane’s End
Cooper was born in Lexington, KY and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Agriculture. He started working with horses in 1997 in the training barn of Al Stall Jr. Before coming to Lane’s End as the Yearling Manager in 2010, I worked at Wimbledon and Mill Ridge Farm.
carol in utah/soon arkansas
happy birthday to HEIDI K of seattle….have the greatest day ever
Max
You do not see this every day. Natterjack must be very good natured like Z was when she was so patient with the measuring for her statue.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-2154556/London-2012-Olympics-Natterjack-horse-painted-Union-Jack.html
Ann NC
Max, how cool is that,love it.
Thanks for sharing it with us. Natterjack is very patient and beautiful.
Beautiful.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
OMG, he must have a wonderful temperament like Z. That must have taken quite a while to do. Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. It took from 11 am until 4 pm. He spent the whole time eating! When I found this, I thought of White Bliss and what can be done with a gray or white horse, if the horse cooperates. Natterjack seems to like it because he sure looks proud in those poses. He’s a retired race horse.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Wow, what a trooper. Love that he ate the whole time. Never have seen anything like this before. Might start a trend.
Makes the fuss over Hansen’s blue tail seem much ado about nothing. Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Natterjacks’s tail appears to be the only part of him that was not colored.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
I’m glad he does appear to have relished the whole thing — quite proud of himself!
Marshall (NC broad)
Thanks for this, Max! Amazing that Natterjack is so patient; he looks smashing!
Such a pretty painted pony! Beautiful sight going over the “Stonehenge” jumps.
Cheers and cheerio!
carol in utah/soon Arkansas
ZENTASTICS…..I have now changed my bet 3 times….”talking heads” say anyone could win….think I will go back to my first choice and go with it….
……
Paynter to go to rehab Sunday….what a warrior
…..
Camelot reportedly doing well….hang in there boy
…..
no packing today….letting muscles and bruises heal for a day
…..
Big D’s boy Ea did not win today….looked fabulous…I think race was too short for him…
Last time out he won at 2 miles
……
kisses for all soft noses…peppermints for all
have a great weekend everyone!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Carol:
Thanks for these updates. Hope Camelot continues to improve. Hugs, JB
Keta
BC Interview: Charles Lopresti – Wise Dan
Posted: October 12, 2012
Good video interview! What I learned is Wise Dan is a smart horse who ships well.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/11593/bc-interview-charles-lopresti—wise-dan?section=breeders-cup#ixzz296ejoerH
Keta
I Am Lava Man tweet
I will be on track leading the post parade for the Cal Cup Classic now named after me.
I have a surprise for everyone too, bring a camera!
Ann NC
Oh boy. I can only imagine. How cool can a horse get? LM, you take the cake!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta and Ann:
Wow, wonder what it could be. Hugs, JB
signofthetimes; President of Texas RN Chapter
Keta,
Pink saddle cloth, pink ribbons in his mane and tail. Ears pricked leading the post parade for his race. He loved it !!!! Pink was for breast cancer awareness.
Lava Man is truely a mascot for California TB and TB in general. He has a very special
personality that is not often seen in horses, a jokester !!!!
Keta
Sign,
Lava Man is one horse who be handsome & cute at the same time.
Great support for a great cause.
Keta
Trisha-VA
So much information. So much TLC to get them ready for their new life as a race horse. I hope they all do well and stay healthy, safe and happy.
Love those noses. Kisses to all
Have a great weekend
Love hugs and kises
Keta
VICTORY DECLARED! LEAVING FOR LAYUP FARM1
Paynter Update Fri. Oct. 12 2012 A. Zayat tweets combined
Paynter Update: Breaking news!!! Paynter has won the war.. dear fans thank you very much for all your prayers and thoughts and good vibes. Our Paynter this brave warrior. Has taken on A LOT of battles and today on his behalf and the behalf of his skillful vet team. we are declaring VICTORY!!!
Paynter is a rare breed of thorughbred horse that has the determination,
strength and heart. Paynter has beaten colitis, laminintis and a nasty abscess and today we are proud of our special colt.
Today done our last set of diagnostics. His temp is normal, his blood work is perfect, his feet are sound and healthy, his lungs sounds great.
All in all we have a very happy and healthy horse. He has gained an additional 11 pounds in the last two days on top of the 24 pounds pounds before that.
His medical team is very confident of his full recovery, plans are being finalized today for Paynter to leave New Bolton Medical Center on Sunday to go back into a rehab layup facility for then next 2-3 months and than finally return to the track where he loves and belongs.
We should all continue to hope for a full recovery and to see our champ happy and healthy for 2013 racing calendar!! We have narrowed down the choices to 3 rehab centers,
I am very nervous for him to leave all his beloved vets but my tears of joy will only make it worth it when I know he will have the right farm taking care of him. I have personally called and interviewed all these farms
A decision will be announced at 6 PM today.
#poweruppaynter #soproud #whatafighter
Marty R / Colorado
Absolutely the most wonderful news!! Thank you, Keta for sharing all the news of Paynter over these past several weeks. Very anxious to hear which farm he will be going to. I’m sure Mr. Zayat will put very considerable thought to his decision. Such a stellar owner.
sue and tony
Wonderful news!
Ann NC
I am crying!!! Tears of JOY,of course.
Way to go, Big Guy. Enjoy your new digs!
Thanks,Keta…..keeping us, in the know!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Fantastic news!
Kathy R.
What great news to start the weekend with! Well done to everyone concerned, and thanks to St Francis!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Wonderful news – thanks Keta (and thanks also for the great story and picture about the white colt on the previous page :-)
Keta
Sandy,
So glad that everyone has enjoyed White Bliss as much as I did.
That was such a fun read.
Now that Paynter is headed to rehab, I am beyond happy.
Will provide updates when I see them, but it won’t be the same
stressful search for good/bad news as it has been over the
past weeks.
Have a great weekend!
Hugs, Keta
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Prayers answered. Thanks for this update. Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC broad)
Keta,
Thanks for this update — wonderful news, just the best!
We are all still pulling for you, dear Paynter!
All the best for Camelot, too. May he have a complete recovery.
Hugs!
Keta
Interesting merge of Now & Then
Mike Gathagan of MD jockey club tweet
61-year-old Tony Black, who rode against Secretariat in the 1973 Preakness, will be aboard Master Deceiver in race 5 Laurel Park
Keta Note:
He (Anthony S. Black) was on Deadly Dream who finished 5th in the Preakness
Tony holds many jockey records
Ann NC
How about that. Go, Tony,Go!!!!!
He has had my bets a few times.:))))))
Marty R / Colorado
Happy Friday,
To any who will be out and about tomorrow, watch out for these two!!
Red Neck Grannies
As they like to do on a Saturday, Billy Bob’s granny, Gertie (remember her good morning tea? wink, wink) and Homer’s granny, Bertie (did I mention they are sisters? )went for a drive in town in the “big” car. These two ladies are so small, they can hardly see over the dash board.
As they approached the first intersection with the driving granny not letting up on the gas pedal, the passenger granny was sure they had just gone through a red light. But, she thought maybe it was the glare from the sun that made her think that. They kept rolling along and came to another intersection and the same thing, they went right on through without even slowing down and this time passenger granny was sure the light was red. Well, passenger granny was shaking and trembling as they approached the third intersection with a red light. This time she hollerd out, “Gertie, will you stop this car right now? You’re going to get us both killed!” Granny Gertie looked at Bertie and said, “Oh, am I driving?”
Ann NC
Funny,funny!
Thanks Marty R. Love the names of the grannies.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marty R.:
Laughing out loud. Too, too funny. Unfortunately, it’s a little too close to home, if you know what I mean. Ha, ha. Hugs, JB
Marty R / Colorado
Hi Judy, I do know what you mean as I scared the bejeebers out of my husband not long ago when I made a left hand turn at a red light. He just didn’t calm down, either. Marty R.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Good one, Marty, Thanks! Gotta watch out for those grannies — and gramps too!
Keta
Marty,
I know these two and where they were driving–Sun City AZ
See them often
Keta
Marty R / Colorado
Oh dear, Keta. Too funny!!!
Mary Margaret in Georgia
Wonderful news about Paynter. I’m sending all my heartsongs his way, to help him with all his rehab. My ears perk up when I hear a commercial with him in it.
I hope Zenyatta, Z12, and all the beautiful creatures God has given us stay safe and have a fantastic weekend.
Take care Dumplings, have a great weekend too.
Keta
Vancouver Horse Owner Doris Stewart Dies
By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Friday, October 12, 2012 3:17 PM
Doris Stewart, a popular figure at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, B.C., as a co-owner and ardent racing fan for several decades, died Oct. 9 at Mount St. Joseph Hospital following a brief illness.
Her late husband, John Stewart, was a longtime pari-mutuel clerk at Hastings.
Her son Daryl, who survives her, is a veteran trainer. Mrs. Stewart’s other son, Monte, is a Vancouver-based sportswriter.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 25 at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 2444 East 41st Ave., in Vancouver.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73509/vancouver-horse-owner-doris-stewart-dies#ixzz297KwCRJa
sheena.davies(wales)
dear keta wonderful news about paynter all our prayers have been answered hugs sheena
Keta
Yes, Sheena, it is wonderful news.
The happy end to a long journey
Hugs, Keta
Barbara Wood (Texas)
While we are being grateful for Paynter’s doing so well, I have something to report in the gratefulness department too. We sold our house to the second offer that came in within 3 days of putting it on the market. We have signed the papers and will close on the day after we get back from BC 2012.
Also, Money finishes his 3rd round of antibiotics soon, and we will be eagerly hoping and praying that he doesn’t slip backward. My hubby’s cellulitis is what started the long round of hospitalizations we experienced this year. Please pray for both of these situations–it’s been a very long year for us. My deepest love and hugs to all.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
I think this calls for a WOO HOO (or two or several :-) Things are turning around here! Now you can concentrate on the BC!
Ann NC
Dear Barbara,
Here is to continued success! Woo Hoo!
Have a great time at the BC.
carol in utah/soon Arkansas
Congrats on house sale….hope hubby is getting better…cellulitis can be very nasty stufff…PUP
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Hubby is fine–it was the c. diff from the antibiotics that put him under for months. Thanks.
Hope things are progressing with thepacking. I feel your pain!
Marty R / Colorado
Dear Barbara,
Congratulations on the sale of your house in such a short time.
It’s good to hear that your husband is doing fine, now. Hope he enjoys the BC, even with all the women who will be around.
I hope your daughter is also feeling better and that Money is on a steady path to being healthy and happy.
And mostly, Barbara, I hope you can exhale and enjoy the rest of the year and all the excitement of the Breeders Cup and the joys of the holiday season ahead. Marty R.
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Barbara Wood,
YAY!! So happy for the quick sale of your house; now you can relax somewhat. Hope Money continues to do well, and of course, continued best wishes for your husband’s good health, too!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Congratulations on all your good news, Barbara! — sounds like the deck is cleared, for looking forward to the B.C. now.
Keta
Barbara,
Much good news in this.
Prayers will continue–husband, Money, & all goes well in the sale process.
Hugs, Keta
Brenda in TX
Paynter – what a fighter – can you imagine what it will be like when goes out for his first race next year – Can’t Wait !!!
sheena.davies(wales)
dear marty loved those grannies too funny!!!!sheena
Marty R / Colorado
Sheena, Glad you liked the grannies. Do you have silly jokes like our Red Neck jokes? Marty R.
HeidiK (Vallejo, Ca) aka DinkyDiva
Happy BDay to Heidi K (the other one). I hope you have a great day. This can get confusing after awhile. LOL
Hey at least our BDays aren’t in the same month!
HeidiK (Vallejo, Ca) aka DinkyDiva
I’m battling myself for the Queen’s Plate this weekend. I really like SL, SK and DATS. Maybe, I’ll put those three names in a bowl and let my cats pick for me? LOL… Just kidding. I think that I’m leaning more towards SL though. She’s done very well at Keeneland so, that’s a bonus.
Those that are BC bound, you better wave at the cameras with you’re dumpling tags in view! I was so upset when we decided that we couldn’t do it this year. Darn truck took almost all of our vacation $$. I will find away to be there next year, though! Even, if that means that I need to go back to work ( I love being a ‘Nester’) lol.
carol in utah/soon Arkansas
I finally gave up and used the dart board ….after changing my mind 3times
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Carol:
I need a Ouija Board. Still haven’t finished in the money as yet. Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele in SoCal
Dear Heidi in Vallejo, the SoCal Dumplings will miss meeting you at the BC this year, but we’ll look forward to meeeting you at BC 2013.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
We will miss you!!
shirlee in Indy
Bloodhorse.com just announced that Paynter is going to Fair Hill in Maryland for rehab for several weeks and then if all goes well, off to horse paradise, Kentucky.
carol in utah/soon Arkansas
Bloodhorse reports says after Fair Hill…..then to Winstar….great places
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Great news for Paynter. He will have that Kentucky blue grass to fed on. There is something special about that grass!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee and Carol:
Thanks for this info on Paynter. Winstar was very good with Mo, so hopefull Paynter will do well there. Hugs, JB
Kathy R.
Greetings from sunny Canberra, Australia. News this morning on Americain. Skysportsradio (Andrew Bensley, talking with Racing Victoria’s International scout, Leigh Jordan) reported that he had an excellent run today, Stephanie Nigge is very happy with him, and it is now believed that he will go to the Caulfield Cup on October 20. The connections still think the two and a half weeks between the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups provides a better progression for Americain this year.
On another issue Ann in NC – what news of Moose? I hope it was a blue ribbon in the Fair?
Max
Good question. How is Moose?
Ann NC
LOL,
Kathy R and Max,
Thanks for asking about Miss Moosie.
Her show will be next Saturday at this time. Until then, she continues to enjoy her pasture time and the great outdoors. My daughter will work on her head manners and off they go for the big day!
So, more spun sugar,peanuts,foot longs,oh I love a fair!
Moose’s friend, Goose is looking great and may bring home a ribbon!
Thanks, you are the best for cheering on , Moose! The beautiful Holstein.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
I have always liked cows! We used to go to my aunt’s every other week, when I was a kid, they lived caretaking a dairy farm — so cows, cows, cows — even though I was not allowed to get too close. I have always loved the smell of manure, whether in bags in my yard, or wafting across the highways out in the Central Valley.
Good luck, Moose & Goose!
Max
Ann. Thanks for the news of Moose. We’ll be cheering for a win. There’s another cow named Goose? These are great names. Someone knows how to call them. Good luck to Goose too.
Kathy R.
Just found the story:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superracing/americain-looking-good-ahead-of-caulfield-cup/story-fn67sphz-1226494866412.
Doesn’t he look great!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R.:
A looks great; reminds me so much of Big D. Hugs, JB
Max
Kathy R. Many thanks. Agree with Judy. You can see the Big D connection. Let us know how he does.
Ann NC
Thanks, Kathy R.
He looks fantastic. What a sight to see. Making his poppa proud,for sure!
Kathy R.
I thought this one was rather interesting (if not concerning – with the summer coming on):
http://www.theage.com.au/sport/horseracing/why-warm-weather-isnt-all-its-cracked-up-to-be-20121012-27ihr.html.
This is why some of the internationals fail over here – if not given enough time to acclimatise.
signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC
Kathy R
Almost like our dirt tracks and the do cause our
Horses to get lots of injuries.
carol in utah/soon Arkansas
The definition of Optimism …..someone who checks Cigar’s pasture camera twice a day just in case it might be working again …broken 10 days this time…or I could just be stubborn
Max
You’re not alone. I check it too.
carol in utah/soon Arkansas
Somehow I knew you would be checking too….Max…I emailed the address at bottom of the screen and asked very nicely for them to fix it
Max
I’ll send some duct tape to them if it will help with repairs. Miss seeing the great Cigar.
Keta
Frankel video Worth the watch!
And for those fans already chomping at the bit to see the World’s greatest racehorse one last time, here is a special 90-second video of some of his most iconic moments to keep you enthralled over the coming days!
http://www.britishchampionsseries.com/video/frankel-film.html
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Thank you for this wonderful video of Frankel. Glorious to watch. Hugs, JB
Kathy R.
Dear Keta: Thanks for posting that wonderful video. Cheers.
Ann NC
Thanks,Keta,
That clip sends me the chills!
Frankel,you are something else!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
How exciting is that! But it sounds like seeing the race won’t be live here, if it’s only on BBC.
Keta
Paynter–first to Fair Hill then to Winstar
Paynter to Rehab at Fair Hill Equine Therapy
By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
Updated: Friday, October 12, 2012 7:02 PM
Haskell Invitational (gr. I) winner Paynter will leave the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine’s New Bolton Center Oct. 14 or 15 for Bruce Jackson’s Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center in Elkton, Md., where he is expected to rehabilitate from a serious illness and surgery, owner Ahmed Zayat said Oct. 12.
Zayat said the intent is to eventually return Paynter to training.
We decided to be extremely cautious in his rehab,” Zayat explained. “He is ultimately going to end up being in Kentucky for rehab for 2-3 months, but we want him first to rehab 3-4 weeks here, and then make the trip. We’d like to ship him there Sunday (Oct. 14) at noon, or it might be moved to Monday (Oct. 15) morning if we can’t get the right van.”
The 3-year-old son of Awesome Again is expected to continue his recovery at WinStar Farm in Lexington if all goes well at the Maryland facility, Zayat said.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73510/paynter-to-rehab-at-fair-hill-equine-therapy#ixzz298Ffd0Vn
Karen Gogue
Everyone! There is a new post under NEWS – Breeders Cup tckets contest giveaway for Friday and Sat. in the Z section seats! Wooowhooo!Whoop!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Karen:
Thanks. I already submitted an entry. Hugs, JB
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
I hope you win, Judy!
Ann NC
I agree!
Go Judy, Go!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki and Ann:
Thank you so much, but I’m sure there will be a whole lot of entries with wonderful tributes to Z. It was fun just being able to write what she means to me. Good luck to all of the Z’sters that enter the contest. Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. I’m cheering for you too. I really hope that you win and can use those tickets to go to the BC.
HeidiK (Vallejo, Ca) aka DinkyDiva
Judy B, I am entering the contest too!!
Max
Good luck to you too, HeidiK aka DD.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Karen; Thanks a million! I just submitted mine, although if I won I am not sure that I could get my BF to go at this time. At least I could express why I love Z!!!
hugs, Sally
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Keta; You have made my day sharing the news of Paynter’s good health!! He is such a determined horse; I love him. I will look forward to any other news you will have a long the way. Thank you Keta, hugs, Sally B
Barbara Woods; Your home is sold, that happened very quickly!!! Great news. The best news I have read is that your hubby is doing better, so is your daughter and Money is on his way to getting well. I will say a prayer for Money until he is out of the woods. NOW, you all go to the BC and have yourselves the best time ever!!!!!
hugs, Sally B
Keta
Sally,
Now looking for Paynter updates will have a different feel, hopefully, from here on out. it will be all good news.
I’ll keep watching & sharing
Hugs, Keta
Max
Keta. Glad that you are on the case. Paynter still needs our support. PUP.
shirlee in Indy
Sorry guys, but I can’t help myself. BC getting closer and that beautiful giant, Mucho Macho Man, is supposed to go in the Classic. Love, love love him and will make you crazy in the next few weeks with comments about him.
Other than that, the BC looks like they should change it to Ladies Day and put the filly and mare races on Saturday.
Darlene Daniels
Shirlee,
Always good to see you post. Hey, you get on here and talk about Mucho Macho Man all you want. Many of us here are big fans of him.
As far as the Ladies at BC, I love so many of them I am in a real tizzy about to place a bet on that one. I have been a big fan of Awesome Feather and Royal Delta for so long, but also love all the others as well. I just may not even bet on that race, just sit back and take it all in and enjoy it.
Have a good day and looking forward to your future posts about MMM.
Max
We have to love 3M, all 17+ hands of him. Say what you want. We’re listening.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Love MMM too. Won’t get tired of hearing from you. Hugs, JB
Judy in South Carolina
Hello all…………..I haven’t been here in ages but wanted to drop in to see updates on Paynter as I knew all of you would be “on top” of things.
I may be in the minority but does anyone else think that Mr. Zayat is wrong for pointing Paynter back to the races after all this courageous and miracle horse has been through? I don’t know — just seems to me that if ANY horse has EVER earned his retirement it’s Paynter.
Seems to me there is a point where money and profit needs to stop and the over all well being of the horse needs to start. It’s not like he needs to continue to race in order to have value as a stallion.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Judy:
I think Paynter will have to have a long rest and rehab before Mr. Z even begins to think about returning him to training. His connections will have to see how it goes and I hope they do the right thing by him. Hugs, JB
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
I see where you come from, but also consider this; Paynter is a professional athlete and a proud champion. Though we like to treat them as so sometimes, he isn’t a cow nor an ordinary pet who would be happy doing just anything or grazing out in pasture for the rest of his life. It may suit some horses, but I have a feeling that it would not suit Paynter, not yet anyway He loves to race. He lives to race. If he trains well up to his return to the races, and he tells us that, yes, he is ready and wants to race again, then who are we to tell him “No”? But if he doesn’t, I’m sure Mr. Zayat will retire him in an instant, he wouldn’t dare risk returning his champion to a situation where he is unhappy, Paynter has proven that he can run his own destiny, so let’s allow Paynter to choose what he wants to do.. Paynter is a very intelligent horse, if he doesn’t want to race again, then he will let us know. Union Rags had better chance to return to the races than Paynter did, heck until a few weeks ago we didn’t even know if Paynter would be alive today period, but Union Rags didn’t return. Now I am not saying that it is anyone here because there are some level headed people here, but it seems to me that the same people who were griping about Union Rags being retired so early and at the “unsportsmanship” and “unwillingness” of his connections to take the time to train him back up to form to help him return to racing, are now trying to have a lynch fest over Mr. Zayat’s gameness to bring Paynter back. Whether he returned to his previous form is a different story, I realize that, but being a Dixie Union, he had a good chance to have an amazing four-year-old year and if he stayed healthy, probably five year old year too. Union Rags was a fighter, and I highly doubt that he would let just any horse pass him. He and Paynter gave us a magnificent Belmont stakes. I think if both of them would have returned to racing for next year, we would have had a great older crop of horses. Many people were going on about how all the three-year olds are just “untested” and are flooding the breeding shed. Well now that there is a man who is willing to prove that his horse is everything they believe him to be, and has the heart to back up his amazing will and talent, everyone is having a hernia about how he is returning. At this point, it isn’t about the profit. Look at the year Mr. Zayat had, with Bodimeister and his stable over-all doing so well. He wants everyone to experience and see Paynter for the legend that Mr. Zayat believes him to be. I will always stand by this, however, if Paynter tells us yes, then we should not tell him no.
Max
Let Paynter race if he wants to and is healthy enough to do it. The Zayats will make the right call for their horse when the time comes. It would not surprise me now, after seeing him fight for his life and win, if Paynter comes back to racing better than before.
maryp ny
Pati, I agree. Mr Zayat has only wanted the very best for Paynter and knows his horse has boundless determination. Paynter will decide what Paynter will do.
Marty R / Colorado
Maryp ny, I absolutely agree with your statement, “Paynter will decide what Paynter will do.”
Pati, I admire your passion and belief in your convictions, however Paynter was sick and other horses were injured and their owners believed the risk for further injury was too great to have them race again. And I suppose for some, there is monetary consideration, too. I think though, it’s the perverbial apples and oranges comparison. I’m just very happy these other stallions are staying in the United States.
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
Marty R.
Thank you. I just think that since Paynter fought so bravely for his life, he should be given the chance to go down as a Great. People are so quick to jump and label horses “Great” but many never really deserved it. I.E. Unclo Mo… I heard someone compare him to Secretariat. While I understand enthusiasm, that was a bit quick to label him with a name of such overwhelming immortalness. Yes he was super talented, he was super handsome, but he didn’t do much. Granted, I do believe that if he was given the chance, he could’ve had an amazing season. Illness is something you can’t control, but I applaud Mr. Repoli for trying to bring him back. In the end, Uncle Mo eventually told us that he no longer liked his job, and that he was ready to retire. I think that’s what’s going to happen with Paynter. He’s going to tell us whether not he is prepared and still wants to do his job.
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
That, and abnormal G.I readings probably sped up the inevitable.
Marty R / Colorado
Pati,
I believe we feel the same way about Paynter. If he can return to racing and shows he wants to return to racing he should be given the chance to race again. I just don’t think his and Union Rags situations can be compared, illness vs injury.
Max
Pati. I think it was Mike Repole who compared Mo to Secretariat. He also said that Mo could beat Frankel. We will never know.
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
My thought process behind that was that Union Rags had an excellent prognosis to come back and Paynter had questions of whether or not he would survive, one automatically retired never given the chance to try racing again, though many said he had an excellent chance to return, and the other who had the harder road to travel is being given the chance to try racing again. I very much respect Matz and UR’s owner, I love his connections, but I believe they should have at least given him the benefit of the doubt and at least tried the rest and return route.
It made sense in my head. I sometimes have trouble conveying my thoughts into words that others can understand. Sorry if that made no sense.
Diana Stuart - Retire Paynter!
There is a difference between retiring an unsound horse verses one who has just come through hell for medical reasons unrelated to his soundness and durability. Rags could have – presumably – healed and raced next year. Sure, Paynter could too, but that colitis didn’t happen because he was content methinks.
diastu in tempe
Peggy (South Georgia)
Judy, I don’t want Paynter to go back to racing either. Having said that I do believe Mr Zayat will do what is best by him. I hope so anyway.
I believe Paynter would be very happy in retirement. He could run a lot in his paddock. I remember seeing the video’s of Dynaformer running in his paddock and he looked very happy to me. Horses loved being out grazing in the fields. The day I went to Three Chimnerys I was hoping to get to see Dynaformer, but he was in a far off field and they weren’t going to unfortunalely bring him back to the barn that day.
I am sure some on here have seen the video’s of Secretariat’s Daughter Terlinqua. If you will notice her legs she had some bad wear and tear on her legs from racing.
If Paynter had just had the Colitis, maybe it would have been ok to return him to racing. But with him haveing the early stages of Laminitis, Please Please Mr. Zayat please don’t return him to racing.
I know others on here may have a different feeling on this and that is fine. This is just my feeling.
I believe he could just be monitored more running in a field at a farm in retirment. And still be a very happy horse
Huff problems just too dangerous and sometimes hard to overcome.
I hope Paynter can get a lot of TLC going forward and maybe give us some Little Paynters if possible.
Too Paynter, Travel safely to Maryland
Hope so hard you go onto WinStar.
Love Ya very much. Peggy
Max
Peggy. I love that video of Dynaformer in his paddock. What a magnificent horse. I am sorry that he was too far away to be brought back for you to see. One of my big regrets in life is not ever seeing him. I love that horse.
Peggy (South Georgia)
Yeah, I was so dissappointed not to get to see him. I did get to see Smarty Jones. The horse I really fell in love with there though was Point Given. Want to go back to see him.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Judy in So. Carolina; I do agree with your concerns for sure. I will hope & pray that all responsible for decisions will put Paynter first as I think the owner will don’t you?
hugs, Sally B.
Diana Stuart - Retire Paynter!
Judy, I completely agree with you! This horse has nothing he needs to prove. His heart and toughness and fight are characteristics we need in the TB gene pool sooner rather than later. Mr. Zayat doesn’t need the money, and would make a tidy sum syndicating him as a stallion. He is a champion in my eyes and I think he has done quite enough, thank you, to prove his mettle. Why put him back into the same stressful racing and racing meds situation that caused his problem in the first place. We’ve all prayed for this incredibly tough horse. Now my prayers will be that Mr. Zayat reconsiders racing him again.
diastu in tempe
Peggy (South Georgia)
Dear Judy Berube,
Hope you got the chance to go see PC today, It is so nice that he is close and you can go visit.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
I did get to see Papa Charlie on Saturday. He’s has gained some weight and he looks wonderful. Thank you for asking. Hugs, JB
shirlee in Indy
I also believe that Mr. Zayat and family will do what is best for Paynter. As far as athletes coming back from illnessess, look at Lance Armstrong who came back after cancer. There are some pro football players who have come back from major illnesses. If this time next year Paynter wants to run, let him go.
Pati- gradually losing sleep over BC!!!!!
Seattle Slew went through what Paynter did, he returned to the track and kept going, that tough ole’ man!