Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #15

Q:

I always hear that the large Kentucky farms (and others, too) have their horses in the barn during the day and turn them out into paddocks/pastures at night. What is the reasoning behind that schedule?

Debra Medlock

Fall River Mills, CA

Zenyatta in her stall. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

A:We bring them up to the barns in the daytime for a number of reasons. We like to monitor their feed intake, so feeding them inside ensures that each horse is getting their fair share of feed and the right amount depending on the individual. We also like to check temperatures and make sure each horse is healthy and free of any kicks, bumps and bruises.

Handling the youngsters is an essential part of their education and makes them much more manageable for the farrier and vet. It also allows them to relax and rest for a while and have a break from the weather. We put fans on them in the summer whilst in the barn so they can cool off. We also have automatic fly spray systems installed in the barns so they are all quite happy to come in during the heat of the day. In the winter they enjoy bedding down in the straw for a few hours and warming up.

Our Expert

Charles Campbell

Broodmare Manager, Lane’s End

Originally from England, Charles has traveled the world working with horses. He has been the Broomare Manager at Lane’s End for four years, and he was with Zenyatta the night she foaled.

Reader Interactions

693 Comments

    • / Reply

      Actually in Animal Kingdom’s photo he look like, “I’ll get you next time, buddy !!!”
      The Dubai World Cup may be the place, although Wise Dan is a proven winner
      on the synthetic, and AK is a “real man”, looks like he is telling Wise Dan that,
      too.

      Graham Motion really had AK ready to win !!!!

  2. / Reply

    Good grief!! My fingers must be really tired–too many errors to name–hope you can all figure out what I meant!!!

    • / Reply

      Sue – we were really “on the same wave length” and I swear I did not read your post before I did mine (which is above yours as a response to Darlene). You were sure one of the great treats!
      Sandy

  3. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,

    From Steve Haskin, article, posted on the previous page, looks like Animal Kingdom
    was not through running, and the mile is not his best distance and he showed it.

    “As a postscript to the BC Mile, as he was pulling up down the backstretch, he came up alongside Wise Dan and the two actually looked as if they wanted to get it on. But then the outrider grabbed hold of Wise Dan. Animal Kingdom, however, wasn’t ready to call it quits and ran with them stride for stride until a second outrider had to come and rein him in, with Bejarano standing straight up to slow him down.”

  4. / Reply

    Dear Sign: Maybe this little piece explains a bit about Americain’s personality:
    http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/superracing/americains-constant-companion-stephanie-nigge-admits-life-will-be-lonely-without-her-great-mate/story-fn67siys-1226510100690. When he first came to Australia for the Cup he was accompanied by Stephanie and a track rider, Louise Zuili, and the connection between the two woemn and the horse has been described by the co-owner, Gerry Ryan, as a kind of love that may have been as important an element in his victory as his breeding and big heart. The two women talk in three languages to him (Americain) – Stephanie speaks French to him normally, but when he’s naughty, he gets it in German. He also has a habit of following Stephanie around like a puppy. Louise says “he’s half human, I think. He understands everything we want for him. He’s very, very smart”. That came from an article in The Sunday Age back in 2011. I’ll see if I can find it and post it. It’s a great article.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,
      Lovely articles about Americain, he needed
      A woman’s touch And to develop a relationship
      With his humans. Sorry to say US training can be
      Very emotionless.

      Thanks for finding these.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.:

      Great article. Especially love the line “….he’s half human, I think…….”. Too cute. Thank you for sharing. Hugs, JB

  6. / Reply

    One more comment: friends of ours went to the Derby Restaurant after–long after–the races BC Saturday and said Dale Romans and his contingent were there also. I didn’t hear that Shack was there, though.

    • / Reply

      Pati – You made it there? I wish we could have met you! A lot of people asked about you and wondered where you were.

      dia-not-cat-herding-any-more-stu in tempe

    • / Reply

      I know, I heard from Sue! I was heartbroken. Every time I saw someone, I had to go run after a Moss or Sheriffs to get a signature and then I lost track of them after I got one. I was sitting at the bar with my dad. Right in front of the stage with a clear view of Frank. I was close to the man who started the Zenyatta chant.

  8. / Reply

    Charles, looking at Zenny’s beautiful picture at the top of this page is a reminder just how special all LE folks are to be given responsibility for her and other wonderful horses. We would love to know how this farm became a standard for excellence in equine care. We cannot imagine the thrill of seeing Zenny on a daily basis.

    • / Reply

      Keta: will miss her on the track – really enjoyed watching her race – but am very, very pleased that she is still with us, and able to go and become a mum.

  10. / Reply

    Hawthorne EHV-1: 85 Horses Negative
    By The Blood-Horse Staff• Nov 07, 2012
    Updated test results from an outbreak of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) at Hawthorne Race Course became available Nov. 7, at which time 85 track ponies were all declared negative.
    According to a release, 40 racehorses which tested negative were moved from Barn A to Barn 8 at Hawthorn three weeks after the confirmed neurologic cases were discovered within Barn A. Under the directive of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, those horses are now eight days into the 21-day period before they will be tested again to be reintroduced into the horse population. Because of State regulations, no new horses can be added to the group within Barn 8 as their reintroduction period has already begun.
    http://www.thehorse.com/articles/30836/hawthorne-ehv-1-85-horses-negative

  11. / Reply

    Jockey World‏ tweet about Tim Ice
    (1/2) We have Belmont-winning trainer TIM ICE for Sunday’s radio show!
    Well known for being the trainer of Eclipse Champion Summer Bird
    2/2) Tim also trains up & coming 2yo star @almighty_brown!

    We are lucky to have him support us at JW & are excited to have him as a guest!
    Keta Note:
    Here is the link to Jockey World http://JockeyWorld.org

  12. / Reply

    Max,

    Left you a message on previous page.. Wonder if the Stallion Farms in England let them have visitors at certain times of the year, as they do here.

    • / Reply

      Peggy. National Stud first allowed visits by the public beginning in the 1970s. I am not certain about other commercial breeding farms in England and Ireland. Sheena might know?

      A friend of mine visited Warren Place, which is Henry Cecil’s training facility. That was done because of a personal connection. As far as I know, WP does not allow public visits.

  13. / Reply

    @ Sign. Loved the piece on AK. He looked on the muscle for sure at the BC.
    Gotta love those chestnuts!

    Lady’s Secret and HDG are the only two HOY that have sold at auction.
    Not unless someone knows of another that I am completely unaware of.

    I thought it was sneaky of Ben Leon saying he wasn’t buying this year. He had checked out Havre de Grace just before the sale. Here is a link of all who were showing interest. I find it interesting that Rick Porter was surprised at her price. The buzz I heard all along was that is the price he wanted. Guess he wanted the excitement. Larry Jones her trainer cried as she was being sold. He loved her as much as Eight Belles, since HDG brought him back to training.

    http://www.paulickreport.com/news/bloodstock/havre-de-grace-a-cool-10-mil/

    • / Reply

      Janet,

      I feel so sad for Larry Jones. I dont understand how someone who owns a beautiful, sweet, HOY like HDG could sell her. I know this is all a business, but still, it seems to me like it would be like selling your daughter.

      • / Reply

        Darlene,

        Rick Porter is not into breeding. He likes racing and owning runners and his money goes into his runners. It takes a great deal of financial resources to maintain a racing stable at the level of Porter’s and it takes equally substantial resources to maintain a broodmare band and foals. Porter has no interest in the latter, he wants to focus on the former.

        That doesn’t make him a bad person. In fact I applaud him for not letting his ego get in the way of his judgement and trying to hold on to HdG just because she has HOY beside her name. It was sporting of him in terms of the MARKET to put her through F-T, her presence brought a lot of attention to the sale and all those underbidders for HdG did not go home empty handed. Sure they did not get HdG but they still paid good money for other fine stock where maybe they might not have otherwise considered buying.

        And now HdG goes into a fine band of broodmares under the watchful management of people who want to be in the BREEDING business. People who want to focus on bloodlines and pedigrees and everything that goes along with breeding the best to the best and hoping for the best.

        What is the old saying? If you love something, set it free? I don’t think his decision to sell had anything to do with how he feels/felt about HdG. He and Larry Jones were good stewards for her racing career and now they have handed her into the safe stewardship of Ms. Pope and Whisper Hill Farms for the next stage of her career.

        • Thank you Zenyen for your fine answer to my post.

          I did not not mean anything mean or negative toward anyone, but it probably sounded that way.

          I am just very happy HDG is going to a great home and staying in the US. In my fantasy of owning such a fine race horse, I just could not imaginge letteing her go. But, this in only, true fantasy. I am thrilled for Havre De Grace and wish her only the best. Thank you for saying: If you love something, set it free. Have thought of that saying many times.

      • / Reply

        Dear Darlene,

        Their are facts about HDG, but being a very special
        HOY to us brings a lot of emotion for us. Rick Porter
        Is a business man, that is why Phillis Wyeth had to
        Have her accountant intervene with Union Rags.
        If you don’t sell your stock, $$$$ will get drained.
        However, I felt really sad for her being auctioned
        Off, she was so very proud and beautiful on the podium.
        Can definitely understand Larry Jones emotions, when
        You have a horse like her, who lets you get close
        To them, it is very hard. Just soo glad she is staying
        Here.

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet,
      Great link. She is very special so glad she is
      Staying in the US, really wonder if Mandy will
      Sell all of her offspring? HDG could produce a
      Really nice family. Will have to see. A very bittersweet
      Ending. Thought Ben Leon might appear. He did
      Spend a lot of $$$ last year, but would be neat
      To see RD and HDG having babies together. She
      Is going to do her Sire proud and hopefully her
      Progeny will stay in US for the most part. Interesting
      Goldi’s owners bid on her. Just Sooo glad she is staying
      Here. Larry is such a great trainer and man, a way with
      The fillies. Trainers do have to have the knack with
      Them. As John Sherriffs said in Zenny’s DVD, I tried to
      Train her and then realized I had to figure out
      A way to get along with her.

  14. / Reply

    Dear Sign and Dynaformer fans: please read the post on Americain – the story of a beautiful friendship – it’s so good to hear about the caring side of the racing business, and the devotion the people who work in it put into their charges (and we need go no further than the fantastic team at Lanes End for proof of that!).

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,
      Love the links on Americain, so glad he found
      Someone that could connect and speak to him.
      He is a horse that needs a relationship. Jethro was
      Like that, too. He usually had only one equine friend
      At a time, mainly mares. Although a gelding he was
      Very much a man. He was not treated well on the
      Track and was very much a ladies horse, except for
      His groom Simon. Of course he loved Simon because
      He did his feeding. That is one way to get a horse to
      Love you, feed them at feeding time.

  15. / Reply

    Paynter Update Friday Nov. 9, 2012 A. Zayat tweet
    Paynter is in great form. Doing super .
    Gained another 28lb this week , now up to 990lb happy, sound
    # poweruppaynter #champ

  16. / Reply

    Frankel Tops List of Cartier Finalists
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Friday, November 9, 2012 8:59 AM
    Expected to be honored for a second straight season as Europe’s horse of the year, Frankel is one of five nominees in the Cartier Awards Horse of the Year category.
    Nominations for the Horse of the Year and seven other divisions were released Nov. 9 for the awards, which will be presented during a Nov. 13 ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel in London.
    In the Horse of the Year category, undefeated Frankel is joined by fellow older horse nominees Cirrus des Aigles and Nathaniel. Frankel defeated those two rivals in the QIPCO Champion Stakes (Eng-I) Oct. 20 at Ascot where Cirrus des Aigles was second and Nathaniel third.
    The other two finalists in the horse of the year category are top 3-year-old Camelot and top miler Excelebration.

    Keta Note: For complete list of categories & nominees, here is link
    http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74349/frankel-tops-list-of-cartier-finalists?source=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

  17. / Reply

    dear sign thanks for the piece about frankel and sir henry I feel sad for them both think frankel was too powerful on the racecourse to retire just yet and he kept sir henry’s spirits up during his on-going battle with cancer I have never seen F looking quite so daunted loved all the comments on the blog about the BC trip all the dumplings had a real blast hope you get there next year my email address is sheena dot davies @mypostoffice.co.uk hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Maybe the light in Frankel’s eye is gone because
      He has been let down. His owner has plenty of
      $$$ money and could have raced him another year.
      It would have been awesome to see him in the ARC.
      John Sherrifs was also talked about regarding a to
      Conservative campaign for her. Rachel Alexandra got
      HOY over Zenny in 2009 because of the number
      Of races she won against the boys. John decided to
      Have her face all of the great boys in BCC instead.

      Don’t think anyone can beat Frankel for Cartier HOY,
      He is just tops. But his campaign was conservative
      And the other candidates had more varied campaigns
      Not sure that will be an issue for him. So amazing how
      These babies mature, from speedster to sleeping at the
      Gate.

      Will resend you the e-mails that were previously
      sent to you.

      • / Reply

        Dear Peggy N,

        Sounds like a trip to the UK may be in order??
        They will probably have Frankel under lock and key, if he doesn’t
        break out and go down the road to visit Sir Henry. HA HA !!!

        • Sign, You know I would have sure liked to have seen him, Wise Dan and Orfevre go at it. I bet you that Orfevre turns up in the Arc again next year. If he stays healthy.

        • Dear Peggy,
          Hope “O” is back in the Arc in 2013 to avenge his
          Loss. He is Sooo Quirky and that is good, it is the
          Best characteristics that a TB has. Although makes
          Training and riding a challenge.

  19. / Reply

    MORE PAYNTER! This includes 3 tweets & 2 photos.
    Alex Brown AlexBrownRacing tweeted a photo on Fri Nov. 9th
    Paynter, having a thoroughly good roll in his paddock
    Photo link is not working. Will try & find another later in day.

    After receiving this photo, A. Zayat tweeted this to Alex Brwon, justin zayat
    LOVE. it. He is so happy. !! I am on cloud 9 today !
    Damm it;it feels good , FInally @Midnightlute (Bob Baffert)

    Alex Brown then tweeted another photo:
    Post roll, off to explore. Paynter is now looking like a thoroughly normal horse
    http://twitpic.com/bbpdww

  20. / Reply

    As i was driving home last night,I realized I had left out some of my more memorable experiences at the BC–I promise,it won’t be a book–but–how could I have left out my several lovely conversations with ZENNY’S JOHN and his beautiful Dottie??? When I first went up to him,I told him that I knew of his love for War Admiral and that I had brought the pictures taken of him on my Kentucky trip in 1950,explaining that I had done my best to get them restored. He said that he would like to see them and later,when I approached him ,he studied them cvarefully,dim as they are,then looked through the whole small photo book I had brought,with all of the pictures of Barnaby and Traveller,and the photos of me when I was 9 on my very first horse,The Blue Duchess. He was so patient,kind,and interested,I was thrilled. Meeting him and feeling his wonderful aura and energy was awe inspiring–it really made me understand how very fortunate any horse is to be in his stable. I did not hear about the pending weekend visit to Barn 55 until it was almost time to leave that evening and was unable to do it,but I surely hope that there will be another chance next year!! Dottie was so lovely and when I asked about Sophie told me they had had to run home to lert her out between the races and the party. I asked her to give her a hug from us when she got home. (When Ann and Jerry were leaving,I asked her to give Zwenny a hug from all the Zsters when she next saw her and she said “I literally will!”)

    Don’t think I mentioned how great our wonderful Diana was either!! She tried so hard to figure a way for me to join everyone again on Sat.–and did so much else to make me feel so welcome!! Still can’t believe her making all of our darling Dumpling Tags–they are SO great!!We were so proud wearing them and it was so much fun recognizing each other and then,on closer inspection,realizing who we all were and exclaiming and hugging!! Don’t know if I mentioned how fun it was to meet pretty Barbara Wood either–she has always been so encouraging about Barnaby and my writings about him. It was just SO fun meeting everyone–and I’m so grateful to all who kindly signed my poster-what a wonderful keepsake it will be when my daughter gets it mailed!! After I take it to show to Barnaby(per Darlene’s instructions) I will display it proudly at home,along with the wonderful photo I purchased of Zenny and Mike,which I got signed by her whole team–even Ann’s darling nephew who does all of the great work on this website! What a treasure THAT is!!

    Speaking of MR. Barnaby–he seems very glad to have me back. He had some visiters while I was gone,as he had his feet trimmed and Sue had a horse chiropractorover to check Traveller out. When the chiropractor was there,she had to separate Traveller from him,as he was so interested in the whole procedure,he wanted it to be all about him!! He has been very attentive since I got back. When I first got home,we ahd another spate of beautiful 60 degree days,but now the storms are starting to roll in and it looks like winter is coming fast. (Of course,inn a ski resort,that is a good thing as they like to open the mountain on Thanksgiving. Luckily,Sun Valley has the best snow-making equipment in the world,so we can open a good part of the mountain whether we get snow or not!)

    Yesterday,it was raining for awhile before it started snowing. Sue had the chiropractor out again,as,when she tried to put Travellers saddle on,she hung her head down nearly to the ground again,as though Sue was beating her. The dr. checked her saddle and said that it doesn’t fit properly! They checked every saddle in the tackroom(there are quite a few,what with Sue’s 2,Barnaby’s and Rita’s,as well as all the one’s Rita’s first husband had. ) She said none of them fit her properly,so she is looking for one that might work for Sue and Traveller. It would be great if all of these problems could be cured with a different saddle!! Sue said when she got down there yesterday afternoon,Barnaby was dry as a bone,having gone into his “house” when the rain started. He loves to do that right away,if the weather is not to his liking! Of course,when the dr. came,he had to come out again to see what was going on and to be part of everything! Can’t wauit until tomorrow,when we will go down and spend a good part of the day with them. We also have to pull out a bunch of weeds with burrs in them,down at the end of the pasture–Traveller,particularly,had been getting into them and getting her forlock completely snarled with them–she hates having Sue pull them out!!

    Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend-I will spend a lot of it thinking about al of my experiences last week and savoring every moment!! I will give Barnaby lots of hugs tomorrow from all of you!!!

    what a wonderful

    • / Reply

      Sue, thank you so much for the kind compliment. I loved meeting you! You looked totally snazzy. One note about saddles. See if you can check out the Parelli ones. They have a video somewhere about how a horse’s body moves in the gaits and it is amazing. So–if the saddle is stiff and not pliable, it will jab the horse. Their saddles are definitely not cheap, but they are good. I think you can look at them on their website, http://www.parelli.com. not sure.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Noel:

      Love your post. How wonderful that you were able to spend some time with JS. I am so happy because I know Ann Moss will literally give Z a hug from all the Z’sters when she next visits her.

      Thank you for your update on Barnaby and Traveller. Barnaby is such a loveable character and I hope the right fitting saddle makes a big difference for Traveller. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Noel,

      Thanks for sharing your stories about the BC and everyone that you met, especially
      the very special TEAM Z, John, Dottie, The Mosses and of course MIKEY and all of
      the jockey’s he brought to the party.

      As far as a saddle for Traveller, we had someone from one of our tack shops come out and do a custom fit for all of our horses at the barn. She had many many many saddles to choose from from Hermes to an all weather Winteck. Sounds like Traveller may
      have some fitting issues and it is best to have an expert do the fitting. I am sure if they
      about her they may have a special price. The all weather Winteck is about $500 or less if getting it used and is very adjustable. There is also another brand that has removable trees and you get 3 different trees with the saddle. Do you know what this issue is?
      Withers, too high?? Thin long body???

      Jethro had to have a custom saddle because of high withers, long body and very picky about what was on this back. If it did not fit perfectly, he did not like it. In fact if you put
      the saddle on in the wrong position, back too far or up too far, and tried to tighten the girth, he would back up and let you know things were not fitting right.

      Jethro always had “something to say” and it was constant, so you always have to be listening and talking back, that is probably why he was not treated very well on the track.

  21. / Reply

    Good heavens–I need to start proof reading my posts before I push the button to send!! Zwenny?? Cvarefully?? Lert?? Visiters?? Yikes!!

    Realized in all my ramblings about the BC I did not say how very sorry I was to hear about Dyna King!! Thank heaven he was loved and cherished at the very end of his life–it must have meant so much to him to have Judy there. He had to have known how much she loved him and been comforted. Sorry also about Rose of Peace–what a really lovely name. She must have been much loved as a young filly to have had such an exceptional name chosen for her. May connections for both realize how much we all care and hope our love will help dear Judy Glore.

    • / Reply

      In case you or anyone is interested, Alex Brown Racing has a wonderful forum with a thread on Dyna King that has great information and photos! It warmed my heart to see how many people truly followed and loved Dyna King! I am so sad for him and, especially, Judy, but he had two wonderful years there. She was not able to leave the hospital to be with him but he was surrounded by people who loved him and he died with much dignity! God bless him.

      • / Reply

        Louise I am so sorry to hear that Judy Glore was not able to be with Dyna King when he passed! That must have been awful for her, just awful! And now I am worried for her even more than before.

        diastu in tempe

      • / Reply

        I find the Alex Brown Racing site impossible to navigate! Can you help zero me in on the discussion about Dyna King please? I so want to read it.

        diastu in tempe

        • Diana, Alex Brown Racing is HORRIBLE to navigate (I don’t know who set it up). It is insane and took me awhile to figure it out and I still have trouble. I will try to help if I can. First I had to sign up. It was quick and easy and a basic member account that is free. Didn’t want to sign up but did. Okay, after you sign up, sign in on the main page. On the left side of the page you will see ABR: Discuss and Chat, click that. You will then see Recent Discussions, scroll down until you see a green box that says Start Reading. Click that. On this page, on the left side scroll down until you will see a heading of Prayer and Vigil Requests. Scroll down until you see “Dyna King Has Crossed the Bridge” and click that. That is where you will find all the stuff about him and Judy and pictures, etc. At the bottom of the page is a place where you can adjust print size, etc. and navigate his pages. I just had to play around with it to figure it out but finally did. It was worth it but somebody needs to redo the whole thing in my opinion. I hope this helps you, let me know! I’m more worried about Judy, too.

      • / Reply

        So sad to learn Judy could not be with DynaKing: but I reckon he felt her presence and returned all the love and care she had bestowed on him fourfold. Hugs.

      • / Reply

        Dear Louise, Max, Barb W., Kathy and Z Fans:

        So sad Judy G. could not leave the hospital to be with DynaKing. Will light a candle for her. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Thanks Louise for finding that. So sad that Judy could not be with him at the end but grateful that he was able to be surrounded by so much love for the last two years of his life.

    • / Reply

      Very interesting Karen G,
      There was inklings this was going to happen.
      He was doing such a great job, and Gene Simons,
      Who is connected to that crazy guy. He will have all
      Of the horses faces painted with multi colored lip
      Sticks!!!

      Keep us posted.

    • / Reply

      According to this article, Frank Stronach only resigned as a director of Magna International which is an auto parts company headquartered in Canada. He has apparently not given up his control of the Stronach Group which owns Santa Anita and other tracks. He’s also still running Adena Springs in both the US and Canada.

      • / Reply

        Thanks Max! But you know that he will not be in charge of SA himself, politics in his home country taking him away. Maybe his daughter will run it while he is gone.

        • You could be right. He also has a son. Someone will be appointed to oversee Santa Anita. Stronach however is also Canadian and is likely to retain control over his assets in North America.

        • Very true KG about Frank, he is pretty much
          A figure head, that seems to be why SA kept him
          On with a title in a lower position. His $$$ does talk!!!

  24. / Reply

    Dearest All:

    We managed a group photo with most of us in front of the Zenyatta statue. Once we have it tweaked a bit – – – credit where due, a certain shy and quiet Sandy from Ohio is a PhotoShop specialist – – – and add in a few peeps who didn’t make it in time, we’ll find a way to post a link here so you can see all of us.
    Agree completely with Auntie Judy that a special get together for the Dumplings on a separate day from the races is needed, but thank you to Judy for arranging the one we did manage to have.
    Congrats to TROTT for a very fun event. My wallet is lighter, but I now have a PINK halter with Mike Smith’s autograph on it! Wonder if Hoot would wear it?
    And finally a big thank you to my roommate of five nights – our poetess laureate Trina. She didn’t kill me – and she had ample reason! Next year, sweetie?
    diastu in tempe still unwinding.

  25. / Reply

    Sounds like there was a lot of Fun to be had at the BC with all the Dumplings. Love to hear about it.
    The story on Americain with his rider and ast.Trainer was wonderful! Loved it! A must read for sure. I think it would be wonderful if he came here for breeding. Heck, shuttle Frankle too.
    Anyways, everyone have a safe and happy weekend.

  26. / Reply

    Robert Yates‏ tweet
    BrownAlmighty to ship to Oaklawn in early Dec.
    and make 3-year-old/dirt debut in $150K Smarty Jones on 1/21,
    co-owner Rich Robertson said.

  27. / Reply

    Black Caviar LIghtning Stakes
    Gerard Whateley‏ tweet The Black Caviar Lightning will be the race named in honour of the great mare by VRC. She might even win its first running!

    Black Caviar‏ tweet VRC have announced that the 2013 Lightning Stakes will be known as Black Caviar LIghtning in honour of 5 Group 1 wins at Flemington #humbled

    • / Reply

      Keta: I think Gerard will be over the moon that his book on Nelly will be filling so many stockings this Christmas!

  29. / Reply

    I wrote this during BC. It’s a bit different from how I usually write, but I hope you guys enjoy it! I have more in the making!

    Mike Smith is a man of great class.
    Mike Smith is Mr. Breeders’ Cup.
    Mike Smith is a legendary rider.

    Mike Smith is known as many things. He has achieved things many riders can only dream about, and ridden horses that God himself partially trained. He gets to spend time with some of the most beautiful women, and mares, in the world. One happens to have a statue, and a race in her honor. She has her own dance, and a “bob”. She likes Guiness and Figi Water. Yes, she can tell the difference, so spare no expense when bringing offerings. To maintain her privacy however, I cannot mention her name. Hollywood does that to you. This diva enchanted Mike Smith, and he fell in love, but didn’t we all? Now what kind of horse can make a man like Mike turn weak at the knees at the mere thought of her? Well, one that was blessed with legs that shamed a runway model, and a booty that made everyone double take. When she got her beauty treatments, her dark, chocolate brown coat glistened with such luminousness, it could have made a Pantene commercial. What really drew everyone to her was her beautiful personality. The kindest soul in the room, she was the center of all attention. Everyone had to talk to her, and everyone wanted a picture. Yet, she patiently stood with everyone for every single picture. What Hollywood star can boast that level of patience? She was beautiful in every regard, and I am proud to say, that, I too, fell in love with her. When she raced, the entire conversation for the week leading up to the race was nothing but about her. When she won, the conversation didn’t change much. The one time she lost, I was so upset, I was shaking. I had no words, I felt empty and cold; like all life had been extinguished from me. If I, a common individual, felt such a range of emotions over this starlet, I could only imagine how Mike Smith felt. The man who completed her, and she completed him. The partners that were truly meant to be? His tears told the whole story. We knew. Heart break; but at the same time, proud of his Hollywood diva. She ran like an amazon, from deep within the Amazon rainforest. No fear, complete trust of her abilities, and power that trascended even reality. She retired at her prime — another thing that set her apart from the rest of Hollywood– and we all attended her retirement party. If not in person, then by t.v. We waited in twenty-two degree weather for her to arrive in Kentucky. Then finally, there she was; the most beautiful individual in the world. We waited anxiously for her son to arrive, and when he did, we rejoiced like no family before us. Her son can comfortabley say he has the most godparents of any child in the entire world, and now we wait for her second child to grace the earth. I can’t mention the name of this marvelous superstar, but I can tell you a little secret if you happen to run into her somewhere out there in Kentucky. Bring peppermints, and Guiness. You’ll be glad you did. Oh, and tell her thank you for shining like a diamond in the sky when we were lost. We found our way.

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    Dear everyone: we’re just two races into the final day of the Spring Racing Carnival at Flemington, with the Emirates Stakes and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes the big ones. The Queen Elizabeth will have Lost in the Moment (Godolphin) and Shahwardi for Alain De Royer-Dupre (and the terrific Stephanie Nigge) – should be great. They both missed a place in the Melbourne Cup. But more importantly, I want safe racing for both equine athletes and the jocks. Hugs.

    • / Reply

      Safe racing as the Spring Carnival comes to
      A close, down under.

      Dear Kathy R,
      So much for the weather here in Texas,
      Summers are scorching, 90 to 100 degrees with
      Equal humidity, every summer I forget about
      The heat, too !!!

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