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

      Yes Tony, A very special thank you to John and all the veterans for their sacrifice protecting our country. Many thanks to ALL military personnel currently serving.
      God bless every one!

  2. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Routing for Ebby in her Maiden race on the 15th. The No. 5 horse, Belonging, is owned by Jerry and Ann Moss; trained by J. Sadler. Good Exacta Box. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      That debut for Ebby is on Friday, Nov 16, race 4, Betfair Hollywood Park, 2:02 PM Pacific Time. Come home safe, one and all!

  5. / Reply

    ♥ Eblouissante (3-Year-Old Filly)
    Date: November 11, 2012
    Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 59:20 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: All Weather Track
    Rank: 2/66

    Yes, her debut is Friday, 11/16. Good luck to your sis, Zen! XOXO

    • / Reply

      Does anyone know if this race will be on TV? Or does anyone have a website that will show this race? Wow I hope I can see it. thanks

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue,

        Probably Cal racing will show it.
        I bet HRTV will. Will keep you posted
        on HRTV and if they will.

        • Dear Sue,
          I wondered that myself and it may have been on purpose, as this
          is still a high profile race, with Mike it would have been out of site
          CRAZY or maybe Mike was busy??

          Any Idea Cali Dumplings???

      • / Reply

        TVG now shows Betfair Hollywood Park. If you get that channel, then you’ll see her race. I have to record it because I’ll be riding right as they break from the gate.

      • / Reply

        Both HRTV and TVG show racing at BHP. Her post time is around 2:02 PT. I’ll be out there to cheer for her and, of course, John! Don’t look for the Moss’ silks because they don’t own Ebby :-) However, the Mosses have a horse also entered in the same race…

        ♥ JAG

        • p.s. As for chosing Corey as the jockey – that could have been a choice by the owner Kornfeld, who bred Ebby.

        • Great insight JAG,

          What color are the Maverick Productions silks???

          Oh, too funny, The Mosses, not trained by John S. though, right?
          and “E”. I am sure there will be Y Tube video, too.

        • Thanks to all for the help.
          I just wish Princess Ebby the best. She should have the best just like the Queen.
          I am so excited I am leaving work early to make it home in time to watch the race. We will follow this Royal Princess Ebby all her life.
          Go Ebby Go

        • Ebby’s owner and breeder is E. N. Kronfeld. The Mosses’s horse Belonging is trained by the OTHER John S, John Sadler. Small world, huh! Good luck and safe trip to all.

        • Maverick Production silks are Red, White & Blue :-)

          ♥ Go Ebby

          FYI 30% chance of rain on Friday. If it’s a sloppy track, John MIGHT have to scratch her…. we shall wait and see.

          JAG

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.:

      This is a seedy part of the Industry that can ruin it if it goes unchecked. Hopefully, the powers that be in Australia will do what’s necessary to make sure these transgressions do not continue.

      It’s always sad to see such dishonesty, but especially at a time when Black Caviar has brought so much joy to all of you in Australia and racing fans in the States and everywhere. This kind of behavior really stains the Sport. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Darlene – was going to say exactly that “a filly with a very serious future” – what a great start to a Tuesday morning – and she just loped along! Thanks so much Sign for posting that – just wonderful. Hugs KathyR.

      • / Reply

        Just watched it again, and thought “a filly with a very serious future”, indeed! Then saw, Darlene & Kathy, & Judy below — we’re all thinking the same thing!

    • / Reply

      Not that we’ve see on our backside visits. But she does have a very charming. dainty lady-like pose, lifting her front leg and standing so still – no movement – a perfect picture moment. Sometimes I gasp and marvel at how still she is, so endearing. She shouldn’t be compared to her big sister – there is NO horse like our Zenny! She will do great in her own right and in her own way. Ebby has a sweet, kind personality and is a beauty, I have no doubt she will do well. And if she doesn’t, we will support her throughout her racing career. As an added thought, I, too would love it if she danced, but know that she will bedazzle us during her career even if she does not. Remember Zenny did not dance early on – one never knows! ♥ her!

      • / Reply

        Dear Karen,

        “E” is gorgeous in her own right, very very very feminine, and much more built
        like Bernie. And OH that Bernardini head !!!! Love it !!!! She is sooo thin and leggy, not sure if that is because she is only 3. Maybe she will dance later !!!! Especially she has that front leg pose.

        After all, Spring in the Air, was dancing and she was not even related to Zenny.
        It must be a stress release as John S says. Horses have their own mannerisms
        just like humans.

        Guess Zenny’s conformation was influenced a lot more by Street Cry, he is much more wholesome looking.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign, Max, Darlene, Karen and Z Fans:

      Thank you for the link to Z’s Maiden race. The announcer was so prophetic in his remarks at the end of the race. Z is a Once In A Lifetime Horse! Just magnificent. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Thanks Judy B,

        Thought it would be appropriate to post Z’s first race as “E” ‘s is coming up.

        • Sign. It is a really great post. We always love to see Z race and you should post whenever you find something which you would like to share. I never tire of anything about our Z. Good luck to E. Hoping for success for her so that she can flash her toothy grin again.

        • Dear Sign, Max and Z Fans:

          I agree with Max. Never get tired of seeing videos of Z’s races. It will be wonderful to follow Ebby now as she begins her career and then The Prince and all of Z’s babies as they live the legacy. Doesn’t matter if any of them emulate Z on the track. The most important thing is that they stay safe and sound and if they are successful like Z, that will be wonderful too. Hugs, JB

        • COME ONE COME ALL AND ENJOY ALL OF ZENYATTA’S
          VIDEO’S AND LINKS REPOSTED.

          WE ALL LOVE HER SOOO MUCH.

          THESE POST ARE FOR EVERYONE !!!!!!

        • WE ALL DON’T NEED PERMISSION OR
          A GROUP OR PAIR TO BE OURSELVES

          IN DUMPLINGHOOD as Trina would say !!!

          ZENNY IS THE BEST !!!!

  13. / Reply

    Dear Vicki B, JAG, Karen G, Cali Dumplings and Z fans:

    Zenyatta’s Half Sister in Debut at Hollywood
    By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
    Updated: Sunday, November 11, 2012 10:41 PM
    Posted: Sunday, November 11, 2012 10:41 PM

    Eblouissante, a 3-year-old half sister to champion racemare Zenyatta, will make her career debut Nov. 16 in the fourth race at Betfair Hollywood Park.

    The daughter of Bernardini out of the Kris S. mare Vertigineux had her final breeze in preparation for that start Nov. 11, going a quick five furlongs in :59 1/5 on the all weather track at Hollywood for trainer John Shirreffs. The move was second-fastest among 66 sent the distance on the day.

    Eblouissante was bred in Kentucky by Eric Kronfeld, who also bred Zenyatta, a daughter of Street Cry, out of Vertigineux under the name Maverick Productions. Kronfeld retains ownership of Eblouissante, who will break from post three going 1 1/16 miles on Hollywood’s Cushion Track track with Corey Nakatani aboard. She will race without Lasix.

    Estimated post time for the fourth at Hollywood, a $45,000 maiden special weight that has drawn a field of eight sophomore fillies, is 2:02 p.m. PST. All runners carry 121 pounds.

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74406/zenyattas-half-sister-in-debut-at-hollywood#ixzz2C0P57LGD

    • / Reply

      That’s exciting! No Lasix, eh? I guess she doesn’t bleed like her sister did. All the more exciting! I will be watching!

      • / Reply

        Pati,

        Kronfeld is thinking about breeding. He will have a filly that has not been raced on
        lasix to strengthen the TB gene pool. Remember he is a breeder also she is a product of his breeding so he knows his stock and she probably does not need Lasix. Don’t remember Zenny ever bleeding. She did race on Lasix.

    • / Reply

      Thank you Sign!! Can’t wait to be there and video this special day – no matter she wins or not! Love her! E Backsiders are so excited! May she come back safe and sound and “dazzle” on the track as she does off! She is a sweet, precious girl and deserves our support for all the joy she has given us on our backside visits! Yahoooo! My ♥ is smiling for her!!

      • / Reply

        Dear Karen G.

        Sooo excited that you are videoing the race, it will have lots of great tidbits and
        special shots. Totally agree with you, whatever may be, we will still root for her
        in every race. !!!!

      • / Reply

        Dear KG,

        Interesting her first race is 1 1/16 mile. Not sure Zenny’s was that long??

        • Zenny’s first race was six and a half furlongs. Her second race, Dec 15, 2007, was one and a 1/16 miles.

        • Thanks KG and Trina for looking those distances up.

          Must have been training strategy by John Sherriffs a short first for
          Zenny and then a long, maybe making sure she could close short
          and long.

          Guess “E” may have a different style or he used a different strategy for training, as each horse is different.

  14. / Reply

    A special salute to all the vets of all the wars. A wonderful loving memory to my grandmother who sent all 3 of her sons to serve in WWII. They came back whole in body, but looking back on the problems they had, they suffered from PTSD which no one really knew about then. Just think, they brought those men home from Europe and the Pacific and just said, “good job, go home and live your life.” Most did but were plagued with problems as were my uncles(alcohol) the rest of their lives. If only, we had known then what we know now about stress. They truly were The Greatest Generation.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee,

      I so agree with your post. Many years ago I had a resident under my care who had pictures of 3 of her sons in her room. They were all dressed in their military blues. Two of those sons had been killed in WWII. She lived to be 98 and still grieved and kept those photos of her sons by her bedside. I will never forget and always say thank you to our veterans, past and present.

    • / Reply

      So very true, Shirleeinindy,

      My dad was in France in WWII and he never spoke a word about the war or anything to do with it, other than with his buddies at the annual Army reunion.

  15. / Reply

    Forgot to say that if you know any of these WWII vets, please have them record their stories. We are about to lose most of them and their experiences and thoughts should not be lost.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee and Darlene: So true regarding the veterans. My dear old Dad (no longer with me) served in Tobruk, where he was captured and spent the rest of the War in POW camps in Europe. My sisters and I could never quite get why Dad had such a bad temper and drank too much. I now know just how dreadful his story was. The War Memorial here in Canberra does a wonderful job collecting oral histories from veterans, and it has become such a source of comfort to families who didn’t know much about the real story behind these men (and women). Remembrance Day (as it is known here) is a truly great Day to just reflect on these terrible times and give thanks. Hugs KathyR.

      • / Reply

        Shirlee and Darlene – Most importantly – forgot to add that Dad was liberated by Americans – probably why I’ve always loved the place and your soldiers!!

  16. / Reply

    Hi all,
    Been a while since I posted, have been dealing with issues here at home. I did find out that my best buddy, Cisco, has PRA ( Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and is going blind. This has been difficult to deal with as he is only eight years old, and I have had blind dogs before so I know what I’m dealing with.

    I have been keeping up with the blog, so I know all that has been going on. I send prayers for dear Judy Glore, in her life threatening battle. Why does it always seem to be the nicest ones this happens to.

    Have enjoyed all the posts from the BC glad all had a great time. Thank God our HDG did get bought by Mandy Pope, I never did get a hold of anyone wealthy enough to buy her.

    Thank you Judy Berube for posting that info on Take Charge Indy I’ll definitely be watching, just love the big galute.

    Good luck to our Ebby on her first race, how exciting, hope she has a safe race, I just love this beautiful mare.

    Happy Veterans Day to all the great people who have done so much, unselfishly, for our great country.

    Hugs and kisses to Zenny and EARnie on those soft noses.

    • / Reply

      We’ve missed you Sue. I, too, am so sorry to hear about Cisco and hope that this is a gradual condition so that he will have time to get used to his limited vision. I’m sure he’s got the best mom in the world.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Fredrick:

      So sorry to hear about Cisco. He’s got the best Mom to look after him that’s for sure.

      Yes, wishing Take Charge Indy a successful, safe trip. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Sue, I am so, so sorry to hear about your Cisco! I know that this is devastating news for you, but he has the perfect “mom” to take care of him and he will still have a great life with you! Thoughts and prayers for this struggle!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue, so sorry for Cisco, but he will still have a wonderful life with you. Maybe your Amazing Grace (Gracie) will accommodate to being his Seeing Eye dog? Best wishes to you all!

    • / Reply

      Pati,
      I thought Skyfall was the perfect transition film from Bond of the past
      to Bond of the future. It was much darker than some of the Bond movies.
      But, not as dark as the last one.
      Love the new Q. Silva was the perfect villain.
      Do not want to share too much. Do not want to be a spoiler.
      Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        I just got out of the theatre. What a sad situation for the villain. Gosh, must suck to be treated that way. Bleh, so glad I’m going into the racehorse industry and not the CIA.

  18. / Reply

    Keta Note: Orfevre vs Solemia-another great race!
    Arc winner and runner-up set for rematch in Japan Cup
    The P:aulick Report 11.11.2012
    Last year’s Japanese Triple Crown winner Orfevre will get a rematch with French filly Solemia in the Japan Cup (gr. I) on Nov. 25. The two last met in last month’s Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (gr. I) where Solemia beat Japan’s reigning Horse of the Year by a neck in a stunning finish.
    The 4-year-old colt was declared for the race after his first workout after being released from quarantine on Friday.
    “I watched his movement, breathing and condition after today’s work and it is perfect. Orfevre was like a body builder before the Arc, so he looks smaller now. But I think he will be back [to how he was] after he eats and works well.” Orfevre’s trainer Yasutoshi Ikee told the Racing Post.
    Solemia’s connections made the decision to run the filly in the race earlier this month. She is expected to ship to Japan on Nov. 13.
    http://www.paulickreport.com/news/thoroughbred-racing/arc-winner-and-runner-up-set-for-rematch-in-japan-cup/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

  19. / Reply

    KeibaKate tweet JRA News: Lineup announced for 2012 World Super Jockeys Series
    Keta Note: Here is the story
    Lineup announced for 2012 World Super Jockeys Series
    Horse Racing in Japan November 12, 2012
    Participants were announced today for the 26th World Super Jockeys Series, which is to be held at JRA Tokyo Racecourse on Saturday, November 24, and, Sunday, November 25, which is the day of the Japan Cup (G1).
    Fifteen jockeys from eight countries, including Japanese jockeys from both the JRA and NAR circuits, will compete in the two-day series.
    From overseas are:
    Craig Williams representing Australia,
    Christophe Soumillon from France,
    Andrasch Starke from Germany,
    Zachary Purton representing Hong Kong,
    John Murtagh from Ireland,
    Mirco Demuro from Italy, and
    William Buick and Ryan Moore from United Kingdom.
    Japan’s team will consist of Masayoshi Ebina, Yoshitomi Shibata and Hiroyuki Uchida from the Eastern training center of Miho. Three jockeys based at Ritto in the West are Suguru Hamanaka, Kenichi Ikezoe and Yasunari Iwata. From the NAR circuit is Isao Yamaguchi, a jockey based at Saga Racetrack in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu (southernmost of the four main islands of Japan).
    *The detailed information will be announced on November 16, 2012.
    http://japanracing.jp/_news2012/121112.html?utm_source=japanracing&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=news&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

  20. / Reply

    Eblouissante post on Facebook
    Today I had my final breeze in preparation for my racing debut! I went a quick five furlongs in 59:20. My breeze was the 2nd quickest among 66 horses going the distance on a fast track.

    *This Friday November 16th will be a much anticipated day!! Why? Well, I am finally making my racing debut!!!! I’m VERY excited and can hardly stop pacing in my stall. ;)
    I will race at Hollywood Park Race Track in the 4th race a Maiden Special Weight! With Corey Nakatani aboard I will break from post #3 going One And One Sixteenth Miles on the all weather track at an estimated time of 2:02 PM!! This is going to be such great fun!! I can’t help but smile! ♥

  22. / Reply

    Bob Baffert‏ tweet on Monday Nov.12
    Super filly Princess Arabella just pronounced in foal to Tapit.
    They will have hard time catching that foal in paddock. Lol

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena and Z Fans:

      Yes, it’s like Z all over again. Z ran her Maiden race on 11/22/2007 as a three year old. Ebby will be running her Maiden on 11/16/2012 also as a three year old. Very exciting. Wishing her Godspeed. Hugs, JB

  24. / Reply

    Eblouissante tweets
    KY Tbred Assoc. tweet an interesting fact from Brisnet
    Some are ebullient over seeing her run! MT @Brisnet:
    Eblouissante has had 45 published workouts the past 17 months

    A.P. Indy‏ tweet Eblouissante is the new Archwarrior
    Keta Note: Archwarrior is a 2 year old who has had lots of publicity.
    Some saying he is the fastest horse in the world.
    Ran 4th in the Champagne Stakes–Shanghai Bobby won.
    Here is his maiden race
    Archwarrior – 2012 Saratoga Maiden Race
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY1gVuV3T3M

    • / Reply

      i love this part:
      “And he does love his mints (the red peppermint ones only. He’ll spit out the green spearmint ones). Crinkle some paper and he’ll come jogging across his paddock to you.”

      sooo cute. what a character <3

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue Colvin and Z Fans:

        It’s amazing what different individuals horses are and how they will let you know what they like. They each have their own personalities. I see it with Charlie all the time. The other day he was eating some hay in his stall and he would be chewing away and then stop chewing, ears alert listening to something he heard coming from outside; then he would look at us and begin chewing again. He makes us laugh.

        Each one is so endearing in their own way. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Terrific article by Steve Haskin plus photos.
      Keta note: If you visit Paynter, bring red peppermints only. He doesn’t like green.

      Paynter Continues Road to Recovery
      Steve Haskin The Blood-Horse 12 Nov 2012 4:30 PM
      As the morning sun burned through the dense fog that had enshrouded the Fair Hill training center, Paynter was brought out for his daily round of activity. It’s been several weeks since we first saw the colt arrive at Bruce and Amy Jackson’s Fair Hill Equine Therapy Center for his rehab following the ordeal that nearly cost him his life.

      Since his arrival on that rainy afternoon, Paynter has made steady progress, gaining 76 pounds. He is now nearing 1,000 pounds and is on his way to being back to normal weight. No time frame has been set as to how much longer he will remain at the facility.

      In another important move forward, he had his first set of shoes put on several days ago and in short looks like a happy, healthy horse who is enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the horse heaven that is Fair Hill.

      He has progressed from hand walking to being let out in a round pen to being turned out in a paddock.

      On this morning, Paynter was brought out to graze, often picking his head up to check out any activity around him or simply to eye a set of Graham Motion horses heading to the rolling countryside or the paths that meander through the nearby woods. One thing we have learned and noticed about Paynter is he is a very social animal who appears to love the company of other horses.
      http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2012/11/12/paynter-continues-road-to-recovery.aspx

  28. / Reply

    Hello to all….WE MADE IT!
    Will take a while to catch up
    So until then….
    Zenny……eat rest exercise…..go to spa appt…
    Kisses for all soft noses worldwide
    Thanks to all who wished us well on our adventure….
    more tomorrow

  30. / Reply

    Dear Eblouissante

    So excited about your first race. Take extra care . You will strongly be in my prayers for a safe trip. I was looking at your picture from what Sign posted of the silks. You do also remind me of your Dad Bernie’s mom’s sire Quiet Amierican. YOu have a long face like him. I can see the family resimblance. I like him very much. also Bernie’s Dad Indy. What a wonderful family.
    Take care beautiful girl. Know your in my prayers
    I had a wonderful time visiting Quiet American back a few years ago, just had not thought about your connection to him, but it just hit me looking at your beautiful face even though your color is not the same. I see the Quiet American in you. So nice.

    • / Reply

      Ebby, I meant your a little darker than Quiet American. I was a little worried about him on my visit, as I thought he looked a little thin. But I supposed that came with his age. He is a beauty. I wish I could see a picture of Cara Rafella. I will have to try and find one.

        • Dear Judy,

          Thank you so much for the picture. I didn’t know Bernie’s mom was a gray. She is beautiful isn’t she. She doesn’t look like Quiet American to me though. I know she is one of the Darley Mare’s. It is so enteresting seeing the Bloodlines. I think Bernie must have took after Indy’s side. But, you would still have to go back a ways to see more of the line on both side.
          It was amazing to me how Quiet American just hit me when I was looking at Ebby’s picture just a while ago. Maybe it was the look out of her eyes or her face just so reminded me of him. LOL,

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