Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #19

Fillies in the paddock at Lane's End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Fillies in the paddock at Lane’s End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Q:

Sales have always fascinated me but I don’t have a full understanding of all the mechanics of them. How is it chosen which yearlings will be sent to auction and what sales they will be sent to?

Brooke Coleman

Versailles, KY

A: Determining if a yearling will go to public auction depends on a number of factors, beginning with the initial interests of the breeder. Some clients breed to race, some breed specifically to sell, and some do a little bit of both.

Sale nominations are submitted to the auction companies by May 1st of their yearling year; this is when it is determined who will be kept to race and who will be pointed towards a sale. This decision is generally made by the owner in conjunction with the advice given by our managerial and sales staff here at Lane’s End.

Various sales are held throughout the summer and fall; some are “select”, meaning nominated yearlings must be accepted by the sale companies upon inspection, and other sales are open, or acceptable for all types of yearlings. Determining which sale to nominate a yearling to prior to the May 1st deadline depends on a few important factors:

1) Physical
Yearlings are very similar to teenagers—they can go through awkward stages as they grow and develop, so it is important to select a sale that corresponds well with a horse’s maturity level. Our public sales and managerial staff inspect yearlings every two-three weeks through the Spring months. Notations are made on the horse’s conformation, condition, stride, and even demeanor. Maintaining notes on their physical development allows us to judge how each horse matures and determine the most appropriate sale for them.

2) Vetting
When all yearlings at Lane’s End are between 10-11 months of age, a set of survey x-rays (36 views) is taken to help us determine if any joints need special attention or surgery based on radiographic findings. For sale yearlings, survey x-rays also allow us to establish a suitable exercise program for each yearling entering the sale prep routine on June 1st.
We are mindful of survey x-rays at sale nomination time because radiographic findings can affect how commercial a yearling will be at a sale. Another set of x-rays are taken within 21 days of the auction date and provided for veterinarians to review on behalf of potential buyers.

3) Pedigree
The strength of a yearling’s pedigree also affects which sale we nominate it to. For example, a horse by a proven sire out of a stakes winner/producer will appeal to buyers at select sale venues. Alternatively, a horse with an unproven family will probably be best-suited for a larger, open sale venue where there are more potential buyers present, some of whom may not have steep pedigree requirements.

Lane’s End typically consigns yearlings at the following sales:

July 15: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Select Yearling Sale
A one-day select sale best suited for a physically forward yearling with few (if any) significant radiographic findings. Because it is a select sale, all yearlings must be accepted in a conformation inspection performed by the sale company. Physicals and X-Rays are very important here as this is the first summer yearling sale and buyers are not pressed to purchase a horse that doesn’t meet their exact requirements. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 283
Average sale price: $81,291
Median sale price: $60,000

August 5-6: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale
A select sale taking place over two evening sessions, held in conjunction with the prestigious race meet in Saratoga Springs, NY. Physical, pedigree, and vetting are all extremely important at this sale as it is concentrated with some of the best yearlings to be found all year. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 162
Average sale price: $299,065
Median sale price: $225,000

August 10-11: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York – Bred Yearlings
A two-day sale for New York-Bred yearlings only. Athletic-looking individuals sell well here as the sale is well-attended by trainers and end-users looking to race in the lucrative state-bred program. Minimum bid required: $5,000
2012 # Catalogued: 223
Average sale price: $62,551
Median sale price: $50,000

September 9-20: Keeneland September Yearling Sale
This is the largest yearling sale in the world and it is suitable for yearlings of all types… a one-stop shop for buyers! 11-12 sale sessions are typically catalogued within 6 sale books. Horses catalog primarily by pedigree with the best pedigree + physical combinations selling in Books 1-2. Keeneland September attract thousands of international and domestic owners, trainers, and bloodstock agents. Minimum bid required: $1,000
2012 # Catalogued: 3,604
Average sale price: $87,354
Median sale price: $45,000

October 21-23: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale
A three-day sale acceptable for all yearling types, especially late bloomers! This sale is also a good option for yearlings that may have been injured or experienced a physical setback over the summer months. Minimum bid required: $1,000
# Catalogued: 1,254
Average sale price: $26,127
Median sale price: $12,750

Our Expert

allaire

Allaire Ryan

Sales, Lane’s End

Allaire was born and raised in Lexington, KY. She developed an early interest in Thoroughbreds by attending the sales after school with her father, a bloodstock agent, and growing up she gained sales experience working for various farms and consignors. She works with clients old and new to develop Lane’s End’s public sale consignments of yearlings and breeding stock.

Reader Interactions

1,118 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Pastern Injury Ends Unusual Suspect’s Career
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 6:53 PM
    After 72 starts, a cracked pastern has ended the racing career of Unusual Suspect.
    Trainer Michael Kent told the Herald-Sun a hard surface at Flemington and an incorrect rating of that surface by racing stewards that suggested the turf had more give, led to the 8-year-old Unusual Heat horse sustaining the injury in the Bagot Handicap Jan. 1. His stablemate, You Think So, also was pulled up in the about 1 3/4-mile race.
    Kent noted that if the surface had been rated firmer, trainers would have been allowed to scratch horses.
    While trained by Barry Abrams, Unusual Suspect won six stakes races in California from 2007-2010, highlighted by the 2010 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes (gr. IT) for owners Barry, David, and Dyan Abrams. Primarily racing in Southern California, he placed in 11 other U.S. stakes races, five of which were graded.
    In 2011, Unusual Suspect was sold to an Australian ownership group although Barry Abrams retained a percentage of the horse. Unusual Suspect won the 2012 TAB Werribee Cup.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75308/pastern-injury-ends-unusual-suspects-career#ixzz2GvddIFe8

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: Really unfortunate – he was just getting the feel of racing in Australia. There is a lot of criticism of the cement like surface at Flemington, with trainers like Bart Cummings saying he won’t risk his horses on the surface. Problem with racing in the heat Downunder. I’m still waiting for Sheena to organise that excess rain! Cheers.

  2. / Reply

    A.ZAYAT‏ tweets Update on Thurs. Jan 3 2013
    Great to on my feet. Traveled with @JustinZayat to KY to say Happy birthday in person and happy new year to all our mares, weanlings
    best Part of the business. The most fun part is to hang out at the farms.
    Will be visiting all my stallions starting with Eskendereya. Pioneer Zensational. Maimonides and of course Bodemeister!! Go bode go.
    Power up Paynter!

        • Keta. Thanks. We fans have all worried for so long over Paynter that it is hard not to worry still. That horse has been through so much. Hoping for the best for him. PUP!

  3. / Reply

    Welsh Champion Hurdle revamped
    Thursday January 03 2013 Herald.ie Horse Racing
    FFOS Las has announced the William Hill Welsh Champion Hurdle will now be run as a limited handicap over two and a half miles, with an increase in prize-money also confirmed.
    Officials at the Carmarthenshire venue have made the changes to their feature race on February 2 in a bid to make it more competitive and to avoid a clash with the Betfred Mobile Sports Contenders Hurdle at Sandown the same day.
    Tim Long, Ffos Las general manager and clerk of the course, said: “We are proactively taking this initiative to ensure that the William Hill Welsh Champion Hurdle is as competitive as possible in the years to come.
    “Making it a limited handicap and increasing the prize-money – up by 16 per cent next year compared to when it was last run in 2011 – will make the race more attractive to owners and trainers.
    “There is no getting away from the fact that Sandown Park’s Listed hurdle scheduled for the same day is very similar to our race, so the increase to two and a half miles makes ours a different type of contest.
    “I would be very hopeful that we will get a very competitive entry for the 2013 renewal – and we are once again delighted that William Hill is sponsoring our principal race.”
    Oscar Whisky, owned by Ffos Las chairman Dai Walters, beat four rivals in 2011.
    http://www.herald.ie/sport/horse-racing/welsh-champion-hurdle-revamped-3341820.html

  4. / Reply

    Good Morning Zenny….
    Just checked on your friend …Cigar….he is out in his pasture ….most of the snow has melted away and he has his coat on….
    …..
    am starting to build my list for the 13TC run…..added a couple in the last few days…including Avie’s Quality….
    …..
    lots of horses at Oaklawn now…..gearing up for meet starting on the 11th
    …….
    Also..got to watch Calvin …he should get number 5000 here and soon
    ……
    Eat. Exercise. Rest. Sleep. Spa appts and those beneficial mud baths…..
    pacing soon…..I know its really not necessary til the end of February but its good exercise for me….
    …..
    kisses for all soft noses …..carrots and peppermints around

    …..

  5. / Reply

    GARY STEVENS IS BACK!
    Gary Stevens first race will be on Sunday, Jan. 6, at Santa Anita
    He is scheduled to ride Strong Suit for trainer Simon Callaghan.
    Gary is continuing with HRTV
    .
    Horse Racing Herald Leader tweets Gary Stevens quotes on comeback
    “I can honestly say after being on horses the last 8 weeks my knees didn’t feel this good the last 5 yrs I rode”
    “One reason I quit, I didn’t feel I was helping a horse like I had in the past. I’ve got that feeling back that I can.”

    • / Reply

      Hope it turns out to be a success for him. He is one of the greatest of all time and quitting must have been difficult. Pincay has often said that he would still be riding if it weren’t for his accident. No talking animal jokes, but here are some redneck jokes involving dogs. You might be a redneck if your dog sleeps closer to you than your spouse. You might be a redneck if your dog can smoke a cigarette. You might be a redneck if your dog was in your wedding picture. You might be a redneck if you have taught your dog to retrieve beer for you. You might be a redneck if you got bitten by your dog during a romantic moment.

    • / Reply

      Keta Note: MY BAD!
      Here is the correct horse info from The Blood-Horse (article posted below)
      “Stevens has the call on R and R Warren’s Jebrica, a 5-year-old Washington-bred gelding, in Race 6 on the Jan. 6 card, a $50,000 claiming event for 4-year-olds and upward going a mile on the turf. The duo breaks from post 3.”

      Yes Sign, I am standing in my corner for a time-out.
      Keta

  6. / Reply

    Well, better late than never – Happy New Year to all. Have been slightly sidelined for a few days, but am back now with lots of catching up to do. I’m sure I will leave something out but . .

    Sharon in Atlanta – here I thought I was the only person who first learned about Zenyatta on 60 Minutes!!! Nice to know I am not the only one who didn’t have the pleasure of following her whole career (the DVD of her races helped a lot).

    Sue in Florida – so sorry about your kitty Mr. Bubbles. It’s hard enough with an older pet whom you KNOW is in decline, but I can truly empathize with how hard it is to lose one who seemed perfectly fine. I know another kitty will come your way (and when I eventually get an easier house to manage, I hope one will come MY way as well).

    Trina and Dawn – many thanks for the spectacular New Years cards!!

    Sue and Tony – many thanks for helping us to remember Kari and Russ Berube

    Sue Noel – another wonderful Barnaby story!! Your words paint pictures in our minds, and I loved “seeing” Barnaby just hanging out with you after his romp through the pasture

    Another comment about mean vs median as a way to convey “the middle ground” so to speak. The mean can be considerably influenced by a couple of really high or really low values whereas the median is NOT affected in this way. One example of how this plays out is the way that home values for a particular community are usually conveyed (at least in this part of the country – it may be different other places). You usually hear about the median value (rather than the average) for exactly this reason.

    I wanted to share the words from a New Year’s card I found a few years back – it seems relevant to today’s world as well as to our Zenyatta family and comes with best wishes and great affection from me to all of you for 2013:

    May all who work for a world of peace and reason be granted the gifts of strength and COURAGE,
    May the good that dwells within every human heart be magnified,
    May the blessings of truth and understanding always be ours, and as we grow and build for tomorrow,
    May we join hearts and celebrate the miracle of each other.

        • Oh yes, so you know if you are getting a good deal !!!
          One wants to be paying less that the mode.

          However, a Regression analysis is the best option !!!!!

        • Sign, nobody here cares about the mode. You noticed, didn’t you, that when it comes to sale prices for the horses, it was so lacking in importance to Lane’s End that it received no mention at all, and for good reason. The mode shows nothing at all as to whether you are getting a good deal.

      • / Reply

        Or better yet,

        We can do a regression analysis – perhaps the large breeding farms
        do this type of statistics to predict and forcast the prices of their horses.

        The Independent variable- which does NOT change is THE HORSE
        The Dependent variable – which does CHANGE, the cost of the horse.

        This statistical method would help a breeding farm, to predict the possible
        prices (dependent variable) to set for a particular horse (independent variable),
        which can forecast the $$$$ that could be made on a particular horse.

        There are many ways to calculate a regression analysis. It is widely used
        for prediction and forecasting ie Horse and amount of money that can be made on the horse and how to set a price for the horse, with all possibilities considered.

        A very fun type of statistical analysis.

        • Having taught advanced statistics for many years, I’m very familiar with regression analysis Sign.

        • Great Sandy,

          I have a PhD, have take 8 PhD level statistics courses,
          as many research courses and written a 300 page dissertation
          on a clinical research topic that was published before the Women’s
          Health Initiative data appeared. It refuted their data, and was published by the way in a referred journal !!!!

          Also, received a letter from Albert Bandura, psychologist and the father of Self-efficacy theory (basis for my dissertation and publication) commending my research and requesting a copy.

        • FOR THOSE WONDERING ABOUT ALBERT BANDURA:

          ALBERT BANDURA
          From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
          Albert Bandura
          Born December 4, 1925 (age 87)
          Mundare, Alberta
          Nationality Ukrainian Canadian/American
          Fields Psychology, Philosophy of Action
          Institutions Stanford University
          Alma mater University of British Columbia
          University of Iowa
          Known for social cognitive theory
          self-efficacy
          social learning theory
          Reciprocal determinism

          Influenced cognitive psychology, social psychology

          Albert Bandura (born December 4, 1925, in Mundare, Alberta, Canada) is a psychologist who is the David Starr Jordan Professor Emeritus of Social Science in Psychology at Stanford University. For almost six decades, he has been responsible for contributions to many fields of psychology, including social cognitive theory, therapy and personality psychology, and was also influential in the transition between behaviorism and cognitive psychology. He is known as the originator of social learning theory and the theory of self-efficacy, and is also responsible for the influential 1961 Bobo doll experiment.
          An 2002 survey ranked Bandura as the fourth most-frequently cited psychologist of all time, behind B. F. Skinner, Sigmund Freud, and Jean Piaget, and as the most cited living one.[1] Bandura is widely described as the greatest living psychologist,[2][3][4][5] and as one of the most influential psychologists of all time.[6][7]
          In 1974 Bandura was elected to be the Eighty-Second President of the American Psychological Association (APA). He was one of the youngest president-elects in the history of the APA at the age of 46. Bandura served as a member of the APA Board of Scientific Affairs from 1968 to 1970 and is well known as a member of the editiorial board of nine psychology journals including the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology from 1963 to 1972.[8] In 2008 Bandura won the Grawemeyer Award in psychology.

        • Wow Sign! I guess that makes two of us who have had our dissertations published in refereed journals.

    • / Reply

      Happy New Year to my fellow handi capper. The quickest study ever!
      Thanks for those wonderful words!
      Hope you have a great year,Sandy.

  7. / Reply

    Dear Sign, Ann and Keta: Thanks so much for the stories: part of the joy of the Zenyatta family! Thanks Keta for your kind message about Mum – she hates the heat, so I’m really, really happy she is in her caring nursing home. And Ann, love the verse! Hugs to all! KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Hugs to you,Kathy R.
      I enjoy all of the news from down under!
      Stay cool and be safe! Glad your Mum is in good care.

  8. / Reply

    HRTV and Gary Stevens announce his come
    back to racing.

    Sunday January 6 at Santa Anita Race 6

    Hope that hair stands back up on your neck,
    Gary and best of luck to you. !!!

    • / Reply

      Thanks for posting the articles Keta.

      Just saw Gary on HRTV making the formal announcement and his comment
      was the “desire to make the hair stand up on the back of his neck”.

        • Dear Ann in NC,

          These jockey’s just amaze me. Their riding skills are so superb and
          they are absolutely fearless to ride horses at such very fast speeds.

          It is soo great Gary is coming back, wish I was his PR gal (ha ha !!).
          Really love all that he contributes to HRTV and will miss that,
          but completely understand his desire to get back on a horse.

  9. / Reply

    dear kathy wish i could send you some of my rain can imagine the heat is very tiring especially for your mum dont know if you heard we’ve just had the 2nd wettest winter on record am sure you’d have loved some of that am watching frankie dettori on big brother would’nt have known if sign told me and i’m living in britain!!!!!hugs sheena

  10. / Reply

    dear keta it was really lovely to hear about my part of the world(carmarthenshire)in your post my cousin has been to ffos las quite often and the top jump jockeys all come down there especially tony mccoy happy new year to you and yours hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      sheena,
      The changes especially the purse might attract even more.
      Posted for you–glad you read it.
      And, a very Happy New Year to you & yours!
      Hugs, Keta

  11. / Reply

    Gary Stevens Announces Comeback Plans
    By Claire Novak, The Blood-Horse Updated: Thursday, January 3, 2013 4:41 PM
    Racing Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens gave official confirmation Jan. 3 to the rumors that have been flying since he started getting back on Thoroughbreds eight weeks ago. On Jan. 6 at Santa Anita Park, he’ll start riding races again
    “I’ve been getting on horses for the past eight weeks and there’s been a lot of speculation about me coming back,” said Stevens, who will turn 50 on March 6. “I’ve worked some exciting horses over the past couple of weeks, a couple in particular that kind of made the hair stand up on the back of my neck, and I said ‘Man, I missed this,’ just the feeling of that straight power and speed underneath you.
    “I spent the last couple of months…up in the great Northwest, up in Seattle going through kind of a boot camp-type program just getting healthy and fit and getting on some horses and I said ‘I want to give it a go again.'”
    Stevens has the call on R and R Warren’s Jebrica, a 5-year-old Washington-bred gelding, in Race 6 on the Jan. 6 card, a $50,000 claiming event for 4-year-olds and upward going a mile on the turf. The duo breaks from post 3.
    “He’s a horse that’s been training well and (this) gives me a chance to stretch my legs and get my timing back a little bit,” Stevens said.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75333/gary-stevens-announces-comeback-plans#ixzz2Gx7OjOCQ

    • / Reply

      BLOODHORSE: THE EQUINE MIND: TOP 10 THINGS TO KNOW

      (missed this article earlier in the year, it is a MUST READ as it gives sooo
      much information on how a horse “talks”, how a human communicates
      with non-verbal behavior to the horse and how to listen to the horse –
      one of the best comments, how to be dominant in the herd – move the horse
      or make the horse stop )

      The Equine Mind: Top 10 Things to Know
      By Erica Larson, News Editor
      Updated: Monday, April 2, 2012 4:00 AM
      Posted: Saturday, March 24, 2012 8:00 AM

      Originally published on TheHorse.com

      “Why does he do that?” “What is she so scared of … there’s nothing there!” Most—if not all—horse owners have been there and asked those questions. Even though we don’t always understand equine behavior, there’s got to be a reason behind it, right? Absolutely. Horses’ behaviors date back to equine evolution, and horse owners greatly benefit from an understanding what goes on in a horse’s brain, according to one veterinarian. At the 2012 Western Veterinary Conference, held Feb. 19-23 in Las Vegas, Nev., Robert Miller, DVM, a former equine practitioner from Thousand Oaks, Calif., relayed the top 10 things horse owners, caretakers, and riders should understand about how the equine mind functions.

      “There are 10 genetically predetermined behavioral qualities unique to the horse that have been established by natural selection over the 50 million-year period during which the horse evolved,” Miller began. “Failure to understand these qualities makes it impossible to have optimum communication with horses.”

      Flight—”We tend to attribute the flightiness of a horse as stupidity,” Miller said, but when horses spook and run from things, it’s simply their innate instincts kicking in. He explained that unlike the majority of prey animals that depend on horns, tusks, or antlers for defense, the only mechanism horses are armed with—their “life-saving” behavior—is the ability to run. The following nine qualities, Miller said, stem from the horse’s flight response.

      Perception—”The horse is the most perceptive of all domestic animals,” Miller said, adding that this quality allowed for the quick detection and escape from predators in the wild. He gave examples using the five senses:
      Smell—Miller said horses have an “excellent” sense of smell.
      Hearing—”The horse’s range of hearing is far beyond that of a human ear,” he said. Additionally, he noted, the ears swivel, giving the horse the ability to pinpoint where sounds originate. This was critical for survival in the wild.
      Touch—”A horse’s sense of touch is extremely delicate,” Miller said, which is why an ill-placed saddle pad or a single fly can cause extreme irritation. “The sense we have in our fingertips is what the horse has all over his body.”
      Taste—Ever tried to sneak Bute or a new supplement into a horse’s feed, only to have him turn up his nose? Horses have a very tactful sense of taste. When grazing in the wild, it’s important for horses to differentiate between good grass and moldy forage.
      Sight—The sense that varies most from ours is the horse’s eyesight. While horses’ depth perception isn’t particularly strong, other factors enable them to “see things we’re not even aware of,” Miller said. The horse’s laterally placed eyes allow for nearly 360⁰ vision, a crucial survival mechanism for the wild equid. Additionally, Miller noted the horse has superb night vision and sees in muted, pastel colors during the day. The equine focusing system is also different from humans, he said. When a human eye transitions from focusing on close-up objects to far away objects, it takes one and a half to two seconds to adjust (Miller encouraged attendees to try it—look at something close up and then look at something far away, and try to focus on how long it takes the eyes to focus). Horses, on the other hand, make the transition seamlessly. This is because different parts of the eye have different focusing capabilities. Horses use the top portion of their eyes to see up close, which is why they often lower their heads when investigating something. The lower portion of the eye sees far away, which is why the animal will raise his head when looking at something in the distance; when the horse holds his head up high, he’s considered to be in the flight position.

      Reaction Time—Miller said horses might have the fastest reaction time of any domestic animal, which likely results from evolving with flight as their main defense mechanism. To illustrate the concept, Miller showed video clips of Portuguese bull fighting and cutting horses working cattle, in which attendees could clearly visualize that although the bovines made the first move, the horse always countered and arrived at the destination first. While a fast reaction time is quite useful for escaping predators, it can also be dangerous for humans working around horses. “It’s important that we, who make our living with horses, expect their reaction time,” Miller stressed. “If (a horse) really wants to strike or kick you, you can’t get out of the way fast enough.”

      Desensitization—Although it’s equine nature to be flighty and sometimes timid, Miller said that horses appear to be desensitized faster than any other domestic animal. “If an animal depends on flight to stay alive, and if they couldn’t rapidly desensitize to things that aren’t really frightening or dangerous, they’d never stop running,” he explained. As long as the horse learns the frightening stimulus doesn’t actually hurt them, the majority will become desensitized, he said.

      Learning—Miller believes “the horse is the fastest learner of all domestic animals—including children. If you stay alive by running away, you better learn fast.”

      Memory—The horse’s memory is infallible, Miller said. One of the best memories in the animal kingdom, he noted, horses are second only to the elephant in this department.

      Dominance—Equine dominance is not based on brute strength, Miller explained, which is why humans can become dominant figures in a horse’s mind. He related an example of a horse herd in which an older mare is typically the boss. While these mares generally aren’t in poor physical condition, they’re certainly not the strongest herd member physically.

      Movement Control—What horses do look for in a dominant figure is movement control. Matriarch mares, for instance, assert their dominance by either forcing or inhibiting movement, Miller said, which allows a human to step in as a dominant figure. Miller suggested a quick way for a veterinarian to assert dominance over a horse for safer examinations and treatments: Before treatment, walk the horse in a few small circles. This forces movement and asserts dominance.

      Body Language—Unlike humans, who can express their feelings through words, horses rely on body language, Miller said. “If we are to be competent horse handlers we must be able to understand and mimic the body language of the horse,” he explained.

      Precocial Birth—Horses are born in a precocial state, meaning that shortly after birth they possess the ability to move, eat, flee, and follow, and all of their senses and neurologic functions are mature, Miller said. What does this mean for a human? Aside from providing enjoyment in watching a young foal gallop and buck excitedly around a pasture, it tells us that the horse’s critical learning period takes place shortly after parturition. Thus, Miller recommends socializing and imprinting foals in the very early stages of life.
      Of course, every horse is different and should be treated as an individual. That said, having a basic understanding of why a horse functions the way he does provides equestrians with the knowledge needed to forge a strong relationship with the animal and also stay safe when working around him.

      Disclaimer: Seek the advice of a qualified veterinarian before proceeding with any diagnosis, treatment, or therapy.

      Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.thehorse.com/articles/28836/the-equine-mind-top-10-things-to-know#ixzz2GxAONa9A

        • Keta,

          Can’t believe I missed it when it came out.
          Explains soo very much about these
          lovely creatures and why they are the
          way they are.

        • Dear Keta: Agree, excellent article – very interesting too for people like me who are without horse, but wanting to learn more. By the way Sign – still waiting for the Rain Dancers to arrive – would be good if it was soon – especially for the poor folk in Tasmania who have just had the hottest day on record (43) and now are enduring damn bush fires (talk of one person dead). Hugs KathyR.

      • / Reply

        Couldn’t help thinking during the reading of this excellent dissertation, “That is why the very idea of slaughtering these wonderful creatures is so horrendous.” They may not have book learning, but in some areas, they are way more perceptive than we are.

        • Dear Barbara,

          So many people have horses and just do not understand
          them, and it is sad. They speak a language from the beginning
          of time and it takes a while to listen and hear what they are
          saying and what they want.

  13. / Reply

    the mail just came…..my passes for the “meet” have ARRIVED… yeah….I can go every day…..hubby will never find me….oh bliss…
    a week from tomorrow….
    love you Zenny

  14. / Reply

    Japanese champion Transcend retired to stud
    By DRF Breeding Staff 01/03/2013 7:05PM
    Transcend, a champion dirt horse in Japan and runner-up in the 2011 Dubai World Cup, has been retired from racing and will stand at Arrow Stud in Hokkaido, Japan, reports Japan Racing Network.
    The 7-year-old Wild Rush horse was one of Japan’s top runners on dirt over the past few years, highlighted by his consecutive wins in the Group 1 Japan Cup Dirt in 2010 and 2011. He also won the Group 1 February Stakes in 2011 to help secure champion dirt horse honors from the Japan Racing Association for that year.
    Arguably the most globally recognized effort of Transcend’s 2011 campaign, though, came in the Dubai World Cup, where he led at long odds until the final 200 meters and was bested by Victoire Pisa to complete a Japan-based exacta. He was campaigned during his racing career by Koji Maeda and trained by Takayuki Yasuda.
    Transcend retired after four seasons of racing with 10 wins from 23 starts for earnings of $9,660,647. Six of those wins came in stakes company.
    Bred in Japan by North Hills Management, Transcend is out of winning Tony Bin mare Cinema Scope, who has produced seven winners from eight to start. He is a half-brother to Japanese stakes winner Cendrillon.
    http://www.drf.com/news/japanese-champion-transcend-retired-stud

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: Great shot – but I’ve still not heard any news about where he will stand in Australia (if at all?). Most puzzling. Hot hugs, KathyR. (can’t be anything else with the temps. down here).

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy R,

        Maybe Calumet Farms has not set up the stud “deal” in Australia yet?
        They are a rebuilding farm that are not well known/established in the international
        world (like Coolmore or Darley) yet so probably having someone working on developing the network/setting up the “deal” for down under stallion duty.

        • Dear Sign: It was the owners (now part owners) of Americain who first made the statements about a stud deal in Australia, using the words (if I remember them correctly) that a deal would be made in early December. Well, we’ve moved on from there, and there is nothing that I can find down here that even suggests any interest in having the horse stand Downunder. I think the fact that breeding stayers is not popular, coupled with his failure at the Spring Racing Carnival, has meant a lack of interest. Certainly, as long as owners/trainers keep going to Europe to buy themselves a stayer, there won’t be much interest in doing the hard yards by breeding one themselves. I was interested when a few weeks back the owners indicated they would send their growing number of mares to him – presumably that means sending them to Calumet, unless they stand Americain at one of their (the owners) properties in Victoria. But still don’t get the reason for the lack of news.

        • Dear Kathy R,

          Interesting information about racing down under. So not much interest
          in stayers in Australia, also??? Are sprinters more popular? Great deal
          of information on his owner’s. Interesting, owners/trainers going to
          Europe to buy stayers. Not sure if you read the bloodhorse
          article on True Nicks (posted a few pages ago) for Americain, seems like the best plan is to send him our very speedy mares to balance of his staying and long stamina. So his part owners would breed here and race the horses in Europe and Australia.

          I just am so glad that Americain was given the chance to show his talent
          and found a wonderful trainer to develop it. Sad, the US did not put the
          effort into his development. He is a very gorgeous horse.

  16. / Reply

    BC Star Mizdirection Back to Defend Monrovia
    By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse Updated: Thursday, January 3, 2013 4:47 PM
    Mizdirection, one of the stars of the 2012 Breeders’ Cup with her surprising come-from-behind triumph over males in the Turf Sprint (gr. IT), returns to defend her title in the $150,000 Monrovia Stakes (gr. IIT) Jan. 6 at Santa Anita Park.
    The 5-year-old daughter of Mizzen Mast is back on the hillside turf course where she posted a half-length victory over Unbridled’s Note in the BC Turf Sprint Nov. 3. Trained by Mike Puype for sports radio personality Jim Rome’s Jungle Racing and partners, Mizdirection is three-for-three over the about 6 1/2-furlong layout.

    Eleventh in the field of 14 after a half-mile in the BC Sprint, Mizdirection rallied five wide into the lane to complete the race in a sizzling time of 1:11.39. The clocking was slightly off the course mark of 1:11.13 established by Lennyfrommalibu in 2004.

    Mizdirection is the 123-pound highweight among a field of six older fillies and mares entered in the Monrovia. Mike Smith, who rode the gray/roan filly for the first time in the Breeders’ Cup, has the return engagement. They break from the far outside post.

    Mizdirection won last year’s Monrovia, which was then a grade III race, in off-the-pace fashion by 1 3/4 lengths. The Kentucky-bred has not been out of the money in 12 career starts, compiling a 7-4-1 mark with earnings of $914,621. A victory in the Monrovia, in which she will be heavily favored, would push her over the $1 million mark.

    The Monrovia is the eighth race on the Sunday program at Santa Anita with a 4:07 p.m. PST scheduled post.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75336/bc-star-mizdirection-back-to-defend-monrovia#ixzz2GyDZ1Hdc

  17. / Reply

    John Mulholland‏ tweet
    Mizdirection ‘s 1/2 sister Deceptive Glory sells
    in foal to champion Uncle Mo
    Monday- Mulholland Springs. @keeneland Jan Sale

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet,

      Looks like some “photo shop” ?, but may also be a very unique breed of horse
      we don’t see in the US or very commonly.

      • / Reply

        PS: Would be nice to see a video to see if it moves ???

        • Thanks Max for posting the video
          of this special horse showing and
          with its “costume” on.

    • / Reply

      It’s an Akhal-Teke. This breed of horse hails from Turkmenistan. It is the Greyhound of horses. Despite its delicate looks, the Akhal-Teke is an extremely hardy horse, especially suited to long-distance travel under harsh conditions.

      The coat of the Akhal-Teke is unique. The outer layer of the hair shaft is translucent and the pigment is confined to the center. This produces a beautiful metallic sheen. The horse in the picture is a Cremello, a double dilute version of Chestnut.

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhal-Teke

      • / Reply

        Thank you for this information, Laura. It’s hard to believe this is a hardy horse, it looks flawless. It’s good to learn a little about the breed.

      • / Reply

        Thanks Laura J.
        I have heard the name, never actually saw one.
        Should have watched Horse Flicks on HRTV.
        I think they had one show on this breed.

      • / Reply

        Thanks, LauraJ!
        What a gorgeous creature! I had not heard of this breed, but am glad you could educate us about it. Happy that the breed did not vanish into obscurity or worse.
        This horse has an ethereal quality unparalleled in any other breed, I think.
        Thanks again, and Happy 2013!

      • / Reply

        Thanks to Laura J and Trina for
        finding the information on this
        very uinique and special horse.

    • / Reply

      We saw one at the KY horse park a couple summers ago.
      My daughter first turned me on to the breed and when she saw the one in KY….her day was made!
      The one pictured here looks much lighter in coat. Unreal!

      Thanks,Janet for sharing.
      Thanks,Laura.
      Now I want to go back to the park and play….love it there.

    • / Reply

      This horse is an Akhal-Teke , a horse breed from Turkmenistan:
      “The Akhal-Teke’s most notable and defining characteristic is the natural metallic bloom of its coat.[3] This is especially seen in the palominos and buckskins, as well as the lighter bays, although some horses “shimmer” more than others. The color pattern is thought to have been used as camouflage in the desert.”
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akhal-Teke

      • / Reply

        Oh, apologies to LauraJ–I posted this before I had scrolled down far enough to see you had already posted about this breed. So sorry.

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet,

      Was not able to find a photo this horse in my books.

      Thought it might be a different breed and there are soo many.

  19. / Reply

    Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,

    But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength:
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run
    and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

    Have a blessed day !!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign: Thanks for that prayer – I shall be thinking of it when they mount up for the racing today. And of our fallen jockeys and equine athletes. Hugs, KathyR.

  20. / Reply

    BLOODHORSE: WIN WILLY GEARING UP FOR OAKLAWN CAMPAIGN

    Win Willy Gearing Up for New Oaklawn Campaign
    By Blood-Horse Staff
    Updated: Thursday, January 3, 2013 5:42 PM
    Posted: Thursday, January 3, 2013 5:35 PM

    Jer-Mar Stable’s Win Willy, a fan favorite at Oaklawn Park since upsetting the 2009 Rebel Stakes (gr. II) at odds of 56-1, is preparing to kick off his 7-year-old season with a start in the $75,000 Fifth Season Stakes, the opening day feature Jan. 11.

    Win Willy, who won the Fifth Season in 2011, breezed five furlongs Jan. 3 in 1:03 4/5 over a fast track.

    “It was okay from what I could see,” said trainer Mac Robertson. “We’ll probably work him again before he runs. It looks like the Fifth Season is about right.”

    In addition to winning the 2011 Fifth Season, the Monarchos horse also won the Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) that year, but was unable to duplicate that form in 2012 at Oaklawn. However, he rebounded to win three stakes at Delaware Park between June and October and most recently finished fourth in the $100,000 Swatara Stakes Nov. 21 at Penn National Race Course.

    “He’s had a lot of breaks over his time so he’s stayed pretty fresh,” said Robertson. “He really started to perk up at Delaware and got to running pretty good up there last year. It’s a new year. He didn’t like the way the (Oaklawn) track played last year, but so far it seems like he’s doing better this time.”

    Win Willy has won five of 13 starts at Oaklawn since 2009. Bred in Kentucky by Overbrook Farm out of the Carson City mare City Fair, his career mark stands 10-5-3 in 27 races with earnings of $960,387.

    Entries for the Fifth Season and the entire opening day card will be taken Jan. 8.

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75343/win-willy-gearing-up-for-new-oaklawn-campaign#ixzz2H0tCXLuA

  22. / Reply

    hi all….there is an article on the bloodhorse site under “breeding” section about Lord Avie…that is interesting in itself…but in the article they talk about Street Cry as a sire…
    and how since he produced Z…that should be enough…but that also went on to produce some very good mortal runners too…
    so Zenny….you are talked about every day…and your racing ability remembered with awe…as in a few yrs your kids abilities will doubtless be extolled…
    …
    @sign….yes the hubby has a pass too…but he drops me at the door then goes to park..since a lot of walking challenges my admittedly limited abilities ….he will have a lot of trouble finding me…
    …
    pace…pace…pace…
    I know its way too early….but I am pacing quietly
    love to all

    • / Reply

      Too Cute, Carol.

      You and your hubby can meet up somewhere for lunch ???
      Great you both have a common interest !!!

  23. / Reply

    Is it time to start the baby watch? Wonder if Our Queen is due in January or Feb?

    When is Rachel’s foal due?

    • / Reply

      LE had a list on their web site last yr ….with daily(?) updates of most foals born…I think that private owners could opt out if they did not their info published

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirleeinindy,

      Think Zenny’s foal will be due sometime in March.
      As she was bred 6-8 weeks after foaling 12 Z,
      although not bred on her foal heat.

      Glad someone has begun pacing !!!!

  24. / Reply

    It’s foaling season! Hope LE’s tells us when the first foal hits the ground at their operation.

  25. / Reply

    Three Chimneys has their first foal of the year. See their facebook page. What a cutie out of Kittens Joy.

    • / Reply

      Love that big and bold blaze!

      The comment from the farm on this filly is:
      Foaling season is here! This is our 1st foal of the year, a healthy filly by Kitten’s Joy out of Yadira born last night around 10:30. The cuteness factor is off the charts!

      • / Reply

        Ramsey Farm tweets First Foal
        Say “hello” to the first foal of the season here on Ramsey Farm.
        The lovely filly was born January 3rd at 8:30pm,
        her mom is Lively Lexi and her father is Kitten’s Joy!

        Keta Note: Kitten’s Joy must have been very busy.
        He had 2 foals born yesteday.

        • Keta, The Ramsey Farm foal also has the big white blaze like Kitten’s Joy. You are right he must have been a very busy boy. It is great that he is producing some dirt horses now as the turf runners just don’t get the attention the dirt runners do.

        • My, my, my! Another adorable filly with an amazing and interesting blaze. KJ’s really “marks” his get.

  27. / Reply

    Eblouissante (4-Year-Old Filly)
    Date: January 4, 2013
    Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
    Distance: Six Furlongs
    Time: 1.13:20 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: All Weather Track
    Rank: 3/20 –

  29. / Reply

    Horseracomghl tweet plus story
    Turfway Park to disallow entry to Hawthorne horses
    Published January 4 2013
    Turfway Park general manager Daniel “Chip” Bach issued a statement Friday announcing that the Florence-based track would not allow horses based at Hawthorne Race Course in Illinois due to concerns over the equine herpesvirus outbreak that began in October.
    Below is the entire statement from Bach.
    “Published reports provide evidence that the Equine Herpes outbreak affecting horses at Hawthorne Race Course continues to pose a risk of disease introduction. With this identified risk, and in consultation with state animal health officials, Turfway Park will disallow entry of horses currently stabled at Hawthorne as well as any horse that had been on the Hawthorne grounds during their fall race meet. These restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
    “We have appreciated the support of Hawthorne horsemen for Turfway Park racing in the past and regret we are unable to offer them a place to run at this time, but the safety of horses stabled at Turfway must take precedence.
    “We deeply appreciate the continued diligence of Robert Stout, DVM, Kentucky’s state veterinarian, and E. S. ‘Rusty’ Ford, Kentucky’s equine programs manager, in monitoring and advising us on the progression of this outbreak and we will continue to look to their office for further guidance.”
    Daniel “Chip” Bach
    General Manager
    Turfway Park

  30. / Reply

    Lucy Alexander suffers broken collarbone in fall
    By David Baxter 6:34PM 4 JAN 2013 Racing Post
    LUCY ALEXANDER is facing a spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken collarbone at Musselburgh on Friday.
    Alexander took a crashing fall from Isla Pearl Fisher, trained by her father Nick, in the 3m handicap chase, and following treatment at the track, she subsequently went to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
    Nick Alexander said: “She’s broken her collarbone but she’s tough and has been strapped up at A&E.
    “There’s no concussion or anything, she’s a bit annoyed but is in generally good spirits.”
    Alexander, who will hope to only be out of action for a few weeks, had earlier ridden Buffalo Ballet to victory in divsion one of the 2m4f maiden hurdle for her father, her second winner of the year so far.
    http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/lucy-alexander-suffers-broken-collarbone-in-musselburgh-fall/1181656/top/#newsArchiveTabs=last7DaysNews

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