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

    Coil Goes Out on Top in San Pasqual Thriller
    By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse Updated: Saturday, January 5, 2013 8:48 PM
    In his final start before retiring to stud in California, grade I winner Coil outlasted Ultimate Eagle by a short head following a terrific stretch duel in the $150,000 San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 5 at Santa Anita Park (VIDEO).
    Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert for owners Karl Watson, Mike Pegram, and Paul Weitman, million-dollar earner Coil recorded his first two-turn victory since the 2011 Haskell Invitational (gr. I).
    The handsome 5-year-old chestnut, by 2001 Horse of the Year Point Given out of the winning Theatrical mare Eversmile, is to stand at Magali Farms in Santa Ynez. Glen Hill Farm bred the winner in Florida.
    “He’s had some issues that I just didn’t want to run him this year,” Baffert said. “I’d have to run him sparingly. I think he deserves to be retired. He’s good; he’s very healthy right now, but it was time to send him to stud.
    “He’s got so much heart,” the trainer added. “That was all Coil…We’re really going to help the horse in California. Mike (Pegram), one of the main reasons he wanted to retire him here also is because Mike’s on the Thoroughbred Owners of California board. He wants to help California racing and he’s putting his money behind California racing.”
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75382/coil-goes-out-on-top-in-san-pasqual-thriller#ixzz2H9uwyEbi

  2. / Reply

    Three Chimneys Farm‏ tweets about COIL
    In the final start of his career, COIL went out on top, taking the San Pasqual (G2). Congrats on a great career, bud!

        • Dear Janet,

          BB is not know for his patience, only his speed.

        • He needs to have thorough physical examinations daily.
          (listen to heart, lungs and abdomen and x-rays at specific
          intervals)

          He has adhesions, (scar tissue in his abdomen) from the
          surgeries as ALL SPECIES do after abdominal surgery and
          cellular damages almost everywhere else he had inflammation
          and injury. External damage will not be visible.

          The horse is talking as many TB do, but is that the best for him as
          a human???

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Oh my God, what a miracle horse Paynter is. God Bless him and keep him sound. Thank you for this wonderful photo. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      I will have Paynter very much in my prayers. I can’t watch this comeback. He’s very much in my heart and prayers. I know they got the green light from Dr’s but, they don’t always know. Paynter’s had too much going on with his health to put him back in this situaltion. Bob Baffert of all people should know how we have to take care of our health. Human and Horse. I like Bob Baffert vey much and hope he will steer Paynter in the right direction maybe not being on the track.
      I personally hope and this is my opinion that Paynter and Jackson Bend could both end up in the same profession. Jackson Bend is there. Paynter I hope and pray you will be too. I hope shortly. And if that’s too much too. Well just the farm life could be wonderful. Paynter still looks a little weak to me.
      Love You Paynter. Hope they take the high road with you.

        • Keta. Paynter defies every rule. He continues to amaze me. I love his blue training socks. Paynter’s definitely got the style factor going for him. PUP!

        • Thank you,Max.
          He looks very handsome. I love the blue on him also.
          Putting him under tack and keeping his spirit refreshed is very important. The pieces will fall where they will fall.
          PUP! Our GUY!

      • / Reply

        So glad Jackson Bend was retired.
        He was so traumatized by that accident.

        Those who own TB need to realize that we
        as humans need to protect them from themselves.
        As they will lay their bodies down.

        So very much admire all of the connections
        of Kauto Star, he could have made a come back
        as he is always “mad fresh” and will be that until
        he is 30 years old. He is retired, happy and healthy
        rather than having a horrific accident during a race.
        They were such a great team for him and took
        superb care of him.

        • Dear Sign

          You said that so well. You have to put the welfare of the horse first. The horse doesn’t know what’s best for them.
          His having the onset of even the mild laminitis terrifies me. I am no vet, no, but the thought of that reoccuring is horrific to me. I think we all know what that can do.I did talk to a vet about Laminitis when Barbaro was ill, because I wanted it explained to me.
          I think you have to take the route that would be the best for the well being of the horse. Yes, he could get hurt in other circumstances too, but I think you could illiminate one by getting him off the race track. Paynter your in my prayers really strong. I hope your connections will do what’s right by you. Love You.

    • / Reply

      A special angel or spirit watches over Paynter…his connections will be ever watchful for his welfare, I believe. PUP!

      • / Reply

        Agree. Our Paynter must have a very special guardian. The Zayats also have his best interests in their hearts. They love him as do his fans. PUP.

  4. / Reply

    Santa Anita: Goldencents shows new dimension in Sham, puts O’Neill on Derby trail RACE REPLAY VIDEO
    By Jay Privman Daily Racing Form 01/05/2013 5:51PM
    ARCADIA, Calif. – Showing the versatility that could make him dangerous on the Kentucky Derby trail this spring, Goldencents won for the third time at his fourth different racetrack, and came from slightly off the pace when capturing the Grade 3, $100,000 Sham Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita, a performance that puts his trainer, Doug O’Neill, back in the Derby spotlight.
    http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-goldencents-shows-new-dimension-sham-puts-oneill-derby-trail

    • / Reply

      A.P. Indy‏ Tweet
      Goldencents is California’s Shanghai Bobby.
      You keep waiting for him to flop, but he doesn’t.

  5. / Reply

    Darren Smith expects Heaps More at Cessnock
    Posted by: AAP Filled in: Australian Horse Racing | 6/1/2013 at 11:45am
    Newcastle trainer Darren Smith admits he was disappointed when Heaps More was beaten last start but subsequent events have buoyed his confidence for the mare’s Cessnock assignment on Monday.
    Heaps More, a four-year-old by Al Maher, was unlucky to run into the Kris Lees-trained French stayer Award Season when runner-up over 1750m at Muswellbrook on December 18.
    Award Season franked the merit of the form with a highly impressive win over 2400m at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
    Heaps More was beaten 3-1/4 lengths by Award Season but was closing well on the line after making up good ground out wide.
    “I found mine at the back of Murrurundi, they got theirs from France,” Smith said of the differing backgrounds of Heaps More and Award Season.
    A Dynamic syndications horse, Heaps More lines up in the Jungle Juice In July Benchmark 60 Hcp (2125m) with Dale Spriggs in the saddle.
    Heaps More has recorded one win and five placings from 13 starts but Smith believes the best lies ahead for the mare.
    “Hopefully she can progress onto better things,” he said.
    “I’m sure she’ll run the 2125 metres and should get even further.
    “She’s always shown she wants ground.
    “Her last run was very good. She attacked the line well and the extra trip at Cessnock is in her favour.
    “She’s a nice type of mare, relaxed, quiet to ride and good to handle.”
    Heaps More has been consistent in four runs this campaign, improving each start as her distances have been stretched out.
    “She’s at her peak now. I’m happy with her, she’s in good order,” Smith said.
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/smith-expects-heaps-more-at-cessnock/182329 #ixzz2HA07A1yf

  6. / Reply

    My Dear Ashton:

    Don’t know if you’re checking in on Z’s Blog, but I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. You are the embodiment of your Moma’s brave, courageous and enduring spirit. Sending you my love and hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    There is so much talk on HRTV about IHA winning champion 3 year old and
    Three moments of the year, his KY Derby and Preakness win and then scratch
    From the Belmont as low for the year with loss of hope for a triple crown winner.

    Wish they would have rested him and brought him back, he could have been HOY
    In 2013.

  8. / Reply

    dear keta thanks for your post on the welsh grand national despite heavy going all horses and riders were safe and sound did you know her majesty’s grandson in law mike tindall part owns the winner and the trainer michael scudamore is part of a racing dynasty brother tom is a leading jump jockey father peter was a champion over the jumps and a bbc commentator and grandad michael won the aintree grand national in 1959 on oxo! lovely pic of paynter wishing him all the best when he gets back on the track hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      sheena
      One of the things I love about this Blog is the shared info.
      Learned several new things in your post–thank you.
      Have you watched the documentary series “Jump Boys”?
      I wasn’t sure if it is on your telly. Sounds very interesting.
      Hugs, Keta

  9. / Reply

    BLOODHORSE: Mucho Macho Man continues to work, with blinkers

    GO GO GO MMM !!!!

    Mucho Macho Man Continues Steady Work Pattern
    By Blood-Horse Staff
    Updated: Saturday, January 5, 2013 5:29 PM
    Posted: Saturday, January 5, 2013 12:19 PM

    Mucho Macho Man worked five furlongs in :58 3/5 the morning of Jan. 5.
    Order This Photo
    Reeves Thoroughbred Racing’s 5-year-old Mucho Macho Man worked a bullet five furlongs in :58 3/5 the morning of Jan. 5 at Gulfstream Park, with regular exercise rider Nick Petro Jr. in the irons.

    Working for the second time in blinkers, the son of Macho Uno continues to look sharp for his 2013 season debut in the $400,000 Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Jan. 19.

    “He went very well,” said trainer Kathy Ritvo. “He worked in blinkers again, but we haven’t decided whether to use them for the race. He’ll have one more work. We’ll look at the weather to decide what day.”

    Mucho Macho Man will be making his first start since his game runner-up effort behind Horse of the Year finalist Fort Larned in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park Nov. 3. The rangy horse won the nine-furlong Sunshine Millions Classic last year, defeating Ron the Greek to launch his 2012 campaign.

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75369/mucho-macho-man-continues-steady-work-pattern#ixzz2HDMjMYfG

  10. / Reply

    GIRLS ONLY – A COMEDY

    This play is in Houston right now, very funny and fun for groups to attend.
    Might be coming to your city so look for it and have fun with your friends,
    daughters, mothers, grandmothers etc… Great B-day party gift.

    http://www.girlsonlycomedy.com

  11. / Reply

    Castleton Lyons Sets Open House Jan. 7-11
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Saturday, January 5, 2013 2:41 PM
    Castleton Lyons, off Ironworks Pike near Lexington, will hold an open house Jan. 7-11 to welcome Gio Ponti back from Southern Hemisphere duty in Australia.
    The three-time champion son of Tale of the Cat stood his first shuttle season at Arrowfield Stud. His Northern Hemisphere fee is $20,000 this year.
    The open house will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day and no appointment is necessary. Light refreshments will be provided.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75366/castleton-lyons-sets-open-house-jan-7-11#ixzz2HDifa7Pm

  12. / Reply

    Central Kentucky Farms to Host Open Houses
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Sunday, January 6, 2013 10:41 AM
    Some Central Kentucky farms have scheduled open houses this month to permit inspection of their stallions by those in Lexington for the Keeneland horses of all ages sale that begins Jan. 7.
    The farms and scheduled open houses (list will be updated as new information is available), along with links to the farms’ respective websites for more information, are:
    — Adena Springs, Paris, Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. http://www.adenastallions.com
    — Ashford Stud, Versailles, Jan. 7-11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. http://www.ashfordstud.com
    — Castleton Lyons, Lexington, Jan. 7-11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. http://www.castletonlyons.com
    — Crestwood Farm, Lexington, Jan. 6, noon-5 p.m. http://www.crestwoodfarm.com
    — Darley at Jonabell Farm, Lexington, Jan. 7-11, noon-3 p.m. daily. http://www.darleyatjonabell.com
    — Lane’s End Farm, Versailles, Jan. 5-9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily, http://www.lanesend.com
    — Spendthrift Farm, Lexington, Jan. 5-11, noon-3 p.m. daily. http://www.spendthriftfarm.com
    — Three Chimneys Farm, Midway, Jan. 6-7, noon-3 p.m. each day. http://www.threechimneys.com
    — WinStar Farm, Versailles, Jan. 6-11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. daily. http://www.winstarfarm.com
    — Wintergreen Stallion Station, Midway, Jan. 7-8, noon-3 p.m. each day. http://www.wintergreenstallionstation.com

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75364/central-kentucky-farms-to-host-open-houses#ixzz2HDi9JZmT

  14. / Reply

    WILDCAT’S SMILE EUTHANIZED RIP!
    David Grening‏ Daily Racing Form tweet Sunny Desert wins Cat Cay Stakes by a length over Moon Philly. Race marred by Wildcat’s Smile falling at 3-16ths.

    Jerry Bossert‏ NY Daily News tweet Wildcat’s Smile was euthanized.
    She won four times including last month’s $78K Sarcastic Stakes at Aqueduct

    Maggie Wolfendale‏ tweet Pre-Race
    Race8: Wildcats Smile looks the best that I have seen her in a while
    .
    HRTV‏ tweets on jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr.
    Irad Ortiz Jr. sitting up after Wildcat’s Smile breaks down in stretch of 8th at Aqueduct. Ortiz is now being placed on board by EMTS.
    Ortiz will be checked out at North Shore University Hospital, according to NYRA.
    He was walking after falling from Wildcat’s Smile in 8th.
    Guillermo Rodriguez replaces Irad Ortiz Jr. on Galaxy Gal in finale at Aqueduct.
    Ortiz going to hospital to be checked out.
    Keta Note: Ortiz is having his left ankle evaluated at hospital.

  16. / Reply

    David Grening‏ Daily Racing Form tweet BOMBER BOY RIP!
    NYRA reports that Bomber Boy, pulled up earlier on today’s card at AQU,
    was euthanized due to a sesamoid fracture

  17. / Reply

    A.P. Indy‏ tweet GULFPORT INJURED
    Really discouraged to learn that Dale Romans’ Gulfport is injured
    and is no longer on the road to the Kentucky Derby.

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta and Z Fans:

      So sorry to hear about the loss of horses today and the injury to Gulfport and Jockey Ortiz.

      RIP Wildcat’s Smile and Bomber Boy. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Praying for Irad Ortiz Jr. is not seriously injured.
        RIP Wildcat’s Smile and Bomber Boy.
        Sad that Gulfport is injured too.

        • So sorry to learn of the loss of so many horses: really rotten part of the sport. At least there’s no drought, or fires or storms over the Bridge and they are all safe. Hugs, KathyR.

  18. / Reply

    Kathy R
    Keep forgetting to share something that I’ve been smiling about for several days.
    The Big Yellow Rubber Duck floating in Sydney Harbor is quite a sight.
    Hasn’t gotten as much press/tv as you would think it might. I think it’s great
    Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: Does make you smile, doesn’t it! Was rather amusing listening to the problems the organisers had in getting it inflated. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Enjoyed seeing it too.
      Also saw a photo in my paper, bird cages hanging in an Aussie alley…so lovely!
      I’m headin over,Kathy R.

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann: Don’t come until autumn (fall) or spring: the fire season is starting to really heat up at present – around 90 uncontrolled fires in New South Wales, and more spread around Victoria and South Australia, and even here in the ACT. So I’d hold that vacation for a bit. Hugs, KathyR.

  19. / Reply

    Congrats to Gary Stevens on his great comeback ride, almost winning, holding on for photofinish third at SA. High hoof! “Onward and upward!”

  21. / Reply

    dear keta so sorry to hear about the horses that died today such a sad part of our wonderful sport have’nt seen the documentary “jump boys” over here learn so much about american racing from your posts hugs sheena

  22. / Reply

    Peggy N, I just saw your post on page 5. What an interesting question to ponder. As I’ve only been on a horse twice in my life, I would probably be better off with a mare since stallions are known to be temperamental and high-strung. I guess I would have to pick Zenyatta! What a shock, huh? She’s just so kind and gentle. I would like to think that she would take it easy on me. If I had to pick a stallion, I’d have to say Cigar. He’s older now and he’s mellowed out a lot.

  23. / Reply

    Gary Stevens finishes 3rd in 1st race of comeback
    The Associated Press – 11 minutes ago
    ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens finished third in the first race of his comeback after a seven-year retirement at Santa Anita.
    He was aboard Jebrica in the sixth race Sunday, a $45,000 claiming race at a mile on the turf. They were running second late in the race before finishing a nose behind second-place Deacon Speakin’.
    ”I thought, ‘Man, this is going to be a storybook comeback.’ It wasn’t meant to be, but it was close enough,” he said. ”That’s the first time I’ve knuckled down on one in seven years, and it felt good.”
    Aaron Gryder rode the winner, Maybe Tuesday.
    ”Gary looked good and it was fun to have him back in the jocks’ room,” Gryder said.
    It was Stevens’ only mount on the card. Afterward, he hurried off to shower, change and get in the HRTV booth in time to analyze the featured Monrovia Stakes.
    ”It feels good to get the cobwebs out, and I feel good,” said Stevens, who had battled knee pain for the last several years of his career.
    http://sports.yahoo.com/news/gary-stevens-finishes-3rd-1st-235446272–rah.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

  24. / Reply

    MIZDIRECTION WINS!
    Steve Andersen‏ DRF tweet
    Mizdirection, the winner of the BC Turf Sprint in November, won her comeback in a thrilling running of Sunday’s Monrovia Stakes

    Hastings Racecourse tweet
    #Mizdirection !!! All heart getting by Kindle at the wire.
    Probably some tense moments for @jimrome !!
    Nice win in the Monrovia!

    Breeders’ Cup‏ tweet
    A winning return to the races for @jimrome’s Mizdirection!
    Congratulations to all the connections! #thebestisyettcome #BC13
    Keta Note: Great ride by Mike. This race had it all: a rainbow, sunshine,
    & a rain shower just before the finish line.

    • / Reply

      Wonderful!
      Keta,wow, those were some track conditions.
      How do they list the rainbow on the past performances spread sheet?

      • / Reply

        Gary Stevens showed he still has the stuff. Perhaps he could ride on a limited basis much as Mike Smith is now doing. No need for either Gary or MIke to be riding seven horses per day anymore.

  25. / Reply

    Good wishes to all. (Another senior moment; forgetting to go to Ask the Experts to see if there is anything new!!)

    Thank you Lane’s End for sharing some of your wealth of info with us. I found this very interesting but I remain somewhat confused. I went to a Keeneland sale and absolutely loved it!!!

    So sorry to hear of all the unfortunate horses who past on. Right now, I got a nasty virus after my hubby came down with it, and it has knocked me out. I knew I should have moved to the stalls at Cedar Valley Horse Sanctuary rather than stay in our closed up germy home when he got sick! ha
    Stay healthy, I am looking forward to getting back on my feet and actually living in the New Year!
    hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      Dear Sally B,
      Hope you get well soon. The winter bugs can be discouraging.

    • / Reply

      Get well,Sally B.
      Our state has closed some schools because of the flu.
      I’ve been tempted to head out to the barn and sleep…just to have some peace!

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,
      She is a pretty little thing.
      She reminds me of the mighty little Pebbles
      who came over from England to win The Breeder’s Cup Turf in 1985
      and beat the boys. She was only 15 hands and had her own
      unique quirks.

      • / Reply

        Dear Janet,

        So love to watch that replay of Pebbles winning
        the Breeders Cup Turf. What a tough and talented
        filly.

        Can’t wait to hear about Goldi’s first foal by the
        great Galileo !!! Keep us posted, Sheena. Should be
        sometime in Feb, around the corner !!!

    • / Reply

      Kathy,
      What a little beauty she is, hope she stays safe and does well, keep us posted.
      Also have been hearing of your terrible fires on Fox news up here, prayers for your safety and all the critters down there including those adorable Koalas who can’t move too fast. Hugs

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue: Thanks for that – I really feel for the wildlife: wombats and the like (and the koalas and small sugar gliders) are really at risk: but in bad ones even bigger things like wallabies and kangaroos are in trouble and die from lack of oxygen. Keep praying it won’t get too bad. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      “little feral with a blond attitude”

      Thanks for sharing this,Kathy R.
      It’s the little ones you must keep an eye on!
      We raced a 15.3 jumper from the barn and no one ever saw him coming! Plus he was trained in the boondocks…made it even better!

      We will call her…a little ole chestnut! Little darlin.

      • / Reply

        Miracles of Life is really something–and she has had a female jockey so far too. High hoof!
        “Clarken said jockey Laura Stojakovic ‘would have to be pulled off (Miracles Of Life) with a crowbar’ but conceded the filly’s owners – who also raced 1999 Diamond winner Redoute’s Choice – would have final call on a Diamond jockey.”

  28. / Reply

    At last, some good news: Tasmania police reported in the midday news that so far they have found no fatalities from the fires – and are hopeful the situation will continue. The forecast is for temps in the 40s across the country; here in Canberra they are talking about catastrophic conditions, because of very strong winds. So appreciate prayers that the predictions will be wrong. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,
      Such wonderful new from you.
      So glad everyone is safe.

  30. / Reply

    Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,
    Gary Stevens was so up beat and excited after
    his first start today. Kurt Hoover HRTV said the
    horse he rode looked the best he ever had. Great
    finish, almost got it. The closers won that race. Congratulations
    to Aaron Gryder on the win. Gary said Mike Smith told
    him not to worry about winning, it was a great ride.

    He was really great commentation on Miz Directions
    win. AND HAS A GREAT MAIDEN MOUNT ON FRIDAY
    FOR RICHARD MANDELLA. Hope he does not leave HRTV.
    It is so great to hear a Jockey’s point of view for
    the races.

    Good Luck Friday !!!!

Leave a Reply to Ann NC Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.