Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #20

Q:

I consider Alys an expert! Does she have any advice for taking these wonderful photos? Not just equipment (although that is always of interest), but time of day, how to get those amazing action shots, beautiful portraits, etc. I enjoy her photography so much! Thank you, Alys.

Betsy McGrath

New York, NY

Zenyatta enjoying some winter mud. Photo by Alys Emson.
Zenyatta enjoying some winter mud. Photo by Alys Emson.

A: Obviously good equipment does help a great deal, and you need a camera that is capable of shooting at high speed. I use a Canon 7D that was very generously given to me by the Mosses. A telephoto zoom lens helps me get close to the action when I’m shooting in a large paddock.

Light is one of the most important factors. Good light can make all the difference to a photo. In the summer I try to shoot early or late to avoid too much glare. The light is softer earlier on in the day especially in KY where we are quite humid. In the dead of winter it is pretty much the opposite—I go and shoot once the sun is at full strength.

As far as the action shots go, a lot of it is being in the right place at the right time. Most of the time the horses are pretty tranquil here so there isn’t a lot of action. The best time to shoot is when they are first turned back out. The yearlings and foals will usually run and play for a little while after they have been up and in separate stalls for a few hours.

I walk the fields and paddocks quite frequently as I find that is the best way to get to know the young stock and I always carry a camera, which often can lead to some nice shots. I am a total amateur so don’t let that hold you back. Invest in a decent camera and lens and fire away!!

Our Expert

Alys Emson

Client Management, Lane’s End

Alys has been at Lane’s End for fourteen years. She has worked in every division of the farm and is now in charge of client management, keeping owners up to speed about the lives of their horses.

Reader Interactions

825 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Thanks to all for the birthday wishes. I feel so fortunate to have gained so many dear friends through my accidentally tuning into watch Zenyatta in her 2009 Breeders Cup run.

    Serendipity is the only way to explain the timing of that moment in time, just as the gates opened. Like everyone who saw it, it was a jaw-dropping performance. To say I fell in love would be a huge under-statement. My life changed dramatically, mostly in very private ways, certainly nothing earth shattering to anyone else. But, I not only fell in love with Zenyatta, and all of her connections, but I fell in love with a sport, shot through with shortcomings and problems though it most certainly is, it still nourishes my soul in ways often hard to explain. It offers me a reason to exercise my brain and my emotions daily, to learn and to enjoy every aspect of learning all I can about this remarkable sport, the people who inhabit it, and most especially the beautiful equine creatures whose beauty is beyond my ability to describe. It truly opened up a whole new world to me to explore. I try to share my passion and joy with others, and when I can, I use my voice and words to join in the chorus to try to make things better.

    Best wishes to all and thank you again for the well-wishes! Hugs! Ann Maree

  2. / Reply

    Congrats to Shari Volz’s friend Madame Mistletoe! She finished first by 1-1/4 lengths today in her race at Beulah Park. She was NOT claimed.

    • / Reply

      Dear Laura J.:

      Thank you so much for sharing this news on Madam Misletoe. Sharon and the children must be thrilled. Congrats MM. Well done. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      LauraJ,
      Thanks for this update. So glad Madame Mistletoe was victorious and was not claimed!
      Great news for Shari and her students, too!
      Cheers!

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Only the very best for Kauto. I noticed on his Twitter that he has graciously allowed his fans to send mints, lots and lots of mints!
      I learned something new too from the article. Kauto is a big boy at 17 hands. He could carry on a conversation with our Z.
      Here’s the link to his story, which you mentioned, and very nicely written it is.

      http://www.broughscott.com/story.asp?NewsID=2457

  6. / Reply

    Barakey has had a successful jump out for stewards – Jim Taylor has talked with Keta’s mate Bensley (who will certainly provide her with more information on this soon) on Skysportsradio and said the horse is all go for the Newmarket.

  7. / Reply

    Hay List news:

    Bensley has just had a chat with Glyn Schofield (rider for Hay List) – the horse has had a light jump out at Gosford on a soft track and went very well. Glyn said he has no problem with his action, something he was concerned about given the knee problems the horse has suffered. Glyn said he’s a very happy horse, and the only problem John McNair has is just how to juggle the appropriate race for the horse, with an aim to the TJ Smith in March.

  8. / Reply

    Americain‏ tweet
    Hey @adam_sangster great news, first mare I covered
    ‘Raw Gold’ just tested positive!
    Look out @inglis_sales blue riband session in a few yrs

  11. / Reply

    Good Day Zenny……you too….Z12….
    Happiest of birthday wishes to Ann Maree
    saw video of Paynters work….looks awesome
    since Madame Mistletoe has been at Beulah….she has won 5 of 7
    Congrats on today’s win
    and high hoof to the proud papa-to-be Americain…..Big D’s smiling somewhere
    Now…
    if Calvin will just win on Thursday…….please
    PURA
    kisses for all soft noses worldwide…

  12. / Reply

    I’ve been receiving some emails asking about my Sister, Joy. She is doing wonderful, not throwing up anymore, very little pain and still no diagnosis. The prayers, positive energy and lighting the candles have helped in so many ways. We have a new way of communicating via Facebook chat now and we chat pretty much everyday and we talk on the phone maybe once a week. She sounds so so so much better!! She’s been feeling so much better that, she’s been out doing yard work and taking her dogs for walks. Huge improvement!!! So, from the bottom of my heart and her’s, we Thank Everyone of the Dumplings that prayed, lit candles and sent her positive vibes.

    However, now I have another request. My oldest Nephew, Dustin (DJ) has made a mess of his life and has been in so much trouble. Joy finally talked him into turning himself in and to serve his time in jail. Instead of going from one shelter to the other and living on the streets (so sad). He’s serving his time right now and wants to have a new start once he gets out. Joy is trying to convince our mother who lives in Nampa, ID, to take him in until he gets back on his feet and from what Joy told me, Mom isn’t opposed to it. Which is positive. I also know from experience that when you’re in jail, you have nothing but time to think about what you want to change and sometimes, it doesn’t happen. So, I’m asking that we keep DJ in our prayers that what he’s saying will be true once he gets out.
    Thank you so very much. Love in Dumplinghood!

  13. / Reply

    Anybody knows if the Moss’s name Z12?
    If they did not, I think they should name him” J and A Blessings” because I remember Ann, she always said that Zenyatta was a blessing.

  16. / Reply

    Dear Ann Maree,
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!!
    Hope you have a perfectly wonderful day. Best wishes for today AND for many, many more to come!
    All the Best!

    Trina,
    Another lovely poem! Very well done — as always!
    Cheers!

  17. / Reply

    Sending many loving thoughts to our dear Zenyatta who brought us all together. Sweet dreams precious girl and be safe during the dark of night.

  19. / Reply

    In the last two Years, I’ve been trying to find a foal I raised out of my OTTB mare: Keyeaster. His name is B.a.Joker. I’ve emailed the track that he raced at and no response. I just want to know where Joker is. If anyone can help finding this out, please let me know. I just want to be sure that he’s being taken care of. He was such a sweet boy!

    http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=People&searchType=T&eID=208182#.USsjvBXXGZI.facebo
    http://www.equibase.com

    • / Reply

      Have you tried contacting his former owner/trainer, Brian Stivers? He is still active and racing at Sunland. It’s been a long time, but it’s a place to start.

        • Barbara, thanks to you and Trina for making me post the story. Maybe we as a group can find out where Joker is and if he’s been taken care of and I wonder if he’s still a Stallion?
          His daddy, B.Hoedown was one handsome fella and very sweet.

      • / Reply

        Laura, yes, I’ve tried to contact Mr.Stivers via Ruidoso downs and got no response. I don’t know how else to contact him besides the tracks that he’s training at.

  20. / Reply

    Paynter records first breeze since returning to training
    Posted to: Paynter Tuesday, February 26, 2013 Zayat Stables News
    Today is a great day for Team Paynter and the Zayat family. Our beloved G1 winner Paynter took the next step in his comeback this morning, Tuesday, Feb. 26, by recording his first breeze since rejoining trainer Bob Baffert’s barn around the turn of the year at Santa Anita.
    At around 9 a.m. local time, Paynter broke off behind his workmate at the 3/8th pole and joined up with him straightening away in the stretch as planned. Paynter comfortably moved to even terms in mid-stretch before finishing in front at the wire and galloping well. He was officially clocked in 36 flat for three furlongs, and was caught by Baffert in 48 seconds on the gallop out through four furlongs.
    http://www.zayatstables.com/articles/paynter-worked-3f-in-36.00-at-santa-anita—watch-on-hrtv.html
    Another VIDEO link
    http://www.zayatstables.com/horses/paynter.html

  21. / Reply

    Out of demand from some Dumplings, I’m posting Keyeaster and Joker’s story. Sorry if it is long but, it could have been longer.

    First off, I can’t believe that I don’t have everyone’s emails in my contacts. So, for those left out of this email, I apologize. Those that do read it, please pass it onto those trustworthy dumplings. :)

    I had been riding for Ellen Jackson a few months and she brought a few fillies back to the barn for some R/R. One was Ms.Cuchillada and Keyeaster and Joyful (something or other). Every time I walked into the barn, Keyeaster was the first to greet me with her chatter. She’d hang her head out of her door just asking for loving. I couldn’t believe she was a TB. The only thing that gave her away was her head. Her body was that of a massive QH. It wasn’t until I got familiar with Qui Native to see where her body type came from. However, she didn’t have his characteristics, She wasn’t mean. He was and most of his off-spring’s were just nasty.

    I’m sure that you read about Royal Reba who was also out of Qui Native who was a very shy filly that I worked with on my own time. So, I took to the both of them,
    Back to Keyeaster. She was a sprinter and most of her races were at 5 furlongs if that. She’d break out of the gait so fast that she’d be about 10 lengths ahead and coming around the final turn, she’d stop! She had breathing and bleeding issues which she under went surgery. On her come back, 5 Furlongs, I thought she had it but, once again, she stopped and couldn’t breathe (prior to lasix). She was given time on the ranch and then a few months later came back into the barn. Same thing, when I walked into the barn, she would neigh at me and shake her head until I gave her some love.
    Fast forward, She was retired from racing: too many breathing issues. She was first bred to B.Hoedown. I got a nice settlement and decided to offer Ellen a price on Keyeaster. Ellen said:No! I was like,what? Ellen’s offer to me was: You take Keyeaster and take care of her and the foal is hers (which was Joker). Ok, fine.
    We shipped Key (nickname)to the stables everything was fine. I was re-training her to be a barrel horse because of her explosive speed and also trail riding. When it was close to her foaling date, I would turn her out in the arena or just walk her and let her nibble on some grass. I had a cot outside of her stall that I would sleep on and study ( I was in college). The closer it got, the more I was in her stall. One night, I said: to heck with it, it’s too cold. So, I put my cot on one side of her stall. She was so cute: rested her head over my sleeping body and I’d wake up to her beautiful face. I slept at the ranch and in her stall for about two weeks. Then, one morning, Key came over and nudged my cot and I looked and her water broke. I had to scramble to get my bed out of the stall and to call Ellen and the owner of the ranch. Cell phones weren’t that easy to come by at that time. Once, I got everything out of the stall, she kept neighing for me. I went back in after my calls and she had her hind end against the feeders. I said: Key, you have to get up and move! I was on the other side of the stall and she got up and came to me. I said: baby, lay down here ( pointing to the middle of the stall). She laid down and gave birth to a chestnut colt with three white socks and a crooked blaze (like a ? mark). However, he turned out to be a gray.That’s how he got his name of Joker. It was April’s Fool day.
    After weaning Joker a month or so early because he’d gotten so big ( I was feeding him calf-mana) Ellen had ownership of him and me, Keyeaster. Well, about six months later,I was saddling Key and walked to the locker to get the bridle and she pulled back, broke the shank and landed in between two stalls and the lockers. Got back up and landed right under the fencing and tried to get up. I thought I was by myself out at the ranch but, the old handy man was there. I got her out from under the fencing and she just kept kicking out and collapsing! When I got her to the middle of the arena, she was laying down and somehow, I got the saddle off of her. I was so heart broken! I thought that there was nothing I could do for her. Luckily, I had vet friends that gave me butte and to examine her with no cost. She was never the same. Poor baby, could barely lift her tail to poop, I took care of my dear Keyster until I had to realize that I couldn’t do it anymore. I gave her back to Ellen for a brief period of time to see if they could erase that horrible accident. The riders would ride her english and all was fine but as soon as they put the western saddle on her, she would collapse.
    Then, I was going through a divorce and there was noway I could afford to take care of her the way that I was accustomed to caring for my horses, only the best! So, I never got ownership of Key again. Ellen then bred her to Empire Glory and had a beautiful bay filly on April’s fool day again. I wanted to stay with the joker theme because, she also had a question mark blaze but, Ellen didn’t want that and named her Key To Glory. She couldn’t run a lick so, she was sold as a hunter jumper.

    Joker that’s a story in itself. She turned him out with the other weanling colts and boy, he got so beat up! Poor baby. I visited with him everyday and when he’d see me, he’d run up to the fence and give me a big hug like he used to do. I was thrilled that Ellen wanted to keep him and that she thought so much of him. One day, though, one of her partners came out to pick out a weanling as a pay-back on another partnership and he picked Joker. Ellen prior to that, wanted to hide Joker so that wouldn’t happen but, it did. Ellen and I were both heartbroken. He raced mainly at Ruidoso Downs and Texas. I remember one day after I was done riding my string of 20 horses, Ellen called me into the house. I thought I was in trouble for something but, that wasn’t the case. She handed me a Win pic of Joker. He really grew into a massive boy and soooo pretty and kind. That was the last either of us heard of him.
    Last I heard of Key was that she was bred to Tobasco Cat and I don’t know if Ellen still has ownership of her or not.

    So that’s the Main story on my beloved OTTB, Keyeaster. There’s so much more to it but, I don’t want to go there. Too heartbreaking for me to remember some of the things I had gone through with Keyeaster.

    Love in dumplinghood,
    Heidi

      • / Reply

        Karen, she was my love as well as Joker. They just loved to be loved on and returned it with hugs and chatter. Keyeaster should be around 23 now and Joker around 17 or 18. According to equibase, Ellen is still listed as owner for Keyeaster.
        I can’t do anything for either of them, once found but, I can at least rest knowing that they are both ok and taken care of. Or, if they are close, go visit and I know damn well, they both would remember me!
        I talked to Joy about this and she wanted to know WHY now. I told her that they both have been on my mind for sometime now.

        • Dear Heidi:

          Wishing you all the best in your search for Keyster and B a Joker. Hugs, JB

  22. / Reply

    Alys, In all these recent pictures our Zenny has never looked more beautiful. I love the highlights in her mane. If I was facing her with a camera in my hand I believe I would freeze and be unable to take one picture. She kind of does that to me.

  23. / Reply

    Checking in late and am behind, but want to wish Ann Maree a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Hope it is wonderful. Maybe you can drag it out for several days!

    @Trina–thank you once again for filling in details about the birthday girl in your lovely poem.

    @Heidi K.–. Awesome news about Joy!! Best news I have had all day. And we will definitely pray for DJ. I know the whole family must be burdened by his situation. Please keep us updated, along with reports on Joy. Hugs to all.

    • / Reply

      Barbara… When I chatted with Joy earlier she asked that I talk to Mom. So, I called her and she’s optimistic about DJ. It doesn’t sound like Mom has shut the door on him yet. I told her that, when he gets out in May, he needs to have the support of family and a structure, she agreed. Maybe living with Grandma and Grandpa and attending church etc., will do him some good and help.

  24. / Reply

    Thank you everyone for the well wishes, I’m feeling alot better these days, but next is the hand surgery if all goes well I’ll be back to myself. Also Thank you for the prayers for my son the boy needs to get out of dodge and start a new way of life for himself I realy hope my mom can help. anyways I hope all is well with everyone else. Heidi as your sister I hope you find what your looking for . JOY

    • / Reply

      Love you sis!!!! Keyeaster meant a lot to you as well. Since you wanted to buy her or Ebony’s Comet. Remember him? The big, huge, black, gelding?

      • / Reply

        Joy,
        Wonderful news that you are on your way to full recovery after the surgery!
        Prayers for DJ and the family. Tough times for all.
        Hope that life lessons have been learned.

        Heidi,
        What a story-love and loss!
        May you find Joker–need that peace of mind.
        Hugs to you both,
        Keta

    • / Reply

      Thanks for filling us in, Joy. Best wishes for a successful outcome on your hand. Power Up Joy! Power Up DJ! Love in Dumplinghood, Trina

  25. / Reply

    Zenyatta; Thinking, wishing, hoping and praying for you!! I love you.
    I had a very unsuspecting busy time at the Horse Sanctuary today. Our oldest Fancy had fallen whether ice or unsure footing at the age of just about 32. He appears mobile, thank God and a vet that came gave him a med for us to give. She is under our watch of course. I will tell you more but I am calling it an early evening (I am pooped) and just wish all the blessings to all horses. This ol’ gal (me) ain’t what she used to be!! ha
    hugs, Sally B

    love n kisses to Z’s soft nose; some for 12z too! Auntie Sally

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thanks for this video of AK. Wishing this beautiful Chestnut Boy good luck in Dubai. Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    Aga Khan Studs‏ tweet
    Just as he starts his first European season Redoutes Choice joins
    Danehill/ Sir Tristam/ Zabeel
    as Australasian supersire with a 100th SW!

  30. / Reply

    Mild weather lures Canadian horse trainers to Turf Paradise
    by Steve Bodinet azfamily.com & TURF PARADISE
    Posted on February 26, 2013 at 3:41 PM Updated today at 4:00 PM
    PHOENIX — Every year, the Valley’s sunshine and mild weather attracts horse-racing trainers and owners from our neighbors to the North, in Canada
    3TV’s Steve Bodinet paid a visit to Turf Paradise Monday, where the equestrian snowbirds are giving the facility, and the whole Valley, an economic boost.
    “Among the 2,000 horses that we have here, 325 of them are from Canada,” says Turf Paradise general manager, Vincent Francia. “That represents 160 Canadian owners, and 25 trainers.”
    Phoenix racetrack season is just getting started, while the seasons at many of Canada’s tracks are winding down.
    http://www.azfamily.com/news/Mild-weather-lures-Canadian-horse-trainers-to-Turf-Paradise-193395361.html
    Keta Note: Turf Paradise is our race track in Phoenix. Well done story & VIDEO

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