Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #21

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Q:

How will Zenyatta’s daily routine change as she gets closer to foaling?

A: Routine is one of the most important factors to keeping all horses, including Zenyatta, happy and settled. Other than moving Z to the foaling barn, her routine remains the same. She is out all day with her buddies and in the barn at night. She and the other mares in her barn are monitored 24 hours a day—with someone checking them in their respective fields during the day and with a full time night watchman keeping a close eye on them at night.

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Q:

Is Zenyatta pastured with the same group of mares she was with last year at this time?

A: Z is currently with mares that have a similar foaling dates, that is how we “buddy” them up. This means that they will move into the foaling barn around the same time. Providing all goes well, they can go back out with each other post foaling and after the mares have had time to adjust to their new arrivals. One of the mares Zenyatta is with has been with her since last spring.

Q:

How will you know upon birth whether her foal will be dark bay like its dam or (will turn) gray like its sire?

A: Although some thoroughbred foals are born obviously gray, often it is difficult to tell whether a foal is going to turn gray until they are a little older. They can begin as chestnut or bay before changing color. Usually the first sign they are going to be gray is when gray hair starts presenting itself around the eyes and muzzle when they start shedding their first coat.

Questions from Roxanne Cook

Boulder Creek, CA

Our Expert

Donna Vowles

Assistant Broodmare Manager, Lane’s End

Originally from Birmingham, England, Donna joined the Lane’s End team in 2004. As Assistant Broodmare Manager, she devotes her time to ensuring the health and happiness of all the broodmares and their foals.

Reader Interactions

591 Comments

    • / Reply

      Thanks,Kathy R.
      Always a treat to hear about our feral filly.
      Charge her batteries,give her nice treats and look ahead.
      Did they ever find out what song,Lauren was singing to her?

    • / Reply

      Kathy R
      The Blue Diamond was as rough a race as it looked.
      Noted by trainer:”The Blue Diamond) took enough out of her,” he said.
      So, Barbie can now have spa time, do lunch with the ladies, & just hang out.

      My mate Andrew said yesterday that MOL would return in August.
      Hugs, KEta

      • / Reply

        Heck, I’d like to “do lunch ” with that precious horse,Keta.
        Bake her a nice carrot cake and have an ale w/ her.
        I’m sure, Zenny would say the Mud Baths are a must!
        Hope.Lauren is doing well too!!!

        • Ann,
          Me too! Think MOL would share the carrot cake? Not.
          Would love to include Lauren so we can find what magic song she sings.
          Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.:

      Thanks for this link on MOL. She has earned a little R & R. Love that blond mane and forelock. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy, Keta and Ann: Am delighted that the connections are going to look after this filly – they have shown they have the “Moss Class Factor” in keeping Lauren for the ride, and now tipping Barbie out for the well-earned rest. Now news on the song, but Lauren had a ride at Morphettville on Saturday – came in around 5 or 6 – an earlier ride was scratched. Reckon the carrot cake would be just perfect (for all involved)! Hugsx3 KathyR.

        • Dear Kathy R.:

          I was thinking the same as you. Blondie’s owner, trainer and team remind me a lot of Z’s. They put the horse’s welfare first.

          Would love to know what song Lauren sings to MOL too. Maybe “Miracle of Life At Last I Found You”. Really? Sorry! Couldn’t resist.

          I’m sure dating myself with that one. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Kathy R.:

          Actually that song is “Sweet Mystery of Life….” I changed it to suit MOL. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Aw, I love that baby Rhino, Barbara, thanks. He/she/it has so much energy to burn!

    • / Reply

      And further down that page, the baby sleeping tight with three puppies, is also good.

    • / Reply

      Dear Barb W.:

      Thank you so much for these adorable videos of Buddy and the Baby Rhino. Too cute. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks Barbara! Too cute is, indeed, the only possible response! Go Lady Bears tonight!

  6. / Reply

    ORTENSIA IN NEWMARKET HANDICAP Andrew Bensley‏ tweet
    Ortensia worked at Flemington and is in good shape for Newmarket Handicap
    at Flemington on Saturday. Dwayne Dunn rides

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: That Newmarket is going to be a cracker of a race – Ortensia, Luckygray, Barakey just to name a few – so far the weather is predicted to be warm and dry (which is good – not too hot I hope). Hugs, KathyR.

  7. / Reply

    FLASHY GRAY IN HONEYBEE Robert Yates‏ tweet
    Flashy Gray, to run in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Honeybee at #Oaklawn,
    6-1 favorite in Ky. Oaks future wagering that closed Sun

  8. / Reply

    Royal Delta (5-Year-Old Mare) Workout
    Date: March 3, 2013
    Track: PAYSON PARK TRAINING CENTER
    Distance: Four Furlongs
    Time: 47:20 Breezing
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 1/29

    • / Reply

      Kathy R. I’m for any change which makes it safer for horses to run and come home without injury. Hope that it works.

  14. / Reply

    Flashy Gray in HoneyBee next sat at Oaklawn….will be there to check her out for sure…sounds like she is the real deal…love her dad

  15. / Reply

    Good Morning to you Zenny…I know you are doing all the right things to care for yourself and little Z13-to-be….
    was sitting by paddock at Oaklawn yesterday and just chatting with folks when I looked to my right….there was Mr Lucas giving tip to a friend…he smiled and said ..”hi..nice to see you”….we have never met but I was OK with that…heard what he told his friend…I told my brother in law and he won some money…so all is good
    Calvin may never win 5000….thought he had it in the sixth race…but the closers all caught him…his brother trainer Cecil has been sending more horses up from La this yr…the folks around said that he usually only comes up for the last 2 wks of the meet..but this yr he is here and running every day…
    …..
    PACE…PACE….PACE….PACE….
    keep those spa appts big girl….love you
    Z12….run and play….you go to school soon
    love and hugs to all
    kisses to all soft noses

    • / Reply

      carolinarkansas
      Sounds like you are having fun times at Oaklawn.
      Good tips are a bonus
      Calvin is taking his sweet time getting to 5000
      Hugs, Keta

  16. / Reply

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAYNTER! Zayat Stables‏ tweet
    Thank you for all the Birthday wishes for Paynter.
    It means a lot to us to have so many fans supporting him.
    #PowerUpPaynter

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thanks for this. Happy Birthday Paynter. Power Up beautiful boy. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Happy Birthday Paynter!!! I don’t know how to “tweet” but your friend Keta can give you the message. Have lots of great treats. So glad to celebrate this day with you.

      • / Reply

        Sandy
        Got a Retweet from the Zayats on my birthday message to Paynter.
        Always a nice feeling when that happens
        Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta,
      Thanks for the news about Paynter’s birthday.

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAYNTER!! What a very special one, too.
      All the best wishes for many, many more happy, healthy years to come!
      Kisses on your soft, velvety nose — hope you enjoyed some yummy treats!

  17. / Reply

    Mucho Macho Man on Facebook
    “Multiple Graded Stakes Winner Mucho Macho Man, along with two of his stablemates, are being transported to the Fair Hill Training Center in Elkton MD today. Fair Hill Training Center is a state-of-the-art equine facility situated on 350 acres of rolling hills and features two race tracks.
    Mucho Macho Man will continue to walk and rest for the next couple of days
    before resuming his training schedule there”

    • / Reply

      Keta, There is something going on at that track. Muchie is the second horse, that we know about, who has been sent away for treatment. Glad he is going to Fair Hill. Hope he does better soon.

      • / Reply

        Keta,
        Sorry I did not absorb all of the posting. He is the 4th horse that we know about who is sick. I freaked when I saw his name and just skipped the rest.

        As always, thank you for the news.

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta, Shirlee and Z Fans:

      Hope MMM and the other horses recover soon. Scary when you hear of multiple cases like this. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        shirlee & Judy
        There was a quiet message within the message.
        MMM and 2 stablemates (not named) were sent to Fair Hill
        Who are they? Do they have the same virus?
        Concerned & keeping watch
        Hugs, Keta

  18. / Reply

    FRANKEL’S FIRST MARE IN FOAL
    Tom Hall‏ tweet
    Per RP, Frankel (Galileo-Kind x Danehill) 1st mare scanned in foal:
    gr 3 winner Chrysanthemum (Danehill Dancer-Well Spoken x Sadler’s Wells)

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thanks for this info on Frankel and for all the great posts. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Janet,
        I think the first is the most important for an unproven stallion.
        This is the proof that he is fertile.
        At least, that is my opinion. We’ll see if we get reports on the others.
        If it is a high profile mare, we might.
        Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Off to a good start. I’m sure his team is relieved he passed this first test in his second career.

    • / Reply

      I thought his first mare covered was Midday…..no word on her yet? Oh well…we cant know everything…much as we would like to..

  19. / Reply

    Hi Queen Z, have a great day, eat, play and rest up. Say hi to Prince if you run into him and please tell him I miss him. Alys, some pics of the Prince soon. Eat an extra carrot to the little princess.

    Blessing of the day to all Z nation fans, may today be the best day yet. It is well. LOL to all.

  21. / Reply

    Couldn’t bring the mini horse, but did get the rhino video. Love the way he runs out between the bars and gets a scratch. Too cute.

  22. / Reply

    Just wanted to say that I don’t get to follow things as closely as I would like. Thanks for letting me hang around the fringes, Z sters!

  23. / Reply

    Lane’s End had their first March foal…now waiting for the Tapit – Zenyatta entry.

    Mar 03. DISCREETLY MINE – SWEET RIDER c.
    Feb 28. SMART STRIKE – GWENJINSKY c.
    Feb 27. AWESOME AGAIN – MISS NORMAN c.
    Feb 26. COURAGEOUS CAT – PRIVATE STATUS f.
    Feb 17. TAPIT – LASSIE’S LEGACY c.
    Feb 16. AWESOME AGAIN – SAPPHIRESNDIAMONDS f.
    Feb 11. CANDY RIDE – SWEET AND SAVORY f.
    Feb 09. GIANT’S CAUSEWAY – TWISTED SIS c.
    Feb 09. DISCREET CAT – GYPSY LOU f.
    Feb 08. TWIRLING CANDY – MISS HAVISHAM f.
    Feb 08. GIANT’S CAUSEWAY – EMBUR’S SONG f.
    Feb 06. SMART STRIKE – CARABOSS c.
    Feb 06. CANDY RIDE – ISLAND SAND c.
    Feb 06. CANDY RIDE – TANDA f.
    Feb 05. HARLAN’S HOLIDAY – FAVORITISM f.
    Feb 04. CITY ZIP – MYSTERY TRIP c.
    Feb 03. QUALITY ROAD – CATHY’S CORNBREAD f.
    Jan 31. CANDY RIDE – SWEET THOUGHTS f.
    Jan 29. WAR FRONT – AIN’T SHE SWEET f.
    Jan 29. CANDY RIDE – MUMBO JUMBO f.
    Jan 29. BERNARDINI – SWEET LIFE f.
    Jan 28. TWIRLING CANDY – BARBARIANSMILE c.
    Jan 27. MINESHAFT – RUBY CROWN f.
    Jan 22. DISCREETLY MINE – EMPIRE SONG f.
    Jan 15. TAPIT – JAY AT NINE f.
    Jan 15. CANDY RIDE (ARG) – SECRET OF THE SEA f.

  26. / Reply

    Reporting in from returning from Vegas for our anniversary (40th, but who’s counting?)

    Serious note: very sorry to learn of your father’s passing Sue. Condolences to you and your family.

    A lighter note: Happy Birthday to all who Trina wrote the wonderful poems/tributes about: Lisa B-Escondido; Sharon in Atlanta; Jeanie E; and of course Paynter!
    Knowing our intrepid Trina, she is writing more poems as we speak. Trina. as was said, we get to know more of our fellow Dumplings thanks to you.

    Speaking of Seabiscuit, on way home yesterday afternoon saw a car with vanity plate: BUZ CUTT. Trying to piece it together, of course I came up with Seabiscuit, LOL.

    And, BIG congrats to Game on Dude and Mikey!! High hoof! Saw the race (and many others) from the vantage point of Bally’s Race and Sports Book. Saw only the Santa Anita feed, so no interviews (or very few), since not able to tap into HRTV or TVG. Got to watch replay on Sunday, though. NICE work guys–Dude and Smith, that is.

    Zenyatta, can’t forget you, our QUEEN. Mud becomes you, my dear. Thanks to LE and Team Z once again! We are all waiting and watching!

    • / Reply

      Happy Anniversary to you and Rod! High Hoof to both of you – quite a record in this day and age :-) What do you hear about Rightful Image?
      Best wishes for many more happy years together!
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Anne,
      Congratulations to you & Rod! Las Vegas is good place to celebrate.
      Replays of races are on here plus interview with Bob Baffert.
      Check previous page.
      Welcome back!
      Hugs, Keta

  27. / Reply

    Zenny, are you heading toward the foaling barn in the next few days? We’re about to start our pacing and praying for a safe delivery for you. Of course, everything you do is splendid so this delivery should be no different. Hugs and kisses for you our Queen.

  28. / Reply

    Z Familia,

    Financial Aid package came in today. It was not as I hoped for, and I am very worried now. I will have a lot to pay for the first year, and I am hoping and pray that the second year is easier.

    Happy Birthday Paynter! I have to finish my Paynter book marks! Lots of horsey, and inspirational books to read.

    I recommend Oogy, and Rescued by Horses. They are two very good books that I found immensely inspirational. Note: Have lots of tissues near your hand for Oogy. I couldn’t find mine, and I had to use my comforter. Oops. X-D

    I got the flu. I don’t understand why teachers and students come to school sick. I can only wash my hands so many times, and avoid people for so long until it looks like I’m a germaphobe; which I’m not. My art teacher came to school a step away from pneumonia, and my English teacher about coughed up her lungs during class. It frustrating because I was trying to avoid being sick, as my mom is still taking her post cancer medication and she CAN’T be sick, and I end up getting it anyway. I think I’m just going to buy a whole lot of Coldeeze, and tissues, and give them to people. Maybe attach a hand sanitizer bottle to my arm, and make people use it every time they blow their nose or cough into their hand. LOL

    The Barretts March Sale is on right now, and most of the Tapits are chestnuts or grey/roans. That’s exciting! Maybe we have a good chance for a grey Zbaby after all.

    • / Reply

      Pati
      So sorry to hear you are sick.
      Take good care of yourself.
      Agree with your observations about people who come to school or work and share
      their colds & viruses.
      Sending you a virtual hug from a very long distance,
      Keta

    • / Reply

      Pati–I am so sorry you got the flu. The flu shots this year were practically worthless (9% effective, they said). Will pray for a speedy recovery. I understand how you feel getting sick this time of year. In 2011 in the 6 weeks right before my knee replacement, I got a sinus infection, the flu, AND a urinary infection.I thought I wasn’t going to make it. Sending get-well hugs.

    • / Reply

      Hope you are feeling better,Pati.
      My family is sporting around a nasty cough.yuck!
      Things will fall into place for school. Stay strong!

    • / Reply

      Pati,
      I am sorry you are under the weather — get well soon!

      You are right in recommending “Oogy” ; I read the book and thoroughly enjoyed it!
      The author, Larry Levin, did an excellent job. It is indeed inspirational, as well as funny, touching and sweet. Thankfully, the ending is not sad! I am sure that Zenny and Oogy would be good buddies, too!

      Take care of yourself!

    • / Reply

      She has some strong looking foals.
      Wonder what the nickname will be?
      He is gorgeous and looks like a handful. Good job Mama!..and Dad!

  30. / Reply

    Keta Note: Interesting background story on owner, how horse got his name
    Vyjack looking to give owner another big score
    By RICHARD ROSENBLATT (AP Sports Writer) | The Associated Press March 4, 2013
    Life is good for the owner of the latest 3-year-old to race onto the Kentucky Derby scene.
    David Wilkenfeld bought Vyjack for $100,000 last year, became a first-time dad five months ago, purchased a Manhattan penthouse with an asking price of $16.5 million, and now has a chance to win America’s greatest horse race on May 4.
    ”It’s an amazing feeling, an amazing ride,” Wilkenfeld said Monday, two days after Vyjack improved to 4-for-4 by rallying to win the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct.
    ”I’m enjoying every minute of this because nothing is taken for granted in this sport. Any day, anything can happen so I’m trying to be humble and enjoy it with family and friends.”
    So far, so good.
    http://sports.yahoo.com/news/vyjack-looking-owner-another-big-223600974–rah.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

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