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

  1. / Reply

    Keta Note: Must read story written as only Steve Haskin can about Vyjack’s background
    Haskin’s Derby Trail: The Unlikely Story of Vyjack
    Steve Haskin The Blood-Horse 04 Mar 2013 2:09 PM
    The Kentucky Derby is like a mountain. It never changes and never withers with time. But in some ways it does change, as every year, new climbers gather on its slopes and attempt to reach the summit, disregarding the many perils along the way. There is no greater feeling an owner can have than to see his or her colors planted atop that mountain. There is no greater feeling a breeder can have than to have created something with the speed, strength, and heart to conquer the sport’s highest peak. And there is no greater feeling a trainer can have than to guide an equine athlete up such a rigorous path and emerge victorious.

    http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2013/03/04/haskin-s-derby-trail-the-unlikely-story-of-vyjack.aspx

    • / Reply

      Thanks,Keta.
      That is a fantastic story.
      The making of a great! Would loved to have seen his breeder last weekend, cheering him across the finish line!
      Stay sound big guy!

  2. / Reply

    Here I go again, asking for prayers. Just found out that a dear friend is in very bad shape in the hospital. Only thing I know right now is that, he wasn’t feeling well Friday, missed work Saturday and his Mom took him to Sutter Solano Sunday morning and they transferred him to John Muir in Walnut Creek. I guess he had an infection and it attacked his skull and other organs. He under went brain surgery last night. According to what we’re being told. This is not good!

    Love in dumplinghood,
    Heidi btw. His name is Scott.

        • I will once I know more. It was a group effort to do the group candle site since, I couldn’t figure it out, I asked JAG for advice. Thank you, Judy for helping me out with this.
          As some know, I’ve been dealing with a lot of family issues and, this is the last thing that needs to be on my mind. More negativity in the world. Perhaps, I should watch Michael Jackson’s Earth Song again to find some comfort during these tough times? Or, just stare at the Great Mare, Zenyatta or, watch some of Kari’s and Ashton Zen videos?
          Thank you Dumplings for being so kind and understanding.

      • / Reply

        Good morning Heidi
        I lit a candle just now. You’re more than welcome. I’m glad I was able to help! God bless, Scott!
        ♥ Judy G

        • Hi Judy,

          We’ve talked a bit in the past, but since I went back to work, I rarely have time for z.com, unfortunately. Just wanted to let you know I finally got to Santa Anita last November, and have a million pictures of Zenyatta and John Henry’s statues. Z’s statue is just unbelievable; makes you feel you’re with her. Everyone was so nice to us, probably because I was so excited. :) Hoping to return for the Breeders’ Cup one day…

    • / Reply

      so very sorry for your friend….
      I worked at John Muir for 15 yrs….he is in good hands…
      prayers for his recovery

    • / Reply

      Sending prayers to your friend,Heidi.
      I am also sorry about your Dad. Hope things will be a little brighter for you and yours.

    • / Reply

      So sorry about your friend Heidi. Candle lit – prayers offered. Hope this is something that was found quickly and treatment will be effective.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Just got an update: his blood pressure is high, which is good. His vitals signs are stable. Just taking day by day this is what Denise (his mom) is saying. So far, good. Still has a fever, but that is because of the infection. This all started with a nasal infection and it created an abcess on his brain. ( However, why is having high blood pressure a good thing?)

  3. / Reply

    Dear Heidi,
    Sending healing thoughts and prayers for your friend, Scott. Hope they can get this under control.
    Take care and hugs

    • / Reply

      I read about this yesterday…I guess each country has its own rules…they do not seem to carry over from country to country…but with one of Nelly’s reknown…it just should not have happened…when I go searching pedigrees, I often have to choose a horse from a list of the same name…most are years apart…but sometimes I find same name with different country

  5. / Reply

    Dear Heidi, may God’s Healing Hands be upon Scott and Heal him.Amen.

    Dear Queen Z, hope you had a rewarding day with lots of love, joy and good health. How is the little one doing, hope you ate an extra carrot for her coat. Did Prince ever come by? I miss him a lot, can’t wait to catch a pic of him.

    Good night Z, prince and baby z.

    Good night to all.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R. and Sheena:

      This is really weird. It’s like naming another horse Secretariat. Bet they’ll be asked to change this colt’s name. Hugs, JB

  8. / Reply

    Does anyone know about any foals from Afleet Alex? Gainesway doesn’t respond to posts. Guess they have not figured out the relationship between fans and purses.

    Really makes you appreciate Lanes End, Stonestreet and Three Chimneys. The go out of their way to keep the fans in the loop about their horses. Thank you, thank you and thank you to these three farms and of course, MMM’s facebook.

    • / Reply

      Things for DJ aren’t panning out well for when he gets out of jail. Mom said NO to him going there to start over. Now, my sister is freaking out because, she doesn’t know what to do now. Bad situation all the way around.

  10. / Reply

    Dear Heidi,

    Please know that your friend Scott is in my prayers. I lit a candle for him. What a wonderful site that is.

  11. / Reply

    Good Morning Zenny ….have a good day
    PACE….PACE….PACE….
    I just saw where your Mikey is coming to town to ride Oxbow in the rebel…..will have to be there for that ….
    And to our Z12 ….saw some of the 2 yr old sale yesterday ….most of them did not have official names either …play hard….school is looming
    kisses for all soft noses
    Hugs to all….esp Heidi

    • / Reply

      carolinakansas,
      Give Oxbow a pat on the nose for me if you get close enough. I am afraid to say much about him since the Elf of Injury seems to be listening in on my choices. Glad he has Mike because he will do everything he can to make sure the horse and he come home safely.

        • Sandy,
          Good to know the Elf is hauting someone else. He seems to make horses I like a special project. Consequently, I am just thinking their names and not saying much.

          How much snow do you have? Here in my part of Indy we have around 5 to 6 inches.

        • Believe it or not, this latest storm missed the very northern part of Ohio (along the lake). We had nothing at all, but down state a piece, they had several inches. It was a real relief to dodge this bullet. Maybe spring will come.

  14. / Reply

    Zayat Stables‏ tweet Our star PAYNTER had his second work back a half mile in 50.2

    Paynter Progresses with Half-Mile Work
    By Claire Novak, The Blood-Horse Updated: Tuesday, March 5, 2013 2:53 PM
    Haskell Invitational (gr. I) winner Paynter turned in his second work since making a comeback from severe illness and the subsequent surgery he underwent last year, breezing four furlongs in :50 1/5 at Santa Anita Park March 5 under jockey Martin Garcia.
    The 4-year-old son of Awesome Again prefaced the move for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and Zayat Stable with a Feb. 26 breeze going three furlongs in :36 flat, his first work of 2013.
    “Physically, the horse has zero issues,” owner Ahmed Zayat said. “Most significantly, in terms of attitude, weight, and coat color, he’s a happy horse. So many vets have checked him at Santa Anita since he’s been there; we constantly keep monitoring his heath. He’s been photographed almost every day and you can see that, doing what he’s doing, he’s loving it and he’s happy. You would have never known this horse was so sick.”
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/76663/paynter-progresses-with-half-mile-work#ixzz2MhM9gBYS

  15. / Reply

    Carolinarkansas–Oxbow in Rebel ridden by Mike Smith–Keta

    Oaklawn: Oxbow staying home for Rebel
    By Mary Rampellini Daily Racing Form 03/05/2013 9:17AM
    HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Oxbow is to make his next start in the Grade 2, $600,000 Rebel at Oaklawn Park on March 16 and will be ridden by Mike Smith, trainer D. Wayne Lukas said on Tuesday.
    Oxbow had been under consideration for the Louisiana Derby after winning the Grade 3 Lecomte at Fair Grounds in January and returning to New Orleans last month and finishing a close fourth in the Grade 2 Risen Star.
    “He’s going in the Rebel,” Lukas said Tuesday. “There’s a couple of reasons. He’s training well here at home in Arkansas. And I’ve shipped him twice already, and I think rather than ship him three times, I’m going keep him here and try him here.”
    http://www.drf.com/news/oaklawn-oxbow-staying-home-rebel

    • / Reply

      Keta. I’m with carolfromarkansas. I love Oxbow, a very close relative to Paynter. Their mothers are full sisters to the great Tiznow. Go Mike. Run like the wind for Mike, Oxbow.

      • / Reply

        Max
        Oxbow has a great pedigree
        Wanted to make sure that Carol knew when he was running at Oaklawn.
        Plus that Mike was onboard.
        Hugs, Keta

        • Keta. He’s got the best pedigree for sure. Those two mares, Tizamazing and Tizso, are wonderful. Their brother Tiznow resembles our Z. And we cannot forget Paynter and Oxbow’s daddy, Awesome Again.

          I hope that Carol gets to see Oxbow race, and she tells us all of the details. I would dearly love a win for Mike and Oxbow.

  16. / Reply

    Adena Springs Farm tweet GAME ON DUDE
    #AwesomeAgain’s Game on Dude: back-to- back 116 Beyer Speed Figures,
    highest of the year so far. #ThatsElite!

  18. / Reply

    Zenny, your pal Sarbonne just posted on FB that your friend from Barn 55, Life Is Sweet, has her official birthday today. I love the pic of the two of you touching nose to nose with John standing in between. Such special days for all of you.

    • / Reply

      That WAS a great picture wasn’t it? And the video of LIS refusing to wake up is just too funny :-)

  19. / Reply

    BLACK CAVIAR RENAMED: (not THAT Black Caviar):

    Keta’s mate Bensley (thanks for getting him to sort this one, Keta) has just talked with Pat Devine in South Africa – the owner (with her husband Henry) of the now named Black Beluga – 2 year old colt who was to race in Durban tonight but pulled up lame after a training run. He’s been x-rayed, has no problems other than a slight injury to a joint, but will be fine, and will race under his new name in around 2 weeks. The Devine family owned Jetmaster, one of South Africa’s top stallions until his death a few years ago, and are into racing, but were unaware of the issue with the name until the story broke Downunder, and hackles were raised. But all is well, and as Bensley told Pat, we’re all going to keep an eye on Black Beluga in his first outing. Think it’s rather a clever rename! Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Badminton Horse Trials. I am impressed. It seems like these horses are busier than ever. Between his dressage training and personal appearances, Kauto is always on the go and in the media. Super looks to be the same. Good to see these high profile successful second careers. I hope that this success encourages other owners to give TBs more opportunities.

  26. / Reply

    Andrew Bensley‏ tweet about NEWMARKET
    You wouldn’t believe it but the 2 WA horses in the Newmarket Hcp have drawn alongside each other.
    Barakey 13 and Luckygray 14. Flem straight

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: This is going to be a really good race – trouble is, I want a dead heat for about four of them! Hugs, KathyR.

  27. / Reply

    Hi Zenny ….just saw where your Mikey is going to ride Flashy Bull as well as Oxbow….oh boy …..oh boy…….oh boy…..
    …..
    eat…..rest…….exercise ….sleep…..keep all spa appts esp. those with mud baths
    …….
    PACE……PACE…..PACE…..PACE….
    Love you

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