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

    I think I just got disconnected, so if this is a repeat, I apologize.
    Rightful Image Update: He is doing well at Winner’s Circle in Bradbury, not far from Santa Anita. From all accounts it is a very good place for recovering horses then leading them into whatever may come next. One of our partners paid Rightful a visit and said they are very strict there, just stopping short of asking visitors for blood. We hope to visit soon.
    Once again, thanks to all for cheering Rightful on and expressing your concern when he was injured. Thankfully, although his racing career is over, he is in good hands and eating carrots with relish. (Well, not really with relish, but you know what I mean.) When we see him, I’ll pass on your well wishes. :-)

    Also, thanks all for the anniversary wishes (some on email as well)…yes, Ann NC, I saw the “Dear Honey.” :-)

    Keta, thanks for the Vyjack story.

    Kathy R, good to know of the newly named Black Beluga!

    Heidi, sorry you are going through such rough times right now.

    Zenyatta, sleep well, remember you are sleeping for two.

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne:

      Glad to know Rightful is doing well. Please let us know all about your visit with him. Happy 40th Anniversary to you and Rod. Love and Hugs, JB

  2. / Reply

    Even though Zenny will be delivering a foal into the world very soon, I felt the desire watch the video of her again at Lanes End in 2010 when she was “set free” to run and kick up her heels in the snow for her first time after retirement. Tears welled up and ran down my face as they did back then. My gosh, what is it about her that to this day causes such an emotional response? I wish we all would at this moment share what she has meant to each of us. Because of her, we have been priviledged to communicate on this very special site and let us not lose track of this fact and it’s purpose. Just adore her pics all covered in mud being a typical horse, enjoying a relaxing life and so well deserved. Who thinks she will have a grey foal?

    • / Reply

      Dear Longtime Z supporter: I’ve said before (along with others) that Zenyatta is a gift from God – a truly magical creature. There is no horse in the world like her – just goodness in her nature that oozes out into the atmosphere and into our souls. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      I agree that Zenny is a gift from God. She, along with our daughter’s horse Money, has given me my post-retirement calling, which is working for equine welfare and against slaughter. My dream world would have every horse being as cared for and loved as our Z. I would never in a milllion years have made so many Z-friends without this blog, and certainly would not have gone to the BC2012. . When I think of how many different places we have come here from, our backgrounds, etc., it is just mind-boggling. Hugs to all.

      • / Reply

        Dear Barbara:

        Thank you for your beautiful response to Kathy R. I agree with everything you said. Because of Zenyatta I met you in this website and saw you at Breeders Cup 2012.

        Thank God for Zenyatta and all the new and wonderful friends I met because of her! Hugs, Marilu

    • / Reply

      Longtime: The look of peace and calm in Zenyatta’s eyes brings serenity to all of us as we deal with life’s ups and downs. She and Lanes End represent all that is good in the world. Wish I could retire there with her. I would be willing to muck stalls all day.

    • / Reply

      What a very cool post, Longtime. You’ve taken the words of my heart and expressed them so well and I will agree whole heartedly that looking back on Zenyatta’s video of that first release is such an emotional trigger. Well, really, just about all the videos and photos and blogs about her bring such feelings, but who knows how she makes this happen for so many of us. And yes, I’m hoping she will have a grey baby.

    • / Reply

      Dear Longtime Z supporter:

      Love that video too. Tear up every time I watch it. She is so magnificent. Hugs, JB

  5. / Reply

    Thanks Alys for the great muddy picture of our Queen doing what comes naturally. Muddy or not I would still give lots of hugs and kisses if I were ever lucky enough to meet her in person.
    Isn’t she magnificent? Love her, love her, love her.
    I am so anticipating the new arrival. Please keep us informed as much as you can. We are so hungry for any morsel of news.
    Thanks Lane’s End and all you do for her. Thank you to the Mosses for continuing to allow access to our gorgeous Zenyatta.
    Love hugs and kisses

  6. / Reply

    Here’s wishing everyone an Awesomely Blessed day. Queen Z, you take my breath away every time. Have a peaceful day and again, eat an extra carrot for the little Princess, Say hi to Prince for me, still missing him.

    LOL to all. Stay warm and say all those hit with the snow storm. It is well.

    KathyR and Longtime Z Supporter, couldn’t agree more with you two. You two expressed my thoughts so beautifully, Thanks.

  8. / Reply

    The March foal count continues at Lane’s End. Waiting, waiting….for that new entry.

    Mar 05. SMART STRIKE – PHILLY’S PHILLY f.
    Mar 05. CANDY RIDE – HAND CRAFTED c.
    Mar 03. DISCREETLY MINE – SWEET RIDER c.

        • Ann NC
          I don’t think so.
          Here is her equibase profile.
          High Wire (KY) CH , F, foaled February 13, 2009
          (Street Cry (IRE) – Awe That, by Boundary)
          She did not race. High Wire just turned 4 years old.
          There is more than one High Wire on equibase.
          This one is related to Bel Air Beauty
          Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        What a great shot! Thanks Keta (wonder what kind of lens lets you get that close and that detailed? I want one! :-)

        • I’ve seen photographers with camera lenses longer than my arm. They could photograph the horse from the other side of the farm. Maybe it’s a medium sized lense. Casey on the forum side might know. She is a hobby photographer. Maybe that would be a good question for Alys on the next “Ask the Experts”? I would like to know. I want to take some good pictures while in college so people can see my experience with me, but I haven’t the slightest idea as to what comes first in photography.

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta, Ann and Z Fans:

        What a cutie. Resembles The Prince a little when he was that age. Could be the Street Cry genes. Hugs, JB

  9. / Reply

    Hi Zenny ….PACE…PACE…PACE….
    not sure what’s up with Cigars camera today ….looks like picture of grass?
    Could it have fallen off its pole?

    • / Reply

      carolinarkansas. Looks like the Cigar camera is back. Lots of snow has fallen. No Cigar at 4:57 EST. Will keep stalking the Great Cigar.

  10. / Reply

    HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY, GARY STEVENS!!
    Jockey World‏ tweet
    Wishing the happiest of birthdays today to Gary Stevens (@HRTVGary)!
    We hope you have a great day! #legend

    • / Reply

      Keta,
      Thanks for the heads-up on Gary Stevens’ birthday.
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Gary — and many, many more! Wishing you many more great rides, too! Cheers!

  11. / Reply

    Doug O’Neill‏ tweet on New Arrivals
    Welcome to the barn the recent sales graduates from Barrett’s
    Hip 17 (Dixie Chatter), 54 (Into Mischief), 99 (Holy Bull) 89 (Malibu Moon),
    94 (Bedford Falls), 108 (Storm Wolf) and a Divine Park.
    Thank you to the connections, its exciting when we have the new arrivals!

  12. / Reply

    PAYNTER UPDATE WED. MARCH 6 GOOD CONDITION
    Justin Zayat‏ tweet
    Paynter came out of his second work in great order!
    #comeback #poweruppaynter

  15. / Reply

    CHELTENHAM COURSE UPDATES Mark Popham‏ tweets
    Cheltenham Clerk of the Course Simon Claisse
    “We are forecast ground temperatures reaching as low as minus 5 degrees Celsius on Tues morning”

    The going at Cheltenham remains Good to Soft, Good in Places on Chase & Hurdle Courses, & Good to Soft, Soft in Places Cross Country Course

  18. / Reply

    Calling all redneck club members–You will not belive this. Every day we either watch or record Jeopardy to watch later. Well, in today’s show, one of the questions was about Loudon Wainwright. I am not kidding. The question was about his last name (they only provided the first name) Of course I got that one–lol!

    • / Reply

      Excellent, Barbara! You are carrying on our fine tradition! I’m sure TC will endorse that sentiment, if he stops in here. You just never know where a brilliant piece of Redneck trivia will appear next!

    • / Reply

      Gosh – there is just no end to how we can use the information we learn on this site!!! :-)
      I’ve gotten some crossword clues too (tee, hee).

  19. / Reply

    To our dear Zenyatta: Girl get in that last spa visit and mud bath. The time is getting short and you will have many people asking for pictures of you and Z13. Can’t wait to see her.

    How are things with Z12 and his chestnut buddy?

  20. / Reply

    If this hasn’t been shared previously :-(

    ♥World’s oldest horse trots his final furlong: Irish draught Shayne, 51, put to sleep at Essex sanctuary after reaching 120 in human years♥

    http://us-mg5.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=f279ht49m6ag1

    May his old soul rest in peace Auntie Judy XO

  21. / Reply

    Just saw on fb from Big Red Farm…IHA’s first mare confirmed in foal…her name is Liebestraume ….hope I got that right…she is owned by Mill Farm

  22. / Reply

    Flashy Gray Makes Stakes Debut in Honeybee
    By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse Updated: Wednesday, March 6, 2013 6:49 PM
    Flashy Gray, the 6-1 favorite in the recent Kentucky Oaks Future Wager pool, makes her stakes and two-turn debut in the $150,000 Honeybee Stakes (gr. III) March 9 at Oaklawn Park.
    The Kentucky-bred daughter of Flashy Bull is trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Bill Mott for owners West Point Thoroughbreds and Tom Keithley. Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith will be aboard the gray/roan filly for the first time in the Honeybee, a 1 1/16-mile test.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/76689/flashy-gray-makes-stakes-debut-in-honeybee#ixzz2MoCELgf8
    Keta Note: Mike Smith ride

    • / Reply

      Oaklawn: Flashy Gray and Brethren to have Mike Smith aboard
      By Mary Rampellini Daily Racing Form 03/05/2013 3:50PM
      HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Jockey Mike Smith will be active in both stakes at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, when he rides Flashy Gray in the Grade 3, $150,000 Honeybee for trainer Bill Mott and and Brethren in the Grade 3, $150,000 Razorback Handicap for trainer Steve Asmussen.
      When last seen at Oaklawn, Smith was winning the Arkansas Derby for the second time in his career, aboard Bodemeister in April 2012. His first win in the race came in 2008 on Gayego. Smith’s other major wins at Oaklawn include six runnings of the Apple Blossom, a race he took twice with Zenyatta and three times with Azeri. Smith also won the Honeybee in 2011 with Joyful Victory.
      http://www.drf.com/news/oaklawn-flashy-gray-and-brethren-have-mike-smith-aboard
      Keta Note; Mike is also riding Brethren a half-brother to 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver.in the Grade 3, $150,000 Razorback Handicap for trainer Steve Asmussen.

      And, don’t forget the Oxbow ride!

      • / Reply

        Keta. Thanks for this. Brethren was a best friend of Uncle Mo. Mo used to enjoy teasing him. I had lost track of him. Glad to see that he is still racing as most horses from his 3 year old year have long since retired. Good luck to Mike for this and other races. Run Oxbow.

        • Cute Max. Thanks for the tid bit. Always a treat!
          Go Mike!
          Flashy Gray certainly is a beauty! Run girl,run!!!
          The Honeybee Race,that has to be the sweetest race name going! Love it!
          Thank you, Keta.

  23. / Reply

    Claire Novak‏ The Blood-Horse tweet
    Another runaway horse tackles traffic, this time at Turfway:

    Colt bolts from Turfway track, survives romp through traffic
    March 6 2013
    A horse that left the race track and ran through the streets of Florence on Saturday will live to race another day, thanks to the quick actions of some Turfway Park workers.
    Though he went off at very long odds of 32-1, the chances that he would survive his romp in heavy traffic largely unharmed may have been even more slim.
    Joseph the Catfish, a 3-year-old colt making the first start of his career in the 10th race, bolted on the turn into the home stretch, dumped jockey Eddie Zuniga and took off down the track. Zuniga was unhurt.
    http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130305/NEWS0103/303050183/Colt-bolts-from-Turfway-track-survives-romp-through-traffic

  24. / Reply

    ZENYATTA DUE DATE MARCH 26-31
    On Wed. March 6, 2013 Claire Novak‏@BH_tweet
    For those of you who are wondering, Zenyatta’s 2013 foal by Tapit is due late March,
    around 3/26-3/31.
    Last year she foaled March 8.

  26. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Catching up on all the great posts. Enjoy reading all of them.

    Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet,
      Thanks so much for this link. Shayne was beautiful! What wonderful care and great genes he undoubtedly had. He certainly looked to be in excellent condition! Now he can rest in peace and also, frolic around at The Rainbow Bridge with no pain.
      Take care.

  29. / Reply

    Champion Orfevre Returns to Training
    by Paulick Report Staff | 03.05.2013 | 1:33pm
    Orfevre, Japan’s 2011 Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year, has returned to training following a three-month vacation. Connections are pointing the 5-year-old son of Stay Gold to the 2013 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) in October.
    According to the Racing Post, the Japanese champion spent his vacation at Northern Farm Shigaraki. Orfevre completed his first racecourse gallop March 3, and is targeting the Osaka Hai (Jpn-II) at the end of March for his first start

  30. / Reply

    Kate Hunter‏@KeibaKate tweet
    GENTILDONNA will fly to Dubai on the 22nd!
    I’ll be right behind her! I fly out on the 27th!

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