Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #25

Ziconic at Mayberry Farm. Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Ziconic at Mayberry Farm. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Q:

Does Ziconic have a barn name?

Ann Maree

Collierville, Tennessee

A: No, we call him Ziconic. Often a barn name comes when a horse doesn’t yet have a name or when we don’t like the one he has.

Q:

Since you trained Cozmic One and you are now training Ziconic, you must feel some pressure to make sure that they come out as great as possible. How do you handle this weight on your shoulders, knowing that you are making a future for these two as race horses?

Cassie Pashko

Sundre, AB Canada

A: We’re basic caregivers, and we do worry about them like they’re our kids. It would be a lot more pressure if we hadn’t trained Zenyatta. Seeing her traits in these two colts has eased the pressure and made it fun. They were able to fall into their routines naturally. We want them to do well and be the best they can be, so we do our best to give them the tools to succeed.

Our Experts

Cozmic One at Mayberry Farm / Zenyatta.com

Jeanne Mayberry, April Mayberry, Jacki Garcia

Mayberry Farm

Jeanne Mayberry runs her farm in Ocala, FL with her daughters, April and Summer, and their cousin Jacki. Both Zenyatta and Cozmic One received their early training at Mayberry Farm. Jeanne’s assistant, Margarita, is pictured on the left.

Reader Interactions

254 Comments

  1. / Reply

    I am bummed for Chromie, but it is always good job security when a gelding can win. Although I love both Mikie and Victor, I have to say, I agree with Karen R. that perhaps Victor let Chromie go a little too soon. But we are all armchair jockeys and not in the saddle.
    I would love to see Zenny go back to War Front, not to ever preplace ZPrincess, but I really believe in my hear she would have been special.
    @Judy B.–prayers for your sister.
    Hugs to all. SO thankful for safe trips.

    • / Reply

      I have said in several blog sites that Victor is making mistakes on Chrome since he came
      back from is injury. I don’t know if he has lost some confidence in his abilities or if he is
      feeling the pressure of riding him, but A JOCKEY CHANGE IS PAST DUE! His second
      guessing about the move he made after the break and letting Chrome take the lead was
      obvious to all and then slowing Chrome in his advance to let #9 horse take the lead might have cost him the race. He knew that he had set Shared Belief up for Shared Belief’s ideal race when Chrome resumed the lead. He knew Mike Smith had saved horse and would be coming in a big run to pass him in the stretch. Whether Chrome still had gas in the tank at that point is debatable, but Mike Smith did a typical Queen Z run and won after a short duel on the lead. Was Espinoza caught unaware during that duel that it would be maintained until the wire? Queen Z like Shared Belief took off on him.

      The San Antonio was a poor choice for Chrome; his last win was on turf. I would have liked to see him do another turf race instead or competed in the 2 mile race at Gulf Stream last week. I doubt that Dubai is in the picture now.

    • / Reply

      Silver Charm needs to breed some mares as part of the agreement to return him to US as a stallion. What do you think, girls? A once in a life time opportunity for Queen Z that will
      never come again! I would love to see a SILVER Z! WOULDN’T YOU?

        • Sandy,
          They do not do breeding at Old Friends. And I think Silver Charm retired because of fertility issues.

          Great to speculate as to what a foal from these two would be like.

      • / Reply

        Cheryl
        Silver Charm has to breed mares to show he is no
        Longer fertile. It is part of the rules for a stallion
        That comes back to the US after being abroad.
        Not a good idea to breed Z with a pensioned stallion.

        Tapit is such a great choice for her, all of his runners
        Are sooo talented.

        • He doesn’t have to breed mares to show that he is no longer fertile. That has nothing to do with it–fertile stallions can be and are imported to stand in the U.S. with regularity. (Zenyatta’s sire was an import.) The breeding is required of all stallions imported into Kentucky. from certain countries. The purpose is to test for an equine STD.

      • / Reply

        You are probably thinking of the test breedings he was required to do to test for an equine STD called contagious equine metritis (CEM). Under Kentusky state law, CEM testing is required for all stallions being imported into the U.S. from countries where CEM occurs. The testing protocol involved the stallion breeding two test mares. That’s the only breeding he’s required to do.

        Other than that, Silver Charm is retired and is living the life at Old Friends. As Shirleeindy said, he was pensioned due to declining fertility.

        • I misspoke–the CEM testing is required for all stallions being imported into Kentucky. .

    • / Reply

      Dear Barb:

      Thank you for praying for my sis. The MRI results are very good. Love and Hugs, JB

  5. / Reply

    I saw elsewhere that Shared Belief’s mommy has been “bought back” from Turkey…and is coming home…did anyone else see this… if this is true I bet she will have another date with Candy Ride
    ….
    in the Super Bowl I wished both teams could lose…sorry to Pat and Seahawk fans…
    in the race yesterday I wished both CC and SB could win…such is life…
    ….
    was glorious in Hot Springs yesterday 70 and sunny….will be close again today…
    …just a note on the King Cotton…..I never discount Calvin on a fast horse on the rail.
    …
    have a great day to all and as always
    kisses for all soft noses

  6. / Reply

    February 8 Cherokee Devotional

    Spirit has no high blood pressure. Spirit has no pressure of any kind. Look up at the leaves moving at the top of the tallest tree. No man has ever touched those leaves-but Spirit has. Look at the puffy clouds scudding across the sky-and catch the scent of evergreen-so many things set in motion by Spirit.
    Answers to questions may be out of reach-but not the Spirit. Send out your invisible praisers and singers to set the pace, to enlighten your spirit. When the blessing comes-ask. The Spirit knows.

    I know how hard it is for youth to listen to the voice of age.
    Washakie
    Shoshone
    1870

  7. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I hope everything is okay with you and the FB furbabies. Have a blessed Sabbath. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

  8. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.I had a mega sleep-in today.Have been dealing with my emails!The Spirit is glorious.We are still reeling over here with AP’s announcement.Loads of tributes for him.SDG is fine after his tumble yesterday hope all will go well at the festival for him.We are still getting a lot of dry cold weather over here,had hoped for some rain for the Fly!Poor Ray has had yet more snow his daddy must be busy ploughing!Miss Kitty is so excited about her 45000 friends1Zoe is having trouble with her FB again such a cute video of saluting and praying!Abby’s been a naughty girl again taking mum’s $ to pay Mango so she could use the ibone while Mango is away!Mango is rather annoyed she cannot sit upfront with Judy on the trip.Abby had told her they might drive straight into the pacific ocean!Great video on Joey with some “real men” saving a dog!Have a blessed Sabbath.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena,Hovis’ mum has had a new plaster and the pink lick-it has gone!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      I can imagine everyone’s turmoil over AP’s retirement. I visited all the furbabies you mentioned. Still have to visit Mango, though. Did you see the beautiful pic of Marty getting a popcorn kiss from Dad? SO SWEET! We miss you so much, Marty! Enjoy your day. Hugs, Kathy.

  9. / Reply

    Congrats to, Shared Belief. How far back can a horse pin his ears? SB takes it to a new level. He must have read the Tiznow play book.
    We are fortunate to have such great jockeys and horses giving us thrills and chills. Congrats to, Irad O, winning 5….5 races yesterday, wow. Ride em kid!

    Keeping Judy B and her sister in my thoughts and prayers. Love and lots of hugs to them.
    Stay strong NE neighbors in dealing with more snow.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann:

      Congrats to SB; he fought for that one.

      Thank you for your prayers for my sis. Best possible results from the test. Thank God. Love and Hugs, JB

  10. / Reply

    Carnage in the opener at Exeter when 5 jockeys fell racing delayed for 45mins while paramedics dealt with injured jockey Hadden Frost,All horses seem to be fine.AP has had a winner at Leopardstown!Sheena

  11. / Reply

    AP McCoy wins his 1st Irish Hennessy on Carlingford Lough!He certainly showed us what we will miss with a gritty,determined win.He was rather emotional (very unlike him)bad for his image he said.Ted Walsh(dad of the short one)tweeted pity he hadn’t retired yesterday.Thankfully Hadden Frost has been given the all-clear.Sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid:

      Thank you so much for your prayers. The results of the test are great and we are so relieved. Love and Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    Dear Judy B.,
    Sincere thoughts and prayers to you and your sister.
    Hope things will work out okay. God bless
    Lots of Warm Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Marshall:

      Thank you so much. Everything is right with world. My sister got a great report. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Great analogy, Barbara!
          Life is fraught with those land mines, indeed.
          Prayers, positive thoughts and God’s blessings lead us through, thankfully.
          Hugs and Love

  17. / Reply

    I feel bad for Victor but strongly agree that he is not riding CC well. Mike truly ran a smarter race. Art Sherman expressed a little disappointment in the way Victor worked Chrome in his last work. I was very saddened because I think Chrome is a better horse than he has been looking.

  18. / Reply

    February 9 Cherokee Devotional

    Like the haystacks of youth, life has its hidden tunnels that are dark and exciting and full of adventure. We have been warned that there is danger that the hay could collapse and could bury us alive. But not us, we are invincible. We know enough to get out before the collapse comes.
    Will there be anyone there to dig us out the way a farmer had to free his cows before they suffocated? The cows ate straight through the hay without knowing there was danger. We have been eating straight through-and when guilt says to stop it-our craving, our sense of adventure says, “After this.”

    I shall go a little farther, and then a little farther, until I get so far away as is possible for me.
    Kicking Bird
    Crow
    1865

  19. / Reply

    We have two Birthday’s to celebrate today – one is our friend Brenda S (Ontario)

    ♫•*¨*•♫•*¨*•.¸♥¸.•*¨*•♫ ░H░A░P░P░Y░ ♫•*¨*•.¸♥¸.•*¨*•♫
    (¯”•.¸*♥*¸.•”¯) ░B░I░R░T░H░D░A░Y░ (¯”•.¸*♥*¸.•”¯)
    ♫•**•.¸♥¸.•**•♫ ░T░O░░░Y░O░U░!░ ♫•**•.¸♥¸.•**•♫

    Best wishes Brenda for a happy day, an early spring, and a great year! ♥♥

  20. / Reply

    The second Birthday is our friend Marshall (NC Broad)

    .•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•. .•*¨`*•. ☆ .•*¨`*•.
    Wishing You the HAPPIEST Of Birthdays!!!
    ✿•*¨`*•. (¯`v´¯) (¯`v´¯) .•*¨`*•✿
    . . . ✿•*¨`*•.¸(¯`v´¯)¸.•´*¨`*•✿ . . .
    **……**… ….♥ •.¸.•´♥….**……**…

    Best wishes to you Marshall – hope Bailey and Huey got you a nice treat for your special day :-) Have a great year ♥♥

  22. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.The haystack would definitely collapse on me!!Monday again!The ratties were starving last night until the bowl of peas came along!Marty was playing with his band again!I think Sarah could make ANY ratty look cute!!I m glad you enjoyed seeing BC isn’t little Cav growing so fast and both so well-behaved!That piece about Vinny had me in tears as well,she was such a sick kitty but thank God found so much love before she slipped away.Jman is all ready with his kissing booth for Feb 14th!!
    Sad to learn about Faith and the family’s money troubles they have a big fur-fam and hope to be able to feed them!No signs of Fubu over the weekend hope all is well.
    Sad story on Joey about someone finding a dog who had been shot.He is having surgery today and has been named Trooper.They are appealing to find the owner hoping he/she isn’t the abuser!Loki is having a check up today is very stressing for him can’t be good for his heart but he did enjoy his weekend and is good at taking his meds!Gosh it’s 79F with Zoe only 41F with us today but still dry and sunny.Remember to turtle-turtle!Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.

  23. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Oh no, the dreaded Monday! We will have to turtle-turtle! Glad there were peas for the ratties. Enjoyed seeing Marty playing from heaven. You’re right, Sarah is really good with the rats. I never would have believed I would be such a fan. Loved the BC and little Can video. So beautiful. Was heartbroken about Vinny. I’m thankful the end of his life was filled with love. Poor baby. Hope Jman’s kissing booth is very successful! Always troubling to hear of money troubles. Hoping things turn around for Faith and the family. We always worry when we don’t hear anything for Fubu and Kimberly, don’t we? Praying they’re okay. Yes, I read about that dog. There are monsters walking among us, Sheena. Such a beautiful little dog. Praying he recovers and gets a good family if it turns out the owner is the abuser. Fingers crossed Loki’s has a good report from the doc. Zoe’s weather is similar to mine. They’re saying we could get to 88 on Thursday. Have a good day even if it is Monday, and a good week. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

  25. / Reply

    My Wonderful Z Family:

    Great news. The doctor called and told my sister the masses are nothing to be concerned about. Will have follow up MRI in six months to make sure nothing changes. Thank you all for your sweet concern and prayers. Love and Hugs, JB

  26. / Reply

    Wonderful news, Judy! Your whole family can take a deep breath of relief.

    Ziconic is simply beautiful — his eyes look as though he holds special knowledge of the universe — they are so luminous and soft, yet strong.

    There is also a new photo of Cozmic One in the forum thread about him — it was taken just the other day by a Z’ster when he was coming off the track from training. This boy is majestic – so filled out and powerful, and looking so like his mother. He, too, is very special.

    Finally — we’ve just received another FOOT of snow here, and they are predicting almost another FOOT by midnight! The wind is howling, snow is everywhere…simply enormous piles.Where are they going to put another 2 feet of it? I’m happy that my office has closed and I am safe and warm inside.

    I like cold weather, but I must admit that I’m now dreaming of blue sky, warm sun…

    Hugs and warmest wishes to all,
    Annie B in MA

    • / Reply

      Glad to know that you’re safe Annie B. We’re running out of places to put the stuff here too, and we haven’t had nearly as much as you are describing. It must be like trying to navigate through canyons! Stay warm!

    • / Reply

      Anne,
      Thank you for telling us of the photos of Coz on the Forum side. He is a big strong muscular guy who looks so much like his mom.

  28. / Reply

    Racing was spectacular this weekend! We saw some fantastic gritty horse races. Shared Belief is a really nice horse. CC in my own opinion would only excel on the turf as Animal Kingdom did. The turf race I saw CC race in was very convincing to me that he liked it. And could be his calling. I still believe he is all that. As for the jockey, that is up to the trainer. They see everything day in and day out. But don’t be fooled, Mike Smith rode a masterful ride like a great chess game! That’s why he is one of the greatest. We can only hope and wait to see him ride our Queen’s princes.

  29. / Reply

    Anne Bonner,
    Where is the recent photo of Cozmic One? I would love to see it. I don’t do twetter or facebook, so hopefully it is not on one of those! Thanks!

  30. / Reply

    Lynn Martin,
    If you go to the menu at top of this page and click on Forum, then scroll down through the list of topic threads until you come to “Cozmic One The Racehorse”. There are about 68 pages there – click on the last page to get to the end, then work your way back one or two pages and you’ll find 2 photos that Casey posted this weekend. He is gorgeous! Enjoy.

    Annie B.

    • / Reply

      Yes, great shots by Casey. Thanks for the “heads up.” I find the Forum just overwhelming so it was nice to be directed to a specific post :-)

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