Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #27

Coz at Santa Anita, February 19. Photo by Mike Sekulic.
Coz at Santa Anita, February 19. Photo by Mike Sekulic.

Q:

What is the single thing you look for in a young horse that tells you he or she is ready for more serious work?

Sarah McCarthy

Nevada City, CA

A:If a horse has had a hard workout and ‘cools out’ quickly—his respiration returns to normal, he is not overheated or stressed, and he is drinking a normal amount of water—this is a great indication that the horse is ready to do more.

Expert: John Shirreffs

Q:

In the photos of Cozmic One in training, what is the white device he is wearing in addition to his bridle?

Paula Adams

Indiana, PA

A: He is wearing a Shur Win bit holder. The purpose of this is to hold the bit higher in the horse’s mouth. It is a great alternative to a tongue tie and allows the horse more freedom with his tongue. Coz is very comfortable with this.

Expert: John Shirreffs

Q:

Dear Dottie and John, with the two of you always so terribly busy, did you have time to do something special for Valentine’s Day?

Diana Stuart

Tempe, AZ

A: Thank you for asking. We had a very special dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Sophie also enjoyed her day. She loved it when we came home carrying a ‘doggie bag.’ All TOO CUTE!

Expert: Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs

Our Experts

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John Shirreffs

Trainer

John Shirreffs has been around horses all of his life and has always felt it was important to help a horse become significant, to make history. Zenyatta’s Breeders Cup wins helped his dreams come true. Read John’s complete bio.

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Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs

Racing Manager

As the Moss’ Racing Manager for the last 29 years, Dottie has actively been a part of each Moss horse’s life. It’s a family affair, as her husband John trains many of the horses that she manages. Read Dottie’s complete bio.

Reader Interactions

194 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Thank you Team Z and Mike Sekulic for this wonderful photo of the handsome Coz. :)
    And a big thank you to John and Dottie for your answers. Sending all good thoughts and prayers your way and to the entire Team Z!

    God bless you all in the Zenyatta Nation!

    Peace,
    Kathy from SoCal :)

  2. / Reply

    ♥ Thank you, Dottie and John! I hope that you will come visit the blog much more often. Our hearts are with Zenyatta and all of her family always! ♥

  4. / Reply

    Thank you John, Dottie and the rest of Team Z. We love hearing more in depth information about Coz and training thoroughbreds in general.

  5. / Reply

    I sure hope Coz has the good fortune to have Mike Smith as his jockey. I know that Mike would love to be considered!!

  7. / Reply

    John and Dottie,
    Love these updates with Q&A as most of us no so little about the actual training that goes into the making of these special athletes. CoZ looks so magnificent in the track pictures we’ve seen and looks like he’s grown even taller and is really filling out. Thanks for all you do for him.

  8. / Reply

    Hello, John Sheriffs!
    This might be a tad funny to ask: but what is your “trainer’s eye” view of horses? For we aspiring horse trainers here.

  9. / Reply

    ♥ Aww how sweet that Z Dumpling, Diana, asked about your Valentine’s Day :-)

    Dottie, speaking of Sophie, it was great seeing you on Saturday and getting to show you the cute tote I have with CoZ, John and you with Sophie…. of course, I cannot forget the cute picture on the wall in front of CoZ to motivate him LOL Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.

    HugZ to Zenny, CoZ, and Ziconic XO

    • / Reply

      p.s. I spoke to Mike (photographer) my friend on Saturday and complimented him on his awesome photos. I told him I was happy HIS photos were being shared.

  10. / Reply

    Thank you for these pictures of this stunning boy. When do you think he will be ready to run his first race ?

  11. / Reply

    Dear John and Dottie:
    Thank you for taking time from your busy schedules to answer our questions. We appreciate it and it is always so good to hear from both of you.

    Fantastic picture of Coz. I hope you had some time to help him celebrate his birthday.

    Also congratulations John on your win with Pulling G’s.

    All the best.

    Linda

  12. / Reply

    Wow, Team CoZ! Is that really him in that picture? He looks seriously mature and professional! (Where’d that cute little foal go?)
    Can Shur Win bit holders be used in a race? I hate tongue ties!
    Dottie and John, I’m glad you were able to enjoy a Valentine’s evening. Well deserved. (Side note to Sophie: You lucky dog – – – er, furry person!)

    • / Reply

      I’m fairly certain they can be used in racing as I see them often enough. I hate tongue ties, too, though tainers say they’re effective if used correctly. However, I see too many horses (my filly included) who come back with bloodied tongues and that’s got to hurt!

  13. / Reply

    WOW so nice to see him all grown up stunning coat,,, I am surprise no one mentioned CoZ Birthday hes 3 years old March 8th,,, Any birthday celebration ? Love seeing all the photo thanks Team Z.

  15. / Reply

    Dear Dottie, John and Team Z:

    Thank you for making all of this info available to us. As fans, it’s great to be able to understand what goes into the training of horses and especially into the lives of Z’s boys. Thank you. Love and Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    My computer problems are finally resolved (I hope). Have missed all of you and not being able to communicate. Love and Hugs, JB

  17. / Reply

    Dear Team Z and Dottie & John,
    Thank you so much for all the great photos.
    Please….when Coz is going to start running?

  18. / Reply

    Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Thank you Dottie for answering my question sat about cool samurai’s special fancy ‘do. He is so gorgeous. It really was a special day last Saturday. Love these photos of Cozmic One.

  19. / Reply

    Thank you John & Dottie for the explanations.
    I learn so much for the Zenyatta Blog & Forum.
    Once again, thanks also to Team Z who keeps everything going.
    I appreciate it all

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Happy to be able to post on Z’s Blog again and say goodnight to you too.Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT. Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties.

  24. / Reply

    Thank you Dottie! Hope you, John and Princess Sophie had a great Valentine’s Day! Looking forward to seeing Coz run when he is ready.

  25. / Reply

    Some great racing Saturday dear Zenyatta. Wish I had stayed overnight and come on Sunday morning to see your boy on the track. It was a picture perfect day at Santa Anita.

  26. / Reply

    Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedules to answer these questions, John and Dottie! You’re both so loved here on the blog. I think I can safely speak for all the Dumplings in saying that we’re thrilled to hear from you. It’s good to know that Coz is in such good hands. He’s so beautiful. Just like his mom!

  27. / Reply

    Coz looks so much like his Mom unbelievable
    can’t wait to see run will be right there yelling
    my head off
    much love to TEAM “Z”

  28. / Reply

    Some great questions again. I was especially happy to read the explanation for the Shur Win bit holder. I’m glad it’s comfortable because it looks pretty daunting from the outside. Thank you John and Dottie for taking your time to answer our questions. Wishing you continued success in your upcoming races.

  29. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:

    Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Happy Birthday COZ (a day late). Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

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