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

  2. / Reply

    Paula’s question was the same one I had. John thank you so much for answering
    this question. I know you and Dottie are very busy and we all appreciate your time.

    • / Reply

      Mike didn’t get the original start on Zenyatta either so maybe in time it will work out. Just saying.

      • / Reply

        And CoZ isn’t Zenyatta.

        Just because a jockey/horse combination was magic doesn’t mean that magic carries over to the next generation.

        Edgar Prado is an excellent jockey and he and Barbaro were a dynamite team. By contrast Nicanor wouldn’t run a lick for Edgar.

        Horses are individuals. We know if asked Mike Smith would be there for CoZ in a heartbeat but John saw something in CoZ that made him feel Victor was the better fit. Let’s see what Victor and CoZ can do.

  5. / Reply

    March 10 Cherokee Devotional

    He had a face that some would say only a mother could love. Long scruffy hair and great ears that old Indians seem to grow later in life. His mouth ran from ear to ear and his nose was sufficient.
    What a homely face-and why was it so sad? It makes a person wonder what thing happened to bring the tears that seem imminent. He sat quietly as though waiting for time to pass and for things to get better.
    But three small ones came running and shouting, “Grandfather!” Their bony knees and elbows took him over totally and there was nothing left but joy. Shoulders straightened, eyes twinkled, lips revealed strong white teeth, and happiness took away the years. And so it is with love-the miracle of love.

    Kinship with all creatures of the earth, sky and water was a real and active principle.
    Luther Standing Bear
    Lakota
    1898

  6. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Love conquers all!We are all Cheltmental over here!It’s a beautiful day there(sadly not going to last)rain forecast tomorrow.The short guy and Mullins won the 1st with the classy Douvan and are favourites to win the Arkle with Un de Sceaux.It was wonderful to see Kauto,Denman, Masterminded and Big Buck’s overlooking the course on Cleeve Hill.So many wonderful memories.
    Mango is in the voting for Hero dog I have voted.So sad for Little Cakees and her mother both have cancer and her mum is so worried about the operation.It’s Dolly’s birthday today. I wonder what Pierre will send her!She is going to have lots of treats from mummy!Gosh,Un de Sceaux has won for Ruby he just shot up the hill!!!He had sweated a lot before the race a very nervy type!What a start for the Irish!Hope you will get to see some of the races in the US.Have a wonderful day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Enjoy all the fabulous races! Yes, I saw that Mango is in the contest. Have voted for her. Prayers for Little Cakees and her mother. Happy Birthday to Dolly! If nothing else I’m sure we will be able to see some of the races on YouTube. Have a great day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

  7. / Reply

    A new King is born!!!Faugheen the machine wins the Champion Hurdle!The Fly was a game 3rd!Led most of the way.The short one chose well.Mullins had the 1-2-3!!Hugs Sheena.Oh the poor bookies!!!!

    • / Reply

      King? Maybe not. After the race, Mullins said that Faugheen has a long way to go to be as good as The Fly. There’s a lot of bites left in The Fly. Next time.
      Annie Power, loved your braids. Hope that you are okay after the tumble.

      • / Reply

        Agree, Max. I’m over the moon over the Fly. He’s just too awesome. He really has nothing else to prove does he. 22 Grade 1s. I’m thinking it will be another century before this record is broken. This is probably far-fetched, but I wondered if he knew that Ruby Walsh was riding a competitor and if he wondered why? I know horses don’t reason like humans, but they sense things, and he surely knew his regular rider wasn’t on his back, but on the back of another horse.

        Big day tomorrow. My other love, Sprinter Sacre, I’m hoping he has returned to his form prior to his illness. He, too, is a super horse, in a different division from the Fly.

        • Dear Ann Maree, Sheena, Max and Z Fans:

          Godspeed SS. Safe and sound. Love and Hugs, JB

        • The Fly might indeed have wondered, but Paul Townend is his regular exercise rider. He’s very good as a jockey, an up and coming talent. The reason for yesterday’s result may have been the ground. The Fly does best on heavy going Irish turf. Paul said that he never gave in even at the end. He’s amazing and relentless and still the number 1 hurdler in my opinion.

    • / Reply

      Thank you Auntie Judy,

      This is such a lovely article about our great Queen Zenyatta. It still hurts though to be reminded of that one loss. It is well though. Some humble pie for us her fans and Z Nation family. Hope everyone’s having a great day and Blessed rest of the week. I can’t seem to stay awake long enough to do anything. Heeeelp!. Blessings to the Queen and the Princes, hope Ziconic is not goofying off and paying attention. Prince Coz we know is taking training very seriously. LOL to all. It is alway well at Z Nation.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Judy! Loved this article — That’s our beautiful Queen!
      Take care and enjoy the remainder of the week.
      Hugs and Love

  11. / Reply

    That just can’t be the llttle foal we saw running around the paddock, snorting, and cavorting with Mom. How time flies. Thank you so much for these blog posts.

    • / Reply

      Dear Barb W:

      I look at the photo of COZ above and think the same as you. What an absolutely gorgeous horse he has become. I often go back to view the photos of him as a small foal and I am once again so thankful to Team Z for giving us access to him, his brother and his beautiful Mom. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      Thanks for this info. Will check it out. Congrats to Barbie on her win. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Wow, that is wonderful. Have always loved her and so proud of her.
      Thanks for sharing the news, shirlee.
      Congrats to them! What a neat girl!

  13. / Reply

    Dear Max.A fantastic day for Mullins at the festival and the short guy until Annie’s tumble.She was travelling so well,I felt so sad for her.Thankfully she is fine.The ground didn’t suit the Fly he loves the heavy Irish going and will live to fight another day.I was so proud of his run though but yes, Faugheen will have to win a lot more to be mentioned in the same breath as the Fly or Istabraq.
    It was wonderful to see Kauto and Denman parading.Alastair is doing a feature on the “kings”of Ditcheat each day.Now for SS and SDG tomorrow!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Mullins is pure genius as a trainer. He knows exactly how to win. He knows each horse personally because he does the work and takes the time to get to know each of them. Up at 3 am and works all day with them. He laughs off butt bites from The Fly. He said today that The Fly is “an incredible horse”. He’s still untouchable in Ireland. This is like the time that some thought that Danny was done because he lost one race to Silver Max. Yeah, right. Kick butt, Danny. Bite em, Fly.

      • / Reply

        Watch your back side, Willie!
        There is a YouTube interview with Rich Ricci where The Fly makes a cameo appearance, as does Champagne Fever. Both trying to Bite! Great viewing!

        • Not just backs. Champagne Fever had to be scratched from Cheltenham. One of his stablemates, Un Atout, bit him on the face. Those guys are wild things!

        • Dear Ann and Max:

          Wow; Ouch! Maybe they should have the Beast referee. Love and Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. Dam sire of Un Atout is a horse named Bad Conduct. Ha! Mullins said that Champagne is okay other than having a sore tongue. He decided however that it would be better to scratch Champagne rather than risk further injury.

        • Dear Max:

          Aptly named. Mr. Mullins did what was best for Champagne and so glad he will be fine. Mr. M is an excellent trainer and takes great care of his horses.
          Love and Hugs, JB

  14. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Goodnight. Thanks for Nissy and Sparkle. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties

  15. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:

    Goodnight. Stay comfy and cozy. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

  17. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Yes,Annie Power was fine after her fall.No doubt must be feeling a bit sore it was a awkward tumble,they say the sun was in her eyes approaching the hurdle.Despite that, a fantastic 1st day.I hope Nissy’s meds will help his thyroid problem.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Hercules Cap Frank and all the Sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Thanks for letting me know Annie P is OK. Hoping Nissy will do well on his meds. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Her, Frank and all the Sweeties

  18. / Reply

    Thank you, John & Dottie for answering our questions and also for taking such good care of Coz by taking your time with him just like you did with his mom..
    It’s a shame that the Triple Crown is held so early in these horses’ lives and that so many of them are hurt from the training needed to prepare these races when their bodies are not ready for the stress.
    Mike S – I really like this picture of Coz; it’s one of my favorites.
    Thank you Auntie Judy for the link to the article about Zenyatta.
    Welcome back Judy B. I missed you. Has your snow started to melt like ours? We’re having high temps in the 40’s all this week until the weekend.
    Carol, I hope your rehab is going well & that you’ll be able to go home soon.
    I know that we won’t know for awhile, but I hope that you’re in foal, Zenny!
    Coz & Ziconic – stay safe, sound & healthy in your training!
    Thanks to everyone who posts & shares on this blog; it’s a bright spot to go to every day!

      • / Reply

        PS: Yes, Donna, the snow has melted some the last two days; temps been in the 40s. Hope we’ve seen the last of it for this year. Love and Hugs, JB

  19. / Reply

    I just learned this. Not sure all know it. I just learned that Za Approval has been moved to the barn of Mark Casse. I was watching him last weekend. I was telling Judy that this boy puts a smile on my face. He is a beautiful Gray. Seems like when he comes to the track he acts like he is so happy to be there. Like he is saying “Here I Am”.The guys at TVG were talking about his getting beat by Wise Dan. Dan seems to mostly win, but this boy try’s so hard. I think he’s owned by Charlotte Webber. I hope his being a gelding we’ll get to see him for a few more year. My dear boy, Wonder if you’ll face Dan again. Oh My.

    • / Reply

      Mark Casse trains the chestnut Kaigun. Za is a very nice horse. Looks like he will go to California. Casse also trains out of Woodbine. Has trained Lane’s End horses. He won the Stephen Foster for them with Pool Play. They also owned Tasty. It’s certainly no disgrace to come in after The Danny in any race. Danny just prefers to win.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        He is, after all, the Most Interesting Horse In The World! Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Za is one of my favorites as well! Got to know him during the first edition of the BC handicapping contest and got to see him run (but not up close) at the 2013 BC when Dan moved past him for the win. I also wondered why the trainer change from C. Clement. He looked good in the Kilroe Mile – just missed being in the money :-(. I knew you were excited about Ring Weekend so I didn’t want to say anything about being disappointed about Za.

  21. / Reply

    Dear Dottie & John.

    Thank you so much for the post. Dottie it is so so wonderful hearing from you, Have missed you so much. I told David one time when I saw him in Ocala at the sale that I was so hoping you’ld pop in again and post some more. Thank you so much for all you do.
    Love you all.

    Love you Coz and Happy Birthday. Remember My Card. Always.remember what I told you.

  22. / Reply

    Dear Dottie & John.

    Thank you so much for the post. Dottie it is so so wonderful hearing from you, Have missed you so much. I told David one time when I saw him in Ocala at the sale that I was so hoping you’ld pop in again and post some more. Thank you so much for all you do.
    Love you all.

    Love you Coz and Happy Birthday. Remember My Card and what I told you.

  25. / Reply

    March 11 Cherokee Devotional

    Our perspective sets on us some days like a jaunty hat-a little askew and not right on target. Such hats make our world out of step-everyone else is off on the wrong foot.
    These are the times we should pull in our feathers and be very small and unimportant. Wrong may arise from the other side-but why get mixed up in it? This is our little space for which we are responsible and what we see, what we think, and what we say will show what kind of job we are doing.

    Why don’t you talk, and go straight, and let all be well?
    Motabato
    Southern Cheyenne
    1866

  26. / Reply

    Thank you for the answers to our questions. Coz sure looks great. Love all the updates we can get. Stay well and happy.

  27. / Reply

    thanks, Dottie and John for taking time to share. The questions were good, I learned from the answers. Thank you again.

  28. / Reply

    When will the Zenyatta be bred this year? What is Ziconics current weight and height?Can you up date us on Cozmic one and does he like going into the gate.

  29. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Dull and grey at the races today.The Irish are doing so well.A son of Galileo trained by Dermot Weld won the 1st could be a dual-purpose horse!It was great to see Annie Power in tip-top condition this morning!There is a lot on FB about the Crufts poisoning.I wonder what will be the outcome.Poor little Cakees isn’t too well after her op.Prayers are needed.I heard a man from Alabama got a 99yr prison sentence foe abusing collies.Gosh you certainly know how to sentence in the US.Would have had a slap on the wrist over here.Miss Kitty’s fund has closed now and she will get tests soon mum isn’t too well after the nasty fall she had the other day.Mango had more onesies yesterday again!Some trouble with her T-shirt order they were too small!Mullins has had yet another winner in the RSA Don Poli jwon for the Gigginstown stud.Bryan Cooper who had such a horrific injury last year was riding!Talk he is a gold cup horse!I found another cute cat called Eva it was her 4th birthday yesterday.Dolly got flowers from her Pierre!Have a great day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nillo and Sugar.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Thanks for all the news. I’m on my way out to the grocery store before I head off to work. Have a fabulous Hump Day and continue enjoying the races. Safe trip for all the horses and jockeys. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

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