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
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.
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.
sheena.davies(wales)
A new Champion chaser.The Frankie Dettori bred Dodging Bullets wins ridden by Sam.It was sooo sad to see the once invincible Sprinter pulled up.He will most probably retire now.SDG may need further now.Such a great run by the veteran Somersby only beaten a length!Congrats to the winner!Sheena.
Nicki Boyd-Clouston
Coz’s timed works are getting faster & closer. He must be getting ready to rumble soon.
maureen phi-llips
Amen, I’ll probably be in the ER getting a drip from anxiety!, God will help him, it is well. We will be of good courage. LoL to all.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Maureen:
I know just how you feel. I’m excited he’s getting ready for his first race, but I’m anxious for him, as are all of his Aunties. Godspeed First Prince. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
So good to see a current photo of Coz. He looks like a real race horse. Just a bundle of strength and muscle. As all of you, I am patiently awaiting his first start. John will take good care of him and not push him into anything he is not ready for.
Coz isn’t as flashy as The Red Prince, but looks to have a foundation to run forever! Who knows what Ziconic will be?
maureen phi-llips
Thanks for the comment on our very first Prince Cozmic One, I have faith in him. As for Red Prince, he too will be as fast as he is flashy. It is well at ZNation. The Prince’s will both be fine. LOL to all.
Stella Bagwell in South Texas
Coz looks to be all lean, mean muscle! Now if he has the heart of his mother, he’ll be a great race horse!
What a great picture! And really enjoyed the Q&A. Thank you John and Dottie!
Stel
maureen phi-llips
I’ll bet my last dollar that he has the heart of a champion just like his mama, he is a mama’s boy and will make her Proud, I have no doubt. It is always well at Z Nation. LOL to all.
Ann NC
Great questions and answers. Thank you, Dottie and John.
What a beautiful photo of you, Coz. Looking good!
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Ann:
Good to see a post from you. Thinking of you and hope all is well. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
carol,
Just looked at the entries for Saturday at Oaklawn. Sorry you can’t be there. First of all, ROC is in the Razorback and needs you there to cheer him on against Tapiture. And American Pharoah is going in the Rebel! What a lineup for these two races!
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Some great prep races coming up and good to see ROC back too. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Hopefully Comcast here in Indy will show some of these races. Would love to see how American Pharoah looks. Right now with Texas Red ailing he and Carpe Diem are on my list.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Here’s an update article on Texas Red. So glad he’s recovering well from the foot abscess and he may start in the Santa Anita Derby. Have to say I was worried when I heard “foot abscess” was his problem. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/90551/texas-red-returns-to-santa-anita
Here’s an article on American Pharoah from 3/6/15. He’s set to go on Saturday in the Rebel at Oaklawn.
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/thoroughbred-racing/american-pharoah-turns-in-dazzling-friday-work-at-santa-anita/
shirleeinindy
Forgot to mention that the great Untapable is going to be there in the Arazi. Wow, do you all have some great races this time of year!
carol in arkansas
Oaklawn is the place to be on Saturday. …and the hubby has said he is going….it would be justifiable homicide…lol….my facility is about a mile away….
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Carol:
Wonderful to see a post from you. Wishing you a complete recovery. Takes time and great patience. Soon you will be track side again. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
carol. Beast may go back to NY in April or stay at Oaklawn for the Count Fleet. Not yet decided. Get well soon.
shirleeinindy
carol,
Just do your PT and get home as soon as you can and, of course, back to the track.
Ask hubby to cheer some for ROC!
When is the Arkansas Derby? Think there is a chance that Texas Red might be there.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Very sad to see SS pulled up in the Champion chase today.No decision on his future yet.His heart was fine but…..The end of a magnificent career.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank and all the sweeties.Despite the up and downs Cheltenham was the place to be this week!Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
So sad for SS. I hope whatever is wrong can be healed and that he can lead a happy, healthy life. Power Up beautiful boy. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:
Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena, Max and Z Fans:
Don’t know if you’ve seen this article from TDN on trainer Mullins. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/shared_content.cfm?id=2241&utm_source=3%2F11+Wed+DAILY+NEWS+-+1%2FBetAmerica+RTOTD%2FTDN+2%2FSpendthrift+3%2FOpen&utm_campaign=3%2F11+Horse+Races+Now+News&utm_medium=email
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Wonderful article.Tuesday was a great day for Mullins and the short guy.Thanks so much.Love and hugs Sheena.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Happy for him. He does what’s best for his horses. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Just found this article on Secretariat’s jockey, Ron Turcotte. He fractured both legs in an auto accident on March 9th and asked doctors to use one white cast and one blue cast on them in honor of Secretariat’s racing colors. Quite a guy. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/90619/hof-jockey-turcotte-injured-in-accident
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Thanks for the post. Things have not been good for Ron after his journey with Big Red.
Hope he recovers soon. Guess Secretariat was the high point of his life!
Personally, I will never forget the thrill of being able to see him (Secretariat I mean) and touch him at Claiborne. He was such a star and he knew it every moment.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
I think you are right, Big Red meant a great deal to RT. Wow, what a wonderful memory for you to have seen and touched Big Red. That’s great. Love and Hugs, JB
Elizabeth in NM
Judy, What an exciting day at Cheltenham! I don’t remember reading about that many winners by 1 trainer in 1 day, although it probably has happened many times. So glad Annie Power seemed to be OK after her tumble. Thank you for sharing this very interesting article. God’s many blessings for you and the Z family for a very good Thursday. with love, Elizabeth
Max
The Mullins wins on day 1 are a record. It has never been done before and might not ever happen again, unless Mullins does it himself in the future. The talent in his stable is really incredible. And they all seem to bite.
Elizabeth in NM
Thanks, Max, for this information. It did seem quite remarkable to me, but I’m fairly easily amazed at most things in life. It’s wonderful that Mr. Mullins has such a gift – it’s a great story. Many blessings to you, Max
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Elizabeth:
Yes, great racing at Cheltenham; especially for Mr. Mullins. I’m glad too AP is OK.
Mr. Turcotte is quite a courageous man, I think. God Bless you too. Love and Hugs, JB
Elizabeth in NM
Judy, Thanks for reposting this note about Ronnie Turcotte. I missed the first post about his accident. He’s very courageous and patient. Seems like such a kind man – have always only heard good things about him. Definitely keep him in prayer. w love, Elizabeth PS am going thru posts too quickly the past few weeks. Am coming to the end of a project, but still racing to finish it within the next few weeks.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Elizabeth:
Yes, RT, seems like a genuinely nice person. All the best to him.
Wish we could see some of your photos. Bet they’re beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
March 12 Cherokee Devotional
Lichen and sedum are greening along the edge of the woods-a clear sign of spring warming. Wild onions and purple violets edge the fallen logs and moist undergrowth.
Attitudes and health improve generously when there is such newness. The grays have faded, the bluejay and cardinal give us color in the evergreen. Birdsong fills all the space in the woods and we know the Spirit is blessing us as well. It is spring whose name is beauty.
When I was ten years of age I looked at the land and the rivers, the sky above, and the animals around me and could not fail to realize that they were made by some great power.
Tatanka-Ohitika
Sioux
1911
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.If there is one thing that makes me realise there is something far greater than us it is the natural world!It’s my cathedral.
My grocery day today and I overslept!!!I like to get out early and especially this week to get back home to see the races also it was wet!It’s dry in Cheltenham they use the new course on the thursday and friday.Wow the short guy and Mullins won the JLT novices chase with Vautour an absolutely brilliant round of jumping!Such joy!
Poor Miss Kitty is getting thinner so her mum is going to ask the vet to see her,she’s still waiting the money.I am so worried about her.Little Cakees is home and is a little better.Finn and Penster are having a good time and tape is so important for your bizness.Something happening with FB today think it’s to do with “likes”.Abby got some ballgowns and they make her look slim!!!The new outdoor kitchen arrives on sunday.
Have a wonderful Friday eve.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.
Max
Just watched video of Vautour’s race at Cheltenham. He can jump. His form is superb. Mullins described Vautour as jumping like a gazelle. For sure.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
You are having a busy day…shopping AND the races. Enjoy! It’s always so worrisome when our furbabies get sick. Hope they can help Miss Kitty back to good health. Little Cakees was having a lot of trouble but now is doing better, thank God. She is SO TINY, bless her. The rats are doing well with their studies. Yes, FB is going to be figuring “likes” differently. We’ll all have to stay tuned…Exciting times for Mango and the family. Happy Friday Eve to you. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.
sheena.davies(wales)
AP gets his 1st festival winner for 2015!!!Uxidandre put in a front running display to win the Ryanair.Such an emotional moment.A great welcome back to the winner’s enclosure.Cole Harden won the World Hurdle.No decision on SS’S future yet.He seems fine this morning according to Nicky,the scope was clear and his heart is fine so….Sheena.
Max
Think positive for SS. Might just be a setback.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max, Sheena and Z Fans:
Hope that’s the case and SS will be fine. Love and Hugs, JB
Barbara Wood
@carol in Arkansas–great to hear from you! Hugs.
HeidiK, Vallejo,Ca
Get well, my friend, Carol!
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.I am happy you got to see Vautour winning today.It’ s not often the short guy is speechless and I am usually very animated watching a race but even I went quiet.It was so beautiful to watch.Gold cup next year!!!I did like the interview with Rich Ricci where he said the best thing on Tuesday was seeing Annie get up.He had been petrified.As for SS I think it would take a miracle to get him back on a racecourse.I know they do happen remember Kauto in 2011 but of course he hadn’t been off sick.It is such a shame given SS is only 9.But that’s racing and one has to accept the bad times and enjoy the good!Sheena.
Max
What did you think of Un Atout taking out Champagne Fever with that bite? They are stablemates and seem to be unfriendly rivals. Last time they raced against each other, CF won. Un Atout did not do so well at Cheltenham after that biting session. Think that he came in 24/25. Paul Nicholls horse won.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.A great win for Mullins and the short guy today!Fantastic festival for them.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank and all the Sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Congrats to Mr. Mullins; he’s having a terrific meet. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:
Goodnight. Stay comfy and cozy. Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Donna H
Nice video of Coz working in company on hrtv.com. Looks like a winner to me!!! Also, on that site search for “shared belief schools”. Looks like he loves his work. I’ve watched and laughed several times.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Donna H and Z Fans:
Thanks for the heads up. Couldn’t find the video of COZ that you referenced, but did find the one of Shared Belief. There was an older video of COZ’s work from January.
http://www.hrtv.com/videos/shared-belief-schools-for-big-cap/?VideoCategoryId=0
My gosh is SB full himself; taking all the strength of both his handlers to hold him. Sooo beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB
maureen ph[llips
Dear Judy Berube of Rhodes Island,
You are Blessed, thank you for sharing in my anxiety over first Prince as his debut race comes ever so close, but, in God we trust and he will help him excel.
I also want to thank you for your picture post of my first love, the Great Sunday Silence and his golden son Stay golden, he definitely stayed golden . Am not even sure I have his name right and think it goes something like Stay Gold but if you ask me, Stay Golden is cuter. How father and son look so much alike, too cute.
I loved Sunday Silence so much and happy that his son SG, made him proud.
Thank you too for the vid on Shared Belief, he’s so handsome and feisty, I can see why he will be a good race horse with all that energy. My goodness. Hope you had a good nights rest. It is always well at Z Nation. LOL.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Maureen:
You are so welcome. Yes, waiting anxiously for COZ’s first race. God Bless. JB
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Sure can see why they gelded him. If he is like that now can’t imagine what a bad actor he was before. He is a beautiful animal and I hope he has a long and happy career.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Me too and, yes, I was thinking the same thing. He’s just gorgeous. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. A pleasure to watch him so full of life. He’s handsome also. Small but mighty. Very nice coat too.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
He’s stunning looking and I think he knows it. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Hovis is feeling like a giant hairy pin cushion!He hopes to go out hacking soon but he has SEEN the yellow perils!!He got a lovely box of treats(including)shampoo!!!!Safe trips for all horses and jockeys especially in today’s Gold Cup.Sheena.
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-i
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Thank you for our Hovis. If it’s not Herman the German it’s Mother. If it’s not either of them it’s the yellow perils or crazy girlfriend Dolly. Hovis lives a tough life!!! Like the nice action shot of him with his foot raised. Fingers crossed things get better for you, Hovis! Happy weekend everyone. TGIF!
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Poor baby. Hovis is going through a lot lately. Hope he feels better soon. Love the photo. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
March 13 Cherokee Devotional
We go to meet life with our measuring cups-so much for health, so much for wealth, so much for contentment. But sometimes we do not realize we have our hand over the opening and nothing can get in.
The u wo yi is the hand that is controlled by the mind-the mind that asks what we deserve, and how much is possible. Hasn’t this clan always been in need and not well? How can we expect to be any different? Because we can think and speak and pray. And best of all we can break the chains that have held generations in poverty and poor health. It can be done, and it should be done.
Everything as it moves, now and then, here and there, makes stops.
Dakota Wiseman
1800s
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.A grey day at Cheltenham and yet another Mullins winner with Paul Townend on board this time.Nicky did have the 1-2-3 in the JCB though!Hovis was lucky to get all those treats.Hope everything works out well for him!
Poor Zoe is sad today lost friends on FB Muffin went so suddenly and only 4yrs.I loved the poem she posted.Our furbabies are with us such a short while.It’s mothering sunday here this weekend so I took some daffodils up and it would have been my sister’s 72nd birthday today.I wish I’d had the chance to know her.Did you see Fubu is back!!He’s been purrty good still weighs over 8lbs.Miss Kitty had some good results from her tests so far but she is dreadfully constipated so is on a high-fibre diet now and has to get her urine tested next week.She may have a lymphoma.Mango received a lot more gifts yet more ones and a blankie wittle Katy got her own blankie too.Did you see Marty’s video the new ratties arrive on Thursday yay!Have a wonderful Friday.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Enjoy the fabulous racing. Yes, fingers crossed that Hovis will be 100% soon. I felt so bad for Zoe and her Mommy. Diane is a very sensitive soul…Zoe, too! Daffodils! Lovely. You will get to know your sister on the other side. Hadn’t seen that Fubu is back. Will check on him. Glad that Miss Kitty had good test results. Hope her problem gets resolved soon! Poor thing must be miserable! Hope it’s not lymphoma. Yes, I saw Marty’s video. Anxious to meet the new family. I wish you a wonderful Friday, too. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.
sheena.davies(wales)
Wow what a race!!!Novice Coneygree wins the Cheltenham Gold cup!!!Lovely to see a small stable get it and not a high profile jockey Nico de Boinville.Led all the way!Yes,I do remember the last novice to win in 1974!!Silvi was disappointing at Cheltenham again.Coming to the end of a marvellous festival.Sheena.
sheena.davies(wales)
As is normal Channel 4 are keen to play down the casualties of racing.I was particularly sad to hear Theatre Queen who was very reluctant to start fell and broke her back on Tuesday and Rolling Star died on Wednesday.Shame on you channel 4!!Sheena.RIP.
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Sheena,
Oh so sorry to hear that, RIP TQ and RS.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
RIP beautiful ones. Love and Hugs, JB
vicki
Stay strong and positive Carol. Love the photo of Coz. Another day of rain. Poor Mr. Commons. He and Ebby just don’t seem to want to finish a race first. Perhaps they think it is rude to pass too many horses.