Q:
For John Shirreffs: Other than Zenyatta, which horse have you enjoyed training the most, and why?
Patty Smith
Culver City, CA
A:John: I have trained so many wonderful horses during my career, so it would be very hard to name just one. I really enjoy training the horses who are out of the mares I have trained or who are from the same family. I love seeing how family traits are passed on to the foals and getting to know the individual qualities each one possesses.
I have trained so many horses out of the broodmare Set Them Free. Each one exhibited that “something extra”… personality, performance levels, and desire to do it!
A few of her foals:
• Giacomo gave us all the thrill of a lifetime. He won the Kentucky Derby.
• Styler, his half sister, is still special to me. She had so much TRY to her.
• Tiago always gave 110% every single day. I really enjoyed working with him.
• Stanwyck also TRIED, TRIED, TRIED and never gave up.
• Rutile won her maiden race so impressively. It was one of the most impressive maiden victories I have seen.
Dottie: One of my favorite Styler moments was when she was making her first start at Santa Anita. She was a filly who needed to go a distance of ground and she had a big, beautiful stride. That day, she was in Post #1 and when she went into the starting gate, she was quite intrigued by looking at the big matrix board to her left and seeing ‘herself’ on it. In the mornings it is not in use, so she had never seen it like this before. When the gates opened, she was still looking at the big board and the movement on it. After the field was well on its way, she finally broke from the gate. Going into the clubhouse turn, Styler was well behind the field. Suddenly, she began to close and get closer to the other horses. She continued to pick it up and finished a wonderful 3rd closing beautifully. I can still visualize this race and Styler looking at the matrix board when the gates opened. What can one say! She’s an adorable, inquisitive and lovely horse for sure! She saw something happening she’d never seen before and wanted to check it out. TOO CUTE!
John and Dottie: What a BROODMARE! In our mind, SET THEM FREE is truly a BLUE HEN!
Experts: John Shirreffs and Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs
Q:
For Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs: As the racing manager, what does your job entail beyond purchasing race horses for the owners? Do you make breeding suggestions to the Mosses for Zenyatta or stakes race suggestions to John about horses he is training?
Patty Smith
Culver City, CA
A: My position encompasses all of the areas you mentioned. Basically, all things involving all Moss horses fit into my job description.
Purchases at the sales, pedigree research, breeding selections for the mares, monitoring the horses at the farms, training centers, and race tracks are several of my responsibilities. Additionally, working with the Moss’s office staff, accountants, and attorneys on all horse matters is another extremely important aspect of this position. To assist with this, I review, approve, and code all horse invoices for their staff, review all accounting reports, and attend all necessary business meetings. The goal is to have everything flow smoothly for The Mosses and all of their horses!
I also work with the trainers on the condition book, selecting races and stakes opportunities for the horses. Thus, being a good handicapper and being aware of the ‘competition around the country’ is essential. Additionally, being in communication with the trainer on the strengths and status of each horse both physically and mentally is so important. You want a horse to run when he or she is PEAKING!
Thoroughbreds are amazing! I feel incredibly blessed that I have been able to work with so many talented and accomplished athletes and hope in some way I have left a ‘mark’ on their lives and careers!
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.
carol rose
Dottie has certainly left her mark on the many Zenyatta fans. Her willingness to share her knowledge allows us an inside view of the horse racing business and share in Zenyatta’s life after racing. Thank you!!
Brenda webber
Love both of you so much so nice and humble. I have had the pleasure of talking to you both one was at zenyatta s shower raining day every time I saw zenyatta I cried thanks for bringing her to us and John you are a great trainer.
Thank you both for all your hard work and kindness,
Brenda
Faithful Zenyatta Supporter
Like old times hearing from John and of course”Zenyatta’s Voice” Dottie. Please let us hear more from you both more often. You are so missed, more than you know. Most of us have known for years of course, your roles in Zenny’s life as well as The Mosses. Now others can appreciate your important influence. After all, this is Zenyatta’s website right? Some days, it’s hard to tell anymore when I visit. Seems only her loyal fans mention her or her sons.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
I would like to say first how I so very much appreciate this web site. I Thank The Mosses, Dottie, John all the great folks at Lane’s End with all my heart for this site and the information that they they give and the sharing of the horses. Most of the time I just look over it when I see something negative. This is “Zenyatta’s” site and I never forget that. I consider myself one of her biggest fans, her whole family, her owners and all her connections. I never forget the Zenyatta family in my prayers and every way in my life. I cameto see her at the Breeders Cup right after surgery in hind site I probably shouldn’t have gone at that time as I was pretty week and did get sick up there. But, there was no stopping me and I did have my Dr’s permission. I have seen all her son’s and would have wanted to see little Princess Z. What the poster needs to know is that its all about passion and Love and its always there even if we don’t say it on here every day. It’s always there. I have asked David about Zenyatta when I saw him at the sales and also told him how much we miss his mom Dottie. (Dottie we so miss you) To Poster above its something some of us live everyday. The love for Zenyatta and all her family and not only Zenyatta but all horses. I have customers where I work just come in to ask me about the horses. Tell me they saw the races etc etc. I had one business owner to come in right before the Big Race with American Pharoah he gave me a Thumps up and said the Belmont’s tomorrow. I gave him a Thumbs up back. (As I was waiting on another customer) I think that wonderful for horse racing and the love of the horse. Maybe we will get a lot to come back.
The info here is just so valuable. So many great posters that I appreciate so much. I had a customer that brought me a book Equus magazine that has Secretariat on the cover. It gives so much great info Laminitis prevention, melanoma risk, recumbency and survival. It says about Secretariat, Why he still maters. If you love the horse, you care about them all around there health issues and everything and not only the celebrity horses. But the horses who aren’t cared for well and need our love and support very much. I asked one of our former Directors as he is retired now and was a veterinarian. I asked him to tell me about Laminitis. He did. As I didn’t know to much about it at the time Barbaro was dying. Crying everyday. All of this is so important and we care. I am all about learning. It’s who I am. When I was in grammer school. I won with a project on horses in our county. Went to State with it. But, lost at state. I believe it was not enough detail for some topics. We Care about all horses.
I love so many horses too many to name but expecially Zenyatta, her family, Quiet American, AP Indy so so many and so many that have passed. Forever in my heart. I was just in heaven recently when the good folks at Darley told me how QAmerican spent his Birthday and farm mate Holy Bull. I have not been able to go to Ky in a number of years because of two sick family members. So very much appreciate the sharing of info.
Sorry this is long. But its just from the heart. Have just been in heaven so many times to get to see the greats. The day I got to see John Henry before he died is something I will never forget. and the visits with Indy QA. War Pass, but the most in heaven was to see Zenyatta and her family and hope so to see again one day. And I guess I’ll really tick someone off again when I say today I am looking so forward today to see a not so famous horse and hope he wins the Gold Cup, Catch A Flight.
It’s all about the love of the horse, the famous and not so famous. I saw a horse at the sale last week and she just didn’t look the healthiest. Well I wanted to take her and all of them home with me. I want to learn more about Colic too in horses. So maybe I will learn that too one day. When you love them you just want to know about all. ( Wise Dan missing You) yeah I had to put that in.
My state Georgia I hear is wanting to get Horse Racing I so hope they do. Hope they can one day get things through the Ga house. Remember when Mucho Macho Man was racing seeing all the signs around Downtown Atlanta about him. So wonderful
Love you Zenyatta Family and All.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
One more thing. I bet if Zenyatta could talk. She would share information about herself, family and her horse friends and their welfare.
shirleeinindy
Peggy,
Thank you for your post. You said it for all of us. I love Zenny and the boys and the loss of Z Princess broke my heart. But I have leaned about and become a fan of other horses through this blog-Night Prowler, Rivers Run Through It, Beastie and many others. It warms my heart to be able to rejoice with fellow Zennites when one of my favorites does well and grieve with them when something bad happens.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Shirlee, Marshall, Ann,
Thank you.
Max
Great post, Peggy. Always like to hear about your love of all of these horses. Zenyatta inspires love, the greatest of the virtues, which inevitably triumphs over all things, and endures forever. Zenyatta with her charisma and wisedom reminds us to move forward with a calm and positive attitude.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Max, love reading your’s and Sheena’s posts and especially about your’s and Sheena’s knowledge about the Euro horses
Barbara Wood
Peggy N.–thanks for sharing from your heart. When I was in South Georgia, in May, I should have looked you up!
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Barbara if your back again email me. We will have to go to lunch.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Beautiful, heartfelt post. Thank you sweet lady. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy, There are not enough words. Thank you for all your knowledge and great posts. Especially about Charlie, Hudson and all. Give Lola a hug from me.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
My Dear Peggy:
Will do. Love Ya. Hugs, JB and LM
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Peggy,
So well said!! You have covered everything that matters to me, too. This is Zenyatta’s blog, and as such, we bask in the warmth since Queen Z exudes love and sensitivity to all, great and small.
Thanks for this post, Peggy. Thank God for Zenyatta, Team Z and all the creatures who are precious to us and also, for the friends here on the blog.
Hugs and Love
Ann NC
Amen!
Marianne
The Styler moment was priceless! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Margaret
A couple days ago my sister saw my iPads homepage. She asked me who he horses were. That’s Zenyatta and Princess. I never want to forget our Princess who we lost so young. I know others have probably moved and usually I do too. This one just hit me harder. A lot of people said some REALLY NASTY stuff online and I felt I needed to defend the Moss’s Zenyatta and Lanes End.
I suppose I have a question for John. Not a deep burning question but it came to mind as I was reading the blog. What was Mr. Commons like? My dad worked for a Mr. Commons so Mr. C was a total fav of mine!
Tizgood
Dear Margaret,
I am not clear on why there were so many negative comments when Z princess passed,
paddock accidents happen, they are all to common and the details are very often not
revealed. For such a sweet soul to have had one so young was so very sad, I would assume she spooked at something and got tangled up. The negativity is so sad, beacause the Mosses mourned her death very sadly. So glad to hear you still think of
sweet Z Princess.
Love and Hugs
Barbara Wood
It hit me really hard too, Margaret. Still does to this day. Z hugs.
sheena.davies(wales)
Armed Forces Day in the UK.Thinking of our Troops in conflicts past and present,those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and so many with life-changing injuries.They are the best!And we are ever-grateful.Love Sheena.
sheena.davies(wales)
The 3 amigos!Sheena
http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject
Tizgood
They sure are triplets, anxious to hear the distinguishing markings from
the experts, have to go to the tail and wing feathers !!!
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena, Tizgood and Z Fans:
The Bobs are so beautiful. The patterns on their heads are just slightly different. Love and Hugs, JB
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
I am going to have to look closer at their little heads,
they are so cute moving around in the nest, there is hardly
any room for Glesni and Monty.
Hope you and Lola are having a good day.
Love and hugs
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Tizgood:
I think some of the rows of black feathers on their heads are thicker than others and they vary slightly in design and shading over the eyes, but they certainly look alike. So beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
June 27 Cherokee Devotional
Discouragement knows exactly where our weaknesses are. Like a jackal it sniffs out the scent that fear creates and sets about a plan of destruction. It is a tool of the enemy and should be squashed at its very beginning.
When the spirit is like a deflated balloon, discouragement moves in swiftly. Be watchful and leave no opening, no sign of weakness. Take no offers to be underhanded-the pay is fraudulent, and defeat follows. Rise up and speak the word that you will not tolerate discouragement. Invite power and hope and eagerness-and see trouble dissolve.
A man ought to desire that which is genuine instead of the which is artificial.
Shooter
Teton Sioux
Abigail_1849
Hi John & Dottie!
It’s always great to hear from you and this “Ask The Experts” was really interesting. I particularly enjoyed hearing about Set Them Free’s babies. What a great broodmare she’s been for the Mosses! I wasn’t surprised to hear, John, that it’s the “TRY” that wins your respect for Styler’s offspring because that’s what a great teacher/trainer would be looking for. I recently saw an interview with Aidan O’Brien where he picked the “TRY” as the most important quality his horses could have. He intimated that without it, you couldn’t really get a thoroughbred to do much of anything.
Styler’s fascination with the Board during the race you described. Dottie, was very neat. Who knew that horses can be so attuned to the more subtle differences in their environment. The fact she finished third despite being distracted was brilliant.
It was also very interesting to hear about your job as Racing Manager, Dottie. It feels like a 24-7 occupation and I find myself wondering how on earth you could give we Zen-sters the time you gave us in the early days here, when you were writing Zenny’s Diary.
It was a treat hearing your voices here! Thank you TEAM Z.
Love to all and peppermint kisses to my Big Girl and her boys. Love you forever, Z Princess.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Great devotional!A sad day for the UK with the terrorist attack in Tunisia.We have extra security today with armed forces day and a gay pride march.They say most of the victims were British I cannot understand why they choose such dangerous countries to visit.
The “bobs” are growing sooo fast now not much room for mum in the nest anymore.Mango was a lucky girl getting a squirrel tree as a gift.Such sad stories about dogs getting dumped because they are too old!Milo and Fibbs are enjoying their trip even want to bring the ants home.I loved Zoe’s Thursday therapy this week.That little dog should rule the world.Ryan is off to the Curragh for the Irish Derby.He is riding Highland Reel.We have been promised temps in the 90’s next week I don’t think(hope)
it will last long!!!!Have a fantastic weekend.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Yes, very saddened by the terrorist attacks. Very scary what some people are capable of and they walk among us. It’s unbelievable how fast the “bobs” are growing, thanks to all the fish Dad is providing! Mango’s fans sure send her thoughtful gifts. We hear such horrible stories concerning dogs, and to think there’s no more loyal being to be found! Truly, monsters walk among us. Haven’t visited the ratties yet. Will do that next. Always love everything Zoe and Diane share. Best wishes for Ryan and Highland Reel. Wow, the 90s? That’s pretty darned hot, Sheena! Sounds like CA! You enjoy the weekend, too. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
Stella Bagwell in South Texas
A great joy to hear from Dottie and John! Thank you both so much for taking the time out of your busy careers to share your thoughts with Zenyatta’s fans.
Best wishes to all the horses in your barn. And much love, of course, to Zenyatta and boys!
Stel
sheena.davies(wales)
Jack Hobbs wins the Irish Derby at the Curragh!First British-trained winner since 1993!Woo-Hoo.Sheena.
Tizgood
Great going, Jack Hobbs !!!!
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Congrats Jack Hobbs and Team. Love and Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
A while back we had an adventure with getting the remains of Noor reburied at Old Friends. At that time, we discovered that John was the last man to have “ridden” Noor. Take a bow, John. You are too modest.
Max
TC. That was a great part of Noor’s story at the time. As I recall, John may have helped Charlotte in the search for Noor’s first resting place? Have to admire Charlotte too. She never gave up in her quest to give Noor the dignity of resting at Old Friends.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear TC GP and Max:
TC, thanks for this info. Fitting that JS would be the last person that rode Noor.
Max, I think I remember reading that JS did assist Charlotte in her quest to find Noor’s resting place. RIP beautiful Noor at Old Friends. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Thank you, TC GP.
Nice learning this info.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Simon Bray, Just heard the end of a little info on TVG about you. Your in my prayers
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Peggy.Loved your beautiful post about Zenyatta and other horses too.I have adored animals and everything about the natural world all my life.I feel very sad how many animals are treated these days.Zenyatta’s world and the people that visit here have one thing in common our love for a 4-legged friend.Love and hugs Sheena.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Sheena, So So love your posts. Thank you so much for them all. Love all your info and all the Euro horses.
Max
Beast people. The Big Beast is still at Fair Hill. In his last breeze, he was 1/8. The plan was to return to Belmont for a stakes race in early July. Think that this is still on.
Coz, run like the Beast, but do not try to escape from John. Same goes for you, Red.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Good to have a post from you. Thanks for the info on Beastie and good advice for COZ. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
So looking forward to seeing the Beast again
Ann NC
Beast People, so cute!
Thanks for that info, Max. Can’t wait for The Beast return.
Coz, Zi heed that good advise!
shirleeinindy
Max, It must be crowded there at Fair Hill with Beastie and Pennmarydel both over 17 hands running around. From what I have seen and read, Fair Hill must be horsey paradise.
Max
Let’s hope that Penn is not learning any escape tactics from the Beast while they are both at Fair Hill. Two guys of their size on the loose might be hard to handle.
lin volk
Thank u! Thank u! Thank u, for the time you took to share with us.
Totally enjoyed.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Always thinking of you and Lola Mae.Sadly the death toll is rising and we have the 10th anniversary of 7/7 soon.Much sadness in this world.
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:
Just too much killing and sadness. RIP all the innocents. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties
Tizgood
Dear Judy and Sheena,
Such sadness in the world at times, all the killing
of innocent people for no reason.
RIP for those whose lives have been taken
Love and hugs
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Tizgood.Watched the replay of Jack Hobbs win.He is a handsome horse and William Buick hugged him .He’s been cut to 8-1 for the Arc.The Eclipse next Saturday Derby winner Golden Horn is running.Glesni was getting agitated tonight there were some peeps shouting somewhere near the railway station but all became quiet and a fish was delivered for supper!They have eaten well today!!Love and hugs Sheena.
Tizgood
Dear Sheena,
I just watched the video of the Irish Derby, what a very nice run by Jack Hobbs and
a great ride by William Buick, sat very patient. So very much wish he could have ridden
CC, we might have had a good result he is a very good rider. Did not realize he rode for
Godolphin, nice of them to let him ride CC and did not realize John Gosden trains for them. Jack Hobbs really improved from the Epsom and he is going to the Arc to me Golden Horn again. Read Treve’s next race is going to be a little tougher than her last and she has a pacemaker as well as another one of her rivals has a pacemaker as well.
I do really hope she gets it a third time, but it seems this Arc field is going to be tough a lot of good horses from the UK. Read Adian has won the Irish Derby the last 12 years, congratulations to the British !!!! Those Bobs are so big, did not see her getting agitated, but saw her calling for food- Monty finally delivered- guess it can take awhile to catch a fish. Jack Hobbs is a very nice looking horse, saw William pat him, he had a mouth piece in, not a tongue tie, but saw them take it out for his breathing. Gosden said he is a thin horse and should bulk up and be better at 4.
Love and hugs
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:
Goodnight. Stay comfy and cozy. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
A bit concerned for Curlin’s Fox. She was third at the 3/4 pole in the Senorita and SA today and then just dropped out of it. As always, Mikey just eased her and they finished last. Hope she is OK. Love and Hugs, JB
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
That is concerning, will have to watch the replay.
Did you hear any comments yet?
Will look for some.
Love and hugs
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
Just read Mike’s quote on Cal racing she has bled a little going around two
turns. Not done well going long. He is not sure if she bled this race or not. He
said she may be better at a mile or 6 or 7 furlongs.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Tizgood:
No, haven’t found anything on CF as yet. Well, if she did bleed today, that would explain why she stopped. Poor baby; hope she’s alright. Love and Hugs, JB
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
Hope she is ok, too. I really like her trainer Carla Gaines, did not realize
that she was a psychologist and worked with troubled teenagers for 3 years
she decided to move into something happier and had ridden horses and been around horses so now she works with horses “minds”. With her as a trainer Curlin’s Fox will find her nitch and get through these little trouble spots. I hope she did not bled, though.
Love and hugs
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Tizgood:
Didn’t know that about CG either. Foxy is in good hands. Will keep trying to find news on how she’s doing. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Judy sure hope she is OK.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Me too. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Hope C Foxy is well?
Keep us posted on this beautiful girl.
Thanks, JB.
shirleeinindy
God Bless Mike for pulling her up. He always seems to do this when there seems to be a problem. Wish more jocks would do this.
Tizgood
Dear Shirlee,
Mike has a great 6 th sense about horses when they are not doing well or
injured so does Gary Stevens. I hope he keeps riding her and the get through
these little trouble spots, she is a talented filly. Strange with her pedigree she
does not do well around 2 turns maybe it is maturity? just a guess, obviously Mike
is a better judge of that. Have not seen anything else. Has anyone else read or heard anything about Foxy?
Love and hugs
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ann, Tizgood, Shirlee and Z Fans:
Have not been able to find an update on Curlin’s Fox. Will keep checking. Love and Hugs, JB
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
I was looking on Carla Gaines website and could not find
anything either. Hope she releases something, too. Thanks
for the update, Judy. Did you see Mike ride the horse in the San
Juan Capistrano? They had the wrong bit in the horse and poor Mike could not steer the horse, I think he was the favorite and he came in second, only a hall of famer could do that.
Love and hugs
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Simon Bray has Multiple Myeloma (Blood Cancer) Simon get well. Your so strong in my prayers. Power Up Simon
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
This was really a shocker today. Felt really bad for Todd having to relay this bad news. Prayers to Simon and his family and friends. Power Up Simon!
Marshall (NC Broad)
So sorry to hear this news about Simon Bray. Best wishes, positive thoughts and prayers for strength and recovery to Simon. It is a tough road but Power Up, SB.
Hugs
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
So sad. Will keep him in my prayers. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Power Up Simon.
suew/Va
Great to see more questions and equally great answers. Thanks again, Team Z!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
SO good to hear from Dottie and John. Seemed a bit like old times :-). Had no idea what all was involved in the racing manager’s job – Wow! And Dottie always looks so cool and collected (not to mention elegant). Many, many thanks to both for making a greatly appreciated guest appearance :-)
We are under siege rain-wise here in Ohio. First time in the 19 years I’ve lived in this house that I’ve had water in the basement. Just enough to cover the floor so far so it could have been a lot worse, but I’m afraid that it might not be over yet. All anti-rain thoughts and prayers will be appreciated.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sandy:
Can relate from a storm we had in 2010 here in NE. For the first time ever, Russ and I had two feet of water in the basement of our home. We were lucky, the fire department came three times to pump the water out. Hope the rain stops and the water subsides. Anti-rain prayers coming your way. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Praying for better weather in your parts.
Max
Sympathies as this kind of thing is not easy to handle. Rain in the forecast off and on for the whole week for most of the eastern half of the country and especially the east coast. Hope that it’s not heavy in your area, and it clears up for the 4th.
Max
Was looking for info on Danish Dynaformer and found this. Insight into what training horses involves off the track. Apparently one of the cat companions at Woodbine has his own Twitter account.
http://t.thestar.com/#/article/sports/2015/06/26/a-horses-life-train-hard-unwind-with-toys-cats.html
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Informative article and the photo is too cute. Thanks for sharing.
DD had a 5 F work at Woodbine today:
6/27/2015 All Weather Track 5F 1:00.40 Breezing 2/61
Love and Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Thanks for this. Hoping for some great things from DD. Read that he’s very protective of his teddy bear if anyone tries to come near it. Big D would be proud. Same for his Wildcat momma.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Papa D would, indeed, be proud. Godspeed to DD when he goes; safe and sound. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Thanks, Max, that is a wonderful article.
Gator sounds like a top notch barn cat!
So sweet to have the stuffed animal friends for ” the babies “.
Go, DD.
Max
Lot of info in that article. Liked the part about Gator being rescued in Florida. And that the ponies at Woodbine have good jobs. Also did not know that Woodbine has off track training facilities for the horses. Like Woodbine as it was the home track to Tasty.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks so much for this interesting, informative Ask the Experts! It is so great to hear from Dottie and John. :-) Dottie, you are quite the dynamo — what a job description! John, love hearing about the horses, especially the broodmare, Set Them Free and her offspring. Great training job!
Thanks for the wonderful jobs you both do and for taking the time to share with us!
Lots of Hugs
Janet Newman
Great to hear from Dottie and John. Very much appreciated when they take the time out of their very busy schedules to participate on the blog. A real treat for sure.
DEB HITCHCOCK
I LOVE THIS WEBSITE AND THANK EVERYBODY RESPONSIBLE FOR IT … I WAS WONDERING … ZICONIC HAS SUCH BEAUTIFUL MOVES LIKE QUEEN Z … IS THERE A POSSIBILITY WHEN HE STARTS HIS BREEDING CAREER THAT THE DRESSAGE COMMUNITY WILL BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO HIM? IT SEEMS LIKE HE AND THE QUEEN MUST HAVE SOME IMMENSE DRESSAGE TALENT!
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Congrats to Departing, a son of War Front, on his win in the Firecracker today. He’s owned by Claiborne Farm. Here’s the replay. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/USA/CD/2015/6/27/8/firecracker-s-gr-ii
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
Great race for Departing, seems like that hedge really helps the winner. I
remember Dan got pushed against the hedge and sunk in the turf and still
won. I can’t help but notice that mean whip hand of Victor’s he really wacked
that poor horse very hard quite a few times, he really hits very hard. It is ashame.
Oh well, if the stewards are not going to do anything….
Love and hugs
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
????? Victor was not riding Departing!
nancy stamp
That was not Victor Espinoza. He was in California in the Gold Cup. Bloodhorse named the jockey – not sure of the spelling.
Max
The jockey was Mena.
Tizgood
Thanks so much on the jockey correction it was Mena riding Departing, sorry
for that, watched too many races yesterday. Victor was on the westcoast.
Greatly appreciate all of your astute eyes.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Tizgood:
Yes, wonderful win for Departed. Dan’s Firecracker was fantastic. Hope we see him back soon.
I cannot find any info on Curlin’s Fox. Hoping she’s OK. Love and Hugs, JB