Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #3

Q:

What is Zenyatta and Baby Z’s daily routine at Lane’s End?

Haley Van Vleck

Lawrence, KS

A:Currently their routine is pretty simple—they are out in the evenings when the weather is cooler. They come in in the morning to get checked over. We check their eyes, take their temperature, check that he’s nursing and that they’re both happy and have no cuts or bumps from the night before. They get their food in the morning. 12Z is now three months of age so he gets feed of his own, and Zenyatta will have her feed after him. They stay in their stall during the day, where they have fans on them to keep them cool in this heat. They go out again around two o’clock in the afternoon and play all night!

Expert: Charles Campbell

See Charles’s response on video:

Q:

How long do Zenyatta & 12Z sleep, and do they sleep together at the same time? Also, is there anything Zenyatta doesn’t like?

Jan Stein

Cypress, TX

Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

A:In the mornings they do sleep together. 12Z sleeps most of the day when he’s in his stall, but when he’s out he’s always playing with his buddies and grazing with mom.

Zenyatta is a very easy going horse, but she does seriously dislike flies. We use a fly mask and fly spray to keep her happy.

Expert: Craig Andre de Villiers

Our Experts

Charles Campbell

Broodmare Manager, Lane’s End

Originally from England, Charles has traveled the world working with horses. He has been the Broomare Manager at Lane’s End for four years, and he was with Zenyatta the night she foaled.

Craig Andre de Villiers

Mare Barn One Foreman, Lane’s End

Craig has been at Lane’s End for four years, working mostly within the Broodmare division. He grew up in South Africa on a game reserve and stud farm, and has been around animals his whole life—not just horses, but lions, elephants and everything in between!

Reader Interactions

746 Comments

  1. / Reply

    am so glad my dear zenny uses flies mask to protect her face,same thing my Issa my horse using she hate flies as well,12Z he look a big handsome boy, his playmates is cute as well,good night dear Zenny and 12Z xoxoxo.

    • / Reply

      Love this one, too. Lanes End you are the greatest. So glad Zenyatta has a life of leisure
      now after her hard won racing days.

      And 12 Z is playing with his cute friend. Love those looks.

  2. / Reply

    I hate to think of the day that Zenyatta and 12Z are separated. But do you have a time set for that to happen?

    • / Reply

      5 months of age 12 Zenyatta will be weaned.

      Remember Zenyatta does not belong to La Leche League !!!
      Her milk begins tapering off at 3 months after foaling to prepare
      her foal for eating on this own, which he is.

      • / Reply

        Sign

        LOL! I know you were not trying to be funny, but I got a real tickle out of the the La Leche League. Thanks for the chuckle this early in the day.

        • Oh actually, I was trying to be funny !!!

          Glad you got it, Could you imagine 12 Z taking a drink of MAMA’s milk
          before running in the KY Derby !!!

          That would really be a hoot !!!!!

    • / Reply

      Darlene,
      I read on another Kentucky farm site that they were delaying weaning their foals because of the heat.
      My guess: concern that the newly weaned foals would not get enough liquid.
      Thought it was an interesting comment.
      Keta

      • / Reply

        Might not have the drive physiologically to drink after weaning as well.

  3. / Reply

    Thank you for this update on Zenyatta and Z12. Always good to hear a little vignette of their daily life. We were so privileged to have her in California – I’m thinking not so many flies at HP…. Different kind of weather and different kind of heat. Thank you so much for taking such good care of her and her boy. Picture is so cute of those two little rascals.

    • / Reply

      Hi Ethel,
      The photo is of Baby Z (Z12) and one of his playmates. He’s probably been out playing for hours with his buddies and running with Momma Z. Hope that makes you feel better.

      • / Reply

        Andrea,

        12 Z has a star not a blaze, a blaze goes from forehead to the nose.
        A star is only in the middle of the forehead.

        • I think she meant that it wasn’t Zenyatta because Z12 has a star ad not a blaze. I think that’s what “Didn’t you notice the blaze was missing!” meant.

    • / Reply

      It’s a good thing he tired, so hard to get these youngsters that way !!!

      I have a 3 year old viszhla and he is so full of energy, nothing will make him rest.
      He could run straight for 4-5 hours and still be full of energy.

  5. / Reply

    Thank you Lane’s End for the wonderful interviews and information. I love these Q & A’s. The photos are always great too. Am going to be spending hours catching up with everyone’s comments. Many Blessings to everyone at Lane’s End and here in Zenyatta’s Fan Family also, and of course especially Zenny and Z12.

  6. / Reply

    Thank you so much for the update and new answers to our questions on our dear Zenyatta and Baby Z12! Lane’s End and all of those connected with our Queen are so generous to be sharing her new life with us. Baby Z12 is growing up so fast and looks so adorable in the newest photo – he’s so precious! Thanks!!!

  7. / Reply

    Another hot, humid day with poor air quality so I hope everyone takes care to stay cool and hydrated, especially our aspiring future TC winners, Kati, the jockey and Vic the trainer.

  9. / Reply

    Great information. So happy to here that they are inside during the day. In this weather it takes a lot of fans to keep a horse cool. My horses have a shed they go into during the day where they have fans blowing on them, but they are still soaking wet with swet. 12Z is really growing up, and Zenny always looks great. Zenny I hope you and the Little Prince have a great day and stay cool.

  10. / Reply

    A little question for anyone who knows. Would 12Z’s buddy in the picture be called a bay or chestnut? He appears to be redder than 12Z, but I don’t know if red enough to be called chestnut. Thanks for your thoughts. Marty R.

  11. / Reply

    Love the nose on Z12… he’s about to nibble on his friend. lol He sure does have the look of this mom about him. Should be really imposing when he hits the track.

  12. / Reply

    Thanks again and again to Team Z (including the LE contingent) for these great updates. Many of us have been wondering who the playmate in the picture is. Maybe you could just slip the answer into the post??? Those ears are really something aren’t they? Hope the next photo will include a reference point of some type so that we can really see how big he is. Hope everyone is following all of the heat precautions for this weekend – at least a little relief is in sight here in the east.

    Elizabeth in NM – I responded to you on page 1.
    Sandy

  13. / Reply

    Below are links from White House I just received in response to petition I sent a while ago in response to a story about the “hero horse” and herd who were in danger of being slaughtered:

    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/response/ensuring-humane-treatment-horses?utm_source=HorsesWTP&utm_medium=PetitionEnsuringHumaneTreatmentHorses&utm_campaign=OPC

    https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/response/ensuring-humane-treatment-horses?utm_source=HorsesWTP&utm_medium=PetitionEnsuringHumaneTreatmentHorses&utm_campaign=OPC

    • / Reply

      It is almost the same,isn’t it? It has the same curve. Little guy here has a crescent moon on the top of his stripe. i love his curved stripe!! Yes, who his this character w/ the spiked up forelock playing w/ you z ?

      If it is a ND line,it is amazing w/ that stripe.

  18. / Reply

    Thanks again to the wonderful people at Team Z and Lane’s End. The Q&A idea was a really good one and people are responding with such great questions. Love the new picture of Z12 and his sweet little friend… they really are getting into their teenage phase, and just look at the difference in the size of their ears!

  19. / Reply

    Except for a short note tomorrow, I will probably not be posting this weekend due to a previous commitment. I will miss all of you until next week. @Barbara Wood-Glad you enjoyed the jokes. I have been working on a rating system. Each time someone submits a good redneck joke, maybe they can win the Order of the Golden Outhouse award. Here is a golden oldie. You might be a redneck if the cockroaches leave you a message telling you to clean the place up. I don’t know why I find this one so funny.

    • / Reply

      Funny TC! The roaches here in NC, the wood roaches are HUGE. I can almost see them leaving messages now.Help. Have you seen a jumping cricket? You should hear the kids scream in terror at the sight of them.

      Order of the Golden Outhouse award…great idea. I’ve always wanted the Long Leaf Pine award in my state but this Outhouse award sounds tempting.

      Have a wonderful weekend,over and out ,Cop Rock.

  20. / Reply

    Thank you again!!! I so look forward to these post:)

    I hope for horses and people alike that cool weather comes our way soon.

    I hate the flies too! My dog particularly has some OCD issues when it comes to flies. If one gets in house, she follows it around and waits patiently to chomp down on. :)

    Happy weekend to LE employees-stay cool

        • Big white fur ball!!! We are on the verge of adopting an Alaskan Malamute??!!!
          I am getting buttered up now. She is 90lbs., 5 yrs old, came from a bad home,left outside to fend for herself, most of her life.She was turned over, at the vet’s office and is living there for now. We take her out for visits and to learn of her manner.

          Carol….any thoughts on this breed? Adoption? Thanks!

  21. / Reply

    Z family in Canada!

    I am going to Canada for vacation, but I need to know some key information that maybe you guys could help me with. We are going near the Montreal/ Quebec/Toronto areas.

    What is something to wear that you would recommend?

    What kinds of outlets do you have (I.E 200 watt, 240 watt)?

    Is there food you recommend trying?

    Places to see?

    • / Reply

      Pati. Southern Quebec and Ontario has basically the same weather as the US Northeast, which geographers call humid continental short summer. (I learned this in high school) It is usually hot and humid this time of year, especially in July and August. All of your electrical devices will work there because all of North America uses the same outlets. It would be chaos otherwise.

      Abigail or Brenda or others might give advice on food. As far as I know, you can find everything that is available in the US, especially in Toronto or Montreal. If you can, you should visit the racetrack at Woodbine in Toronto. There are lots of horses there. Northern Dancer is buried in Oshawa, Ontario, which is near Toronto.

    • / Reply

      Pati, Max has already answered your questions regarding the Toronto area and I agree with him about Woodbine. I would also suggest taking a look at the Fort Erie track if you happen to decide that you will cross the border back into the US at the Peace Bridge which connects Fort Erie and Buffalo. As far as food is concerned, there’s not much that you can’t get in Toronto, so you can sample a global menu. Between Toronto and Fort Erie you can visit lots of wineries, including Wayne Gretzky’s ( he also has a restaurant in Toronto near the Blue Jay’s Dome) and the famous Welland Canal.

      I’d love to know what your plans are, maybe we could meet, so here’s my e-mail –
      brenda_springer2000@yahoo.com.

      We broke temperature records here today, Vic’s riding lesson was postponed until Monday because of the heat so stay cool.

  22. / Reply

    OMG look at those ears compared to the other horse. He really look so much like Zenyatta. He’s gonna be really handsome when he grows up. Thanks so much for sharing other very interesting information.

  23. / Reply

    Remember the wonderful Mucho Macho Man in the Suburban tomorrow.

    Safe trip to all the jocks and horses.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      Very difficult to choose in the Suburban. Love both of Bernie’s sons, Stay Thirsty and To Honor and Serve and I love my Mucho Macho Man. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        I agree, tough one with too many of my favs, but I have to be true to my horse boyfriend (!) Stay Thirsty. Love him. Love MMM, so really, I suppose I will be happy whoever wins. Did you ladies know there is a third Bernardini colt in that race? A 3yr old (I think) Baffum. Also Neried, from barn 55, is racing at HP I think it’s race 7.

  24. / Reply

    Statement on the death of jockey Jorge Herrera from John Velazquez, Chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild JULY 6, 2012 4:40 p.m. EDT
    Keta Note: The Statement is well done.
    There are two links at the bottom–1st to the Statment which was posted on Twitter via Facebook. & 2nd to the Jockey Guild site

    Jockey Jorge Herrera, 34, died Thursday after a spill while racing at Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California. He was riding in the eighth race at Pleasanton when he was thrown from his horse, Morito, which appeared to clip the heels of another horse and stumble. Herrera lurched forward and went over Morito’s head as the horse righted itself and continued. Jorge suffered severe head injuries and passed away later at Eden Trauma Center in Castro Valley, California.
    Jorge’s death was tragic, and every jockey and jockey’s family mourn his passing. On behalf of the Jockeys’ Guild, we send our sincere condolences to his family, and offer our assistance to them in this time of grief. Originally from Mexico, Jorge has been a valued member of the Guild since 2004, riding his entire career in the Northwest and California. Those who knew him well described him as well-liked. He will be missed deeply.
    It is a reminder to all riders of how dangerous this profession really is and the risks that they take every time they get a “leg up” on a horse. Five jockeys have died since 2008, and 152 riders have been killed since 1940. Hundreds more are injured every year, and at least 60 jockeys currently suffer permanently disabling injuries, including the country’s leading quarter horse jockey.
    Jorge’s death affected me particularly hard because I was injured three weeks ago and have been unable to ride since. I was fortunate and expect to fully recover, but jockeys face the potential of injury, paralysis or death every time they ride. We participate in the most dangerous sport there is, and even though it is a job, we do it because we love racing.
    Sadly, there is no safety net for jockeys and their families. The Jockeys’ Guild and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund provide assistance as best we can, mostly through voluntary contributions, but the sad fact is many in the industry who benefit from racing do not contribute to the safety and well-being of jockeys. All tracks do not contribute to the Guild to help cover life insurance, death and dismemberment, and temporary disability benefits. Most casino-owned tracks in general do not contribute a dime, yet they make hundreds of millions of dollars from the license of operating a race track.
    It is essential that an adequate safety net for jockeys and their families be established. May this latest tragedy serve as a wake-up call for those tracks which do not live up to their responsibility to the men and women riders who are essential to their success.
    https://www.facebook.com/jockeysguild/posts/439087596112610
    http://www.jockeysguild.com/news/

  25. / Reply

    ♥ Hello Z’sters! Zenyatta! Prince Z! ♥
    Some of us Z Dumplings went to the LA Zoo today (re-visit in my case) to ride Zenyatta :-)

    Diana S (from Arizona), Anne from Paramount, Karen Gogue, Trina Nagele & her friend, Martha, and I, had a BALL today! Karen and I took video, plus pictures and more pictures. I know the young peeps who work the carousel have seen me way too many times LOL I mentioned to the young man that we adore Zenyatta and he said, oh, yeah, I watched her videos – she is something else! WOO HOO! He knows who she is!! Yay, Zenny!

    We then went to lunch and caught up on racing news, etc. Tomorrow, we are headed to the track for our “First Annual Z Dumpling Reunion” this Gold Cup day ;-)

    Anyone reading this: you can catch us near the paddock (we will be wearing our Z Dumpling tags) and looking for John Shirreffs’ horses :-) Mikey won’t be in town, but we look forward to seeing the staff from Barn 55!

    Take care – I hope you all had a safe and happy 4th!

    ♥ Zenny, I’m sending all my LOVE to you and Z12. His cute ears must have been burhing today becasue we talked about him with much affection XOXOXO ♥

    Auntie Judy aka JAG

    • / Reply

      It sounds like you Dumplings had a great day today. Enjoy yourselves tomorrow as well. Hope we can see some of the pictures and/or videos of your adventures.

    • / Reply

      Have a great time at the races!!!!!
      Say hi to barn 55. Tell the girl that rides Ebby…my daughter thinks she is awesome. Well, all in barn 55 are awesome.
      Thanks for checking in. I suppose ann w/ an E….yeah Anne will be celebrating her new RN club status.
      Have fun.

      • / Reply

        Sounds like a great day! Race #8 should be very exciting; Nereid will be running – such a special mare!!

    • / Reply

      Seems like you had a wonderful day and I hope we get to see some pictures and video. There are two Easteners who are hoping to ride Zenny when we come out to the BC so perhaps you won’t mind doing it all again in November. HINT, HINT,
      Safe trips to all tomorrow and enjoy your day.

        • That carousel is a wonderful thing. I want to know….who rode the SKUNK?
          Isn’t it funny there is a Zenny and the a skunk. That is a perfect destination for a club meeting.

          Glad you had fun.

  26. / Reply

    Does anyone know, if John Shirreffs has seen this Baby Z or not? I keep asking and maybe have missed the answer if so I am sorry. I just never heard that he visited yet. I know he has a barn full to take care of but was just hoping he had a chance to see them both. He was there often before the birth. Thanks.

    • / Reply

      @ Anne
      To my knowledge no – commitments with John are 24/7, 364 days a week. Dottie said they want to go! Hopefully, they will get to see Prince Z before he gets too big!! ;-)

      JAG

  27. / Reply

    Dear Lane’s End Team and Z Fans:

    So good to read “Ask the Experts”. Keeps us connected to Z and the Prince. Thank you LE. Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Trinniberg to Run in Carry Back, Not Smile
    By Jim Freer The Blood-Horse
    Updated: Friday, July 6, 2012 10:39 PM
    Posted: Friday, July 6, 2012 10:12 PM
    Trinniberg will run in the $150,000 Carry Back Stakes (gr. III) at Calder Casino & Race Course July 7 rather than in the Florida oval’s $400,000 Smile Sprint Handicap (gr. II) on the same day, the 3-year-old colt’s owner Shivananda Parbhoo said.
    The Smile is for 3-year-olds and up and would have been Trinniberg’s first race against older horses. The Carry Back is restricted to 3-year-olds. Both races are six furlongs.
    “We think he would win either race,” Parbhoo said on the evening of July 6. “But for now, it is best to keep him with the 3-year-olds and give him more time to develop before he starts facing older horses in the fall.”
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/71081/trinniberg-to-run-in-carry-back-not-smile#ixzz1zuj8HVbh

  29. / Reply

    14 nominated to American Oaks July 14 at Hollywood Park
    Jul 6th, 2012 | By TrackSide View | Category: Racetrack Reports
    Bob Mieszerski Betfair Hollywood Park
    INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Michael Matz, best known for training 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and Union Rags, who won a thrilling renewal of the Belmont Stakes June 9, has nominated Colonial Flag and Somali Lemonade to the $350,000 American Oaks.
    A Grade I for 3-year-old fillies at 1 ¼ miles on turf, the American Oaks is the most lucrative of four graded stakes that will be run the final two days (July 14-15) of the Spring/Summer meet at Betfair Hollywood Park.
    Besides the American Oaks, which attracted 12 other nominees besides the Matz duo, the Saturday, July 14 program will also feature the Grade II, $200,000 A Gleam Handicap, the Grade III, $150,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship and the $150,000 Landaluce.
    The main event on Sunday, July 15 is the traditional closing day feature – the Grade III, $100,000 Sunset Handicap. The 1 ½ mile turf race lured 12 nominees, including Inglewood Handicap winner Utopian and Dhaamer, who won the Round Table for trainer Mike Mitchell.

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