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

    Does anyone know when Johnny V will be back to riding? I know Union Rags is supposed to race again the end of this month or the first of August. Sure hope Johnny can ride him as he seemed to really understand UR.

      • / Reply

        Thanks for the update Max on JV.

        So glad he did not have to have surgery.

      • / Reply

        I read an article on drf yesterday about Union Rags going into the Haskell to face Bode and, Matz is hoping that Johnny will beable to ride by then and if not, he has not lost the mount. It will only be for the one race if JV isn’t ready. I hope that answers your question.

    • / Reply

      Shirlee,
      On the previous page, I posted a Statement from John Velazquez, Chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild on Jorge Herrera’s death. It is well done.
      Here is what John says about his injury.
      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.
      It is worth reading the full Statement
      Keta

  2. / Reply

    Nereid was bred by Emler and Celeste Neuman at Xalapa farm in Kentucky. Some of the movie Seabiscuit was filmed there, or so I was told. My company insured this farm for many years and it is truly a step back in time and breath takingly beautiful.

  3. / Reply

    Dear Lanes End,

    Love the photo of 12 Zenyatta and his friend. They are so cute and “clueless looking”,
    what is this and oh no what is that. Hope he is having fun playing and developing his
    individuality.

    TOOOO CUTE !!!!

    • / Reply

      Sign. My impression is that those two are just looking all innocent. They could both get you into a whole lot of trouble. Z would have to intervene and impose discipline.

      • / Reply

        Oh yes, Max very innocent, two 3 month colts, and the mischief they create !!

        12 Z ears are going in different directions like “WHO ME, I AM SWEET AND INNOCENT, UNTIL MOM CHASES ME, THEN I BETTER STRAIGHTEN UP THEN ”

        THEY ARE BOTH SO CUTE !!!!!

      • / Reply

        Dear Max,

        I think BABY Z , has bedroom eyes already and not even and Adolescent yet !!!

  6. / Reply

    Buffum is the third Bernardini in the Suburban,
    He is owned by Shiek Mohammed and cost lots of money.

    • / Reply

      Thanks Sign,
      He is very handsome,isn’t he? Love that forelock. The little ones shown above have some growing to do, to even think of having a look like that. Goof balls they are!

      I think he has earned his retirement. Maybe he will meet Nelly.

      • / Reply

        Ann,

        Would that not be an awesome match, SO YOU THINK and NELLY WOW !!!!!

        • Sign. I see from the article that his trainer wants to take on Frankel again. That will be interesting, but Frankel has improved immensely since the Dewhurst when he was a baby and very hard to handle. John Gosden is however a great trainer. I think that he trained horses in the US before going back to the UK. He trains Thought Worthy, a son of Dynaformer, who is US owned. TW may be heading to the St. Leger to race against Camelot.
          There is also talk that the Queen’s horse, Estimate, who won a 2 mile race at Royal Ascot will go to the St. Leger. Estimate is a wonder filly who beat a field of colts to take that race.

        • Great news Max.
          I remember reading Nathaniel faced Frankel in
          His first race. Frankel is going to be very hard to
          Beat by any horse. Wish he would race as a 5 year
          Old.

          Interesting that he is not going to run in the Arc,
          Guess the distance is too long.

      • / Reply

        Love that photo to Nathaniel, he is my favorite TB color, light bay !!

        Very handsome fellow, and make take on the Great Frankel, would that
        not be something !!!!

        • I think if the Euros filled a field full of very talented horses, against Frankel,
          like Nathaniel, Camelot etc…. It would be very exciting.

        • Sign. Frankel has already beaten Nathaniel in the Dewhurst. As to Camelot, Ballydoyle is heading him to the St. Leger and far away from Frankel.

        • Max,
          Don’t blame then from staying far away of
          Frankel. He is something very special, love
          The rock star analogy.

  9. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta, Baby Z and Buddy
    All Z Friends
    What beautiful pictures
    Thanks Sign for the info above and Max I agree with you I think baby Z and friend could get into a lot of trouble
    Didn’t know if I could watch I’ll Have Another being paraded around this afternoon its going to be so sad. I ‘ve shed many tears over this. But I have to see him I suppose one last time. I guess we have to be realistic and know he want be back. I do want to see him again yeah if only on TV. I was so hoping to get to see him in person one day at one of the farms here. I guess Mr. Redham put an end to that. Makes you really appreciate owners like the Mosses, Penny Chenery, Mr Zayat. and many more who thought about the human connections to there horses. I sure hope Mr. Redham is not at that ceremony this afternoon. Sorry to be a downer about this I want say anymore. At least we can say we love this horse and wish he didn’t have to leave. I have his sale video posted to my favorites. He was so pretty at the Ocala Sales. and Keeneland Sales. He surely like Zenny, knew who he was. God Speed to you I’ll Have Another.
    Zenny I guess I’ll just have to concentrate on getting my own horse. It’s in my blood and I know I will get another. Hey Zenny I’m going down to the Yearling Sale in August, yep got to see the new babies.
    I just worry about I’ll Have Another, I hope he makes the transition ok. I remember Man O War as he died some said of a broken heart as he I believe they said died only about a month after his groom died whom he was very close too. And, Zenny I live not to far from the Florida line and these people that I know that lived really close to there had one of there horses attacked by something didn’t know what to begin with but they called in an expert and they believe it to have been by a Fl Cougar. Bite marks on him. And do you know one of the malehorses they said would not leave this other horses side as if protecting her. I asked the owner not long ago if they had any more occurances and they Thank Goodness had not. Horses have a lot of feeling and concerns I know my own sure did.
    Love all you horses and Again Love You I’ll Have Another and God Speed may he take care of you. Peggy

    • / Reply

      So very sad about IHA, I am not sure I would want to see him again in person.
      VERY MUCH HOPE REDHAM IS NO THERE, no one is happy with his decision.

      The only consolation is what goes around comes around !!!!

      IHA is such a baby going to a foreign country, no human, horse or a person that speak a language he understands. I was also concerned about him as well.

  10. / Reply

    Have to go back have missed some time here will have to catch up on the posts Happy Saturday to everyone.

  11. / Reply

    @Ann-I have been thinking along the lines that so many points would earn an Order of the Golden Outhouse, which would be a certificate suitable for framing. I’ll give it some more thought. I hope my dumpling friends have a great time at Hollywood Park today. I miss you all. Today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you have a nickname for your glove compartment. You might be a redneck if you have eaten a scoop of ice cream after it has fallen in the kitty litter. You might be a redneck if your husband proposed to you on the Jack Daniels distillery tour, You might be a redneck if you can play the banjo with a weed eater. You might be a redneck if you have ever deep fried a frozen dinner. You might be a fredneck if your carpet pattern is raccoon feces.

    • / Reply

      Hope that ice cream is Blue Bell, Texas best ice cream !!

      Great jokes today, TC

      GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE HORSES IN TODAY’S SUBURBAN, COME HOME SAFE AND SOUND.

      • / Reply

        Yummy Blue Bell!! With the TC joke…..that puts a whole new spin on ice cream w/ sprinkles.

        TC….sounds like a plan.

        Great jokes and anything FRIED is always better!!! Chicken,hush puppies,tomatoes and bugs.

    • / Reply

      Sign. Wonderful story. She is beautiful and young to be a Grand Prix horse. Nice to see that they are promoting American horses for these events. I like the photo of her jumping on her own in training.

      • / Reply

        She is a beautiful free jumper, a beautiful basquel, stretch and very scopey.

        • The American TB is such a lovely horse. Just need to know what and how to undo the racing training.

          Clinton Anderson did a 6 or 8 weeks series retraining a TB race horse.
          It was very interesting, what he had to retrain, how he had to retrain it
          to get temper the emotion and forward movement taught on the track.

          That horse was sold to a young girl in KY that was going to event him,
          his name was TRICKY, what a great name for a TB. He was a very beautiful mover over jumps and obstacles.

          Clinton is dye hard Quarter Horse guy so he made a lot of funny comments like the horse was used to having a midget with a stick
          on his back, whipping him to run. It was very funny.

        • One really neat thing Clinton Anderson did with Tricky,
          Was have him ride ahead of a group of horses that came galloping by him like on a race course and Tricky no longer had that urge to race and compete, he was quiet as a mouse just letting them run on by. Clinton Anderson is a cocky Austrailian guy but a really good trainer, with lots of great ideas to work with horses that are underperforming.

        • Great story. I too love seeing her free jumping. It is a treat watching these OTTBs moving into other areas. They work so hard. For one to find her jumping legs is beautiful.

  13. / Reply

    Agave Kiss was just beaten for the first time in her career. She is now 7: 6-0-0

    How easy you made winning and being perfect seem Great Queen. *sigh*

    • / Reply

      Thoroughbred Times tweeted:
      Emma’s Encore pulls off huge upset in Victory Ride (G3) for Allen Jerkens, the “Giant Killer.” Heavy favorite Agave Kiss unplaced.

      Pati–The fractions were way too fast–21 something in first. Agave Kiss just burned out.
      My opinion. Quite a race!
      Keta

      • / Reply

        Agave Kiss on the inside of the treacherous deep Belmont track that has gotten a
        number of runners this year.

    • / Reply

      Yes, Zenny always made it look easy although there were times it seemed she couldn’t get to the wire first. She always gave me chills when she raced. I don’t feel that sensation anymore although there are some good horses in the game.

  15. / Reply

    Ray Paulick DRF tweet
    Ray Paulick‏@raypaulick
    Mucho Macho Man (Macho Uno) takes G2 Suburban, toting 118 lbs to about 3L win in 146.58 for 9F.
    Hymn Book rallies for 2nd. Trickmeister 3rd

    • / Reply

      Keta. I just watched the video of the race. 3M deserved the win, and it is always good to see Mike Smith win. 3M is a very big boy, 17 hands?

      • / Reply

        I think he’s an inch taller than Z. At least that is what BloodHorse lists him as; 17.2 hands.

        • Zenyatta is 17.2 hands according to her bio. No horse anywhere is taller than her, figuratively speaking. She is the Queen.

        • @ Max

          Well I know that and I wasn’t saying anyone was taller than her talent or accomplishment wise. I read that MMM was taller than her by an inch but it wasn’t speaking any of talent or resume. It was a literal inch.

        • Thank out so much for looking that up on our stud muffin. I’m looking forward to see him run again!

  16. / Reply

    Mike Welsch‏@DRFWelsch
    Great to see local favorite Mucho Macho Man crush ’em in the Suburban.
    Kudos to Kathy Ritvo and perfect ride by Mike Smith

  17. / Reply

    So happy for Mucho Macho Man, Kathy and Mike. I just love this horse and his team and am so glad that Mikie has joined it.

  18. / Reply

    NYRA‏ tweet
    We don’t get to see him that often anymore,
    but Mike Smith remains a very popular figure here.
    Lots of love from the best fans in the world!

    • / Reply

      Of course we love him. He gave us so much when he raced back east!!!!!
      My hubby was always clueless, when it came to the track. He stayed glued to my brother when we would go. One day hubby hit a winner and I asked….HOW?
      He said, I chose my horse because MIKE was up!!! I just laughed and my brother was so proud of his grooming!
      My little town back east put many on the map..back in the day.

      Thank you Mike Smith.

  19. / Reply

    Way to go for MMM and Prospective (he won the Ohio Derby) – great races by both of them.
    On another note, please check out the Spruce Meadows website and take part in the “Name the Foal” contest. Vic and I have entered lots of names and never won but it’s a treat to look at those darling little foals. Who knows – maybe we’ll get lucky this year.
    The London Olympics begin in three weeks and the equestrian competition should be great. The Queen has a grand daughter competing and Canada is hoping for good things from Eric Lamaze and which ever horse he decides to ride after the tragic loss of Hickstead. I hope we get good TV coverage.

    • / Reply

      Oh yes, Brenda.

      Watched an FEI Grand Prix last week on HRTV with the great Hickstead barreling in for the win. What a lovely talented horse. Hope Eric does well.

      • / Reply

        Sign and other jumping fans. Today at Spruce Meadows in Calgary, Alberta, it was a clean sweep for the US show jumping team. Beezie Madden was first and won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup with her horse, Simon. The first five finishers were American.

        As to the tragic loss of Hickstead to the Canadians, that was very apparent. Eric Lamaze had some problems with his mare, Derly Chin de Muze (what fantastic name?). She refused a jump and nearly unseated Eric, but he recovered and used the whip and she came back immediately and made the jump perfectly. There is some talk that he may have to ride Verdi at the Olympics. Derly has the talent but she seems to doubt herself. She is a beauty however and may yet get it together.
        .

        • Max,
          What about Corina and Eric La Maze?
          Wow US is doing good. Breezie Madden
          Is a great rider, another young rider marries
          Her trainer. Like Tracy Finney and Mike Mc Cormick.

        • Sign. I do not know why Derly was picked over Coriana. I did a search but cannot find out. Maybe someone else here would know?

          Here is an article with a photo of Beezie and Simon. I saw a video of the presentation ceremony. Simon was behind the group and unsettled while the cheque and trophy was given to Beezie. As soon as the camera was turned on him, he started to pose. It was so great. He is a handsome ham, but like Coriana is not going to London. Beezie explains why.

          http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/07/08/team-usa-safe-bet-at-spruce-meadows

        • Sounds like Derly needs more experience. She will go, but not brave
          yet. Maybe Corina had the same issue, or not enough miles. Corina had done a few Grand Prix, maybe not big enough, too. She is a small mare.

          The do pick the horse and the rider it sounds like that is why the riders bring several horses.

          Not sure what qualities they look for in an Olympic horse. After the last Olympics in Bejing, saw some of those contenders at the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Houston, Tx. Big horse show with large purse and international contenders. None of the Olympic horses won that Grand Prix, Tracey Finney won on MTM Centano, who I think she is still showing.

          Will post the PIN OAK SHOW LATER.

    • / Reply

      Sounds like MMM is a very flexible big guy, which is a very big plus.
      Where as Union Rags is not very flexible or easily stopped and started.

      Great race MIKE SMITH, really hope you stay with Royal Delta for the BC though !!!
      I would really love her to win BCC and be HOY. She is a very gorgeous talented
      female and then 4 female HOY in a row. GIRL POWER !!!

      • / Reply

        Sign. Mike commented that he was surprised that 3M was as fast as he was out of the gate for such a big boy. He also said that the horse has lots of confidence, which is probably natural, but no doubt his trainer has done a good job with him. Bravo 3M and Kathy.

        • Oh yes Max. Kathy pushed him to the
          Classics as a three year old, but gave him
          Lots of time off to grow. He has always loved
          To run. Kathy said it is hard to keep him happy
          Because he loves to run all the time. I am so
          Glad he has matured into a talent. That confidence
          Will take him a long way.

        • Dear Max:

          MMM is one of my favorites. His trainer has not pushed him. After his 2011 campaign when he ran in all three Triple Crown races, he was allowed to rest and brought along slowly. He has really matured and grown into a terrific racehorse. I hope Mikey is on as his regular rider and I hope MMM stays sound and races for a while and is not rushed to retirement. Hugs, JB

  23. / Reply

    Today’s question for the racing folks: What is the significance of the location of “the rail” (as in “Rail at 0 feet” or some other distance??) Not sure what the reference point is or why that is important.
    Sandy

      • / Reply

        Not positive but, I think that means, where the rail is dead. O ft, 5 ft etc.. They do the same on turf… ie., 15ft. So, if they say the “rail is at 5ft” that means to me: that the rail is actually 5 ft out from the actual rail. Maybe someone else has a better answer. It is a bit confusing.

    • / Reply

      The turf rail at some tracks is moveable. If the rail is out from its usual point, it makes it easier for the come from behind horses to go through on the inside. The farther out it is, the less likely that the fron runneers will win. The rail is moved usually to perserve the grass on the inside. Heidi’s explanation is correct.

    • / Reply

      Thanks to Heidi and Terry. I’m still sort of not getting this (especially how it would affect the come from behind horses), but maybe you just have to see it.
      Sandy

  24. / Reply

    According to the Bloodhorse, Mike gave Mucho Macho Man a hand ride. Good to know when to not use the whip.

  25. / Reply

    Hello Zensters. Who was that with the Zenyatta Hat in the Hat contest? That was too cute.
    Yeah for Game on Dude and Chantel. Also, the big boy MMM, way to go and what a easy ride for Mike. Love that big boy and Kathy too.

    Now, I have to say that I am very disappointed with the I’ll Have Another ceremony. First of all, he was on his toes, prancing, looking ready for battle and not a sore or lame horse. I didn’t see O’Neill, or Reddam there?! Did I miss them some how? I don’t know, it was superficial to me, the way they did it. I guess, I’m used to big Ceremonies like Cigar and Zen received. Too bad that was the last we’ll see of him. I hope they at least have coverage of him being vanned off and loaded into the plane and when he arrives in Japan.

    Haskin wrote a very nice blog about the way he felt about the ceremony as well. He says everything that I have felt since the Scratch of the Belmont and sudden sale to Japan. Things that make you go hmmm.
    BTW.. Reddam was there when his filly won! But, not for IHA?
    This will take sometime to get over and as long as Us Fans, know that he’s in the best care possible and is safe and prolific, it will take some of the sting away.

      • / Reply

        Great article by Haskins; don’t understand why IHA didn’t get the interest here in his home country – I really liked him and the heart that he showed in all his races. Hope he adapts easily and is well cared for in Japan and that he has a successful career there. Mario has always shown his respect and appreciation and O’Neil said that he and his family will visit IHA in Japan next year but I’m sure Reddam has already written him off as a quick $$ turnover.

        • AJ, just read that article. At least O’Neill has enough respect for IHA to take his family to Japan. Let’s see if that actually, happens!

      • / Reply

        Thanks for posting this link, Max.
        So sad, saw video on HRTV and everyone
        Commented how he looked gorgeous and ready
        To run his next race.

      • / Reply

        Really love this Haskin article, glad he has kind words for Reddham.

        But most people don’t, at least for now.

  26. / Reply

    Steve Haskin has a way of putting into words what many of us are feeling about the departure of IHA. Steve knows J.Paul and says he is a gentleman. We can only see a horse that almost earned the Triple Crown and now is being sent to Japan for a stud career. Most of us would have preferred to see him stand here in the US after he was ready to retire. I agree he didn’t look like a horse that needed to be retired. He looked well rested and in great condition. Too bad he wasn’t given a few months to recover from his injury and then get back to racing again. My guess is we would have seen some more exciting races if IHA had been given the chance. And then there might have been some better offers and he could have stood in the US. Greed and not love of the horse affects the choices of some owners.

  27. / Reply

    What a great BCC 2012 will be!

    Zenny you are the best nothing can top you.

    I think we will have a humdinger coming this year. Health to all.

  28. / Reply

    I think Baby Z is going to be as tall if not taller than his mum.

    Speaking of mums, my mum is going to York races for the August meet to watch Frankel in the Juddmonte International. I have asked her to take lots of photos.

    I was there for the October meet last year it is a truly wonderful race course, I picked out a Street Cry 2 year old in the paddock, he romped home.

    Going there brings back lots of wonderful memories especially seeing Roberto beat The Brigadier.

    • / Reply

      I hope your Mum will have a wonderful time. It is fun to pick out one from the paddock.
      I have always been one to play the ponies that way. My family, shake their heads and say….oh boy.. .there she goes, again.

      You said Roberto….Max,where’s Max? I think he adores Roberto!
      Tell your Mum to cheer on Frankel for me.

      • / Reply

        Ann. Yes, I love Roberto. Zenyatta looks just like him.

        Donna. Do you have any memories of that day at the races and Roberto?

        • Max, Donna and Ann,

          Posted the video of Roberto’s win over Brigadier, what a great one.

  30. / Reply

    Congrats to MMM and Game On Dude. Way to go! Also kudos to all the others who finished in the money.
    Zenny–I saw that it was 100 degrees in Lexington. I can’t imagine what that must have felt like. I’m glad you and Baby Z. have your barn. Also glad Dawn and Shari got home before that hit.
    We finally got a little rain yesterday down here. Hoping for more to come.

    • / Reply

      Praying that you will receive some rain. I think the temps. are breaking and cooler air will hit Zenny soon. Hang in there Z. 80s coming my way…….

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