Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #4

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Q:

I work around horses myself. Herd dynamics have always been an interesting thing for me—the way certain horses interact with one another and the hierarchies they establish can be fascinating. Sometimes horses who show a certain personality around their human caretakers take on a completely separate personality among their own kind. My question, then, is how does Zenyatta fit into her herds, past and present? Is she a definite alpha mare no matter who she’s with, low (wo)man on the totem pole, or somewhere in the middle, and how does this compare to her personality around her human handlers and caretakers?

Kelli Clark

Toms River, NJ

A:There is definitely a hierarchy and a pecking order established in herds, and once that is established we don’t have too many issues. Surprisingly, for a horse that was so dominant on the racetrack, Zenyatta is not aggressive or competitive in any way whilst in the herd. She is a lovely mare to be around with a very kind temperament that transfers to both horse and human contact. It is quite common to see her hanging out with more than just her own foal!

One of the most important aspects of farm management is keen observation and making the necessary adjustments to keep the horses happy in their environment. This in turn leads to fewer health issues and injuries. Mares that are older or are less mobile are placed in smaller groups so that they are not competing for feed in any way.

Expert: Alys Emson

Q:

Is there a deadline for naming Baby Z or any Thoroughbred baby? I know there are guidlines as far as the actual name goes, but I’m wondering if there is a time limit.

Katie Speake

Topeka, KS

A:Selecting names for Thoroughbreds is surely one of the most important (and rewarding) aspects of ownership! Most owners name their horses between their yearling year and February 1st of the horse’s two-year-old year. After February 1st of the two-year-old year, a small naming fee must be paid to The Jockey Club. The Jockey Club Registry website (www.jockeyclub.com) lists The American Stud Book Principal Rules and Requirements. Rule # 6 in the American Stud Book, relating to naming, lists all of the requirements and rules for submitting names for Thoroughbreds. An actual time deadline for naming is not stated, but all Thoroughbred horses must be named before they can enter a race.

Expert: Martha Heckerman

Our Experts

Alys Emson

Client Management, Lane’s End

Alys has been at Lane’s End for fourteen years. She has worked in every division of the farm and is now in charge of client management, keeping owners up to speed about the lives of their horses.

Martha Heckerman

Service Certificates/Registration, Lane’s End

Martha Heckerman has worked in the Lane’s End office for 16 years. She began as a stallion booking secretary in 1996 and currently coordinates the foal registration process for all foals born at Lane’s End, and related duties. Martha also has the happy task of administering the annual “Name Game” in which Lane’s End employees submit name ideas for horses that will race for Mr. Farish.

Reader Interactions

493 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Hi all…been gone a couple of days….will catch up…still no Cigar….sigh..
    love to all
    …
    Zenny …give the boy a extra kiss for me

  2. / Reply

    For all who were interested in the Prince of Wales, financially the day was not one of my better ones. I boxed Dixie Strike, Ultimate Destiny and Dead On and placed a small show bet on Colleen’s Sailor. As you will all know, my box did not pay off but I collected on Colleen’s Sailor. Moral of the story for me is to stick with my first instinct which was to box the 1st, 2nd and 3rd horses. I switched to Dead On because of his breeding and the fact that he is a Sam-Son Farm horse and I’ve always liked their horses, especially Dance Smartly.
    Vic backed the two fillies so she was happy that DS ran such an amazing race, that stretch run was fantastic. She was sad that Irish Mission did not do so well. We were sitting right behind Irish Mission’s connections and they were obviously disappointed. The fast early fractions may have been too much for her.
    We were both pleased to have had the opportunity to speak with Roger Attfield and I congratulated him on his induction into the Hall of Fame next month. He is such a gentleman, he said what a great honor it was and how kind of me to take the time to mention it.
    The crowd was, I think, the biggest that I have seen in the last 10 years so it was a very bitter/sweet day knowing that it was probably the last time we would see a PoW at Fort Erie. Conspicuous by their absence were the provincial politicians – perhaps just as well!!! We need a miracle.
    Both Vic and I took a Secretariat item with us in the hopes that Ron Turcotte would have stayed for the race and we could have got him to sign them for us, but he hadn’t stayed after the post position draw. Too bad, I thought my June 11, 1973 copy of Sports Illustrated would increase in value if I had a Turcotte signature on it.

    • / Reply

      Dear Brenda S.:

      Sounds like you and Vic had a great time on Prince of Wales Day. Actually, your handicapping made a lot of sense. Sometimes, though, it is our instincts that are the best. Racing is so unpredictable at times. Dixie Strike ran an absolutely amazing race (closing like Z). Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Brenda S. Thank you for telling us about your day at the races. I cannot believe that they are closing that track. It will be a huge loss to the economy and to history. It is a vital part of the social fabric of Fort Erie. I hope that you get your miracle.

  3. / Reply

    HOMES NEEDED FOR OLDER HORSES IN THE GREATER OREGON AREA! Some Seabiscuit and Affirmed horses are in need of homes in this area as soon as possible. IF YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN THEM, PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL AT l_artssavelives@verizon.net. Thank you!

    PLEASE NETWORK THIS FAR AND WIDE IN THE NORTHWEST! I really appreciate any networking you can do!

    Barbara Grimaldi, equi-army-ndo.com

  4. / Reply

    @Trina-Don’t you think its about time you joined the Redneck Club? Here is a horse joke, although no talking by the horse is involved. It seems a man was always bragging aout how smart his horse was, bringing him his paper and slippers. One of his friends was getting tired of hearing about it. Next day the man was passing around his daughter’s wedding album and the other guy said “What? No pictures of the horse?” The man then replied “Well, somebody had to take the pictures.” Today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you have ever dug up your driveway to fix your water line. You migt be a redneck if the ring bearer at your wedding was a pot-bellied pig. You might be a redneck if any of your children was named after a celebrity’s dog. You might be a redneck if you think urethra is a famous black singer. You might be a redneck if your idea of the afterlife involves Johnny Cash beating up George Clooney. You might be a redneck if you have ever cleaned your toilet with duct tape attached to a yardstick. You might be a Jedi redneck if you have ever used the force to get yourself another beer. You might be a redneck if you have ever eaten a happy meal in an outhouse.

      • / Reply

        Terry C. Attaching duct tape to a yardstick or broom to pick up fallen objects which are otherwise out of reach is the only way to get results. Oh sweet duct tape. We cannot live without you.

        Please bring back those talking horses, although I loved the photographer horse.

    • / Reply

      Terry,
      Today is Emma’s grooming day She is a Cavalier.
      So, while I am driving through the parking lot to pick her up,
      I spot a older white car, beat up,sags to the right, flag on the antenna.
      Caught my eye-wondered if anything was duct taped.
      But, there in the back window was a street sign
      RED NECK BLVD
      Big white letters on red background.
      Had to share-wish I had a camera with me, cell phone was at home.
      This was the first time I have seen it. Will be ready next time

      Thanks for birthday wishes. Emma & I share a birthday. She was 9
      From her fan club, she got cards, presents, & from me, a dog cupcake from Sprinkles.
      What else can you buy for a dog who has everything?
      Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Keta-Thanks for sharing. Cavaliers are just about the most adorable dogs ever. Hope both of you had a great day.

    • / Reply

      Terry, I guess the sewer line in the driveway doesn’t count unless the outhouse is in the front yard with the refrigerator.

    • / Reply

      Very funny horse joke TC (the horse didn’t talk in the movie theater joke either, but it was the element of surprise that was so funny).
      Sandy

      • / Reply

        Thanks, sign. Boone’s Farm is still the most tasy wine I ever had. Guess I will never be a wine snob. Pretty late in the game to change now.

    • / Reply

      The only celebrity in my town is the town drunk.
      He was very honored that Paw and I named our first…Beauregard.

  5. / Reply

    long ago when the kids got their first cars…i put together and emergency kit for the trunks….
    first item…duct tape
    second item…bubble gum…..if hose leaks..chew gum apply to leak…tape in place
    third item…2 large bags of kitty litter….esp in winter…one bag in truck over each rear
    tire…more wt…added traction….if icy and stuck….kitty litter on ice provides traction
    gallon each of antifreeze and washer fluid and a quart of oil
    a couple of old wire hangers…in case tail pipe loose…
    they all laughed at me…..but the emergency kit saved each of them more than once
    ….
    duct tape forever

    • / Reply

      carol. Excellent advice. I keep a roll of duct tape in sight at all times. It is at eye level on its own shelf next to the back door. I do not want to waste valuable time searching for my weapon of choice against pretty much all problems. There is very little that duct tape cannot do to save a situation.

    • / Reply

      Carol
      How hilarious, we used bags of sand or salt
      In our cars in Ohio to weigh down car in the snow.

        • Wondered about UTAH and snow like that, but I guess in the MOUNTAINS at the ski resorts there ???

        • We are in northern half of Utah…plenty of snow in winter …southern Utah usually does not get snow

    • / Reply

      Carol, Right now I’ve got weed and feed and grass seed, neither of which I’ll be using this year if we don’t get some rain soon. Might need the duct tape to seal up the bags if they slide around for much longer.

    • / Reply

      There is an old joke of a guy who fell into the hole in an outhouse and started yelling Fire! Fire!. When people came to rescue him, they asked him why he was yelling fire when the emergencey was obvioulsy for other reasons. He told them that if I yelled out the real problem no one would come. Duct tape will never fail or be judgemental.

  6. / Reply

    Hi Z family. I have been busy. My Miesha is sick again and had surgery today. Please keep her in your prayers. Love to All, Shari : )

    • / Reply

      Aww, will pray for her!

      All will be well! May she pull through like Champion, like our Queen Z!

    • / Reply

      Shari,
      So sorry that your sweet puppy is sick again. Will definitely keep you and Miesha in my thoughts and prayers. Hope she has a speedy recovery.
      Take care and hugs to you and Miesha.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shari V.:

      So sorry to hear what Miesha is going through. Will pray for both of you. Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    Hi Zenyatta Baby Z and everyone. Shari I will keep Miesha in my prayers.
    Some very nice stallions are represented at the Ocala Yearling Sale in August. I looked at the catalog on line and it was very impressive. Flower Alley has several, Empire Maker has one. Just so many. Zenny I made my reservation way in advance this year. Remember I almost didn’t get a hotel room last time as I waited untill the last minute and almost everywhere I wanted to stay was booked. Zenny I looked very fast at the dam’s represented and I think I saw one with Galileo in her name. Do you think it could be by You Know who. Don’t know maybe I looked to fast I might have to go back and look again but wouldn’t that be interesting. Nah, or could it be.
    Everyone have a wonderful week. Love Ya Zenny and Baby Z

  8. / Reply

    Yes, I did see it. Her name is Galileo’s Star. She has Hip # 160. Don’t know who she is. Wonder if she could be by Galileo

    • / Reply

      Pedigree search shows Galileo’s Star is 9yr old mare by Galileo out of Arazara(?)…
      does this help

      • / Reply

        Carol, yes Thank You, I was going to go back in tomorrow and search her. I havent gotten my catalog yet. I think they will be mailed out the first of August. OMG, by Galileo I definately want to see this youngster. Being Hip # l60 will be on the first day Select Sale. I think first day goes through l88 or somewhere close to that.
        Leroidesaimaux, (Animal Kingdom’s sire) has several yearlings to offer this year as well. So love Animal Kingdom. Hope he is doing good.
        Hey Sign, i too am excited about Mars. He sounds like something special doesn’t he.

        • The catalog is available on line. This Galileo’s Star is not by Galileo; she is by Lil E Tee. Sire is U.S. Ranger, a son of Danzig who was G1 placed in Ireland.. I’m surprised this colt is a Select yearling, frankly. He’s an April baby with an oddball pedigree. His dam was undistinguished as a racer, although his second dam was a good producer. He must be one good looking individual. But then, it’s not Keeneland or F-T Saratoga.

          http://obssales.com/augcatalog/2012/OBS_Aug_Book1.pdf

          THE Galileo is not represented as a sire at this sale.

    • / Reply

      He is one high maintenance guy….really picky….but they are bending over backward to make him happy

    • / Reply

      Sign. War Emblem must have done some interesting talking to that doctor to land those accommodations with the Japanese mares. He might prefer US mares or he wants to come home to Kentucky? Hastings used to bite other horses, but that was usually other colts who raced against him. As far as I know, he was okay with his mares, otherwise no Fair Play and in turn no Man o’ War.

  15. / Reply

    Good morning Zenny and 12Z…have a wonderful day with your “peeps ” at LE who take such great care of you and others. We hope the heat and flys aren’t a bother, Zenny. We only want the very best for our Queen!

  16. / Reply

    Baby Brownie starting: look for ALL THAT. debut at Saratoga
    From Three Chimneys Farm on Twitter & Facebook
    The Brownies are going fast! Runnymede Farm-bred ALL THAT, who was Big Brown’s highest-priced yearling, is rockin’ and rollin’ at Saratoga!
    ALL THAT, the 2yo colt we bred by Big Brown out of our mare Miss Forest City, is training very well for his debut. Today he worked 5f at Saratoga Race Course in a bullet 1:00.06, fastest of 21 at the distance. ALL THAT was the most expensive yearling from the first crop by his champion sire, who stands at Three Chimneys Farm, when he was bought by Amerman Racing for $310,000 at the Keeneland September sale.
    Keta

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