Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #5

Q:

I’m planning to become a breeder and a trainer when I grow up, so I have so many questions… But I think the biggest one is: how do you get started?

Mariah Rain Lester

Redmond, WA

Spring morning turn out with Matt. Photo by Kyle Acebo

A: By learning as much as you can about everything you can! There are lots of publications that will keep you up to date on industry happenings but you also need a good base of practical experience.

Identify someone you admire and who you would like to emulate; see how they got to where they are. Try to get a job with them or even volunteer your time!

The more diverse your experience and knowledge is, the better; you will be able to form your own opinions on the best way of doing things. Work hard, ask why, be nice, and someone will be willing to give you an opportunity.

Expert: Gemma Freeman

Q:

I am curious about why horses are called full siblings or half siblings, etc. only if they are out of the same dam. I realize stallions can sire over 100 foals a season and a mare only has one foal a year. There would be a lot of half siblings running around!

Andrea Neis

Santa Rosa, CA

A: In Thoroughbred breeding, the mare (dam) determines the “sibling status” for the foals that she produces. “Full siblings” are foals who have the same dam and the same sire. A “half sibling” is a foal that has the same dam, but different sire.

As an example, I’m thinking of PRIVATE STATUS, one of our favorite mares here at Lane’s End. Her first foal was SECRET STATUS (Winner of the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks!) who was sired by A.P. INDY. A few years later, PRIVATE STATUS produced ALUMNI HALL who was also sired by A.P. INDY. This makes SECRET STATUS and ALUMNI HALL “full siblings” as they have the same sire and dam. They have a “half sibling or half-sister” named PRIVATE GIFT who was produced by PRIVATE STATUS but sired by UNBRIDLED.

I am not sure what the scientific basis is for the “sibling” classification, but it makes sense that in order to be a “full” sister or brother, both mom and dad need to have provided the bloodlines.

Expert: Martha Heckerman

Our Experts

Gemma Freeman

Stallion Seasons & Shares, Lane’s End

Gemma graduated in Equine Business Management from Imperial College, London before completing the BHB Graduate Development Program. She has worked at farms all over the world and landed at Lane’s End seven years ago; she sells Stallion Seasons and RNA’s.

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

553 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Sally Ride the astronaut died today. She was 61.
    Ray Paulick DRF tweeted–Ride Sally- filly named after astronaut SallyRide – was 1st G1 SW for Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito
    He also tweeted– Most horses named for famous people are failures, but 1 named after space pioneer SallyRide was, like her, a winner
    Keta note: RIP Sally Ride–you were an inspiration to so many!

  2. / Reply

    A lovely story about Hootie & his pony rider Freddie!
    Based on this, Hootie was 21
    Horserace Insider Saturday, January 22, 2011
    Freddie & Hootie, Off Into the Sunset Written by Bill Christine
    I knew that if I wore my Zenyatta baseball cap on the street long enough, it would pay off. ………………..

    I turned around and there was Freddie Wilson. We were both wearing Zenyatta caps, but were hardly mirror images. His was all black, with a circled white “Z” in the center; mine was Hollywood Park-issue, black with the stable colors of green and pink. The wearer of the other cap had been Zenyatta’s pony boy, and in Wilson’s case, never was that term more of a misnomer…………………..

    Freddie and Hootie, Hootie and Freddie, the pony boy and the stable pony, they were inseparable during the morning training hours of the heady Zenyatta years. “We’re both retired now,” Wilson said. “Hootie’s 20, and I got emphysema real bad.” Hootie, a sorrel quarter horse, escorted Zenyatta to the track so often in the mornings that Wilson can’t begin to count. Hootie came to John Shirreffs’ barn from another trainer, Carla Gaines.
    http://www.horseraceinsider.com/lines-in-the-sand/01232011-freddie-hootie-off-into-the-sunset/

  3. / Reply

    @Dawn Conrad– with all the sadness we have dealt with lately, it was a breath of fresh air to hear from you. We cannot wait to hear about all your farm visits. Looking so forward to meeting you at BC 2012. We have many connections to Colorado by way of summer vacations to Estes Park, so we know the area well and grieve with those who have experienced loss of homes and other property.

    RIP dear Hootie. You will be long remembered.

    @signofthetimes–what a great article on War Emblem. Thanks!

  4. / Reply

    @Judy Berube
    @Darlene Daniels, I posted you both comments on page 3. Please see these.

    • / Reply

      Peggy,

      Thank you for your response and also for telling where to find it.

      I had no idea the stallions were flown all over. I just thought the mares went to the stallions. Seems like that would be alot for the stallions to adjust to. I have so much to learn. I truly love TB horseracing and all the breeding and pedicress etc. etc. but it is also very emotionally draining at times.

      Thanks again Peggy

        • Judy:

          Thanks for the link to the yearlings! I really enjoyed it. But I was wondering if you can help me? I found 2 yearling #440 a colt by Skip Away and #355 a filly by Real Quiet, how can I find out what there names are and possibly who their trainers or owners are? I have a real soft spot for my pal Real Quiet, before Z-Girl and Rachel Alexandra, he was one of two of my favorite horses of all time. I was deeply saddened when he passed, it broke my heart, and the tears well they flowed for days. Any info you could give me would be greatly appreciated, I would love to follow these two babies!

          Thank you

      • / Reply

        Great research, Judy B.

        We have to keep track of those special War Pass, babies.

        Thanks for all the great links.

        • Dear Sign:

          You’re so welcome. Thank you for all the great links you post all the time. Hugs, JB

  6. / Reply

    OMG, Judy Thank you so much. I am going to go in and read all of this. So they named her Gabianno. I am so glad that you found her. I had written all of her info down. I will keep track of her. I hope I get to see her again one day in person. I will be listening intently to all of Monmouth Park races now. You are the best. Love, Peggy

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N:

      You’re so welcome. I’ll try and find a photo of her. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Peggy:

          Forgot to tell you she is No. 311. Click on her photo to enlarge it. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy Berube, You have just made my day, and my life by finding her. She is a beauty. Has a beautiful face. I wanted to say If you look at the still photo, her color looks very light there. maybe it is the photography. If you look at the video she looks more like her accurate color. She is darker than the still photo. To me she does look a lot like her dad War Pass. She let me pet her alot, and she likes being rubbed on her head. You know some horses don’t like being petted on there heads, but she did. She would walk away for just a minute or so and them come back for more attention. When she was walking in the ring she just looked so beautiful. Such a young beautiful face. I am going to cry. I sure would have liked to have brought her home with me. And she does have a very nice pedigree doesn’t she. Even Damascus in that line. Northern Dancer, oh my Gosh. And I hadn’t even paid attention to her pedigree when I first saw her other than she was War Pass’s daughter.
          That time in the video posted l0.2, I still get confused at these times posted. Wouldn’t that have been very good????
          You know, I hope if maybe she doesn’t do good as a race horse, maybe she will someday pop up in a sale again. Well I can hope. She looked pretty good in that video. Now, I have anothe horse to worry about. Hope so hard she stays safe. I am going to keep track of her and Judy if you will please do too. Do you think equibase might be the best place to keep track of her other than watching the races.??? I sawshe doesn’t have a trainer yet.
          I was so excited at work today. I told everyone you had found the filly that I just fell in love with in March.
          Thank you so much again and I did see the pedigree that you posted.
          Oh, and wasn’t that music great on her workout video.
          You are so talented at finding all of this, Many hugs, Love, Peggy

        • Dear Eveline and Peggy N.:

          Thank you. Peggy, Gabbiano looks like she has speed and a good turn of foot and yes, her coat looked a bit darker in the videos compared to the still photo. Praying for good health and soundness for her.
          I think Equibase will be our best bet to keep track of her. She is just gorgeous. So glad you were able to find her again. I’ll bet if you get to pet her again, she will remember you. I hope you do. Love and Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    Hooray!! Dawn Conrad is back among us! So very glad that you had such a great trip with your mother and Shari! Looking forward to hearing about your adventures soon!
    Take care and many hugs !

  8. / Reply

    This morning I went to watch the early morning workouts ( Monday). I saw a number of Doug O’Neill’s horses, ( they wear saddle blankets that say “Team O’Neill” which I thought was really neat. I walked over to his barn and spoke with a couple of the grooms. I asked if Lava Man was down at Del Mar and they said “No” he was staying at Hollywood Park.

    Was hoping we would see him this racing season. Pony horses are so beloved. Very sad news about Hootie. He was a handsome horse and had such an important job.

  9. / Reply

    WOW, Zenny’s FB friends are now over 111,000! We just love how people still follow her…wait for Z12 to begin training in a few years. Her story is just beginning.

  10. / Reply

    Dear Peggy N:

    Left a post for you on Page 3 right under your post about Gabbiano’s pedigree. Hugs, JB

  11. / Reply

    Here are today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you put Bean-O on everything you eat. You might be a redneck if you have ever stabbed the back of someone’s hand when they were reaching for the last piece of chicken. You might be a redneck because, since you live alone, you consider deodorant to be a waste of money. You might be a redneck if you have ever broken your toe with your belt buckle. You might be a redneck if you have broken the speed limit driving backwards. You might be a redneck if you can’t remember what the tarp in your front yard is covering. You might be a redneck if your toenail is three differant colors and none of them is nail polish. You might be a redneck if you have ever eaten frog legs in a location other than a restaurant.

  13. / Reply

    Another good redneck day, thanks Terry. I could use some flesh colored Duct Tape for Vic’s mouth – she hasn’t shut up since the announcement that the name the foal secret will be revealed on Friday. Sadly I don’t believe she will win since her suggestion honored Jess Jackson but at least I don’t have to figure out how to fit in a trip to Kentucky between preparations for college and Dr’s and Dentist appointments.

    Dear Dawn, So glad that you are safely home and that you had a good trip but so sad that Colorado is dealing with so much trauma. The shootings here in Ontario are not as serious as Aurora and we certainly are not dealing with the huge fires that you are. I shall keep your nephew in my thoughts.

  14. / Reply

    @Barbara Wood, Just wanted to say Hi. Seems like it has been a while since I have spoken to you. Is it really scalding hot in Texas. It is real hot here, but we are getting some rain around in different spots. Love, Peggy

  15. / Reply

    @Judy, Max said also if he saw anything on her he would post it too. I so hope you will

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy:

      Will do. Gabbiano looked great in the videos didn’t she! She has some speed I think. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Once again I am crying my eyes out for the love of thoroughbreds. What a great story. Thank you for sharing.

      Someday, someday I will have one.

    • / Reply

      Ann:

      Thank you so much for the link about Dick G aka Teddy, what a beautiful story. I know firsthand the healing powers horses have, and happy to hear that retired race horses are being used for such a wonderful purpose. It’s nice to hear other stories about other horses, it doesn’t mean our love for Z-Girl and baby Z is any less, she is and always will be the “Queen” of racing, but i believe if you are a “true” horse fan you have interest in all horses. I will be tracking this new web site to hear more about the other 2 horses stories.
      Thanks for sharing truly inspirational!

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann:

      Wonderful story and another example of the bond between horses and humans. Horses are intuitive and can be very gentle as this story proves. Hugs, JB

  17. / Reply

    OK all my Zster family, I must confess. Friday evening I fell down and planted my face on concrete pavement. I am sporting a black eye and a big fat black lip. Any ideas how to conceal this without it looking like something concealed. Makeup is making it look like a black eye and black lip with concealer. Help.

    Hubby said he is going to get me a walker and friends said they were going to get me bubble wrap and a helmet.

    • / Reply

      Darlene,

      I’m sorry for your mishap, but sounds like you have a good sense of humor about it. I love the bubble wrap and helmet solution….sounds like a redneck preventive measure. I also love Max’s suggestions about the other guy losing the argument or that you’re in training for the Breeders Cup. Probably most won’t know what you’re talking about. Baffle them… and by the time they figure it out, you will be back to looking normal. Chin up, but also use it to your advantage. You can’t possibly cook or clean with such horrible injuries.

    • / Reply

      Dear Darlene,
      “Dermablend” – it’s the best concealer I’ve ever used. My eyes always have purple circles, and I use 2 different colors (one on top of the other), and it works great. They have different kinds of concealer (face, legs, etc). I’ve used the one they recommend for legs many times, because I’m always bumping my legs – hiking, riding, running, etc. I could fall off a horse, and model the same day with this stuff! Just kidding…. sort of.
      You can order online, but it takes almost a week to receive. I’d recommend getting a few colors (the colorchart is online – so you can look to see what is closest to your skin color). The one for eyes (which I also use on bruises) is “Quick-Fix Concealer”, and I can’t remember the one for legs – but it’s online. I’ve been using this for about 20 years or more I think. They carry it at Dillards and Macys I’m pretty sure, but not sure about Penneys. We live in the boonies, so I always order a years supply at a time. It lasts a long time. It’s a little pricey…but it’s the best stuff.
      Hope that helps. I love your humor.
      PS Terry …. Camo sounds great!

    • / Reply

      Darlene,
      That was not fun & is not pretty.
      Thankful that the injuries were not more serious.
      Has happened or will happen to most of us.
      You will go through an interesting palette of colors while healing.
      Elizabeth has some good advice
      Feel better.
      Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Darlene– Hope you are on the mend soon. Having a sense of humor, certainly does help. Feel better soon.

  18. / Reply

    Darlene Daniels. No need to cover up. Wear it proudly and, if asked, just say the other guy lost the argument or you got hurt training for some important athletic event like the Breeders’ Cup. Better still, no explanations. That’s what Big D would do.

    P.S. get well soon

    • / Reply

      Ouch, Darlene. Yes, get well and Max said it best! Wear a pair of huge sunglasses? Behave yourself now, Darlene!!!

      Max…loved the Lucarno race. Thanks for posting it. That was beautiful. I love that form of race…..tuck him in and then cut him loose. Loved seeing him take to the whip and stretch those legs to win.

  20. / Reply

    Have to take care if some business so I’m posting the redneck jokes early. You might be a redneck if Thanksgiving dinner is squirrel and dumplings. You might be aredneck if your idea of exercise is sucking in your gut to zip your pants (guilty). You know you belong to a redneck church if chicken is considered to be the gospel bird. You have a redneck fire department if the hook and ladder has been on fire more times than it has been to fires.You might be aredneck if you have ever jacked up your house to look for a dog. You might be a redneck if, when you wear leather, it makes you look like a retread. You might be a redneck if there is a hole in the ozone right above your house.

  23. / Reply

    Another young one to keep an eye on!
    Steve Andersen‏ DRF tweeted
    Bares Tripper ($3.20) set a five-furlong track record of 57.83 seconds by winning Wednesday’s first for $80,000 maiden claimers (at Del Mar)
    Greg Reinhart‏ tweet
    Bares Tripper broke the track record for 5F in the first at Del Mar for Peter Miller and Garrett Gomez
    Here is the sales inf on Bares Tripper.
    Barretts Equine Limited May 2012 Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training
    May 14, 2012 • California, USA
    BARES TRIPPER, f, 10
    Sky Mesa – Bare Dancer, by Cherokee Run
    (Wavertree Stables) – David J. Lanzman & Jason Wood $45,000
    David J. Lanzman & Jason Wood

  24. / Reply

    Holy Candy Recovering After Ankle Surgery
    Date Posted: 7/25/2012 5:12:05 PM The Blood-Horse
    Trainer John Sadler reported that Holy Candy, pulled up as the even-money favorite in the second division of the opening day Oceanside Stakes July 18 at Del Mar, has undergone successful surgery for a bone chip in his right front ankle.
    The surgery was performed by Dr. Wayne McIlwraith at Equine Medical in Cerritos, Calif.
    “Early on we’re very happy with the prognosis,” Sadler said July 25. “We keep them in for four or five days to make sure but in awhile he’ll be up the street and in the same area code.”
    Owned by the Craig Stables & Donkey Island Racing, Holy Candy will be recuperating at Jenny Craig’s Rancho Paseana, a few miles inland from the track.

    • / Reply

      Thanks Keta for the information on Holy Candy. (Holy Candy is the son of Zenny’s pasture friend, Spooky Minister)
      I’m glad it’s only a bone chip.
      Keta, did you see that the Zenyatta camp has an announcement to make this week. It was in a brief statement before the blog. Does Z12 have a name, perhaps?

  25. / Reply

    Well we all know who Zenny’s and her babies’ guardian angel will be. Hootie will surely be watching out for them. I am so happy that he is free and not suffering.

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