Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts: Mike Cline, Part 1

Q:

What is it like to have Zenyatta at Lane’s End? How is she different than other horses at the farm?

Cassandra Gregory

Manitou Springs, CO

 

A:I started hearing rumblings that the Mosses were sending Zenyatta to Lane’s End shortly before the Breeders’ Cup 2010, and we had some staff meetings here at the farm about it. I’d been told that she had a huge following, and obviously i had admired her through the years in racing, but I don’t think anything that I knew about her then would have prepared me for where we are now, a couple years later, my experience with her, and what she means to so many people.

Zenyatta, 2009. Photo by Ann Moss

I remember she flew in on a plane to Bluegrass Field and was vanned over to Keenland on December 5th. I guess I should have gotten an idea about how it was going to be that day, because there were about four or five hundred people standing out in the freezing cold and rain and snow to watch her arrival. She didn’t disappoint; John Shirreffs came in with her and walked her around the walking ring at Keenland, and she was admired and photographed by everyone that was there. Everyone was genuinely enthralled by how magnificent she looked.

Again, I should have thought then, should have prepared myself… You always want to say that when we get her here, we’ve got to treat her just like every other mare. That works pretty well when you’re doing repro work on her, you have the blacksmith here trimming her, or you’re vaccinating her—you do treat her like every other mare. We have lots of nice mares here, and over the years we’ve had champions and terrific mares, but I must say that we’ve never had a thoroughbred stallion or mare that has the following of Zenyatta. Everybody told me that, but I had to learn it for myself.

Just being around her every day and being able to drive by her paddock, and listen to all the people that call in here and ask questions about her and follow her on the website… she’s definitely a rock star, no doubt about that.

The Mosses have been kind enough to let us do so many charitable things with her, be it selling halters or auctioning off visits, raising money for all kinds of different things. The last of which was some storm relief work that she did. It was their idea to have her here and to share with the horse community, and we have to sort out how we balance that. I know everybody doesn’t get what they want, but we try to be fair about it, understanding that she comes first. There are times of the year where you can come see her, and there are times of the year where you can’t come see her.

We see her every day and she never ceases to amaze us with the stuff she does, and she’s just different from other horses in a lot of different ways. Her feel for humans is totally different. We have lots of kind, quiet mares, but she’s thoughtful. I don’t think there’s any chance she’d ever bite anybody or kick anybody, and I think it was like that on the racetrack as well, from what I’ve heard.

Certainly, she keeps us on our toes here. We feel privileged to be some small part of her development, and we look forward to seeing her live out a long healthy life here and produce, hopefully, somebody that can keep up with her.

Note about visiting Zenyatta:
We understand the desire of many to visit Zenyatta at Lane’s End Farm. Currently, visits with Zenyatta are not available to the public. If the policy changes, the fans will be the first to know.

Our Expert

Michael H. Cline

Farm Manager, Lane’s End

Michael H Cline is the Manager of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Farish’s Lane’s End Farm near Versailles, Kentucky. He has held that position for 33 years and he played a key role in the design and development of the farm from the time Mr. Farish first purchased the land in the late 1970’s.

Mike is a local having graduated from Woodford County High School and attended the University of Kentucky. He is the proud father to two sons, John and Chad and one grandson, Charlie.

Mike’s family has been involved in the Thoroughbred industry beginning with his father John Cline, who managed Haven Hill Farm for Herb Stevens and his brother, Pete is the Manager of Shawnee Farm in Kentucky. Prior to his employment at Lane’s End, Mike was Manager at Big Sink Farm in Versailles.

Reader Interactions

879 Comments

      • / Reply

        Max:

        One year ago I was at the Travers in Saratoga! The place was hoppin’ Not Just for Stay Thirsty, but also because Uncle Mo was there too! It was a beautiful HOT sunny day, and I believe there was a record crowd that day..
        Uncle Mo at Saratoga was like Zenyatta at Santa Anita! He is one of the reason’s I chose to go to the Travers that year! Just to see him run! Unfortunately, he lost by a hair, but the crowd cheered him on, even after he lost!

        Wishing all the jockey’s and horses a safe trip today at the Spa!
        GirlSaratoga

        • GS. Uncle Mo is a great horse, with a marvelous sense of humor. I loved his Facebook. Mo also had the best disguises going. As I recall, Mo was a close second last year in the King’s Bishop. He lost a shoe? Thirsty won the Travers. Thirsty is a very good horse, a son of Bernie. Glad that you enjoyed your visit to the Spa. Hopefully, Thirsty will run again this season at Saratoga. I think that there was some talk of the Whitney for him?

        • Dear Max,
          I hope Stay Thirsty is able to step up to the plate as a 4 year old. !!!

      • / Reply

        Max:

        Yes Uncle Mo was a very very very close second! Broke my heart when he didn’t win! Another reason I went last year was because of Bernie’s baby Stay Thirsty, I saw his daddy win in 2006 and I so wanted to see his son win, which we all know he did!
        In my opinion Uncle Mo is the male version of Zenny, especially when he was at Saratoga, we posed, stopped looked around and kept on going, nothing affected him, he is one of my all time favorites! (And I like his connections too!)

        GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Thanks for this link of Stay Thirsty, another of Bernie’s Beautiful Boys. Hugs, JB

  2. / Reply

    Mike, many thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to be part of this Q & A process.
    Yes, Zenny means SO much to so many…we consider her a national treasure. Her team at LE has continued the high standards originally set by Team Z in Ca. (the Mayberrys and Don R., too).
    We can never get enough of her but the regular photos and videos are wonderful.

  3. / Reply

    Hi Mike,
    Zenyatta is my once in a lifetime horse and the way you described meeting and now handling her are great.
    If you ever need a volunteer to step in caring for the great mare, just let me know.

    • / Reply

      Barbara,
      I’m having trouble keeping up here, but in response to your earlier post (and you should go back and see the responses!), you didn’t say if you were packing REDNECK goblets? (You know, the kind with the little mason jar lids :-) LOL!

    • / Reply

      Dear Barb W.:

      Thanks for this info on MTB. I will look forward to seeing the movie. Hugs, JB

  5. / Reply

    As usual, I feel as though everything that COULD be said has already been said so I’ll just add my THANKS to Team Z, LE, and Mike Cline for the great post. How reassuring to know that “our horse” is getting such wonderful care. I had a small “moment” (deja vu type) when I read the comment about Z being able for visits only at certain times. You know, “WOW! Maybe I CAN go and see her!!” (reminiscent of when I heard that she was moving “east” to live at Lane’s End), but then I realized once again that it probably won’t be happening. I understand, of course . . . . maybe sometime. Everyone who got to see her in person (horse) before she retired is SOOO lucky!

    • / Reply

      The visits he is mentioning are the controlled visits allowed by LE and the Mosses.
      Zenny’s charity work. Her fan public may be able to see her when she is THIRTY years old !!!!

  6. / Reply

    Good Morning Mike,
    Thanks to you and Lane’s End for once again taking the time to share your thoughts on moments of Zenny with us. SHE IS SO SPECIAL!!! I loved your comment stating “other mares are kind & quiet, but she is thoughtful”. That trait is definetly key to her connection with so many fans, beside her prowess on the track. It stamped her apart from other great racehorses, people who were in her presence felt it. With so many years experience in the business, it must be a refreshing surprise to encounter a horse with the charisma & following of Zenyatta. Thanks again & enjoy your day!
    PEACE & LOVE

  7. / Reply

    Mike, she is indeed a Rock Star…but without the huge ego that typically follows one.
    To know she is kind, thoughtful and so loving just makes her that much more special.

    • / Reply

      Zenny does not have a visible overt ego, but she know she is special and is a
      very high maintenance horse.

  8. / Reply

    Thank you Lanes End for this insightful post. Everytime I see a picture of Zenyatta, I see “kindness” in her eyes. In one video after Baby Z was born, Jerry Moss explained how Zenyatta was so appreciative of everything they did for her. “Z’ seems thankful, thoughtful and empathetic. Her wonderful nature was enhanced by good people that showed her their generosity. I am hoping that one day Lanes End allows us fans an hour or two, via CAM, to experience those big, beautiful eyes that bring such peace and healing to many of us. Until then, appreciate all of the photos and videos of my very favorite thoroughbred.

    • / Reply

      Molly, well said. Not only is Zenny thoughtful, she is the Queen. Those eyes seem to look right through you and it seems as if she definitely understands her humans. How John S. must miss her!
      Mike definitely understands her impact on others …we loved hearing him speak of her with such tenderness and respect. Even looking at photos of her bring goosebumps.
      She is in a class by herself…we love her.

  9. / Reply

    RIP Neil Armstrong – First man on the moon! I remember sitting on the floor in the den with my family watching it live!

  10. / Reply

    Z-Peeps:

    Good Luck Trinniberg in the King’s Bishop today! Safe trip to the finish line! I will be routing you on from my couch, wish I was there to see you in person!

    Have a Sweet Trip My Friend

    GirlSaratoga

  11. / Reply

    Judy B:

    Thanks for info on Spooky’s baby, they could be twins, except the ears! (It maybe just the pic!) Hope you hit the board this week with your pick! Tough race to bet on, a lot of good candidates could win it!!!! Changed my mind so many times, it will be a miracle if I get a winner1

    Thanks for the 2 links about Z-Girl and the Mommy and baby! I can’t believe how cute he was back then, all legs and ears! (And furry) He is slowly loosing his “cutie pie baby looks”, and looking more like a little zen-man! How time flies!

    Hope all is well with in RI, Good luck today!

    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Dear GirlSaratoga:

      I chose the Exacta of Alpha and Street Life. So I’m 0 for 4 so far. Hope Street Life will be OK. Wow, Golden Ticket ran really well, but as Max posted below, his Grand Sire is A P Indy so not too surprising this boy has talent.

      So happy our Prince has a BFF. They are so cute together. Did you love the video of Z running free in the paddock for the first time at Lane’s End? I think that’s my favorite one, although I love so many that our Kari B has given us. The Prince has really grown out of his baby coat and is filling out nicely. So gorgeous.

      Have a good Sunday and coming week. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear GirlSaratoga:

        I’m not with it today. Max mentioned Willy Beamin’s Grand Sire is AP Indy, not Golden Ticket. Ha, ha. I think I’m losing it.

        I did check into Golden Ticket’s pedigree though because I was curious. Turns out he has Gone West, Storm Cat, Secretariat, Turlingua and Northern Dancer in his pedigree, to name a few. Not too shabby. Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    To Anyone Interested:

    Just read a lovely article on Stonestreet Farms website about Kauai Katie and Barbara Banke’s, I didn’t realize she was so young (there is a pic of her and her daughter Katie)

    They are having a fabulous year with their fillies!

    Wishing all of them the Best of Luck and Much Happiness with their fillies, and the rest of their crop! Too bad Jess isn’t here with them to enjoy all theirs and his success!

    GirlSaratoga

  14. / Reply

    TO ALL THE FANTASY CAPPER !!!!

    WISHING US ALL THE BEST OF LUCK AND LOTS OF $$$$

  15. / Reply

    Thank you again, my “virtual” friends of Team Z @ Lane’s End.

    I must say that I found the interview with Mr. Michael Cline really moving, probably because of the obvious feeling he has for Our Zenny! I could have listened to him for at least another hour — just love his thoughtful, reflective way of speaking. And, of course, his doffing of the cap to the Mosses was so genuine — and they so deserve it!

    It made me think of OUR KARI too. I could see her nodding her agreement. I always knew that Zenny & Kari “read” one another deeply and well.

    Last, but not least, I am just hugely grateful for the miracle of mass media. I feel close to Zenny whether or not I will ever get to touch her. And for all the people at LE, as well as Team Z California, who have made this experience possible for me.

    Love you, Big Girl. And that’s forever!

  16. / Reply

    Dear Lanes End, Team Z and Mr Kline,

    Thanks so much for this lovely interview and for sharing everything that has gone
    on with Zenny from your perspective as the Manager at LE a TB expert.
    She is sooo very lucky to live at Lanes End and have your wonderful staff and the
    Farrish family watch over her.

    Lanes End is a top class operation and sooo very glad you have taught and shared with us the breeding side of the TB industry and through our love of Zenyatta and all she means to us the TB racing and breeding business.

    And sooo very much hope she can produce a mare or colt that will equal her talent, temperment and prowess. GOOD LUCK ZENYATTA in your new career as a broodmare on the road to BROODMARE OF THE YEAR, sometime.

    • / Reply

      Trina,

      That was so exciting. I do believe it is the first actual dead heat I have seen live, and not in a replay. Hugs

      • / Reply

        Woooohooooo a Dead Heat!!! You don’t see those very often! That was a very exciting race! What happened to Street Life?? LOL..

        • FIRST ACTUAL DEAD HEAT IN THE TRAVERS STAKES SINCE IT BEGAN !!!!

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the udate Trina.

      I am at the beach in Galveston, Texas without HRTV at my side.
      Sound exciting, will look for the video.

      Bad bet on my part, OH WELL !!!!

  19. / Reply

    Way to go Bernie’s boy!!! What a race, a dead heat in the Travers for Alpha.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign:

      I didn’t realize Alpha and Golden Ticket were in a dead heat. It was a very close photo, but when I checked the Tote on NYRA’s site they listed Golden Ticket over Alpha with no Dead Heat note. So happy for Bernies Boy. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Max and Z Fans:

      I watched that replay. Imagine Willy Beamin ran on Wednesday past and came on like a jet to win the Kings Bishop. Wow. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Max,

      Go figure, this kind of sturdy talented horse, already a gelding. Look like someone made a mistake with that decison.

      Very talented guy !!!

      • / Reply

        Sign. He might be another Lava Man or Musketier? Let us hope that he has a long and successful career. He can be proud of himself for this week alone.

        • Max,

          You are so right, two wins in three days. That is really something with all of the injuries these royally bred TB are having.

        • Sign. Willy Beamin has A.P as his grand sire. Also has Ninjinsky on distaff. Not a bad pedigree. He obviously has loads of stamina to be able to make a quick turn around as this is not the first time. Owner said that he might go to the BC, probably the Dirt Mile?

        • WOW, Max

          Guess his manhood was causing racing issues, too bad.
          With that pedigree he could have been a hit in the shed.

  24. / Reply

    Great RN joke, Barbara Wood

    Keep those goblets painted brown, red and yellow !!!

  25. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans and Zentastic Cappers:

    Big upset in the Travers. Alpha lost by a whisker to long Shot Golden Ticket. GT paid $26.80 to win. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Sign:

        I just posted above that I didn’t realize the race was a Dead Heat. So happy for Alpha and Golden Ticket. Would have been a tough loss for either one. Hugs JB

        • Judy, Sign,Max,cappers,

          What a thrilling race. I had Neck and Neck.
          Yes, Judy, they both deserved to win,great effort by both. I liked the trainers,grew up together and great sportsmanship at the outcome.
          Great day. Hoping SL will heal.

          Oh well…next week, Ms. Judy…I pull my # from a hat!!! Then pray to the racing Gods,Max.

          Sign,get some sand between your toes for me too!! Z said so.
          Max, when will TW run next?

        • Ann. If all goes well, Thought Worthy will be in the St. Leger on September 15. I would like to see him repeat his brother Lucarno’s win. Could happen.

  26. / Reply

    AMAZING DEAD HEAT! Street Life was dead last! No winner here! Did anyone have the exact? It paid like 1,600.00 bucks, that would have been nice for the team!

    No winner here! Bad handicapping this week!

    The weather looked gorgeous, and there were 45, 000 there today! What a thrill to see a dead heat!

    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Dear GirlSaratoga:

      Street Life didn’t seem to fire at all. Hope he’s OK. Don’t think any of us chose Golden Ticket. He ran a great race as did Alpha. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      GS,

      Exacta : Alpha and Neck and Neck, No money for me either !!!!

      Never would have thought about Golden Ticket !!!
      No mention of him by anyone, just goes to show racing is a lot of luck !!!

      • / Reply

        Dear Sign and Z Fans:

        Yes, Golden Ticket was a surprise. I had an Exacta Box with Alpha and Street Life. Hope Street Life’s injury is minor. Sounds like it. Hope he recovers well to race again. Hugs, JB

  27. / Reply

    Dear Sign and Z Fans:

    Here’s how NYRA posted it on the Toteboard. I watched the replay and then checked the Tote, so I though GT won in the photo. Sorry for misinformation. Hugs, JB

    12th Race – Saratoga – 2012-08-25
    Race Type: Stakes
    Age Restriction: Three Year Olds
    Value of Race: $1,000,000
    Distance: 1 1/4 Mile
    Surface Type: Dirt
    Track Condition: FAST

    No. Horse Jockey Win Place Show

    3 Golden Ticket David Cohen 26.80 26.40 11.80
    6 Alpha Ramon Dominguez 4.10 5.10 3.90
    11 Fast Falcon Junior Alvarado

  30. / Reply

    Drf tweeted Street Life has a soft tissue ankle injury…..re evaluate tomorrow…
    good thing I do not try to make a living picking winners…would starve

    • / Reply

      Carol,

      I almost changed my Exacta to Alpha and Street Life from Neck and Neck
      Did not come out well this week, No betting for me at the BC, just fun, food
      and wine !!!

    • / Reply

      Carol…it will be slim pickins in my house. My cappin is down the drain.

      Sign….are you wearing those KS shoes? You are going to have a blast!!!

Leave a Reply to signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.