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

  1. / Reply

    Z Family,

    I had a quiet day yesterday. I had to sleep with the radio on because the silence was suffocating. I cried a bit more, and it got to the point to where I induced migrains because I couldn’t breathe anymore. Once I finally got to sleep, I didn’t wake up feeling any better. It’s so quiet without the squeaky wheel. Here is a picture of my Sammi.

    https://twitter.com/QueenOfSuites/status/239502256859385856/photo/1

    My amazing little Sammi.

    I finally paid out this race, so that is good news. Good job to both horses. First dead heat in 142 years of Travers history.

    I worked at Safe Haven today. We got an OTTB that was used as a broodmare who is blind in one eye. She needs a blanket for the winter, as none we have will fit her. I will post more information on my blog, and then I will post a link.

    Thank you all for your kind words. I miss Sammi a lot, and I know that she is peaceful and roaming around heaven, but without a ball this time! Eating all she wants, and leaping off her water bottle without fear of injury; her favorite past time when she was with us.

  2. / Reply

    Speaking of Stonestreet and fillies…..do not forget that Maggie Hawk foaled a full sister to Affleet Alex this yr….saw baby pictures of her….she just might be the lady of the future….

    • / Reply

      Carol,

      You are soooo good keeping up with the TB “babies”, the one you mentioned sounds
      like she has the pedigree to be a big talent.

      • / Reply

        Carol,
        Does she have her official racing name yet? Please keep us posted about her,she sounds great. Lady of the Future……should name her that!

        Sign, when will 12z be named…….LOL,I just could not resist,you do a great job keeping us current,thanks my friend! This guy has enough personality already,wish the name could come sooner.

    • / Reply

      Afleet Alex is one of my all-time favorites. Should have won the triple crown, with all due respect to Giacomo.

  3. / Reply

    Mike, This was one of the best videos yet on Zenny’s life at LE. Thanks for saying what we always knew, The Queen is a Rock Star!

  5. / Reply

    @Pati-Heavy-hearted–sending you Z-hugs with love and understanding. As the Jacksons said after Barbaro’s passing, “Grief is the price we pay for love”. Sammi will always be in your heart.

    @Sandy in NE Ohio–no, these goblets are real. I’m just too poor to have anything to put in them–lol!

    @Sign–when you wrote “RN joke”, all I could think of was nursing. My brain is fried.

    RIP Neil Armstrong.

    What a Travers! Wow!

  6. / Reply

    I heard Street Life was pulled up shortly after the finish of the Travers. First reports is a soft tissue injury, not life threatening. Hope he is okay. I am glad Alpha stayed in for the dead heat.

  9. / Reply

    Thanks Lane’s End for the wonderful expert information. Interesting interview by Michael Cline. I appreciate everything that you all do for Zenny and Her Prince and their stable-mates. Also thanks for keeping us so informed. Blessings to everyone at Lane’s End… esp Zenny and Z12!

  10. / Reply

    Casino Host …..son of Big D….wins …..and is in to the BC…..
    not only that….TVG reported he was invited to go to HongKong too…it seems the invite was extended before he even left the winners circle…..those DynoKids just get better with age

    • / Reply

      Love this press release. Bernie so deserves the recognition.

      See below the “news” on Street Cry, Zenny’s dad.

      • / Reply

        Bernie might be putting out a press release about 12Z winning those races in 2015. That would be so great, although Z might beat him to it.

        • Very well may be, Lanes End and Darley will both advertise for 12 Z.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      Thank you for this link on Bernie’s press release. He’s a proud Poppa. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Yeah Bernie, you must be so proud of Alpha, he had a little harder trip or I bet he would have passed Golden Ticket. ! Also the amazing Willy Beamin, who won today after racing three days ago. Congrats to grandpa Indy too, producer of great sires.

      Good luck and God speed to those running tomorrow, love Delta Princess and It’s Tricky! Go get ’em girls. Hugs Sue

        • Oh yes and Royal Delta, who I hope wins with Mikey aboard again.
          Love that girl.

        • Judy B:

          I saw your post on page 3! I love “It’s Tricky” she has spunk and lots of personality!!!! I had exacta box Street Life and Neck n’ Neck, no winner here!
          Thought something was wrong with Street Life, he just didn’t look good! Glad to hear is gonna be alright.

          A LOT of people had the exacta box! Check Leaderboard and go to global!
          You can see where you stand out of all 6600 people and the money! Looks like quite a few people knew something we didn’t! Exacta box paid 1,827.00, nice pay out! You can see the people that bet that exacta!

          Love Love Love Bernie’s press release, what a proud pappa! She sure does breed some fine babies! What a “Stud Muffin”!!!!!!

          Next week’s race will be a tough one, a lot oldies but goodies! Hope
          we ALL have better luck next week!

          Never thought Golden Ticket would stay in front, thought he would fade! (Didn’t get that right!) Now they have to paint the canoe two different colors! How funny is that? Nice to see jock’s and trainer’s so happy for each other, good sportsmanship! Saratoga Race Track will do that to you, It brings out the best in people!!!! (almost All people!!!)

          Headed to Florida today, soon, (hopefully) will try to keep up with all of you while I am there, as I maybe stuck inside! If not will catch up when I get back!

          Safe trip to All our jockey’s and our beloved 4 legged friends this week!
          South bound!
          GirlSaratoga

        • I love both Royal Delta and It’s Tricky, but I am more partial to RD with Mike Smith aboard. He does have a way with the ladies (equine and human). I just pray for a safely run race and all the girls come out fit and happy. Have a great day everyone.

      • / Reply

        Just read that Ramon D kept Alpha wide to keep him out of the speed duel.
        Golden Nugget was able to get inside the rail and get ahead of him,
        but RD said he has plenty of horse to catch Golden Nugget.

        Great racing strategy by RD.

        • This is exactly what I would have said if I almost blew one of the biggest races of the year. Plenty of horse left to catch Golden Nugget? That comment shows a lot of hubris considering the result.

        • Somehow, I can better relate to the word hubris,when it comes out of the mouths of CEOs,those on the campaign trail kissing babies,BP execs..those sorts.
          You have to have a little humble in you, if you get on the back of a horse.

      • / Reply

        Yes, Sue, Willy Beamin was super! It is amazing that he had raced 3 days before this race. Sounds as though he may have some of that stamina found in the horses of the past. YAY!

  12. / Reply

    Dear Mr. Cline and Team Z,

    Thank you so much for taking the time to provide us with this special “Ask the Expert’s” video. Your words were profound in that you have ultimately experienced in your own way the same Zen-magic that has touched all of us. The state of being transformed reflects a marked change, as in appearance or character, usually for the better. As friends and fans of Zenyatta, we have each traveled our own transformational journey. I’m sure all of us can tell the story of the first time we saw Zenyatta. Maybe we had read a story about her or someone told us we should watch this interesting mare running in California. Perhaps it was a video of one of her amazing races that first caught our eye or maybe it was the press following the story of her remarkable unbeaten record. For some it may have been a visit to wonderful Barn 55. Whatever our individual path, once she entered our lives, she remained for it was immediately apparent that there was much more to our Zenny than anyone could imagine. Greatness is a spiritual condition. It is not the act which brings greatness, but how that act touches souls. With her beauty, grace and as you put it, “thoughtful” kindness, Zenyatta touches souls. We often call her an “angel in disguise”. The charitable work she has been a part of is a reflection of that. Some have been blessed to see her in person, while others have never been in her presence, yet we all still feel the joy. On that cold and snowy night in Kentucky, I believe you witnessed the power of what that can mean. As someone who has seen so many great champions in your life, I especially appreciate that you recognize her as a “rock star”. We are certainly thankful for the heartfelt generosity of Team Z and Lane’s End in allowing us to continue to be a part of Zenyatta’s life. She will live forever in our hearts.

    • / Reply

      She is a “rock star”….but even more she is a “force of nature” and has captured the imagination of the world…more and more keep discovering her ….and the legend grows

    • / Reply

      Dear Dawn,
      Thanks for saying (yet again) what we all wish we had the talent to say! Lovely post! Hope you’re feeling better, but silver lining seems to be that you had a chance to “catch up.” So nice to have you back.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      I’m glad you’re back, Dawn. You stated beautifully what I’m sure is how most of us feel. You have such a way with words!

  13. / Reply

    About Street Cry, by Darley, :

    Street Cry’s greatest attribute was his fierce determination and great temperments.
    So from Zenny’s mom “V” and her Daddy Street Cry, she developed her lovely temperment.

    “John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock advisor, made this summation on the sire of Zenyatta: “Street Cry was a top two-year-old, arguably the second-best of his generation in the U.S., and he progressed from year to year, developing into an outstanding performer. All his racing was on dirt but I have absolutely no doubt that he would have been equally as good on turf. His greatest attribute was his fierce determination. He’s a fantastic combination of the brilliance of Machiavellian and the sobriety of Troy. His own progeny tend to have great temperaments; that and their determination are their defining characteristics. Street Cry is well capable of producing far better-looking horses than himself – the best example, to my mind, is Street Sense, a horse who is not only conformationally correct but who also has great presence and athleticism.””

      • / Reply

        They sure are, sooo very amazing Eric Kronfeld bred her on Street Cry’s unproven Freshman year, but he knew that “V” (Zenny’s mom) was a great producer and she sure proved that one.

      • / Reply

        Max:

        ME EITHER!!!!

        HAVE WATCHED LIKE 3-4 TIMES A DAY!

        What a GIRL!

        We probably will never see anything like that in our lives again, but at least I was here to witness history being made!

        GirlSaratoga

  15. / Reply

    Sue FI and any Z-sters who may be in the path of Hurricane Isaac, my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Shari – I agree my dear friend. Zenyatta has blessed us all by bringing so many amazing and cherished friends into our lives!!

    Trina, Max, Debbie G, Judy B, Marilu V, Darlene, Terry C: Thank you all so much for your kindness and get well wishes. Antibiotics can be a wonderful thing!

    Judy B – You are one very special lady! Mother is doing great. I loved the video of the Dumplings Roundup. Too fun!

    Pati – Your sweet Sammi was so adorable. Thank you for sharing.

    Barbara Wood – I hope you and your husband are well my friend. I have my plans all set for BC 2012 and have purchased my tickets. I can’t wait to see everyone there!!

    Debbie G – I am so glad you were able to visit the two rescue horses as well as Our Mims. So special! I read a story about a Trojan horse that might work for our covert mission. Although it is a pretty popular story. In fact I think several movies have been made so, Lane’s End may not be surprised by this one. I’ll keep working on it.

    Abigail – Hope you and Daisy Doodlebug are doing great. I was not sleeping well while I was ill, so ended up one night on the Vault, the only problem being that I loved reading your stories so much I didn’t want to go back to bed. You are so special to me!

    Keta – I really enjoyed your piece on Claiborne Farm. I can’t thank you enough for your wonderful posts!

    Sue Noel – Love those Barnaby stories!

    Susan C, Vicki B, Karen G, Sue Colvin and any one I may be missing who are ill. I hope you are feeling better soon!!!!

    Trina – Your poems for our nametag maker extraordinaire Diane Stuart, our beautiful, wonderful Dottie and our beloved Kari were fantastic as usual. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to everyone!!

    Diane S – I always keep my nametag sitting on my bookcase where I can see it every day. I will certainly be wearing it come BC day!

    Ashton and Cynthia H – You both had amazing stories about Dottie. Your tributes and the video brought tears to my eyes. I think about Kari so often and whenever I do, my spirits are lifted. How I loved her and each of you!

    Goodnight all my wonderful Z-friends. Sweet dreams!
    Love and hugs, Dawn

  17. / Reply

    Dear Vicki B,

    Glad you are feeling better, gosh dizziness and then a fall with an injury.
    That is a lot to endure and try to carry on everyday, with work and pleasure.
    So glad you are posting and have missed you.

    So glad you got to taste your grapes, those California grapes must be very very
    yummy, any wine in the making ???

    HA HA HA !!!!

    • / Reply

      Thanks, sign. Nope, no wine, they are Concord grapes, and not supposed to grow well in So.Cal., but they do very well, every year. They do make excellent grape jelly, but we like them best fresh.

      • / Reply

        Dear Vicki B,

        Grape jelly sounds good, too (with a little California wine on the side???)
        Would love to go to Napa Valley, but too far from LA. Maybe another time.

  19. / Reply

    It just warms our hearts to see her FB friends “growing”. She is now 112,000 strong.
    Zenny continues to reach out and seduce us with her unique personality.

  20. / Reply

    Many folks were saying, this years Travers was going to be the most BORING race.
    Wow,look at the outcome, one for the HISTORY books.
    Way to go all involved ,for keeping the naysayers guessing!

    GS…..yes they will have to paint that canoe w/ both racing team colors. There are always two sides to a canoe,unless it gets swamped,spent my time there,ha! Stay dry in FLA.

    On to next week cappers. I’m letting the dog select his pick,he may have better luck.

    • / Reply

      Ann and Carol,

      I am going to follow suit, put the names in a hat and let my dog pick out one.
      Wish I had a horse to chose out of a hat, but don’t.
      It seems that with all of the winners from the Classics retired or injured that
      left things wide open for anyone to win.

      Someone used colors for their pic for the race before the Travers, how did you
      come out on that one???

    • / Reply

      Ann,

      I wonder who is going to get the side of the canoe that faces the camera, maybe they will have to change the direction of the canoe so everyone can see both sides????

      HA HA HA !!!!

  21. / Reply

    We (Jan S) are going to Texas Lanes End in a few weeks, it is only about an hour or hour and a half outside of Houston.

    TOOOOO HOT NOW !!!

    We will get to see the weanlings and all of their stallions. How very much fun !!!!

    • / Reply

      Just watched Race 2 at Saratoga. It was a wonderful come from behind runaway for Sign, 2 year old daughter of Pulpit. Ridden by Rosie. Congrats Sign.

        • Sign. I thought of you. This is a good horse. She flew down the track when asked by Rosie in the last quarter. We will have to watch her. She’s still a baby but a good one.

        • Thanks Max,

          I am trying to get a replay of the race from Saratoga site, wow a Pulpit filly.
          In the AP Indy special, Pulpit was one of AP’s first foals and Claiborne just raved at what a beauty he was as a foal.

        • Sign. Sign the horse looked like a beauty on the track, but I could not say for certain that she closely resembles Pulpit. She was flying too fast and it was all a blur. If she keeps up this kind of work, she has a mighty fine racing career on her hooves. She has to be followed. This was her first race.

        • Dear Sign:

          Posted the replay of Sign’s win for you on Page 5 and also e-mailed it to you. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Signoftimes; Oh wow; your very close!! I am sure Lane’s End operation in Texas is just as awesome as in Kentucky with all those wonderful stallions. The difference is we have to travel 8 hours down! Have fun, lucky YOU.

      Sally B.

  24. / Reply

    LOVE THIS DESCRIPTION BY KIRAN MCLAUGHLIN; ALPHA IN THE DERBY, how very typical TB (upset and steps on himself)

    “We were very disappointed at Churchill Downs but we had so many reasons for his poor performance,” McLaughlin said. “It was very hot that day, very humid, and he just lost it in the paddock. He was very upset and washy and dripping wet and stepped on himself and lost a shoe… but he’s really been doing great since he came up to Greentree (training center adjacent to Saratoga Race Course).”

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/72247/mclaughlin-juggling-top-contenders-this-year#ixzz24g1NiD9E

    • / Reply

      What happened in the other triple crown races? Sounds like the trainer is campaigning for the Eclipse award.

    • / Reply

      INTERESTING TRIVIA ABOUT THE SHIEK, WHO OWNS ALPHA. HE RIDES ARABIANS
      IN THE WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS OVER 100 MILES OF DESERT, HE WAS GIVEN A GOLD MEDAL FOR THIS EFFORT.

      “The winners provided a stunning contrast. Alpha’s owner was a sheikh from Dubai, a man winning his fourth graded stakes of the meet on the same day that he was awarded a gold medal at the World Endurance Championship riding a horse over 100 miles of desert. Golden Ticket was the first horse purchased at auction by Magic City. The colt’s trainer Ken McPeek admitted to “calling an audible,” passing up on an allowance race to race in the Travers. McPeek praised jockey David Cohen, who, at least in this instance, kept even with Ramon Dominguez.”

      • / Reply

        There is a wonderful stable called Landaluce Educe Stables. They are teamed with Kenny McPeek. They are on FB- They have a beautiful filly named of all things, Volcat. I love that name, being from TN. I hope Z fans from KY love it too. Quotes from their page-“Landaluce Educe is simply Latin for ‘Remembering Landaluce’ or ‘Landaluce Remembered.’
        Mission
        The goal of this stable is simple, though the execution may be difficult. The plan is to team with Kenny McPeek (McPeek Racing) to obtain a few yearling fillies per year with both enough classic pedigree and racing potential to become future quality broodmares while enjoying all the time spent with these exciting creatures. The hope is to successfully race them for a few years, then match them with appropriate studs and patiently build a quality racing stable.

        Landaluce Educe Stables is Proud to join with our trainer McPeek Racing in committing to the Clean Horse Racing Pledge to not use race day medications on any 2yo. In fact, Volcat (GIII Winner) raced last year as a 2yo without lasix.”
        https://www.facebook.com/ashton.bussell.1#!/pages/Landaluce-Educe-Stables/330138613670979

        • Dear Ashton:

          Thanks for this info on Landaluce Educe Stable. Sounds like a first class organization. Hugs to you and the family, JB

  26. / Reply

    Thank you Mike Cline for your personal observation of Zenyatta at Lane’s End. My BF and our husband came down to Kentucky Dec4th from Wi. to get a good spot at Keeneland JUST for Zenyatta. Yes, her form and big powerful, yet gentle beauty will forever be on my mind. She is my once-in-a-lifetime racing mare. I wish I could see her again!!! When will that be possible!!!??
    Best wishes to you Mike.
    Sending love N kisses on Z’s soft nose, and to 12z too

    Auntie Sally B.

    • / Reply

      Dearest Sally, I know you and Sue Fredricks are VERY good friends, but NOT as good as that singular typo “husband” might imply! LOL!

      • / Reply

        Trina, Vicky, and Judy B,
        Ha, ha, too funny, you have to know my dear Sally to really appreciate this. She has a spelling and pronunciation problem that we’ve had laughs about all these many years!! This is just one more funny episode to add to our collectiion. She’ll be laughing the loudest I guarantee it! Ha, ha. Hugs Sue

  27. / Reply

    Wow, the Travers was an amazing race! A lot people were saying it wouldn’t be a good race because so many horses dropped out, but they were proved wrong. I’m so proud that the two winning trainers are from my hometown of Lexington. A big High Hoof for Kenny McPeek and Kiaran McLaughlin!

  28. / Reply

    Had a feeling Royal Delta was in trouble when I saw post parade ….just don’t like it when she is all damp and jittery…she looked like that in Dubai too

  29. / Reply

    Love and Pride won the Personal Ensign. Royal Delta was second
    Love and Pride is by A. P. Indy, out of Ile de France, who is a. G1-placed Strom Cat half sister to Bernardini.
    TVG analysts were saying that Royal Delta was hot & sweaty before race.
    It was in the 90’s with high humidity.
    Here’s a confirming tweet
    Ryan Patterson@gradedstakes tweet
    Wow, tough to come up with Love and Pride there. Royal Delta ran huge considering how she looked

    • / Reply

      KY Tbred Assoc tweeted
      Love and Pride is a 3/4 sister to Bernardini as her 2nd dam is Cara Rafaela, Bernardini’s dam. Both are by A.P. Indy
      Keta Note: I’ll call this a correction. Speaking of correction, you may have noticed Storm Cat needed editing above.

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