Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts: Mike Cline, Part 2

Q:

A question for Lanes End: Your pastures appear so lush and Zenyatta obviously loves to graze. Would you explain pasture upkeep and the type of grasses that grow in your pastures?

Gayle Haushahn

Bismarck, AR

Lane’s End. Photo by Tyler Matson

A:We started putting Lane’s End together in 1980, and it has grown to 2,000 acres. The farm is divided between stallions, broodmares, and yearlings. Each barn has it’s own pasture around it, of approximately 250 acres. Most fields are 30-50 acres in size, and the fences are laid so that they follow the contour of the land.

We’re fortunate because we have a great ratio of horses to pastures; we can rotate pastures and maintain with weed control, fertilize, and move the horses off to rest each pasture.

We maintain a mixture of bluegrass and orchard grass. There’s no irrigation, but we have two growing seasons. We are able to sow grass in the spring and fall, and we do sow about half the farm every year. Grass gets damaged by drought and hot weather, and we have to constantly replace it.

Watch the video above for Mike’s complete response.

Q:

LE grounds are impeccable! Stables look like you could eat off floor! Question, what is involved (manpower) to maintain such a beautiful facility?

Cathy Black

Ashburn, VA

A:We have 150 employees, and we’re very fortunate to have a support staff that is next to none. That’s probably the most important thing about the farm—aside from the facility—the people who work here. I can’t say enough about their loyalty and concern for horses.

We have a good mixture of experienced people, plus we’re constantly trying to lure young people here that can work their way up through the system. That’s been important. Most of our advances in staff, assistant managers and managers, are people who put in their time before they got promoted to their positions. That’s one of the things that we try to do here—our top level people are all home grown.

This keeps young people coming to the farm. We try to create an environment where they have input in what’s going on. They get a lot of responsibility, they all know how we do things, but they get to mix in their own thoughts and actually have a say in what goes on.

Watch the video above for Mike’s complete response.

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

604 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Great questions and answers. Thanks to all the Team for continuing to provide such knowledge about how the whole business runs so smoothly. Have said before, this is unique – wouldn’t happen down here in Oz to this extent. So many thanks!

  2. / Reply

    Justin Zayat did a series of tweets updating their visit to Paynter. Thurs. Aug. 30th
    this was dictated byAhmed Zayat my dad as he is driving.
    We are doing this for his fans
    So again next 24 hours are critical that this nightmare scenario doesn’t happen. I am very comforted that the best vets and equine Care from all over the country so please #pray
    Our main concern is that his white blood cells go up so the infection and bacteria that are now in his Colon and intestines don’t travel through his bloodstream and infect other organs. And his body becomes septic. If that happens that is the End of it.
    So again next 24 hours are critical that this nightmare scenario doesn’t happen. I am very comforted that the best vets and equine Care from all over the country so please #pray
    As we were petting and kissing him. He started looking at us with his sad eye kind of saying I know you are here for me. Justin tried to feed Him when we first got in an he refused. After 2 hours he rubbed against Justin and was ready to eat.
    As you would expect his appetite Been horrible. So he started eating fresh grass from benjamins hand. As time went on. He for the first time since Monday he went to his hay
    Bin and dr. Laura was very happy since it was his first time eating hay since Monday.
    She had been trying to give him treats he didn’t want.
    Hope we gave him the love and care and encouragement to do that.
    With all your good wishes and prayers we will pull through that
    Positive side. His feet are perfect no discomfort at all. He is in critical condition the next 24 hours are crucial. He needs to fight.
    He has been an unbelievable patient. Full of class and very easy to work with. He looked sad to me and depressed. I can feel his body temp And how high it is. When I was touching him. His head was low down. Totally heartbreaking. I can see Benjamin totally tearing and trying
    Have been there. Dr. Laura Javsicas. You can tell that she genuinely cares. She warned us that he lost around 100+ pounds since Monday.
    We are driving back from Saratoga. Tough day. Very sad. We are very emotional. Our only console and comfort pic.twitter.com/c0r8LYyH
    First tweet
    We are still with paynter in his stall. It will be a 3 hour drive back home. Will update on the drive back

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the update on Paynter. Max is right, it was a tough read. I’ve got a lump in my throat now. Come on Paynter, fight!!!

    • / Reply

      Send prayers and prayers and more prayers going to Paynter in the hopes he fights this and leadsa long and happy life. You can do it, Paynter!

    • / Reply

      Oh, I feel so sorry for Paynter and his family.
      My thoughts and prayers are sent their way.
      Tears rolling down face……come on big guy,you can do it.

      Keta,appreciate the update.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the update and links regarding Paynter. My heart goes out to him and to the Zayat family. I’ll keep checking in on twitter for news, too. Thank you!

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Crying for Paynter and his connections. Will light another candle and pray for him. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks Keta for this update,
      Thoughts and prayers for his recovery.
      He is getting the best medical care, horses are very very very delicate creatures of god.

  5. / Reply

    Hi Everyone!

    Thank you for the excellent questions and answers.

    Michael, how many barns do you have for the stallions, broodmares, and yearlings?

    I agree with all that has been written about the beauty of your facilities. It is clear you have a special group of people.

    Thank you, Team Land’s End, for sharing this information with us. Thank you, Team Zenyatta, for realizing and appreciating how much all this means to us.

    Take care,
    Mary in Boone

  7. / Reply

    Thank you again, Mr. Cline for giving us more information about the beautiful Lane’s End Farm and the family of folks who work there. I enjoy learning about your wonderful facility that is now home to our beloved Zenyatta and Z12 and you are giving us such great insight into how the farm operates. I’m especially cheered to see that you are seeking young people to join your team and grow your managers from within so the people have a chance to know their jobs from the ground up so to speak. Thank you for sharing your expertise and your time with us, Mr. Cline.

    • / Reply

      Thank you for sharing this article Janet.

      What a wonderful story and happy career ending for Pyramyst. She is very lucky to have good owners and trainers who followed her in her journey. May she enjoy her new life to the fullest. May there be more happy stories like her. Marilu

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet:

      Ashton posted this link on Page 6 of Mike Cline Part 1. The Ayers are really the best owners and breeders. They follow their horses from birth to retirement. Just great. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Janet:

          It’s so easy to miss a post. There’s so many pages to go through. The article you posted was well worth reading more than once. Hugs, JB

  9. / Reply

    Dear Terry Crow,
    We will certainly miss you, but hope your friend has an easier go of it this time.
    You are definitely a good friend! Hugs!

    To Paynter and his connections,
    Continued prayers and healing thoughts for Paynter. Sincere hopes and best wishes for a sure recovery. Kisses on your soft nose, dear boy. Much gratitude for those capable doctors and staff for the care and expert treatment.

  10. / Reply

    Paynter Update Fri Aug 31st
    Justin Zayat‏ tweet
    Paynter heading in the right direction.
    White blood count is now 9000.
    Much improved appetite as well. #keepgoingpaynter

  11. / Reply

    More info on Paynter. FYI-Thursday was Ahmed Zayat’s 50th Birthday
    A.ZAYAT‏ tweet Fri Aug. 31
    Omg omg the power of prayer. Please keep praying his white blood cell is 9000 which is 9X of what it was. Good sign. Appetite improving cont

    A.ZAYAT‏ tweet Fri Aug 31
    Best birthday gift. Will send more updates as we get them today #PowerUpPaynter

    Justin Zayat‏ tweet Thurs. Aug 30th
    Happy 50th birthday to the best dad/mentor/boss/I know in the world @jazz3162 you have given me the most amazing life I can ask for #loveyou

    • / Reply

      Thank you for the latest news on Paynter. I am touched by the prayers offered for Paynter and his connections. Such an outpouring of love and concern for him.
      God, continue to bless and protect Paynter.

    • / Reply

      I am glad to see an update. Could not find one anywhere. Paynter is a fighter and with all the love and prayers we can send his way shows how much the people here love him.

  13. / Reply

    Frankel’s Last Race?
    Thoroughbred Times‏ tweet
    Frankel to make next – and perhaps final – start in the Champion Stakes (Eng-G1) October 20 at Ascot

      • / Reply

        Sign. His people have said that Frankel will only run once again at Ascot, no BCC and no Arc. The other horses are probably thrilled to hear that Frankel is heading into retirement, maybe Bullet Train most of all. Bullet Train used to win races until he became a pacemaker for his bro. LOL!

  15. / Reply

    dear judy thanks so much for the article you posted really interesting!am like you judy have to close my eyes lot of the time hate to see the horses hurt!it’s the only top class racing here in the uk in the winter. we have some great horses that come back every season like kauto star. in the same stable is big buck’s a champion long distance hurdler broken so many records especially at cheltenham we have a lovely horse called sprinter sacre who looks like he will win all the top 2 mile chases this season he is a real handsome boy!! do you remember red rum what a horse buried by the winningpost at aintree take care hugs sheenaXXX

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy B.,
        Thanks so much for this wonderful link!! I really enjoyed reading about Red Rum and Ginger McCain. To win that many Grand Nationals is extraordinary — to be racing in the Grand National at that age is also remarkable. It is an amazing testament to Red Rum’s stamina and great condition that he was entered in the GN at 14 AND at 15; although, injuries prevented his racing in them. Glad he had such loving people around him. The description of his grave and memorial at Aintree, together with the fact that his trainer brought fresh flowers for the grave, brought tears — how touchingly sweet. Mr. McCain is certainly a fine gentleman! Glad he got to win the GN again with Amberleigh House.
        Have a good Labor Day weekend!
        Cheers and hugs!

  17. / Reply

    Was worried about Paynter but thank goodness better news today. I could really feel the incredible love for this horse from his owners/family and all the prayers from his fans. Love you Paynter!

  18. / Reply

    Mike how do you take care of the overseeding, sod drill, aireator, or do you just broadcast? Prayers and a Get Well wish for Paynter. Have a great day Zenny and Little Prince.

      • / Reply

        JudyB. The plan has always been to retire Frankel at the end of this year. He has raced for 3 years. He will be a valuable stud for Juddmonte, which itself has over 300 broodmares worldwide. It will be interesting to see how much competition that there will be with his father, Galileo, who has a proven record for passing on his talent. In Frankel’s case, a lot of his talent comes from his mother and her Danehill genes.

        • Dear Max:

          Thank you for filling me in on Frankel. I hoped that he might race another season, but maybe it’s best. The way injuries happen so often and suddenly, he might be better off retiring now.

          It will be so interesting to see how proficient his babies will be at racing. I suppose everyone will be expecting him to emulate his Sire at stud. It’s true what you say, he has a great pedigree in Kind and Danehill as well.

          So much to look forward to in the sport among Z’s babies, RA’s babies, and Frankel’s babies.

          Glad you saw Sheena’s post about Kauto having a statue at Haydock. Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. If the young 12Z inherits his mother’s talent, not to mention Bernie’s, he could be super horse on the track. If not, he will still be in demand for those royal genes, such as AP and Roberto and all of the others on both sides of his pedigree. He certainly promises to be a good looking horse like Z. She never takes a bad photo. She is a beautiful horse, perhaps the most beautiful of all mares.

          Yes, I saw Sheena’s comments. Kauto Star is a great horse with a huge following in England. He’s famous there.

        • Dear Max:

          I agree with you totally about 12Z’s potential and that he will be in demand with or without a great racing record. His bloodlines are just the best. I hope Z stamped him with her talent as well as her looks. It wouldn’t hurt if he inherits some of his Sire’s talent too. He is going to be a gorgeous three year old. Hope and pray for him to be safe and sound always.

          Like you, I think Zenyatta is the most beautiful of all the mares.

          Hugs,JB

    • / Reply

      Sue,
      A. Zayat is @jazz3162
      Justin Zayat is @JustinZayat
      Bob Baffert is @Midnightlute
      So, tweeter addresses are not always easy.
      Hope this helps.
      Keta

  21. / Reply

    Hi, this morning I sent a tweet to Mr.Zayat to show my & our support.
    Judy & so many have candles burning for Paynter
    Mr. Zayat was kind enough to Retweet to his followers.
    Here is what I said

    @jazz3162 Happy Birthday & many more to great owner! Sometimes the best present don’t have a ribbon. My Zenyatta group has candles burning!

    Keta Note: Yes I do know that grammatically it should read “doesn’t” not “don’t”.
    Trust me it is very had to say everything you want to say in such a limited character count.
    Keta

  22. / Reply

    dear judy glad you remembered rummy he was special!it will be a very emotional day at ascot my cousin is hoping to go up. we are all glad his last race will be in front of a home crowd .hope sir henry will be well enough to attend.are they unveiling Zs statue at santa anita this year? glad to hear paynter is a little bettertoday hugs sheenaXXXP.S does max know kauto’s having a statue at haydockX

    • / Reply

      Sheena. I did not know that there would be a statue of Kauto. This is fantastic. I love that horse. He is full of character and mischief. I used to laugh at how he routinely tormented Master Minded. His friendship with his rival Denman is also fun.

      As to Frankel, it is best for British fans that he will be at Ascot. Apparently, and not surprisingly, they expect huge crowds. That will be good for racing.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Rummy was very special, indeed.

      I think their will be a lot of tears at Ascot, and over here in American too, when Frankel runs his last race.

      I’m not sure if Z’s statue is going to be unveiled at the BC. Maybe one of the Z’sters will post more info on that.

      Hope our Paynter can pull this. Praying for him.

      Don’t know if Max knows Kauto is being honored with a statue at Haydock. That’s great. Hugs, JB

  23. / Reply

    dear judy think max saw my post about kauto hes very pleased!there will be a huge crowd at ascot for frankel am sure likeZ he knows hes special they have the X factor thanks for the rummie article love and hugs sheenaxxx

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, Max saw your post about Kauto. Very happy.

      I think you’re right. Z an Frankel must know they’re special and so well loved. Hugs, JB

  24. / Reply

    Paynter Update Fri Aug 31st Improving!
    A.ZAYAT‏@jazz3162
    I just got off the phone with Dr. Javiscas VMD, DACVIM. very upbeat phone call. With alot of laughter and happiness. We do not want to get ahead of ourselves here but Paynter continues to be stable/ improving from the morning. His appetite is now pretty good. He has perked up and is actually fighting with Laura which is the normal Paynter we know. Very excited to hear that temp has broke. His diarrhea has slowed down significantly. His lungs are the same as yesterday. Bloodwork came perfect. Shows no sign of fungus infection in his blood at this stage. All in all I will continue to take these baby steps towards god willing a full recovery. #keepgoingpaynter #warrior #fighter #specialcolt being loved so much by his fans.
    Keta Note: Next tweet said that there will be no updates on Saturday. So, don’t be concerned if you don’t hear anything tomorrow.

    • / Reply

      Keta. This is a bit of a relief, although he is not yet recovered. I don’t know about others, but this thing is getting to me. I had problems sleeping last night while knowing how this horse was suffering. Glad to hear that he is now eating, always a good sign. Thank you for your efforts to keep us advised. Much appreciated.

      • / Reply

        Max,
        I can so relate. It seemed so touch-and-go yesterday.
        Today Paynter seems to be getting better.
        One day at a time-as the old saying goes.
        Busy weekend of racing & other happenings.
        Hugs,
        Keta

        • Keta
          Thanks for keeping up us updated on Paynter. For the first time since this story broke I can swallow without a lump in my throat thinking about him.
          My prayers will continue daily.

      • / Reply

        Come on Big Guy!!
        Praying for you.

        Keta, thanks! Better report,hope he continues to improve.
        Max, hope you have a better night. It did keep me tossing and turning last night too.

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta, Max, Ann and Z Fans:

      Yes, Paynter has been on my mind too. Hope he continues to improve. Lighting another candle and praying for him. Hugs, J>

  25. / Reply

    Well, I barreled along and hit my target today of 68 and it didn’t hurt a bit. So, tomorrow I’ll get the freight train started chugging toward 69. The first thing I did this morning was look for news about Paynter and it was so good to read he was showing improvement. This latest news is really encouraging ( I know, we must have cautious optimism). Thankfully there will be some important races to keep the minds occupied. Good luck to all on your handicapping.

  26. / Reply

    Dear Judy Berube, Could you help. I haven’t logged into equibase yet. I have looked for Gabbiano’s race today but could not find a videol. Do you know if there is one out there. Couldn’t find if she was claimed either. I am elementary onl logging into some of those site’s. It said something about log into buy. But I just would like to alwaysget the information. Would that still be the route that I would have to log into? I know she didn’t win race 4 but that’s about all I know. Do you think there is anything else out there. Thank you so much, I do have to go into that so I can keep track of her. I think that as we had talked about before would be the best route.

      • / Reply

        Dear Peggy N.:

        You have to click on the Date, August 31st. Then click on the video. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy, Thank You so much. I went in and watched it. It looked like she did go smoothly all the way didn’t it. I was really worried about her. You just never know with these 2 yr olds. I am going to go in soon and sign on to equibase. I appreciate it so much your helping me keep track of her. I do wantanother horse or two one day. I know without me saying it you know whats in my heart. I will always hope for the opportunity to own her. You know with us here, I think its some people just have it in the blood. I thinkI was born with that love. I can go visit the farms and love that, and go to the sales. But, there’s something missing when you don’t own the horse you miss having them be a part of your daily life. I go to Kentucky to visit and leave that state with the saddest feeling. I appreciate deeply the opportunity to visit, but it just bring back such memories of my childhood and having a horse in my life. I loved what Jerry Moss said that he was so glad that Zenyatta let them ba a part of her life.

        • Dear Peggy N.:

          You’re so welcome. I hope your dream to own Gabby or another horse comes true.

          I thank Mr. & Mrs. Moss too for letting us be as much a part of Z’s life that they have so kindly allowed us to be.

          I can’t stop thinking and worrying about Papa Charlie, so I do know how much Gabby means to you. Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Dear Paynter, Our beautiful boy. I have been praying so hard for you. Day and Night. Oh wow last night was a bad night I know we are not out of the woods yet. Praying so hard for your temperature to go down, white blood cells to get better. You need to eat my boy. Pull very hard Paynter to get stronger. I told you I believe in Angels too and I have been praying to a few special angels too. One in particular. I am praying so hard for the Good Lord to make you well. We need you with us Paynter. Love You, Peggy

  29. / Reply

    Dear Marty R. I wish you a very happy Birthday We will just all have to keep barreling along together. Marty the other day at my party, I had gone back to the other side of our bank for a moment and one of the girls that I work with thats a few years younger than me I think she’s 55 (Chris) We had some old retirees that came by that day to visit me and Chris knew some ot them. I heard her say that she was going to go over with the (Old Timers) and visit. And I yelled at her(well not to loud, we were at work) and told her pretty Loud “Chris” ………..And she yelled back I’m including me in on that. Everyone had a good laugh. She’s British and Hilariously funny.
    Anyway have a wonderful Birthday and I wish you many many more. Love, Peggy

  30. / Reply

    Fellow Zensters. I came across a horse very much in need. I’m hoping that by sharing the story I know of him, that maybe, we can all help? His name is Northstar, paint gelding. Someone decided it was cool to put flammable fluid on the horse and light him on fire. I don’t know all the details but, here’s the link.
    http://www.helpnorthstar.com/#!home/mainPage

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