Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Open For Submissions

Hello everyone!

We are so grateful for the support and interest that you have shown through the last few months. From the constant stream of comments on this website to the cards and gifts sent by fans, Zenny and her colt truly know how loved they are.

As Zenyatta and 12Z enter a new phase in their lives, we thought this would be the perfect time to invite a second round of “Ask The Experts” submissions.

We’ve been collaborating with the staff at Lane’s End, some of the most knowledgeable thoroughbred experts in the world, to answer questions sent in by our readers. If you haven’t yet seen our previous posts, click on the “Ask The Experts” category in the right-hand column.

Now is your chance to send in a question on a new topic related to thoroughbred breeding or yearling life on the farm. Perhaps you didn’t get the chance to submit your question last time or you’ve thought of something new. Be creative!

Later this week we will feature a video response from Mike Cline, General Manager of Lane’s End, as well some more video footage from our trip. We also wanted to let you know…

that Tasty says hi!

Tasty Temptation, as seen from Zenyatta’s paddock. Photo by Kyle Acebo


Tasty settled in with a group of mares. Photo by Kyle Acebo

[gravityform id=”3″ name=”Submit Your Question”]
We can’t wait to hear from you!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

389 Comments

  2. / Reply

    FRANKEL UPDATE: Ann Maree just posted on Zenny’s Tribe that post time Wednesday morning for the Juddmonte International is 10:40AM EDT (7:40AM PDT). The undefeated Frankel is going for his 13th straight victory and stretching out from a mile to a mile and a quarter for the first time. Go Frankel! Safe trip to all!

  3. / Reply

    forgot to thank LE for the Tasty update….it was great to see her looking so well…
    and since she was bred to Unbridled Song…….i think we will get a gray…for sure…
    maybe she will like the color better of TT13 better…are horse able to see color?
    they say dogs are color blind…but i always wondered…how would they know?
    long day….kisses for all soft noses…tonight esp TT

  4. / Reply

    Just joining in with the thanks for the update on Tasty – and the invitation to get questions answered by the experts: must put my thinking cap on! A big hug to all involved with the Zenny team – I’ve said before, this is so unique – I know the same information will not come once Black Caviar retires, because things operate so differently here in Australia, so I feel really grateful that I am able to be a part of the team from afar. Blessings to you all!!

    • / Reply

      Kathy,

      Blessings back to you too. I hope someone in Black Caviars circle will take the time and dedication to reach out to her fans as Zenyatta’s have so graciously and generously blessed all of us. Many of us Americans love Black Caviar just as so many Australians love our Zenyatta.

      • / Reply

        at this rate …by November ….the only 3yr left standing will be females …
        …..
        has anyone put out an amber alert for Creative Cause ….no ones seen him in eons ….
        …..

        • Carol, when I saw his trainer at the last HP meet, he said Cause would run at Del Mar, but that’s nearly over. Though I have not been paying attention, but I’m pretty sure he hasn’t run at Del Mar. Anyone?

    • / Reply

      This is, indeed, a sad announcement. Both horse and owner are/were good for racing. The number of injuries this year have been astounding as to the top horses that have been affected. Leads one to believe that the old time trainers knew a lot more when it came to keeping a horse sound. This goes a long way in explaining Hansen’s last race. The only good thing about all of this is that Hansen (the horse) is still relatively healthy.

      • / Reply

        Something has to change. agree w/ you on all points TC.
        Do you like those “showcase” sprinting productions at the sales?

        • Ann – I have seen the sprinting productions of young horses in training showcased at sales and I have always thought it dangerously unnecessary (but only my opinion).

        • It sure does not seem that “showcase sprinting” is of any benefit to the
          horse. All that high action pounding and pressure on those ballerina
          leg is not a good thing. These events utilizing the TB wonderful qualities
          for $$$$ and injury promoting.

        • Thanks for the replies, my friends. They help to cement my thoughts on this subject,one I find that promotes injuries.

          A young horse needs these sprints for development and then REST.
          What happens to these types that must perform like this and then end up w/ more hard training scares me.
          This type of showcasing does not show the true quality of the horse.

      • / Reply

        TC,

        You are sooo right, Hansen was set up by the trainer of Hero of Order
        in the WV Derby (see below link) with Mike Smith’s comments. Maybe
        he got his injury in that race.

        Sooo very sad, just like Animal Kingdom !!!

    • / Reply

      Very sad news about Hansen. If anything is good about this, it is that they caught it in time.

    • / Reply

      This is indeed sad news! The silver lining is that they caught it before he was critically injured or worse. I will miss him and his fun-loving connections.
      Rest and heal, dear Hansen — all the best wishes for a long and happy life, both as a stud and as a regular horse!
      Dr. Hansen, we have enjoyed riding along with you and your beautiful colt!

  7. / Reply

    Haven’t posted here in awhile…. It’s great to see some pics of Tasty and to know she’s doing well. I’ve really enjoyed the recent pictures of 12Z and his mom. 12Z is becoming so big and beautiful – I hate to wish time away but I can’t help but think he’ll be a magnificent young stallion when he takes (hopefully) to the track.
    I just read the chances of Black Caviar racing again are 50/50. Her owner said she’s doing really well and they’ll leave it up to her. He thinks she enjoys racing (as we know it sure seemed that Z did :) and noted that a recent Australian HOTY (a mare) died foaling her first, so he was making the point there are risks with any decision.
    I’ve been completely bummed out watching the quick retirements of IHA, UR, Bodemeister and today, Hansen. Wow. Those are some bad odds. Does anyone know how truly serious these injuries are (have been)? We are on the outside looking in, but it seems like even if they can be completely healed in 60-90 days, the handlers choose early retirement anyway. I can’t believe that with some of these horses, they might have come back in 2013 and been really wonderful…. I hope Paynter hangs around. As someone posted above, it’s the fillies again that have a good chance to getting HOTY at this point, particularly Royal Delta, Grace Hall, maybe even Awesome Feather if she can reel off a couple more (including the BC). It seems like the results of the BC races will be even more important and weigh more heavily when the Eclipse awards are decided.

    • / Reply

      Sue: I am not privvy to how serious these horses’ injuries, but an injury is an injury and given time, it is possible for them to injure the same area, only much worse. Trainers and fans alike would all like to see horses compete and walk off the track, not be vanned off. These connections, in my opinion, did what is right for the horses. We need more like them (again, this is only my opinion).

  8. / Reply

    I realize stud fees are big money-makers, but it would be so wonderful if these horses would race longer and it would be great for the sport, too.

    • / Reply

      In order to race longer, these horses would have to actually stay sound. The good ones from the popular breeding lines are fragile; some of the most popular (and influential) breeding stallions of years past had soft, soft bones and passed them on. Today’s thoroughbreds don’t compare to the thoroughbreds of 50+ years ago in terms of soundness.

      • / Reply

        Great response, Kelli…..you are absolutely correct. These horses that can’t even stay sound through their 3 yr old season will be breeding these faults on. Mare owners need to take a good hard look at more than just the race record of the horse they’re breeding their mares to.

    • / Reply

      One of the main problems with racing is that horses are retired too soon. Injuries are one thing, but not to protect a stallion’s stud fee.

      • / Reply

        Soo true, everyone this year is using the same excuse.
        Maybe they won’t be able to return 100 % so we better retire them.

        When actually the time is ripe for a stallion breeding contract !!!

  9. / Reply

    Frankel does it again! Hoofray! “The undisputed champion of the world!” “Frankel scorches away!”

  10. / Reply

    Did ya’ll see the picture of 12Z and Zenyatta playing in the mud. That boy has his mothers dance moves. What a pretty boy he is. Love to all
    love hugs and kisses

  11. / Reply

    Dynaformer fans. I am so so happy! Thought Worthy, full brother to Lucarno, has just won the Voltigeur at York. Lucarno won the same race on his way to the St. Leger. Bravo to Thought Worthy. Big D does it yet again.

      • / Reply

        Ann. You said it. I love Big D. Thought Worthy has done him proud. This horse is American bred and owned. It is a wonderful day for Big D. So much for those who think that US horses do not have stamina. Our Big D was tough as nails and his boys and girls are the same. I would love to see TW win the St. Leger.

        • We will be cheering him on Max. Very exciting. Great training, to develop the stamina. Yes, it can be done!
          These brothers have inherited the Big D attitude. They mean business. Nice to see this being passed down from the D.

        • JudyB. John Gosden who trains TW spent at least 10 years in the US learning his craft before he returned to England. He is a top level trainer on a par with Cecil and Aidan O’Brien. He relates very well to Big D’s babies.

        • Wasn’t it a beautiful race,Judy and Max?
          Max, TW really wanted it and I loved seeing him stretch his neck to get it!
          I remember an old friend of mine saying to me….when he finds his legs and learns how to stretch them out,he will start winning! The horse finally did and he was a champ.

          TW and Frankel made yesterday morning absolutely fantastic. I love horses!
          Thanks Big D!

  14. / Reply

    Hanson, Bodemiester, Union Rags, I’ll Have Another, Caleb’s Posse. . .all gone from racing. Creative Cause, Paynter & Take Charge Indy still out??? I can’t remember a worse year for injuries in the top ranks. Hopefully Shackleford, Royal Delta, Alpha & Nonios will remain healthy. Can all these injuries be just coincidence or do trainers have to rethink their programs & conditioning? What a shame that such a promising group with great rivalties building has ended this way. More reason to be grateful for the health & career of our Zenny!
    P.S. Frankel ROCKS. . and ROLLS AGAIN!!!
    PEACE & LOVE

    • / Reply

      Interesting article:

      http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/46274/special-report-losing-the-iron-horse

      Horses today just aren’t as sound as they were back in the day. Why? Breeding is probably the biggest problem; conditioning may be part of it, and I’m sure Lasix doesn’t help.

      I know standardbreds who go 4-6 miles at a very good clip six mornings a week. They race almost weekly. They are treated after races to improve recovery time. They race on much harder surfaces than thoroughbreds. Compare to thoroughbreds who get a short warmup, a short gallop, and a short walk six mornings a week, race once a month if that, and are treated reactively rather than proactively. They race on fairly soft, forgiving surfaces.

      Standardbreds don’t do Lasix or half the crap TBs do. They have good legs, solid hooves, and excellent minds. They are bred for a combination of speed and longevity.

      Thoroughbreds are just bred for speed, not for soundness.

      It’s a damn shame.

      • / Reply

        Once again, Kelli…….you hit the nail on the head. I bred Arabians..there are Arabs competing in the Tevis cup at 20……………That race is 100 miles, in the summer, in the Sierra Nevada Mtns.

      • / Reply

        Kelli, thank you for the link you provided. I had watched the videos when they were first available. Later, I was lucky enough to meet Arthur Hancock (he is the gentleman in the pink shirt) at a function and we had a short discussion about the “Iron Horse”. He, like so many others have come up with many ways that our current bloodlines could be improved, as well as the basic treatment of the horse to encourage longer and more healthy careers. Of course the Hancock family has been breeding horses for over a century and in the Claiborne graveyard rests some of the greatest runners in history. Some of those are European Champions who were brought over to help improve American thoroughbred lines. My hope is always that the industry, from breeders, to owners, to the tracks put the horse first. All else will come from that philosophy. I believe that there are some truly good people who are working for change. I wish them success, for the welfare of this most noble of breeds enriches us all.

        Dawn

      • / Reply

        This is a very astute comment on the state of racing. One handicapping angle for harness horses is that if they don’t race on a weekly basis there is something wrong. An old handicapping angle for TBs is that 80% of races were won by horses who had run within the past 15 days. About the only trainer that runs horses as often is Barry Abrams. His background? Harness racing.

        • The sad thing is that I once had a discussion with a woman in real life about this. She trained 3 or 4 standardbreds and one thoroughbred filly. She flat-out refused to believe that breeding had anything to do with the problem with our thoroughbreds. This woman had a handful of standardbreds with good, strong legs and rocks for feet and one filly with toothpicks for legs and pencil points for feet, and she just couldn’t wrap her head around the idea that the reason thoroughbreds are so unsound is that they are BRED that way.

          She firmly believed it was 95% track depth and 5% toe grabs or similar shoes. Her filly was a turf horse; she believed that turf horses never broke down because the turf surface isn’t deep like dirt or synthetics. Unfortunately this was before the ill-fated Dubai Gold Cup in which one horse broke down the first time they tried running it and two broke down when they re-ran it – on the grass.

          Part of the problem with this sport is that nobody wants to believe the problem exists. No, no, let’s change the track surfaces, make them safer, nevermind the fact that horses a few decades ago were running soundly on the same surface with heavier shoes and more weight.. No, no, the number of horses suffering injury on the track has not increased, it just seems that way because of the media.. yeah.. right.

  15. / Reply

    Hello Max and Judy,
    Just got off the phone with my mum she just got back from the races.
    She got her seat in the paddock and did not move all day so she could get some photos of Frankel, she said he was amazing she was in tears.
    It was really hard to get a clear view as the place was mobbed but everyone was going crazy when he won she was overwhelmed with the whole experience.
    I can’t wait to see her photos, I am so proud of her going on her own and doing this for me.
    Donna

    • / Reply

      Donna. Great news from your mom. I hope that you can upload those photos of her time at the races. Happy days for Frankel and his fans.

    • / Reply

      Donna, how wonderful that your mother could be there and describe it to you with so much emotion. It will be an unforgettable memory for you both to share.

      Dawn

    • / Reply

      Dear Donna:

      How exciting that your Mom got to see Frankel’s win in the Juddmonte. He was brilliant. So looking forward to seeing the photos. Thank you. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Donna,
      Thanks for sharing your Mom’s day w/ Frankel w/ us.
      I am glad she had a wonderful day. It made my morning to know he had won,thanks to the folks here. It was a great way to start the day for sure! Give our best to your Mum!

      Ann

  16. / Reply

    Hello wonderful Z-friends. I have been under the weather, so am home today. I am catching up on all of the terrific posts and of course made sure to watch Frankel win again!!!!! He is such a remarkable, beautiful and talented horse. He certainly has been a shining star for Bobby Frankel’s memory. Amazing! I am sure that this may have been posted before, but here is the official web site for Frankel. There is a video of him running in slow motion that can bring you to tears, it is so lovely.

    Hugs, Dawn

    http://frankel.juddmonte.com/media/video/youtube.aspx

      • / Reply

        Thank you, Max. I loved your link to Thought Worthy’s race. As the announcer said, he was certainly game, all out! I always looked forward to seeing Dynaformer when I would visit Three Chimneys. This year it was so hard when I was there to talk about him in the past tense and to see his grave. I’m afraid I could not hold back the tears. He was very special and it is wonderful to see his offspring marching on.

        Dawn

        • Dawn. Your link on Frankel was very interesting on the subject of his time before he was weaned. He was with his mother and two other mares and their fillies. Frankel initially was raised with all females! I also read elsewhere that Prince Khalid Abdullah like Jerry and Ann Moss does not scan for the sex of his foals. He waits for birth to find out.

          I fully understand your reaction on visiting Dynaformer’s grave. I think of Big D each day. It has been a great loss. When one of his foals wins, you can feel the presence of his greatness.

    • / Reply

      It’s good to hear from you, Dawn. I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. I hope you’re feeling better soon – we still need to work on our plan to sneak into Lane’s End!

    • / Reply

      Thank you so much Dawn for the website of Frankel. Heart warming to watch him in slow motion. He is truly a special gift from heaven.

      Hope you feel better. Hugs, Marilu

  17. / Reply

    To Team Z and Lanes End,

    Thank you so much for everything that you do for us. “Ask the Experts” is fantastic. You have given us access to some of the top people in the industry to answer any questions we may have. What a learning experience! The recent pictures have been absolutely wonderful to see. Our Baby Z is not such a baby anymore. It is great to see him taking his next step in life and enjoying his time with his fellow weanlings. Their expression of freedom; running, jumping, playing in the mud brings me such joy!! Of course when it comes to mud, it appears that Zenny is just a kid at heart herself. It was very kind of you to give us the special update on Tasty Temptation. And of course, keeping us in touch with our beloved Zenyatta now and forever, well that is a priceless gift. Thank you again.

    Hugs, Dawn

  19. / Reply

    Ok My wonderful Z-Peeps:

    Just a few things……

    Tasty looks fa! So happy to hear she and Z-girl can see and gossip! Hopefully Z-Girl is giving her tips on motherhood, and how “great” and fulfilling it is!

    Congrat to Frankel! WOW! Bobby is watching with pride at his namesake! Now did anyone except me notice that Tom Quealy stops using his “whip” the minute he gets out front and has a solid lead? Well I did, and I commend him for letting the horse relax, take control, and run his kind of race! Now that is a jockey who in my opinion is in “sync” with his horse and his style of running and winning!

    Now……”Our Guys” are dropping like flies, way way too many injuries for our beloved 3yr old’s. It must be something in the breeding? Maybe we shouldn’t be breeding excellence with excellence? Maybe there isn’t enough “mutt” in them to sustain the vigorous training and racing in their blood to withstand these conditions?

    On a sad note…..a horse named Pete’s Parley broke down on Monday at Saratoga, he was vanned off the track and later euthanized, this is the week I am usually there, so by the grace of God I missed this unfortunate accident. (And I am ever so thankful)

    @Sign Omg! apparently every post you will have to tell someone when Z-Girl will be named! That is your official job on this site!

    @Terry Crow…..Kuddo’s more great jokes!

    @Carol…I agree with your post to the blogger who didn’t like our posts DON’T READ THEM!

    And finally……to the person who didn’t like what was being posted about anything NOT RELATED to Z-Girl……find another blog to post on, because this group of wonderful new friends has A LOT of offer, words of wisdom, advice, fun stories, great links, and ear for listening, and words of support and encouragement if needed. If you don’t want to be a part of this incredible family, do be, but don’t come on here and blast us, that’s NOT NICE and NOT FAIR to the rest of us that want to be here and enjoy being here.

    GirlSaratoga

        • Terry Crow”

          Thank you so much for the warning, but I thought long and hard before I posted what I needed to say. If he gets personal I won’t respond, I will not give him the satisfaction of getting to me! If he hurts my feelings, I will just read your RN jokes, and that will make me laugh and smile!

          Thanks
          GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      I must have missed something here and can’t find anything in this post (or the last few pages of the previous one) about someone who didn’t like what was posted. Where did that happen???? And in any case, I would agree with what you said – just don’t read it if you don’t like it!!

    • / Reply

      I missed it, too. It sounds like someone was bashing us Z’Sters. In that case, I agree with you 110%, Girl Saratoga! You go, girl!

    • / Reply

      To those who are wondering what happened, look under the “Weaned and all is well” topic. I have responded to that person, and poor Keta felt she had to apologize when she DIDN’T have to.

      • / Reply

        Keta,
        I am sorry you fell victim to that TROLL.
        Thank you for being such a graceful lady and giving him such a kind response.
        Your posts are always terrific and keep us on our toes with the racing world.

        Thank you Keta,

        Ann

    • / Reply

      GS,

      Can’t seem to find the post you mentioned about how only things related to Zenyatta should ONLY be on this site. This is chronic complaint various or maybe the same poster has been using since the diary started in October 2010.

      Dottie, taught us many things related to TB racing and the world of the TB and this site evolved into HUGE interest in TB in general all aspects.

  20. / Reply

    Ok, let me try this again. My last post got lost in cyber space..
    Oh darn it!! Now Hansen? Who will retire next? Paynter? Creative Cause (MIA)? Who is left for the BC?
    The Travers well, won’t be much of a race. The only graded winner is Alpha and the rest are allowance horses at best.
    Hey, at least we still have the Girls going strong! It also looks like Ebby’s debut will be pretty soon. She had a blow out work this morning.

    • / Reply

      Heidi,

      I am worried too, are there even going to be any horses left to run the BCC? This has been the saddest year for our beloved TB’s. But how awesome for Frankel. Just warms my heart, but flip the emotion switch and I am heartsick for Hansen.

      Are you coming to BC?

      • / Reply

        Darlene… We had planned on being there for the BC and the party but, after everything that has happened in the last few months, there’s really noone that jumps out that says: “Come See Me!” And, knowing that Ebby is getting closer to her debut, and that the BC will be at SA again next year, well, that makes more sense.
        One of the Major reasons to come this year was for the unveiling of the Queen but, found out from a fellow dumpling that it will be unveiled Sep 29th. Besides, meeting all of you fellow dumplings and other on line Zensters. I’m sure that there will be a party next year too.
        The sad thing: when the year started, it looked like we had one of the strongest crops of colts in a long time and wham, they keep falling to the way side. Thank goodness for the older horses and the colts that have come back at 4 ie., Mucho Macho Man, To Honor and Serve, Stay Thirsty (whats up with him) etc..

  22. / Reply

    All the 3 year old retirements make me appreciate the big beautiful 4 year old boy, Mucho Macho Man. Sure hope he stays sound! Kudos to Kathy and the owners for the wonderful care they have taken of this guy.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      I agree. Totally amazing when you consider MMM ran in all of the 2011 Triple Crown Races and was bumped soundly (on purpose) in the Belmont. The connections rested him and brought him back slowly. He’s one of my favorites. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        3M is a great horse and a very big boy. He had shoe problems in both the KD and Preakness if I recall correctly. I think that he had special custom ones made for the Belmont.

        • MMM is a real talent, there is talk of a nomination for the HOY.

          He had special gel/cushion shoes.

    • / Reply

      “Now you’ve seen it, now try to beleive it”… I love that.

      The announcer even mentioned Zenyatta at the end. Did you hear that?

      I think Bobby Frankel lives in the heart of this magnificent horse! So exciting!!

      • / Reply

        I personally think Zenyatta was a perfect horse as well; was she not a “killing machine” that broke her opponent’s hearts when no matter how hard they ran, it was never enough? Only one horse finished a tiny margin ahead of her, but not from superiority, but from racing luck.

        Teehee, it’s the Zenyatta high for America, it’s the Black Caviar high for Australia, and it’s the Frankel high for Great Britian.

    • / Reply

      What a stride Frankel has, sooo huge, he covers soooo much ground
      effortlessly with such rapid leg action.

      GO FRANKEL, MAY BE YOU WILL MEET ZENNY IN THE SHED !!!

    • / Reply

      Dr. Hansen comes off sounding a little naive in that blog. Has he never heard of a ‘rabbit’ before? Look at Bullet Train and how he is used as a ‘pace setter’ for Frankel

      That is race riding, along with leaning on a horse to psychologically bully them back and a hundred other little ‘tricks of the trade’ that go on in a race that most of the public never cotton on too.

      If Mike had been able to get Hansen to genuinely rate and relax (and I am NOT knocking Mike’s riding skills here) then Hero of Order’s jockey would not have been able to press him like he did, Mike could have settled Hansen and let HoO go by.

      Hansen has never really been a horse to rate. I can think of only the one race the Gotham where he seemed to rate and relax, every other race either he speedballed to the front and went wire to wire or he was rank as hell when his jockey tried to hold him back.

      • / Reply

        I beg to differ. Dr. Hansen talked very clearly about the “rabbit” ploy where there are two horses from the same owner and one runs as a rabbit to help the other. Here there was no such double entry.

        • I think you are right Trina,

          This was the trainer of Hero Of Order going after Hansen.
          Not double entry by same owner, trainer.

          Just very sad. I know that Mike Smith would have been able
          to get Hansen out of the situation if it was possible. However,
          when Hansen locks on he like to run and that makes the duel
          even more of a problem.

          Thanks goodness he did not breakdown.

        • I said he ‘sounded’ naive to it, not that he was unaware of the practice.

          Yes, we want everybody to be fair sportsmen at all times but there is a reason there is a saying “that’s race riding”. Is it right? NO! Is it fair to the betting public? NO! Does it happen? YES!

          Hansen had a training weakness. He would NOT rate and relax. Anyone who studied his races could see that in him. Did the the trainer of HoO exploit it? Maybe but good luck proving it.

          The harsh reality is no one is going to coddle you out on that track. None of those other jockeys is going to just say “Oh, yeah Hansen gets anxious when pressed so I’ll just keep my horse back.”

          Look at what happened to Rachel Alexandra in the Woodward. She was targeted by 3 different horses. Two horses went up with her and pushed her into suicidal opening fractions. Both of those horses who ran early with her faded to almost dead last I believe and then a closer was used to come at her down the stretch. 3 horses, all belonging to different owners/trainers worked together to break her and though she won the Woodward, they did break her for racing in the future.

          Hansen was a nice colt with raw physical talent but he did not have the head for the game, not at distance. It was his weakness in the end.

        • The big difference here, those trainers knew how to hold their cards,close to the vest.The trainers, of horses challenging RA. They never broke her spirit though!

          HOO trainer was wallowing in pride w/ his tactics for all to see, not cool.Not professional,gives racing a bad rap.

          Sure, there are strategies but great trainers NEVER gloat like HOO trainer.

          I agree, Hansen was not meant for distance and his trainer should have advised against it.

          I would rather be known for producing Champs, not for producing wrenches ,that are used to throw into these racing gears.And where are the owners of these rabbits? Is this their sole purpose of the racing investment….sad,sad,horribly sad to place beauty in the hands of such a trainer.

          One word comes to mind w/ such tactics…conniving.Karma will get cha in the end too!

        • Oh I agree. If this trainer truly was crowing about having run such a race then he is sleeze and will earn his reputation on the backside as such.

          As for RA I will have to respectfully disagree with you. To my eyes the Woodward did break her spirit. Between being run at by 3 different horses and the ride Calvin Borel gave her down the lane … she never came back with the same enthusiasm for running as she showed in the Oaks and the Preakness.

        • Yeah Zen, I guess Z and RA took these experiences and used them to become the brilliant mares they are today.

          I really love the photo w/ Calvin reunited w/RA after her foal Taco was born. It was around Derby time and that alone makes me melt. I know it was well worth it, in seeing that.

      • / Reply

        I agree and his inabilty to rate is a training issue !!!

        It seems that you can teach any horse to rate, look at “rock star” Frankel.

        It took him a while to learn to “go to sleep” (maturity), but he did.

        I am sure others with more racing and training experience will have additional
        comments and they are welcome.

    • / Reply

      This trainer is one of the all-time losers as far as win percentages go. I certainly wouldn’t want my horse to be sacrificed in such a manner.

    • / Reply

      It is a sad day for racing,when a trainer of this caliber,the trainer of this Hero of Order,can sit back and bask in his 5th place win. That is not the Sport of Champions.

      Dr. Hansen has right to question this trainer and the intentions of all involved surrounding that rabbit race.Is this the direction we want to see racing to go in? Having these types of trainers laughing and goating in their slimy tactics? Does he not understand what a game face is,especially if you are out to do in a horse w/ these tactics?

      Get well Hansen. This HOO trainer certainly does not speak well for the sport.

    • / Reply

      This is so sad for Dr. Hansen and for all of Hansen’s many fans. I know Shari Voltz and her students will be heartbroken. I understand Dr. Hansen not wanting to run his horse again at less than 100%. Best wishes to both Hansens for the future.

      • / Reply

        I agree with you Trina. Another sad day for all the fans of Hansen.

        So depressing to hear another early retirement. Hansen is too young. It is hard to believe what happened in WV Derby. I feel for Mike Smith. I wish the best for Dr. Hansen and Hansen.

  27. / Reply

    Good News regarding Mario Gutierrez. A big Canadian race. Should be exciting. He had such an exciting win on Taylor Said. ( Pretty sure about the name of the horse)

    Such sad news about Hansen. I wish him the best at his new career but was so hoping to see him in November at Breeder’s Cup.

    • / Reply

      Thank you Delrene, for sharing this link.

      Mario G is always so cute, almost as cute as our Mike Smith. No wait , I’m not sure, well maybe. Love this guy, and also, way love Mike Smith! Do I sound like a crazy teeny bopper, that would be embarrassing, since I am almost 56.

  30. / Reply

    Pati Eating Solids:

    My sincere apologies to you, I thought Carol was the one to set him straight, so sorry. In any case I’m glad you said what you did, thanks for sticking up for us devoted Z fans and our fun and informative site. His comments to me were rude and uncalled for, and it mad me angry!

    Happy to hear you are eating solids, hope it stays that way!
    Feel Better
    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Not a problem, after all he/ she ,whatever category they place themselves in, was insulting me as a dumpling too. How dare they try to push what is and isn’t allowed like they own the site! To educate and inform is never “inappropriate”!

      • / Reply

        Pati Comfort food:

        Your on your way to recovery! And I agree he insulted me and my fellow Dumpling, Z-Peeps, and Z’ster’s! I am glad you spoke up for all of us, just because we talk about other things DOES NOT mean we don’t LOVE and ADORE our Z-Girl and her sweet baby!

        Your are a hero to all us Dumplings!
        Hope it’s smooth sailing in the recovery stage!
        Thanks, GirlSaratoga

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