Happy Friday!
Ann’s recent trip to Lane’s End was all smiles as old friends were reunited. Mario and Carmen, who both worked with Zenyatta at Barn 55, joined Ann and got to meet Zenyatta’s 2017 Medaglia d’Oro filly. Scroll down for lots of photos.
Friday Photos
Max
Sunday morning, 5 am at Saratoga
Gun: Biscuits? Biscuits? Are you in there?
Biscuits: Moan. Whimper. Sigh. Is it you, Gun?
Gun: Who else would show up at this hour? What are you doing? Sleeping on your back with your legs in the air? You look terrible. Your stall is a mess, full of old pizza boxes and used Chinese food containers. Have you been ordering in again?
Biscuits: Oh, Gun. It is you. How did you find me?
Gun: It wasn’t easy because they moved you from your old stall in that barn by the human watering hole. But I tracked you down. The delivery guys at the stall door were a big clue. No one else gets that many deliveries.
Biscuits: Gun. I’m so depressed. I may have turned into Caravegetable. I’ve just lost a race on national tv to a bay. Several bays. I cannot believe it. It’s like I’m in a total fugue state. Oh woe.
Gun: Enough already. It’s only a minor setback. You can come back from this. America loves a comeback kid. Mares especially fall madly in love with horses who compete against all odds.
Biscuits: I had not thought of that. You may be right.
Gun: Of course, I’m right. We’ve both lost before but that’s never stopped us. Get up and start fighting. We’re chestnuts, and chestnuts never give in.
Biscuits: Oh Gun. It is true? I can return to my winning ways?
Gun: I know so. It’s a simple equation. You are either a loser, or you’re a chestnut. Are you a loser, Biscuits?
Biscuits: Neigh x 10!
Marshall (NC Broad)
That’s some pep-talk from Gun to Biscuits! Everyone has an off-day now and then. Just remember, Biscuits, that you are “chestnut tough”! The sun will shine again on that cashmere coat. Keep the faith!
Thanks, Max. :-)
Hugs and Cheers
sheena.davies(wales)
You can never keep a chestnut down for long!Poor Biscuits don’t whimper just leave that junk food off your diet!You’ll be fine.Love the pep talk.
Ann NC
Way too cute! Thanks Max. Hold tight, Biscuits!
Max
Gormley was 4 out of 6 in the Shared Belief Stakes.
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/thoroughbred-racing/battle-midway-adds-blinkers-romps-shared-belief-stakes/
Marshall (NC Broad)
Congratulations to Battle of Midway and all connections on the Shared Belief Stakes win!
Very well done. Nice ride by Flavien Prat, too.
Better racing next time, Gormley! Stay strong beautiful boy.
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Gormley was busy tweeting last night.
Ann NC
Next time for him. Horse tweets are good!
sheena.davies(wales)
Has Aidan another classic contender on his hands as Saxon Warrior wins on his debut in stunning style under Donnacha O’Brien.He is by Japanese hero Deep Impact out of group one winner Maybe.It is thought Churchill may run in the Irish champion stakes.
sheena.davies(wales)
A glorious chapter in NH racing has come to an end with the death of sire Presenting .He was 25yrs old.He was 3rd in Lammtarra’s 1995 derby.He sired the brilliant Denman,War of attrition,Ballabriggs too many to mention really but for me he will always be remembered for siring none other than the Moose.Much sympathy to Rathbarry stud.His legacy lives on.Sleep tight Cariad bach.RIP
Max
I am sorry to hear this news. He was a fine racer and a great sire.
sheena.davies(wales)
Hope this works
http://www.facebook.com/racingpostbloodstockofficial/
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena,
Thanks for the post. RIP beautiful Presenting. Run free and happy, dear boy. Splendid memories and fine offspring.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Gorgeous Chestnut Presenting was. OMG, how unique is Madison to Monroe! Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Presenting is registered as a bay. He is also US owned.
judy berube
Dear Max:
I was looking at a photo of Yorkhill, Presenting’s son. I mistook him for his Daddy. He’s a beautiful Chestnut. Sorry about that. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
I think the gorgeous chestnut being walked in the video is Helmet. He is the sire of Thunder Snow. Truly stunning boy!
Have a lovely week.
Hugs and Love
Marshall (NC Broad)
Oops!
Just saw your last post. Sorry, I forgot that the article mentioned Yorkhill and showed a photo of him. He is a handsome guy, too.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Marshall:
I mistook the photo of Yorkhill jumping a hedge as Presenting. Helmet is a gorgeous Chestnut too. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Marshall,
None of us will ever forget the delightful Thunder Snow a horse who did it his way.
Bluegrass Girl
Relive Rachel Alexandra’s races & historical moments through Steve Haskin’s excellent writing. So, the headline is misleading in that the article seems to be about her retirement. It is more than that. It is about her life on the track, her battle after foaling, and how she spends her days now. BGG
Rachel Thriving Eight Years After Woodward
Steve Haskin Hangin’ with Haskin 25 August 2017
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2017/08/25/rachel-thriving-eight-years-after-woodward.aspx
sheena.davies(wales)
I thoroughly enjoyed this article Rachel was a magnificent filly and it’s so good to see her living a happy,healthy life at her home.Hugs
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks for the link, BGG.
Glad that RA is healthy and enjoying life on the farm.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear BGG:
Thank you so much for sharing this lovely article on RA. Love this beautiful girl and so glad to have an update on her and know that she is thriving. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Exciting day of racing at the Spa yesterday. Congrats to Forever Unbridled, Practical Joke, Drefong, Sadler’s Joy (who hit the gate at the break and won anyway), West Coast, Lady Eli and all the winners. Congrats too to Songbird, Gunnevera and all the horses who try so hard. Biscuits didn’t fire; hoping he is OK. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Wonderful day of racing yesterday. Hope you are well. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
judy berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
pam homeier
Big question now. Who does everyone think Mike will stick with in the BC Classic? I am pitting my money with Arrogate. I think he will hang with him. Nice to have a choice like that! Mike is going to have a very busy Breeder’s Cup!
sheena.davies(wales)
Mae’r Bobby bach wedi gadael y Dyfi.Taith ddiogel hedfan fel y gwynt.Ddioch y chi Monty a Glesni ar gyfer tymor gwych Pob lwc cariads
Monty will remain for a few days.
http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject/
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Monty is home alone on the Dyfi now it is always bittersweet at this time of the year but we have to be grateful for 3 healthy strong chicks.He was surveying his Kingdom this afternoon,Dreadful situation in Houston with the floods.Prayers for all.Many tributes to Presenting.Watching “The English Patient”again!!!.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley Willow and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Safe travel to Monty when he goes.
Prayers for eveyone in the path of this horrible storm in the Gulf. Love and Hugs, JB
Donna Z
Congratulations to Mike on his 2nd Travers win in a row as well as his win on Drefong in the Forego. I am thrilled by Lady Eli’s win in the Ballston Spa as it was her last race at Saratoga. She is headed for the sales after the Breeders’ Cup to become a broodmare for a new owner. I hope she stays in the US. I hope that Biscuits is ok, as he never fired in the Forego.
My big disappointment was Forever Unbridled passing Songbird right before the wire. I had not only wanted to see her win; I was hoping she would for Mr. Porter. I had had a bad feeling for days before the race that Forever Unbridled could be trouble for Songbird.
On the upside, I did go to the track to be part of biggest day of the Saratoga meet with 6 Gr. 1 & 1 Gr. 2 races all in the same day.
Before I went to the track itself, I visited the gift shop at the national Museum of Racing across the street & bought myself a t-shirt that says, Zenyatta Hall of Fame Class of 2016. The background is navy blue & there is a drawing of her silks above the printing.
The highlight of my day was a hug from Mike when I handed him a belated birthday gift when he visited with some of his fans in front of the jockeys’ quarters before he had to ride. I had put my email on the card and he said he’d email me after he got home.
There was no way I could get past security to meet Songbird at her barn, so I came up with a plan to give her some treats after her race. I waited behind the fence along the far turn where I knew she’d have to pass by to get back to her barn. As her groom & assistant trainer led her by me, I got Christine’s attention & handed her a bag of peppermints over the fence & the outside rail of the track. Christine thanked me & said that Songbird would love them.
Songbird, you just need to plan your strategy to beat Forever Unbridled when you meet in the Breeders’ Cup – I know you can do it!
NancyStamp
What a wonderful post. Love hearing from you. I too was rooting for Songbird. It is so hard to have those races so close. Does not seem fair, but that is racing. Glad she is well loved and she has a wonderful record. These older girls seem to do very well. I was looking up Forever Unbridled and did not know her sister Unbridled Forever was retired. Very confusing. full sisters.
judy berube
Dear Donna Z:
Wonderful that you got to visit with Mikey and were able to get some treats to Songbird. She’ll regroup and be back winning again. Hope she and all of them came back from their races OK. Thanks for sharing your day with us. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Donna Z,
What a day you had! I am “green with envy” that you got to see Mike Smith AND get a hug, Wow! So glad that you got to make the “peppermint connection” with Christine for Songbird, too. She deserved those treats, yes indeed.
I was elated that Lady Eli won her finale, too. What a brave, strong and heroic girl! All the best to her in her broodmare career. May she be forever happy, healthy and loved.
I am sure that you will hear from the nicest guy ever, Mike Smith. :-)
Thanks for sharing your most exciting, wonderful day at the Spa!
Hugs and Love
Max
Looks like Lady Eli is not finished racing. Brown is talking of training her up to a Breeders Cup entry. She may even have a race before the BC. He’s got similar plans for Practical Joke.
Ann NC
Yip, Yip, Yippee.
Love her so very much.
Thanks for that exciting news. Thinking back with Brown sitting beside her stall,a great love story.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Sorry, I goofed on that — should have said it was her finale at Saratoga.
Look forward to her BC race and any other — safe and sound always!
Hugs and Cheers
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
I got a Zenny t-shirt there too (the white one), and waited along the jockey path in hopes of getting a quick word with Mike, but he was surrounded by TVG and security guys. You sure did much better! Bravo! ?
Donna Z
Dear Sandy,
I wish I had known that you were at Saratoga on Sat. I would have loved to meet you.
I did not see Mike walk back along the jockey path after his races although I spent most of my time right near where the jockeys leave the building to walk to the paddock. I only saw him when he stood in front the to visit with us before he rode Songbird.
I also forgot to mention that Mike sent several pairs of his goggles out with a security guard to give to the kids after he won the Travers.
There was also another adorable moment that I saw that I forgot to mention. Irad Ortiz’s wife was sitting near the bench I was sitting on with his toddler daughter. When Irad was riding Lady Eli, hid daughter stood up & shook her tiny fist & cheered for her daddy as she watched the race on the monitor. It was one of the cutest moments I have ever seen!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Donna,
Sweet!! :-)
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Maya was last seen at Manton Bay around 11.30 yesterday morning so has most likely started her long migration.30(05)has certainly left Rutland she crossed the channel around 1pm and was in Cherbourg shortly after she flew 245 miles in a day.No doubt they are taking advantage of the good weather.Monty has decided to work on his shed!Godspeed Ladies come back safe next spring and thank you for a wonderful seasonX
vicki
Another amazing article by SH. Seeing the photos of Z and Baby Z are such a gift on a difficult day in parts of Texas. Prayers for all the folks of coastal Texas. Can’t help but feel the terror those folks taking shelter from floodwaters on 610 loop in Houston. Bless the first responders. What a day of racing at the Spa! Songbird didn’t see that horse on the outside. Way to go Drefong and West Coast and of course our Mikey. Hope everyone is well and look forward to September.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Absolutely beautiful photos. Wonderful to see Mario and Carmen paying Zenyatta a visit and meeting her lovely filly.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Sad to see the floods in Houston and it’s still raining.Prayers for all affected.Karen is worried about Hovis He is behaving even in the heat today!We all know he is a good boy!Always sad to see the ospreys go,Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley Willow and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Yes, awful conditions from the flooding; prayers go out to them.
I’m sure Hovis will think of something to misbehave and allay Mum’s fears. He’s a character like Charlie.
Safe travels Osprey. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Max, Hope we find out soon what’s next for Bisquits. You know Classic Empire might just text him to come on down to Florida and get some R&R like him. Heard Classic said he may or may not run in the Pennsylvania Derby.
Mark might have to get tough with him.
Anyway, I know Classic thinks GunRunner, Arrogate and all will be coming south at the end of the year for the big race in 2018. I sure wouldn’t bet if Classic would run at Gulfstream again. Probably not. This boy I think does what he wants to do.
judy berube
Dear Peggy:
Love your thoughts on our boy, Classic. Independent mind. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy, I did hear that Bisquits said he was sure ready to get out of that stall at Saratoga. He said that loud music was driving him crazy. LOL
judy berube
Dear Peggy:
Poor Biscuits. Maybe all that loud music and having to move upset him. Hope he’s OK and he’ll be back in form soon. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
I’m concerned about Biscuits. Haven’t heard anything about him. That’s kind of strange.
judy berube
Dear Max:
Have been looking for info on him post race too; couldn’t find anything. Will keep looking. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Wishing you a restful evening and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
judy berube
Dear Sheena and Z Fans:
Something cute to lift your spirits.
Tiny monkey at the Chester Zoo in England has given birth to twins. They weigh half an ounce each. Adorable! If I understood the comments below the video, that’s their Dad, Gumi, carrying them. There’s a part of the video that shows their Mom, Audrey. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.msn.com/en-us/video/animals/worlds-smallest-monkey-gives-birth-to-tiny-twins/vi-AAqQIJP
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.I couldn’t access the video but went on Chester zoo’s FB and saw it there Gumi is a really modern man taking over parental duties.They are soo cute.We are still awaiting news from Edinburgh zoo.Love and hugs.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Thanks for this cute video. Sooo tiny and Too cute!
Cutest monkeys ever, I think.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Marshall and Sheena:
Glad you enjoyed the video. They’re so adorable. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Thanks JB. Love the Tiny Twins.
judy berube
Dear Ann:
Me too. Sooooo cute. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
A lovely video about American Pharoah.
http://www.facebook.com/CoolmoreStud/
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena,
Loved this video! Thanks so much for posting it. That’s our boy — so glad he is settling in and that they are so happy to have him. Look forward to his return home though.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Thanks so much for posting this wonderful video of Pharoah. Betwen hearing the anthem and again seeing him crossong the finish line in the Derby, Preakness and Belmont, I found myself tearing up. What a magnificent boy he is. Stay safe and healthy Champ.
Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Darlene Daniels
Awesome video. Gave me goosebumps all over again. Never tire of watching his wins! Thank you for sharing.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy and Darlene,
Goosebumps and tears! Me, too!
It’s still such an exciting, stirring Triple Crown win — thanks sweet Pharoah. ❤️
Ah, those were the “good ol’ days”.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Stay comfy and cozy. Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Stay comfy and cozy. Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Thistlecrack and Cue Card are both in superb form in readiness for the jumps season.Poor Clarach’s nest was almost destroyed during the storms last week.Thank God it never happened before the chicks fledged.It will be repaired during the winter.Clarach is still there.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley Willow and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Delrene from Carlsbad
Beautiful photos of happy,healthy Mom And daughter. Thank you so much.
I’m catching up after returning from my “cowgirl fix ” at the RLAZY S Ranch in Wyoming. A lovely time but not the best internet connection at times … besides
who wants to look at E mail when you get to ride your favorite horse in the Grand Teton National Forest We had a fantastic Solar Eclipse experience and the owners /hosts at the guest ranch made it so memorable.
First hour back home I look for Zenyatta posts. This one was especially great. Thank you again.
Ann NC
Sounds like a great time.
Cowgirlz RULE!!!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Delrene,
What a wonderful sounding vacation! Riding your favorite equine in the Grand Tetons AND the Solar Eclipse, too — this is SO cool. Glad you had a great “cowgirl fix”. :-)
Yee-Ha!!
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Congratulations to Wild West and Lizzie Harries for becoming Supreme champions at the RoR championships last weekend.This son of Galileo was once trained by Aidan and Jonjo O’Neill.He raced in the famous silks of J P McManus but retired after never breaking his maiden.Now the sky’s the limit.Congratulations Westy.
Lise from Maine
Bonjour Zenyatta!
Oh, such lovely photos of you and your beautiful girl. Such a treat to see them this morning here in Maine.
I especially like the one where your girl gave the “sassy” look where she tilted her
head back and just let it all hang out.
Just love it.
How about some videos of you and your sweet girl? That would be an “extra” treat.
Love to you, Zenyatta, and your beautiful children. And I haven’t forgotten your girl and boy who have passed on.
Such tragedies!
I am eager to watch your boys race again.
Thank you for the magnificent photos.
Lise from Maine
Lise from Maine
Bonjour Zenyatta!
The lovely photo of you and your sweet girl hugging each other is so gorgeous that
it can be a photo to be framed.
It is “that” breathtaking.
Thank you!
Lise from Maine
sheena.davies(wales)
Very tearful as I watch Monty on the larch perch with a fish looking for his family.Time to say goodbye now bach.Taith ddiogel Monty
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Poor Monty. Guess he will be leaving soon; Godspeed. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties