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
judy berube
Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Hope you all had a wonderful day today. Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
sheena.davies(wales)
On sunday August 31s t1997 the nation and indeed the world woke up to the dreadful news that, Diana,Princess of Wales had been killed in a car crash in Paris.Britain went into a state of deep mourning.I will never forget the sea of flowers the crowds and the wailing,Somehow the general public related more than ever to Diana.because of her complexities and her troubled background.I honestly don’t believe the Royal family knew what to make of this vulnerable young woman,What started out as a fairytale ended in tragedy.There will never be another Diana she was a complete one-offtTwo decades later Diana lives on through her sons William and Harry and the grandchildren she never got to know.She will always remain Princess of my country but more than that a Queen of our hearts.One day Kate will become Queen she wears Diana’s ring at last a symbol of true love.Diana’s mission will be complete.RIP sleeping beauty you have found everlasting peaceX
Darlene Daniels
Dear Sheena, Beautifully said. I will never forget where I was, what I was doing when I heard of her tragic death. Her sons have grown into wonderful young men . Cant believe it has been 20 years. Love and hugz. Darlene
judy berube
RIP Princess DI. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
It appears that Wills and Harry have their mother’s ability to connect with people. They also seem to be pleasant and not totally weird. The Spencer genes appear to rule with the two sons.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy:I heard Aidan may send Idaho out for the Canadian International yet they said after his recent US trip he was a poor traveller???Mumbai had a month’s worth of rain today monsoon season has been dreadful this year,Summer had her regular check-up today and her injections!Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley Willow and all the sweeties,Love and hugs Sheena
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Hope Idaho has a better experience if he does travel to Canada.
Still raining in parts of Texas and Louisiana too. My God those poor people.
Love our girl, Summer. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
The International is a grade 1 race. He’s still after Bobby Frankel’s record.
shirleeinindy
Still have not seen anything on Biscuits and how he came out of the race. Hope all is okay.
These photos of Zenny and her family are a joy to view each day. So glad Ann, Mario and Carmen were there to visit. All look so happy to be together again. Hope little Z17 takes after mom and her half sisters, Rachel and Songbird!
judy berube
Dear Shirlee:
Keep checking BloodHorse and other sites for info on Biscuits. No luck. Hope he’s OK too. Love and Hugs, JB
Darlene Daniels
Dear Cozmic One,
I saw on facebook that you are racing Saturday at Del Mar, race 11.
Dear Coz, you can do this. Run baby run. Your fan club is all behind you. We love you. Run fast, stay safe and have fun.
Love you forever, Darlene
judy berube
Dear Delrene:
Oh thank you so much for posting this info on COZ.
Godspeed beautiful Prince; you can do it. We love you. Hugs, JB
Max
Is this turf or dirt?
judy berube
Dear Max:
It’s a mile and an 1/8th on the Turf. COZ is No. 5 of 14 listed (the last two are AEs, so should be 12 going). Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/DMR090217USA11-EQB.html
Max
JudyB. It would be a great thing for Z fans if Coz wins. Here’s hoping.
judy berube
Dear Max:
Oh boy, will we ever celebrate! So hoping the racing Gods are with him. Love our First Prince. Will be so happy for JS too; so patient. Love and Hugs, JB
Darlene Daniels
Your welcome Judy, and this is Darlene, lol.
judy berube
My Dear Darlene:
So sorry; thank you again. Love and Hugs, JB
Marilu Villanueva
Dear Darlene:
Thank you for posting the schedule of Coz. . I will be watching and cheering for him.
Coz, enjoy running and have a safe race.
Hugs and hugs, Marilu
pam homeier
Run fast Coz! And stay safe!
Sue
Yes, thank you for posting! Go Coz!
judy berube
Dear Max, Sheena, Shirlee, Peggy, Ann, Marshall and Z Fans:
Wow, this an interesting development and makes me happy. Thinking you will feel the same. Stewards deny entry of rabbit, May B, for War Story in the Woodward. Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/thoroughbred-racing/report-war-story-rabbit-denied-entry-woodward/
Max
Excellent. The Euros use that tactic too often. Frankel raced always with his brother setting the pace or taking up space so that Frankel could have an advantage. Did you ever see Wise Dan or Zenyatta in need of a rabbit? Recall Gun’s last race where the rabbit tossed that shoe? Horses should only be entered in a race if the intention is that the horse will race to win.
judy berube
Dear Max:
You are spot on! Love and Hugs, JB
pam homeier
Agree!!!!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Thanks for posting this article — I think the stewards did the right thing! Good luck and safe racing to all in the Woodward Stakes.
I found this article a little farther down the page. Scary ride to be sure!
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/people/wild-ride-aussie-jockey-displays-horsemanship-bridle-breaks-race/
I am so glad everything turned out for both horse and rider!
Hugs and Love
Marshall (NC Broad)
I also saw where Martin Garcia survived being rolled over by his mount who broke down after a workout at Del Mar. He credits his vest as saving him; sadly, nothing could save the poor 2 year-old Smart Strike filly, Vitality. She was euthanized on the track. RIP Vitality, sweet baby — so sorry little girl. Run free and happy.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
RIP baby Vitality. Run strong and free in God’s Heaven. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
As an Euro I have always been in favour of pacemakers.They cured Frankel of his fizziness .Enable had to make all the running in the Yorkshire Oaks she could have done with one.Not all horses come with a late run like Zenyatta.This is only my opinion of course
Max
That might be the reason that Frankel never went to the Breeders Cup Classic. It would have been difficult to take along the pacemaker, and turf horses up to now have never been able to handle the competition on dirt. The prime example is Galileo.
sheena.davies(wales)
Henry never considered the Breeders cup for Frankel.
Max
The owner always wanted one of his horses to race in the BCC. The BCC was out of the equation for Frankel because Frankel could not win. Cecil was very careful not to risk losing with Frankel, which is what a trainer should do. You will recall that he lost with Twice Over in the BCC in 2009 to Zenyatta.
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Glad to see this happen. Don’t know why they wanted to enter the “rabbit” anyway ’cause sure didn’t help War Story last time.
judy berube
Dear Shirlee:
Glad the stewards made this decision. Never have been a fan of this practice and, as you said, didn’t help War Story last time. Hate seeing a horse run his heart out with no chance at all to win. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Max, Shirlee, Peggy, Marshall, Ann, Sheena and Z Fans:
Just sent a message to Ray Paulick asking if he has heard how Biscuits came out of the Forego on Saturday. If he gets back to me with any info, I will let you know. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Hope that you hear good news. It’s worrying. His trainer is usually on social media, but nothing so far since the race.
judy berube
Dear Max:
It is worrying. Will let you know if I get a reply to my message. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy and Max,
I sure hope Biscuits is okay — fingers crossed.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Marshall:
Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY today to our Marty R from Colorado! Best wishes for a good day and a great year!
♫•*¨*•♫•*¨*•.¸♥¸.•*¨*•♫ ░H░A░P░P░Y░ ♫•*¨*•.¸♥¸.•*¨*•♫
(¯”•.¸*♥*¸.•”¯) ░B░I░R░T░H░D░A░Y░ (¯”•.¸*♥*¸.•”¯)
♫•**•.¸♥¸.•**•♫ ░T░O░░░Y░O░U░!░ ♫•**•.¸♥¸.•**•♫
sheena.davies(wales)
Wishing Marty R a very Happy birthday and a great year ahead.Hugs
Congratulations to Steve Haskin his daughter Amanda is expecting a baby due on Coz’s birthdayX
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks, Sandy! :-)
? ? HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MARTY R.!! ? ?
Many, many more happy ones to come — good health and good cheer always, too. Hope you have some cake today! ?
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Marty:
Wishing you a Very Happy Birthday. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Sandy:
Thank you for reminding us. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Songbird is retiring. Best wishes to her.
https://www.paulickreport.com/news/thoroughbred-racing/champion-songbird-retired-racing/
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
No surprise that they did the right thing for Songbird, but I sure will miss her. Feel very honored to have had an “up close” glimpse of her at Saratoga. ♥♥♥♥
sheena.davies(wales)
Now I heard the news about Songbird.Wishing her the happiest of retirements.
I often wonder how Frankel’s career would have panned out had he gone to Coolmore.Sir Henry managed his racing career perfectly.
Max
Frankel lucked out for sure with Cecil. He was very kind to his horses and always did what was right for them, although I’m not so thrilled with the handling of Bullet Train. Cecil however was the expert.
judy berube
Dear Max, Sandy and Shirlee:
Max, wishing Birdie a long, happy and healthy life as a Mama.
Sandy, wonderful that you got to see her up close.
Shirlee, hoping she stays Stateside too. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Thank God they found her injury and did the right thing. I am heartbroken that she will not be on the track again. I really love that little girl. Praying that she is bought by an American stable and can retire to Kentucky where perhaps we can get pics and news of her. Mandy, Barbara are you all listening?
Sue
This is definitely the right thing for Songbird. May she enjoy retirement and have babies that fly.
Lindal
Happy retirement to sweet Songbird! May she produce beautiful and talented babies. Thank you Mr. Porter for doing the right thing. On another subject, there is a sale in Zenyatta s shop!!!!! And a new picture of her stunning filly!!! Lindal
Max
Thanks for pointing this out. I looked at the photos. The ones of the War Front filly, especially the one of Z Princess walking with Zenyatta, will choke up even the toughest character. What a loss.
judy berube
Dear Max:
You’re so right. That photograph of Z and Z Princess walking together away from the camera is just precious. That exquisite liitle form next to her beautiful Mama is just heartwrenching to see. A tragic loss indeed. Love and Hugs, JB
Lynn Martin
I am glad Coz is running Saturday! I will be at a dog show up in Grass Valley but hopefully will be home in time to watch. It is predicted to be 111 degrees that day so home in the air conditioning is where I want to be!!! My little Pepper won her championship Sunday at the Santa Rosa Show. She is now CHAMPION BROOKVIEW KIRALYI CAYENNE!! I am so proud of her, just 18 months old and an AKC champion! Saturday in Grass Valley she is entered in the “Best of Breed Competition” class, with the big guns! We shall see how she does!!!
judy berube
Dear Lynn:
Congrats to you and Pepper. Well done. Love and Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
More info on Songbird
Champion Songbird Retired
Owner Rick Porter announces decision via his Facebook page.
By BloodHorse Staff The BloodHorse August 31, 2017
Two-time Eclipse Award champion Songbird has been retired from racing after recent x-rays revealed damage to her hind suspensories and a bone chip, owner Rick Porter announced on Aug. 31.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/223357/champion-songbird-retired
BGG Note: Excellent job by Rich Porter of transparency
Bluegrass Girl
THE PIZZA MAN Parade
John G. Dooley Thursday, 31 August, 2017
Just announced, the richest IL-bred of all time THE PIZZA MAN to parade
Arlington Racing for his final farewell on Sept. 16. Cool gesture!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Big Cheers for The Pizza Man!! ? Hip, Hip!!!
Great words of tribute and love from Mr. Porter regarding Songbird. Glad she didn’t suffer a catastrophic injury and all the very best wishes to her in her retirement. May she have a long, happy and healthy life filled with endless love. Brava, Songbird!!
Thanks, BGG! Thanks to you and Max for posting the news about beautiful Songbird, too.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear BGG:
Thanks for this info on The Pizza Man. Love this boy. Hope he enjoys himself on his special day. Love and Hugs, JB
Cheryl in Bellflower, CA
Love it that Mike S says he’d give all he has to have Songbird, but he doesn’t think he has enough in his bank account for that!!! LOL
Lindal
Our Mike was jockey of the week again! He is the leading money winner thus far this year also. His wins this past weekend earned him $1,8000.00, bringing him a total of career earnings of $302,000.00! ? Wow, what a terrific guy! Lindal
Lindal
Sorry for my mistake, it should be career earnings of $302,000,000. Must be the heat! It is a cool 111 degrees here in SoCal!!!! Yikes! Lindal
judy berube
Dear Linda:
Love our Mikey. Congrats to him. Well deserved. Love and Hugs, JB
Donna Z
So sorry to hear about Songbird! I am so grateful that she did not get hurt badly in a race. Thank you to Mr. Porter for having her checked out and taking such good care of her. My condolences to Mike & the rest of her team.
I hope & pray that Songbird stays in the US for her broodmare career. She will be a fantastic mother just like our Zenyatta is.
Do you think that we could take up a collection to add enough money to Mike’s account so he could buy her? Maybe if we raise enough money before the sale, Mike could buy her before she goes to the sale… Just wishful thinking on my part…
I am also concerned about Biscuits & hope he is ok. I’m sure that anyone here who learns anything about him will post it.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy:We really thought Monty had left today he hadn’t been seen since 6.11ambut turned up on the larch perch at 1.45pm.One of the Manton bay chicksS2 has been seen in Belgium and 30(05) who left Rutland sunday is already south of Madrid.She avoided the Bay of Biscay this year.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley Willow and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Wow, little chick made good time. Safe travel Monty. 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:
Stay comfy and cozy. Goodnight and Happy Dreams.
COZ, Godspeed Saturday. Love and Hugs, JB
Stephanie Quilichini
Dear Ann,
My Goodness I hope you read this!! What is going on with the tremendous Ladies of Racing?? Why must the Men Owners sell them?? Lady Eli, Stellar Wind and now Songbird!! Please reach out in November and give them a loving Owner as yourself. I wish I could buy one of them. They are incredible Horses and it saddens me that the Woman are Sold meanwhile- Always Dreaming gets his rights bought by Winstar. Wow- not only happening in Humans but Horses too.
Marty R (Colorado)
Thank you, Sandy and all for your birthday wishes today. It certainly had an eventful announcement in regards to Songbird’s retirement. I am also sad to see her leave racing, but grateful her owner had her thoroughly examined. I also hope she will stay in the United States for her new broodmare career.
Thanks again for all your kind birthday wishes and I hope all are doing well.
Love, Marty R
Bluegrass Girl
Terrific Interview with Mike Smith BGG
Whicker: Songbird, ‘the total package,’ goes out on top
By Mark Whicker, LA Daily News 08/31/17
It wasn’t good news, not exactly. But Mike Smith wasn’t singing the blues.
Songbird retired at age 4 on Thursday. Doctors found problems with her “hind suspensories,” and owner Rick Porter asked Dr. Larry Bramlage for further tests.
They saw a line in a bone in her leg, and when Bramlage did an MRI he still had doubts.
So Smith will need another horse to ride in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar in November.
Songbird won’t race that day.
Or ever again..
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20170831/whicker-songbird-the-total-package-goes-out-on-top
Bluegrass Girl
BGG Note:
From article
“Porter had a filly named Silver Belles who broke both ankles after she crossed the wire second at the 2008 Kentucky Derby.”
Whicker is referring to
Runner-up Eight Belles breaks front ankles, euthanized on track
http://www.espn.com/horse-racing/triplecrown08/news/story?id=3380100
May 3, 2008 – Filly Eight Belles finished second behind favorite Big Brown in the Kentuck
Marshall (NC Broad)
They must have corrected the Silver Belles name in the Whicker article, BGG.
It correctly names Eight Belles in the article now.
Hugs
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear BGG,
Thanks for posting this link. What a wonderfully written article by Mark Whicker!
Great to hear Mike’s thoughts on Songbird and her retirement.
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Wonderful news from the Dyfi.Blue has returned to see the love of her life for one last tryst before migrating!Much relief from all her fans.Where has the wicked lady been all this time?
http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject/
sheena.davies(wales)
Azari at the age of 28 enjoying his golden years.Who can forget that “moment”
http://www.facebook.com/stockwellTb/
Bluegrass Girl
Arazi & Brief Truce-where are they now? BGG
He’s 28 now, but they still love him the world over for a performance that had to be seen to be believed
Kristen Manning TRC SEPTEMBER 01, 2017
Digger’s Rest, 35km north west of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Two unlikely friends in adjoining paddocks at historic Stockwell Stud, enjoying their retirements a long way from the spotlight they both enjoyed on the racetracks of the world a couple of decades ago.
https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/articles/hes-28-now-they-still-love-him-world-over-performance-had-be-seen-be-believed/
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear BGG and Sheena,
Thanks to both of you for the links. Glad Arazi is enjoying his life and that Brief Truce is doing likewise.
Enjoyed watching that BC Juevenile race — what a run!
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
A fantastic video of Blue and Monty getting together after a separation lasting 8 weeks.Hopefully she will continue to bond with HR7 next year at Llyn Brenig.The choice of music is fabulous.
http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject/
sheena.davies(wales)
Songbird has arrived at Taylor Made farms.They will consign her at FT sales in November.She will get visitors tomorrow and plenty of mints.
Linda in NJ
Oh my gosh, what wonderful photos!!!!! It is so good to see pictures of Mario and Carmen. It’s also so hard to believe 7 years has come and gone since Zenny left Barn 55.
Thank you so much for sharing your visit. I bet Zenny couldn’t believe it. I remember Ann saying that Mario was Zenny’s boyfriend.
Thanks again.
Linda in NJ.