Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Friday Photos

Friday Photos and More

Coz and Ziconic are just a few stalls from each other in John's barn at Saratoga.
Coz and Ziconic are just a few stalls from each other in John’s barn at Saratoga.

Happy Friday!

Zenyatta’s boys are at Saratoga with John Shirreffs. They’re enjoying the greenery and beautiful weather. Scroll down for a quick video of Ziconic in his stall.

-Team Z

Cozmic One at Saratoga
Cozmic One at Saratoga
Ziconic at Saratoga
Ziconic at Saratoga

Reader Interactions

689 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Taco (Rachel’s boy) works:

    This notice is to inform you that one or more of your horses has worked out.

    Jess’s Dream (3-Year-Old Colt)

    Date: August 15, 2015
    Track: SARATOGA
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 1.00:70 Breezing
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 10/36

    • / Reply

      Pizza Man’s jockey said that the turf was soft from rain, and the Man was struggling on the surface until he went to the outside. Maverick was doing really well until he suddenly was eased up. Let us know if the UK papers say anything about him.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena and Max,
      I hope Maverick Wave isn’t seriously injured and will be okay, too.

      Congratulations to Pizza Man and his connections.

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Oh, I hope he’s OK. As Max said, please let us know if you have an update on him. Love and Hugs, JB

  4. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,
    I mentioned to you that we very rarely have soft turf, well jockey of Big Blue Kitten
    said he did not like the ground and did not have his usual kick. And the jockey
    of Copper said he tried to win, so I think the Ramsey’s are going to have a racehorse when he is done with rabbit duty, and he liked the soft turf. He is a talented rabbit.
    Love and hugs

  5. / Reply

    Another (the last) naming update:

    I am sorry to be waffling so on naming Bailey’s brother, but his official name will remain Smudge. It is a better fit for him, and sometimes, he will be called “Smudgy” or “Smudgy- wudgy” just as a term of affection or goofiness. I am not changing the name again, I promise.

    Hope everyone has a lovely Sunday.
    Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy B,

      Thank you for finding this link. You are so good at finding these to share with us.

      Carol, Rivers is gorgeous! I love him, to.

      Fellow Z fans, you need to check Rivers out. He’s a really good-looking horse.

      • / Reply

        Dear Donna Z:

        Thank you and you’re so welcome. Rivers is indeed a beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    worry about Maverick Wave, usually rainy course is safe for legs of horses, something with health ? :-( , Zenny i saw not joyfull comments on your fb page, why to come to page for this ? , beautyfull Zenny i like your bath photos :-) , good photos on fb page Old Friends, on fb page Bronwen Healy Photography good photo of Pioneer of the Nile with green grass in mouth, Coz you are big horse, in races dont breeze near left fence, if you breeze in herd keep safe distance to forward hind horse and horses at sides, look for free space for your mooving, say hello to Ziconic, wishes of good rest on green grass for Ziconic and Coz in some part of time, photo for Coz and Zi, in fb page Justanothehorse photo of Highland Reel in Secretariat stakes 2015 in arlington, in rain course is safe for legs of horses on speed of 35 mph, beautyfull Zenny Zi Coz and mates stay comfy and cozy, kiss your soft noses, lil 14z filly im remembering you

    • / Reply

      When I look into your eyes out there,
      When I look out into your faces, you know what I see?
      I see a little bit of Elvis in each and every one of you out there,
      Lemme tell ya, well…

      Elvis is everywhere
      Elvis is everything
      Elvis is everybody
      Elvis is still the King

      Man oh man what I want you to see
      That the Big E is inside you and me!

      Happy Deathday, Elvis. OR IS IT? Hmmmmmmmmmmm…

      • / Reply

        Elvis will always be “my guy, the king of rock and roll”. Was Elvis born then in Jan?
        hugs, Sally B

  11. / Reply

    August 16 Cherokee Devotional

    The most common reason for not liking someone is because we don’t know them. We may tell ourselves we don’t care for the way they look or we don’t want to know them because they think they are special. These are just excuses.
    It’s a tragedy to judge people by the way they look. Underneath every mask is a real person with real problems and real needs. We may look secure and it makes them uncomfortable. If they only knew, we have the same fears, the same thoughts that they do.
    Every friendship could take shape more quickly if we would speak and smile-even when there’s no obvious response.

    The Great Spirit, in placing men on the earth, desired them to take good care of the ground and to do each other no harm.
    Young Chief
    Cayuse

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy,
      Great devotional today. I have had several people in my life who I did not have a good impression of when I met them, but who turned out to be wonderful people once I got to know them.
      We all need to remember to not judge others we meet, but to allow them the chance to show us who they really are. It is important to keep an open mind about others so as not to deny ourselves the experience of truly knowing them. We all have gifts to share and can enrich each other if we only give our fellow humans a chance.

  12. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I remember well the day Elvis died. RIP, Elvis. We are sweltering right now. We had lunch with Steve’s Aunt Jane in Palm Desert. It was 116 there! YIKES! AC had to run all night long. Can’t wait for a break in the weather. Haven’t checked on the FB furbabies yet. I hope they’re all okay. Have a blessed Sabbath. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  13. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Such a wonderful devotional today.So much emphasis is put on our outward appearance these days and not what is in our hearts.I heard about the temps on CBS last night Oh,bless you!It’s extremely hot in Arizona too!All our furbabies are well and Mango got presents from Texas.Fishing for peas is now an olympic sport.I posted Gizmo’s story on your timeline everyone is thrilled he became champion at Equifest last night.When I think of how he was found and seeing him now it’s a miracle!Dreams do come true sometimes!Try and keep as cool as possible.Have a blessed Sabbath.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy,
        Thanks for posting the Achen Dressage tests, Vallegro and Charlotte were amazing, so special when the announcer said Vallegro’s lower lip was quivering
        because he was concentrating. He is such a gorgeous horse and they are
        soulmates. I wish he would never retire, I never tire of watching them.

        Also watching Totalis and Rath, this young man concerns me, it was obvious
        Totalis was off on his left hind and he did not even know it. Seems like he does
        not know much about horses, I wonder who manages his stable. Totalis was immediately off as he entered the ring. Poor young man was so surprised.
        Love and hugs

        • Dear Tizgood:

          Valegro and Charlotte are fantastic.

          Always hope that the connections retire them before serious injuries occur. Dressage can be punishing on horses, as is racing, if they are pushed. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Tizgood, I agree Valegro and Charlotte are definitely soulmates, poetry in motion. That kind of connection doesn’t come around very often. It is a thing of beauty. Super congrats to Valegro and Charlotte. Take care, Mary Margaret

      • / Reply

        Judy,
        Our Zi is just so darn handsome. He does have that younger son look of mischief in his eyes. Reminds me of some photos I have seen of Prince Harry.

      • / Reply

        Thanks so much Judy B! Coz and Zi; I need to take a deep breath!
        love and hugs, Sally B

        • Dear Sally:

          You’re so welcome. They take your breath away, don’t they. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy
        All are gorgeous.
        The one of Zi working is fabulous, I still dream he
        will be two year old champion.
        Love and hugs

        • Dear Tizgood:

          Here’s hoping ZI starts and does well as a two year old. KD preps the beginning of the year.

          Just want you to know, I posted my Bernie’s babies being successful comment before I read your post. Was not criticizing your comment in any way. Have read many times that Bernie doesn’t do well with first time starters, but I think he does get his share of winners as two year olds. Love him, so I’m biased anyway. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Sheena,
          I think Bernie is not getting the credit he should for some reason.
          I was very surprised how much all commentators were criticizing him and
          the two year old Elcaber, Chad Brown was running on the turf. He is the
          top turf trainer, having worked so long with Bobbie Frankel, and the horse
          came in 4th. Bernie just has not had any real standouts like Tapit, but he is
          a great sire, I agree with you.
          Love and hugs

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann, Tizgood and Z Fans:

        Z really does makes the most beautiful babies. (Daddy’s too, of course, but mostly Z). Love and Hugs, JB

  17. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,
    Thought you would get a laugh out of this,
    Chad Brown a trainer had to get special permission
    to get a 2 year old on the turf. Two year olds are usually
    not allowed on the turf at Saratoga. The horse is by Bernardini, who is
    not known to have 2 year olds that run, but Chad is running one. He is a good trainer.
    Go figure !!!!
    Love and hugs

    • / Reply

      Ectobar came in 4 th as a closer; Bernardini- no one was hot on this guy

      Scat Daddy 2 year old by Todd Pletcher exploded as a closer
      and blew the field away- forgot his name

      Good two year old turf race- Saratoga

    • / Reply

      Bernardini has a good record with his 2 year olds. Honor and Serve, Stay Thirsty, Theyskens Theory are but a few of his foals who ran at 2 and did well. Not sure why peeps are so negative about Bernie. Stay Thirsty was a close second in the Belmont, won both the Jim Dandy and the Travers, and the Cigar Mile. Coz, keep going. You’ll get there.

        • JudyB. Thank you so much. I don’t tear up often, but I did this time for several reasons. Big D will be so proud of his boy from his very last crop of foals. The big horse was producing winners right up to the end. That race is the last leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. It’s run on a European style turf course with the longest back stretch on the continent. It’s a mile and a half on the turf and it sounds like DD took it in fine style. The jockey, Patrick Husbands, is Tasty’s jockey. This is a great and beautiful day for Big D peeps.

        • Thanks, JB.
          Congrats to DD.
          Max, thanks for bringing this turf monster to our attention. What an incredible triple crown series, 3 different surfaces, wow, saving the best for last.
          Hope we see more great things from, DD. Chow down champ!

        • Dear Max:

          Thank you for posting the replay of DD’s win. Has some of Papa Big D’s personality sounds like. He’s beautiful. Love the way he just cruised in second and then turned on the jets. Wow, goosebumps. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Ann:

          You’re so welcome. Wow, really impressive win by DD. Love and Hugs, JB

  18. / Reply

    Dear Max.Ground will be perfect for the Juddmonte Wednesday so no excuses!Aidan says Gleneagles is ready and so is Golden Horn.of course we cannot forget our favourite the Grey Gatsby.I believe they are going to appeal about Secret Gesture she would have kept the race in the UK but different country,different rules!Jamie was quite liberal with the whip too I felt.When in Rome?No news about Maverick so I assume all is well.Treve’s little sister didn’t make her reserve so is back with the Head family.Hugs Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Noticed that all of the UK jockeys said that their horses did not like the soft turf at Arlington. The Pizza Man did not like it either, but he might have been inspired on his home track. His jockey said that they heard the crowd cheering and off TPM went on the side. It was a great race by all of them.
      You will have a good race line up for the Juddmonte. Love GG but the Horn is definitely on a roll. Will be tough to beat. Kind of hope that he keeps his perfect record.
      Do hope that Maverick is okay. I know that Peggy will want to know. She seems to love that horse.
      Northern Dancer did not meet his reserve either and went back to Windfields. Treve’s little sister will do fine with the Heads.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max and Z Fans:

        Yes, heard from Peggy today. She is very concerned for Maverick. Praying he’s OK. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      The had a very high reserve, they bought back at 1.4 million for Treve sister.
      I think we need to standardize rules if we are going to be competative internationally.
      Love and hugs

  19. / Reply

    Dear Tizgood.Paul Schockemole bought Toto back in 2010.I seem to remember reading Matthias’stepmother was involved too.I may be wrong,Paul was secretly filmed back in 1990 “poling” his horses wrapping a pole around the legs to make them jump higher.Matthias was only interested in the scores no concern for his horse.Surely the judges or vets should have stopped him competing.I feel so sad for Toto he deserves better.Valegro put in another great performance only 2 small errors but you could hardly notice.I get very emotional watching them.Glesni is still on the Dyfi.Celyn was screaming for food this evening!No fish stats tonight.Hope we hear tomorrow.Love and hugs Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Makes sense why he was off on his hind and why Rath “did not notice”.
      Time for retirement for sure. And makes sense as to why he has had so many
      injuries, so very sad when people do thing like this to such a valuable horse, which
      may affect his breeding career as well.
      Love and hugs

  20. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    OMG, worried about Toto now for sure after reading you post. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Frank and all the Sweeties

  21. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:

    Goodnight. Hope you’re staying cool in this very hot weather. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

  22. / Reply

    Dear Max.I tear up a lot where animals are concerned.I remember reading about Big D’s death in the racing post.One of the first videos I saw on my PC was a memorial service at his gravesite.I was very touched although I didn’t know a lot about him then.I hope GH keeps his unbeaten record too.We need these champions but Gleneagles was fantastic at RA!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      I posted the video of the race above. It was a hot and humid day (above 90) and the turf was firm. They mentioned in the comments after the race that his grandfather Roberto won the Epsom Derby. DD loves the turf and he has the Big D stamina to go long.
      Keep the faith on Golden Horn. Dettori’s is also on a roll. And he needs money to keep that emu in style.

  23. / Reply

    I checked in on the Osprey nest in Boulder County Colorado, with live feed. They, also, have three chicks about the same size as the Dyfi and screaming for fish. The father is working hard too. Second time today he brought two fish at the same time, one in each foot, pretty neat trick.

  24. / Reply

    Dear Judy
    Hansen only had 2 races one in Sept and one in Oct before winning
    the two year old championship. I know JS is conservative, but Zi is capable,
    he love to train and he is fast. I will continue to dream. Just wonder what
    JS thinks of him other than having Zenny’s “amazing beam”, he is probably
    going to have her speed and turn of foot. He may even be faster than she
    was because of Tapit.
    Love and hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Tizgood:

      Oh yes, ZI has plenty of time to get a couple of races in at two, if JS feels he is ready. He definitely could do it. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      They are so loud almost deafening. When one has a fish the other keeps screaming
      and no fish comes.
      Love and hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena & Tizgood, I don’t know how I missed Monty’s two-fish feat. They are super dads. And those girls, they are very deafening. Sometimes I have to turn down the volume on my PC. They are a comical bunch. Never a dull moment. Take care. MM

  26. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Valegro will retire after Rio 2016.He will be 14yrs old.Hovis has been out and about cantering this weekend and had Dolly for company today.Karen said he behaved perfectly!Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Sounds like Valegro’s people will do what’s right for him. Hoping for the same for Toto.

      Good for our boy Hovis. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      I wonder if Vallegro will like retirement he so much loves his work.
      I am so glad he is going to retire after Rio, seems a dressage horse
      can go on longer, but it is very stressful for them as it is such a very
      detailed discipline. Maybe Charlotte will parade him, Blueberry is such
      a lovely boy. He has been at the top of his game for quite a while.
      Love and hugs

  27. / Reply

    I love you Zenyatta with kisses and for your sons
    loving zprincess and dear Sir always
    Auntie Sally B

    • / Reply

      Great run by a very smart boy. Wow!
      Thanks for sharing that race, JB.
      Nobody boxes me in! Congrats to him. Maybe he will meet Sticks?

    • / Reply

      Very impressive two year old. Wow, Wow. It almost looks like Nascar on the track. I see Exaggerator has Seattle Slew & Northern Dancer, on the dam’s side. Hope he stays health & happy.

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann and Mary Margaret:

        He was very brave for a two year old. Determined to get to the front. Love and Hugs, JB

  30. / Reply

    August 17 Cherokee Devotional

    If you have been handed a difficult situation, stand firm. Change can shake you, but it can’t tear you down. Common sense will come in to create a safety zone-a haven for a time to adjust.
    This is decision time. Speak gently to yourself and never say you should have known. Don’t lie down and quit and don’t go to pieces. You have spiritual strength whether you know it or not-rely on it.
    This is a time to declare your strength to use your head, your heart, and your spirit. It is your right and privilege-so let no one talk you out of it.

    The great sea has sent me adrift; it moves me as the weed in a great river.
    Uvavnuk
    Eskimo

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