Happy Friday!
Our second Zenyatta.com Celebration happened over Breeders’ Cup weekend last fall. Through the sales of our 2014 Celebration Sticker and an auction of Zenyatta memorabilia, we raised money for Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Inc. The final donation totaled $20,000, and we have all of you to thank for your support and generosity!
Five fans won our grand prize, An Invitation to Meet Zenyatta, in a random drawing. Each winner was able to travel to Lane’s End Farm with a friend of choice to meet Zenyatta and receive a tour of the farm. These photos by Alys Emson document their visits.
One of the winners was unable to travel to the farm for her visit. We wish her well, and Zenyatta looks forward to meeting her in the future!
View the complete set of photos from these visits in our Zenyatta.com Celebration Photo Gallery.
Enjoy!
Team Z
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.I have never liked pancakes so always give them a miss!!It’s CC’s birthday today so wishing him a great one.Love and hugs Sheena.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Thanks for the heads up! Happy Birthday, Chromie!
Love and hugs, Kathy.
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG So. California
♥ Dear Zenyatta
I haven’t had a chance to post until now (been under the weather blah!)
First if all, my Queen, I see you haven’t lost your charismatic touch!!! Girl, I see such happiness in the eyes of your visitors :-) I know Debbi through FB, and I’m friends with Linda.
My favorite pics of Debbi and you are #10 and #12! I have a picture of you at barn 55 sniffing my jacket and it tickled LOL I didn’t want to wash it!!!
I love Linda’s pic #44 :-D
I see calm and serenity in your beautiful big brown eyes. It makes me tear up!!!! I miss being around you, Sweetie! May God continue to bless you and your foals. On one hand I hope you have a another girl with War Front. On the other hand, it will be bittersweet!
Team Z, thank you again from the bottom of my heart for sharing Zen with us.
All my love, Auntie Judy XO
p.s. I got some happy news myself about one of my Judy horses who is now a broodmare. Her name is JUDY IN DISGUISE. She’s now in Paris, Kentucky. I’ve been told her first date will be with BLAME! Yes, Blame LOL Anyway, I already gave a suggestion if she has a filly: DON’T BLAME JUDY :-) Cute, huh!
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG So. California
BTW today is California Chrome’s birthday!! Yesterday was Art Sherman’s birthday! Very cool!!!!
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Happy Birthday CC and AS. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear JAG,
“Don’t Blame Judy” — I do love it!! Great name, I hope someone takes notice of it. Good luck to “Judy In Disguise” in her career of being a mama. Be a gentleman, Blame!
Love your posts, Auntie Judy.
Lots of Hugs and Love
Marshall (NC Broad)
Glad you are feeling better, JAG.
Take care!
Hugs
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear AJ:
Glad you’re feeling better. I absolutely love the name “Don’t Blame Judy”. Too cute. Wishing JID a happy, healthy life as a broodmare.
Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Love the name Don’t Blame Judy/
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Auntie Judy aka Jag, Happy to know your feeling better.
Thanks for info. Happy Birthday to CC and Art Sherman!!
Sally B
sheena.davies(wales)
RIP Burton Port who died today at Doncaster ridden by AP McCoy.A classy chaser.They never deserve to die on the racecourse,SheenaX
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
RIP Burton Port. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
So sad. RIP Burton Port
Hugs and Love
vicki
Excellent news on Tvg this morning. TVG and Hrtv are merging so now tvg will be able to show live racing from more tracks. Yesterday I watched the sale again of Havre de Grace and she looked sooo stunning. No wonder she sold for 10 million. Can’t wait to see her babes. Time certainly flies. It seems like just yesterday we were waiting for that rascal Coz. Imagine how he’ll look as a four and five year old.
Especially Horses / So Cal
This isn’t good news to me, especially if the merger means the exit of Zoe, Christina, Laffit, Brad Free, and features such as The Horizon. In my opinion the only thing TVG has going for it is that it’s in HD. TVG does not do a good job of featuring the human and horse side of the Industry. They don’t pay attention to nuances that are important to the sport, example: they don’t list the name of the sire / dam of each horse in the race. The Horizon is one of my favorite shows. I will miss it terribly if it is cancelled. I want to see horses and people not charts, graphics and talking heads. I am concerned for Christina. She left TVG to go back to HRTV, I hope TVG doesn’t blacklist her.
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG So. California
I agree! I can’t stand the commentators on TVG. It is a handicapper’s dream (I guess) but HRTV has so much more. The commentators have far more personality than TVG! Barf!!!
I’ll go to Cal racing for our local tracks and go online for the other tracks (as I’ve been doing for quite a while). I don’t want to hear a bunch of chatty, boring people discuss an upcoming race! Sometimes I think they “talk” just to hear themselves talk zzzzzzzzzzzzz (and those Z’s don’t mean Zenyatta!)
Especially Horses / So Cal
One of the best things about HRTV is that it is not produced in a studio but on the track. I love seeing Zoe and Brad discuss the horses with the statue of Seabiscuit in the background and horses walking in the background on their way to and from the track or just doing paddock training. At times there has been a little dog running around in the background. TVG on the other hand is nothing but a cold studio atmosphere.
shirleeinindy
I don’t get either channel but agree about the “Talking Heads.” Also, on all the televised races, I would love to see the sire’s and dam’s name during the post parade. And get rid of the fluff commentators who know nothing about horse racing. Also, I don’t care who is wearing what. Just the jock’s silks.
Ah, now I feel better after getting that off my chest.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
I would like to see the names of the Sires and Dams added as well. I wish Equibase would include them in their Entries too, maybe just below the horses’ names. Love knowing the pedigrees. Love and Hugs, JB
pamhomeier
I agree. I seem to remember a time when they would mention the sire’s name during the post parade but no more. I bet when Zennie’s and Rachel’s babies run they will mention their names!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Well, HRTV is not an option for me so I also was thrilled to know that I will be able to see live racing from Gulfstream, Churchill Downs, Pimlico, etc. I feel bad if anyone gets lost in the shuffle and hope that the merger will provide improvements all the way around.
Especially Horses / So Cal
I can appreciate that you are happy to get the races at more tracks now. That’s a good thing for all not getting HRTV.
But for those of us who are familiar with the high quality reporting by the people over at HRTV, people who know horses, know the Industry first hand, provide backstory information that normally isn’t forthcoming, and who are first and foremost horse lovers this merge is leaving us worried. I admit for the important races TVG was broadcasting I would tune in just before the horses left the gate in order to see the race in HD, but otherwise I was hanging with HRTV for the pre-race commentary. As soon as the race was over…back to HRTV to listen to the “horse people”. In addition to the racing and the shows dedicated to racing, there are shows featuring training, riding, jumping and various breeds. I doubt those will move to TVG. TVG is first and foremost for bettors and gamblers.
It is what it is, so hoping for the best. :)
Linda in NJ
I am very disappointed to hear about this merge. HRTV has much better coverage and so much more interesting. Really too bad.
Ingrid Arnone
Really, I think TVG, is very very good….
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Vicki, I have always thought she was so awesome too!
Sally B
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
HANDICAPPERS ALERT- here is another opportunity! This contest centers around Derby prep races and starts this weekend with two races on tap – the Risen Star and the Fountain of Youth. I participated last year and thought it was a lot of fun (even if I didn’t win the trip to the Derby). One thing that I really like about this one is that you just have to pick the horse – and your points are based on whatever the horse actually wins. If the horse wins the race, you get all of the “across the board” money. This is really easier than BC Fantasy contest where you have to pick the horse AND where the horse will finish. Brisnet past performances are provided. Hope some of you guys join Debbie G and me for this one. The link is:
https://www.derbydollarscontest.com/
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sandy:
Thanks for mentioning this contest. I got an email about it and joined up. Good luck to everyone. Love and Hugs, JB
carol in arkansas
HI Cappers…i’m in
Ann NC
Thanks, Sandy.
Good luck to The Cappers!
Bluegrass Girl
TVG Acquiring HRTV; Operations to Merge
By Ron Mitchell, The Blood-Horse Feb. 18 2013
Betfair and The Stronach Group announced Feb. 18 that TVG will assume operations of HRTV, bringing together the two competitors that televise North American and some international horse races.
Under the deal, TVG will assume the operations of HRTV, which will be operated from the TVG Studio complex in Los Angeles, according to a release. The unified television operations will feature races from Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park, and Golden Gate Fields over a seven-year period, as well as additional premium domestic and international racetracks.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/90213/tvg-acquiring-hrtv-operations-to-merge
Bluegrass Girl
TwinSpires.com @TwinSpires Kentucky, USA on Wed. Feb. 18 2015
Guess what’s back. Back again. Dubai’s back. Retweet for your friends
DUBAI WORLD CUP CARNIVAL
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z Family:
Lola and I take a walk inside every day through a walkway that connects the two buildings in our apartment complex. We always stop in a Community Room that has lots of windows and a lovely view of the property in back of our building. There were three beautiful female deer in the woods foraging in the snow, so I took these photos to share with you.
Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.dropshots.com/littlebigred/date/2015-02-18/16:14:51
http://www.dropshots.com/littlebigred/date/2015-02-18/16:11:01 This was shot through the screen on the window. The deer is to the right of the tree on the left.
http://www.dropshots.com/littlebigred/date/2015-02-18/16:13:42 This is a shot of a Gazebo that’s almost unrecognizable with all the snow.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
SO much snow!! The gazebo must be nice in the warmer months :-)
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sandy:
Yes, it’s very pretty in the Spring and Summer. Love and Hugs, JB
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Thank you Judy B. In the stillness of the winter snow, it is so beautiful to see these deer.
love n hugs, Sally B
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sally:
Yes, it’s so still and undisturbed. They are beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB
Elizabeth in NM
Judy,
Lovely photo of the deer – sure looks chilly there and beautiful. Amazing how much snow is ‘happening’ this year. I’m reading everyone’s comments, and I feel as if I know everyone here on Zenny’s ‘diary’. Such a great family we all have together – at least that’s how I feel. Hope you have a warm, cozy night, Judy. w love Elizabeth
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Elizabeth:
Yes, Zenny has brought all of us together through a shared love of her and her beautiful family. So happy to know you. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy, Just beautiful scene’s. The Gazebo and the dear are just beautiful.
shirleeinindy
Judy,
What a nice view. Glad you and Lola Mae can get a walk in each day. I have been stuck indoors for over a week because of the cold.
Guess the deer are having a hard time finding food with all the snow.
Hurry Spring!
Celeste_in_TX
Thank you for sharing your cool photos of the deer! How fun to have them so close, but that snow does not look appealing to me at all. Brrrrr! Glad to hear you’re taking your walks inside!
Ann NC
Thanks, JB and Lola Mae.
Wow, look at that snow.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Peggy, Shirlee, Celeste and Ann:
Glad all of you enjoyed the photo of the deer.
Shirlee, yes, I think it must be very difficult for the deer to find food easily with all this snow. Poor babies. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Boo and all the Sweeties.Nissy is back with a brilliant post!Love and hugs Sheena.X
Marilu Villanueva
Wonderful pictures. They are so lucky to see her and touch her. I miss her.
Thanks Team Z for sharing the wonderful pictures. Zenyatta looks good.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Goodnight. What beautiful photos of Summer. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Boo and all the Sweeties
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
So glad Nissy is back and well. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Such lovely pics of the deer!Nothing as beautiful near my flats not even the snow!!Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Glad you enjoyed the photos. We’re lucky; the grounds around our buildings are very pretty. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:
Goodnight. Hope you’re all comfy and cozy. Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Bluegrass Girl
Judy B
:Pics are reminder of the beauty of snow & nature.
Glad that you still have room to move around-snow tunnels in Boston look scary.
Happy Thursday! Hugs, BGG
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Boston got over 90 inches of snow. Yikes.
I’d say in some places here in the complex, the drifts are at least three feet or more. Some of the mounds of snow made by the plowing in the parking lot are well over six feet high. Love and Hugs, JB
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
I hear Kentucky got snow
Goodnight, stay warm and safe romping in the snow Zenyatta.
Love with kisses to you and your sons
love to zprincess and my dearest friend Sir
Auntie Sally B
Peggy (N) South Georgia
I may have missed something . But I saw Simon Bray on Fox Sports last weekend. He was commentating on one of the horse races. Is he gone from TVG. Think I saw Greg Wolf too.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
No – Fox Sports just borrows them for their telecasts
Marshall (NC Broad)
Wish that I could play in the snow with Queen Z!!
We finally got a little of the white stuff Monday evening/night; although, it was a bit of snow which turned into sleet. Some areas got freezing rain, too, but thankfully, we didn’t get much of that! This afternoon we had some more snow, just a dusting, but the most beautiful flakes were falling. We will be in the deep-freeze for the next couple of days.
I know most people are extremely tired of snow (several feet of snow IS insane), but my “inner child” got very excited! We finally got a little of the Marshmallow World — sing it, Dean! :-)
Hugs, Love and stay warm, my friends
Elizabeth in NM
Marshall,
We love snow here in NM. Haven’t gotten very much this year, but occasionally we’ll get a late spring storm with snow. Hope you don’t get more freezing rain. w love Elizabeth
Ann NC
Sing it, Dean.
It was beautiful, Marshall. Thank goodness that freezing rain turned over to sleet. Fewer power outages.
Stay warm. Wags and wiggles to, Bailey and Huey.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Hello Neighbor Ann!
Yes, that snow was beautiful, and yes, the sleet was much kinder than freezing rain would have been — hooray for sleet.
I may have to pull out my Dean Martin CD, again! “It’s a marshmallow world in the winter/ when the snow comes to cover the ground . . .”!
Stay warm, my friend — tonight will be super frigid. Sounds like a “three dog night”, and I have only two! Huey, Bailey and I will be cozy, though. :-)
Apologies to folks who have had way too much of the white stuff. I wish it could be distributed more evenly so that areas (such as California and points west) who desperately need it would be relieved of drought conditions. Meanwhile, stay safe and warm. It will be hot before you know it.
Hugs and Love
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
You too. Love and Hugs to you, Bailey and Huey, JB and LM
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Sure wish Graham Motion would scratch Ring Weekend from this Saturday’s Race at Gulfstream. Very worried about that far outside draw, after his long layoff. Prayers for the best outcome. I do trust Graham Motion’s handling of his horses.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Godspeed RW; safe and sound. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
February 19 Cherokee Devotional
Though opportunity sometimes has flashing lights and ringing bells, wisdom comes of soft shoes. Opportunity is no good without wisdom. It sees the chance to do something but wisdom knows why and when and how.
Personality and the opportunity to perform is a part of every venture. But it takes more than a sparkling show window full of inviting merchandise. It takes staying power and quiet wisdom-and the ability to blend the two.
There need be no trouble. Treat all men alike…give them the same law…give them an even chance.
Chief Joseph
Nez Perce
1879
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kathy:
Love this Devotional. Wise words, once again. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Does’nt Niagara Falls look spectacular!We are back to wet and mild it was a beautiful spring day in parts of southern England yesterday,Dyfi Osprey will be open on march 1st,can hardly believe Monty and Glesni will soon be back!Did you see that cute Panda video he just wanted a hug!!Zoe sent me to Molly-ilious she’s had a mass removed and was having trouble with FB.Haven and Loki are well Boo and Buddy were testing new furniture.Miss Kitty face’s mum is feeling the cold bless her..SDG is running at Chepstow Saturday and it’s a handicap!Mullins has a team of 50 horses coming over for the festival the short guy hasn’t decided yet who to ride Faugheen or the Fly.AP’s last Cheltenham and he’s riding the Irish Hennessy winner in the gold cup.Have a great day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Yes, Niagara Falls in the winter is breathtaking. I would love to see it all frozen in person sometime. Looking forward to seeing Monty and Glesni again! Loved that panda video. What enchanting animals! Praying for Molly. Glad Haven and Loki are well. Boo and Buddy were very cute testing out the new furniture. I hope My Miss Kitty Face’s mother stays warm enough. Enjoy all the races. Safe trips for all the horses and jockeys! Have a great Friday Eve. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Tasty’s boy, I’myoursugardaddy, is running in a maiden claiming ($14-16K) race at Laurel Park on Saturday. Aaaack!
Max
Racing is cancelled for Friday at Laurel. Too cold. Might be same for weekend. It ain’t getting any warmer. Pray that this guy gets a good home if he is eventually claimed.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sandy and Max:
Godspeed TT’s boy. As you say, Max, praying for good, kind owners for him. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B., Sandy and Max,
Me, too. Sending prayers and good wishes to TT’s boy for a good home and safe racing. He certainly deserves love and good care.
Hugs and Love
Bluegrass Girl
Mike Smith Entries
February 20 – Santa Anita
Greeley Awesome Wgt-119 Race 5 Claiming $32,000
My Sweet Addiction Wgt-119 Race 6 Allowance Optional Claiming $62,500
February 21 – Fair Grounds
Titfortat Wgt-120 Race 6 Maiden Special Weight
Majestic Harbor Wgt-118 Race 8 Mineshaft H.
Skyring Wgt-117 Race 9 Fair Grounds H.
Freudie Anne Wgt-120 Race 10 Rachel Alexandra S.
Imperia Wgt-120 Race 11 Risen Star S.
Bluegrass Girl
An excellent article in a Q & A format with good information
TVG And HRTV Merger: What Does It Mean?
by Ray Paulick The Paulick Report 02.18.2015
The operational merger announced Wednesday between Betfair subsidiary TVG and The Stronach Group’s HRTV left many questions unanswered about the future direction of the two North American horse racing networks. The deal has Betfair paying $25 million for HRTV initially and additional payments are estimated at $47.8 million (depending on TVG handle) for a seven-year content agreement.
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/tvg-and-hrtv-merger-what-does-it-mean/
Bluegrass Girl
From article:
Who is in charge of programming and sorting out all the talent of the newly merged companies?
TVG is managing both operations. HRTV has a lot of talented people and we’ll work toward integrating many of them into the combined operation.
Mary Margaret in Georgia
HRTV, absolutely 100%, has better personalities and commentators than TvG. Disappointing if HRTV staff does not remain. They make the racing and all the extras very interesting. Very sorry to hear of this merger.
vicki
I hope the merging of tvg and hrtv will mean more interesting programming for long time tvg viewers. TVG is all about handicapping and wagering and I have little interest in that area. But I have been grateful to be able to watch the races and see the fabulous horses and jockeys I appreciate so much. I missed Christina when she left TVG and Michelle Yu, too. I hope they can integrate the two formats to make a more enjoyable experience.
Bluegrass Girl
TVG is the broadcaster of shows like the Breeders Cup Classic
which included the special on Zenyatta.
Also TVG does a great job on broadcasting international races – overnight or early morning.
As the Paulick article describes the future, there will be 2 horse racing channels-
similar to ESPN and ESPN2. That is a lot of air time and room for talent..
Revenue dollars come not just from betting, but Advertising.
Bluegrass Girl
WinStar Farm Thursday Feb. 19 2015 PHOTO
Paynter, never one to be outdone, had fun prancing in the snow today too!
#dreambig #sharethelex #awesomeheart
https://twitter.com/WinStarFarm/status/568512474523115520/photo/1
Max
Paynter, you are our miracle horse. Enjoy the snow. Stay well.
shirleeinindy
BGG,
Thanks for posting. Who would believe it was just 2 years ago he was at death’s door. Blessings to the Zayats for their care of him.
Ann NC
Gorgeous!
Enjoy, Champ!
Thanks, BGG.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful photo of Paynter. What a magnificent direct look at the camera. Bless him. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Paynter, you are beautiful to see wearing your blanket and exploring the winter wonderland. I can almost hear you walking in the soft silent snow.
Enjoy the frosty air, Mr. Miracle!
Hugs and Love
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
BGG Paynter is a very special horse and he looks awesome with the snow in the background. hugs, Sally B
sheena.davies(wales)
Lovely pic of Paynter enjoying the snow.Love his rug!Hugs Sheena.
Bluegrass Girl
Michelle Kinane on Thursday Feb. 19 2015
Frankel’s first reported foal, the colt out of the Group winning Danehill Dancer mare
Chrysanthemum has been sent to America
Michele MacDonald on Thursday Feb. 19 2015
@MichelleKinane He is owned by Don Alberto Corp., which owns former Vinery stud
in Lexington, KY & had 10 Frankel foals born on SH time
Max
A little treat on a cold day for horse and dog lovers everywhere. Peyton and Tyson become friends.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/westminster-dog-show-winner-heads-central-park-article-1.2121054
Ann NC
Two beauties.
Thanks, Max.
Max
I watched a video of Miss P enjoying her prize fillet mignon at Sardis. This dog can eat. Trainer says that she’s a princess who likes to win. You go, girl!
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max and Ann:
Great photo, Max; thanks for sharing.
Ann, two beauties, indeed. Miss P has a good appetite! Love and Hugs, JB