Happy Wednesday!
Last month we spent a morning with John Shirreffs and his crew at Belmont Park. We tagged along to watch Coz and Ziconic gallop and work on morning lessons. After bath time and treats from us the brothers even posed for a photo together. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for videos.
Enjoy!
Team Z
Video: Our morning at Belmont
Video: Coz and Ziconic pose for a photo
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Sending you love and prayers, dear friend. Hoping you can get some rest tonight and that Lola Mae can, too. May she enjoy a smooth recovery.
Sincere sympathy to you and your brother-in-law’s family, also.
Hugs and Love
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
Thank you so much. Love and Hugs, JB
Faithful Zenyatta Supporter
Tizgood, you must be very sheltered from the real world regarding your response to Victor’s comments. You nor anyone have the right to judge his emotional response.This is the nitty-gritty environment of horse racing, which is not known to be too delicate same as other sports. Victor is a jockey not a sports commentator. Enough said please.This is so not important.
sheena.davies(wales)
Hope you are all recovering!!Lovely video dedicated to the volunteers at the Dyfi.Sheena.
http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject
sheena.davies(wales)
A very Happy 75th Birthday to our very own Sir Tom Jones today.Hugs Sheena.X
Elizabeth in NM
Loved reading everyone’s comments! I haven’t been as excited as I was yesterday to see American Pharaoh win since Zenyatta raced. I am so thrilled that the Zayat family won. They are so kind and thoughtful -like Jerry and Ann Moss. They seem to forget no one in their generosity, and are so gracious. It just makes it all seem ‘right’ that AP won. Loved seeing Penny Chenery there. I can’t think of a more perfect day than yesterday for racing in 2015. And with the exception of Zenny and Secretariat, I can’t think of any other time I’ve been so excited for a race competition. Loved reading everyone’s comments.
Hope everyone has a blessed Sunday. with love, Elizabeth
Elizabeth in NM
Judy, So happy Lola Mae came out of surgery OK. Will keep praying for a great recovery and for God’s many blessings for you. with love, Elizabeth
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Elizabeth:
Thank you so much. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
Good morning all. I will be gone for the week. Here are the Devotionals.
June 7
Fear makes us susceptible to the thing we fear. But the world of information is telling us we are potential victims of everything from killer bees to diseases we have yet to pinpoint.
Natural shields exist within us against anything on the attack. My mother proved it when I was a child and she was not afraid of snakes or dogs-but they were afraid of her. So was I, in a way. But I wanted that security so I had to learn how to use my natural shield against all threats, and her example was a worthy one. She put away fear my burning to face it and she gave it no power to ever make her susceptible to it.
It is my wish and the wishes of my people to live peaceably and quietly with you.
Cornplanter
Seneca Chief
June 8
If you need something and you have asked for it, then get ready to receive it. Getting ready to receive is a part of the asking, an act of faith that the answer is on its way.
It’s not wonder that so few of our needs are met. We do so little toward preparing for it, and when it happens the first thing we say is, “I can’t believe it!” Well, believe it, because it is assurance of receiving.
Sometimes dreams are wiser than waking.
Black Elk
Oglala Sioux
June 9
Timing is said to be the essence of excellence. But such wisdom has to do with whose timing it is. If we wait around until we feel the time is perfect, we may be waiting a long time.
Waiting can turn into lethargy and lethargy into sleep. What good is timing when a person is not awake. But when a beginning is made with honest effort-looking neither to the right or the left for approval or for signs that things are working, the grace will come. It will kick in at the precise moment it is needed to give substance and form to the faith.
Now is our time! Fight!
Looking Glass
Nez Perce
June 10
Worry is a nagging reminder that something is not quite right. But as one elderly Indian said, “No use getting under umbrella ’til it rains.” And when the clouds come, put your hand to a job that has been waiting too long and do it thoroughly.
Busy hands have eased many a worried mind and kept things in balance until something worked out. Even Emerson said that work is better than whiskey. There is a job well done-and no headache. What better way to be anxious for nothing!
He can stand torture, and is not afraid of death. He is no coward. Black Hawk is an Indian!
Black Hawk
Sauk
Kathy
June 11
Deep wounds have been healed because someone cared enough to be patient and show kindness. How many times the pattern of our days has changed because someone comforted us instead of criticizing.
Gentleness is good to recall when someone close to us does something wrong. Why wound when we can heal? Love does not tell us we are stupid but that we made a mistake and we’re standing together until it passes. Security comes from knowing love like this. And if the bonding is weak the first time-try it again.
Yonder sky…has wept tears of compassion upon my people for centuries untold…
Seattle
Suquamish
June 12
If a lack of humility has built a wall from which to scoff, remember that all walls come tumbling down. No safe place exists for those whose ease and comfortable standing place makes it seem safe to crow and scoff. As the old saying goes, “Every dog has his day.” And, we can’t afford even one to backfire when we need things to work right.
What we think is beneath us may be riding our shoulders in a very short time. Even the unloving person should see the signs and remember what seeds he has planted.
Complaint is just toward friends who have failed in their duty; accusation is against enemies guilty of injustice.
Tecumseh
Shawnee
June 13
The need to touch and experience everything seems to tell us it is real. But what we see and touch is only the tip of the iceberg. There is more on the invisible than we have ever imagined-and a great deal more than we can comprehend when the truth begins to dawn on us.
This is why ideas are so important. Some buzz in and are gone before we can capture them-but others work in little by little. Some seem too fantastic to consider-and then, one particular one keeps returning. Don’t shove it aside. If its intent is good, if it serves a good purpose, entertain it. Remember that sometimes we entertain angels unaware.
The Great Spirit directs me.
Young Chief
Cayuse
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Yesterday was FABULOUS even if I was working! Our TV opposite the desk was on (muted) and I saw the Breaking News flash that American Pharoah had won the Triple Crown!!! So great. I’m still trying to calm down. Have a blessed Sabbath and I’ll see you when I get back! Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.A great day for you yesterday.I did get to see the race and he is.indeed.a wonderful horse.We had an amazing Derby too.The long wait for a TC winner goes on here!Hope you enjoyed the pics of George and baby Charlotte.Have a lovely holiday.See you next week.Poor Mr Fibbs is still waiting for his doughnut!!!Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.A blessed Sabbath to you.SheenaXOXO
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Great racing on both sides of the Pond. We are all ecstatic over here. Pharoah indeed ruled. Sorry your wait continues. The pics of George and Charlotte are wonderful. Mummy is a very good photographer! Poor Mr. Fibbs…they need to go out and buy that poor rat a doughnut! I will miss everyone, see you when I get back. Have a blessed Sabbath. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
sheena.davies(wales)
William Buick has been booked to ride Chrome in the POW at RA.One of our best young jockeys.Sheena.
Kathy
Fingers crossed for Chromie!
Tizgood
Dear Sheena,
Thanks for the news, glad to hear Al Kazeem
and the Machine are not running. CC looked great
in his racing gallop. Wish him luck and so glad he
has a good Euro jockey to guide him.
Love and hugs
Max
Sheena. Know that like me you must be disappointed and a little worried that Al will not be in the POW. He’s injured. Hoping that he returns to good health for the fall. We both love the pride of Wales.
Tizgood
Max
Unfortunately injuries are a part of racing. Al kazeem’s injury
is definately one that he can recover from, it will just take time
and he will be back. His owner and trainer are very good at
taking care of him so we will get lots of updates.
judy Berube from Rhode Island
My Dear Aunties and Uncle TC:
Thank you for your prayers and concern for me. It really helped me to be brave. The doctor is letting me go home with Mom at 4:30 PM today. Mom will let you know how I am doing with my rehab and PT.
Thank you again for thinking of me and keeping me in your prayers. Love all of you so very much. Love and Hugs, Lola Mae
Kathy
That’s wonderful news, Lola Mae! Prayers for a complete recovery very soon! XOXO
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Great news Lola Mae. Your Mom will be SOOO glad to have you home and on the road to better mobility. Be a good girl in PT and do your exercises. You’ll be back in shape soon. Woofs and hugs from Ohio :-)
Tizgood
Dear Judy and Lola Mae,
So very glad to hear the good news, and that Lola Mae has
been able to go home. Wishing you a speedy recovery
and quick progress in physical therapy. Thoughts and prayers
are with both of you. Looking forward to your progress reports.
Love and hugs
Ann NC
Glad you will home soon, LM. Follow the Doctor’s orders.
Terry Crow
Thanks, Lola Mae. All of us on the blog have been thinking about you, what you mean to your mom, and what the rest of us would do under the circumstances.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Lola Mae, So glad your doing good. Keep us updated and take it easy.
shirleeinindy
Judy & Lola Mae,
Rejoicing with you. So happy you are going home Lola Mae. Be a good girl and eat up your food and do your PT. Judy, you take it easy and get some rest.
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy,
I am so happy that Lola Mae is well and now we have we back.
Big kisses and big hugs, Ingrid.
Ingrid Arnone
Oops…..you not we.
pamhomeier
Very happy that Lola Mae is on road to recovery! Must be a great relief for Judy, too!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Lola Mae,
That is great news! I know both you and Mama will sleep better tonight. Good Luck with your PT, and be sure to follow the routine. Best Wishes for a speedy recovery!
Will keep you and Judy in my prayers.
Hugs and Love
Elizabeth in NM
Hope you get special treats, Lola Mae, for being such a good girl – not to mention getting to play again. I think you should be sure and remind your human MaMa that it’s ‘treat time’! Hopefully, you’re not on too strict a diet. I am so happy your surgery is over and now you can begin to get well. Keeping you and your Mama Judy in my prayers.
with love, Elizabeth
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Congrats to beautiful American Pharoah. So happy for the boy; he’s got it all, beauty, talent and stamina. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Yipppeee!
Congrats to Team AP.
pamhomeier
So very happy for AP! I think I scared my grandson with my jumping up and down! Told Victor to just hang on and not fall off! So happy for all his connections!
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sweet Sue:
Your beautiful Honor Code was brilliant. So good to see him win. Love and Hugs, JB
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Judy T.B,,
Thank you, yes very proud of Codey, and sooooo proud of AP, what a fabulous race he ran. The drought is over and we all have a new idol to worship.
So glad to hear Lola is in recovery and doing well, all those prayers sure do help. She’ll do much better at home with mama.
Ann NC
That was a beautiful win! Congrats.
Max
That was a good win by Honor Code. Enjoyed seeing that race.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Lola Mae.Sooo happy to learn you will be going home with your mum this afternoon.You were such a brave little girl.I pray you will continue to recover well.Love and hugs to you and mum.Auntie SheenaXX
sheena.davies(wales)
Magnificent,brilliant, brutal, stunning Stan Wawrinka wins the men’s final in Paris this afternoon.There are just so many superlatives to describe this match.Won in 4 sets and Djokovic denied again.Magnifique!Sheena.
Sunny B.
Hi,
Great to have a new triple winner, was kinda hoping it would be one of Z’s boys or her late girl.
Have a question for those in the know:
In one of the pre-triple articles Secretariat was referred to as not well-liked by the other trainers who because of that did not run their horses at the Belmont. That’s why there was only a small field of horses. Is that accurate?? I always thought that trainers were afraid their horse couldn’t win against Secretariat? Not because he was disliked?? Thanks.
Sunny B.
I didn’t expect Z’s boys to be entered in this year’s races. I meant when they’re ready.
Max
I’m thinking that it might be a good idea for Z fans to pray a little each day for the 13th Triple Crown winner to be 13Z in 2016. Train well and stay healthy Ziconic. It could be you.
Deb E.
Already got my request for that in to Jesus.
Sunny B.
Thanks.
Deb E.
Personality-wise, Secretariat was a sweetheart. He could have his moments of rambunctiousness, but he was never downright mean (unlike Man ‘O War). I think the writer of the article meant that the other trainers just didn’t like putting their horses in races they didn’t feel their horses would be able to win, especially against Secretariat. I just looked this little anecdote up which sums up the trainers’ frustrations in 1973:
Before the Arlington Invitational (June 30, 1973), trainer William J. Reussguet, Jr. (trainer of Our Native) instructed his groom to go down to Meadow Stables’ area of the barn and take a picture of Secretariat’s head.
“Why just the head?” asked the groom.
“Because all I’ve seen all summer”, the trainer replied, “is his rear end.”
Sunny B.
Haha, good one!
Sunny B.
Thanks.
Terry Crow
I have never heard this theory but I can tell you that when a horse is thoroughly defeated by another horse it affects his psyche.
Sunny B.
Are male horses more affected than female horses? Thanks.
But didn’t Secretariat lose a race somewhere and then went onto hammer the competition? Sometimes it can be an incentive, or the sign of a really strong willed horse, huh?
Deb E.
Secretariat used to sulk the (very) few times after he was defeated. He’d go stand in the back of his stall and “think about it”, as Eddie Sweat, his groom, used to say. But his very next race, he’d ALWAYS win AND set a record. That is a fact. You can look it up. On the other hand, Red’s main opponent during 1973’s TC, the West Coast based Sham, was so demoralized, devastated, and emotionally destroyed after Secretariat humiliated him in the Belmont, he never raced again. He’d hurt himself, physically and psychologically, so badly, his owners retired him.
Tizgood
Yes, he lost a race to Onyun, Trained by a trainer in CA that is still training,
his first name is Jack I think, some how out whitted Sec, Sec had a blister in his mouth and I think no one found it until after the race. I don’t remember the name of the race.
shirleeinindy
I don’t know but can’t see owners allowing trainers to not enter horses for that kind of money just because they dislike a horse. More likely they knew he was a super horse and they couldn’t beat him. Why in the world would you dislike a horse? Not like he was mean or fought the others.
Sunny B.
Thanks, maybe just a bad choice if words by the writer.
Mary Margaret in Georgia
Judy, happy dance, in time, for Lola Mae.
Congrats to the Zayat Family and the AP team. American Pharoah is a true champion, I knew you could do it.
Beautiful dedication to Dyfi team. Dyfi has a bright sunny day today. One of the bob’s was peeking out from under mom. Very cute. Prayers for the safety of this precious family.
Deb E.
Did anyone see American Pharoah’s interview on this morning’s Sunday Today show? Yup, he was included along with Victor Espinoza (looking pretty hungover) and Bob Baffert (also wearing dark glasses in the shade ;-) ). AP, however, looked fit as a fiddle and ready for love! I guess having the lights on in his barn all night while the humans partied hearty didn’t bother him much. He was so cute, nuzzling Mr. Baffert’s pocket for treats while he patiently stood with his groom, listening to his human team answer questions on his behalf. He also posed beautifully for the cameras, looking right at ’em. He knows EXACTLY what he did and how special his feat is to everyone. I guess he’s got a few more select races coming up then he’ll run in the BC Classic before, hopefully, becoming Zenny’s new boyfriend.
Since they’re there at Belmont, I wonder how Coz and Zi reacted to all the excitement going on around them. They had to have sensed something tremendous had happened and heard the absolute ROAR of the monster crowd. Hope AP provides LOTS of inspiration to the Two Princes!
Max
Reports in English media say that there are at least two lovely, tall, young blonde women who may have staked a claim on Victor. Apparently, according to these articles, he is very popular with the ladies.
Deb E.
From the looks of him this morning during the Today interview, it’s probably true.
Max
It’s a little complicated too. These things always are. The mother of one of the women says that her daughter and Victor are engaged. His agent says that they are “just friends.” Horse racing and those connected to it are never dull.
Ann NC
Haha, I caught a glimpse of that. Juicy! The other young blond had no comment! Haha!
Too bad the NY Post no longer carrys the PPs.
shirleeinindy
As I said before, he would make a nice “boy toy” for the queen.
Max
Might instead want to go with a proven sire. Pioneerof the Nile already has the cv credentials. He’s reputed to be a very well mannered horse in the breeding shed too. Takes his time and always gives them a little kiss on the neck. A real gentleman.
shirleeinindy
Max,
That cracks me up! Just see him giving the mares a little kiss on the neck and asking if it was good for them!
marypny
That interview was for the ages. That horse was such a gentleman and appeared to really know what it was all about. Love the Pharoah.
Honor Code ran his race like a champion. I hollered and rooted for him from gate to wire!!! Love Honor Code.
Zenyatta you are my favorite love and you are a champion, you are kind and you are a great mom. To me, you are the best.
Dear Judy Berube, I am so happy for you and Lola Mae and will continue to pray for her complete recovery and successful therapy.
Love and hugs to all,
Maryp
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Yes.Like you I am sad for our pride and joy Al.Did you see the Fly could only manage 6th at Auteuil today.His stablemate Thousand Stars was 2nd.3 miles is too much for the Fly I couldn’t understand why Mullins allowed him to run and he’s had a long season.Hugs Sheena.
Max
I am upset about both Al and The Fly, especially Al. Took to my bed this afternoon. Al had a rather good shot at winning the POW again. Charlton however thinks that Al will be able to return to the turf in the fall. We will have to follow this. As for The Fly, I agree that it’s been a very long campaign. The Fly is always best in the winter and early spring. Shorty said that The Fly did not like the race from the start, and was not interested in competing. Stablemate Thousand Stars surprised me. Good for the great gray.
BTW, I read that a shire took the heavy horse race at Lingfield. Goes by the name of Flash and is 17.2 like Zenyatta.
Deb E.
Here are 5 Fun Facts about American Pharoah:
1. (This is TOO CUTE!) AP’s birthday is February 2, 2012. Yup, he was born on Groundhog’s Day! :-)
2. He had part of his tail chewed off by his rival paddock mate Mr. Z as a foal which accounts for his stubby tail. Someone offered to do a “weave” and braid longer hair onto his tail, but the offer was politely declined.
3. AP LOVES people! He loves to stop and be petted and have his picture taken by fans (Sounds vaguely familiar).
4. His favorite snack is carrots.
5. He wears ear plugs because he dislikes loud noise and the cotton in his ears helps him focus on the race and not crowd noise. (Wonder where they got THAT idea?).
Deb E.
And this Fun Fact is VERY interesting: Triple Crown winners tend to come in bunches during the same decade usually after a drought. For example: 11 years passed between Sir Barton in 1919 and Gallant Fox in 1930 with a total of 3 TC winners in the 1930s and 4 in the 1940s then the 25 year drought between Citation’s TC in 1948 and Secretariat in 1973 followed by The Slew in ’77 and Affirmed in ’78. We all know the current drought broke yesterday thanks to AP, so can we now expect the latter half of the 2010s to generate at least one or two more TC winners? We shall see if the pattern continues…
Max
Assault, Affirmed, American Pharoah. Got the As covered. No horse whose name starts with Z has ever won the Triple Crown. Time to bookend the list of TC winners with a Z. Ziconic, train well and stay healthy. It could be you.
Tizgood
Dear Deb,
Nice summary, he is a very nice horse and unusually
friendly for a race horse in training and a talent extrordinaire.
He is the very special one we have been waiting for for 37 years.
And he is so very special. Too bad he does not have a rival,
would that not be fun!!!!
Love and hugs.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.I have just been watching the video of AP and his pony returning to Churchill Downs.I had Al as the winner of the POW too (sorry CC).Hope you enjoyed your rest this afternoon I watched the French Open final.What a match!I would love to see Hovis in one of the Heavy horse races.If only his dam had behaved herself!!There were lots of new pics of him on his FB this week.Hopefully we’ll get some good weather for RA.Maybe the Fly didn’t care for the summer weather.He is after all a NH horse.Summer is mainly a flat season.He deserves a good rest now.Hugs Sheena
Max
I’ve known about Al for a couple of days, but kept quiet because of the Belmont. Very upset because Al has worked hard to come back to the track. Charlton says that it’s an injury to his right foreleg coming out of his win in Ireland, not serious, but they do not want to race him and risk something worse. Hoping Al will recover for the fall.
Read that Thousand Stars always saves himself for the late spring races. He just never gives up. Very smart. Good looking horse too. Recalled that TS is owned by the same peeps who own Quevega.
Patrick Mullins is reported as saying that The Fly will go on vacation and return to training in the fall. He won some money today, so he’s spending it on oats and a nice holiday.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy and Lola.Hope you are enjoying your evening together.May her recovery continue.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
carol in arkansas
Lola Mae….just a hint…i had joint surgery 3 mo ago…i whined for 2 days….then decided to work with rhe program…..we know that you are too much a lady to whine….so rest….then get at that rehab…
Donna Z
Dear Lola Mae,
Amy, our mom & I are happy that your surgery went well & that you came home today. We hope that your recovery will go quickly now that the wait for your surgery is over.
I can tell you from experience that you will be much better than ever when you finish your physical therapy. I had hip & leg surgery on the same side after a rescue brought me here from GA after I was hit by a vehicle & I act like I was never hurt.
Behave yourself, take your meds & work hard at the physical therapy and you will soon feel like a new dog. We will keep you in our thoughts & prayers.
love, Cappy, Amy & mom Donna
P.S. Judy, I am so sorry to hear about your loss of your brother-in-law. Donna
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.I will be praying for Al to recover.As you said he has worked extremely hard to return to top form.Of course,one day they will have to think of retirement for the Fly.I hate to see a horse not enjoying himself on the track.Great programme on our TV next saturday about Sir Henry and Frankel how the horse gave him the will to live.Hugs Sheena.
Max
Retirement one day for The Fly but not yet. Shorty never said that The Fly was not enjoying himself or is going Moose. The Fly was just wilful today and was not going to race when he did not like the French hurdles set up. Maybe the use of the subjunctive tense got on his nerves. The Fly as you know is a Montjeu so that he decides what he wants to do. He still likes to train and is in very good health.
Will be interested in hearing about that program on Cecil. He was devoted to all of his horses, and took incredible care of Frankel. He also could explain equine issues so that peeps could get them. I cannot understand anything that Aidan O’Brien says. BTW read that one of the U.S. raiders at Royal Ascot is staying with Lady Cecil at Warren Place. The horse has lucked out. It’s great there.
Donna Z
Congratulations, American Pharoah! What a well-deserved victory for such a nice horse! You are our new American hero! I pray that you stay safe as you continue your career after your well-earned rest.
In our local paper today, there was an article that said that Victor E is donating his share of the winnings (about $80,000) to City of Hope, a treatment & research center for cancer. I don’t care for him much as a jockey, but I commend him for donating all that money to charity.
Bob & Jill Baffert plan to donate some of their share to CARMA of CA for retired race horses ($50,000), and the same amount each to Old Friends & the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund.
Thank you to Victor & the Bafferts.
I wonder if Mike Smith had time to visit with Coz & Ziconic after the race since they were all at Belmont? I hope he did & that about him riding both boys in their races.
Kathy, thank you for posting the devotionals before you leave. I look forward to reading them every day. Have a great trip!
Take care everyone!
judy Berube from Rhode Island
My Dear Sandy, Tizgood, Ann, TC GP, Peggy, Shirlee, Ingrid, Pam, Marshall, Elizabeth, Sheena, Mary Margaret, Marypny, Carol and Donna Z:
Thank you all for your love, caring and prayers for Lola Mae and me. Means so much to have wonderful friends like you. Thank you from my heart. Love and Hugs, JB and LM
Tizgood
Thanks for the updates on the donations Donna,
so glad they have chosen some great charities.
Donna H
So thrilled I could hardly talk after AP’s win. Congratulations to all his connections. Nice to know that he is sweet like our Zenny. I’ve watched Coz and Zi together over and over again and get such a kick out of Zi showing his teeth as if to say, “Back off, Big Boy!” Just love ’em.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Ha ha! That’s what I thought he was saying too! “You may be bigger for now, but I am a force to be reckoned with!”