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
Deb E.
If you’ve got the bucks, here’s the prices for newly crowned TC Winner American Pharoah merchandise:
Hats and t-shirts: $20- $30
Photos of AP winning the TC signed by Victor Espinoza: $210 w/o signature $170
Vials of track dirt from the race: $80
Uncashed $2 win tickets: $15-$100 on ebay
Gail McDaniel
Team Z
Thank you, thank you. Two wonderful videos of her boys working on the Belmont track. Coz’s head and pose, at times, reminded me so much of his Mom. Zi, the copper coat, playing with the wipe down towel, precious. How blessed we are that Team Z( so appreciative, Anne and Jerry, John, Dottie, all the staff) continue to share Z’s legacy with us.
Gail McDaniel
Oregon
Bluegrass Girl
News Alert
Garrett Gomez Announces Retirement
Claire Novak The Blood-Horse June 8, 2015
After a long absence from the sport, multiple Eclipse Award-winning jockey Garrett Gomez made his retirement official June 8, more than a year and a half after his most recent start
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/92495/garrett-gomez-announces-retirement
Celeste_in_TX
It’s sad to see this announcement but at least he is setting it straight and letting folks know what’s going on. He has had a great career and I will be wishing him the best and hoping he can conquer his problems.
judy Berube from Rhode Island
My Wonderful Z Family:
Lola had a good night last night. She doesn’t like the protective collar she has to wear, but it’s a necessary evil to keep the wound dry and clean. She’s eating from my hand, drinking some water and doing “the necessaries”. We have our first PT on Thursday afternoon. She’s taking her meds without much fuss and some treats after.
Thank all of you again for your prayers and concern. Love all of you so much, JB and LM
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
SO glad to hear this Judy :-). It’s going to take a while, but everything seems to be moving in the right direction. You must be so relieved that the surgery is over. We’ll all be looking forward to hearing about doggie PT. Sending good thoughts during this still difficult time. Hugs!
carol in arkansas
Yeah Lola Mae…..dont blame you at all about the collar thing
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
So glad she is doing well, those darn collars are
so very uncomfortable, poor baby. Hope she does
well in her first PT. Thoughts and prayers are with
both of you.
Love and hugs
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sandy, Carol and Tizgood:
Thank you so much for your love and concern. Love and Hugs, JB and LM
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Thanks for the update. I am so glad that Lola Mae is doing well! I don’t think the E-collar has many fans, but they certainly are necessary to protect the incision. Don’t worry, Lola Mae, you will not have to wear this contraption for too long!
Will continue with positive thoughts and healing prayers.
Hugs and Love
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
Thank you for your prayers and your kind, wise words. When I hold her, I take the collar off, but I make sure she’s wearing it if I have to leave her to run errands and overnight when we’re sleeping. It will just be until the 17th when the surgery staples are removed. Love and Hugs, JB
Celeste_in_TX
It’s so good to see your happy news that things are going well as Lola Mae recovers! Thanks for letting us all know.
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Celeste:
Thank you so much. Love and Hugs, JB
Elizabeth in NM
Dear Judy, So glad Lola Mae is doing better. Will continue to keep you and her in my prayers. We’re leaving in a few days for our annual camper trip. Will miss everyone here on Zenny’s website so much. But I always keep everyone in my prayers.
Last night our neighbor’s horse was down, but by the time we drove (raced) over, he was up (thank You, Lord!). She had immediately given him a shot of bute. We’re checking on him today while she’s at work. Please pray for him (and his Momma, who is older than he is – he’s 31, his Momma’s 34). They’re ‘our’ babies too – albeit ‘big’ babies! My husband will give him another bute shot today if he ‘has’ too, but pray he won’t have to.
Hope to get to check Zenny’s site again, but am packintg the camper, so…. just in case I don’t get time, will continue to keep you and your family (esp. Lola) ,
with love, Elizabeth
Anne Bonner
Hi Zen-sters,
still beaming over AP’s triple crown. Finally! Extra nice to hear that the team is giving some of the winnings to related charities. Well done to all involved!
Has anyone else noticed that Zenyatta has passed the 400,000 mark on Facebook?
I know that many who visit there don’t know her too well, as you can see from their comments, but isn’t it amazing that her legend continues… and she hasn’t set foot on a track in 4..5 years! The Queen reigns!
Love her boys — such handsome fellas!
Best to all,
Annie B in MA
marypny
Yes Ann, it is a remarkable thing that fans are finding her after these 4 1/2 yrs. She has that magnetic spirit to so many. Long live Queen Zenyatta!
Bluegrass Girl
Stonestreet Farm tweet
We are so excited to announce Rachel Alexandra’s filly has been named! Introducing RACHEL’S VALENTINA!!
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Love the name; perfect for her heart shaped marking. Love and Hugs, JB
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3a/dd/bf/3addbf9246bd4e7b262ebe44be534893.jpg
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy,
love the photo she looks so beautiful.
Thank you.
Hugs Ingrid.
Elizabeth in NM
Judy,
What a beautiful name. She is just beautiful. So happy for her, her Momma and Barbara Banke. Thanks for posting this. w love, Elizabeth
sheena.davies(wales)
Lovely tribute to Rachel with this beautiful name.SheenaX
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.So happy to hear the good news about Lola and praying the therapy goes well.We will all be waiting to hear from you.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank and all the Sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Thank you. Haven’t been to see Charlie, Angela, Hudson and the girls since Lola’s been ill. We have been texting though; miss them. Love and Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
TV ALERT TONIGHT ON CNBC-TRIPLE CROWN SPECIAL
Stephen Panus tweet on Monday June 8 2015
Tune-in Tonight CNBC will give viewers behind-the-scenes look
at American Pharoah’s historic Triple Crown win
in all-new special at 10p ET
Nancy
Thank you Team Zenyatta for these beautiful pictures of Cosmic One and Ziconic. Such handsome boys! They have very expressive faces, especially Coz. I wonder if Ziconic will be as tall as Coz at the shoulder when he is three. I love them both. I hope Coz’s training is along a positive path with John’s team.
The long TC drought ended thanks be to American Pharoah! I never thought I would see another winner of those three races in my life time, if ever. I wonder if AP would be a good breeding match when he retires for Z? He is a handsome, handsome colt and beautifully conformed.
So sad to hear that Garrett is retiring from racing. I saw him race so successfully many times at Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga with fans cheering for him. Maybe if he conquers his demons he will return in the future.
Thank you to Ann, Jerry, John, and Dottie for continuing the sharing of Zenyatta and her family. RIP Z14!
Deb E.
I spent a lot of time on You Tube today watching videos of people’s reactions to AP’s TC win. One lady started out with her behind firmly planted in her chair and ended up on the floor in front of it on her knees screaming for joy. At least three I saw have dogs looking at their celebrating owners’ with the “Are you NUTS????” expression. Someone should compile all these videos and cut them together so AP’s connections can see the joy their boy has brought to everyone.
Speaking of the Pharoah, he was back on the Today show this morning. All his human team, Bob Baffert, Victor Espinoza, and the Zayats were in studio while on the monitor behind them, His Majesty was at Churchill Downs getting his morning bath and cutely chewing on his blanket as he was lathered up. What a life! Enjoy your vacation, AP, because Mr. Zayat has some races planned for your future!
sheena.davies(wales)
The “battling bobs” on the Dyfi plus Blue 24 joins them for breakfast!!Yikes.Sheena
http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject
Mary Lou Barnwell
Zenyatta has always had the class, intelligence, kindness, personality to remain the Queen always. Coz looks so much like her. Cant wait to see new Zenyatta-War Front foal. Zenyatta will always be my favorite, once she captures your heart, she owns you forever.
Mary Margaret in Georgia
I am very concerned about one of the little Dyfi bobs. Two of the bobs keep getting all the fish. I think he is getting weaker and not able to fight for his feeding position. I hope he makes it.
Mary Margaret in Georgia
Victor appeared last night on the Tonight Show. He beat Jimmy Fallon on a motor bike course in the hallways of the building and was given another trophy. They had a few laughs.
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:
Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Have you heard Cirrus is on the injury list.He has a bruise only a slight injury but it rules him out of the Grand prix de Saint Cloud in late June.I heard about Cyclogenisis staying with Lady Cecil also has an Aussie called Wandjina (I think),I haven’t heard if Able Friend has arrived yet and the Coburns were flying over yesterday.Look out Ascot!Hugs Sheena.
Max
He says that he’s resting for 3 weeks. Isn’t Treve going to the Saint-Cloud? Might be a good idea to avoid her. He also congratulated AP. CDA is a classy horse.
Royal Ascot is fast approaching. Mullins has some entries, especially in the long haul races. The Fly is out in his paddock, already on vacation with On His Own and others.
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Team Z, Ann & Jerry and John; You are absolutely so wonderful to have shared all these awesome photos and videos of Zenyatta’s sons, Coz and Ziconic. We are truly blessed for you to think of us I could just cry!
Coz and Ziconic worked well together. They are like my two sons were; one was light haired and one was dark, both handsome and cute at the same time!!
I can not get over how Coz is so much like our love Zenyatta. If I had to pick, I’d go with Coz! I sure love them so much. hugs,
Sally B
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Deb; Where do you order the AP hats etc?? hugs, Sally B
Judy; Thinking of you and Lola!! Wish the best to continue. love and hugs, Sally B
Oh wow, I have to go back up and look at Coz and Ziconic again!!
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
We have a star in American Pharioh!! He can run on any track and at the distance. What a true Triple Crown Winner!! I still love CC and wished he could have done it too. I still think that the other horse that stepped to his back leg could have cost him his crown.
That is why I guess it took 37 years for another Triple Crown Winner; everything has to fall into place perfectly. WOW. Congratulations AP!
Sally B
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Yes Treve is planning to race in the Grand prix de Saint Cloud according to her FB.She’s working well.That’s good to hear about the Fly a summer in the paddock will do him the world of good.He always races well in the autumn.Seems like only yesterday the Cheltenham festival was on and now Ascot is upon us.Remember the year Moose trotted around in the Queen Alexandra?I miss him.He brightened up many a race meeting.Sheena.
Max
The Moose is quiet these days. Must be planning something.
Max
shirlee. Read that your Lea may be in the Stephen Foster in a few weeks. Very prestigious race. It was won by Zenyatta’s daddy.
shirleeinindy
Thank you for the heads up. He was at Saratoga and don’t know if he has shipped to Louisville yet. Will have to ask Claiborne on their FB page. Some really good horses are entered in the Stephen Foster but after the good showing he had in Dubai, he should do well. Claiborne said he came back home fine and they have given him lots of down time. He has a good trainer too.
Wonder if the boys got to meet AF? Bet they were surprised when someone other than the two of them got all the media attention.
Judy, hope you and Lola Mae are doing okay.
Sue Noel in Sun Valley,ID
OH MY!!!! So many reasons for happy tears this week!
THE TRIPLE CROWN!!!! Woo Hoo!! Was he not perfection floating over the track as though he were out for a Sunday romp–then-kicking in to another gear to trill us all? I was sobbing and urging him on through the whole race-and-when he crossed the finish line, my whoop of joy scattered my four cats in panic!!!
Every time I see a replay, or even stop to ponder what happened, I tear up again! I’m SO happy for ALL of his connections and just loved how gracious and humble they all were in their happiness. Isn’t it wonderful that he is such a sweet horse?? I hope to meet him someday—and kiss that velvet nose!!!
THE PICS OF THE BOYS—–TOGETHER!!! Absolutely historic!! Hope some of these end up for sale in the shop. They are both just heartbreakingly gorgeous!! Of course, my favorite photo of Coz was the one where he was playing with his new favorite toy!! Such fun to see his playful side! Zi is simply amazing—no one who didn’t know him and looked at the pictures would ever believe that he is two!! Just imagine what he will look like next year when HE wins the Triple Crown!!
LOLA MAE’S SUCCESSFUL SURGERY—HOW WONDERFUL!!! Judy, you must be SO relieved–and so happy to have her back home. Good luck with all of the rehab–may she be back to her old self soon!!
Lots of blessings this week–except—-no invite to the big race for Hovis!! If the promoters of that race had half a brain between them, they would BEG him to come and run!! Can you imagine what a draw that would be??? Come on guys–invite him for next year!!
Barnaby and Traveller are back in East Fork and we are playing “musical pastures” moving them around between on of thwe smaller pastures and the round pen to keep them from getting too much grass. Hopefully, by the end of this weekend, they will be able to be out full time. I haven’t given him his new red ball yet, as there has been so much confusion with all of the moving around–plus–a lot of construction has been going on out there,so they have had a lot to watch!! Will wait a little while until he needs a new interest. Am so looking forward to how he likes it!
Boss Mare Sue bought him two “birthday presents” ( of course, we don’t really know when his birthday actually IS, but, that’s what she called his gifts). She found him, in a catalog, a gorgeous English leather bitless bridle, with silver connecting rings that almost make it look as though he has a snaffle bit on. You really have to look closely to see that he has no bit!! The “control” thingy on it is a noseband with a rough rubber underside, which I, of course, immediately covered with the sheepskin and velcro cover that was on his other “bridle” (which was really just a halter) so that everything against his face is,once again,soft!! There is a padded X thing under his chin which is a reminder that the reins are actually doing something,but it is very gentle. He goes well in it and looks so handsome. She also got him a lovely padded leather thing that goes across his chest and connects to his girth, and has a strap that goes over his neck, so that his saddle doesn’t shift back too far,due to his high withers. It is like the ones that the polo ponies wear and looks so great with his saddle and new bridle. Both of the new things have matching white stitching, with the leather on all,including his saddle, being Havana Brown. With the white sheepskin of his saddle pad showing around his saddle, his white sheepskin noseband,and,all of his white markings, he looks quite the handsome dude!! I will take some photos with the iPad,and hopefully,be able to post them one of these days!!
Zenny dear, take good care of yourself,and that baby on board–may you feel all of the kisses sent your way on the wind!! Sweet dreams tonight!!
Donna Z
Hi, Sue,
Good to hear from you. I always enjoy your postings. If I am understanding what you described, the strap that goes around Barnaby’s chest is called a breast collar. His new bridle sounds very gentle. He must be very attentive to your aids when you ride him that he doesn’t need a bit.
Judy B,
Thank you for posting the link to the picture of Rachel’s filly. She has such a pretty face.
I am very happy that Lola Mae is home & is doing well. Please give her kisses from Amy, Cappy & me.
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Sue Noel; So happy to have caught your post. I always enjoy hearing from you and reading how Barnaby and others are doing.
hugs, Sally B
sheena.davies(wales)
A very Happy Birthday to HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.94yrs young!!Hugs Sheena.
sheena.davies(wales)
A more peaceful scene from the Dyfi!And all 3 bobs getting well fed!Hugs Sheena.
http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject
Elizabeth in NM
Dear Sheena, A wonderful way to start the day – with all 3 bobs getting to eat and everyone behaving. Momma must have been giving etiquette classes. It’s amazing what tenacious hunters the parents are and how tender Momma is feeding them.
Have been packing our camper the past few days. Love going, but love being at home too. I always think about all of our birds and bunnies while were gone, and pray they get rain, since we are on the high desert. We are on the mountain range, but mid-point between the desert lowlands and high mountains.
The quail have had more chicks this year than I remember in past years. Yesterday, a quail couple showed up with there new batch, and they looked to have over 25 chicks! I think the most we’ve seen in the past was probably 15 or so. We’ve had so much rain this spring, and it is so beautiful here. I think with all the rain, the broods are all larger. We’ll be going by the osprey nests on our way north. Will give an update on them, when we return. Hopefully will have one more chance to check Zenny’s website tomorrow. Besides leaving the critter family, I miss reading everyone’s posts while we’re gone. Praying many blessings for you while we’re gone. with love, Elizabeth
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Hope you have a wonderful and safe trip Elizabeth. You are in a part of the country that most of us will never see other than through your eyes. We will miss you!
Rosemary McCauley
An amazing video is posted on the Wall Street Journal site. It shows American Pharoah’s Belmont win side by side with video of Secretariat’s Belmont win. It is entitled something similar to “if American Pharoah and Secretariat raced who would win.” You might have to scroll down to find it because it’s a couple of days old now. If you small squares of photos of news stories scroll across those to find it.
Deb E.
Oh boy, here we go. The comparisons begin… I wish people wouldn’t do that. WSJ, just let us enjoy AP’s Triple Crown on its own merits (which are considerable) instead of holding it up to a (literally) supernatural performance. Just the fact that AP came within 2 seconds of Big Red’s 2:24 AND actually posted a faster final quarter than Red’s shows what a quality athlete he is. Those Secretariat genes that the naysayers claimed caused him to be a subpar sire seems to have kicked in with his male ancestors 3 generations on of which American Pharoah is one.
Rosemary McCauley
The Wall Street Journal was a positive one. They were honoring two super heroes in racing not making any negative comparisons at all. The title may have been misleading however it was not meant to disparage but to compliment AP and his accomplishments. Secretariat won in 1973 and no horse has since broken his record. I have viewed the two races side by side many times in the last few days and to see two such amazing equine athletes together that way rings a tear. I thought I would share it with racing fans because it is history past and present brought together. Perhaps I shouldn’t have shared.
Ann NC
Thanks for sharing Rosemary.
Here’s to great Champs!
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Deb; I like your comments.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Elizabeth.Enjoy your trip.The bobs will have grown a lot by your return.Glad to hear your quails are doing so well.Our blue-tits aren’t coping with the weather over here although it’s dry and sunny now it hasn’t been so warm and spring was slow arriving this year.
It is wonderful to see how tenderly Glesni feeds her little ones.Blue 24 paid a visit yesterday but all is quiet so far today.See you when you return.Love and hugs.Sheena.
Rosemary McCauley
An easier way to find AP Secretariat video is to Google search “this is what it would look like if American Pharoah and Secretariat raced.” It pops right up. Exciting video.
sheena.davies(wales)
While you all celebrate your TC winner give a thought for Tasty’s colt I’myoursugardaddy in a $5000 claiming race.Very sad.He deserves better!!!Sheena.
vicki
Dear Judy and Lola Mae thinking good thoughts for you everyday. After all the rain we experienced we now have bugs galore. Fleas, spiders, gnats and dirt dobbers everywhere. I try to delay the use of AC but I think I must give in and turn it on. Too, too hot.
I hope someone will explain what is probably a dumb question but here it goes. The Zayats own AP but have sold the breeding rights to Coolmore/Ashford. I heard on TVG yesterday that the Zayats would not be able to race AP in Dubai because they would not be in charge of him anymore. Does this mean that for the rest of his life AP will be sent where they choose and be forced to breed in northern and southern hemisphere? Why wouldn’t they keep control of him and place him at a lovely local facility where he could just be a horse during his “off” time?
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki:
Thank you for thinking of us. Love and Hugs, JB and LM
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
They have not yet determined whether AP will race as a 4-year-old, although it’s unlikely. He’s worth too much as a stallion.
Coolmore is local. Ashford stud is in the Lexington, Kentucky aree, same as Lane’s End, Claiborne, Darley, Calumet, Winstar, Gaineway,etc., etc.
“Forced” to breed…hmm. I doubt he will mind very much. For a stallion, that IS part of “being a horse.” Those horses are treated like kings. They get the best of care, and they do get daily turnout unless the weather is awful.
He’ll shuttle if (a) he tolerates the travel and (b) it makes economic sense to do so. Just because a stallion has appeal in the U.S. does not mean he will fit international breeding programs. he’ll be more popular abroad if it turns out that he gets grass runners as well as dirt horses. Or,they could let a limited number of Southern Hemisphere mares come to him in the fall.
As to why the Zayats don’t keep control of him, there are probably two reasons. First, it looks like Coolmore made an offer he couldn’t refuse. Second, standing a stallion takes specialized facilities and knowledge that the Zayats probably don’t have and aren’t interested in acquiring.