Zenyatta

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Zenyatta News

August Photo Update

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta and 13Z. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta, 13Z and paddock mate. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Zenyatta and 13Z. Photo by Alys Emson
Zenyatta and 13Z. Photo by Alys Emson

Happy Monday!

Alys sent us a few new photos of Zenyatta and her Tapit colt out on a sunny day.

13Z has become quite the big boy! He had a visit with the blacksmith last week—watch the video below to see how well behaved he was.

Alys also caught Coz and Cooper Sawyer playing with a jolly ball.

In case you missed last week’s updates, we have recently added new content to the Photos and Videos sections. Head on over to see the new 13Z gallery and an especially unique video of Z.

Enjoy!
-Team Z



Reader Interactions

1,279 Comments

  1. / Reply

    What a wonderful treat with all the pictures and new videos! Zenny looks absolutely gorgeous and Z13 is precious!! What a great, great mother Zenyatta has turned into. She continues to be amazing in every respect.

  3. / Reply

    I watched the races fromm Saratoga on Saturday. The information about S Dancer
    being put down was mentioned but no information about Kris Royal. It is so hard to lose one horse let along two in the same race. I’m grateful the riders were not injured. I’m sure the officials are checking the turf for safety but it is heart breaking to lose a horse. Each time these beautiful animals race away from the gate they are giving everything they have and sadly sometimes it means their lives. We all love to watch the races but we must do everything possible to help ensure the safety of the riders and the horses.

    • / Reply

      Dear Quarterhossgal:

      So very sad. Always a risk to horse and rider for severe injuries; sad part of the sport. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      I do agree whole heartedly for the safety of the horse and rider. That is what some times I have a difficult time with. I love the thoroughbred races, love the awesome thoroughbreds but it is in knowing that some awesome horse has a bad race and his life is over. That is what I struggled with.
      hugs, Sally B

  4. / Reply

    Back again with a poem by Lord Byron which I am posting in honor of National Dog Day. This is from the monument, larger than his own, which Byron erected to his dog Boatswain on his estate at Newstead Abbey.

    Epitaph to a Dog
    —by Lord Byron, 1808, inscribed on the monument to his Newfoundland dog

    Near this Spot
    are deposited the Remains of one
    who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
    Strength without Insolence,
    Courage without Ferocity,
    and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.

    This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
    if inscribed over human Ashes,
    is but a just tribute to the Memory of
    BOATSWAIN, a DOG,
    who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
    and died at Newstead Nov. 18, 1808.

    When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth,
    Unknown to Glory, but upheld by Birth,
    The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe,
    And storied urns record who rests below.
    When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen,
    Not what he was, but what he should have been.
    But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,
    The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
    Whose honest heart is still his Master’s own,
    Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
    Unhonoured falls, unnoticed all his worth,
    Denied in heaven the Soul he held on earth –
    While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
    And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.

    Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
    Debased by slavery, or corrupt by power –
    Who knows thee well must quit thee with disgust,
    Degraded mass of animated dust!
    Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
    Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!
    By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
    Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
    Ye, who behold perchance this simple urn,
    Pass on – it honors none you wish to mourn.
    To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise;
    I never knew but one — and here he lies.

  5. / Reply

    Carl O’Callaghan Injured! Jeff Culler ‏tweet
    Best wishes to friend, colleague and great horseman @carlocallaghan1
    who suffered a serious horse kick today. Trip to UCLA ER but home now.

  6. / Reply

    HRTV had an update earlier that Jose Lezcano, the jockey on Kris Royal
    fractured a bone in his wrist, will need surgery and out 4 weeks. he was replaced on his mounts for Monday card at Saratoga.
    I have not found any other info confirming this for sure.

  7. / Reply

    Dear Pam Homeier:

    Regarding your earlier question on the breast strap. Ran into one of the girls I know from the races today, and asked your question. She said it is indeed called a breast strap, and is used to keep the saddle in place. It is usually used on narrow chested horses, and is a personal preference bit of gear – some jockeys/trainers use it all the time, others only when the build of the horse requires it. Cheers, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Wow! That’s really interesting. Thanks for checking into that for me! Guess they’re just not into that over here.

  10. / Reply

    Beautiful picture of Will Take Charge on Curlin’s facebook page. He has that big white blaze like Shack. Great big chestnut guy. Love the big red ones.

  12. / Reply

    @Trina–thank you so much for posting the Lord Byron poem. Unless corrupted by selfish people who train them to fight, etc., dogs know nothing but love and loyalty and sometimes put us to shame. Hugs.

  13. / Reply

    Loss leaves empty feeling
    By Tim Wilkin Times-Union Posted: 08/26/2013 6:56 PM
    Saratoga Springs
    Monday brought a gray sky and a promise of rain over Saratoga Race Course. At barn 26 on the backstretch, the mood matched the gloomy weather. Trainer Charlie LoPresti was at work, as usual, but the last place he wanted to be was here.
    LoPresti’s barn is home to Horse of the Year Wise Dan, as well as his half-brother Successful Dan, who will run in Saturday’s Woodward Stakes at the Spa. If it were up to LoPresti, on this day, anyway, he would have packed up his modest stable and headed back home to Louisville, Ky.
    His heart was breaking because of stall 16. It was empty. Kris Royal, a 5-year-old chestnut gelding who was there on Sunday, was gone on Monday. Kris Royal was one of two horses euthanized on the track following Sunday’s ninth race, which was run on the inner turf course.
    http://m.timesunion.com/tu/db_109218/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=xQZm07Tj&full=true#display

    • / Reply

      RIP, Kris Royal.
      The world of horses- the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
      Sending thoughts and prayers to his connections. Bless you, Charlie LoPresti.

      BGG- appreciate you sharing the article.

      • / Reply

        Ditto, Ann — you have summed it up perfectly: the magnificent peaks and the devastating valleys. Thoughts and prayers for Mr. LoPresti, Kris Royal and all connections. It is very comforting to know that this nice little horse was dearly loved and is mourned. Rest in peace with the angels, dear boy.

    • / Reply

      If all trainers felt and cared about their charges like Charlie LoPresti does about his, I think racing would be a better sport with far less problems. My heart goes out to him for his loss.

    • / Reply

      Some more touching lines from Keta’s link:

      “It just makes you sad, number one, because he’s just a neat little horse if you knew him,” LoPresti said. “If you look there and you see his empty stall … what a nice little horse to be around … a fun little guy … he never bothered anybody … he tried. It really makes you rethink what you do.” …
      “It just takes the wind out of your sails,” LoPresti said. “We’ve got Successful Dan and Wise Dan, and I’d give it all up and even run them again if I could get that horse back. It’s not that he’s a great horse. He was a nice, little horse.”

      Condolences to LoPresti and all the connections. RIP Kris Royal.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Read this article through tears. As other posters have said, Mr. LoPresti is a credit to the sport. Always impressed me as a man who loved his horses. Reminds me of JS. Hugs, JB

      Rest in peace Kris Royal and Sarava’s Dancer.

    • / Reply

      Lopresti is a good person. He deserves to have the number 1 race horse in the world and Dan’s brother and sister under his care. RIP Kris Royal, you are missed by all who loved you in the stable and at the track and the rest of us who only now heard this sad story. RIP Savana’s Dancer too, another sad loss.

  15. / Reply

    An Anniversary Poem for Barbara Wood
    August 27, 2013

    Yes, sirree!
    It’s the anniversary
    Of when Barbara
    In front of friends and family stood
    To exchange her marriage vows
    With Alan Wood.
    Just how many years has it been, you ask,
    Since their union was blessed by heaven?
    It’s been a full forty-seven,
    And their love’s still equal to the task!
    That elicits from us a chorus of wow’s!
    May they today in our congratulations bask
    As we wish all that is good
    To Alan and Barbara Wood!

  16. / Reply

    Happy birthday, dear Shari Voltz! Here’s a trip down memory lane with your poem from two years ago.

    A Birthday Poem for Shari Voltz
    August 27, 2011

    Fifth-grade teacher Shari Voltz
    Energizes every lad and lass
    In her homeroom class
    As if with gentle jolts
    From thrilling lightning bolts.
    She features
    Splendid equine creatures
    From the great Zenyatta
    To amazing colts.
    She plans her lessons with a lotta
    Special creativity,
    As all can see!
    For her students there’s so much in store
    In sessions galore
    Laced with both old and new racing lore
    That classes are never a bore—
    And “horses for courses”
    Doesn’t just mean
    What it did before!
    Along with racing thrills,
    Shari imbues her students with skills
    That will last and last
    And makes their studies a blast!
    For making learning a fun-filled caper,
    Shari was honored in the local newspaper.
    Her students all love her—
    They’ll tell you, there’s no teacher above her!
    In the spring they cheered so
    For that cute Uncle Mo.
    They thought he
    For Z
    Would be a good mate.
    They wanted him to be
    Her next date
    Since for the first go-round
    He was too late.
    Then one day they found—
    Holey-moley!
    What a surprise!
    Embroidered caps for all had arrived
    From Uncle Mo’s owner, Mike Repole!
    In this new school year
    With Uncle Mo on the mend,
    You’ll hear Shari’s class cheer
    “Go, Mo, Go!”
    And she’ll also blend
    Much fun
    Into her lesson plans
    With Stay Thirsty, Bernardini’s son,
    Of whom she and her students are fans.
    Shari will celebrate
    Today’s special date
    With friends and kin.
    And as a birthday gift
    From Thirsty and Uncle Mo
    When today around the track they spin,
    It would give her a buoyant lift
    If both would win
    And not just show—
    So go, boys, go!
    Go, sweet colts,
    For our dear Shari Voltz!

  17. / Reply

    I’m very happy to see Trina back more often and posting more poems. Yay, all is right with the Zenyatta world!

  22. / Reply

    Hi there Zenny, Z13 and Coz, as well as my Zen family.

    I’ve been enjoying the posts here but, unfortunately, by mother has been very, very unwell and I’ve been doing a good deal of running around. So very difficult when an ageing parent begins to go downhill, as I know many of you know.

    Still, I determined that I would try to do something for myself when I had a few quiet days and the result is something new — and I hope interesting — on THE VAULT:
    http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2013/08/27/man-o-war-at-stud-the-first-3-years/

    I’ve actually been wanting to write this for at least half a year, so it feels good to do it and especially now, when I need to switch gears a little. I’ll continue this series off & on throughout the coming year, but I actually uncovered several really good non-Man O’ War stories along the way to writing this one. And, of course, they’re mostly about fillies!!!!

    Love & hugs to all

    • / Reply

      High hoof, Abigail, your writing is always topnotch. Thank you so much for sharing, and blessings to you and your mom!

    • / Reply

      Dear Abigail:

      Thank you so much. So interesting to know the background of Man O’ War’s wonderful progeny and who and what they were named after. Very poignant and heartfelt. Well done.

      Outstanding article, photos and video.

      Prayers for you and your Mom. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Amen to what Judy has said, Abigail. I never ceased to be amazed at the extent of history that has gotten us to where we are today. I never had any idea that racing went back so far. I’m sure they don’t teach that in history classes! Sending prayers and positive thoughts to your mom (and you, too, of course).

      • / Reply

        Dear TC GP:

        I am still a big fat goose egg in the Capping Contest. Will try choosing a long shot to finish third this week.

        Even when you know, you never know. Where’s that football salesman when you need him? Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks Abigail for the very interesting article on Man O’ War and
      his progeny! They were very tall and regal just like him. :)

    • / Reply

      Abigail,
      Big Red’s story is still being told through your writings.
      Big Red lives on
      “The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living”. – Marcus Tullius Cicero
      Well done! BGG

    • / Reply

      Abilgail, Hello! Thankyou for your latest contribution on the vault. I can not read it tonight; I will come back to it. Seeing parents failing in there years is very difficult. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your mom. Try to have the best times together, whatever time is left, no one knows when it is time.

      hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      Dear Abigail,
      Thanks so much for this very interesting article! Love reading about Man O’ War’s times and descendants. You write so well!
      Hope your mother improves and feels better soon.
      All the very best to you and your family!
      Marshall

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Abigail. I have just started reading Bowen’s “Man ‘O War” in the Thoroughbred Legends series, so it’s good timing for me.

      I also do know how it is, when your mom or dad start to go downhill, I hope your mom is able to recover and enjoy more of life. And that it doesn’t take a worse toll on you, either. I wish you the best, on the way.

      My mom said goodbye over three years ago, and my dad six years before that — both made it to 94, but it was hard when the quality of life faded for them so much and so rapidly in the last six months. They both “had enough” by that time, it was clear they were ready, however tough they had been up until then. Going through that, my brothers and I learned a few things we will never forget, like the value of discussing their wishes with them, if parents are willing, the value of having an advance directive on file, and the value of having candid conversations with the doctor, in spite of natural reluctance.

  24. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, Red Prince and Baby Z:

    Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Drats,, you have to be a member if you can picture him being fed bananas to Harry
      Belafonte singing Day-O, the banana boat song, it would make you smile.

      He is being spoiled and he deserves it.

    • / Reply

      Got to website, but it does look like you need to sign in! He deserves all the bananas he can eat! and more! heeheehee.

  26. / Reply

    Mom update
    Mom had her last chemo August 11th. Today Mom saw her surgeon and has plans for her operation on September 11th. It is outpatient surgery and the Doc says she will be in good shape after. Maybe someone should stay with her that night. I am sure my older sister will do that. Mom doesn’t like my dog in her house. The dog hair bothers her black dog white carpet… I will spend most of Friday and that weekend with her to keep her going. Mom is taking her trip home to her class reunion next week. My other sister helped her make all the arrangements. I am glad she gets to go. Mom my stop by and visit Ruth my husband’s Mom she is in a nursing home in the same town. I hope Mom can. Ruth will really like that. I would say Ruth and my Mom have not seen each other since Brian died 8 years ago. It will be good for them to visit. I asked my Mom to take it easy on her trip and get some rest. Her operation is just a few days off when she gets back from PA on the 8th. Mom has really done well for the fact that my Dad just died in February, she found out she had cancer in April and has gone through 18 weeks of chemo already. I hope when I am 80 I am as tough as she is. I guess you get that way after taking care of someone for so many years. Dad was sick for more than 20 years with heart problems. The last 10 years where much worse. Then that fall the hit on the head done him in. All those years we figured he would have a heart attack and be gone not a hit on the head. That’s kind of the same for me and my Brian he had brain cancer and dies in an auto accident. They fight so hard and then go over some stupid thing. Anyway I am rambling. Mom is doing great and maybe someday she could come with me to CA to the races wouldn’t that be great.
    More to come love you guys Sue
    Coz I Can 2015

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue:

      God Bless your Dear Mother and you and your sister. Wishing her all the best with her upcoming surgery and a full recovery to excellent health. Will keep you all in my prayers. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue, We will all keep you and your mom in our thoughts and prayers. So glad she is going to the reunion. That should be a fun time and lift her spirits for the surgery.

      I know what you mean about these tough women. My grandmother was that way. What a fighter. Just hope I will have half her strength.

      Blessings.

    • / Reply

      Sue
      Bless you & your sister for the love & support you are giving your Mom
      Keep you all in my thoughts & prayers.
      BGG

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,
      All the best wishes to your mother and to you, too. Hope your mother has a lovely trip to her reunion! Blessings to Mother and family. Hugs all ’round!

    • / Reply

      Sue — best wishes to you, and to your mom, going to her reunion! I hope she & Ruth do get to see each other too.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,
      Not only is your lovely mother tough, but so are you after all you’ve been through, and you don’t even realize it. Prayers and blessings to her and to you for being so brave through it all.. hugs

  27. / Reply

    Great article on Bloodhorse.com news about my boy, Muchie. Sorry, but I am not computer skilled enough to post on here. It said some very nice things about him and his team.

    I have a carton of Tums on hand as I await the Woodward Saturday.

  28. / Reply

    @Louise Costello-Sorry for the delay in my reply. Glory was filmed in Mass and Georgia, with the battle scenes being filmed in Georgia. The beginning of the film which depicts the battle of Antietam and the fight at Fort Wagner were filmed using re-enactors, who were were still in the area after the filming of Gettysburg. To see a film of this type being shot is quite an experience. The cameras are on rails which follow the actors as they go jnto battle. They wear under their shirts a series of squibs, which consist of blood and smoke and are set off by the special effects man as shots are “fired.” There are some injuries, but superficial ones. As far as the actors go, Ray told me that Denzel Washington was very intense and always “on” while Morgan Freeman is the guy who would sit around the fire and trade stories with everyone and was very likeable. Since you were the only one who asked, my email address is stupid70@verizon.net. Feel free to email me and I will be happy to answer any questions. That way we will not have to bore anybody else. I am pleased at your enthusiasm. Ray was also involved in the making of Tombstone. At one time I had a copy of the script and was sad about one scene which had already been filmed but didn’t make it past the cutting room floor. During the vendetta ride, Wyatt’s group came across a wagon train. The wagon master was played by Hugh O’Brian.

    • / Reply

      Terry, thanks — not bored at all! I don’t have questions, but look forward to reading more anecdotes. I have not yet had a chance to see “Glory” (except clips) but saw Ken Burns entire “Civil War” series when it first appeared on PBS.

      • / Reply

        Ken Burns’ series is a good example for anyone interested in this conflict. Amazing what kind of stories can be told with just pictures and narration.

  29. / Reply

    Marshall (NC broad) & Maryp NY
    Here is an update on Declan’s Warrior.
    Haven’t seen any info yet from exam BGG
    Brian Zipse ‏tweet
    Declan’s Warrior cooled out fine after the King’s Bishop and nothing was obviously wrong but he will be evaluated by Dr. Bramlage
    tips4punters.co.uk tweet
    Declan’s Warrior a bad bad last in the King’s Bishop. ** Hangs head in shame ** #Saratoga

    • / Reply

      Thanks for this update, Bluegrass Girl!
      It does sound optimistic, and I sincerely hope nothing serious/bad crops up now.
      Lots of Hugs for all!

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