Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Birthday Day!

Team Z is in Kentucky for Zenyatta’s 8th birthday. We celebrated yesterday with Zenyatta, Baby Z and Lane’s End staff. Cards and gifts from the fans were highlights of the day, along with a very special birthday cake of pears and carrots. It was a rainy morning, but the sun came out just in time for the festivities. Baby Z got a kick out of all the attention and had just as much fun as his mom.

Everyone had a great time… no foolin’!

Here’s to another great year!

Z had a great time reading her birthday cards. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Z''s cake by Cyril.

Reader Interactions

694 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Thoroughbred Times Tweeted
    Never Retreat was named Canada’s Horse of the Year (as well as champion turf female) last night, just edging Inglorious
    Here is link to story
    http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2012/04/06/never-retreat-named-canadas-horse-of-the-year.aspx#

    Never Retreat was named Canada’s Horse of the Year at the 37th annual Sovereign Awards Thursday night at Woodbine Race Track in suburban Toronto.

    The now-seven-year-old Smart Strike mare earned the award in a tight vote, edging Inglorious 78 to 76 points. The third finalist was Pender Harbour, with 49 points. Never Retreat was also named champion turf female.

    • / Reply

      Keta. Thank you for this news. I read the article and was interested to see that Musketier won for turf horses. He is now 10 and still racing. Johnny V is his regular jockey.

      I also see that Mark Casse won for best trainer. He trained Tasty Temptation. He also trained another horse owned by Lane’s End connections, Pool Play. PP won the Stephen Foster last year in a very exciting finish. In his day, Street Cry also won that race.

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thanks for the video; he’s so beautiful and frisky. Happy Easter. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Keta,
      You’re right — it IS an Ahh Moment! Thanks for the video link! He sure is cute and such fun to watch as he cavorts around, too. Hope Rises looks to be very sweet, caring and vigilant. All good “Mama” traits!
      Thanks, again!

  3. / Reply

    Friday April 6th
    Mike Smith’s journey continues
    Working my way to my 5000th win with 3 to go!
    Today I ride at Santa Anita:
    Race 5— EL VINO
    Race 7—-CAT TALK
    Come on out and see me!!!!!!!

    • / Reply

      @ KETA
      FYI – Mike doesn’t write his own fb page :-) This is written by a female friend & Mikey hates that she puts come on out and see “me” – he prefers come out to the “races” LOL

      Best of Luck, Mikey!! I’ll see you tomorrow :o)

      • / Reply

        Auntie Judy,
        I know Mike has a ghost writer.
        When I put something here whether it comes from Facebook or Twitter,
        I copy & paste. Want to make sure info is accurate & exactly as posted.
        Also, I give credit to whoever made the Post.
        If I comment, i let folks know it is me.

        So, I really really hate to start editing or paraphrasing.

        Here is the rest of the story..
        When I did Like/Comment to question something posted by Mke Smith on FB
        someone took away my Like feature.
        So, on FB, I can not Like/Comment to his posts, I can only Share
        Knowing my Posts & through them-me- I would hope you would agree that I am not obnoxious.
        But, whatever I said did ruffle the feathers of his guardian-of-the-gate.
        Hugs, Keta

  4. / Reply

    Horse of Year…in Canada …NEVER RETREAT…a now 7yr old mare…GIRL POWER..
    joins Gracie…Nelly…Igugu…Rachel…and our own great lady Z..
    ….
    interesting also that Musketier gets champion turf male …he is now a very young 10 yr old…
    as always …kisses for the soft noses ….

    • / Reply

      Hi Barbara! Yes, that is me. I will look for your comment. Congratulations to your NCAA Championship Lady Bears going 40-0. I usually read the blog comments during my break from work. I can’t respond and eat with my phone. I tend to fall so far behind,by the time I get a chance to respond, the comments get so outdated, I decide not to. I am FB friends with Debbie G. She told me after you creamed my Lady Vols that she no team is going to beat you except maybe the Kentucky Men. I mention this to say I agree! You are the best overall full talent packed team I have ever seen. You all were a pleasure to watch all season, except for the two times you beat us. I will add that the Kentucky men’s team was the same way all season.

  7. / Reply

    I flipping back and forth watching Santa Anita and Keeneland live streaming. I want to mention for any Barbaro fans that may not know, his little brother Nicanor is running in race 8 at Keeneland. Post time 4:42. Best of luck to this brave guy!
    I am so excited about getting to go see Hansen and all the others (too many to mention) April 14 Bluegrass Stakes. I can hardly contain myself. It is a glorious day today in Lexington today, beautiful blue skies. I am taking all three of my children. I hope this works out the way I envision it. The one place where they can use their outdoor voices!
    If any others are attending , please let me know if you want to meet my crew.

  8. / Reply

    Dear Z Family Happy Good Friday. Going to the races sounds like so much fun. Ashton I wish I could meet you there. I will be watching on TVG. I am cheering for SLAMIT that is running in the Illinois Derby. I hope you and your children have a really fun day.
    Zenyatta I hope you and Baby Z are out running in the sunshine. Hugs and Many Kisses, Shari XXXOOO

  9. / Reply

    Hi Zenny, Tomorrow is our horse Queen’s birthday and she will be 18, I baked cupcakes for her with a Q on top and she shared with Nacho, tomorrow is the actual day so if you would like to come and celebrate I’ll go out and pick up a Guinnes for you. (bring 12z too)..how special would that be..I can always dream.
    Kisses on your soft nose and 12z too. XOXOXOXO Love you.

  11. / Reply

    Thank you Judy for wishing me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Time to celebrate.
    Z and 12z hugs,
    Queen

  13. / Reply

    Oh My, Creative Cause is so full of himself
    And really ready to go, as he walks in the SA
    Paddock today: WOW

  16. / Reply

    Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital posted a check presentation video on Facebook

    A recent eBay auction of a halter worn by 2010 Horse of the Year and legendary race mare Zenyatta brought a final bid of $6,712.50 in a fundraising effort for the Bluegrass Chapter of the American Red Cross.
    After fees, the Rood & Riddle Foundation was able to donate $6,478.84.
    Zenyatta, along with owners Jerry and Ann Moss, and Rood & Riddle veterinarian Dr. Debbie Spike-Pierce, presented the check from the sale of her halter to the Red Cross at Lane’s End Farm on April 2, 2012.

    Keta note: Some great shots of Zenyatta & 12 Z at the end
    http://www.roodandriddle.com/news/roodriddleequinehospitalauctionofzenyattahalterraisesover6400forbluegrassredcross1.html

    • / Reply

      Keta. Another great link. Really liked the shots of Z and her growing colt. Spooky and her baby also get into the action. Thank you.

    • / Reply

      Keta, thank you so much for this link. It was great seeing Zenny doing her thing for the cameras and that little prince of hers is more precious every time we get a glimpse of him.

    • / Reply

      Great link, she is not all over him any more.
      Initially she knew the urgency of getting
      Him to nurse and graze. Now she is back
      To her old self, almost eating the check.

        • The pressure to make sure your foal eats and drinks must be so innately
          urgent. She was so very focused on making it happen. Love Spooky, she has a fiesty little one, that looks almost as dark as 12 Z.

        • Sign. Z would be very good at teaching her colt to eat. She is first class at eating as she is in all things. I am glad to see that she is asserting her role as the Queen. It is time for 12Z to learn more things from his mom. Spooky looks like she knows how to deal with her baby. Do you remember the photo of 12SM looking over from afar with awe at Zenyatta? They all seem to be chummy now. That too will take some stress off Z as a new mom. Still sorry that Tasty went AWOL in the mom department. You might be right that TT is a career horse, who cannot deal with motherhood.

        • Oh yes, Max maybe Tasty will finally realize
          Being pregnant and eating BONBON’s all day
          May not be a bad life after all with her next foal.

          TB racing mares are so amped up when they
          Race, I imagine it is hard for them to switch gears.
          Tasty was a very sucessful racehorse.

      • / Reply

        I am actually surprised that Tasty gets along
        Well with other mares. Some very sucessful
        Champion racing mares separate themselves
        From the herd when they are broodmares like
        Inside Information. She always was a little more
        Aloof.

        • Sign. The only evidence that we have of Tasty and other mares is her relationship with Zenyatta. She appeared to be very good friends with Z. She was protective of Z, standing nearby on guard as Z slept. They also ran around the paddock together in a happy way. In the video of her at Woodbine, Tasty appeared to be a cooperative horse. I guess that we will never know why she rejected her baby. I hope that we get some bulletins from LE about her and her foal. I would like to know how he develops over the next year. He has an impressive pedigree.

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Thank you so much for the video link. Z and Little Z look wonderful and relaxed. Looks like Spooky and her colt and Z and Little Z have settled in nicely. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      AhhHa! I knew there had to be video somewhere! Thank you Keta – horseys and babies and peeps all looked so happy and content! Babies do grow up fast, huh?
      Have a wonderful Easter weekend!

    • / Reply

      Keta; Thank you for sharing this link, oh, Miss Curiousity Z grabs at the check! too cute. Z is so beautiful & healthy looking and so is her 12Z. He is growing for sure!
      Enjoy your Easter. Better go bake a cake!!

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the great link, Keta. SOOOOOO nice to see some video of Z and her colt (as well as everyone else). Did anyone else notice that when 12SM came toward his mom along the fence, it looked like his mid-section either had something around it or had perhaps been shaved? What would that be about?

    • / Reply

      Oh, I loved that, Keta, thanks! Just seeing Zenny and 12-Z trotting around her, makes me smile, of course. And their interview of Jerry & Ann an added bonus.

  17. / Reply

    Steve Andersen of DRF tweeted
    Jockey Mike Smith won the 4,998th race of his career
    on Cat Talk (2-1 favorite) in Friday’s seventh race #santaanita

    Keta: Just 2 more!!

  18. / Reply

    Steve Andersen DRF also tweeted
    El Vino, who finished third in Friday’s fifth race, was claimed for $40,000
    in a five-way shake by trainer Vann Belvoir. #santaanita

    • / Reply

      I thought he was going to be up for claim, hope
      He gets treated well. He has been so spoiled by
      Sherrifs and The Mosses. Wow lots of trainers wanted
      Him.

        • Sign,
          Wonder what the 5 way shake was.
          Other horses involved.
          Checked DRF and no story when I did.
          Hmmm!

        • Something I learned from watching “Luck”
          Believe it or not. Think 5 people had a claiming
          Tag on him and on the show they flipped a coin
          Between two who claimed one horse. Not sure
          How they would solve it between 5.

          Van Belvoir is really a good trainer, but he is going
          To start going barn to barn. I figure so many
          Trainers claimed him because they knew he was
          Treated well.

          Let us know what you hear about him as he goes
          Through the ranks.

      • / Reply

        El Vino was always a perfect “sparring partner” for Zenny when she was in training. I also hope he continues to have a great life.

    • / Reply

      According to CHRB on cllaims:
      Rule No. Rule Title
      1657 Opening of Claim.
      Rule Text After the horses in a claiming race have reached the post, the stewards or their delegate shall open and examine the claims but no information concerning such claims shall be divulged to anyone other than the authorized racing officials until the race has been run. Should more than one claim be filed for the same horse, the successful claimant shall be determined by lot in a manner specified by the stewards. NOTE: Authority cited: Section 19562, Business and Professions Code.

      So looks like they draw straws or however the stewards decide to do it.

      • / Reply

        read something about the horses now having to complete the race sound before any claims will be looked at….used to be that the claims could be processed as long as the horse started the race….

        • I think they are still claimed even if injured.
          “Luck”. Portrayed the claiming process correctly
          Then.

        • In California, if the horse is injured during the race and cannot make it back to be unsaddled, the claim is null and void and the horse reverts to the previous owner/trainer. This rule went in to effect this year.

        • Thanks for the update Terry, the horse
          On Luck had a strained ligament and did
          Make it back to saddling area, so she was
          Going to be a broodmare for the new owner.

  19. / Reply

    I’m waaay behind on the posts. Still having a hard time adjusting to the new format. It should be a very exciting weekend, with the Santa Anita Derby and the Wood Memorial and Keeneland’s spring meeting starting. I just love this time of year! I hope all horses and riders have safe trips this weekend and I hope all the Dumplings have a great Easter!
    @Terry Crow – I’m so glad to see you’re posting jokes again! That made my day. And yes, I am going to enjoy our men’s championship for as long as I can. I’m not even thinking about football season!
    @Ashton – So good to see you posting! I’m going to try to get off work next Saturday. If I do, I’ll get in touch with you about meeting you at Keeneland. That would be such fun! I would love to meet you and your kids in person.
    @Barbara Wood – Congratulations to your Lady Bears! They are really something special.

  20. / Reply

    I imagine that there are a lot of us who remember the old Hollywood Squares show, when Peter Marshall was the host and individuals such as Charley Weaver, George Gobel, Rose Marie and Paul Lynde were in the squares. During those days, the answers were not scripted as they are now. Example: Marshall–Patting a dog on the head will make him wag his tail. What would a goose do? Lynde-Probably make him bark. I have a few of these if anyone is interested. I will be back posting jokes tomorrow. Beware!

    • / Reply

      Terry,

      What would we all do without you for our daily laughs?

      Answer. WE would miss you terribly!

      Thank you for all you do and all the time you must devote to making us all laugh and smile.
      I truly appreciate it.

      Have a great weekend Terry.

      • / Reply

        Oh by the way ,I forgot to mention, the Waltons are my favorite show of all time, followed by Little House on the Prairie. Michael Landon and Ralph Waite aka as Charles Ingles and John Walton, two perfect men in my book.

        Everybody I know makes fun of me for this.

        • One of my friends father was a writer for the Waltons. Her brother was a kid actor for Disney about the time Kurt Russell was the star young actor. I went to a party at her parent’s home in Laguna Beach. They had the Emmy on display. Most impressive. I have posted some stories about Kurt Russell in the past. if someone missed them or is interested in “reading” them again, let me know. Also Michael Landon used to own harness horses as did Jay Silverheels, who both owned and drove them.

        • Terry. I would be interested to hear your stories.

          Have the horse jokes ended? I think that we may need some more.

        • Terry, I would like any Kurt Russell stories, I’ve always liked him and Goldie.

        • I will post some Kurt Russell stories later today. As I recall, Karen Gogue has also met him personally. Great guy.

    • / Reply

      Terry, “George Gobel” — now that takes me back! He was on Johnny Carson’s, with Bob Hope and Dean Martin, I think, and had them all laughing hard with his comment, that being in that company, he felt like a navy suit “with brown shoes”. Something like that. He was that kind of guy, too, the joke fit so well.

      • / Reply

        Debbie G has a clip of that appearance and it is hilarious. Gobel relates some of his World War II memories and while he is doing that Dean Martin keeps flipping his cigarette ashes into Gobel’s drink. I would send it to you but I don’t know how to do that. Contact, Debbie G and ask her. Believe me, it is well worth it.

        • Terry, I got the link, and enjoyed it very much. What a show that was!

  22. / Reply

    I was so excited to read about El Vino’s 3rd place and Mike with only 2 to go. I found out here that El Vino was claimed. He is such a handsome boy. The worry is always how will they be treated but a poster commented that Mr. Belvoir is a good man. It’s just we get so spoiled knowing how wonderful everything and everyone is at Barn 55. Good luck El Vino – I thought you were always a great workout partner for our Mama. and pretty darn handsome

    Keta- thanks for the video – Too funny to see Zenyatta chewing on the check!!!

  24. / Reply

    Hello, dear friends. I can not thank you enough for the thoughts and prayers you have expressed for mother and myself. You are all wonderful!! She is doing absolutely great. It was amazing how fast she was up and about! She was feeling a little more pain today, but overall doing very well indeed. The doctor said she should feel much better now with her gall bladder out. What a blessing!!

    Keta – Thank you so much for the great video of Zennie and the folks from Rood and Riddle. What a fantastic place and such a special cause to raise money for. Our Zenyatta and her Team Z are the best ever!!!! So kind!!

    Ashton – Happy Easter to you too sweetie!! It is always fantastic to see your posts. It sounds like you and the kids have a great day planned at the races, I wish I lived closer I would join you!! Sounds like Debbie G will be there, that is too fun!!!

    Cynthia H – You can trust that I will be writing you soon my dear. You are very, very special to me!!!!!

    Carole Klumb – HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your Queen!!!

    Judy B – Loved the Silky Sullivan video. Wow!! Thank you too for the link to the great horse stories. I remember that Disney movie Terry C. mentioned. It was called “Tonka”. Believe it or not, I actually have the Johnny Horton record with the Comanche song on it. Mom and I will be visiting the Little Big Horn battlefield this summer on our way to Kentucky. We are heading north and going to Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mount Rushmore, etc. then heading east and dropping down through Iowa and Indiana. Shari is meeting me in Lexington for a week of horse farms!

    Congrats to Joe Talamo and here’s hoping that Mikie makes the magic 5,000 this weekend. Safe and successful racing wishes for all!!

    Steve Haskins – HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I am a devoted fan sir, you are wonderful!!!!

    Terry C – Thank you for always sharing a smile!!!

    Barbara Wood – I hope everything is well with you my friend!!

    Brenda and Vic – Thinking about you!

    Karen and Judy – It was wonderful to see you two Z-Dumplings staring in the Paddock Tree Gang!!

    Good night to all. Sweet dreams. Hugs and kisses. XXXOOO

    • / Reply

      Dawn,

      So Good to hear your Mom is doing well. I knew she would feel so much better. Love all your posts. Have a great weekend.

    • / Reply

      Hi Dawn,
      Glad to hear from you and know that your Mom is doing well. Hope this will make her feel so much better. Quite a trip you have planned for the summer – how nice that you can do that.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dawn-Yes, Tonka was the name of the film. As I recall, but it has been years since I’ve seen it Tonka was MIneo’s horse at first but taken from him by another member of the tribe. In that context, it is a bit like the novel CentenniaI and the story of Lame Beaver. I envy you the trip you are going to take. I have been to the Custer battlefield, as it was called when I went there and it is most impressive. I tried to envision where the combatants were at various times. Much has been written about that conflict. I have my opinion, but we will never really know. Expecting a report from you when all is said and done. Have a great Easter.

  25. / Reply

    Dear Zenny,
    Loved seeing you, 12Z, Spooky and 12SM in the paddock as the check was presented to the Red Cross, along with the Mosses, too! Looks as though you and your new friends are getting along quite nicely. Enjoy the Easter weekend, love!

    To All Z Fans:

    HAPPY EASTER and/or GOOD PASSOVER! Hope all of you dear friends have a wonderful weekend. Safe racing to all horses and their jockeys!
    Love and hugs!

  27. / Reply

    I hope you have ESP sweet Z, then you will feel my love and wishes. Perhaps you will have another carrot topped cake for Easter!! kisses on your soft nose and kisses to your 12z your gentle on my mind Z, Sally B

    @all Hope everyone enjoys Easter Sunday!!! hugs, Sally

  29. / Reply

    Happy Easter and Passover to all you wonderful Zsters! Zenny, I hope your people are still there to share it with you and 12Z (still wish he had a name) hope you get extra goodies on the day.

    Dawn, so good to hear your mom is feeling much better, she has to get back to par for that wonderful vacation you’re planning.

    Ashton have a great time at the races I’m sure your mom will be right there with you and her grandkids.

    Terry Crow, I still think you belong on stage, have you ever tried one of those comedy clubs? Of course then we’d miss you here.

    Blessings to all!
    Hugs Sue

  30. / Reply

    Here are a few more Hollywood Squares Q and A. Peter Marshall-According to Cosmopolitan, If you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he/she is attractive, is it OK to come out and ask that person if he/she is married? Rose Marie-No. Wait until morning. Peter Marshall-Which if your senses tend to diminish as you get older? Charley Weaver-My sense of decency. Peter Marshall-Back in the old days, when grandpa put horse radish on his head, what was he trying to do? George Gobel-Get it in his mouth. I will be back later.

    • / Reply

      Terry,
      LOL!! I love it! George Gobel was great, and I like Rose Marie very much. All of those comedians were fantastic. There was so much skill involved then in comedy, and they were experts! Thanks for the funny memories! I will certainly check-in later.

      • / Reply

        Glad you enjoyed them. Seeing as how these jokes were completely spontaneous, they are/were extremely funny. They don’t make em like they used to.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Terry, these are great, too. I commented on your earlier post about George Gobel, he was something.

      • / Reply

        Vicki-It took me a while, but if you check back you will find some interesting info on the subject.

      • / Reply

        Sign and Sally-Those people were incredibly funny, at least in my opinion. Charley Weaver’s real name was Cliff Arquette and he is related to all of the acting Arquettes.

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