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!
Max
This is a link which has some interesting shots of the preparation for the opening of Woodbine. This is Tasty’s home track.
It has good advice about where to stand to avoid a swift kick from hooves.
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/04/07/the-sport-of-kings-how-woodbine-racetrack-prepares-for-racing-season-straight-from-the-horses-mouth/
Marshall (NC broad)
Thanks for the link, Max! There is always more to learn.
Have a good weekend!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Very interesting learning and great photos! I like that, Max, thanks.
Max
Vicki B. Fifty Proof reminded me of 12TT’s new mom. They seem to have the same or a very similar big blaze. Love his whiskers. I also thought that Z fans might appreciate seeing the female jockey. As I recall, Chantal Sutherland is from Canada.
Kim S in Tampa FL
Happy Easter weekend Zenny and Lil Zen, Team Z, Lane’s End and ZenNation.
Not to rain on evryone’s parade but wanted all to see, especially TN’ers, in case comment aren’t taken from out-of-staters
Vote on the proposed Tennessee horse slaughter bill is set for Monday April 9. ********* URGENT TASK FOR FRI-MON******* THIS GOES TO THE HOUSE FLOOR FOR A VOTE ON MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012.
ANDY HOLT HAS AN AMENDMENT THAT HE REFUSES TO SHOW ANYBODY. THE TIME IS NOW!!! PLEASE CALL, FAX AND EMAIL! Click on link for contact info.
Here are phn & email contacts for all assemblymen in TN please contact and ask to vote against horse slaughter. I’m sure a few pix via email of the IN-humane slaughter process would help.
http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/
Have a wonderful weekend……Lotsa love to all
Marshall (NC broad)
Dawn Conrad,
Give your mother my best wishes! So glad things are going well for you and her.
Your upcoming trip sounds wonderful. Hugs!
Terry Crow
Add my name to that list.
Shari Voltz from Ohio
Happy Easter to My Z Family. I am watching TVG and all the Great Races !!! My Homeroom and I are Cheering for SLAMIT WIN WIN WIN !!!!! He is running in the Illinois Derby. His Trainer is the same one as Mistletoe’s.
God Bless you Zenyatta and Baby Z. May you and all the horses at Lane’s End have a Blessed Easter.
I also want to wish a Happy Easter to all the Lane’s End Staff. Love, Shari
Keta
Randy Moss tweeted on Sat. April 7
Next week, Rafael Bejarano is sticking with Secret Circle for Arkansas Derby,
and Mike Smith takes mount on Bodemeister
Keta
Steve Andersen DRF tweeted
Holy Candy has been scratched from Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby in favor of the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland next Saturday
Terry Crow
If that is true, I cannot see how Holy Candy can amass enough graded stakes earnings to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
Keta
Havre de Grace not running in Apple Blossom
Next Race to be decided
Rolly Hoyt tweeted
Apple Blossom Weights Havre de Grace 123; AwesomeMaria 122; It’s Tricky 119; PlumPretty 117; TizMizSue 115; AbsintheMinded 114; more
Then Mary Rampellini DRF tweeted
Horse of the Year Havre de Grace will not run in the Grade 1, $500K Apple Blossom on April 13, owner Rick Porter said Saturday.
Mary Rampellini DRF also tweeted
HOY Havre de Grace is being considered for Grade 2, $400K Oaklawn H., or the Grade 2, $300K La Troienne at Churchill, said Porter. #oaklawn
Jerry Bossert NY Daily News tweeted later
Porter wasn’t upset with the 123 pound weight assignment but he was upset giving six pounds to Plum Pretty
signofthetimes
Definately agree; Plum Pretty is the Oaks
Winner; she should be maybe 120 or 121.
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
Puleese! Mr. Porter! That’s horse racing! Sheese! I do get tired of these trainers and owners crying over weight! How about the ole timers racing with 130-133 pounds – giving 10 to 15 pounds sometimes, and most of them won their races! IMHO, it shouldn’t be equal weight, if your horse is that great, then they should be able to over come and win anyway. I know, I know, you can’t really compare horses now to back then, but that would be like changing the Triple Crown races to make it easier for one to win all three races!
signofthetimes
Karen
You have made a lot of great points.
The most poignant is that horses now
Ate not horses from the past and they
Don’t want to give the race to Plum Pretty
Who is the Oaks winner and they want to
Have horse left for BC.
Terry Crow
Karen-You have hit on a point which is dear to my heart. The handicap is going the way of the dodo and current racing secretaries are too faint hearted to weight the horses correctly. All of the trainers threaten to bolt for other races. Weight for age races are different. This is what the triple crown contests are.
Linda Edwards in NJ
I agree with you Karen. What a disappointment. What about all the fans that purchased tickets to the Apple Blossom just to see HDG. Some may have had to cancel travel plans. The owners and the trainers need to start thinking about the fans! Of course that goes without saying that first comes the well being of the horse. But aside from that the owners and trainers have to consider the fans.
Terry Crow
I am sort of on the run and may not post tomorrow. I will leave with some hall of fame redneck jokes and will be back Monday with more horse jokes.-You might be a redneck if you think bluetooth is a disease hound dogs get. You might be a redneck if you can see a landfill, a strip club and a deer stand while standing on your front porch. You might be a redneck if your town put the new garbage truck in the Christmas parade You might be a redneck if you ever used bread bags as shoes. You might be a redneck if you have ever broken a pair of toenail clippers. Have a good Easter everybody.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks, Terry, I like that “bluetooth” disease. Speaking of Easter, from some news I heard, you might be a Redneck, if you race the children in the Easter Egg Hunt, so that some of them don’t get any, and next year’s event is cancelled!
This week’s real-life Redneck Relatives installment:
You might be a redneck relative, if you “entertain” yourself on Halloween, by dressing your lawn with a few “headstones”, mimicking a graveyard. You might be a redneck relative, if while handing out the candy, you straightfacedly tell little children that buried under your lawn are people who died in an accident right in front of your house. You might be a redneck relative, if you answer their questions, explaining “because they had no family, and no one claimed the bodies”. You might be a redneck relative, if you thought it was also funny, because it encouraged the kids not to “mess with” your property — always a “Prime Goal” with Rednecks.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Having reread the paragraph above, I thought it might be offensive to some, from being a bit too graphic — if so, please accept my apology. I didn’t think it was something “funny” to do, I’m just telling about redneck relatives who did do it. These are redneck relatives closer to the sensitivity of those in “Deliverance”.
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Vicki B.,
I was not offended. I take the jokes in the spirit in which they are offered.
We all have some eccentric relatives, not to mention being a little bit off center ourselves sometimes!
Cheers!
Terry Crow
Agree with Marshall. These are funny. Besides, you would end up with more candy for yourself.
signofthetimes
Bread Bags as shoes, TOO FUNNY TC
Have a great Easter, too
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Terry “Leave ’em Laughing” Crow,
Thanks for the redneck jokes! Love the bluetooth funny!
Happy Easter to you, too!
Keta
Three Chimneys Farm tweeted this story
Retired champ Lava Man ‘coaches’; gelding ponies up for his stablemate in Santa Anita
10:52 PM, Apr. 6, 2012
Jennie Rees The Courier-Journal
ARCADIA, CALIF. — The most accomplished horse to step onto the track shortly before today’s $750,000 Santa Anita Derby will not be favored Creative Cause, though the race favorite is a multiple graded-stakes winner who has never been worse than third.
No, the distinction belongs to the stable pony accompanying second choice I’ll Have Another, who captured the Grade II Robert B. Lewis in his last start at 43-1. The pony will be the 11-year-old Lava Man, a $5.2 million-earner who won seven Grade I stakes, including the Hollywood Gold Cup three times and who remains the only horse to win a Grade I race on dirt, turf and synthetic.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120406/SPORTS08/304060115
sharon in seattle
LOVE the man- Lava Man!!
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
Lava Man was so full of himself again today! I sure think he wants to get out there and compete! They had two ponies to help contain THE MAN with I’ll Have Another!
He is TOO CUTE! I miss seeing him race – although I am able to go visit him from time to time at Hollywood Park. Now I’ll have to say ‘hello’ to I’ll Have Another too!
Terry Crow
Lava Man never got his full due because he never won outside of California. Too bad.
Linda Edwards in NJ
I remember hearing about Lava Man.
sharon in seattle
Oh, Karen – lucky you!! Next time you visit Lava Man, please tell him that sharoninseattle in a BIG fan and sends a big kiss for his nose!! thanks!
Marshall (NC broad)
YAY, Lava Man!! You ARE the man!
Congratulations to I’ll Have Another, too!
Max
Keta. Great link. Great story. Lava Man looks like he still has it.
Keta
Three Chimneys Farm Retweet
DRFPrivman: I’ll Have Another will leave for CD in “a week or so,”
trainer O’Neill said.
Lava Man will go with him. #kyderby
Max
Keta. Lucky Lava Man. He gets to travel in his new job. Love these kind of stories.
sharon in seattle
show ‘um how it’s done Lava Man!! : )
Heidi K (Vallejo, Ca)
Lava man is the MAN!!! I’m so happy to hear that he’ll be going with I’ll Have Another to Kentucky! He seems to be a good luck charm!
signofthetimes
Claibourne farms has their champion LURE
In the paddock with yearlings to provide them
Some coaching.
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Zenny: Your CA fans certainly got a treat seeing the Santa Anita Derby. What a great race. Three great horses and what a fantastic run! Congrats to I’ll Have Another.
Great race. Very exciting even watching it on HRTV.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Congrats to today’s winners. Have to think Lava Man gave I’ll have Another a few tips on the way to the starting gate! Did you all hear that Senor Rain is a rescue horse?!?!? Congrats to him for being there. He is gorgeous.
@Dawn–thanks for the good wishes. We’re doing fine.
@Max–thanks for the link.
@Kim S-thanks for the heads up for the Tennessee Dumplings!
Debbie G/Kentucky
There were some exciting races today. I wouldn’t be surprised if Gemologist is the favorite now for the Derby. That was a great race. I was cheering for Creative Cause in the Santa Anita Derby, but he came up a litle short. I just love those grays!
@Barbara Wood – Thank you!
@Terry Crow – Thanks for the Hollywood Squares jokes. I used to love that show. I would never miss it. I remember another good Paul Lynde joke. Peter Marshall – Why do Hell’s Angels wear leather? Paul Lynde – Because chiffon would wrinkle. Too funny! I recently saw a clip from the Johnny Carson show. Dean Martin and George Gobel were the guests. George Gobel was right in the middle telling this long, drawn-out story and the whole time he’s talking Dean Martin is flicking his cigarette ashes in George’s drink. The audience and Johnny were laughing like crazy and poor George thought they were laughing at his story! Those guys were great. I sure do miss them.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
That’s great, Debbie, I had forgotten that part. I commented earlier above, about Gobel saying he felt like a navy suit “with brown shoes”, and how it made the others laugh. But I don’t know if that was the same show, or a different episode. I thought Bob Hope was there too. Thanks.
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
That’s the one! I can still see that show in my mind – it was too too funny!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
I have been thinking about Gemologist in the Bloodhorse magazine, reading and such, I thought this guy might put a twist to other favorites. One never knows in the Derby.
Terry Crow
I am very grateful to Debbie G for sending me that show via email. I do not have the know how to forward it, or I would. Contact Debbie G. It is hard for me to believe that those guys are all dead now.
Carole Klumb #42 / Eagle, WI
Dawn,
Wonderful to hear that you mother is better now. Prayers are very helpful too. Have a great Easter. Carole
Thank you for wishing me a HAPPY BIRTHDAY , so thoughtful, I have new shoes and a trim today. Time for more cake.
Queen
Especially Horses / Southern California
Mike Smith on Amazombie gets 5,000….thrilling.
Max
Congrats to Mike. Great win.
Linda Edwards in NJ
Congrats to Mike Smith!! Happy 5000 Wins!!!
Marshall (NC broad)
Add my Congratulations to all the others for Mike Smith!
5,000 — WOW!!
sue and tony
Congrats to Mike for reaching that milestone.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Sending all of you a wish for a very Happy Easter!!! Enjoy!!
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=3466111324962&source=jl999
Max
Dawn. Fantastic link. Happy Easter to you and your mom. I hope that she is feeling better soon.
Darlene Daniels
Thank you Dawn. That was so pretty.
Happy Easter
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
Awww! Too sweet! L♥ve to you and all your family this Easter! HippityHopHop!
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Dawn,
What a lovely Easter gift to all of us! Thank you so much!
Love, Hugs and Happy Easter to you!
Kim S in Tampa FL
Really beautiful, thank you Dawn and Happy Easter to you and your Mom. Speedy recovery to her.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks very much, Dawn, and Happy Easter to you and your Mom.
Sandy
Maryp (New York)
Thank you Dawn. Happy Easter and Spring to you and yours also. So pretty!
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hi Dawn: Thank you for the wonderful Easter Greetings!!! How sweet!!! I am happy to hear your Mom is doing well. Wishing her a speedy recovery.
Jan S. / Houston
Congratulations Mike. Happy Easter to everyone.
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
Great goin’ Mikey Smith!! Whoop! there it is!!! What a thrill it was to be there and see you accomplish this!
WOOOWHOO, you are Z best! CONGRATULATIONS and L♥ve …….
sharon in seattle
you guys must have had such a great day!!! I can just imagine all the excitement. Congratulations all around!!
Terry Crow
Mike Smith is and always will be a class act.
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
Did anyone out there see JAG and her beautiful sign for Mikey on TV???
Keta
Karen,
I just posted a video from Santa Anita Park–below.
Is that JAG & her sign?
Hugs, Keta
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
No, that wasn’t JAG’s. I think that was one made by SA for the occasion. When I get my video done and upload it you will see JAG’s outstanding poster! I will let Judy tell you about it – so special. I was sooo excited for Mikey that I had a hard time holding the camcorder still! I hope I can get the shakes {{{}}} out! LOL! But so many people were there, too, that it was difficult, your arms and body bumped and jostled like the WWF, to get good position and a steady hand! LOL!
Keta
The Thoroughbred TImes
Smith hits milestone with late graded stakes double (with video)
Posted: Saturday, April 07, 2012 8:04 PM
Mike Smith swept the two late graded stakes on the Santa Anita Derby (G1) undercard to reach his milestone 5,000th career win on Saturday.
Saturday’s card at Santa Anita Park belonged to the three-year-old headliners, and I’ll Have Another and Creative Cause delivered a memorable one-two finish in the Santa Anita Derby, but Racing Hall of Famer Smith joined them in the spotlight when he secured career win 4,999 on Lady of Shamrock in the Providencia Stakes (G3) and followed with a victory aboard 2011 champion male sprinter Amazombie in the Potrero Grande Stakes (G2).
Smith rallied Lady of Shamrock from last in a five-horse field and she pulled away late to prevail easily as the 9-to-10 favorite. Smith, 46, reserved Amazombie just behind pacesetter Roman Threat in the Potrero Grande and the 2011 champion sprinter showed his class to carry Smith to the milestone score.
Smith said earning his 5,000th win for trainer Bill Spawr and at Santa Anita Park, where he guided champion Zenyatta to victory in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), made the milestone extra special.
http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2012/04/07/smith-hits-milestone-with-late-graded-stakes-double.aspx
sharon in seattle
WOW! Lady of Shamrock (Mike’s 4999th win) had a mighty kick in the homestretch!! Check out the video of the Providencia Stakes!!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Dawn Conrad–thank you so much for the lovely Easter greeting!
@Debbie G.–glad you had a good time. I would have loved to have been there.
Congrats, Mikey! That is quite an accomplishment.
@Terry Crow–we’ll give you and excused absence till Monday, but don’t take advantage, ok?
I love Shack and am sorry he didn’t win, but I love Jackson Bend too!
Nighty-night, Dumplings.
Keta
Santa Anita Park tweeted
Mike Smith after his 5,000 win aboard Amazombie:
http://youtu.be/0aos5X-heQI
Can you see & hear the Z Dumplings?
Video includes end of race & post-race press conference.
What a great day for Mike!!
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
Thank you Keta! Great video!
sharon in seattle
great video!! Dumplings are there in force!!!!
Darlene Daniels
Big Congratulations Mike Smith. Awesome! Could not have happened to a nicer or more talented jockey.
Terry Crow
Agree. According to the press release, he is the 26th jockey to have achieved this milestone.
Keta
ESPN Video of Potrero Grande Race
Mike Smith’s 5000 Win
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7787355/hall-fame-jockey-mike-smith-reaches-5000-victories
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thanks, Keta!
Marshall (NC broad)
Keta,
Thanks for the video link of Mike and Amazombie! Great race!
Take care! Hugs!
Leslie R.
Congrats to Mike Smith!!! 5,000 wins is quite the accomplishment.
I hope everyone has a lovely Easter!
Hugs,
Leslie
sue and tony
Happy Easter, Queen Z, all of the Z team and the “dumplings” who gather here to share the love of a great mare.
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin- Elated
WHOOOOOPIE!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations to our wonderful Mikie on his 5,000th win. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy……..we love you Mikie.
Thank you Dawn for the lovely Easter greeting, same to you!
Kisses to Mama Z and 12Z from Auntie Sue
Susan from Fl
Congrats on your Mikie’s 5000th win! Happy Easter all! Peace & Happiness!
DebbieG
@Vicki B or any other interested Dumplings – I found the clip of the Johnny Carson show I was talking about earlier with George Gobel and Dean Martin. If you’d like to see it, send me an email at ukdebbo@gmail.com and I’ll forward it to you. (I just sent it to you, Karen and Terry.) I hope everyone has a fabulous Easter!
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
Thank you – that was great! Still LMAO everytime I see this!
Karen Gogue / L♥ve m♥mma and b♥by!
HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!!!!!