Happy Monday!
Check out these new photos from Alys—we think they’re something special! We hope you’re all staying warm through this especially chilly weather. Zenyatta has the folks at Lane’s End watching out for her during the cold winter months, but that doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy frolicking in a blizzard or two!
Enjoy!
-Team Z
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Just found this beautiful photo of Z and Mario from her racing days. Stunning. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/554998354050758622/
Kathy
Dear Judy,
Z looks so regal…Mario is so proud of her!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Wow! She is REALLY big isn’t she? Thanks Judy :-)
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy and Sandy:
What a gorgeous girl! Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Cute photo of Life Is Sweet’s filly and the Red Prince from the Summer of 2013, I think. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.pinterest.com/pin/554998354050758620/
Kathy
Dear Judy,
They’re SO CUTE together!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Didn’t realize that they were both Tapit babies. REALLY cute – I somehow missed this on the blog.
Ingrid Arnone
Oh! Dear Judy, you always find great links!!!!
Thank you.
Big hug Ingrid.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ingrid:
Thank you. Hope you are doing well. Love and Hugs, JB
suew/Va
Judy, this is just “too cute”!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy, Sandy and Suew:
They look so adorable; seems they are both nibbling on the same blades of grass. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
January 31 Cherokee Devotional
Sensible people do not get ruffled easily and are known to be reliable in a crisis. We want these stable people with us as friends and team members when the game is terribly important. We have heard the calm voice and felt the strong hand when our knees wobbled and our hands shook. It is easy to recall those who sustained us with their words, their caring. And sadly, we remember those who did not. Whatever common sense is, the heart has it, not the head. It is having the right priorities, knowing what is important, and giving as much as, or more than, we have received. Indians of old had this stalwart strength to stand like straight arrows to give support. They reached out to lift someone before they stopped to think whether he deserved it. The price is the same now as then-patience, love, loyalty-those things that seem so scarce.
I learned many English words…could recite some of the Ten Commandments…I knew how to sleep in a bed, pray to Jesus, comb my hair, use a toilet…I learned that a person thinks with his head instead of his heart.
Sun Chief 1890
Donna
Hello everyone,
Z in the snow is magical!!!!!!!!
I have to say that Frankel seems to be stamping all his babies with big white blazes and white socks, they look wonderful.
I have not posted for awhile so a big hello to all of you and especially, Max, Sheena and Judy.
I told my mum about St Nick and she was very upset as she was very impressed with him when she saw him run at York with Frankel in the Juddmonte.
Max thanks for Hovis he brightens my Fridays, he is a big girls blouse at times but so adorable.
Best Wishes to all.
Donna
Max
Donna. I’m still upset about Nick. I think of him a great deal. I was hoping for a recovery. He’s a huge loss in many ways, especially as a potential sire. Miss Montjeu too.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Donna:
So good to hear from you. Yes, the loss of St. Nick was very, very sad. Love and Hugs, JB
evy
Br-r-r-r…..but, she looks like she’s enjoying it all.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Good morning, Dumplings–
Apologies if this has been posted before, but I just saw the Budweiser Super Bowl commercial
http://www.petmd.com/news/lifestyle-entertainment/budweisers-puppy-love-super-bowl-commercial-pulls-your-heart-strings-31284?utm_source=freekibble&utm_medium=freekibble&dbb=0
shirleeinindy
Barbara, Muchie posted it on his facebook page and I saw it there. What a delight!
Kathy
Dear Barbara,
This ad is utterly charming. LOVE Budweiser commercials!
Rosemary McCauley
Barbara – I love it! First time I’ve seen that one. The Budweiser Clydesdales commercials are just the best. Even better because it brings attention to adoption.
Ann NC
Thanks, Barbara Wood. Bud commercials can’t be beat.
Terry Crow
True- But, I miss the Bud bowl.
Ann NC
TC, thanks for the reminder. Budway Joe and the Fan Cans! What a creative team!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Barb W.:
Love this. Adorable. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Donna Good to hear from you. Am sooo envious of your Mum seeing both Frankel and St Nick at York! That was a fantastic day. He is certainly stamping his authority on all the foals so far.Hugs Sheena
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy Sad to say common sense seems to have flown out of the window in the UK these days. Are’nt Boo and Buddy’s new pics adorable especially sharing the bath if only you had known they were so near to you!!Great video of Ray and his bruddah’s in the snow It’s very difficult to realise he is blind he just LOVES life!Such sad news about Colonel Meow passing away on Wednesday night, Anne-Marie will explain what happened later. He was very ill in November but no one seemed to find out what was wrong.His minions must have been waiting to greet him by the bridge.RIP. Hugs to you, Kisses for the Puppy Pack.Sheena
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Not much common sense in the US either. Yes, LOVE Boo and Buddy’s OC pics. Something tells me that even if I had known they were close by I wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere near them. I’ll bet there are body guards everywhere! Ray’s joie de vivre is so contagious and a wonderful lesson to us all. I was very sad to read of Colonel Meow”s passing. I’m sure all his minions across the Rainbow Bridge are delighted to have him with them. Indeed, RIP Colonel Meow. Have a good day and a delightful weekend. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max Diolch Yn Calon.Poor Hovis he’d get plenty of sympathy if he lived with me,needless to say we’d have to sort out a few things first,as in I live in a flat ,have no stable,and it’s pouring with rain here too but am sure we could overcome those little problems!! I know a few of those hard-nosed Northern wenches,we southerners are more soft and gentle and I’m sure I could find him a mare with low morals to keep him entertained. Get well soon My Boy! Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. Understand. I’d probably give in too to Hovis even though my people are from way up north of Wales and northern England. I’d like happy in the Hebrides.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
AHAH!!!! And you tried to make me think I was letting Hovis be a wimp :-)
Max
Still think that Hovis needs to take the Big D route to success, but I’d give him some carrot treats anyway. Peppermints too. He’ll have to find the mares on his own.
quarterhossgal
The girls look like they are enjoying themselves.
Budweiser had an interesting contest this summer….a drawing to have your beer delivered by the 8 horse team with 2 drivers and their trusty dog. It was so interesting to see the handlers carefully hitch up each of the horses. We were able to visit with the team, their drivers and watch the excited couple as the team pulled up to their home with a wagon of beer delivered by the beautiful Clydes! That certainly gives them some bragging rights.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Quarterhossgal:
Must have been wonderful to see the Clydesdales up close. Congrats to the winners of the contest. Love and Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
We have an aquatic amusement park out here in San Diego named Sea World. It was, until recently, owned by the Bud people. and a team of Clydesdales was stationed there. They had a paddock where you could visit them and talk to the trainers and the horses would take a turn around the park every hour or so. Unfortunately, it was sold and the horses are no longer there.
Bluegrass Girl
TB Owner & Breeder @OwnerBreeder tweet
Behind the scenes at historic US stallion operation Claiborne Farm, home to sire sensation War Front |
On the Front line
Claiborne Farm has been a byword for excellence in the thoroughbred lexicon for more than a century and its reputation continues through the sought-after War Front
Emma Berry Bloodstock Editor Thursday, January 30, 2014
Despite a marked physical similarity, when the Grade 2 winner War Front followed his sire, the mighty Danzig, to the stallion barn at Claiborne Farm in 2007, it would have been a case of hope over expectation that he would also follow the extraordinary stud career of his father, who had died the previous year.
“One of the reasons dad brought him back to the farm was that he was so much like Danzig,” says 24-year-old Walker Hancock, who is set to become the fourth generation of his family in charge of Claiborne when he takes over the running of the farm from his father Seth in the near future.
http://www.ownerbreeder.co.uk/2014/01/on-the-front-line/
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thank you for this and all the great links and info you post. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Dear BGG, Thanks for posting the lovely article on Claiborne. I have loved the farm since first visiting there even before Secretariat was there. Over the years, I have been honored to touch the likes of him (Secretariat) and Easy Goer!
Marty R / Colorado
I just learned today that this is the official Chinese New Year which is the Year of the Horse.. I was watching one of our local new casters who is in New York reporting for Super Bowl coverage. He and his camera man went to China Town where they are celebrating their new year today. The beginning of 2014 has not been great for thoroughbreds, but maybe that will improve now that it’s really the year of the horse.
I also haven’t been able to find a way to get a list of new foals at Lanes’ End for this year. The website has changed and there isn’t a way to get “Farm News” that I can see. Has anyone had any luck with this?
Hope everyone is staying warm. GO BRONCOS Afterall, it is the year of the horse.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marty:
Good to hear from you. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max Did’nt know you had family in North Wales!!Never meant to insult the Northerners but the women have always been known as a tough breed.I know Scotland has the most beautiful countryside, love the Highlands and Islands.I hope the jumps venues pass their inspections tomorrow after all today’s rains.Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. No relatives in Wales. I meant that they come from farther north of both Wales and England. I took your comments about the tough types to mean the English. We Celts can always get away with that!
Happy for the people that Dave has sent some help to the flood areas. It must be very difficult there. I can see why Hovis is complaining.
Sorry to hear of these bad effects on the race courses. The venue for Annie’s race last weekend looked pretty good. But I’m looking at another snow storm on the horizon. Maybe 15 inches.
Max
Sheena. This is for you and those who may have missed this race. Here is a brilliant display of raw courage, stamina, tactical speed and intelligence by The Fly, who was recovering from a bruised hoof.
With this race, The Fly equalled Istabraq’s 4 wins of the Irish Champion Hurdles and stretched his own world record to 19 grade 1 wins. This son of Montjeu is 10 years old and still improving. And he’s coltish. He never complains. He bites instead. Go Fly!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2F059gVDBxk&feature=youtube_gdata_player
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Thank you for this video of The Fly’s brilliant win. He was so determined. What an exciting finish. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
I knew that if I was patient, this video would eventually be found by Max. Really, really exciting finish by the Fly. Wonder if he was permitted a couple of extra bites to celebrate? :-)
Bluegrass Girl
Kiaran McLaughlin @KPMRacingStable tweet Friday Jan. 31 2014
CAIRO PRINCE’S next race will most likely be the Florida Derby on March 29th
at @GulfstreamPark
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max We Celts get away with a lot!!Remember you said your Dad was Scottish. Yes at long last they’ve had help in Somerset but there’s been more rain and high tides this weekend and the long range weather forecast doesn’t promise much dry weather!Not more snow for you! am not sure where you live but guess it’s in the north or north-east.It’s about the mildest winter we’ve had in years over here maybe 1 or 2 cold days have only worn my thick jacket once,knowing us we’ll most probably have a cold spring again!! Hugs Sheena
sheena.davies(wales)
Am not sure if this will come through but there is a pic of Frankel’s first foal the colt out of Chrysanthemum.Hugs Sheena
www. horseandhound.co.uk/features/famous-sires-first-foals-pics/?pid=3101
sheena.davies(wales)
I thought not!!!it’s on http://www.horseandhound.co.uk Sheena
Max
Sheena. Very interesting photos not only of Frankel, but also of Brigadier Gerard and Shergar, Hovis’ missing daddy. Enjoyed seeing this.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Thank you. He’s a real cutie. It’s too early to tell, but he seems to favor his Dad. Nice slideshow. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Here is the link to the feature on first foals (couldn’t find it on the H&H home page):
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/features/famous-sires-first-foals-pics/?pid=3101
If I’m reading the captions correctly, it seems to include a picture of Frankel’s FIRST born, a colt, and previously not photographed. It’s easy to see why Hovis wants to claim Shergar as his dad – he’s really a hunk!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sandy:
Thanks. Great slideshow. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max The Fly was just superb that day he looked so tiny among the other horses, so much courage and tenacity and Ruby of course! Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. He is an incredible little horse. Mullins thought that he was beaten at the last hurdle, but The Fly fought back like a demon, as the announcer said. Ruby gave all credit for the win to The Fly; however having Ruby as jockey no doubt helped a lot. He’s about the best jump rider now. I wonder if The Fly has bitten him? Mullins also thought that The Fly was sick or was getting a cold, which is why he was scoped before the race. What a horse to run like that after a wretched workout and a sore hoof.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy Goodnight God bless you, Lola Mae, Charlie, Hudson, Little Captain and all the Sweeties. Is’nt Bao-Bao getting cuter by the day!Love and Hugs SheenaX
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Bao Bao’s just adorable. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap and all the Sweeties
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max Ah yes, the missing Daddy!!! Lovely slideshow.Hugs Sheena
sue and tony
Our magical, magestic Zenny now has over 180,000 FB pals and counting! It just pleases us to no end to know so many people from all over the world are captivated by our Queen.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
A friend of mine in England recently moved from London back to his hometown, and sent me this lovely little video of the Dartmoor Ponies.
He wrote: “I thought you might enjoy this. Dartmoor is just outside of Plymouth, where I am now, to the north. It is the source of the river Dart, for which Dartmouth is named where it meets the sea. The ponies are semi feral and live on the moor the whole year. They are rounded up once a year for a health check, and are quite friendly, will come over for treat.
When I was kid we used to drive to the moor at weekends for picnics and to collect berries for pies, watching out for adders which often sleep on the gorse paths in the sun.” He also said his dad, “worked as guard at Dartmoor prison but got pneumonia riding his motorcycle up there in the snow, and went back in the navy.”
The video shows the ponies just roaming, grazing, etc., foals cavorting, while a few people take photos. I wish we had public places this peaceful here in the States.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPQLx0mmBPo
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki B:
Thank you so much for sharing this video. So beautiful and peaceful. Adorable little ones. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks for the beautiful video Vicki. Those babies are just adorable – really like the black one with the little white feet. Nice that peeps are able to view them (and apparently do so without causing distress to the ponies). Nice music too!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
You’re welcome, Sandy & Judy. When I saw and heard it, it just felt like a calming place.
Terry Crow
Wasn’t the Dartmoor marsh a featured place in Hound of the Baskervilles?
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Yes, Terry, “The Baskerville family were descended from Normans who had come with Duke William in 1066…. Apparently Nicholas de Beceurville, the earliest to bear the name, was a son of Balderic the Teuton, and a first cousin of Duke William (William the Conqueror). Conan Doyle was a family friend of the descendants of Thomas Mynors Baskerville.” “…the landscape of Dartmoor was the setting actually used for the story.”
http://www.benybont.co.uk/other/ess-art/hound.htm
http://www.dartmoor.co.uk/about-dartmoor/dartmoor-arts-and-literature/exploring-the-hound-of-the-baskervilles
Max
Yes, and the short story Silver Blaze too. I’ve been to those moors on a car trip through there, 2 Americans and 2 Canadians who did not notice that we sometimes were driving on the right hand side of the road.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
That’s funny, Max, but I’m sure it was easy to forget where you were, with that peaceful countryside to view.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
And here’s a great poem about Dartmoor’s notorious Fox Tor Mires, with pictures, and descriptions:
http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/grim_mire.htm
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mama Z, COZ, Red Prince and Baby Z:
Stay warm and cozy. Sweet Dreams. Love Ya. Hugs, JB
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Am just slowly getting caught up, I finished reading page 3, and Judy I enjoyed your story about bad-boy Charlie. Also dialogues about Hovis, “Viagara”, etc. So much going on in U.K. racing.
I hope to cruise through pages 4-6 later this weekend, and see what catches my fancy.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki B:
There’s always a story with Charlie; he so mischievous. Love and Hugs, JB
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
One of the places that Hollywood Park horses and trainers went to, besides Santa Anita:
http://sdhorserace.com/2013/12/02/san-luis-rey-downs-back-in-the-mix/
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
And some went to Los Alamitos and Fairplex in Pomona:
http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-only-sour-taste-remains-after-horses-depart-hollywood
Donna
I am so pleased to see that Frankel’s FIRST foal was born on Sir Henry Cecil’s birthday.
Is that destiny, I wonder ?????
Donna
sheena.davies(wales)
Last year’s Grand National winner Aurora’s Encore has recovered well from an operation to pin his fractured leg and will return to Sue and Harvey Smith this weekend for a well-earned and happy retirement. Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. He is a nice horse. Reminds me of Kauto’s pal, Nipper. Glad that he came through that procedure okay.
sheena.davies(wales)
Saphir Du Rheu wins the Welsh Champion Hurdle at a grim and stormy Ffos Las very heavy going for the West Wales National. Hugs Sheena
Kathy
February 1 Cherokee Devotional
FEBRUARY Gaga lu’nee Bony or Hungry Month
The whole earth belongs to ASGA YA GALUN LATI, the Great Spirit
Cherokee People
This morning the sun spilled pale gold over the horizon and filled all the space beneath the great oaks. High above, the red-tail hawk, known to the Cherokees as ta wo di, sailed lazily along air currents. Even though spring is still many weeks away, the land is beautiful to see. Now, while the trees are bare, there is a wider view of hills and valleys. The colors are all muted shades of beige and gray and the hills are swathed in blue mist. Even the deer are outfitted by nature to be the same subtle shade of browns and tans to give them protection. A restful moment is a perfect moment. But we have to be open to it, and receptive to anything that gives us peace of mind with no side effects. It can’t happen if our minds are set to be drab and dreary.
The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man’s heart away from nature becomes hard.
Standing Bear