Zenyatta

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Zenyatta News

Breeders Cup After-Party Is Tomorrow!

Photo by Mike Sekulic

Happy Thursday!

Team Z is excited about tomorrow’s Zenyatta Celebration, and we hope you are too! Here are a few details and important announcements about the event:

• TVG announcer Frank Mirahmadi will be the emcee of the Party.

• Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg will host the Live Auction.

• We will have a Zenyatta Merchandise Tent set up in the Paddock tomorrow, Friday and Saturday, featuring many new Zenyatta merchandise items.

• Acclaimed equine artists Fred Stone (“Born to Greatness”) and Jaime Corum (“Queen’s Dance” and her newest Zenyatta release, “Breeders’ Cup Gold”) will be signing at the tent thoughout both days beginning at 10:00 am.

• Zenyatta jockey Mike Smith, trainer John Shirreffs, and racing manager Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs are also expected to make signing appearances on Friday and Saturday mornings.

Party ticket pick-up:

• Remember, no After-Party tickets were mailed. All are to be picked up on Friday.

• We encourage all Zenyatta After-Party participants to pick up their tickets at the tent beginning 3:00 pm on Friday. This will allow them to avoid the will-call rush at the Frontrunner entrance immediately after the last race.

• After-Party online reservations will close tomorrow, however tickets will remain available at the door, while they last.

See you soon!

Reader Interactions

493 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Per Bloodhorse.com, Mucho Macho Man and his team earned $900,000. Not bad for a few days in the beautiful California weather.

    Thought Animal Kingdom looked beatuiful and ran a heck of a race. If he stays sound, watch out for him next time.

    Of course, none of them can compare with the beautiful, wonderful, once in a lifetime Zenyatta. Sure do miss her on the track.

  2. / Reply

    To All The Z-Peeps:

    To all who are traveling back home after your glorious 2 or 3 days in sunny, warm Cali, have a safe trip home and sorry to say…….”The Party is Over til Next Year”!

    Wishing you all a safe and happy trip home, can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

    Colder weather is a comin’, hugs

    GirlSaratoga

  3. / Reply

    Churchill Downs PR‏ tweet on Sunday Nov. 4th
    Calvin Borel wins Race 3 @ChurchillDowns aboard Gibes. His 4,989th win. Needs 11 more to join elite 5,000-win club.

  4. / Reply

    QUESTING FINE NOW
    04 November 2012 Bill Selwyn/www.godolphin.com
    Questing was fine the day after being pulled up in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic at Santa Anita on Friday, November 2.
    “Her left eye closed up overnight but was good this morning. Something scared her which is why she was hesitant and lost ground.”
    Kiaran McLaughlin, her trainer, added: “She came out with a real swollen eye. We don’t know how and when it happened.
    “But she is fine and we are sending her to Kentucky to have a break and a thorough going over.”
    http://www.godolphin.com/NewsArticle.aspx?id=7110

  5. / Reply

    Justin Zayat‏ tweet
    Mining My Own mare of Dullahan and Mine That Bird has been booked to Bodemeister!
    That can be some horse

    • / Reply

      Thanks Keta for the update and video on Paynter.
      I cannot help but wonder what the BC Classic
      might have been had this wonderful boy
      not gotten sick.

      Hope your daughter is doing well and her life
      is getting back to normal after being in the path
      of the hurricane.

      Best WishesYour Way!
      Janet

      • / Reply

        Janet,
        Thank you!
        Grateful the electricity is on, concerned about getting gas.
        Things are getting better there-slowly.
        Hugs,
        Keta

    • / Reply

      Keta

      Thank You so much. Paynter is just a beautiful sight to see. Looks like he’s feeling really good. Just a miracle.

    • / Reply

      Thank you for sharing this, Max. I was wondering to myself this morning if any of the horses had any bleeding problems from not having Lasix. Don’t know what to think about it. Marty R.

    • / Reply

      Yes, Thank you for sharing Max. I was worried about this. You just want to see them bleed. It just doesn’t feel right.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max, Peggy N., Sign, Carol, Marty and Z Fans:

      Here is an article from Wiki on the stress of racing causing bleeding in Thoroughbreds. If safe, proper amounts of Lasix can be used to help them, then I think it’s a good thing. It seems at times the fact that a horse has bled is not outwardly apparent. Only revealed when they’re scoped. But, unfortunately, the stress of racing and air borne irritants can cause bleeding in many TB’s and impairs their breathing.

      If Lasix can prevent this horrible experience for them, then I’m all for it. Other drugs, however, illegal or in illegal doses that mask pain and have unsound horses racing at risk of life and limb, definitely shouldn’t be allowed and do not promote the welfare of the horse. Hugs, JB

  8. / Reply

    i just dont know what to think about the lasix issue….three 2yr olds bled yesterday…would not have with lasix…but does that mean all should have it…
    waiting to see if horse will bleed before allowing it to use lasix wont work either…
    damage already done…..reports say that some never recover from the bleeding…
    like closing barn door after horse has escaped…it is a quandry…what do ya’ll think?
    …practicing my “ya’ll”s again

    • / Reply

      Dear Z fans,

      Lasix is a harmless drug and should be used as necessary to prevent bleeding.
      Those horses who lose too much weight and become dehydrated, their trainers
      are responsible for evaluating these issues and using or not using the drug.

      Not using a harmless drug is very very very harmful in racehorses and who ever
      started the debate is VERY UNEDUCATED in the medical reasons for the drug.
      This is not a petition or passionate issue, it is a fact, Lasix is harmless and there is going to be far more bleeding as the US TB breed has been sensitized to using it.

      • / Reply

        If this drug can prevent bleeding in a horse and the consequent strain on the system, it should be available. Casse seems to know what he is talking about after more than 30 years of experience with race horses. I hope that Little Zenyatta does not suffer any long term detrimental effects from this bleeding. Very worrying for her and the others in a similar situation.

        • This issue is very disturbing. I think I heard during the BC broadcast this weekend that Lasix can cover up or mask other illegal drugs. Please excuse my rough language, but that sucks. Has any company tried to develop something that will only prevent the bleeding and do nothing else, or is that over simplifying things? What is the advantage in using banned drugs, anyway? Ask Lance Armstrong how that works out.

          And in this instance who suffers? The horses… who can’t decide for themselves and who can’t say if they are bleeders or not. I wonder if this shows up in their morning workouts.

          Sorry to go on and on, but this is upsetting. No wonder some of the trainers are so irate about it. Marty R.

        • Max & Marty, I agree with your concerns, but I also have read those who say that horses should be bred so that they don’t need Lasix, that using Lasix is just covering the real problem. So I don’t know what to think about it. And if they don’t use Lasix in Europe, why is that? Wouldn’t they have the same problem?

        • European horses do not race on dirt. Dirt is very physically demanding on a horse in relation to stress on the respiratory system. This is the main reason for the use of lasix on horses who need it. Just one episode of bleeding in a horse can be serious enough to end a racing career.

    • / Reply

      Interesting Kathy R,

      We use them to clean up wounds in humans as well, in a controlled environment, they like infection and debris, YUCK !!!

  12. / Reply

    Oops: didn’t mean to double up on the maggots (although it may be a good thing for Zabeel) – must be twitchiness with the Melbourne Cup approaching. Apologies people. Cheers.

  13. / Reply

    dear sign it’ a pity frankel could’nt have come over to the breeders cup would love to have seen him take on wise dan now that would have been a race the steeplechase season is in full swing over here now 1st big meeting in cheltenham this weekend horses and jockeys are so tough 30 fences in the grand national hope life is improving for allthose involved in sandy last week there was snow in the south west of england today took everyone by surprise it’s been bitterly cold in wales and wet as usual!! am sure Z and kauto would have got on well! hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      There was an international person (forgot his name) that had on a Frankel tie.
      It is a pity that Frankel did not come to the BC, it may have been more evenly
      matched for him. That would have been so great to see Frankel and Wise Dan.
      Can hardley believe we have such a competitive horse on the Turf with the EURO,
      usually does not happen for us. Also, more competitive entrants hopefully in the
      Dubai World Cup, unusual also for us since it is now on the tapeta. Wise Dan, Royal
      Delta, Animal Kingdom and Mucho Macho Man are hopefully going. Last year the US was not competitive. Royal Delta got a bad trip and Game on Dude did not break well or maybe did not like the surface, he is kind of a finicky, maybe even quirky guy.

      Safe racing for all the Chasers in 2012, wow did not realize their are 30 fences in
      the Grand National, that is UNBELIEVABLE. How many miles long is it ?

      From what I am reading, recovery is progressing with Sandy victims, at least
      the governors, and the president acted quickly. Of course it is a election year so
      I am sure that had a great big influence on our Presidents responsiveness. He is
      up for reelection.

      • / Reply

        PS: Sorry for the cold weather, I know you are used to it but the frigid rain
        sure makes it sooo much colder, it does penetrate deep into your bones.
        I lived up North in Ohio, with the wind, we had a huge wind chill factor that
        often made the temperature drop 20 degrees below what it acutally was.

        And many layers had to be worn to keep at least partially warm when outside.

        Hope it does not snow too much or stay on the ground but for only a few
        hourse.

        • Sign,
          Those were the days in Cleveland-lake effect wind & snow.
          Don’t miss snow or ice or 0 temps or shoveling out the car..
          It is okay to occasionally visit–not okay to live in it.
          Phoenix cold is not Cleveland cold.
          Hugs,
          Keta

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta,

        You live in Cleveland ?? !!! A great place to live for awhile. Used to go to professional football games with my Dad and wear battery operated heated socks.

        Thought you live in KY? you live in Arizona ? Great place, went to Phoenix
        to speak and love those misters on the street. Really do keep things cool, but
        could lead to a “bad hair” day.

        • Sign,
          Bob was born in Akron, went to Kent State, had his first radio job in Akron.
          i am a Kentuckian by birth. Growing up also lived in New Orleans, Detroit and then Akron where Bob & I met. (married in KY at grandparents’ church)
          He got his first ‘big’ radio job in Cleveland. From there we went to Philadelphia, Chicago, and then New York City.
          So, I have lived in lots of different places.
          Also, did a lot of traveling during my corporate career–over 100,000 miles a couple of years.
          It can get confusing
          Keta

        • Wow Keta,
          You really have traveled and enjoyed so many things.
          Funny my Ex was a writer, newspaper guy. Thought about going
          To Kent State, my best high school friend went there. I went to
          Ohio State, better school and hospital on campus rather than having to
          Travel to Cleveland from Kent for clinicals.

          So you are in KY now right? How is your daughter and her horses??

        • Sign,
          Still living in Phoenix where I have been for about 10 years.
          Love the weather except when it is 110 or better in summer.

          Daughter has electricity after 5 days of being out.
          She was at the stable two days after storm hit.
          They have people on site who take care of feed & horse care.
          The barn/stable had lost electricty
          But, all in all things okay.
          The biggest problem for her right now is getting gas for her SUV.
          Hopefully, stations will get gas & electricity & be able to open.
          Keta

  14. / Reply

    Everyone,

    Please say a prayer for Havre De Grace. Goes for sale Nov. 5, 2012. 5pm Fasig Tipton.
    Hip # 76
    I’m praying very hard for you Dear Girl.

    Shout Outs again to some wish so hard you could buy her. Know there are others but this is especially to you

    Sheik Mohammed
    Michael Ivarone
    Dr Mark Dodomenico
    Ben Leon
    Sheik Hamdon

    If I spelled any names wrong I am so sorry, Just have heard some of you buy Broodmares. Respect you all very much.

    • / Reply

      Peggy
      Ben Leon is not going to the sales this year.
      He was the most logical for me. I pray she stays here, but
      I think she is destined to leave whether in Japan or Europe.

      Hugs
      Janet

      • / Reply

        Dear Peggy and Janet,

        Yes, I posted the Bloodhorse article a week or so ago that was done
        on Mr. Leon as he is NOT going to be at the sale. I think Royal Delta
        is the broodmare he wanted and paid a fortune for her and he is
        not in the market for another very expensive one.

        TOO BAD !!! AND VERY SAD !!!

      • / Reply

        I know, I’ve been afraid all along that she’ll leave us. Have to hope for something good. It’s so sad because when they leave they very seldom come back.

        • Dear Peggy N,
          Maybe there will be someone from the US that will buy her.
          I think that if there were, she would have been sold privately.
          I think her owner, Rick Porter, wants a lot of $$$$ for her.

    • / Reply

      Janet, I’m with you keeping HDG here in the states. Wasn’t she HOY? Can’t understand why her owners are ditching her when they should be protecting and taking care of her like the Mosses’ are doing with Z. Would be such a shame to see such a great mare shipped overseas.

      • / Reply

        Dear AJ,

        It is sad. Her owner was very direct in that he does not have any breeding stock
        so that is why he is selling her. He only purchases racing stock and then sells
        them. Breeding takes a lot of money and he does not have it. Wish Larry Jones
        could buy her, but I am sure he does not have $10 million.

        She is one of our American Treasures, just like I’ll Have Another.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N.:

      Thanks for this info on Speightstown. Didn’t know he had surgery. Hope he does well and recovers well. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Hi Judy, He did have surgery. I believe it was Saturday. They said he is doing real good and they should send him back to the farm soon. They said that he should be back for the 20l3 breeding season.

  17. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,

    Bob Baffert on his three horses, Power Broker, Game On Dude and Executive Privilege
    and great comments about Wise Dan.

    Basically, GOD was done if he does not get on the lead. He is one dimensional and if he not on the lead he “throws in the towel”.

    Need a different type of ride for Power Broker.

    Will regroup for next year !!!

    http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74230/baffert-philosophic-after-rough-breeders-cup

  19. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,

    Millie Ball HRTV commentator, ex-jockey in UK, and exercise rider in US,
    talked to Freddy Head about Goldikova. He saw her two weeks before coming
    here, “she has a very round belly and is enjoying motherhood immensely, she is
    due with a Galileo foal, in February.

    What will the Wirtheimers (sp?) do with that baby, hopefully keep him or her and
    give him or her to Freddy Head. What an awesome power couple, Goldikova
    and Galileo. Wish he would come to the US for a short season, guess we will have to
    settle for his sons and daughters.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign:

      Thanks for sharing this info on Goldi. So happy to know she is doing well. Hugs, JB

  20. / Reply

    Dear Z fans and Kathy R,

    Thought you would enjoy this video of Dunaden’s trainer and Christoph LaMier (sp?)
    after their win with Flotilla, BC Filly and Mare Turf. He was off to Australia after the win
    for the Melbourn cup. Millie Ball said she would like to be an International trainer,
    Adian O Brian was off to Barbados.

    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0ajkhVRABMw

  21. / Reply

    Dear Z fans,

    This is the video of Richard Mandella and the owner of Beholder, winner to
    Juvenile Fillies Breeders Cup. This is a very funny video, especially when the owner
    says, Bob Baffert is very competative, but he is not running in the race. His filly
    Executive Privilege was expected to win. Also comments from Richard Mandella,
    in relationship to 7 BC wins over D Wayne Lucas 19 BC wins, very funny, too.
    Richard Mandella has a great dry sense of humor.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2cjrJDj4IQ&feature=relmfu

      • / Reply

        I guess the experience being there gives one a lot of fun and atmosphere, but
        Hard to see everything from the ground. It sue would be fun to party and watch videos later, though !!!

  25. / Reply

    Shanghai Bobby energetic; Awesome Feather in good shape
    Trainer Todd Pletcher left for his return trip to the East Coast early Sunday morning. Assistant trainer Mike McCarthy said that all of the Pletcher horses were fine after participating in the Breeders’ Cup.
    The leader of the Pletcher contingent is Shanghai Bobby, who completed an unbeaten season with a victory by a head over He’s Had Enough in the Juvenile.
    “Shanghai Bobby looks fantastic,” McCarthy said. “He ate up last night and was full of energy here this morning.”
    Saturday morning, Brown said that Awesome Feather was fine following Friday’s Ladies’ Classic in good shape. The four-year-old filly owned by Stronach Stables suffered her first career loss after putting up a 10-0 record. A tendon injury limited her starts the past two years.
    “She appeared to come out of the race in good shape,” he said. “Looking at the race again, and talking with the jockey (Jeffrey Sanchez), we just don’t feel that she handled the track at all. Not taking anything away from the winner (Royal Delta); she was fabulous. Even if we handled the track, it’s hard to imagine anyone beating Royal Delta the way she ran.
    “As far as our filly goes, it just wasn’t her day. Right from the start, she never looked engaged in the bridle at all. I’ve never, ever seen that side of her. I just have to believe that she didn’t handle the track. I’ll draw a line through it and talk to Mr. (Frank) Stronach about what they want to do regarding next year. There’s been no plans.”
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/74224/shanghai-bobby-energetic-awesome-feather-in-good-shape#ixzz2BJE61x1o

  27. / Reply

    Breeders’ Cup‏ tweet
    Mike Smith wins Bill Shoemaker award as Most Outstanding Breeders’ Cup Jockey!!! Congrats Mike! #BC12

  28. / Reply

    Visited the stallions at Lanes End today. Asked one of the Lanes End folks how Zenny was and they said she was great. I asked them where she was on the farm and they pointed in the direction. I believe that is the closest anyone will ever get to her now. From talking to that person, I don’t believe she will ever be available to us fans. Too much liability and logistical problems for this to happen. At least for one hour today she and I were on the same farm. That was cool! All the stallions looked good. City Zip is having some hoof problems. English Channel was so cute and responsive to me. Of course, Curlin was beaufitul as always. AP Indy was regal just standing in his stall. Lots of good-looking horse flesh and so nice of Lanes End to have a fan appreciation day. Beaufitul day here in KY also.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kim,

      Thanks for sharing your visit to Lanes End with us. Definitely, as the DVD said,
      she is now in the most important phase of her life to create her own family and
      contribute to the TB gene pool. Also remember that she had a 24 hour watch
      over her at Barn 55 and it would definatley be harder to do that at Lane End.

      She also needs to be quiet and stress free and enjoy life. Wonder who won
      the trip to visit her and how much they $$$$.

      We won’t be seeing 12 Z either until he is on the track. He is being kept in
      “training”, would love to know more about his personality. He is such a cute guy.

      • / Reply

        At the party, someone said it was $6700+ to go see Zenny. I thought it would be more like $10k, as someone else did last year, I think.

        • Wow, Vickie B.
          Don’t have that kind of money.
          Hope the winner has a great time, I am afraid I would
          Have to hop on, HaHa !!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Kim:

      How great that you got to visit Lane’s End and some of their wonderful stallions. Think you’re right about visits with Z, but you were very close to her. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Kim; Isn’t Lanes End just awesome. I am so happy Zenyatta is there. Yes, I do not think we will get to see our love Z. Perhaps I should disguise myself as a tree; a short one!! I think A.P. Indy is just a beautiful handsome sweet horse. I was lucky to see him there to upon our visit. Thank you for sharing!!!
      Sally B.

  29. / Reply

    Santa Anita Park‏ tweet
    And Mike Smith ends the Autumn meet with Christopher Street!!!!
    Congratulations to another wonderful meet at The Great Race Place

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