Yesterday was our third day in Kentucky for foal watch 2016. Zenyatta was in the mood for carrots and quality time with Ann, and she had plenty of both!
As promised, we have some fun facts to share about Zenyatta’s current paddock mate. She was not only bred and named by Jerry and Ann Moss, but just like Zenyatta, she was sired by Street Cry. She and Zenyatta have grown quite close in the last few months, and it delights us to see Zenny share her treats with a friend.
We won’t be following this mare, who never raced, on our website but we thought this information was too cute not to share! We look forward to watching Zenyatta and her friend raise their foals together.
Day four of foal watch begins!
Team Z
Bluegrass Girl
PHOTO of ZICONIC in Gate
Patricia @RealOneUB2 tweet Sat. March 26 2016
Ziconic spooked by bird at the gate santa anita park captured by Gary Tasich
https://twitter.com/RealOneUB2/status/713717090155257856
Maryann Lane
So that means Ziconic didn’t win?
Teresa
Ah, no he did not. Finished second to last.
Barbara Wood
That was a great photo. He wasn’t asleep after all, as the announcers said! Thanks, BGG.
Ingrid Arnone
Thank you Blue,
Now I know what was the reason for loosing the race.
Janet Newman
What a great photo. I would be spooked too!
Linda Sain
Well that explains why Mike said he ran backwards when the gate opened!
Linda in NJ
Hi All:
I knew it must have been something. In a way it’s kind of cute.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Isn’t that just amazing? Someone who was at the track posted that several horses had a paddock episode of rearing up at the same point that Ziconic did, and Lo and behold, there was a hose laying there!!!! All of us Hovites know that could have easily been misinterpreted – “snake” anyone?
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sandy:
Could be. One of the horses at the farm, Harley, is spooked by plastic shopping bags. Doesn’t take much. He’s new (a beautiful black and white Paint) who wasn’t at the farm when you visited last year. Love and Hugs, JB
Janie (in L.A.)
I was there and yes, my sister and I saw the hose and realized that was making all the horses antsy and Ziconic reared up. I can’t believe they left a hose there like that! The horses must have thought it was a snake in the grass…
Celeste/ Massachusetts
Thank you so much for posting this. I was a little confused as to why he didn’t come out of the gate. Poor guy!!
Max
This might be a reason, but race horses are used to birds. They are constantly in their stalls looking for food. It is said that Danzig liked to kill them if he could get at them. He was not afraid of birds. I tend to think Mike’s explanation is more likely. It also appears that Ziconic might have been feisty for some reason before the race.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Yes, very well could be. Oh my, Danzig, was a handful!
There are birds all over the barn at the farm. They nest in the rafters and the horses are used to them. ZI, maybe already a little hyper from the crowd noise, flash blubs, etc., was spooked further by the unexpected bird when the gate opened and he instinctively stepped backwards. We have to discount this race and look to the next start and better racing luck. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
If your Danzig saw a bird anywhere near him, he’d go after it. He was a force of nature. I recall a video where they were talking about Danzig as a horse who would push people out of his way like a bull. You would not want to fool around with him. Wonderful sire too. He’s like Big D.
Max
JudyB. As you know, Danzig is the sire of War Front. The interesting thing about Danzig is that he sired some very good looking colts. Danehill was a handsome horse. War Front is also extremely good looking. That came out clearly in the Princess, although having Z as her momma was a huge factor too.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Yes, Danzig has handsome offspring. Danzig was like Big D. Had to be on your toes around those boys.
I agree totally with you. Princess had the beauty of both War Front and Z. Can’t remember ever seeing a foal so young with the poise and mature presence that emanated from her. We’ll never forget her. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
I hear you Max, but you might not be expecting to encounter a bird just as the gate opens. I must have missed Mike’s explanation???
Crystal Harrison
It’s one thing to be used to birds in the barn, in pastures etc, but I don’t think a horse is expecting a bird to be darting right in front of him when his gate opens. It puts Ziconic’s start in a whole new light. When the stewards reviewed his start they were probably unaware if it as well.
Z13Rulz
As much as I’d like there to be an excuse, I’m inclined to go with what Mike said as well.
The going backwards when the gates open is apparently something they thought was schooled out of him but he reverted too yesterday. Hopefully John has some magic in his bag of tricks to sort the matter out.
Crystal Harrison
Did Mike see the bird and know about it when he said that? At the time of the race Mike may not have been aware of it but Ziconic saw it and reacted IMO.
Pamhomeier
I was
Pamhomeier
Okay, I am not in control of this computer! Meant to say on the forum that the photographer was quite a ways from the starting gate and the bird isn’t near as close to Ziconic as it looks. Might not be that much an excuse as thought.
Crystal Harrison
Thanks for that! It puts his start in a whole new light. Poor baby :( Mike did well to keep him going I think….
Sally B. (Auntie cherishes Z and her young)
Geez Bluegrass, now what were the chances. Almost looked like our morning doves here in Wi. I am saddened for Zi but he will prevail!
hugs, Sally B
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sally:
Yes, he will and COZ too. Love and Hugs, JB
Jeanne Johnson
Thank you Ann for being close to Zenny up to her foaling time. You both obviously are very connected and I think she leans on you for support in spite of how strong we think she is… It’s important she maintains that human contact.. Thank you for keeping us informed You have done such a wonderful job with this fabulous mare…not an easy one to handle, but I have a feeling she has become more of cup cake after experiencing all the positive influence that your wonderful team has to offer…We need more owners that have your outlook and connection to their horses; the world would be a better place for sure, especially for these wonderful animals…Sending extreme positive prayers and energy to Zenyatta and team and we are looking forward to meeting this wonderful new foal!
sheena.davies(wales)
Wow!Chromie wins the World Cup easily!Huge congratulations to him and his connections.Also congratulations to Postponed who won the Sheema Classic a Happy 25th birthday to his jockey Andrea Atzeni.Heard it’s a course record by Chromie Hugs Sheena
shirleeinindy
Sheena,
Thanks for the early post. So happy for Chrome. He just looked the part of a champion ever since he has been in Dubai. Wow, is his stud price going up and up! Glad he is going to stand here at home.
Janet Newman
That was a great race!. Did you see how far his saddle slipped back?
Victor felt it and decided to let him go and go he did. There will always be those who do not think much about Chrome, but I feel he proved all he needed to today. I am happy for Art Sherman. I am not in love with his majority owner, but I do love this horse.
Barbara Wood
Me too!
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Me three ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sally B. (Auntie cherishes Z and her young)
Me four!! Love this boy! Want him to come home now.
hugs, Sally B
Marshall (NC Broad)
Can I be Me five? ?
Congratulations to our Chrome on his spectacular win! Also, congrats to Art Sherman and staff, all connections. Any doubts about CC’s class now? I don’t think there can be! He has always been a classy guy IMHO. YAY!!
Hugs and Love
Celeste/ Massachusetts
Well said!
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Janet:
Me too! Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Bravo Chromie.
Bobbie --- Elkhorn WI
Congrats to all California Chrome’s connections. What a race! Pedigree is only part of the equation. Chrome is all heart! Just like Zenyatta!
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.The Moose is parading on the first day of the Aintree meeting in the ROR programme.It was his birthday last Wednesday.I saw Nigel at Cheltenham he’s certainly lost some weight.He was wearing his designer duffle coat today.Do you remember that cartoon by Darren Birdie when Moosie had a blue hoodie on?All the Chromie fans will be celebrating.Postponed looks good for our middle distance races this year.Roger Varian won more in 2 and 1/2 minutes than the whole of 2014!Sheena
Max
All good news. Very happy especially for Roger Varian. He is a gentleman trainer. I well recall his warm praise of Henry Cecil when he died. Varian deserves this.
Yes, I remember the Birdie cartoons. Perhaps chestnut love will be in the air at Aintree for the Moose. Annie however could have her sights only on winning her race.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Has the Moose told Annie he’s moved stables?Sheena
JudyInSouthCarolina
Thanks for the wonderful photos of Zenyatta with HER Mom. I have yet to see a photo of Ann with Zenny that Zenny doesn’t have a completely different “look” about her — one of absolute recognition and one of absolute love.
They are always the photos that I enjoy the most.
Well, Zenny Dear, it’s been a great day so far with Chrome making us proud in Dubai — how ’bout giving us that colt or filly today so we can celebrate more?
And a P.S. to all those Chrome doubters………..guess you will have to find another horse to kick around now! Love.You.Chrome!
Bluegrass Girl
DWC 2016 Race 9 Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline
MeydanRacing Published on Mar 26, 2016 RACE REPLAY
CALIFORNIA CHROME (USA) (Victor Espinoza)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2ihAGhZ9K4&feature=youtu.be
Victor won race with loose girth & sliding saddle
Bluegrass Girl
Picks & Ponderings 26 Mar 2016
California Chrome stalks outside, and draws away to win the Dubai World Cup.
Mubtaahij a stubborn 2nd, Hoppertunity 3rd. 11-4-10-5. — NN
PatB from NM
Hoppy nearly caught Mubby at the end! So proud! Not to mention ecstatic at Chromeo’s slightly off kilter cakewalk!
Max
Magnificent win.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Indeed! Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Makes this win even more incredible. (Didn’t see you posted the replay and I posted it again below). Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Wow, great shot by GT. That explains why ZI backed up. He was startled by this unexpected flying “object”. Better racing luck next time and no “unidentified flying objects”. Love and Hugs, JB
Sally B. (Auntie cherishes Z and her young)
Yahoo! I am so happy for Chromie, my should have been Triple Crown Winner! So happy for him and now perhaps he can come home. I love this beautiful boy.
hugs, Sally B
Barbara Wood
Just saw Chromie’s race on the BH site. I am more in love than ever!
Mega congrats to him and Victor! It was no less than awesome! Hugs to all.
Linda in NJ
Way to go Chrome!!!! It was a very exciting race! So happy for all his connections. He is a fantastic horse. We just love our Chromie.
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny:
Wow! I will be signing on every day to read your news!! Good to see you are getting some fresh air and carrots.
Love you Zenny!!!
Lou in Tx
Absolutely love the pictures of Queen Z and Ann. There is definitely a very special bond between them. So glad she is there with her for the birth of this special foal. Thank you team Z for keeping us updated on Z’s foaling and the special pictures. Means a lot to all of us. Keep checking in several times a day watching for any new news. Prayers for an uneventful foaling. Love you Momma Z.
Linda in NJ
To Alll Zsters!
I hope everyone is enjoying their Easter weekend!!
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Linda and Z Fans:
Happy, Blessed Easter to All. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Wow! What wonderful pictures of Zenny and Ann!!! I had just gotten myself composed again after Chromie’s big win ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ and my eyes dried when I saw this. This is going to be a big weekend for Kleexex ? Sending love to you Zenny. We’re all just pacing, pacing, pacing.
carolinarkansas
PACE….PACE….PACE…
…
YEAH JUNIOR
,,,,
PACE….PACE….PACE..
Celeste/ Massachusetts
Love the new pictures of Ann and Zenyatta! You can see how much they adore each other!!
Her paddock mate is very sweet. She looks like she is ready to have her foal!
Can’t wait for the news!!
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
I have to tell you, I just broke out in tears watching CC win the Dubai World Cup. He was brilliant and so was the ride by VE. CC I loved you from the first time I laid eyes on you. Congratulations Champ and to the Shermans. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.courier-journal.com/story/sports/horses/2016/03/26/video–replay-california-chromes-dubai-world-cup-2016-win/82289662/
Max
JudyB. I remember very well that you were among the first, or maybe even the first Z fan, to notice the potential of Chromie. He has certainly fulfilled your support. It’s just great.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
I just fell in love the first time I saw a photo of him. I’m so happy for him. He’s such a brave Warrior with a huge heart and he’s a gorgeous Chestnut, like your favorite, Danny. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Love those chestnut coats on Chromie, Danny and Ziconic. However I was looking at Zenyatta’s coat in the new photos. That dark bay is very impressive looking. She is strikingly beautiful.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Oh, no doubt about it. Z is stunningly beautiful, as is our COZ and daddy, Bernie. I am partial to Chestnut color coats (Charlie), but I love ’em all. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max and Z Fans:
I just watched CC’s replay again. I was so intent on watching his position in the race as he moved forward that I didn’t notice the saddle slipping. It was almost over his rump by the time the race was over. Unbelievable! What a horse and a great ride by VE. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. I’m surprised that Chromie made it to the wire in record time with that wardrobe malfunction. I read that Victor had to dismount so that Chromie could be resaddled before going to the winner’s circle. Frankly, it’s amazing. The racing gods were sure with Chromie today.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
You are soooo right. Amazing!
ZI could do with some of that “racing gods” luck next time out. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy,
I agree with you,
I feel the same way.
CC and Victor they were so great !!!
Hugs Ingrid.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ingrid:
Yes. Love and Hugs, JB
Sophia Gates
Me too:)
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mrs. M and Z:
The bond you share is just so profound in these photos. Mutual love! It’s great that Z has a “relative” as a paddock mate. She’s a beauty too. Thank you for keeping us informed of Z’s progress. So appreciated. Love and Hugs, JB
Sue in Indiana
Love seeing the bond Ann and Z have. It is amazing. Z is so beautiful.
Faithful Zenyatta Supporter
Thanks Team Z for these sweet photos of our Queen with “mom”. Looking forward to seeing Ann in the stall with her again at foaling time. Don’t forget send me that usual email, ok?
Deb E.
Pace,pace,pace,pace…Day 26.
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
Such beautiful photos of Zenyatta and her “Mom” They share a bond that is beautiful to see. Thank you for these photos…. and let’s hear it for California Chrome and Team Sherman, and Victor and Rudy and his exercise rider and all those connected to Chrome’s incredible race. And as a certified or certifiable Chromie….. Well Done!!! Having watched and been a fan of him since his first start at Del Mar. He is just an amazing, magnificent representative of the very best horse racing has to offer. Chrome, you have my vote. So nice to have this news. Art could run for president. And Alan what a wonderful job you did in Dubai keeping it all together for California Chrome. I saw some remarks that Mr. Martin made about CC’s future, I just hope he “listens to his horse and his horse’s trainers”.
Let’s have a big welcome home at Los Alamitos when he returns from Dubai and his rest at Taylor Made.
Zenyatta- maybe an Easter foal or a birthday present for you? Rest and enjoy your time with Ann
Irene Caty
Dear Zenny, love seeing you and Ann together again. Zen, you are looking so good and I am staying on foal watch waiting anxiously for your new foal to be born. I wish the best for you for one of your usual easy does it delivery. Maybe your foal will be born on Easter, you have that magic to make that happen. Sending you much love and will be staying on foal watch for the exciting event. God Bless You.
Donna H
Such loving and inspiring pictures of Ann and Zenny. What a sweet story about her paddock mate—they’re half-sisters! Glad Ann is there as a comfort for Zenny is the last stages which must have some discomfort with such a heavy load.
Do love that Chrome! What a magnificent athlete he is! I was broken hearted over all he went through in England and am so happy he is back on top where he belongs.
I don’t see how anyone could doubt that the gate opening and a “flying object” is facing you wouldn’t distract you. It is much different than having birds puttering around the barn. He’ll do much better next time. It looked as if Mike wasn’t tuned into the bird because his head was down. We love you, Zi, and have confidence in your ability.
Happy Easter to all!
sheena.davies(wales)
Dearr Judy.Some very sad news about a Scottish highlands osprey I follow called Beatrice.Her body has been found in the basque country.She was 16yrs old and on her way back but the River Adour(her usual stopover)was flooded this year and she most probably starved to death.There is danger even for an experienced bird.RIP Beatrice.
on a lighter note Blue 24 has set up home with Dai Dots again what will his missus Delyth have to say when she returns.I think there’s going to be plenty of drama on the Dyfi this season.My emails won’t be back until Tuesday (holidays!!)Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Frank Hercules Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaXAny news of Jordan?
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
I know your email service is down because I tried twice to email you and my emails are bouncing back. Will wait until next week to try again. Sad news about Beatirce; RIP.
Yes, no doubt Delyth will not be amused with Blue 24 stealing her mate. Dai Dots will have plenty of “splaining to do” too. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
The e-mail address I have for you doesn’t seem to be working for me. I sent a couple of e-cards to you and they bounced back, I sent a regular e-mail and it also bounced back. Do you have a new one? You can send me a message in FB, okay?
Hugs, Kathy
Ingrid Arnone
My adorable Zenyatta I keep praying for you, love you!
To team Z, and Z fans
Happy Happy Easter !!!
Love you all !!!
Big hugs Ingrid.
Allen
The best pictures are of Zenny and Ann. Zenny so Loves her Ann. Praying for a safe and easy delivery. A bird, great picture, that explains the bad start. Congrats to Chrome and his connections.
Tparker
Such a sweet and unbreakable bond between Ann and her beloved Z. Just love Ann and the way she loves her great mare and all her babies. The photo where Ann looks up at Z without her sun glasses on brings me to tears. Best wishes and prayers for a most successful delivery! Wonder if they know what gender yet?
Sally B. (Auntie cherishes Z and her young)
Zenyatta, I love the pictures of you and Ann. I can tell a love and a bond. I am so happy once again Ann is there for your birth. I am envious in a way. ha
I have never seen such a beautiful face as yours Z and now I wish you a speedy delivery, a healthy you and foal!
love you with kisses and all
Auntie Sally B
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:
Z, are we going to have an Easter Baby? Rest dear heart and Sweet Baby Dreams. Happy Dreams All. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
My Dear Z Family:
Happy, Blessed Easter to all of you:
http://spiritofhorsecards.com/preview_card.asp?CDAT=moonlightblank358x457.swf
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Thank you for the Spirit of Horse card — lovely! ?
A very Happy and Blessed Easter to you, too.
Hugs and Love
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
My Dear Marshall:
You’re so welcome. Love and Hugs to You, Bailey and Smudge. JB and LM
Nancy
Thank you for always posting things. And love to see photos of Z’s paddock mate. Wishing both mares the best. Z foal watch con. we love are Queen :)