Zenyatta

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Zenyatta News

Friday Photos… and a Celebration!

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End Farm
Recently weaned 17Z, second from left, with her paddock mates. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End Farm

Today’s photos of Zenyatta and her filly come with a special treat — the 2017 Zenyatta Celebration has begun!

Visit the Zenyatta Celebration website for auctions, an invitation to meet Zenyatta, and more.

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End Farm
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End Farm

Reader Interactions

231 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Z17 is so beautiful. Looks like she knows who she is too.
    Talisman is by M’dOro and out of a Machiavellian mare. Similar breeding to Z17.
    Wow, Gun Runner!

  2. / Reply

    WOW! What a Breeders Cup! My hats off to all the contenders and to the champion Gunrunner! Happy retirement Arrogate. I love you and you made us all so proud. God bless all of you, your trainers, owners, and all connections.

    Zenny, there will never be another BC as exciting as your 2009 and 2010 runs. You are still the Queen of excitement my love.

  4. / Reply

    Del Mar, Sunday, November 5, 5 am

    Biscuits: I don’t believe it. What are you doing out on the track at 5 am?
    Gun: I’m training solo for my next race. Back at you. What are you doing?
    Biscuits: Talking to fillies before they leave. Some of them might want to order my beauty products. I missed Forever. She left already.
    Gun: Send her a text. I heard that she might be going to the Pegasus. I may be heading there myself.
    Biscuits: Gun, I have to tell you that you were just super in the Classic. It was terrific. I’m impressed.
    Gun: Yes, I did it. But I’m only getting started. A chestnut is only as good as his or her next race.
    Biscuits: Here’s hoping that I get to race too. Not happy with my 3rd in the Sprint.
    Gun: Relax, Biscuits. It sure beats being 5th. Just head back to Belmont. Grow out the old cashmere, and we can meet in Florida for part of the winter before the Pegasus. Maybe we can fly to Dubai again?
    Biscuits: We’re not done then? The chestnut club is not finished?
    Gun: Never. Neigh x 10.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max,

      Great to hear from you at last. We have missed you and are so pleased to hear from Gun and Biscuits, too! Love those chestnut conversations. Hope all is well with you.

      Hugs and Cheers

    • / Reply

      Thank you, Max. Love this.
      Congrats to Gun Runner!!!! Those workouts paid off….BIG TIME!!!!
      Hey Biscuits- send some products to Steve…tame those wild man locks.

      Love to all.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      So good to have a call ffom Gun and Biscuits. The Chestnut Club members are very loyal and look out for each other. Gun is the reigning Chestnut King!

      Glad you’re back. Missed you. Zlove and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Max,
      What fun. Gunny looked stunning in the winner’s circle thanks to Biscuits’ mane products. Keep up the calls.

  6. / Reply

    Good news about Coneygree Mark took him for a walk around the village this morning he was pulling his arms out and he will be sidelined for days rather than weeks.Cue Card trotted up this morning and it is full steam ahead for the Betfair chase.
    Wishing Daniel Bennett aka CNSM a very Happy Birthday.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      So glad to hear that both Coneygree and Cue are doing fine. Goodnight. Prayers for Hovis. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties

  7. / Reply

    Marshall- you took the words right out of my mouth. Talismanic is gorgeous. Loved watching that big white blaze coming down the track. He reminded me of a Clydesdale at first. Maybe he left his Halloween costume on? Anyway, what a looker and runner. Congrats to him.

    Congrats to all winners at the BC. Hope all horses are well and on the mend.
    Love you Zenny and baby girl!

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann:

      I thought the very same thing when I first saw Talisman; markings very like the gorgeous Clydesdales. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann,

      LOL! Talismanic does bring Clydesdales to mind. I, too, loved seeing that broad blaze steaming down the stretch — and those stockings! I think Hovis would be a Talismanic fan, too! :-)

      Hugs and Love

  8. / Reply

    I Love the new pictures! Can never have too much Zenyatta, such a special horse. I am so excited for Z17. She has a spark inside of her and from her pictures you can see her intelligence and beauty. What fun she is having with her herd and she has what seems to be a best friend.

    I am picturing myself getting Zenyatta! Lane’s End is such a beautiful farm.

    As always loved the update from Biscuits and Gun.

    What a BC. Congratulations to all the winners and their connections. Gun Runner was spectacular.

    My heart goes out to Lady Eli who had a rough trip. I saw the picture of her back leg, and she lost a shoe in the mess as well. She had such a big heart and always gives her best. May she have a happy life and healthy babies.

  10. / Reply

    Blood Horse News Alert -Sunday Nov. 5 2017
    Lady Eli Withdrawn from Keeneland November Sale
    Lady Eli, who sustained cuts in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1T)
    Nov. 4 at Del Mar, was withdrawn from the Keeneland November breeding stock sale Nov. 5.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Praying for Lady E’s total healing without complications. She’s been through so much and fought so hard to survive. Brave, beautiful girl. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy and BGG,

        Amen! Add my prayers for Lady Eli’s complete healing without problems.

        Hugs and Love

  11. / Reply

    Dear Max, So happy to hear from you. What a nice Sunday you made for us. So happy to hear from Gun And Bisquits. Just love these two boys.Gun Runnner, Oh My Gosh you did fantastic and Bisquits you did great too. I am proud of that 3ld Place.
    Dear Judy and Marshall, I know you two know I am just over the moon. Gun Runner and especially my girl, Forever Unbridled so prould of her. Just knew she could do it. Wow know you sure made your whole team proud. Oh and mom, dad and sister. What a family. Hey “Forever” we need to know what Mr. Fipke whispered in your ear. Know he does love you dearly.
    The thoughts of you Gun and Bisquits meeting in Florida in January is just terrific. I have been upset lately. Worrying about a horse in Florida lately. You guys did put a smile on my face this weekend. I have just got to keep telling myself that “God’s Got This” about Johnny in Florida. But, I know I have to help think of something to help him, because I see what’s happening and its not good. He’s a beauty. We gotta help the not as famous horses too.
    One last thought, I did meet a new horse this weekend that won, and his connections sure seem to be pointing him to the 18 Kentucky Derby. He is a Wow. Mendelssohn, Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Turf Winner. Love him already. I think they said he will be going back to New Market if I heard right. Stay Safe Beautiful Boy. Hope to see you at the Derby. Lot’s O Love.

  13. / Reply

    Dear Peggy:

    I join you in hoping all the mares, weanlings and all for sale find loving, caring homes. Love and Hugs. JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      This is just horrendous. I hope this Congress acts to ban machine guns from public sale. Would be a first step.

      My heart goes out to these innocent victims and their families. The pastor’s young daughter among the fatalities. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy and Sheena,

        Another awful slaughter. I hope the “powers that be” will take a stand to get these WMDs off the market, too, but I am not holding my breath. This comes from an optimist — optimism these days gets harder and harder to maintain. RIP, innocents.

        Hugs and Love

  15. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:

    Have a pleasant evening and Happy Dreams Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.

  16. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Blue Planet II is such a fantastic programme.Hope you get to see it in the US.Plenty of fireworks about for Guy Fawkes day.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

  17. / Reply

    What an interesting Breeders Cup weekend this was. With the favorites not winning, we were exposed to some new faces and their back stories of the horses who won.

    Even though I am one of Mike’s biggest fans, I am so happy that Gun Runner won the Classic-he deserved it. He has been so consistent all year and is a true champion.

    Congratulations to Biscuits on your third in the Sprint and to all of the winners of the other races. Two of the horses that I really like after watching them yesterday are Caledonia Road and Ben H.

    My biggest disappointment was for Lady Eli and I am praying that she recovers quickly from her injury. She has been through so much in her life that she deserves an uneventful retirement. By being pulled from the sale, she is in the best of hands with the team who cares for her so much and brought her through the laminitis.

    The Fasig-Tipton November sale is on Monday Nov. 6 and Songbird is hip# 120. I pray that she stays in the US. Tepin is also in this sale (hip #130) as is Pressurizing (hip #109), one of Zenny’s half sisters. Her sire is Henry the Navigator & she is in foal to Speightstown.

    Thank you Ali & Ann for all the new pictures. Both Zenny and her filly look great. Even though I will always miss Z Princess, I love Z17-she has so much class!

  19. / Reply

    I didn’t like the tv coverage on nbcs. There was no sense of the crowd cheering. I guess I will always measure the BC by Zenyatta at Santa Anita. I get the same chills every time I see the race and hear the crowd. Will miss Tepin, Songbird, Arrogate and Lady Eli. Such tragic news. I know I live in Deep East Texas but the loss of more innocent victims, especially the children, to gun violence is out of control. As long as folks care more about owning their personal arsenal then the lives of children these things will continue to happen. Forgive me for delving into such a hot topic but it shocked me to learn that so many people actually attend church armed. I hope you are all well and seeing Zenny is a wonderful way to start the week.

  20. / Reply

    Can someone post a picture of Lady Eli’s legs; it’s on Tweeter, but I don’t know how to do it. When I saw it, it took my breath away, and tears came to my eyes. I don’t know how she finished the race, and her shoe was ripped off too. What a wonderful Courageous mare she is! I pray she doesn’t get laminitis again. Isn’t that something they are going to have to watch, with the extra weight being a brood mare?

  21. / Reply

    Remembering exciting chaser Vautour who died in a tragic paddock accident on this day last year.Trained by Willie Mullins he was an utter joy to watch a Cheltenham.Taken far too soon.Sleep tight cariad
    Also thinking of our beloved Red Cadeaux who broke down in the Melbourne cup in 2015 and died because of his injuries on November 21st,Safe trip to all horses and jockeys tomorrow.
    Surprised to hear Highland Reel’s stud fee is only€17,500 Churchill’s fee is€35,000

  22. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Lovely photos of Chrome on Haras Sumaya twitter he looks in superb condition.They say Mullin’s horse Thomas Hobson has a good chance tomorrow.I looked back at Makybe Diva’s Melbourne cup wins today a great tribute posted.I had forgotten she won the Cox’s plate only 10 days before her 3rd cup win.A legend.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

  23. / Reply

    Three horses on a plane on their way to Kentucky

    Biscuits: Well, here we are together again on a plane. Bound first for Kentucky, but I’m going on to New York.
    Arro: Are we there yet?
    Gun: Arro, we just took off. It’s going to be hours. This is a big country.
    Arro: Oh right. When are they serving lunch?
    Biscuits: Arro, you can have some of my home style biscuits. I always bring my own for emergencies. This is just like old times on the way back from Dubai.
    Gun: Those were the glory days and these ones are not bad either. What’s on the agenda now for you, Arro.
    Arro: I’m going to Juddmonte for a rest and then I’m meeting the fillies in the new year. It’s my new career. Any plans, Biscuits?
    Biscuits: I’ve got my businesses to run out of NY. Lots of products to sell. I’ll give you my website and cell for orders. I’ve got some special items for grays. The mares will love a new look. No idea about racing. But I could be going back to Dubai.
    Gun: I’m staying in training. I missed the Pegasus last year, and I may go there.
    Arro: I hear that your dad may have his stud fees raised on account of your racing success this year.
    Gun: For sure. He’s living at Lane’s End. You know who stays there too. Biscuits and I have tried for months to talk Ziconic into an intro with The Queen, but no luck yet. I’ll keep trying. Meeting Zenyatta may be more wonderful than winning the Classic. That’s what I think.
    Biscuits: You got that right.
    Arro: Yes! Keep dreaming big, you guys. It’s always the only way to go. Are we there yet?
    Gun: Neigh x 10!

    • / Reply

      Dear Max,

      Three horses on a plane — sounds like a movie or a joke set-up! You have done it again, Max. Too funny! Thanks so much for the smiles. Love these guys.
      Ah, Queen Z has admirers everywhere. Wonder if they have posters of her in their stalls?
      A stallion can dream, can’t he? Maybe one day . . .?

      Hugs

    • / Reply

      Max,
      Love it! What fun. Perhaps somewhere down the line Gunny will get and intro to The Queen. Good luck to all of them.

      • / Reply

        Dear Sheena and Donna Z,

        I agree! Happy days for Songbird — best wishes for a long, happy and healthy life, dear girl. Lots of love, too!

        Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      So relieved that Songbird is staying at home in Kentucky. Hopefully, Whisper Hill will give us news and photos of her. Does anyone know who she is going to be bred to?

      Blessings for Mandy.

      Now if we can just keep Stellar Wind at home.

    • / Reply

      Great news for sure about Songbird! Guess it’s not too surprising that Tepin is headed to Ireland. Hope she enjoys the green, green grass and the Coolmore boys!

  25. / Reply

    That Classic was another race for the ages !! Gun Runner is one of the bravest horses I have ever seen–always shows up and gives his all !! I was sobbing and saying “good boy” all the way around, fearing, like his owner, that he was going too fast and would have nothing left at the end. When he pulled away in the stretch, I thought my heart would burst !! Just loved seeing Steve’s reaction–they must have all celebrated all night long on Saturday–SO happy for all of Gunny’s connections. Was so happy to get to see him close up on the rail of the paddock at the Stephen Foster. We went down several races early to be on the rail. I could have almost reached out and touched him!! What a beautiful boy he is–and I love his little white spot !! Have have always wanted to rub it and give it a kiss !!

    Such exciting races both days–got a real kick out of Del Mar’s own {Peter Miller each time he one. There were so many interesting back stories on the horses this year. So sorry I couldn’t be there this time, but loved watching it all at home—and–scaring all of my cats with my screaming and sobbing !! So sorry about Lady Eli’s injury–rave girl to put in the effort she did.

    Max–I was looking forward all weekend to your “Gunny and Biscuits” post—I just LOVE them !!Was very happy that Biscuits placed.

    LOVE all the new photos !! Can’t believe how dark “our” little girl is getting. She is so adorable and seems to know all about the camera already–her mama teaches them early !!

    Boss Mare Sue and I entered a fun horse show held at our barn early last month. We entered the ground pole class. Lots of horses had trailered in and is had a Halloween theme–and lots of the flashy and voluminous costumes on both horses and riders had our two up “on their toes”.

    There was so much chaos, Boss Mare Sue decided not to ride, but walk her over the course as a schooling exercise. Both of us wore our fancy riding habits, rather than costumes–though, I joked with the trainers that mine WAS a costume, since I was masquerading as a good rider !! I rode into the ring, headed over to salute the judge, as I had been instructed to do. About half way there, I felt Barnaby start to panic because he was too far away from Traveller. Having had him throw a “hissy fit” before in that arena, I decided that “discretion was the better part of valor” I said “this is not going to work” and got off and schooled him over the course on foot. When Sue went into the ring to walk the course, we watched from the gate. The farther she and Traveller got into the arena, the more upset Barnaby got and he started whinnying at her to come back. By the time she finished the course, he had done a sort of “half rear” three times !! After we turned them out in the grass to munch for awhile and went back to watch some more of the show, they were letting some of the kids do the course in tandem ! So-o-o– the trainer who runs the shows is going to let us do THAT in the next show–in the spring !! The whole thing was pretty funny–they are just SO bonded that they cannot STAND to be separated!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Noel,

      Great to see a post from you! Yes, it was a very exciting Classic, and I am so happy for Gun Runner and his connections, too. I love seeing the genuine elation of the winners, like Steve A. and Peter Miller. Cheers for Biscuits, also!

      Enjoyed reading about your horse show. Sounds like it was fun. It is so sweet that Barnaby and Traveller are so close — Barnaby is so devoted. All four of you have the next show to look forward to in spring. Wonderful that you will be able to work in tandem.

      Hugs and Love

  26. / Reply

    Huge congratulations to Joesph O’Brien as he comes the youngest trainer to win the Melbourne cup with Rekindling at the age of 24 beating none other than his famous dad Aidan.Aidan was even more delighted than if he had won.It’s said he could become a greater trainer than his famous father.A proud day for the Irish.

    • / Reply

      Greg Carpenter‏ @RVCarps ‎07-‎Nov-‎17
      Rekindling becomes the first Northern Hemisphere 3yo to win the Melbourne Cup since Comedy King in 1910 & youngest winner since Skipton 1941

      Joseph O’Brien
      At The Races‏ tweet ‎07-‎Nov-‎17
      Ridden 30 Group 1 winners.
      Won 10 Classics as a jockey.
      Melbourne Cup winning trainer.
      He’s 24 years old…

      • / Reply

        Tom Hall‏ @lordatwar ‎07-‎Nov-‎17
        In Aus, Rekindling, 3yo c by High Chaparral (Sadler’s Wells)
        o/o Salse (Topsider) mare Sitara won gr1 Melbourne Cup at Flemington

  28. / Reply

    Tepin is coming to Coolmore for a date with Galileo.She was bought by the world famous stud for $8million.Finesty City to going to Japan and Catch a Glimpse has bought by someone with”Japanese interests

  29. / Reply

    Thanks so much, Marshall !! It was so funny when I was walking him around the course,, I had to keep coaxing him,because, of course, he was walking farther and farther away from Traveller. When we got to the end of the arena and started back over the second part of the course, he looked back and saw Traveller and let out a huge plaintive whinny!! They are a couple of characters, for sure.

    Max-Thanks for another great conversation, this time including Arro. I sure hope that all of these boy’s connections are “hip” to these marvelous creations !! If not, they are really missing something !!!!

    SO glad Mandy bought Songbird–I think a lot of prayers werewinging heavenward on THAT one !!

    Congrats to “young Joe” on his success–was so thrilled to see him walk by us a couple of years ago at the Breeders Cup. I used to get such a kick out of watching him ride–he looked like such a giant out there—but–what a great rider ! How wonderful for Aiden to have raised such a great horseman–what a son to follow in his footsteps !!

    I fly to Missoula, MT on Thursday (through Seattle) to stay for a week and help a very dear friend move into her newly built home. She bought the ticket for me as she loves the way I arrange furniture and hang pictures ( I had a little decorating business for several years)—should be fun. I will be glad to get back to my Barnaby, but I know that Boss Mare Sue will keep him happy.

    Hope all Zsters, near and far, have a beautiful day !!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,

      Have a great trip to “big sky” country! I know you will enjoy it. Interesting flight plan — from Idaho to Washington and then to Montana. Westward to go eastward.

      Barnaby will be oh so happy to see you when you return. :-)

      Hugs and Love

  30. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Congrats to Rekindling and JO’B. Well done. Goodnight. Hovis is in my thoughts and prayers. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties

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