Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Getting Ready for Summer

Photo Courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End

Happy Wednesday!

The summer weather has been beautiful at Lane’s End. It time to break out the fly masks and watch Baby Z shed his furry coat.

Zenyatta and her colt are both happy and healthy. Baby Z will be as tall as his mom in no time!

Photo Courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End

Thanks to everyone who has sent in questions for the experts at the farm. We are continuing to accept submissions, so head back to the last post if you haven’t asked yours yet! Check back in the coming weeks to see answers to some great questions featured in the blog.

In the meantime, enjoy this video of Z and Baby hanging out in the paddock.

Have a great day!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

899 Comments

  1. / Reply

    On IHA’s FB page, someone just wished him to die a long and painful death! I think everyone who has a FB page should report this guy! He’s towrd the bottom of the post that says” please like paynter’s page.” Maybe if enough people report him, he’ll get banned! That made me angry and what a terrible thing to say!!

    We almost got kicked out of the pool because another coach pitched a hissy fit and decided to try to get us kicked out! It didnt work but it just made me cranky!

    • / Reply

      Sorry you had to endure some upsetting incidents today, Pati – saying “Happy Birthday” may not seem appropriate under the circumstances, but maybe by now things have calmed down a little so that you can enjoy the rest of the day. Best wishes for a great year!
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      And now this person is threatening our dear Mikey!!! I am officially reporting him to FB, this has gone too far. It might be my birthday, but I still have my sense of right and wrong, and this is VERY wrong!

      • / Reply

        AMEN, Pati! This IS very wrong. As we humans are more overpopulated, the proportion of creeps gets larger, unfortunately. Sorry that you have to be upset on your birthday. Happy Birthday to you, and don’t let the jerks get you down!
        Love and hugs!

  2. / Reply

    Zenny’s little brother to race:

    Souper Spectacular is entered on June 14, 2012 at BELMONT PARK.

    Full Entries for Race

    Race: 3 – 1:54 PM Exacta, Trifecta, Super (.10), Pick 3 Races (3-5), Daily Double Wagers

    ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING $75,000

    Purse: $ 81,000. (up To $15,390 Nysbfoa) For Three Year Olds And Upward Which Have Never Won Three Races Other Than Maiden, Claiming, Starter, Or Restricted Or Which Have Never Won Four Races Or Optional Claiming Price Of $75,000. Three Year Olds, 119 Lbs.; Older, 123 Lbs. Non-winners of $24,000 at a mile or over on the turf since April 14 Allowed 2 lbs. Claiming Price $75,000 (Races where entered for $50,000 or less not considered in allowances) (Preference by condition eligibility). (If the Stewards consider it inadvisable to run this race on the turf course, this race will be run at One Mile on the main track.). One Mile. (Turf)

    PP–Horse–A/S–Med–Claim $–Jockey–Wgt–Trainer
    4–Souper Spectacular–5/H–L–$ 0–John R. Velazquez–121–William I. Mott

    • / Reply

      Dear Laura J:

      Thank you for the update on Souper Spectacular’s upcoming race. Rooting for this Boy. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Today’s question for my “continuing equine education” is this: I understand PP (4) and Horse (Souper Spectacular), but what is the next thing – A/S (5/H)? Thanks!
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Best of luck to Souper Spectacular;
      So glad he is with Bill Mott and had JV on board.

    • / Reply

      PS-about the trolls……living well is the best revenge …trolls are not worth your tim or effort .

  4. / Reply

    So Zenny what do you think about the guys in Maryland reviewing Sec’sPreakness time? Better late than never…
    …
    While they are at it….maybe review Genuine Risks also …since they really blew that one …
    still no update on Giant Ryan….very concerned
    …..
    hope you and mini z have a good day…

    • / Reply

      Carol in Utah,
      IMHO, I think it is about time they revisited Secretariat’s Preakness time. I fully believe that he broke that record, too! Hope they can clear this up with our new technology.
      Cheers!

  5. / Reply

    I’d like to see Santa Anita give I’ll Have Another a retirement ceremony that he deserves. He has accomplished a great deal with the few races he was able to finish. He will be another horse I will follow closely, especially since he has the same birthday as our Queen. Love you Zenyatta and little Z.

  6. / Reply

    Giant Ryan update on delayed surgery “concerns about blood supply…” found @ newsday…link did not post

  7. / Reply

    @Pati–hope you don’t let that miserable person ruin your day. There are awful people everywhere. That’s what makes our site here so precious to us. Sending hugs as well as special birthday hugs.

    • / Reply

      When he finally gets kicked out of racing, he will have a job waiting for him in the movies. A greater cornball actor there never was…the dragon masquerading like a boy scout…

    • / Reply

      Thanks Judy, and I echo your comment to Ashton!! It IS absolutely beautiful. Ashton, I couldn’t figure out how to post a comment on Youtube without “signing up” for yet another thing, but high hoof to you!
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      I’m glad Sharon sent that on to you – I sent it to her ;-)

      ♥ Auntie JAG

    • / Reply

      Thank you for sharing Judy. So beautiful and heartwarming………Ashton has much of her moma…..

    • / Reply

      Thanks Judy B for sharing this wonderful video.
      Ashton like her mom is a very special person.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Judy B.!
      Ashton, this is beautiful — you certainly have your moma’s talent! Kari is smiling.
      Love and hugs! Always.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy, Karen G., Maryp, Sign and Marshall:

      You’re so welcome. Ashton is special like her Mom. Hugs, JB

      Dear JAG:

      Thank you. Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    FROM MIKE SMITH’S FACEBOOK PAGE:
    Hello everyone! This is Mike, i wanted to thank all of you for your support and kind words! I have had a busy couple of days starting with the Belmont then flying to San Antonio to celebrate my dear friend Zoe Bragg’s high school graduation! Congrats again Zoe! I met Zoe a few yearsd ago through the Make-A-Wish foundation and we have stayed friends since. I am back in town and ready to get back to work! I will be riding in Kentucky thios weekend so tune in! ill be back Sunday to ride at Hollywood Park!

    • / Reply

      Barbara Bush’s birthday was Friday – Happy Birthday former First Lady Barbara! She and George have been married 67 years! WOW!

      • / Reply

        Happy Birthday to both former President George H.W. Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush! All the best!

    • / Reply

      Karen. A friend who is on vacation in Maine emailed me that the aircraft carrier which is named after President Bush was off the coast of Maine this weekend. It was reported in the papers that the Bush family paid a visit. My friend said that the carrier is very impressive even from a distance. Congrats to President Bush on his birthday.

      • / Reply

        I read that too! How awesome to do that for his birthday! I understand he walks now only with help. YOU GO GEORGE!!

        • I know! But how? I guess you don’t have to walk to do that though! Mrs. Bush still says NO! LOL!

  16. / Reply

    Thanks for the notes about our Budgie, Saffron. How nice that you had your bird so long, Linda E. We’re “down” to 5 cats and 4 Salukis. Usually, they are all dozing in the family room, and, since it’s not safe to let a bird fly in a room full of potential predators, I’ll probably just be satisfied with watching and feeding the Hummers. Our cats probably miss parking on Saffron’s cage which she barely noticed after a few years. Good luck to everyone with painful joints! I had a botched meniscus surgery years ago so I hope the Z’sters procedures are more successful! :-)
    Happy Birthday, Pati! Enjoy the races, everyone!

  17. / Reply

    Seems like they are going to be revisiting Secretariats Time. On BloodHorse Today. I don’t blame Penny Chenery, I would want it right too. For the History Books. Laura J was just talking about the new ways they can determine today. Its so funny we were just talking about that area. I am learning so much here. You guys, Laura J,, Max, Terry and so many others you guys are just on it. So glad your here. We do miss Ensign though, too.

  18. / Reply

    Dearest Pati, I’m just catching up after being “off-blog” for a few days. I wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and will try to get a few lines of verse together to celebrate your day. After I post here, I’ll go to fb and try to give that troll what-for!! Best wishes to you, Love, Trina

  19. / Reply

    Thank you, all, for your kind words of condolence, both here and on the gratefulness candles site, regarding my loss of my sweet border collie mix Tess. She was elderly and had been ailing for some time and then took an abrupt turn for the worse. I fear the medicines used to treat her arthritis brought that about, although the blood work they did supposedly showed her liver was doing OK and would tolerate the treatment for the arthritis pain. I will never know, but I do know that she is pain-free now although my tears are still flowing. She was black with just a little white on her chest and on the tips of her front paws, and she was a little pigeon-toed, too, which somehow to me seemed quite charming, so I nicknamed her Twinkle Toes. What others noticed and admired greatly were her ears, large, alertly upright, and fringed with lots of fine long hair. RIP Tess, aka Twinkle Toes. Condolences too to those of you who have also had a recent loss. Our animals always leave us too soon.

    • / Reply

      Sorry for your loss, Trina. I’ve been where you are and can appreciate how you feel. It does get better (with a LOT of time).

  20. / Reply

    Dear Z-sters: As you know, Susan Carothers (Susan in TN) sadly lost the rescue pony Chester on June 2. Her birthday was the very next day, so she chose to postpone mention of her birthday until today. Susan, you are always in our hearts.

    A Belated Birthday Poem for Susan in TN
    (Birthday: June 3)

    As life for us goes around,
    Often in the end
    A human “friend”
    Will themself from us remove
    And prove
    Themself shallow and phoney,
    Just so much baloney
    When the chips are down.
    In contrast,
    Susan in TN
    Has in the past
    Found
    Animals’ friendship to be
    Both steadfast
    And profound.
    Comments by others here
    Did her steer
    To volunteer
    At a horse rescue,
    And she in turn
    Our emotions stirred
    As she in her posts us told
    How her saga there did unfold.
    Susan had soon
    Taken under her wing
    A small part of the herd
    At River Edge Farm.
    ’Twas for all a wonderful thing
    And a most special boon
    To the shy and the old.
    One gelding called Rootbeer,
    Still very young,
    Had many a fear
    And much did him alarm.
    Dear Susan gave him a hand,
    And when she was done,
    He no longer showed any trace
    Of how he’d been fearful to face
    Close contact with the human race.
    So great a job did Susan do
    That when a loving family came by
    To adopt,
    They found Rootbeer just grand
    And for him did opt,
    Never suspecting at all
    That once he’d been shy.
    Next, when it for two oldsters seemed
    That their days
    At River Edge
    Might after all be limited,
    Susan, along with Sharon Call,
    Did choose
    To save
    Chester the Pony
    And his new-found friend Chopper,
    Two aging boys in hues
    Of copper.
    Next door Susan did them move,
    Where
    Soon those two
    Again found their groove
    And did of their lodgings and care
    Most thoroughly approve
    And welcomed attention too
    From the farm family’s young sons
    Who gave them tons
    Of pats and treats
    And assisted with their eats.
    Soon Annie came to make a congenial third
    In their new little herd.
    Furthermore,
    They had animal friends galore:
    Hens and their chicks
    Came daily on visits;
    The family cat
    Often with them sat
    As they all basked
    In the warm sun;
    And the farm’s sweet Labrador
    Did them adore.
    Chester and Chopper couldn’t have asked
    For anything more.
    Susan did hope that there
    They both would yet spend
    Many a year
    Without a care,
    But Chester, aged close to thirty if a day,
    Sadly did pass away
    Just before Susan’s birthday,
    Which was thus marked, I fear,
    By many a tear.
    We pray
    That the angels above
    May
    With heavenly love
    Continue to spoil that dear pony rotten—
    Here below he’ll never be forgotten.
    Chopper has Annie the mare
    To help him this loss to bear,
    And Susan, of course,
    Will still be there
    For him to care
    And to his needs tend.
    But for Susan herself to heal
    And begin
    With this loss to deal,
    I imagine,
    As in times of bereavement before,
    She’ll need to call on
    Other loved horses,
    Her own with her hubby John.
    Foremost amongst them all
    Is their beloved Choctaw.
    It will be he, I bet,
    Who will start
    To restore
    Susan’s aching heart.
    Choctaw is most affectionate
    Though likely himself to fret
    Should not his routine be kept
    And his expectations met.
    This tale you may recall
    Of when Susan and John
    Last summer a plane got on
    And did for Frisco depart
    Their son’s wedding to attend
    And most of a week there to spend.
    Little had they suspected
    Their absence would send
    Their dear Choctaw
    To a state near despair
    When they didn’t return
    At the end of the day
    As he had expected.
    Soon he lay down
    On the ground
    And didn’t care
    To get up
    Even his food to sup—
    All nourishment did he spurn.
    The vet was summoned
    And did right away come,
    But he nothing detected
    As the cause
    Of it all.
    No sooner was the son wed,
    Than John, full of deep dread,
    Back did head,
    Fearing Choctaw wouldn’t survive
    Till he should arrive
    And could be by his side.
    But goodness sake’s alive!
    It does seem
    That’s all
    That sweet
    Choctaw
    Did indeed need,
    For once he John did see,
    He was back on his feet
    And ready to eat–
    And still does he thrive!
    It gives one pause
    To see
    Such an emotional bond,
    And it fills one with awe
    To know how fond
    Choctaw
    Is
    Of his
    Dear Susan and John
    And how he has earned
    Their love in return.
    Come that fall,
    They still had concern
    For Choctaw
    And his proclivity
    To forgo all activity
    And even water and hay
    Should they be away.
    Susan and John
    Didn’t want to let on
    That they WOULD be away,
    Though just for the day,
    For Zenyatta’s Breeders’ Cup party.
    They their hour to leave did delay
    So that Choctaw, that smarty,
    Would not detect
    Anything at all suspect
    In their routine,
    Or else their beloved paint
    Might raise a complaint.
    They didn’t dare
    Let him of a change be aware
    Lest he give them another scare.
    They, his tranquility to ensure,
    A bit belatedly their way wended
    To the party and racing scene
    Over in Kentuck’
    And had to boot a bit of bad luck
    With a construction detour,
    So when they arrived,
    Z’s party already had ended!
    But Susan did us assure
    That though sadly she
    Not one Dumpling met,
    She doesn’t regret
    That they went,
    For they three races did enjoy,
    And returning home they found their boy
    Waiting for them at the fence.
    All in all,
    ’Twas a day
    Well spent,
    One she’ll never forget.
    Dearest Susan, we hope that kismet
    Will let
    You in the future be blessed
    With many more such days of happiness—
    Your Z brothers and sisters
    Wish you forever all the best!

    Wishing you a blessed belated birthday this year, Susan, and many, many blessings and happy birthdays to come in the future!

    • / Reply

      Sheese! Just when I thought I was through with tears! Adorable just beautiful!

    • / Reply

      You really out did your self with this poem Trina.
      So very lovely for such a lovely woman, Susan in TN.

    • / Reply

      Again, a homerun, Trina! Beautiful poem!!

      Susan Carothers,
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many, many more wonderful years! Thank you for all the loving work you do on behalf of our lovely equine cousins! All the very Best to you, always!

    • / Reply

      Belated Birthday wishes Susan. Hope you are doing OK with the slow recovery process, and that the year ahead will be a good one for you and those in your care.
      Sandy

      Another “epic” Trina! So much to learn about our fellow Zensters, and you convey it all so well.

    • / Reply

      Dearest Trina,
      I have to say it. To me, this poem surpasses all others. I am tremendously moved.
      There is no more fitting dedication that you could have written on June 12th. Anne Frank has been one of my life heroines, now joined by the radiance of Kari. Thank you for honoring Anne in this way, on this day, in lieu of a poem for me. It is one of the most eloquent gifts of my life (now numbered in ancient years).
      ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ 12 Hearts to you.

      Happy Birthday to Pati, as well!

      • / Reply

        Thank you, dearest Cynthia. I wasn’t sure I had your permission to say that the poem for Anne Frank was written, at your request, in lieu of one for precious YOU. I am so glad you had a happy birthday. Love always, Trina

  21. / Reply

    By special request, I have written a poem to commemorate Anne Frank, whose birthday is today.

    A Poem of Commemoration for Anne Frank on Her Birthday
    (June 12, 1929 – early March 1945)

    Anne at birth
    Lived in a tranquil Frankfurt,
    But early in ’33
    Her family did see
    Darkest evil
    Begin to spread
    Throughout Germany.
    Her parents were starkly aware
    Of impending hurt
    And upheaval,
    So when she was just four
    She with her mother and sister fled
    To the land next door
    Where her dad had gone on ahead
    Just months before
    A new home for them to prepare.
    In Amsterdam she a normal life led
    Free from great dread
    Till the Netherlands to German occupation fell
    And restrictions on Jews were imposed.
    Then for her family came a death knell
    As the evil knocked on their door:
    To her sister a notice was sent
    That she was supposed
    Herself to present
    For deportation.
    With no hesitation
    The family chose
    Together into hiding to go
    In secret quarters filling
    The hinter part
    Of an old business building.
    There they did start
    A sequestered existence.
    Only a very few,
    Who trusted employees
    Had been,
    Knew
    Of their presence.
    Never again
    Could the Franks be at their ease.
    On these trusted few they relied
    Them
    To provide
    With food to eat
    While they had to hide.
    No one knew
    If they would succeed
    With their feat
    Of deception,
    Nor for how long
    They would have to escape detection.
    Anne with her took
    The little diary book
    She’d just received
    As a thirteenth birthday present
    And recorded therein
    Her daily reflections
    As this life of hiding did begin,
    And she the pages did fill
    With her joys and her fears
    For just over two years
    As in hiding she the Nazis deceived
    And their death camps evaded.
    She longed a writer to be
    And felt elated
    When in words she her thoughts dressed.
    Sage
    Far beyond her age,
    She the importance of giving
    Stressed:
    “You can always, always give something,
    Even if it’s only kindness!”
    Her writing skill she felt was a true blessing:
    “I want to go on living
    Even after my death!
    And therefore I am grateful
    To G-d for this gift,
    This possibility
    Of … writing,
    Of expressing
    All that is in me.”
    She in all honesty to her diary confessed
    What she saw as her own failings
    And at times resorted to railing
    When bearing the unbearable load
    Led her to explode.
    In writing did she her soul free
    From the chains of her captivity.
    In the darkness of those days and nights,
    She wrote, and I quote:
    “I can shake off everything if I write;
    My sorrows disappear;
    My courage is reborn.”
    Though from us she was cruelly torn,
    Today we still her words hear.
    She her moral principles maintained;
    Her spirit remained
    Unblighted.
    Today we thank
    Anne Frank,
    Who in quarters cramped and dank
    While the outside world into darkness sank,
    Lit her candle of faith
    In the inherent goodness of man,
    And God,
    To fight against the evil wraith
    And his brown-shirted clan
    Who then the earth trod.
    Her name, message and fame
    With us remain,
    For to highest acclaim,
    Far beyond her imagination,
    She did realize that aspiration
    To live on in her words after death.
    Her diary takes away our breath
    And will continue to give inspiration
    In the world’s every nation
    For generation
    Upon generation.

    • / Reply

      I really love this book, such a very brave woman.
      Love the poem Trina, Thanks for creating such a wonderful tribute
      to Ann Frank.

  22. / Reply

    @Trina Nagele – Absolutely beautiful poems, dear Trina. I don’t know how you continue to do it, with everything going on in your life. Your little Twinkle Toes was so lucky to have had you in her life. You’re a true treasure.
    @Pati – It sounds like your birthday didn’t get off to a very good start, but I hope it turns out to be a good day after all. I’m going to IHA’s FB page right now so I can report that creep.
    @Karen Gogue and all CA Dumplings – Congratulations on your Kings’ victory last night!

    Today is also Cynthia H’s birthday. Happy Birthday Cynthia!

  23. / Reply

    @trina….superb as usual ..
    ….
    Happy Birthday to all….hope everyones day or belated day is extra special …
    …..
    Hugs to all who have lost “best” buddys …..have been there and know words are not adequate
    …
    To all with health issues ….prayers that all goes well…esp for Giant Ryan as he waits to see is surgery can be done to save him….kudo’s to his father/son owner/trainers who are dealing with their first problem of this kind and seem to be going to the mat for this guy….
    ….
    Kisses and peppermints for all

  24. / Reply

    I just love the new photos of our prince. My he is taking on more of his mother’s good looks every day.

  25. / Reply

    @Trina–we have missed you terribly! It is so good you have you back! The poems for Susan and in memory of Anne Frank are just the best. (I keep saying that every time). RIP dear Twinkle Toes. She had the best mommy possible.

    @Pati–If I knew how to report trolls on FB, I would.

    What a flood of birthdays we’re having!
    @Cynthia H.–Happy birthday! Hope it is great.

    @Ashton– the video is the best. Love the picture of Mario holding the carrot in his mouth.

    Happy Birthday to President Bush #41 as well.

    What a wonderful story to follow up on Zoe. Bragg. I loved the video of her before. So glad she is doing well. Mikey, if you ever read here (I hardly ever get to FB), you are the BEST!!!

  26. / Reply

    Trina,
    SO GLAD to “see you” here again!! ALL of your poems are beyond beautiful, and how you’ve managed to do these in the midst of various upheavals in your life is beyond me. Please know that we’ve missed you and are with you in spirit on your own journey of healing.
    ♥♥♥♥
    Sandy

  27. / Reply

    Happy Birthday Cynthia H! Have a great day and a wonderful year! Wish I had known so that I could make this fancier :-)

    • / Reply

      EEEK! It didn’t work! Here is another try:
      ☀☀☀ ♩♩♫♬♬♬ ☀☀☀
      ♥♥♥♥

      • / Reply

        ♡♫♬♡♪♬♡♪♩♥✱♥✤♥♻❤❇❤❂❤✡❥♬❥✹❥♼❥✵❥✹❥♫❤☺❤✭❤✰♥☀♥✩♥♔♡✧♡✬♡

        Thank you, Sandy! Well-done!

        ♥

  28. / Reply

    Trina you are an AMAZING PERSON. Beautiful poems. Happy Birthday to my Dear Friend, Susan. I hope my little gift arrived. May God Bless you with Health, Happiness and Many More. Love, Shari

    • / Reply

      ♥ Thank you for your beautiful and sweet greetings, Shari. You are a very special person!

  30. / Reply

    Happy Birthday to all the birthday ladies. My condolences to all who lost fur & feathered babies this week. @ Trina, my nick name for my old boy is also twinkle-toes, the poem for Anne Frank is very touching. I stood in the room where the family was hiding and this brought a lot of memories of the many that lost their lives. The Zen -fan community is just the best.

Leave a Reply to judy berube from Rhode Island Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.