Zenyatta

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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

    Susan in tn: condolences on the loss of your dear chester. as our celestial mascot, he will be remembered daily!

    Julie jane stewart: beautiful article about your visit with z. you have such a gift!

    Pati: congrats on your wonderful grades! also – you were right about paynter being #2.
    good call!

    Carol in utah: love the visual of lava man leading the revolt!

  2. / Reply

    Karen: thanks for the link to the article that quoted john shirreffs as saying,”we were just blessed with zenyatta. she was unique.” indeed, mr. shirreffs. indeed.

    Sally b: hope you are feeling better. pics of z and 12z always make me feel better. hope they helped you.

    Trina: condolences on the loss of your dog. it is never easy. carry the memories in your heart and know that there is a wonderful welcome awaiting you on the rainbow bridge, with lots of tailwaggin’ and slobbery kisses!

  3. / Reply

    Judy Berube: love the zenyatta running free video! there is no such thing as seeing it too many times! thanks for the reminder.

    Terry, Grand Poobah: what a good friend you are! sending healing wishes to your friend and rn hugs to you. miss you!

    • / Reply

      Dear Nancy in nj:

      You’re welcome and you’re so right; watch it whenever I need to smile. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy B,
        Thank you for asking about my mom, she is doing much better we do not think she needs any type of surgery, thank God…

        Last Friday when I hear that IHA was injury, I was so sad that I said to my self…. I do not think I going to bet on any one tomorrow. But on Saturday I did play the pick 6, I only chose 7 horses two in the last race one of them was UR, but in race 10 my horse lost so I got 5 only, can you imagine if I got all of them, Oh my goodness Oh my goodness…
        Well maybe next time.
        Hugs Ingrid.

        • Almost, great handicapping Ingrid. Racing luck !!!

        • Dear Ingrid A.:

          Glad to hear your Mom won’t need surgery and is doing better.

          Congrats on great handicapping. Five out of six; wonderful. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Wish there had been standing surgery for Ruffian; she may be a broodmare today.

  5. / Reply

    @nancy in nj…had knee replacment about 2 yr ago….i FEEL YOUR PAIN….sorry…my doc keeps calling for me to come in for the other one…lots of luck with that….so with my rebuild right ankle and my replacement left knee…i totter…and that is it…some folks do the knee thing with no problems…then there are the rest of us…
    …
    @trina ..so sorry about the loss of your beloved furry friend…just know that their is a springer spaniel named Jack already there….and the two of them are running and playing..
    …
    kisses for all soft noses worldwide….peppermints around..

    • / Reply

      Carol – I’m right there with you on the knee thing and am one of “the rest of us” also. I just can’t believe it when I see people doing well – some of whom had BOTH knees done at once. I keep wondering “where did I go wrong here????”

    • / Reply

      Yes, it depends what type of knee your surgeon uses. My sister is due for her replacement knee soon – she will been in and out in one day with this new knee her doctor is using. I will try and find out which one it is called. Same thing with hip replacements – the cut can be in front, on the side or through the buttocks. AND DEPENDING ON WHICH ONE YOUR DOCTORS LIKE TO DO, YOUR RECOVERY TIME IS DIFFERENT – EACH DOCTOR CAN USE A DIFFERENT TYPE HIP AND DIFFERENT WAY TO GO IN TO REPLACE IT. SAME WITH THE KNEE AND HOW FAR GONE AND WHAT ELSE MIGHT HAVE TO BE DONE. MY SISTER’S KNEE IS TOTALLY GONE FROM ARTHRITIS. Sorry, my caps would not come off! :)

      • / Reply

        There is actually a new hip replacement, it is called the anterior hip replacement.
        It spares all the muscles that are ususally severed and recovery is rapid.
        Only a few orthopedic surgeon are trained in the procedure. You can
        google anterior hip replacement and put your city and state name and the
        ortho’s that do the procedure will come up. We only have 3-4 in Houston,
        Tx that do it. It is a eurpoean procedure. The prosthesis is the same.

      • / Reply

        Karen, I have two hip replacements, both in super shape. Once, they kept a person in hospital for almost a week. Now it’s down to three days and then off to rehab you go. I have had so many orthopedic surgeries over the last 30 years and I swear i have never heard of one-day surgery for hip replacement or knee replacement. I know you can arthroscopic surgery on knees or shoulders, etc., and that is definitely a same day procedure, but one day for a hip or a knee replacement? Where? I go to Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC, considered the top ortho hospital in the country, and unless you mean arthroscopic, I have never heard of one-day and would like to learn about them!!!
        love
        The Bionic Skip

        • They do them in California – depending on your doctor! It really is amazing! My sister put off having her knees done for 3- 4 years because she had heard how painful and long recovery time was! And she’s had two long, painful hip replacements over the last 20 years – with 3 to 6 months recovery time! Now with this new procedure, she will be home the next day! I know! I told her jokingly, that I’d believe it when I see it!

        • Love the Bionic Skip.

          With the anterior hip replacement; patient is up walking around the day
          of surgery so they rehab themselves and no PT, which is a good thing.
          Much less pain, too.

          Barbara,
          Sounds like you have a great place to go for further Bionic work.

  6. / Reply

    Trina, I’m sorry your dog had to “move on”. It’s tough, missing a little friend, I know. Take care.

  11. / Reply

    @carol in Utah–I feel your pain too. Wish I could get an ankle replacement too. UGH! Makes us feel old before our time.
    @Sandy–I was just getting ready to e-mail you to join the” joint” discussion–lol!

  12. / Reply

    Some Redneck jokes, I haven’t seen in awhile:

    You might be a redneck if your lips move while reading a stop sign. You might be a redneck if you’ve ever hitchhiked naked. You might be a redneck if You think Hamlet is on the McDonald’s breakfast menu. You might be a redneck if you’ve ever parked your date next to a YIELD sign hoping she’d take the hint. You might be a redneck if your house still has the “WIDE LOAD” sign on the back. You might be a redneck if you ever cut your grass and found a car. You might be a redneck if rather than washing your bed sheets, you just vacuum your bed.

  13. / Reply

    Thoroughbred Times has an article …Farewell to IHA…wish I could bring it here…most interesting comment in it stated that the author could only think of 3 horses that raced long enough to bring fans to racing…they were John Henry …Cigar …and of course our Zenny….all at top of their game at age 6

      • / Reply

        Don’t forget FunnyCide! 2003 Derby/Preakness winner — great backstory, too.
        He did race some after that since he is a gelding.
        Ciao and goodnight all!

        • yay, Funny Cide. I so enjoyed getting a chance to see him at the Kentucky Horse Park in May. He’s a character!

    • / Reply

      Interesting article. I do think there are a few others who perhaps are not in the league of John Henry, Cigar, and the Queen publicity-wise, but had regional appeal. Lava Man comes to mind. It would be nice if some of these horses had publicity agents. Gio Ponti should have gotten more attention, for example. He had a long career and a great resume. Racing fans admire him, but the general public, if they’ve heard of him at all, knows him as the horse who came in second to Z. Acclamation is sort of taking over the Gio Ponti role. He was champion older male last year and is back and winning as a 5-year-old. He should be celebrated, but we don’t hear much about him. And that’s a shame.

        • Unbelievable; $20,000 for a stud fee.
          Gio Ponti is such a talent.

        • $20K is a competitive fee for a first-year stallion these days. Price him too high and mare owners will be more reluctant to take a chance on him. I’m sure he will get his fair share of good mares, though. He deserves them. Bless his owners for sharing him with us for 5 years.

  14. / Reply

    Has anyone heard if Zenny’s mom is “in foal” to Street Cry?
    I haven’t read anything about it but I know she was rebred to him this year.

    • / Reply

      Dear Suew/Va.:

      The mating last year between Vertigineux and Street Cry did not result in a pregnancy. The were supposed to be bred again this year, but I was not able to find any confirmation on that as yet. Hugs, JB

  15. / Reply

    I’m so happy for Union Rags! That was a great race. I just love Michael Matz, too. I do feel bad for Mikey, though. I also like Dullahan, mainly because the man that owns the farm where he was born, Frank Brunacini, died in a plane crash here in Lexington 6 years ago. It was his dream to have a Derby winner and I figure having a Belmont winner would be the next best thing. Flower Alley was born there, too. His girlfriend is still keeping the farm going.
    @Trina Nagele – I’m so sorry about the loss of your precious angel, Tess. I’m sending prayers and hugs your way.
    @Elizabeth in Oregon – I’m sorry about your beloved Jeffy. I’m sure that most of us here on the blog have gone through the loss of a trusted companion and there’s nothing harder. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
    @Terry Crow – I’m glad to see your post. I hope your friend is doing better. I know that you’ll take good care of her.
    @Vicki B – Great redneck jokes!
    @Darlene Daniels – I love the story of your friend, Lisa. Now that’s what I call a true friend! I also agree with you about the NBC coverage. It was extremely sucky!!!

  16. / Reply

    Hi Trina: I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious friend, Tess. They give us so much love, it is so difficult when they are no longer with us. I lost my little bird Peaches a couple of months ago, I really miss her.

    Sending you prayers and hugs during this difficult time.

      • / Reply

        Hi Vicki: Peaches was a very pretty Peach Face Lovebird. I had her for 10.5 years. She was smart and full of personality. I am thinking about getting another. The males can live up to 15 – 20 years.

    • / Reply

      Dear Linda E.:

      Sorry for the loss of your little bird, Peaches. The loss of a pet is never easy. They stay in our hearts forever. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        That is so true. They do bring you so much love and enjoyment. It is so hard when they’re gone.

    • / Reply

      Dear Linda,
      Sending you condolences and hugs. So sorry for the loss of your dear Peaches.
      Fur, hair, feathers, or in some cases, scales — our beloved companions are such blessings to us. Please take care and find the comfort that memories offer.
      Our thoughts are with you.

    • / Reply

      Linda,
      We are so sorry about the loss of your Peaches. We lost our little bird 5 years ago. He was 24. We still miss him. He gave us so much while he was with us, and the memories of him we treasure. We’ve taken care of so many hurt animals over the years, and we always get attached immediately, even if they are with us only a day or short time before we can ‘turn them loose’ again. But our little guy really was one of our family members. We’re keeping you in our prayers.

      • / Reply

        Hi Elizabeth: Wow, 24 years you were really blessed. My little bird was a Peach Face Love Bird. She was with me for 10.5 years.

  17. / Reply

    Hi All:
    I was at the Belmont Stakes yesterday. I had a really great time. However I just read about Giant Ryan. I didn’t see it happen, thank goodness. But I am just sick about it. I saw him this past October at Belmont’s Super Saturday event. I feel in love with him. He looked so precious all dressed up in his stable colors. I was thrilled when I saw that he was racing yesterday. Got pics of him in the paddock. I felt bad for him when he was so far behind the other horses. I didn’t realize something was wrong.

    I hope and pray he will be okay. If anyone hears anything, please let us all know.

    Love you Giant Ryan. Be strong.

    • / Reply

      He was challenging for the lead when the jockey pulled him up..saw race on Tv…he there and then just disappeared …so hope he can have surgery and get well

      • / Reply

        Hi Carol: I just read some comments online that this surgery can be successfull. I am hoping the owners get a report from New Bolton that surgery is worthwhile doing.

        • With as tough a race horse as he is, I think he will pull through with champion class.

    • / Reply

      KG. Great slide show for those of us who were not at Belmont on the big day. Lava Man looks like he still wants to race. He obviously loves working a crowd and the crowd loves him. Lava Man, you are one of a kind.

    • / Reply

      Dear Karen G. and Max:

      Love the slideshow and article by Ben Meyers, especially the last lines…”They aren’t cars. They have souls”. Thank you. Hugs, JB

  21. / Reply

    Does anyone have the link to the O 2010 Power list? It was the October issue, and it had our Queen in it. I got to thinking about it today, and was wondering of anyone maybe knew where to find it.. I would love to read it.

  23. / Reply

    It’s like a snake shedding it’s skin, to see Baby Z’s dark bay color emerging! oh, I just adore him. loved how he walked up to the camera, got a nice closeup of his gorgeous eyes and face! thanks so much for the post!

  25. / Reply

    Everyone don’t forget the new Dallas that comes on this Wednesday night. June l3.
    I think it should be good.
    Praying for you Giant Ryan

  26. / Reply

    @Sis Dawn Conrad.
    Sure hope you are o.k. Dawn. Let us hear from you when you can. We miss you and know you are always in my prayers.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N.

      Thinking of Dawn C. too and hoping all is well with her and her Mom. Hugs, JB

  27. / Reply

    Blessings and prayers for Giant Ryan this week. It brings up my original question of how to get him there safely. Haven’t looked back for an answer. Will check that.

    OK, I have a confession to make. This afternoon I was channel surfing, and guess what I came acros: “The Big Redneck Vacation”. It was TOO corny for words. Could only stand a few minutes, but it was sort of funny.

    Z. and Baby Z–love you always.

    @Dawn Conrad–please check in . We miss you.

    • / Reply

      Does anyone have Dawn’s email? Has anyone tried contacting her that way?

      • / Reply

        JAG,

        I thought Dawn and Shari Voltz kept in contact through e-mail/phone calls.

        Shari, could you please give us an update? I am worried about Dawn too.

  28. / Reply

    @ Laura J, if your here I had posted a question for you a litlle ways above. Under your post about Giant Ryan.

  29. / Reply

    Healing prayers, thoughts and wishes for Giant Ryan with sincere hope that surgery is possible and goes well. Thanks to jockey, Willie M., too — he did the best he could to help GR.

    To Zenny and Z12, and to all Z’sters:
    Have a good week, smile often, and stay safe!

  30. / Reply

    Wish us luck…humming bird trapped in garage…after hrs of trying to catch it vs leaving doors open so it can escape…have moved hummingbird feeder into garage and will try again in am …it is using feeder so should be ok for the night..hubby on oxygen ..too much exercise

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