Happy Friday!
Mario Espinoza, who was Zenyatta’s groom throughout her racing career, was recently featured in TVG’s “Good for Racing” segment. It’s a must-see for Zenyatta fans!
We’re so grateful for Mario and the role he played in Zenyatta’s life before retirement.
Enjoy!
Team Z
Bluegrass Girl
John Asher on Sat. June 20 2015
Congratulation to #CoachLukas and @CalumetFarm on the victory by Mr. Z
in the $500,000 Ohio Derby. There is no one like The Coach ..
.Mr. Z Has His Day in Ohio Derby (includes Race Replay Video)
Claire Novak The Blood-Horse June 2015
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/92653/mr-z-has-his-day-in-ohio-derby?
Terry Crow
So, Don Quixote was finally successful. Lukas should retire.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Oh,I well remember the York race with Roberto and Braulio Baeza.He came out of the stalls like “a bat out of hell”and never looked back.I remember Bill Williamson used to ride Roberto and he was “jocked off”in favour of Piggott for the Derby.They won in a photo finish.Piggott chose to ride Rheingold at York but it was Roberto’s day in the sun.I particularly enjoyed his coronation cup win. Rheingold won the Arc in 73′.Sheena.
Max
All of these horses were winners. It was good to see Mr. Z get a win for Calumet today.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Sure surprised those of us in attendance! Sigh . . . .
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Congrats to Mr. Z; so happy for him. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Although I had seen the Mario video on TVG and gushed to all of you about it at the time, it is a treat to see it again here where we will always be able to find it. It is SO fitting that Mario was chosen to be first in this interesting series about the unsung heroes who are “good for racing.” I was thrilled to meet him at Hollywood Park in 2012. Zenny had already left by the, of course, but those of us visiting from out of state greeted him like we were meeting a rock star, and he absolutely beamed! He said he hoped that he would get to see some of her babies, and now here he is taking care of Ziconic and in close proximity to Coz as well. It must be difficult for him to be in New York – not sure if his family is with him – but I’m sure he’s loving every moment he spends wit “the boys.”
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Hope you are feeling better and not in too much pain.Also that Lola Mae is still recovering well.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Doing better and so is Lola. Thanks for asking. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Beautiful Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:
Goodnight. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
So happy to hear that you are okay and are doing well. Lola Mae is recovering well, too.
Keep it up, both of you!
Hugs and Love
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
My Dear Marshall:
Yes, we are doing well. Thank you so much for your sweet concern. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Congratulations to Mr. Z and his connections!
Well done, Mr. Z.
Cheers and Hugs
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks to Team Z for putting this wonderful video of Mario Espinoza! It is great to hear from Mario about Zenyatta — what a nice guy. Thank you, Mario, for your excellent care for Queen Z and for all the horses that you care for. You are the Best!
Hugs
Marshall (NC Broad)
Oops!
Make that posting, not putting. Sorry.
Hugs
Julie from Kokomo
My skin gets like that too, Mario, when I watch her. :)
sheena.davies(wales)
“It’s a wise father that knows his own child”Happy Father’s Day to Monty and all daddies everywhere.Hugs SheenaX
http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject
Kathy
June 21 Cherokee Devotional
Memories bind us-even when they are good. To step past certain memories brings up that emotion that says we are disloyal. It is not true, but we hear and take it to heart and go on hurting.
Time is supposed to take care of many things-but sometimes it doesn’t. If it is something deep-seated and was traumatic from the very beginning, it is apt to ride us as long as it can. At times like these we have to make the decision to remove a memory by replacing it. Not by force-but by gentle but deliberate effort.
We, as the original inhabitants…and sovereigns of the sold…look upon ourselves as free as any other nation.
Joseph Brant
Mohawk
April 21, 1794
Kathy
Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads!
sheena.davies(wales)
A very happy birthday and father’s day to Prince William!Diana would be so proud of you and your lovely family.Enjoy.Hugs Sheena.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Certainly a day of memories for me.Thinking a lot about my parents.
There were thousands watching the sunrise at Stonehenge this morning on this longest day of the year.Now it’s all downhill!.Mr Fibbs has his doughnuts!Such a clever rat and Marty’s calenders are out.I’ve been trying to catch up with the furbabies after Ascot last week and then I have Wimbledon starting next week!It seems there was a bit of a row behind the scenes about Princess Beatrice travelling in the carriage with her father and the Queen but Andrew got his way.They say he is a favourite of the Queen.Zara has been saying she is the most normal royal of them all(are you listening Kate?) and still has a mum’s tum.Also it’s thought George is going to be left-handed like his dad.It’s cool and cloudy here today the bobs seem to be growing more as each day passes.Very sleepy when I looked in.Mr No Ears had a petition about the dog and cat eating festival in Yulin China so I signed.Can’t these morons get into the 21st century.They idolise their pandas but…..
The Blonde mafia are home. isn’t Crater Lake so beautiful.Mango’s post is piling up but Judy and Nay are having a great time.Mango gets visits from Granny and Gramps.Milo seems to be settling in quite well with Miss Kitty Face.Kathy of the Tuxedo Party left hospital too taking it a day at a time.Have a Blessed Sabbath.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Happy Father’s Day to our fathers in heaven. What I wouldn’t give for just one more day. I envy the people getting to see the sun rise at Stonehenge. That would be something to see! Fibbs is a very smart rat. His doughnuts glow in the dark, too! Yes, you missed a lot during Ascot. As you say, you’ll miss a lot with Wimbledon, too! Those Royals! Lots going on with them. I wasn’t aware that William is a lefty. I am too! Wishing the bobs a good day. I hope they enjoy their fish! Dog and cat eating…how horrible! I’ll sign, too. I’ve been to Crater Lake. It really is that gorgeous blue. Got a kick out of Judy and Nay in the snow. I haven’t visited My Miss Kitty Face…I’m sort of annoyed with her mom. Get well withes for Kathy. Blessed Sabbath to you. Enjoy the day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
Abigail_1849
I just LOVED this post, Team Z, because I’m always so interested in the relationship between racehorses and their grooms who are often (though not in Zenny’s case!) their only real human & loving contact.
New from THE VAULT featuring a brand new twist on the Triple Crown + Royal Ascot (plus a video in BONUS FEATURE of Our John):
https://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2015/06/21/storm-over-the-american-triple-crown-royal-ascot-2015/
ENJOY!
Love & hugs to all
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Abigail,
Brilliant as usual! Thanks for this latest article from The Vault. You really are talented! I love the analogy of the tapestry — i.e. the pedigree lines likened to the threads in the tapestry. Beautiful! Another wonderfully written piece. Thanks again.
What an awful thing to have happened to the sweet natured Storm Bird. I did not know of this appalling incident. How could a person do such a heartless, cruel thing! I do hope the perpetrator got what was due him, but I doubt it was enough.
All the Best to you, always!
Hugs and Love
Abigail_1849
Marshall: Thank you SO MUCH! I’m glad you liked the analogy. I kept thinking: how can I find a way of stating that so many important horses play into an individual’s pedigree that each horse is really 100% unique? And then I looked at the Storm Cat-Young tapestry and thought: that’s it! Re; Storm Bird. Very few people knew what had happened to him because the “Coolmore lads” wanted to assure him a good stallion career. Lord knows he deserved it. But this happened in the same year that Shergar was kidnapped. So this kind of thing was “in the air” in Ireland when Storm Bird was attacked. Love & hugs to you always, Abigail
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Very, very interesting Abigail and so well-written as always. The pictures and videos are icing on the cake. I will remember this every time I see Storm Bird in a pedigree!
Abigail_1849
Thank you Sandy. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed it. It was fun to write and looking at the videos I found was an absolute pleasure. Especxially my fave of Our John waking up Life Is Sweet!!! HUGS
Celeste_in_TX
Thanks for such an awesome article, Abigail! You have done it again in compiling all the research and putting together the information and photos and videos so we can learn about these greats of the past and how they weave into the lives of our modern heroes! Thank you!
Abigail_1849
Celeste: Thank you so much! You have supported me from the beginning and I deeply appreciate it. This one was a lot of fun to write and, I agree, it’s wonderful to take a moment to appreciate all the “threads” that weave into the champions of today. HUGS
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail:
Once again you’ve given us a remarkable, informative piece. What a legacy Storm Cat has left. Such beautiful off spring; the Frankel/Out of India baby is stunning looking.
I did not know about the brutal attack on Storm Bird when he was a three year old. Just horrendous. Love and Hugs, JB
Carol Hoffine
How proud we all are of Mario, His tender heart for “his Zenyatta” brought tears to my eyes. He deserves to be honored! Zenny will always remember her wonderful friend.
Terry Crow
The guys like Mario who are behind the scenes usually do not get their due. It was a pleasure to be among those who visited Zenyatta’s barn in the old days, and to view this wonderful video.. Those who visited John’s barn at Hollywood Park will never forget the experience.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Vicki,
Sending you positive thoughts and prayers in advance of your doctor’s appointment tomorrow. God bless.
Hugs and Love
Marshall (NC Broad)
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all our friends who are daddys here on Zenny’s blog!
May you all have a lovely day.
Hugs
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Hope both you girls are still improving.Take care.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Bluegrass Girl
KY Photo Archive on Sunday June 21 2015
Secretariat arrived at Lexington’s @BGAirport on Nov. 12, 1973,
to stand at stud Claiborne farm in Paris.
https://twitter.com/KYPhotoArchive/status/612575728626827264
shirleeinindy
BGG,
Thanks for the photo of the wonder horse, Secretariat. Will always treasure the many visits we had with him at Claiborne. He could be a bit of a rascal according to some of the grooms. Remember one story in particular. A woman got a little too close for a picture with him and he removed the earring from her pierce ear. Think a little pain and blood were involved but she was a real fan and wasn’t angry. Of course, in this day and age, she would have sued. Gotta always remember that these are stud horses and not house pets.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Wow, you got to visit Big Red multiple times. What great memories for you and thanks for sharing. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thank you for this. The “look of love” on the groom’s face says it all. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Huge congratulations to Jordan Spieth for winning the US open last night.British open next???Hugs Sheena.
shirleeinindy
Texas Red is getting ready to come back to the races! He is slated to run in the Dwyer over the holiday weekend. Looks wonderful. The long layoff appears to have done him a world of good. Love this guy because of his sire, Afleet Alex.
Kathy
Dear Shirlee,
How exciting! I LOVE Texas Red. I will be watching!
Hugs, Kathy
Celeste_in_TX
It’s exciting watching his works as he gets ready for his comeback! He was at the top of my list with American Pharoah when the KD madness first began in the winter. And Dortmund is back to working, too. What a fun summer of racing we will have!
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Love this boy too (also love his Daddy). Wishing him a healthy, successful return to racing. Love and Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
Texas Red was my original choice for the Derby Glad to hear this positive news.
Kathy
June 22 Cherokee Devotional
Like the tsi s qua, the baby bird, we are sometimes held inside a firm shell with the job of pecking our way to freedom. Weak as gelatin and with no one to help, we begin freeing ourselves. One or two tries shows very little progress-except maybe we are a little stronger. And then with more pecking, we begin to gain strength and determination.
Is this not what we are supposed to do? Can we get strong with no effort? One or two more pecks and the shell cracks a little-but oh, it seems great. No one lifts us out and we are wobbly-but the mere act of standing up gives us something to sing about.
Do not ask us to give up the buffalo for sheep.
Ten Bears
Comanche
1867
marypny
Mario did such a good interview and was beaming with loving memories of his charge, Zenyatta. I do hope he finds another who wins his heart. There will never be another like her but maybe some baby of hers will creep in. Just love Team Z always sharing with us.
Love and hugs to all,
Maryp
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Thank you for the “bobs” devotional!!!They are even helping with the nestorations now!Enjoying a lovely lunch when I looked it.It’s more sunny today after overnight rain.This week is promising to be”a bit of this and that”!!
The Queen’s father George VI was naturally left-handed but forced to write with his right hand.He was a sickly child and,of course,his health problems in later years.The Queen Mother always felt the strain of monarchy led to his early death.I had forgotten about Buddy and Lil Bub’s birthdays on June 21st.Lil Bub’s dude,s 1st father’s day as well.She has well over 2 million “likes” now.Zoe had a great weekend in Sedona.The ratties are well prepared for Monday and poor Mr Fibbs has turned into a dinosaur after eating his doughnuts.I don’t visit Miss Kitty so much these days either Mr No Ears is doing very well with his donations.Have to see if Judy and Nay have returned Mango is waiting to open her mail.Remember to turtle!Remarkable to see the amount of forgiveness in South Carolina.It looks awfully hot there.God bless them.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.XOXO
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Yes, the Devotional was perfect for the “bobs”. I was glad to see Zoe had a getaway to Sedona. I checked their temps, even they were in the 90s. But I guess Scottsdale was beastly hot. About 115 I think! The ratties will let us turtle-turtle with them as long as we aren’t afraid of amFIBBians! lol At any rate, they’ll tell the boss they haven’t seen us if they ask about us. Too funny! Loved the beautiful of little Buddy. He’s so photogenic and such a charmer! I think Judy and Nay are still on the road. The forgiveness in South Carolina is indeed remarkable. If it happened to me I doubt that I would be at the point of forgiveness in so short a time. Have a good day and a good week. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. XOXO Kathy
vicki
Thanks for the good wishes. Saw doctor this morning. Will have an ultrasound here and see a specialist, endocrinologist, as soon as possible. Thyroid seems to be overproducing and my meds aren’t keeping it in check. Saw Texas Red work Sunday between races at Santa Anita. He looks very well.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
How cool that you got to see him Vicki! I was never clear on your location :-). Hope the endocrinologist can get things straightened out quickly!
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki:
Hope the meds can be adjusted and get you back to excellent health. Great that you got to see Texas Red work. Love and Hugs, JB
Stella Bagwell in South Texas
Wow! Just listening to the love and devotion in Mario’s voice has filled my eyes with tears. He is one of the reasons Zenyatta was, and still is, so special. I hope spending time with her boys helps ease his loss of being separated from her.
Thank you so much for posting his interview!
Love to Zenyatta and boys!
Stel
Rosie
Thanks for posting this nice interview with Mario talking about Zenyatta.
I had the opportunity to chat with him on several occasions and always
thought what a nice caring and humble man he was. And did he ever
beam leading Zenny to the paddock!