Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Happy 4th!

Ziconic at Lane's End. Photo by Tyler Matson.
Ziconic at Lane’s End. Photo by Tyler Matson.

Happy Thursday!

We were at Lane’s End last week catching up with Zenyatta, her little princess, and Ziconic. Everyone is looking fabulous and healthy.

We’ll be back after the holiday with a recap of our trip and some special interviews for you.

Wishing everyone safe travels and a great 4th of July!
-Team Z

Zenyatta's filly. Photo by Tyler Matson.
Zenyatta’s filly. Photo by Tyler Matson.

Reader Interactions

821 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Swimming horse places 6th at Randwick. King’s Officer, the horse that tried to swim to New Zealand while on beach exercise, must have found it too dry at Randwick! Cheers, KathyR.

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      KathyR. I would like to know how he does with his racing. I cannot get over that story. He must be a pretty tough customer to survive that swim. Lucky too that he decided to return with the surfers. He could have been lunch for sharks?

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      KathyR. Very sad news about this sudden death. RIP Commands. His daughter Appearance is a real phenomenon.

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        Dear Max:

        Appearance is indeed a phenomenon. She was able to achieve so much because of the genius of the late Guy Walter. Darley sent her to Guy because they knew he had the patience and respect for the horse to bring out her best, and he did. She’s now retired to be a mum, so we can look forward to her sons and daughters. Cheers, KathyR

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      Dear Kathy R.,
      Sad news about Commands; he should have had more years. He certainly was a solid, good-looking horse. RIP Commands, handsome boy. Condolences to his connections.
      Hugs and Love

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      Dear KathyR:

      Thanks for the article. That’s what I call “Girl Power.” I might be bias, but I always thought that the girls seemed to be more in tune with the horses that they ride and can get a horse to do things that they wouldn’t for the male jockeys.

      • / Reply

        Dear Doreen:

        I might be biased too, but I think you’re right. Downunder a lot of trainers and owners are beginning to see that the horses respond well to a female jockey. The original concerns that they didn’t have the strength to drive a horse to the line have gone, and they now see that they can position themselves well on the horse, and don’t need to use the brute force that was so much a part of racing. Hugs, KathyR

        • Kathy R. You are on to something. Last year Dan had two Canadian women who exercised and looked after him while he was at Woodbine. Dan looked totally happy with the situation.
          Free that Moose.

  5. / Reply

    Dear Kathy R. I hope I will live to see the day a lady jockey will win the Grand National.I see no reason why not,we have great 3-day eventers.So sad to hear of the passing of Commands.RIP.Hugs Sheena

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      Sheena. Agree with you. I have another dream. I hope to live to see the day that the Moose breaks free from the beak, and races. A win might kill me.
      Free the Moose. Let the Moose loose.

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    July 12 Cherokee Devotional

    The fragrances of the countryside are exhilarating after a summer rain. Wildflowers and morning glories have spread profusely along fencerows, and bittersweet vines abound wherever they can take hold. One breath of fresh air, one beautiful smell of petunias on the evening breeze, is never enough. It has to be repeated and held in remembrance for another time, another place. A pill doesn’t exist that works better than a country lane after a rainshower. Huge drops make secret symbols in the dust and are a da to li gi, a blessing on the head of a Cherokee. It is a special message, a private baptism from the Great Spirit.

    This country is mine, I was raised on it; my forefathers died on it; and I wish to remain on it.
    Crow Feather

  8. / Reply

    The posted picture of Zprincess on Instagram looks just like a mini Z. It looks as if she’ll be the same color as her mom. She is so well proportioned and looks like she will be tall, just like her mom too. Can’t wait to see the blog featuring Zi and Zprincess. Zi is just stunning and reminds me of Big Red. He just has that look about him. Very regal, and well aware of his surroundings. It’s as if he’s say “You’ve come to take pictures of me, well, be my guest!!!”

  9. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Nature is a cure-all.Fubu didn’t have too bad a time at the doc but his pain meds have been increased and he ate a little kitty gravy.He has such a strong will to live and his votes have reached 8000!Poor Lucy Lu got upset getting her “lion-cut” so I think the vet is sedating her to get it finished.Angel girl and Spot the seizure cat are having a party to celebrate their engagement!Weather damp and humid here today lovely at Newmarket .The “bobs” are having their lunch Big Bob getting ready to fly!Ray was enjoying his nanner breakfast.Marty was eating a healthy salad his internashunal bizness is spreading far and wide.I don’t remember if I told you about James Bowen and Bob his cat.It’s an inspirational story about an injured stray cat and how he changed the life of a drug-addicted homeless musician.They have about 212,000 friends on FB now and James has written 4 books I’ve got 2 of them.They are a must-read.Have a lovely Saturday.Hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Very hot with Joey,he’s out early.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      That’s great that Fubu has reached 8,000. It’s heartbreaking to see that picture of his little mouth. So painful. Poor Lucy Lu…she’ll be a lot more comfortable once her haircut is done. Haven’t visited Angel Girl and Spot. Will look for them. That will be a banner day when Big Bob flies! Awww…Ray likes bananas. My three line up in front of me every morning for their banana treat. Marty seems to be eating healthier. He is a bizness tycoon! I’ll look up James Bowen. Sounds very interesting. Have a great day. Hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

  12. / Reply

    A Super Moon did light the way
    To this, a Very Special Day:
    The Birthday of a Favorite Pal
    Who we all know’s a nifty gal.
    Her racing insight’s a joy to read;
    She’s got the goods on every steed,
    So at the track it’s quite a blast
    To watch her pick the ones so fast!
    Here’s toasting to a whole bunch more
    Of Birthday days and fun galore.
    So BLUEGRASS GIRL this one’s for you:
    May all your birthday dreams come true.
    Love and SqueeZes,
    dia-still has your Kona-stu in tempe

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      Great job and thanks for doing this Diana! I had been waiting for the promised “new post” to appear before posting my greetings but am glad to join you now in wishing all the best to our BGG! Have a good day and a great year, BGG, and mega thanks for the untold wealth of riches that you share with us. <3

    • / Reply

      DIana-Terrific job. BGG–The best of birthdays wishes to one of the most valued members of the blog.

    • / Reply

      How wonderful-a surprise birthday gift!
      Yes, we have to get together between the haboobs & monsoons.
      WIth a big thank you & a hug,
      BGG

    • / Reply

      Happy Birthday Blue Grass Girl. Thank you for all your posts and the work you do to keep us in the loop about all of the horses.

      Have a peaceful wonderful day.

    • / Reply

      Dear BlueGrass Girl,
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many more wonderful ones to come!! Hope you have had a most enjoyable day — Best Wishes to you, too. Thank you for all the posts which enlighten and entertain us. Hugs and Lots of Love

      Diastu in Tempe,
      Great poem!! Thanks for sharing your talent with us poetically.
      Lots of Love and Hugs

  13. / Reply

    This is for sheena or Max or anyone else familiar with racing in GB. I was watching TVG this morning and one race featured horses running on each side of the turf course with no horse in the middle. What is going on? Is there an advantage of being on one side or the other? I sure wish I knew more about racing in GB.

    • / Reply

      TC. Yes, that happens a fair amount, usually when there are a lot of horses. Jockey can pick which side suits the horse, but you have to be careful to watch the pace on the other side as well as your own. Difficult. This probably cost Australia the race in the Guineas. Then you have horses like Sea The Moon who run on both sides, depending on his mood, sort of like Whirlaway, and still win.

        • TC. Here is Sea The Moon changing lanes. This was the horse’s decision because he tends to hang left. Trainer had told the jockey who was riding for the first time to let STM run his race. He did. Sea The Moon is a son of Sea The Stars, brother to Frankel’s sire, Galileo. He may be the top 3 year old in Europe, but Ballydoyle’s Australia might not agree.

          http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-9S9MnCzTDA

        • Max-Thanks so much for posting this. Either there were a lot of dumb jockeys or a few smart horses, such as STM. You have provided a very thorough explanation. I still don’t see how a jockey can keep track of the placings of so many horses so far apart.

  17. / Reply

    Dear Terry.Max’s explanation is spot-on.The jockeys tend to look for better ground and some horses like to race against the rail.We had 2 groups in the July cup today which Slade Power won.It doesn’t always work well though.Hugs Sheena.

  19. / Reply

    Calling All Cappers

    So far we are a team of 5 please help me spread the word that the team members need to join back up for another fun racing season.
    I think some of you have had issues I am sorry.
    Please contact Fantasy capping and ask for help.
    We have room for anyone that wants to play come on it’s fun.
    Happy Saturday
    love Captain Zentastic

    • / Reply

      I posted the technical instructions on the NEW POST up today. Hope they help those who have been having trouble.

  21. / Reply

    @BGG–adding my wishes for the best possible day today> Hope you get to do some really fun things. You mean so much to all of us here.

    @diastu–thank you for pitching in with a first-class birthday poem! Love to you both.

  22. / Reply

    Wow-loved the video of Wise Dan breezing-what a beauty!!!!! I wish him all the best and enjoyed every bit-the gallop, the forward trot at the end and the walk home with a long neck looking for some grass-smile.May you be well!

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