Zenyatta

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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

    @Sandy…..Got the app you suggested and loaded Rivers into it as a favorite…on my “phone that is smarter than I am”…app not available on my kindle…go figure…tell Rivers I love him if you get to Thistledown ….

  2. / Reply

    Everyone have a Happy and SAFE 4th of July…..
    PU to all….
    @ Max …are you the one who mentioned that Zi looks like our Dan? I think so too…hard to believe from that picture that he is only a yearling…
    as always
    kisses to all soft noses worldwide

    • / Reply

      carolinarkansas. I said that. Zi looks pretty formidable already. He’s going to be very intimidating to the other horses when he really comes into himself.

  3. / Reply

    Dear Max.Sorry about the link.A lot of peeps over here are critical of the cost of the Aircraft carrier.They seem to have forgotten Britannia once ruled the waves.I hate the folks who live here being critical of our little Island!!I often wish Dave would remind the euros who won 2 World wars!Hope weather is good with you.Free the Moose Niss4Senate PU Dan and all sick horses everywhere plus Reilly.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. You cannot have too many aircraft carriers. They always come in handy in times of crisis, and building them gives work to towns with shipyards. Those two wars were fought for freedom, especially the last one. That includes freedom of speech. Perhaps we should all adopt the Morton Fink approach to endless whining and criticism. When peeps attack him or Dan, he laughs like crazy.
      Beak, free the Moose on the 4th of July.

  4. / Reply

    Still Realing on Photos of the babies above. Ziconic and Princess seeing you is such a treat on this 4th of July. Your both so beautiful.

    Go………..We Miss Artie…………..See you Sunday……………………

      • / Reply

        shirlee. Hoping for Artie to win, but your friend, Johnny V, is in that race too. He’s riding Tower of Texas.

        • Max, Have to admit that I have never heard of Tower of Texas! Safe trip to all. Think Artie can do it.

        • shirlee. You do know his grand daddy: Street Cry.
          There are sixteen horses in that race. Hoping that Artie will win and go on to win the Triple Crown. Javier Castellano is riding for the Ramsays.
          Bobby’s Kitten is racing in the Belmont Derby today. Those kittens have lucky claws when they want to win. Look out, Toast.

  5. / Reply

    Happy 4th of July to all in the Zenyatta Nation!!! Thanks to Tyler and Team Z for the
    wonderful photos. :) Praying for everyone to be safe and well this holiday and thru
    the summer. ;)

    Peace, Love & God Bless You,
    Kathy from SoCal xoxoxoxo

  6. / Reply

    Ziconic, you not only remind me of Secretariat but Whirlaway as well. Another of my favorite boys. Wow

      • / Reply

        Max-Thanks for posting this. One of my all-time favorites. I have posted this before, but he was scheduled to run at Santa Anita in the 1943 season but Pearl Harbor happened. Those were happy days for Calumet. Anybody familiar with that story knows what a shame it all was. Mr. Longtail was sold to a French breeder, and he died in France, that much is certain. He was buried in a graveyard overlooking Normandy. What happened to his remains after that remains somewhat of a mystery. I still do not believe he is buried at Calumet. Happy birthday America!

      • / Reply

        Max, I did call Calumet and they told me Whirlaway was buried there, however I am not sure the woman I talked to even knew who he was.

        Right now it doesn’t look as if Zi is going to be Mr. Longtail! But I do love his little short, still a bit fuzzy tail. Wish I could have blonde streaks like he does.

        Joyous July 4th to all in Zenyatta land.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max, Peggy, TC and Z Fans:

        Max, wow, what a great video. Thank you so much. Reminded me of Z the way Mr. Longtail closed in the Preakness. What a horse! Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Max

        Thank you so much for this wonderful video. Enjoyed it so much. Just love him. I’m so sorry he’s gone.Sure wish he was still around.
        Terry, I’m hanging onto the hope that he is at Calumet.

      • / Reply

        Great video Max. Amazing what you learn here – (Mr. Longtail = Whirlaway!). Nice to hear Jim McKay too.

      • / Reply

        Max, Shirlee, Terry, et al…. couldn’t resist chiming in, as Whirlaway is also one of my all time favorites. For those who might not be as familiar with this horse, here are two links for nice write ups, one at Brisnet’s Historical Cameo section, and the other at Spiletta’s UTHOF:
        Brisnet: http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/article.cgi?id=3499
        Spiletta: http://www.spiletta.com/UTHOF/whirlaway.html

        Hopefully I got these links copied correctly. If not, just go to the root links and drill down at each site.

        (It really is difficult sharing things under the new format not permitting copying/pasting links!)

        Hugs to all…..today is Queen’s Plate day at Woodbine. We Miss Artie is the fave, but I can’t help rooting for the filly, Lexie Lou, who is the second favorite.

        • Ann Maree-There is plenty of room on Whirlaway’s bandwagon. He sure did his share in raising money for the war effort.

    • / Reply

      Yes, Ziconic looks so much like Secretariat !
      Next year will see him running like his mom, like his dad & like Secretariat……
      Hugs Ingrid.

  8. / Reply

    Oh my goodness, he’s breathtaking! So big like his Mama and Daddy.
    What a gorgeous horse!

    She’s like a dream filly….so beautiful. Tall and those beautiful long legs tell you exactly what she’s going to be able to do.

    I am envious of everyone at John Sherrif’s barn who gets to work with these lovely babies.

    Queen Z you make the most special babies!

    Thank you Team Z for sharing with us. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that we get to see these youngsters grow up and know that Zenyatta is in good health and happy.

  9. / Reply

    Happy 4th!!! Love love the photos, thank you!!! Z’s babes are gorgeous;) xoxoxoZ,Coz,Ziconic and ZPrincess

  10. / Reply

    Dear Max.Thanks for news of Kauto’s partner-in-crime! Grace Walker had tweeted either Laura or Kauto the other day.He looks wonderful.I heard a lot of rain has been dumped on the Belmont racetrack but Jamie says it’s known to dry out quickly.Maybe he should have gone for the Epsom Derby.I hadn’t known your horses were allowed bute as well!Free the Moose.Niss4Senate PU Dan and all sick horses love to Reilly Go Toast!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Bute can be used but there are rules about how close that it can be administered before a race. Not certain but I think that it’s 48 hours in NY. JudyB probably knows the rules. It’s used to treat inflammation. Is Toast running on turf or dirt?
      Free the Moose!

  11. / Reply

    A Bernie to keep an eye on…Maybe a future stakes winner bred by the Moss’ the same year they bred Cozmic One.

    Sold as a yearling at the Keeneland Sept 2013 Sale for the Moss’ by Mill Ridge Agents. He sold for $200,000. A late foal he was foaled on May 7, 2012 (approx 2 months after Coz) he was recently sold again at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s Spring 2 yr-olds in training for $700,000.

    Bollywood (2 yr-old colt, D B/ Foaled May 7, 2012)
    (Bernardini – Tarlow, by Stormin Fever)
    Breeder: Mr. & Mrs Jerome S. Moss.

    Workout
    Date: July 4, 2014
    Track: Santa Anita Park
    Distance: Four Furlongs
    Time: 46.60 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 2/52

    • / Reply

      Dear Especially Horses:

      Thanks for this info on Bollywood. Always love to follow my Bernie’s babies. Have to see if I can find a photo of him. Love and Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Dear Max.I am not sure he was training on the turf.I don’t like dirt ,it just doesn’t feel natural to me in the UK. I am so used to lush green turf,of course, we use the all weather.Nissy hasn’t mentioned the storm yet,he’s thinking of getting a car when he becomes Senator!A blue one!Free the Moose Niss4Senate PU Dan and all sick horses everywhere plus Reilly.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. I hear you. I’m not fond of dirt either. Turf is much easier on the horses as is all weather. Do you know the significance of a blue car? That storm is doing a lot of damage. There are warnings out right up to Nissyland. Prediction of heavy rain. I wonder how secure his basement is?
      Beak, let the Moose run free.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Just checked. He’s running on the turf. Osborne is getting lots of flack over the lasix issue from critics in the UK. He’s sticking to his decision to use it on the basis that it will not hurt Toast. If he does not use it, the other horses would hold an advantage over Toast. I’d really like to see Toast win that race. He’s a very nice horse.

  13. / Reply

    Thank for all the wonderful photos and continued updates. Such a heart warming thrill to watch them grow up.
    I want to wish everyone a very Happy Fourth of July. A FB friend shared this video and it moved me to tears. It’s just perfect and a must see. From me to you with all my heart I hope you’re having a beautiful day with friends and family.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yaetvTj5DE

    • / Reply

      Dear Ashton:

      Love, love that video and Ray Charles’ rendition of America The Beautiful. Thank you so much and Happy 4th. Love and Hugs, JB

  15. / Reply

    Dear Max.I’m glad he’s on turf.There has been a lot of criticism of Jamie using Lasix over here but he said nearly all the others are using it so…I must admit I am not keen on the idea but I think most Euro trainers use it when they race in the US.Nissy has been quiet the last few hours the storm maybe?I think he just likes the colour his peep suggested pink!!The racoons have been attacking her plumies again never a dull moment in Nissyland.Free the Moose Niss4Senate=^..^=PU Dan and all sick horses everywhere.Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Just read Osborne’s diary. He’s nervous and is into second guessing. Lots of rain at Belmont today, but he’s been told that the race will likely stay on the turf. Toast has not raced since March 29. That is a rather long layoff at his level. Hope that he’s another Quevega. He sure has the pedigree to do it. Sadler’s Wells and Danzig might be surfacing at the right time. He looks like SW.

  16. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc and all the Sweeties

  17. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Z Princess:

    Goodnight. Stay cool. Love all of you so much. Love and Hugs, JB

  18. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta family:

    Sorry to interrupt the barbecue and the fireworks, but need an answer to a question.

    We have a new starter for Robbie Lang in Victoria starting at Caulfield today, called Kindergarden Kid: he’s a 7 year old bay gelding sired by Dynaformer – his dam is Amelia (by Dixieland Band). The form tells me he’s not won under 1710m – he’s entered in a 1400m handicap. Any and all information grateful accepted. Cheers KathyR

  19. / Reply

    Dear Max:

    Wanted to let you know that your favourite Downunder grey, Voila Ici goes around at 4.45pm (Australian time) in the Race-Tech Australia Handicap at Caulfield – 2000m. Think he needs a heavy track, and it’s only slow at present, with wind which will dry it out. But he does seem a lot happier in his new stable, so we will see. Cheers, KathyR

    • / Reply

      KathyR. Let us know how he does. I really like him. Glad to see some posts from you. Looks like Gai Waterhouse has a horse in the Belmont invitational Derby tomorrow at Belmont against Toast of New York. You never know how things will turn out.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        The Waterhouse horse at Belmont hasn’t raised much interest down here because Gai has only purchased the horse while she was on her Ascot buying spree. Gai is trying to replace Fiorente who won the Melbourne Cup for her last year and is now at stud. She’s already declared she has the winner in a horse called The Offer. Fiorente had been under the care of Sir Michael Stoute before Gai purchased him, so he had a good grounding. She’s also got one called Cafe Society I believe. Oh to have deep pockets, or owners with them! Cheers, KathyR

        • KathyR. There is another Australian owned horse in the race, Gailo Chop. Reports say that owners and trainer have decided not to use lasix. This horse will be the only one running without it, unless they or others change their minds. This puts the horse at a disadvantage to the others because lasix enhances performance, but one must admire the decision as a stand for principle.

  20. / Reply

    Oh my goodness!
    I just decided to log on before the sun went down on this glorious Fourth of July!
    And, how glad I did.
    These photos are wonderful. Special thanks Tyler Matson.
    Ziconic is truly iconic. Takes my breath away.
    And, Princess-elegant, adorable, and celebrating Independence Day her way!
    Team Zenyatta, can not wait to see and hear the rest of the story.
    Happy Fourth of July to all.
    BGG

    • / Reply

      Oooh Bluegrass Girl – you might have just come up with a good name for Z Princess: “Zelegant”!
      Team Z and Lanes End: Thank you for such lovely pictures of the kids. I just logged in to look at the photos, not to post, but just had to when I saw them.
      SInce I’m here: Ziconic is a HUNK! Princess looks like a ballerina – all dainty and long legged (just don’t look at that Zenyatta butt)!
      Back under my rock now.
      diastu in tempe

  23. / Reply

    Happy, safe 4th weekend! The Princess & Ziconic look absolutely great! Ziconic has one major engine to grow into!

  25. / Reply

    Wish I could share this 30 second commercial that will air later
    this summer on NBC. Dedicated to the Dream from Winstar.
    The highlight for me is where there is a stallion rearing,
    That stallion is none other than the gritty survivor Paynter.
    I just keep replaying it.
    I found it on you-tube, but cannot share the link.

    So glad he beat the odds and looking forward to seeing his babies
    next year.

  26. / Reply

    Thanks so much for sharing your family with us and a special shout out to Team Z, LE, Tyler, John and Dottie Sheriffs for taking such good care of them all for us and sharing them with us. They mean so much to all of us! I had to look twice at Ziconic to make sure it was him, my he has grown. He really looks a lot like Zenyatta in his build and form, just in beautiful chestnut form. I believe he will be as tall as her or quite similar. Remember Tonalist who is by Tapit, he is over 17 hands and quite striking, and can run for days. I think Zi is going to be a strikingly majestic chestnut that mirrors his Mom in size and talent. I think he has her more laid back gentle nature also, but will turn up the heat when he knows it is time to perform. This will serve him well. ZPrincess is just a spitfire and looks so much like Z. She is going to be something else, she is a passionate little girl with plenty of spunk like Z. Like they say, be careful what you wish for, well, ZP is it. A great example of her mother Z. I can’t wait to hear the news, we know that Zi will begin his elementary training at LE and then off to Ocala soon. I am sure that there will also be news soon on Z’s next date, Team Z has done a terrific job selecting her suitors thus far. Where does time go? We are so lucky that we are included in Zenyatta’s life. A lot of mare’s finish racing and we don’t hear much from them. Thanks again Team Z for allowing us the pleasures that are “Zenyatta”, she is the gift that keeps on giving!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  28. / Reply

    Dear Max and Judy:

    Unfortunately neither Kindergarden Kid nor Voila Ici won their respective races. The Kid created quite a stir in the parade ring. Comments such as (and this will tickle you, Judy) and I quote: How big would he be if he hadn’t been gelded? Holy Roller size?. And once at the barrier, and another quote from the race caller: He’s a giant of a horse. He jumped well, settled nicely, but as predicted the distance was too short for him. He came in 12th out of 15. Still it’s good experience. Voila Ici also jumped well, and led to the half way point, but was caught quickly and faded to finish 9th out of a field of 15.

    Hope I haven’t confused you with the lack of quotation marks, but the last time I used them I got the red pencil from the Z team. Not sure how else to indicate a quote. Any suggestions? Hugs KathyR

    • / Reply

      KathyR. Great report. Sorry that neither won, but next time. The accepted theory these days is that gelding has no effect on the size of a horse, as in height, although it might affect how much fat a horse carries. Glad to understand the reference to Holy Roler, a marvellous horse with a great story.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R:

      It’s good to hear a reference to Holy Roller and know that he’s still so well loved. Maybe next time the distance will suit KK. Same with Voila Ici; two beautiful boys. Kathy, I have used quotations marks in my posts before without the “red pencil” (let’s see what happens). However, if I try to include more than two links in a post, it’s held for moderation. Love and Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    Have to let you all know another piece of Downunder news. Today was the last time that the Walter name will be used in a training capacity in Australian racing. Guy Walter’s widow, Wendy, has passed the keys to the stable to Joe Pride. But today at Rosehill Blake Shinn rode a second, and a winner for the stable, in terrific rides. Perfect way to farewell a wonderful man. Cheers, KathyR

  30. / Reply

    Dear Max:

    Thanks for that information on Gailo Chop. The horse is owned by OTI Thoroughbreds. One of the owners, Simon O’Donnell, is a former cricketer (Sheena will probably know of him). The other partner is a Terry Henderson. They wander the globe indulging in their love of horse racing and the ultimate aim to own a Melbourne Cup horse. I think the horse is of French origin. Cheers, KathyR

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