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

    New national regulations by the Australian Racing Board. Well done. KathyR !!

    New rules to give a boost to racing industry
    Bunbury Mail July 9, 2014,
    RACING: The welfare and transition of thoroughbreds post retirement has been bolstered by the implementation of new national regulations by the Australian Racing Board.
    South West owners and trainers will now have to notify Racing Information Services Australia when their horse has been retired under compulsory rules which came into effect on July 1.
    Managing owners have 30 days to advise RISA and outline the reasons for their horse’s retirement and plans for their life beyond the race track, whether it is for breeding, equestrian pursuits or as a companion animal.
    In a further attempt to enhance the welfare of retired thoroughbreds, once a horse is retired, it will be ineligible to race again without the permission of stewards.
    The new ruling also impacts trainers who are required to notify RISA of the death of a race horse and the cause of their death when under their care.
    http://www.bunburymail.com.au/story/2405881/new-rules-to-give-a-boost-to-racing-industry/?cs=350

    • / Reply

      Dear Bluegrass Girl:

      It’s been a long time coming, and it won’t be perfect, but it’s an excellent start for the equine athletes, and will probably make some people think before they decide to buy a horse. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG, Kathy R and Z Fans:

      Wish the US Jockey Club would step up and make these same rules mandatory in the States. Would be a big step in the right direction for the welfare of OTTBs. Kudos to the Australian Racing Board for leading the way. Love and Hugs, JB

  2. / Reply

    Two of Eskendereya’s daughters ran today at Belmont in the first race, Isabella Sings (#7), who won at 4-1, and Eskenformoney (#2), as the even money favorite. She finished fourth. Both ran for the first time and both are trained by Todd Pletcher, who also trained Eskendereya. Isabella Sings looks exactly like her sire, and I just adore her flaxen mane. A link to a picture of her is provided in the Forum section under Two-Year Old Racing – second to the last page I believe. The video of the race can be found at Nyra.com, and just click on the replay button. She runs just like and her sire, and is just as fast. She ran the first 2 furlongs in 21.60, the second 2 furlongs in 22.67, but slowed down and ran the last 2 in 24.67, but for her maiden race, to finish 6 furlongs in 1:08.94 on the turf is very impressive. I’ve been told that with two-year old maidens – all they know how to do is run, but she looks to be a “good one.” I’ve added her to my stable and I’m sure that her next race, she won’t go off at odds of 4-1 again.

    @Terry Crow: I know that I don’t post that often. I’ve had a lot of “personal stuff” going on that has kept me away, but I’ll try to post more often – the blog is “good medicine” for the soul. Thanks for your post.

    • / Reply

      Dear Doreen:

      Thanks for this info on Eskendereya’s girls. If IS looks like her sire, she must be gorgeous. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy:

        I’ve found a picture of her as a foal and there is also a video of her when you click onto her name or picture on the Taylor Made Stallions website. I’m having problems with creating a link in here, so this is the url address:

        http://www.taylormadestallions.com/horses/eskendereya-1184.html

        If you move your cursor down to the weanlings section, she is the first one, seventh row down. You can get then click on her as mentioned above and look at a bigger picture of her along with a video. I also found two other horses in the “yearling” section that I think are gorgeous too. One is a colt out of Opera’s Song, his name is Country Club (he’s been working out at Belmont – but hasn’t been entered into a race as of yet), and the other is out of Quiet Action, his name is Quiet Ray – no works on him as of yet). The colt out of Opera’s Song by Unbridled’s Song is a grey, and the other colt out of Quiet Action is a chestnut. I just adore the greys and chestnuts. Eskendereya stamps his foals well.

        Thanks for the picture of Isabella Sings – I just love the chestnuts that have flaxen manes/tails. They’re stunning to look at.

        • I guess the link works once you submit it, but for some reason it went to Esky’s section, but not the section where I found the pictures of his foals (although the url address are the same??). I’m a dinosaur when it comes to computers. Anyway, if you arrow down to “Progeny Videos & Photos” that’s listed under his name – just to the right of his picture near the top of the page it will lead you to the page where I found the photo and video of Isabella Sings.

        • Dear Z Fans:

          Sorry, wouldn’t work. As Doreen said, you have to click on Progeny Photos and Videos, then scroll down to foal photos. Her Dam is Isabel Baillie. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy:

          Thanks for the attempt to post her picture. She sure was a cutie when she was a foal, and has grown up to be gorgeous. I got the two other colts of Esky mixed up as far as works. Country Club hasn’t worked out as of yet – which doesn’t surprise me – he was born in May of 2012, so he may still be in training and has graduated to the “big leagues” yet. Quiet Ray has been the horse that has been working out at Belmont – his last work was 6 days ago. He looks like he might be having gate trouble because his last two works have been out of the gate. I’ve been told that when they work out of the gate, it’s due to the horse having gate problems. I could be wrong, he might just be getting ready to enter a race since his works aren’t as spread apart as they were when he first started working out, if that makes sense.

    • / Reply

      I had no idea about Eskendereya when I visited him with Debbie G last month. So happy to see he has his first winner. He was so friendly and glad to see us (and our peppermints – ha!). I even have some video of him, but have not yet figured out how to share video :-(

  3. / Reply

    Thanks Judy B. I appreciated the info Max gave earlier but lost the info.
    I am tarting a book on Zenny and family and Tasty. Good luck to White Gladiator,and will look for TT’s baby in the future. I really enjoyed watching the race, T-You for all the info you shared with me.,White Gladiator has a lot of heart coming in at third from 5th positon late in the race.A beautiful boy. Love you forever TT.
    Abigail,will look for the video and photos of Coz tomorrow-yippee.
    Bluegrass Girl,I am so happy new rules are coming into place for accountability for the thoroughbreds finishing their racing careers.Here just outside Vancouver we have a facility that takes horses from the track and trains them and finds them good homes,it is called NewStrides. I know there are many such rescues in the states and am really fond of Patti Shirley in Tuscon and her Equine Encore Foundation to name one of many. Sending love and appreciation to all those that help horses when their days on the track are done and they may be in a perilous situation.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Max! This is classic — Benny Hill would be proud that the show’s theme was used to accompany the antics in this race. Wild!
      Hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      Love that Benny Hill theme music, but I just don’t understand this race at all. Did the jockeys not know the course. Were they not able to control the horses. I mean, they’re going every which way. If it wasn’t so dangerous, I would find it hysterical. Thank God no one was hurt. Power Up CDA, ROC, Beholder, Treve, MMM, Reilly, Sir. CC, you look great. Beast, Max is watching. TT, love you forever. Loose The Moose!

      • / Reply

        JudyB. There are no answers to those questions. It’s one of those things that cannot be explained. As the commentator said, ce n’est pas possible, but it was. Moosie however would understand. So would Sea The Moon and Whirlaway.

        • Dear Max:

          Yes, I believe they would. Loose The Moose! Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Max,
      That is hysterical! I have watched it several times, and you are right it gets funnier each time. Thanks for the post.

    • / Reply

      Max
      Watched the videos. maybe the jockeys thought the jumps were “voluntary”
      Thankful no one was hurt. They were jumping obstacles not meant to be jumped.
      Appreciate all your posts-great information.
      Hovis is a must read.
      Loose the Moose!
      BGG

  6. / Reply

    IT’S BACK ARE YOU READY FOR SOME CAPPING!!!

    Fantasy Capping YES IT’S TIME AGAIN

    I sent out a invitation for you all to come back and play again. We also have room for a few more team members. It’s loads of fun and costs us nothing but our pride.
    The first race is July 20th the Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar.
    Oh I am so darn excited lets get this team going like the Zentastic rocket and shoot for a BIG ZENTASTIC WIN.
    If anyone needs help please email me or IM me on facebook.
    Lets also try to get us some more recruits to have a blast with.
    Love you guys and looking forward to the season.
    Captain Zentastic
    Coz I Can 2015
    I Like IK 2016

  7. / Reply

    Dear Max.That was brilliant!!They said on RP it was a novice chase!I wish Moose and Sea the Moon had taken part.The music was the “Benny Hill show”theme tune.Have you seen that race from Brighton where a seagull finished 2nd in a photo.He just happened to be flying past at the right time!
    A new Walk of Fame was unveiled at Newmarket yesterday.There are 6 paving stones to start including Sir Henry and Frankel Lester Piggott Fred Archer and Hyperion.Dreadful weather for the start of the July meeting ,poured all day.Free the Moose PU Dan and all sick horses.Niss4PM.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Yes, either Sea The Moon or Moosie would fit right in with those horses. Moose mentioned on his twitter that he would be back soon to entertain his fans. I don’t know if he means back from summer hold in Yorkshire or the beak has at long last relented.
      Nice news about Newmarket Walk of Fame.
      Can relate to the rain. Fortunately it seems to fall at night here or late in the afternoon after I have made it home. Sounds like Nissy has had a rough time of it, although it was maybe worse for the peeps. Polar vortex and Arthur in less than 6 months.
      Free the Moose. Danny, power up. Good treats to Reilly and Sir. All horses who are sick, get well. Beast, work and rest, and be nice to Cozzy if you see him. Tasty, never forgotten. Keep watch for Z and her young ones, especially Cozzy in NY. We are all looking out for your sweet baby, and your family. Count on it.

  10. / Reply

    Dear Max.Glad you liked the photo finish!Are’nt you getting any better weather in your part of the world yet?Must mean his summer break in Yorkshire,he’ll be up before the beak in early October. It’s already past 1am here must get to dreamland.Goodnight and God bless.Free the Moose PU Dan and all sick horses everywhere.Niss4PM.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. As long as it’s not snowing or freezing rain, it’s good weather.
      Free the Moose. Let the Moose out on parole.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Thank you so much. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc and all the Sweeties

    • / Reply

      Thanks for this update, BGG!
      Good Luck to Gary for a smooth surgery and quick recovery!
      All the Best! Hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for this info. Wishing GS all the best and a complete recovery. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Oh no, after he has had such a successful comeback. Hope he recovers soon.

      On a selfish note, Oh No, he is Muchie,s jock. Hope he recovers by the first of November. Guess the two of them can get together and discuss their hurts.

        • If Uncle Johnny realizes the Muchie does not like the whip and will run as hard as he can without. Gary was quoted as saying that was on of the most important things he found out about Muchie. Could do worse. Don’t know if Mike would be a good match. He seems to do better with the girls.

        • shirlee. Muchie is like Dan. Neither one wants to be told what to do. Both have the talent and experience to go it pretty much alone without any whipping. His peeps will find the right rider. They will be lining up for that ride in the BCC.

  14. / Reply

    Judy Berube, I think it was you that posted the video of CC’s sister. I loved it!! She is beautiful and I loved the close ups. She has a kind eye. Who owns CC’s sister?
    I have not heard too much lately about CC but I admit I have not been able to read to much here on the blog. Do you know anything?
    lovenhugs, Sally B

  16. / Reply

    It’s time for the Happy Song, For Sure.

    Callifornia Chrome returns to his Los Al Stall Thursday July l7 Can’t wait So Happy

    Dear Judy, I was coming home from work today and passed by a station on the radio that was playing The Happy Song At the end of it the DJ came on and said, And if your from Another Planet that’s Pharrall Williams singing the Happy Song. Just too funny, I know , well at least I heard it a couple of months ago. I though where have I been. Everyone teased me about not hearing about it before.

  17. / Reply

    California Chrome set to return to Los Alamitos
    AP – Sports Thurs. July 10, 2014
    LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (AP) — Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome
    is set to return to Los Alamitos on July 17 from an extended layoff after his Triple Crown bid ended in defeat.
    The colt, who finished fourth in the Belmont Stakes in his quest to become the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years, has been taking time off at Harris Farms in Coalinga, California.
    California Chrome’s first race since the Belmont on June 7 could come in September at Los Alamitos, his home track in Orange County.
    Trainer Art Sherman has said California Chrome is ultimately being pointed toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 1 at Santa Anita
    http://sports.yahoo.com/news/california-chrome-set-return-los-200441495–rah.html

    • / Reply

      There are some real problems with how California Chrome is being handled. I will post more when I am at liberty to do so.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG,
      WOW, Pennmarydel is a real looker! Beautiful!
      Thanks for these links. Always interesting and informative.
      Hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for all the info you post for us and thank you for this stunning photo of Penn. He gorgeous like his brother. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      He is a really big guy. So glad he is with the Jacksons and that they are taking their time with him.

      He has the Roberto ears.

  19. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Z Princess:

    Goodnight. Stay cool. Sweet Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB

  20. / Reply

    Dear Judy

    You know I thought CC and Shared Belief might face each other sometime maybe even before the November Races. But you know I don’t think so now. Seems like SB may well go to the Pacific Classic and CC to another in September. Maybe that’s best, but I wonder if they would face each other at the Breeders Cup. Wonder if Shared Belief would go in the Classic or another. I would think, though that CC would go the Classic as they are saying. It will be very interesting for sure.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy:

      Yes, will be interesting to see how the BCC shapes up. Safe and sound to all. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      If I had to guess right now, I would say that SB will go in the BC mile and CC in the BCC. However, it probably depends on how healthy the other BCC candidates are later in the year.

    • / Reply

      RIP Dr. Byars
      Thank you, Judy B., for this link. Apparently, he was a great doctor and an equally great friend to all equines, especially Old Friends and to Mr. Blowen. So sorry to learn of his death.
      Lots of Love and Hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Max,

      Thank you for our Hovis update. Congratulations, Hovis, on your exciting upcoming event! You were very brave going out alone with all those challenges. So sorry for your loss of Tom. May he rest in peace. Free the Moose.

    • / Reply

      I remember Hovis consulting “Old Tom” on many occasions. RIP Tom, and sincere condolences to your mum and all of your human and equine friends. Thanks to Hovis for another beautiful memorial poem.
      On a brighter note, Hovis’s upcoming public appearance is causing great excitement across the pond. The event is in early November at Stoneleigh Park near Coventry in England. It’s a riot hearing how some of his Facebook friends are planning to tell their “other halves” about going to meet a horse they met on the internet. We would understand :-)

      • / Reply

        Hovis was clearly fond of Old Tom, but OT was a thoroughbred. In Hovis’ opinion, you cannot trust a thoroughbred.

    • / Reply

      Max-You are wise beyond your years. Tom–Enjoy yourself until we meet. We have some stories to swap.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max & Sheena,
      Thanks for our weekly visit with Hovis. He always brightens the week for us.

      Love the tribute poem from Hovis for Wise Old Tom — had to reach for the tissues. This poem is beautiful! It is so well written and so sweet. Fine job!
      RIP Wise Old Tom. Run free and enjoy the heavenly pastures. Watch over Hovis and all family, as well as all friends on this wonderful blog. Love and Hugs

  25. / Reply

    July 11 Cherokee Devotional

    As unlikely as it seems at times, there is always a way-even a better way. If we can keep on working and using our vision, there will be solutions and they will not fail. Our limited view can make us believe answers must come through certain channels. It is hard to stop thinking that one particular way is all there is, that we have no choice. It makes us rely on a crust of bread when we have could have a feast. If we want a breakthrough, we need to take off our blinders-stop pressing our minds into tiny molds that have no room to expand. Allow, even encourage, the mind and spirit to use the gift of a go wa dv di, vision-extraordinary ability to see beyond ordinary sight, to a better way.

    There was time…our wants were within our control…we saw nothing we could not get.
    Sharitarish

  26. / Reply

    @Max–thanks for the Hovis update. He has faced many trials. Death is truly the last enemy. Beautiful poem for his friend.

  27. / Reply

    @Sue or Sandy
    went to Zentastics “dashboard” and tried to post….comment never showed up
    I am doing something wrong again…any ideas?

    • / Reply

      I had trouble too Carol. When I got to the dashboard, there was a black “veil” over my page.

  28. / Reply

    So sad to hear about the retirement of the Fugue.She sustained an injury in the Eclipse and the Lloyd-Webbers decided to call time.I will always remember her wonderful performance in the Prince of Wales breaking the track record that sunny day.She will be sorely missed.Look forward to her babies!Hugs Sheena.

  29. / Reply

    I am very glad the blog does not charge for each time we look at the pictures of Ziconic and the little princess. She is so cute with her curly mane and he is mind blowing. Last time a chestnut lit me up like that was when I saw Lea at Churchill. Gotta say however that The Red Prince is the best looking chestnut colt I have seen since the one and only Big Red.

  30. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Sorry to hear of The Fugue retiring. She had a brilliant career. Best wishes for her new life. Poor little Zoe has had a lot of sadness recently. Bless her. She is such a precious little girl. Marty is giving out lots of good abvice. Sweet throwback pic of Ray sleeping with his dad. Poor Hovis lost his friend Tom. Fubu has stopped eating his dry food. Bless all the hearts that are heavy right now. We have to be thankful if we aren’t going through anything bad. As we know things can turn on a dime. Have a good Friday and enjoy your weekend. Hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

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