Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Hi, From Z and Friends!

Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End

Happy Wednesday!

We thought we’d share this video of Baby Z relaxing in the paddock with Mom and friends. 12Z and his buddies certainly enjoy growing up in their beautiful home.

Don’t forget to check our Watch Baby Z Grow photo gallery. We update it regularly!

We also made a small change to the website that some of you may have already noticed. Comments on the blog are now split into multiple pages. This will make posts load faster for everyone.

Have a great week!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

696 Comments

      • / Reply

        Clare Balding, BBC Sport

        “I’ve just spoken with (former BBC commentator) Sir Peter O’Sullevan, he described that display from Frankel as extra terrestrial.”

    • / Reply

      Mick Fitzgerald,Former top jockey

      “I’ve spoken to jockey Tom Queally and he said Frankel lost a shoe during his win today, which makes his performance even more impressive. It looked as though the shoe went very early in the race as well. This horse has blown away the competition. Frankie Dettori said it was like watching a horse galloping off into the dust. It’s like driving a super-powered sports car.”

        • Dale told me, to take that Triumph to Earl Scheib and get it painted for $29.95.
          Earl can’t find the code for “British Racing Green”.

        • I have a good story about Earl Scheib. At Hollywood Park recently the Fran’s Valentine Handicap was renewed. Fran’s Valentine remains the only horse that was ever disqualified from first place in a Breeder’s Cup race and was owned by Earl Scheib. It happened in the first year that the BC was held at Hollywood Park. When the decision finally came down and his horse was disqualified, one of his commercials came on TV. Yeah, it was the one that starts out with Earl bellowing RIGHT! I”ll paint any car for $29.95. I remember laughing very hard at the coincidence as I am sure the commercial was already scheduled and couldn’t have come at a worse time for Earl.

        • Thanks TC. That made my day. Poor Earl.
          I swear, I really want to come west and take in racing. Santa Anita,my first dream!!! My little chick a dee and me!!!!

    • / Reply

      They’re saying Frankel won number 11 by 11! High hoof to Frankel, named indeed for our own Dottie’s close friend, Bobby Frankel. Dottie, you must be over the moon with this brilliant colt who does such honor to his namesake.

  2. / Reply

    RIP Mr. Producer. Way, way too many breaking down . So sad. They are being run b4 they are ready or they are not meant to race.
    Bless his heart

  3. / Reply

    Go Frankel Go! Good luck to the lady Black Caviar on Saturday.
    Have a safe ride with no injuries. Looks like they are going to run this poor mare to death!

      • / Reply

        Trina. I agree with you. If you look at BC posing in her superb bodysuit, she is loving her career. Hoping that she wins at Ascot.

  4. / Reply

    Zenny I l♥ve l♥ve you and miss you pretty girl – m♥mma!
    My ♥ heart :)’s with love! ♥ ♥

  5. / Reply

    Frankel freaked. Too bad he isn’t coming to BC. Oh well, no skin off my nose.

    TC 2015 is looking to be a great one. I hope one day that you too will stand atop the world and be proclaimed World’s Greatest, Prince Z. Wouldn’t that wipe the nose of everyone who ever said that America can’t have the World’s Greatest Horse? How great would that be?

    • / Reply

      Patti,
      Who said we never did! A few names come to mind, Man O War, Secretariat, Seattle Slew, and the best ever Z E N Y A T T A! Hugs

      • / Reply

        Good point. I will be more convinced when Frankel either travels to another place to run and/or he runs in a race with turns. Black Caviar did travel, results pending. It is a shame that the two of them did not hook up but money is always a determining factor.

      • / Reply

        That was my reaction too. I had a heated argument with someone on FB who thought that American racing had no real champions. The wiping-nose comment was more or less referring to him, as he decided to call Z and Sec an over-rated nag. I merely told him that just because Z and Sec have more fans on FB than some English horses does not legitimize his arguement that they are merely “Crowd Pleasers”. They both put on performances in their races that easily rivaled Frankel’s today, and that to discount them on his own personal grievance with America is biased, unfair and foolish. Still, I would love to see an American horse now in the top 10 rankings, as a lot of our stars have retired and are on their way, if not already, to being parents.

        • Max,
          Oh, gosh I know, so many greats, just wanted to rattle off a few no one could argue with. What a crappy thing for that Brit to say, some people should shut their big mouths and think their parts!! Oh well ignorance is bliss I guess.

        • As an example of British bias, some years ago, around the turn of the 20th century, the racing officials there passed an act questioning American horses’ purity of blood. For a long time, American horses were not considered to be thoroughbreds. This was called the Jersey Act and was not official repealed until the 1940’s, although it was generally disregarded. I mention this only because anyone who takes the Brits seriously should be sentenced to drink warm beer until they choke. British horses beating other British horses does not impress me.

        • @Terry
          I second that. That British “sooth-sayer” who dressed like a homeless man for BC bashed Zenyatta for all she was worth before the Queen rolled off and won even though he said she had no chance. Now that Frankel has turned into a star, he is singing his praises left and right even though Frankel has never left his three or four home tracks, and never left GB. It’s a bit unfair that he doesn’t consider American racehorses “worthy” of the title World’s Greatest when many from the Red, white, and blue corner have won some of the greatest races like the Dubai World Cup. Shouldn’t then a horse be considered the “World’s Greatest” since he/she won the WORLD cup?? Same for the BC??? You can’t bash Z for “racing inferior competition time and time again” when that’s technically what Frankel is doing. Z’s team never put in a rabbit for any of her races, and here is Frankel beating up on his younger brother once again for the second or third time now. That’s not fair. It can’t bash American horses when the competition is bad, but then turn around and glorify British horses when they are basically doing the same thing, just on a different continent all because he is biased up to his eyeballs toward American racing.

        • Sorry, typo correction!

          “Bad” is suppose to look like this because I believe American racing could give GB a run for its money, especially of our Queen made the trip!

        • Pati. Frankel’s younger brother is Noble Mission, who has never been a pacemaker. Bullet Train is one year older and is there to control Frankel’s natural desire to take off like a rocket. Z never needed any pacemaker because her style was to come from behind. In a way all of her rivals were the pacemakers and she picked them off one by one in glorious fashion. Pacemakers do not always work. If you examine the 2000 Guineas, the pacemaker was totally ignored and Frankel went alone. There was no pacemaker in the Sussex Stakes when Frankel defeated Canford Cliffs.
          Any critics of American horses should check out Frankel’s pedigree which is dominated on both sides by Northern Dancer. He is named for Bobby Frankel as a tribute to a great American trainer.

        • @Max

          During his race coverage, they said that his three quarters brother was his pacemaker and in the same race as he again. Were they maybe referring to another horse? I have it recorded on my tv, and I’m sure I heard it pretty clearly.

        • Pati. The pacemaker in yesterday’s race for Frankel was his older brother Bullet Train. Bullet Train was sired by Sadler’s Wells who is Frankel’s grand sire. Both Bullet Train and Frankel have Kind as their mother, therefore the description of Bullet Train as Frankel’s three parts brother.
          Frankel’s younger full brother is Noble Mission. He does not race as a pacemaker. He is more of a stamina horse and runs over a longer distance.
          Bullet Train and Frankel look like Kind, but Noble Mission carries the full Northern Dancer blaze and resembles Sadler’s Wells.

        • Very important point TC.
          There will always be British bias and
          Their does not seem to be any comparison
          Between US bred and Euro bred.

          The Euros have more stamina and soundness.
          I am sure Frankel’s owner’s would bring him
          Here to advance his career and that is their loss.

          Remember our horses are no longer competative
          On Dubai surface.

          Also, Big Blue Kitten is over at Royal Ascot to
          Compete for US. One of Kitten Joy’s children
          Bred by the Ramsey’s.

          Black Cavier is only their to win a Race at Royal Ascot,
          She has ready proven herself.

        • @ Max

          Ok, thank you. I was positive that I heard that he was racing his brother. So he is racing an older brother. That’s an interesting sibling rivalry.

        • Pati

          There is a purpose for a pacemaker. To control the pace
          For the Champion. Goldikova had one also. Helps them
          Conserve energy.

        • Terry. In the Queen Anne Stakes, which Frankel won, only 3 of the 11 horses in the race were British. The rest were from Germany, Australia, Ireland and the US (Florida and Kentucky).

        • Max-Your points are certainly valid. Frankel may be the greatest horse of all time but until he races outside of Britain how can we be sure?

  6. / Reply

    I’ve been busy so am catching up with latest news.
    Sharon in Seattle Happy belated Birthday t;o you hope yours was very special. Also, I was at the Apple Blossom with Sally B and I can’t believe how many of us were (Barbara W, and Kari too ) standing at that rail at the same time. We could have had a great Zenny party if we had only known.
    Terry, welcome back from your special mission we certainly missed your wry sense of humor……you have me laughing already!
    Trina loved the poem, and I got to see pictures from your suprise party, it sure looked like you were having a great time. Hope you enjoyed all our cards!
    Congratulations to the great Frankel, what a great race, and amazing acceleration! Thank God all came home safe.

    Special nose kisses sent to my love Zen and EARnie, Auntie Sue

  7. / Reply

    CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS

    GUESS WHAT! THERE IS ANOTHER MOUTH TO FEED AT VALLEY VIEW RANCH EQUINE RESCUE!

    Our own Little Cloud was born at midnight last night! He was a beautiful sorrel QH COLT. We rescued the little herd that included his mother with an our-pouring of donations in memory of Cloud Man when the Mosses had to put him down. We were so sad and then we came upon the idea that we would name this foal in his memory and came upon the name Little Cloud.

    I HAVE PHOTOS BUT I DON’T THINK I CAN POST THEM HERE. DOES ANYONE HAVE IDEAS ON WHERE/HOW I CAN POST THESE SO YOU CAN ALL SEE?

    Also wanted to remind you all that Little Cloud, his mom and friends have to eat. Please go to http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com and donate to Marlene’s hay drive today. Every little bit helps Thank you and please — for those of you who are tech savvy — tell me how to post these photos!

    Jeanie

  8. / Reply

    Lane’s End Farm posted on Facebook
    Frankel wins again! 11 in a row and by 11 lengths.
    They are calling him the “Champion of the World.”
    Congratulations to the Juddmonte team!

  9. / Reply

    Catch up day again!! Belated Happy Birthday Sharon. Welcome back Terry, Poohbah in Chief. I had a nice, newsy e-mail from Dawn, she’s still feeling tired at the end of the day but looking forward to her trip and meeting up with Shari. I wish I was joining them, sounds like Dawn has planned some great excursions, but all my pennies are going towards BC in November – those that are left after paying for Vic’s first semester at college.
    Has anybody heard anything at all about what may be arranged for the Friday of BC weekend?? Sandy (NE Ohio) and I have only booked seats for Saturday and it would be comforting to know what to do about Friday. My memory tells me that it was much closer to November before anything was announced last year.
    Queen’s Plate day is on Sunday and I still can’t decide who I like. I do like the description of the Plate drink this year, “Blue Diamond” and I like blue diamonds so I’ll have to try one of those. Vic is looking forward to being able to place her own bets now that she’s eighteen – saves me some running back and forth, I can sit back and enjoy my Blue Diamond.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the info about Dawn. It is less of a burden when those who wish to do so can make their own bets. One question I have wondered about–Why don’t Canadian tracks pay off in Canadian dollars?

  10. / Reply

    JSmithSOCAL, and Max. At my age, being with Zenyatta is my BIG dream! I won’t give up my dream. I think hubby was relieved I was not top bidder. I don’t think I would have taken him along, the poop! ha (I’m keeping this clean)haha

    SharoninSeattle, Barbara Wood, We could have known one another before Zenyatta’s diary if we had met at Oaklawn! It was my favorite time and my favorite race; all for the love of Z!!

  11. / Reply

    Secretariat’s owner appeals to change time of horse’s Preakness run
    BALTIMORE (AP) — Secretariat’s owner has asked the Maryland Racing Commission to conduct a hearing about changing the time of the horse’s winning run in the 1973 Preakness Stakes.
    Penny Chenery, along with Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas, say advances in modern video technology will prove Secretariat ran the 1 3/16 mile race in 1 minute, 53 and 2/5 seconds. That would have been a record at the time and would match the standing record for the Preakness.
    The commission will consider the request for a hearing at its meeting on June 19th.
    Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973. His time in the Preakness was originally clocked electronically at 1:55, then changed to 1.54 2/5.
    The Preakness was the only Triple Crown race in which Secretariat didn’t establish a track record.
    Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/more/news/20120612/secretariat-preakness-time/#ixzz1yGmbGzKg

      • / Reply

        Just posted. It was discovered that he ran it 2/5 of a second faster than the current record.

      • / Reply

        Secretariat credited with Preakness record
        Posted: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 5:34 PM
        The Maryland Racing Commission has credited Triple Crown champion Secretariat with a time of 1:53 in the 1973 Preakness Stakes (G1), establishing a new stakes record.
        The ruling, which took place following a review of video evidence at the Commission’s meeting at Laurel Park Tuesday, gives Secretariat the record in all three Triple Crown events.
        The electronic timer in use at Pimlico Race Course the day of the 1973 Preakness recorded Secretariat’s winning time as 1:55 for the 1 3/16 miles—a clocking that quickly became the source of controversy after two Daily Racing Form clockers individually hand-timed the colt in 1:53 2/5.
        In the days following the Preakness, the stewards at Pimlico, and later the Maryland Racing Commission, concluded that there were “extenuating circumstances” attendant to the electronic timer’s recording. As a result, the official time was subsequently changed to that reported by Pimlico’s official hand clocker—1:54 2/5.
        The Pimlico course record at the time was the 1:54 established by Canonero II in winning the 1971 Preakness.
        In later years, Tank’s Prospect (1985), Louis Quatorze (1996), and Curlin (2007) each won the Preakness in 1:53 2/5, the stakes record that was officially recognized until Tuesday.
        The track record at Pimlico for 1 3/16 miles was established in the 1991 Pimlico Special Handicap (G1) by Farma Way, who covered the distance in 1:52 2/5.
        Secretariat holds stakes and track records for the other two legs of the Triple Crown, as he won the 1 ¼-mile Kentucky Derby (G1) in 1:59 2/5 and the 1 ½-mile Belmont Stakes (G1) in 2:24 by a staggering 31 lengths.
        http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2012/06/19/secretariat-credited-with-preakness-

        • I have never doubted it for a second even after all these years! YAY!!!
          So glad they have been able to confirm the record at last.
          Congratulations to Mrs. Chenery and of course, to Secretariat, the Big Red legend! My hero!

    • / Reply

      I’m ecstatic that they’ve finally recognized that he broke the record. I consider myself very honored to have seen him run, even tho it was kinda hard to see him on that nasty, rainy day at Woodbine. No horse did it better.

      • / Reply

        You are one of the lucky ones, Brenda. I know that Ms.Chenery had a big breeding deal lined up but I still would have loved to see Secretariat race as a four year old.

  12. / Reply

    This is an article on Frankel’s character as described by the people on his team. He sounds like he is a real character horse, who is totally professional about his work like our Z. I like the part where they tried to move him to another barn with other high achieving horses and he would not go.

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/horseracing/royal-ascot/9339879/Royal-Ascot-2012-Sir-Henry-Cecil-and-Team-Frankel-ready-to-deliver-another-command-performance.html

    • / Reply

      Thanks Max. I just loved this article.
      You stay right where you are, you big ole school boy and keep putting it into cruise control.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for this article, Max, It’s fun to learn about the horses’ personalities. They are individuals, just like humans.

      • / Reply

        Marty R. I like to know these details too. One of my favorites other than Z is Dynaformer. He was a horse with a big personality. Love him.

        • Marty R. Yes. John Henry, Cigar and so many other great American horses. They are like old friends who each have their special places in our hearts. You have to respect them all unconditionally.

    • / Reply

      Love this article about Frankel’s personality.
      He is definately a character. I am sure he gets
      His way on the track, too.

  13. / Reply

    i never use this site for political purposes, but i just have to tell you the wonderful news for those of you opposed to equine slaughter – today, the moran amendment passed out of committee. i know, it did that last year, too, but at the last minute, a couple senators stonewalled it. this year, there are more people calling/faxing/writing/ tweeting/emailing their representatives and senators to refuse to pass any agriculture appropriations without the moran amendment language. anyway, a small victory beats no victory. i thought you might like to know…. and now to let our voices be heard…please contact your federal lawmakers.

    @Pati and Sharon – happy belated birthdays! sorry i missed the days.
    @Terry grandpoobah and friend extraordinaire – happy to see you are back with us. you have been missed.

  14. / Reply

    Terry GP – My experience is that if you place your bet in Canadian funds you are paid out in Canadian and the same for US funds. That happens here in Fort Erie and also at Woodbine. I find that we are a little more tolerant, we do accept US currency whereas Canadian currency is not accepted “over the bridge” altho my debit card works very well – too well at times!!! I am wondering if it will work as well at Santa Anita as it does in Buffalo.

    • / Reply

      Believe me, Brenda, Santa Anita accepts credit and debit cards. There are machines all over the place.

  15. / Reply

    yea, how about them dapples? Secretariat was credited the fastest time in the Preakness’73. That gorgeous horse truly was deserving the wins in all of those races. What a gorgeous puppy :)
    Congratulations to Mrs. Chenery & Secretariat who’s running, squealin’ & sloppin’ spit all over the clouds no doubt over this one.

    • / Reply

      Some of that spit must have fallen here in NC because we just had a torential downpour for about 20 minutes and it suddenly stopped as soon as it came. LOL

      • / Reply

        Pati,
        Somehow I missed the fact that you are in NC! I should have recognized a fellow inhabitant of The Old North State! Yay, for the Tarheel State! For anyone who takes exception to the tarheel reference, note that you do not have to be a UNC fan to be a tarheel (I happen to be both).
        Take care and cheers!

        • Marshall,imagine a house w/ true blue Tarheel, a wolf and some pirates,it gets pretty hair raising. The Tarheels…better put those lights out along the coast,don’t want to tip off the enemy. My husband still remembers the tar balls washing on shore and having to clean his ole tarheels off w/ turpentine.

        • Ann,
          Talk about a blended family! I love it!! I remember getting tar on my feet at Nag’s Head!
          Cheers and hugs!

      • / Reply

        Pati-I, too, did not realize that you are in NC. If you join the redneck club, Marshall would be your president with Ann as a charter member. You couldn’t ask for two better colleagues.

        • YEAH!!!!!! Pati!!!!!!
          We can be tar ball, tarheel partners in RN shenanigans.
          Gus could be our NC honorary rep.,if that is OK w/ you? Marshall? TC?

        • Of course! Gus loves being treated special. He would be honored to be a rep.

        • Pati-I have already posted on the next blog. But, for those who have posted here, I hereby welcome you (and Gus) to the North Carolina chapter of the Redneck Club. Congratulations?

        • Thanks for the vote of confidence, Grand Poobah!
          Welcome back to the old barn!
          Hugs!

        • Hoo-ray, Pati! (Hoof-ray, too)
          I second Ann’s proposal — also, Terry’s. We all join in welcoming you to the NC Chapter!
          A very special welcome to Gus, also!
          YAY!!

    • / Reply

      SunnyBoyd, Just arrived back home from watching a great soccer game involving my granddaughter to find the breaking news of Secretariats correct time for the Preakness. You beat me to the punch. Imagine, he set a record for all 3 races of the Triple Crown. I to congratulate Mrs. Chenery and I am thrilled for Secretariat!!
      I am glad that Penny Chenery pursued this even though it took years.

  17. / Reply

    Happy belated birthday to Sharoninseattle. May you have many more.
    Congratulations to Penny Chenery and Secretariat. Your the Best Big Red., Love Ya

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Keta! This is a superb video — Lava Man, you rock! What a wonderful tribute to both LM and IHA. Love the music, too, perfect choice! I’ll Have Another and Lava Man are such a good team, great buddies.

    • / Reply

      ….Luv it…..because the pretty ladies in the video were our lovely Z and the darling RA… my evil brain went to TruNicks…unfortunately IHA has not been added to the stallion list… so we will have to wait to …check it out
      …..
      peppermints for all
      ….
      Welcome to the world Little Cloud….we all love you…going there next..
      …..
      Congrats to the great Secretariat …knew it all the time…
      ….
      kisses for all the worlds soft noses …
      …..
      RIP….The Nile…gone way too soon

    • / Reply

      Thank you Keta,

      I’m crying my eyes out! How beautiful! I didnt think a video other than our Zenyatta could make me cry this way.

    • / Reply

      Thanks Keta for sharing. Artfully done and with great spirit…truly depicts the fun and goodness of racing. Love it.

  19. / Reply

    A BIG warm welcome to Little Cloud!! May your life be as sweet as you are! Your daddy, Cloud Man, is watching over you — he is beaming with love and pride.

    BIG thanks to Marlene and ValleyView, too!
    Hugs all around!

  20. / Reply

    …….thought to be added to discussion back aways…
    One more thing…then I will hush for a while …Frankel is a very good horse…and a looker…I would love to see what he could do without a rabbit and going around a couple of turns…
    ….can you imagine Sec or Sham on a straight-a-way…mind blowing

        • Terry. My view of Frankel is that we accept a champion when he or she appears and enjoy it and not question it. I agree with Henry Cecil, comparing horses who have not raced against each other is impossible. Frankel’s greatness does not diminish the greatness of other horses. They are all to be respected. They are all stars in their own right.

        • Max-Your points are well taken. Yes, Frankel is a champion. But, calling him the best in the world, or Black Caviar for that matter, is a little over the top without any international competition.

      • / Reply

        Well said Max.

        We are not trainers and owners nor at least
        For me have the money to be.

        The competition is not between the fans it
        Is what is set up for the owners.

        We were very lucky Freedy Head ran Goldikova
        Here for three years and really respected the
        Breeders Cup, which is a set of new races.

        • Goldikova earned her status by competing in, and defeating, the best the BC had to offer. Highest respect for this mare.

  21. / Reply

    wonderful news about Little Cloud – Yes, if everyone donated even just a little bit towards hay, it would really make a difference. i. e. Valley View – Marlene Dodge. If some of you aren’t aware of it, the donkey roping exhibition in Tex was curtailed – I read about it via Horse and Man and wrote – and many others did too and a miracle happened. and….. the little donkey in the Fallon feed lot and a mare were saved….. All via the power of Zenyatta’s circle of friends and folks with passion to help those with no voices. I’m sure I’m missing some of the details as I got some info via personal e mails and off the blogs, but it was a victory, however small. and now hearing happy news about Little Cloud. Welcome to a safe world for you and your Mom.

    • / Reply

      @ Delrene–I will be calling the donkey rescue this morning to ascertain where they are now and if the recue will be able to take them. I know they want to, but sometimes nefarious things happen before they can get there. Hooves crossed.
      Also, I hear that the Moran Amendment to stop funding for slaughterhouse plants
      was successful in its first step. We still need calls, letters, etc. in support of thie Amendment to abolish this cruel practice.
      Good Wednesday morning, all. Rejoicing with you all on the lirth of little Cloud. And it was YOU, dear Z., who brought us all together. What a miracel.

      • / Reply

        I am sorry! Did you scroll up to WALL and click? It is there, but if too many have problems with it I will put on You Tube. Please let me know.

        • Barbara! You are not dumb!!! Listen, I still don’t know all there is to know about FB nor videos, or posting photos! I still have to ask JAG (or others too!) how to do something on FB! She is a great teacher, I wish I had a dollar for everytime I have bugged her for HELP!!! LOL! The computer IS NOT MY BEST FRIEND!!!
          I hope to make many more trips back to see IHA and Lava Man before IHA leaves! I wish I had the opportunity to have had that experience with Giacomo way back when! It is not everyday ones gets to nuzzle and love on a Kentucky Derby- Preakness winner here in So Cal!!!! WOW!

    • / Reply

      Love this updated article on this talented challenging horse and
      Rider team. Hope they make the Olympics.

    • / Reply

      Max, Ann, and sign, you’re all welcome. We all love heartwarming stories of horse and man.

  24. / Reply

    Lots of our American “nags” in Frankel’s pedigree. He is a wonderful horse and deserves all the praise he has received but some of our guys and girls would have given him a run for his money. Alex, Tiznow?

  26. / Reply

    Maybe maybe not;

    He is a very talented colt on the turf and not sure US can compete on turf
    with EURO’s.

  27. / Reply

    That is true. Usually they don’t go from turf to dirt or vice versa well. Again, I think he deserves all the praise he is getting. He is a true champion. Just raises the ire a bit to see our champions disparaged.

    • / Reply

      Yes it is. Don’t think they would ever think about
      Racing him on the dirt and the US can’t beat 300 years
      Of Ascot racing. Guess we will always be a English
      Colony.

      • / Reply

        Well we did beat the premier super-power of the time. That was a stinging loss to the Crown, and some people apparently enjoy holding a 200+ year grudge.

  29. / Reply

    Velazquez released from hospital, to meet with New York doctors
    Posted: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 4:44 PM
    Jockey John Velazquez, who was injured in a three-horse spill Saturday night at Churchill Downs, has been released from Norton Audubon Hospital in Louisville and will now meet with New York doctors regarding his recovery.
    Velazquez returned to his home in New York on Tuesday and was scheduled to meet with doctors at the Hospital for the Special Surgery in New York City regarding his collarbone, which is expected to require surgery. Doctors estimated that the kidney would heal on its own over the next two weeks.
    No timetable has yet been established for Velazquez’s return to riding.
    “Many thanks to Heather Craig, assistant to Graham Motion, who was there the entire time with Johnny after the spill. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation and special thanks to all family members, friends and fans for all of the well-wishes, calls, texts, and visits during this time.”
    Velazquez has ridden three classic winners—most recently Union Rags in the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 9—and will be inducted in the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame this August.
    http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2012/06/19/velazquez-released-from-hospital.aspx

  30. / Reply

    My Miss Aurelia (3-Year-Old Filly)

    Date: June 20, 2012
    Track: CHURCHILL DOWNS
    Distance: Four Furlongs
    Time: 52:00 Breezing
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 32/34 – See the day’s workouts

    Not the fastest of the day, but at least she is working out again!

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