Happy Wednesday!
Last week was a special one for the web team. We packed our cameras and muck boots and headed to Lane’s End to catch up with Zenyatta and her boys.
We roamed around the paddock with Zenny and 13Z (with pockets full of peppermints), spent a day with Coz to observe his new routine, and took a lot of photos. In the coming weeks we’ll put up photo galleries and add new prints to the Zenyatta Shop. Also in the works is a video interview with Assistant Yearling Manager Cooper Sawyer—he’ll explain how Coz is being prepped for the next stage in his career.
Since it’s that time of year where we begin to make plans for the Breeders’ Cup, we’d like to announce that there will not be an official Zenyatta Celebration at the Breeders’ Cup this year. Instead, we’ll hold a special event online that everyone can take part in, from the races or from home. Details will be announced at a later date.
Enjoy!
-The Web Team and Team Z
All photos by Kyle Acebo
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Karen Sooo lovely to hear from you I introduced your gorgeous Hovis to the blog and Max posts it for me every Friday. We have all fallen in love with him and his hilarious diaries please keep up the good work and look after our “special” boy hugs SheenaX
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max So sad to hear about St Nicholas Abbey seems a serious injury.They are hoping to save him for a stud career. Lovely to see our Karen on the blog.Hope it’s not too selfish to take the credit!!!hugs Sheena
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Not at all selfish Sheena (and she knows that it was a lovely lady from Wales who put us onto dear Hovis :-)
Max
Sheena. I was alarmed to hear about this injury. I hope that he is okay, and can retire to Coolmore duty. The comments about that were rather vague. Let us know what happens with him.
As to Hovis, without you, we might never have heard of the wonderful horse. Long may he reign. Neigh!
Shazzer
Those are wonderful GORGEOUS photos of the Queen and her Royal boys! I absolutely LOVE looking at them!! HUGS to the boys and excited for COZ to enter his next stage! All HAIL to the QUEEN- ZENYATTA! What a mom! :)
Nancy Stamp
I too am a Hovis fan and it was so nice to hear from his Mum. Just wanted to add one more vote – Really enjoy knowing about him. How tall is he ? He does look short. Cannot really see him jumping anything very high or “poncing” Hope to hear more.
Karen Thompson
He’s 16.2HH. Rides much bigger! Jumps 90 cm easily, could go higher but with him being a bigger lad I worry about his joints.
He’s pure Clydesdale on his mums side. We don’t know what dad was!
shirleeinindy
His diary is something I look forward to every Friday. Makes a bad day brighter.
Terry Crow
And a good day even better.
Bobbie --- Elkhorn WI
General question for the experts—-Are the light colored hooves just as durable as the dark pigmented hooves?
Can anyone share any comments from respected horsemen/women re Zenny’s two foals at this stage in their development. I know neither will go to the sales, but if they did, how do you think would they be received as racing prospects? Like what would David Ingordo think of them? Just looking for positive comments!
casey
to answer your first question, yes light hooves are as durable as dark ones as long as there is proper nourishment, and the moisture level of the hoof is neither too moist or too dry.
as far as the second question- I think that both colts are very good, but different representatives of their parents.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Z family We have just got our first glimpse of “baby Cambridge” He’s a beautiful bonny boy. Kate and William look so happy. No name yet. hugs Sheena
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Marvelous to see “the Cambridges”–Duke, Duchess and baby–all looking radiant! Very happy for all.
Kathy R.
Dear Sheena: Word Downunder is that the name is Bruce.
Max
KathyR. Not so far fetched. There is Robert I, King of Scotland who was known as Robert the Bruce. This name might not be so popular with the English as it is with the Scottish nationalists.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Saw a picture on 6 p.m. news of the three of them leaving the hospital. They looked so happy!!
Sally B
casey
I love the way William joked about how it’s lucky that the young Prince got his mother’s looks, and that he has way more hair than his dad (William). I loved the look on Kate’s face- and the comment made about any parent would understand what she was feeling. It’s so true…
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Congrats to the Duke and Duchess. They looked so happy. God Bless the little Prince. Hugs, JB
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Karen–welcome! What a surprise to have you visit us. We hope you become a part of our family here. We adore Hovis! He absolutely makes my Fridays. Will be glad to go to FB if I can find the page. Sending big American hugs, and congrats on your new prince.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
I love Hovis too!! I am sure I have missed some of his written words, but he is one of a kind, that good ol Hovis!!
hugs, Sally B
Bluegrass Girl
Superstar St Nicholas Abbey Injured, Retired
By Ron Mitchell The Blood-Horse Updated: Tuesday, July 23, 2013 2:36 PM
International superstar St Nicholas Abbey sustained a career-ending injury the morning of July 23 at trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle headquarters and efforts were being made by veterinarians to save the 6-year-old horse for stud duty.
According to a Twitter post from Coolmore Stud, St Nicholas Abbey suffered a fractured pastern during a routine work at Ballydoyle. He is currently in a comfortable condition at Fethard Equine Hospital, where he is scheduled for surgery the morning of July 24.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/79588/superstar-st-nicholas-abbey-injured-retired#ixzz2Zu1nOVLu
Sheena-so sorry to hear this. Hopeful for a good recovery. BGG
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BG:
Hoping for full recovery for St. Nicholas Abby. Power Up Beautiful Boy. Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max St Nicholas Abbey is to undergo critical life saving surgery tomorrow. He fractured his pastern on the gallops this morning. Prayers are needed for him.At present he is comfortable. hugs Sheena
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Sending prayers Sheena. I had the opportunity to see his third place at the 2012 Breeder’s Cup (in fact, I bet on him!). So hoping that he gets through the surgery OK. Hugs, ßandy
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Prayers and awaiting updates. Hugs.
Max
Sheena. I was afraid of this when I read the comments from Ballydoyle. Worried. Will pray for him for certain. He’s a great horse.
Terry Crow
Agree with all comments.
Louise Castello
Sheena, I, too, am praying for his recovery. He is a wonderful, beautiful horse.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Sheena and Bluegrass Girl; Poor St. Nicholas Abbey; the power of our prayers are needed starting for me right now and I know for all of you.
God, please be with this St. Nicholas Abbey to bring him to good health so he may enjoy a good retirement in our green pastures for a while. Amen, Sally B
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Will pray for this beautiful boy and successful surgery and recovery. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Sheena,
So sorry about St. Nicholas Abbey’s injury — surely hope that they can repair it successfully. Sending healing thoughts and prayers for this beautiful boy.
All the best wishes for him and his connections, too. God bless.
Hugs
Ann NC
Power Up Big Guy!!
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear BGG We messaged at the same time . Am very sad he’s a lovely horse .am praying for him hugs Sheena[
Max
For Sheena and all Kauto Star fans.
Got this link from Kauto’s twitter account. He is brilliant in these races. There is also a glimpse of another of my favorites, Weird Al. There are some nice Z like poses by Kauto at the end. He’s a handsome horse, and he knows it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhOvEcG0zGY&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Ann NC
Thanks Max. It’s a beautiful thing. Hope he is reunited w/ Laura soon?
Loved the big ole neck pats after the one win. That’s what it is all about!
Terry Crow
Ann-Whenever I observe a trainer or a jockey patting the horse after they come back, regardless of whether they win or not, my opinion of that person goes way up.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear TC GP:
Me too. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
What a courageous, determined athlete he was. It’s no wonder he’s excelling in his new career. Wonderful video tribute to an amazing horse. Beautiful boy. Thank you for sharing. Hugs, JB
Kathy R.
Black Caviar/Exceed and Excel being reported in Adelaide Advertiser:
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/superracing/black-caviar-expected-to-be-mated-with-exceed-and-excel/story-fnii0owf-1226683954769
Don’t know why the owners are giving an 8pm time (Aus) for the announcement.
Pati-College Girl
Well, at least one big Australian paper is now saving me and a bunch of twitter users from looking like hackers.
Kathy R.
Dear Pati: I just don’t understand the secrecy, to this extent, especially now that “a name” has been posted by the daily press: what’s in the Adelaide Advertiser will also appear in The Telegraph, The Herald Sun and The Courier Mail, that is Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane papers. The 8pm announcement time is very odd to me. Have just heard a discussion between anchor Sean Cosgrove on Skysportsradio and Ray Thomas, one of our major racing hacks: Ray was not prepared to confirm what is in the press, or what has been “going crazy” in his term on twitter. Wouldn’t we all look silly if at 8pm they announce Nelly is off to the UK and Frankel! That would keep Sheena very happy! Cheers KathyR.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear KathyR That’s all I know about the southern hemisphere mares are they will be covered by Frankel in Sept/Oct. He is having a break now (busy boy!)I watched a programme on tv about the welsh living in Australia Julia is proud of her welsh ancestry wonder if the royal baby will get her gift???Have heard William and Kate might visit Down Under next year maybe they’ll bring the”little bloke” with them!!!hugs Sheena
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear KathyR That’s all I know about the southern hemisphere mares are they will be covered by Frankel in Sept/Oct. He is having a break now (busy boy!)I watched a programme on tv about the welsh living in Australia Julia is proud of her welsh ancestry wonder if the royal baby will get her gift???Have heard William and Kate might visit Down Under next year maybe they’ll bring the”little bloke” with them!!!hugs Sheena
Kathy R.
Dear Sheena: Julia was knitting Prince Bruce a kangaroo. Am surprised we’ve not heard how the two Singo mares travelled: assume no news means they went okay. Regarding the Nelly First Dad issue, I suspect Inglis was the source of the “leak” – the folk that Bluegrass Girl and Pati were quoting were all reliable: just surprised that the owners didn’t just get on with it once the decision was made. Hope to hear good news about St Nicholas. Hugs KathyR.
Pati-College Girl
Duck tape fixes all leaks. ;-)
Kathy R.
$10,000 to bring dogs to Australia: Here’s a nice story to cheer us all up:
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/east-hills/hawthorn-couple-spend-10000-to-bring-two-street-dogs-from-abu-dhabi-to-adelaide/story-fni9lkyu-1226683913240?from=trendinglinks
Janet Newman
Wow! A great story.
Thanks Kathy R for sharing.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R:
Thank you. Lovely story; lovely people. Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
This is a great story. Not many would do what they have done for these dogs. The only downside I can see is that the lady’s age was revealed.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max So many fantastic memories of our Kauto and my favourite” take that” song to boot!!Am in tears now!! hugs Sheena
Sue Noel/Sun Valley,ID
@ Karen Thompson–So wonderful to have you comment on the blog!! I bought both of your boy’s books from the shop at Horse and Hound and just loved them!! Isn’t there a third one in the works?? I seem to remember Hovis mentioning it in one of his missives. I look forward to the Diary every week and keep introducing more folks here in Sun Valley to it!! It is just the greatest!!!
I tell MY horse,Barnaby John,about what Hovis is up to and what he thinks about various subjects in which Barnaby might be interested. Hope to meet Hovis one day,if I get to come back over the pond!!
Am way behind on posting—will do more tomorrow–it’s time to close up shop.
Peaceful night to all of our favorite horses and love to all Zsters!!!
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Sue Noel, so glad to be here and read your post. Say a special HI to Barnaby from me. Some things Hovis says you probably would not want Barnaby to pick up on…ha ha ha Hovis is so cool.
hugs, Sally B
Terry Crow
Always good to hear from you, Sue.
Janet Newman
For all the followers on the story of Monzante.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/79596/regulator-says-monzante-was-salvageable
Louise Castello
The story just keeps getting worse!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Janet:
Another example of owner/trainer indiference. This horse raced 43 times earning $583,929.00. He did everything that was asked of him and then he was betrayed.
Saving him would have meant expenses for food, vet checks and rehab. He was a gelding, so no money to be made from breeding. Much easier to just dispose of him. Why bother getting him better and looking for a loving, caring person who would give him a permanent forever home.
Some of the people in the Industry just do not care about the horses. It’s heartbreaking. Hugs, JB
Janet Newman
Judy B,
This is truly heartbreaking and it does not end with him unfortunately.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Sandy had a question earlier about how to post a comment on Steve Haskin’s Blog about Monzante. In order to comment there, you have to sign up–I think you’ll find “register” in the top right hand corner. It’s free. I hope everyone comments and gets it on the record, so to speak. It will be a great support for Steve, and a great support for the horses. Thanks!
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2013/07/23/Monzante_1920_s-Death-a-Disgrace.aspx#
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
This makes me so angry I hope the outcry against this owner/trainer is horrendous. This beautiful creature deserved better than what he got after lining everyone’s pocket all down the line. I can’t believe this disreputable man had a license to train anything. I hope it comes back to haunt him. RIP beautiful Monzante.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
My sweet beautiful Zenyatta!
love you forever
hugs and kisses on your soft nose, and to Coz and 13z!!!
Auntie Sally B
Hi and best to all my Zster friends!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sally B:
Thinking of you. Love and Hugs, JB
Alene
Unfortunately another night mare.. St. Nicholas Abbey…I was sick to hear about his injury. Prayers.prayers, prayers…I wish he was at UPenn New Bolton…Paynter was the first miracle let St. Nicholas Abbey be the next!!!!! Always love Zenny and the boys. Coz is just stunning and the little one has Zennys face exactly…Thanx Lanes End and ALWAYS the Mosses…Hugs and kisses to my girl!!!Alene
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, Prince 2 and Baby Z:
Sweet Dreams. Love you all so much. Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
Eblouissante at the Spa (Saratoga)
Published on Jul 20, 2013 by billyorbit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tN0eNycpF9k
Ebby taking a walk. Video is before the Shuvee race.
Ann NC
Hope she is mending well.
Thanks BGG. Tell the Goose to blow her some kisses.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Great look at our Ebby in motion! Thanks BGG. Hope it won’t be too long before we hear some kind of update on her (and that it’s good news, of course).
Bluegrass Girl
Eblouissante at Saratoga
Published on Jul 20, 2013 by billyorbit
This video is another view by same person.
Ebby is such a beauty. Has the same curiosity as her big sister.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xk2HGTxSZ4
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BG:
Thank you so much for this video of Ebby. She’s so gorgeous. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy R.
Confirmation of Black Caviar/Exceed and Excel from Black Caviar official website:
http://www.blackcaviar.net.au/news/black-caviar-exceed
Kathy R.
Story from Skysportsradio:
http://www.skyracing.com.au/index.php?component=news&task=rnewsdetails&Itemid=108&id=23&rid=20674
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R:
Thank you for this link on Nelly. Looking forward to her foals. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Just wondering if children still read the book Black Beauty. I always had a “thing” for animals but after sobbing my way through BB at about 9, my real love affair with the horses began. I hope the kids are still reading this wonderful book.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@shirleeinindy–My story exactly. My love for horses had to go dormant for a long time while teaching, raising our daughter, etc., but now I can devote much more time to it.
@Trina–will get to Haskins’ blog later today. Thanks for the link.
Prayers for St. Nicholas Abbey.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dear all: I don’t know if you remember the story a year and a half or so ago, but a little filly named Hope was born with twisted forelegs. She could have been left to die, but she ended up at Alder Hill Farm, had the surgeries, and look at her now!
http://www.horseandman.com
Terry Crow
Barbara-Thanks so much for posting this. This is an inspiring story. God bless the doctors and caregivers involved in this. I have a somewhat different opinion of the original owners who left Hope to die.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks for posting this Barbara – so nice to read one with a happy ending! Bravo to everyone who helped to make this possible!!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Terry and Sandy–you guys would not believe what comes across my desk each day. Makes it hard to persevere, but I must. Hugs.
Terry Crow
You are right, Barbara. I’ve already experienced more than I can handle.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Barbara:
Thank you for this link. What a sweetheart she is. Love and Hugs, JB
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Barbara Wood,
What an amazing organization this is and such a miracle that Hope is so normal today. I pray Betsy Rose has a happy ending too. The faces on these two horses are so loving it’s hard to believe they had such poor beginnings especially Betsy Rose. Thanks for sharing you do good work, God Bless you and these rescues. hugs
Maryp NY
Thanks Barbara for sharing a story of such success and love. I will keep them in my prayers asking God to give them strength in all their efforts.
Hugs to you,
Maryp
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Barbara The feel good factor!!! We must never give up on these horses!! hugs Sheena
Bluegrass Girl
ABRV Tour
Don’t miss the return of Paynter this Saturday in the San Diego Stakes
@DelMarRacing #GetInTheGame #PowerUpPaynter
https://twitter.com/ABRVTour/status/359774573765464065/photo/1
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BG:
Wishing Paynter safe and sound. Hugs, JB