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Lane’s End Mornings

Early morning at Lane's End. Photo by Alys Emson.
Early morning at Lane’s End. Photo by Alys Emson.

Happy Friday!

Alys snapped these early morning pictures around Zenyatta’s paddock this week. As the weather warms up, we’re counting the days until summer is officially here. The horses at Lane’s End have been enjoying the balmy weather. Z Princess is growing up fast, and Ziconic will soon start his basic training and conditioning at Lane’s End.

For those of you awaiting a restock of our most popular item from the Zenyatta Shop — it’s here! Our new batch of Key Tags has arrived. Order yours here.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Morning turnout. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End.
Morning turnout. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End.

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End.
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End.
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End.
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End.

Z Princess. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End.
Z Princess. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End.

Sunrise. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End.
Sunrise. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End.

Reader Interactions

471 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Max.Lovely pic of Tasty’s mum.As you know we are very fond of our greys in the UK.Nissy is writing a book! It’s very hot in rural Nova Scotia today.Poor Ol’ peepers was definitely getting a mouthful of mouses last night!!Free the Moose.PU Dan and all sick horses plus woofs for Reilly. TT where are you???Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. It is obvious that Nissy knows best. Like his approach to naps. Peeps need to follow his lead. Where is Tasty? Show us a photo, Chocolate.
      Beast, you better have those lights out in your stall. Goodnight to Reilly and Sir.
      Free the Moose. Power up Danny, and all others who are sick. Chromie, call Moosie, but don’t take any advice about standing still in the gate. That’s a Moosie exclusive.

  2. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Thank you so much for the link to Treve.I hope she will be back to her best in the autumn.Julie had her 4th granddaughter this afternoon she weighed 8lbs IIozs and will be called Pippa.Both mum and daughter are fine.Here is a video of Monty and Glesni doing some “housework” earlier.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Little Cap Hercules and all the Sweeties.Love and hugs.SheenaX
    http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Very interesting video. Who is doing the most work? I’m not acquainted with the pecking order in that nest. The chicks look like they want it all finished. Beautiful country shots.
      Pippa’s a good sized girl. Congrats to the 4th time granny.
      Free the Moose et al. Tasty, it takes minutes to pose for a fan photo. Think of the happiness that would bring.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Congratulations to Julie on her new little Granddaughter, Pippa. Thank you for the new video on the chicks; will watch it soon. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc and all the Sweeties

  4. / Reply

    Dear Sheena and Max

    These are really excellent videos – love all the head ducking from the chicks with those tree limbs being moved about. How soon can they determine the sex of the chicks? And agree with Max, the country shots are just beautiful – even looks warm! Regarding Viola Ici – forgot to update that he came in a close third – but does seem to have a new enthusiasm for racing. Maybe he knows where Tasty is??

    • / Reply

      KathyR. That’s getting there for Voila. Next time for a win. There might be a psychic bond among grays. Hoping that Tasty is living happily at Lane’s End, and one day will pose for a photo for us all here on the blog who love that mysterious mare.

  7. / Reply

    Darby Dan Farm Launches New Tour (VIDEO)
    HorseRacingNation.com June 22, 2014
    Here’s some trivia for you:
    What is the only place in the world where you can see the Kentucky Derby trophy, Preakness trophy, a Belmont Stakes platter, the Epsom Derby trophy, a Breeders’ Cup Classic statuette, and the World Series trophy – all in one room?
    If you answered “Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, KY” – you win!
    You can visit this incredible collection, now on display at the farm’s main house, as part of a new tour created this year. Visitors will also have opportunity to meet 2011 Preakness winner, Shackleford, and Florida Derby winner, Dialed In, on the tour.
    http://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Darby_Dan_Farm_Launches_New_Tour_with_Mansion_Stallions_123

    • / Reply

      How To Tour (from the article)
      You can experience Darby Dan Farm yourself, Tuesdays through Saturdays.
      Admission is $10. Contact Tracie Willis, tracie@darbydan.com, to schedule your tour.

      Fans of the farm and its horses can find quality Darby Dan merchandise at its new online store

    • / Reply

      From the article:
      Galbreath brought the influential stallion Ribot to the US, and
      in 1972, Darby Dan homebred Roberto won the Epsom Derby in England

      • / Reply

        Roberto and Ribot, great, great horses. Ribot was unbeaten, winning the Arc twice, and Roberto was the only horse to beat Brigadier Gerard. He is sire to Dynaformer and grand daddy to Zenyatta on her distaff. Her world class ears are from Roberto.

  10. / Reply

    June 24 Cherokee Devotional

    At times an idea hits us with the terrific force of a high-flying jet re-entering our atmosphere. It takes hold of us and shakes us with the same sound force and it is very often just as startling. A softpedaling thought comes to mind and we acknowledge it only briefly, but it comes back again and again, until we stop to think about it. It pays to listen. All good things do not come with mind-smashing sound effects. Some of the best of life comes on soft shoes and barely brushes us. If we are alert, we may savor it for a lifetime. If we are crusty and hard to deal with, a splendid idea may go right by us and light on someone more sensitive.

    I have heard your words-they have entered one ear and shall not escape the other…
    Sharitarish

  11. / Reply

    Good Morning Z Fans,
    I think I have finally figured out how to provide a link to pictures I have taken over the past two years at Kentucky horse farms. Some people saw a few of last year’s pictures when Patti posted them for me on her Instagram account, but I have combined those with some from this year in a Flickr Album named Kentucky Digest.
    Last year Debbie G and I visited Claiborne where we saw Edington, Seeking the Gold, War Front, and Blame. At Winstar, I saw Tiznow, Speightstown (in a special pen because of digestive issues) and Bodemeister. There are other horses at Winstar, but my uncooperative knee prevented my completing the tour. We also stopped by Lane’s End (it was too early in the year for a tour) but got a rare glimpse of our favorite gray horse so you will see Tasty T as well.
    This year we visited Taylor Made where we saw numerous mares with foals including Warbling, Silken Cat, Evening Jewel, and Ricketyraketyruss. They were in their stalls so many of the shots look like they are “in jail.” In a few cases I was able to get my camera through an opening in the stall and our guide, Laura, opened a few doors so that we could see better. We also saw some mares who have been bred but don’t have a 2013 foal including Joyful Victory (from a distance), Egg Drop, Lighthouse Bay, Schiaparelli, Yankee Union, La Song, and Little Sandy (who, I’m thankful to say, actually looked bigger than me :-).
    The Taylor Made Stallions are Graydar, Oxbow, Forestry, Eskendereya, and Astrology.
    At Adena Springs we saw Tiago, Macho Uno, Fort Larned, Ghostzapper, and Einstein out in his paddock.
    So – if any of these horses are of interest, you should be able to see them at the following link:
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/sandyneohio/sets/
    If you click on the album and click on the first picture, you should get a slide show with captions. There is another album there called “Tall Ships” – that was the “trial balloon” for this project :-)

    • / Reply

      OOOPS, meant to say that some of these mares had been bred but don’t have a 2014 foal.

    • / Reply

      Sandy, The pictures are wonderful. Tasty T looks good in the photos and you were able to get so close to her. Thanks so much for sharing them. All of the farms are so beautiful. The studs and broodmares sure have nice digs!
      You did a great job with captioning the photos too. I have seen many pix and you wonder who or what you’re looking at!
      Thanks again.
      Maryp

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy:

      Thank you so very much for sharing your visits with these beautiful horses with us and for the wonderful photos. For Z’sters like me, who will never get there in person, this is really an extraordinary treat. Thank you again. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Sandy. Very nice photos. Also liked the sailboats. Thanks for letting us see them. If you have any comments about any of those stallions would be happy to hear them. Loved the photos of Tasty wearing her shades. Tasty is a star, and very loyal to Z. The bond between them is unique. Chocolate also has attitude.

    • / Reply

      Sandy, thanks so much for sharing these pictures. The are beautiful. Did you go on a tour with a group or did you go to these farms on your own? Last year I went to the Kentucky Horse Park and took a farm tour. We went to KatieRich (sp??), Claiborne and WinStar. It was fantastic.

      Of course I would love to see Lane’s End. Did you have an appointment or did you just stop by? We drove by, but I did not know if it was ok to just drive in without an appointment.

      • / Reply

        Celeste,
        We were on our own. Debbie had called to make the appointments, and I can’t say enough about how kind, gracious, and helpful the peeps were at both places this year. The guide at Claiborne was wonderful as well. We are definitely of the “no guts, no glory” ilk :-). Just drove in to the Lane’s End office and said “hi, it’s us.” We asked if Alys was by any chance available so that we could deliver an “in person” thank you, but she was out on the farm somewhere. Picked up a brochure and went on our way. From what we could see, it is just as lovely as we all might imagine.

    • / Reply

      ♥ Wow, Sandy! These are wonderful photos!!

      I saw so many of my personal favorites!!! Of course at the top of the list was JUDY THE BEAUTY’s sire Ghostzapper :-)

      The list could go on and on. Thank you so much for sharing!

      {[hugs}} Auntie Judy
      p.s. Hi to Debbie Godby! She looked “too cute”.

  13. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.I am so sad to hear our Joey is not well,he’s staying in the clinic and has had tests for pancreatitis but they won’t get the results for about a week.I pray they can help him .His Momma/Agent had noticed there was mucous in his eyes.He looks ill in the video.I loved the video of the little dog teaching the baby to crawl how cute was that??
    Marty was giving out a lot of adbice last night especially about chickuns!!!he was enjoying his canaloop.Dolly’s mummy was getting a new hairstyle yesterday ,seemed to be having streaks put in.Oh ,gosh it was 109F with Zoe yesterday!!Babinka’s mum is getting out and about love that she takes the dogs out in a stroller!I found a cat called Mouse yesterday he is paralysed but like all animals copes well and loves life!Have a great day.Hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.Prayers for Joey!

  14. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I read all about Joey’s issues and am worried sick about him. Lots and lots of prayers going up for him! That was a precious video of the baby and the dog. Loved how the dog’s tail wagged all the way through! Marty is always a joy. Missed the adbice about chickuns. Will go back and read that. We need a picture of Dolly’s mom’s new look. Poor little Zoe! 109 is about 30 degrees too hot! I’m glad to see Babinka’s mom and siblings getting out and about. That dog stroller is so cute and they look adorable riding around in it. I’ll have to look in on Mouse. Bless him! Have a good day. Hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy

  15. / Reply

    I seem to be in a slump since the thrills of the Triple Crown races. So thankful for Z and the kids. Do you suppose Coz has started training on the starting gate yet?

  16. / Reply

    Dear Max.Australia is in the betting for the Irish Derby and the Fugue is favourite for the eclipse,Noble Mission is entered as well also Verrazano.I hope we don’t get too much rain for the ground to stay good.
    There isn’t much pecking order in the Osprey world,mum and dad share the “housework”,incubating and rearing of the chicks.Dad provides the fish during most of the season.When the chicks fledge Glesni knows her work is done and she will return to Africa usually early August but Monty will remain with his chicks until they leave the first week in September.We all love Monty he is the most devoted father and partner.Glad you saw Wales at it’s best we’ve had beautiful weather recently.Free the Moose PU Dan and all sick horses plus Reilly also prayers for Joey the garden cat.Where are you TT??Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. The Eclipse is coming up quickly. I’m sentimentally attached to Noble Mission.
      I wonder if Pique caught the boat today to England. I’m a little concerned about that turnaround time for Saturday’s race, although Mullins knows best.
      Your knowledge of those osprey is considerable. Had no idea that they live part of the time in Africa. They are really good builders.
      Terrible accident today at Woodbine. A filly may have had a heart attack. She crashed into a fence while being trained and then fell on her exercise rider. Both killed. Very sad. It goes to show how quickly things can change without warning.
      Free the Moose! Power up Danny! Power up CDA, Chromie and all others who are sick.
      Reilly, glad to hear that the treats keep coming. Sir, hope good times ahead for you.
      Beast, keep rolling. Tasty, still silence, but I’m not giving up.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Oh my God; just awful. Rest In Peace and condolences to the connections of the filly and the family of the rider. So very sad.

        Power Up CC, CDA, ROC, Beholder, Reilly and all who are ill or injured. Sir and Sally; thinking of you. Beast, Max is watching. TT, we love you. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Max, Sheena and Judy:

          Dreadful news from Woodbine – just confirms how dangerous racing can be. But always depressing to get this sort of news.

        • Dear Max:

          How sad. Just like with people, horses can have massive coronaries and just collapse. So sad for the young rider and this young filly. RIP Love and Hugs, JB

  17. / Reply

    Next Three Breeders’ Cup Sites Confirmed
    HorseRacingNation.com June 24, 2014
    The Breeders’ Cup today confirmed the locations of the next three World Championships. As previously reported on Horse Racing Nation by Matt Shifman,
    the 2015 Breeders’ Cup will head to Lexington, Kentucky, the epicenter of the thoroughbred industry, as Keeneland Race Course will host its first ever Breeders’ Cup.
    In 2016, the Breeders’ Cup will make its record ninth appearance at Santa Anita Park, and will stay in California for the 2017 the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar.
    http://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Next_Three_Breeders_Cup_Sites_Confirmed_123

  18. / Reply

    Dear Kathy R.The chicks will be ringed at 5 or 6 weeks old so we will know the sex then.They will, as usual, be named after rivers in the area.We had 2 little girls last year Clarach and Cerist.There’s been glorious weather in Wales recently.Hugs Sheena.

  19. / Reply

    Dear Sheena

    This is off subject, but I just tried the most delicious European Cookie. We had a customer to bring us in some in the little individual packets. They are Biscoff Cookies. Just love them and I just ordered a tin. Couldn’t resist. Saw Shortbread cookies there too and they looked devine. Where have these cookies been and why have I just discovered them. Lo. Have you tried them. Heard one of the airlines gives them out too.

  20. / Reply

    Dear Max.That is such sad news from Woodbine life can be snatched away in a second.I read on the Sporting life WB Lady Cecil is considering running NM in Saint-Cloud this sunday!!There is a wonderful osprey in Scotland at the loch of Lowes,she’s been returning there for 24 seasons.In her lifetime she may have travelled about 144,000 miles.They call her the Lady of the Loch.Nissy is enjoying world domination day for cats!!I was watching our ospreys earlier and Monty had come back to tidy the nest you can imagine Glesni squawking at him as if to say “I’ve done the housework”! Free the Moose.PU Dan and all sick animals everywhere. Hi TT!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Very interesting. Have to pay more attention to your posts on this with Kathy. Will keep eye on decision about Noble. Wish success to him and Lady Cecil. That is not an easy task to take over Warren Place. Tasty, come in please.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Just watched the video of the chicks. How adorable they are and I laughed at how intently the eldest chick was watching all the cleaning of the nest. The little one seems to have no ill affects from the knock out punch the other day, thank goodness. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc and all the Sweeties

  23. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Am becoming addicted to those chicks! I guess by 5-6 weeks they will be about the size of a bantam – or bigger? So pleased you’re having good weather. My sister returned home from a trip to visit her son in England, and then on to Russia and Poland. But she had the misfortune to return on the coldest day we’ve had so far – snow, sleet, gale force winds (all of this relative compared with the stuff you get!) but still an almighty shock to most Australians who resent cold weather. I know General thought I had completely lost the plot in taking him for the morning bounce. Hugs, KathyR

  25. / Reply

    I just miss stories about Zenyatta. Foals are great – but it is Zenyatta who is and will be forever the QUEEN. More pictures of Zenyatta please.

  26. / Reply

    Dear Sandy:

    Many thanks for the slide show – made me quite nostalgic for the USA! Some questions – and forgive my ignorance since some of the stallions/mares are not familiar to me from way Downunder. What caused the large scar on Forestry? And will provide a good home for Egg Drop and Einstein. And how truly excellent to see sweet Tasty! I’m very impressed that you’re allowed to touch the horses though, and also that you can get so close to the mares/foals in the stalls. Wonderful experience. Am off for another look! Thanks again, hugs KathyR

    • / Reply

      Thanks! Some of the stallions and most of the mares weren’t familiar to me either Kathy. This is still all so new to me. In addition (and I suppose that this will put my “clueless” rating off the charts), I didn’t notice the scar on Forestry until I went back and looked at the photo again after reading your comment. It looks like a surgical scar to me. Anyone??
      I think Egg Drop is slated to be sold (in foal) at the Keeneland fall sale. Wonder where she will be by this time next year?

  27. / Reply

    This wonderful video was the sales pitch by Keeneland to get the Breeders’ Cup. BGG

    2015 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland
    Published on Jun 24, 2014
    For the first time, the Breeders’ Cup is coming to the cradle of the breeding industry and the heart of the Bluegrass state. Where the very idea of the Breeders’ Cup was conceived. To the classic elegance and the iconic feel of Keeneland.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OmbKEdgV9k&feature=youtu.be

  29. / Reply

    Dear Max, Sheena, Peggy, Ann, Sally, Sue Fredrick, Kathy R, Barb W and Z Fans:

    Visited Charlie and Hudson today. They are fine. Brought watermelon for the first time for them to try. Neither one liked it, but Rocco (Rathor) the horse who’s sire is Machiavellian, Z’s grand sire, enjoyed the watermelon very much. Charlie and Hudson were happy with their carrots and mints. Deb will not be riding Charlie any more. She is going to share lessons with Amanda on Hudson every other week to get ready for the show in Woodstock, CT in the Fall. Angela wants her daughter Alex to exercise Charlie. I am linking a photo Angela sent me of Alex riding Charlie and photos of Ruby and Diamond that Jackie sent me. Love and Hugs, JB

    http://www.dropshots.com/littlebigred#date/2014-06-24/01:06:00 Charlie and Alex

    • / Reply

      JudyB. Love all of the photos. Moosie would probably like to wear those bright pink socks. Diamond is growing up to be a beauty like her mom. The one with the two of them together is a charming photo. That is a nice place where they are living. Any sightings of Shergar?

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Love those pink wraps too. Diamond and Ruby are doing really well in their new home. It does appear to be a very beautiful place. So far Shegar has not paid a visit. I’m so glad Jackie is so kind to take the time to send me new photos of Diamond; she’s grown and filled out a bit. She’s not all legs any more. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Judy B,
      Thanks for the great pics, makes me so homesick for the horse shows we used to go to, always enjoyed watching my daughters classes and our dressage classes. Charlie looks awesome, he’s a beauty, and that darling baby has the biggest eyes, she’s so precious. It must really make your day to go visit. love and hugs

    • / Reply

      Judy B,
      Thanks for the great pics, makes me so homesick for the horse shows we used to go to, always enjoyed watching my daughters classes and our dressage classes. Charlie looks awesome, he’s a beauty, and that darling baby has the biggest eyes, she’s so precious. It must really make your day to go visit. love and hugs

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue;

        You’re so welcome’ glad you like the photos. Visiting Charlie and Hudson has become the highlight of my week; every week. Diamond is such a cutie. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thank you, JB.
      Charlie in pink with the cutie on top is precious.
      Good boy, Charlie. You deserve an extra mint.

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann:

        Alex is fearless like Katie and Charlie is Mr. Cool in his Pink Wraps. He definitely deserves some extra mints. Will make sure he gets them next week. Love and Hugs, JB

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