Zenyatta

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Lane’s End Video Interviews: Part 1

Happy Friday!

While we were at Lane’s End at the beginning of the month, we spent time dreaming up ways to share the experience with all of you.

Zenyatta and her colt enjoy life on one of the most beautiful farms in the country, and they are cared for by the extremely knowledgeable and experienced Lane’s End staff.

We thought you would like to meet some of the people who are involved with Z on a daily basis, so we created a series of video interviews.

The first in our three part series is an interview with Alys Emson, who is in charge of Client Management at Lane’s End. Alys takes many of the photos that we use on this website. Thanks Alys!

Alys Emson: Client Management
“I was born and raised in the South of England, and my love affair with horses began at a very early age—I was able to ride almost before I could walk! My career began in Newmarket and continued in France before I settled in America. The early years were spent gaining valuable experience in every division of the farm including a couple of breeding seasons with the stallions and a stint on the racetrack. My duties now mostly involve evaluating the yearlings and foals and keeping our clients current on their progress and development. Zenyatta has been a welcome and special addition to the Lane’s End broodmare band and it has been both rewarding and memorable to watch her fulfill the next chapter in her life.”

Baby Z is enjoying the Spring weather. We hope you are too! Photo by Kyle Acebo

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

1,012 Comments

  1. / Reply

    @ Barbara Wood–I just remember thinking how exciting it was that I was touching Man O’War’s son!! They did not take him out of the stall for us but it was wonderful just to see him. I got to go into the stall with Jet Pilot,which was very exciting!! Was so glad to learn today that Calumet is safe now for a long time. On that same trip we went there and saw Citation and Coaltown and I have always remembered the striking red and white color scheme. I have my photos from that day at the photo restorers right now–they are so dark(old aquare black and whites) that you can’t really see what they are anymore. If they are able to be restored I will try to find a way to post them on here for you to see.

    I loved John Denver too!! What a gorgeous voice he had–and the things he sang about were always close to my heart! I was lucky enough to have attended two of his concerts. One in Seattle,years ago, and then,some years later,in Boise,after I moved here 33 years ago. One of my favorite songs of his “The Eagle and The Hawk” was actually written about Idaho! He was friends with a gentleman from Idaho who helped establish the Birds of Prey national refuge in the Boise area and he wrote the song in his honor. I,too,cried long and hard when he died–we lost him way toosoon. I still love watching his movie “Oh God”,just so I can see his sweet face again. I had always hoped to meet him one day and tell him how much his music means to me. One of my favorite things to do here in the summer is to drive my little Miata (Mighty Matilda Miata) through our mountains with the top down,with John’s music blasting!!

  3. / Reply

    I just saw the latest video of Zenny and little Z. He sure has some personality…and it seems as if he loves to get his mom to race around the paddock. The Mosses must be thrilled with all the possibilities he offers them.
    Seeing Zenny with that flagged tail was great!

    • / Reply

      So Mike thinks little Z is a ham when it comes to lovin the camera. I think his mom taught him well. :-)
      This little guy is going to be fun to follow.

    • / Reply

      Thanks Karen G, for finding this a posting it.
      Mike is such a wonderful guy, I did want to know if she ran over to see
      him when she saw him ??? and he did not tell us about that.

    • / Reply

      I like Mike’s description of 12-Z: “The baby has a lot of personality. He really loves attention. He doesn’t want to share the spotlight with his mom. If you go over to get close to Zenyatta, the little guy comes running over. He wants you to spend time with him. That’s a personality trait they definitely have in common. They’re both hams, to a certain degree. The other thing that struck me about him is just how big he is. He’s only two months old, but he already stands pretty tall. He’s going to be a big boy, for sure. I don’t know if he’s going to be as big as Zenyatta — who stood 17½ hands — but then, very few are.”

  5. / Reply

    @Sue Noel–Great to hear about War Admiral and Jet Pilot. The reason I asked is that our Money is a great, great, great grandson of WA.
    We saw John Denver only once in Austin in 1980, but we would sing his songs in the car every year on the way to Colorado. We had a lot in common with him: we both adopted children, and had he stayed in Fort Worth, and had my hubby not moved to Waco, they would have attended the same high school. So many good memories.

  6. / Reply

    Terry – I have to say that I think the Dead Skunk song is suitably tacky and totally appropriate as the theme song for a bunch of redneck dumplings. I vote in favor. This is not to say that I will be putting it on my I-Pod, listening to it once a year, on Redneck Day, will be enough for me.
    I am substituting my new favorite drink for the mint juleps this year – Evan Williams Honey Reserve (2 oz) with lots of ice, topped up with ginger ale and served in one of my Kentucky Derby glasses. I may well have more than one!!! Cheers everyone.
    Safe trips to all.

    • / Reply

      Brenda S.,
      The Evan Williams Honey Reserve sounds lovely! I may have to try that — in honor of the Derby AND in memory of my grandfather. Since his given name was Evans, he always had a softspot for Evan Williams! Granddaddy has been gone since 1975, but he lives in my heart and memory (Grandpa Walton was very much like him: good humor, smart, and common-sense wisdom).
      Enjoy the Derby weekend and let’s hope all have safe races!
      Cheers!

    • / Reply

      Kim. Thank you for posting this video. You can never get enough of seeing our Z and her baby running free. He is already a character in his own right. Good to see this.

  9. / Reply

    I have numerous links yet to catch up with. Thank you all for making things so interesting. I still can not find the Skunk Song!! I have been having problems with my computer, it takes forever!
    The Derby is getting so close. I’ll be joining BF and husbands for the Derby; leaving tomorrow. I believe Union Rags, Take Charge Indy , Dullahan and Bodemeister are all next to one another with their posts. Hansen is out farther (15?), which might be a good thing, as well as El Padrino and Gemologist. Let’s see. I’d like Take Charge Indy to surprise the crowd and win, but if it is not to be, then Union Rags or Gemologist to win the Derby.
    Let’s all pray for all to have a safe start and a safe journey. God be with them all.
    Have fun everyone!! hugs

  12. / Reply

    Dear Max,
    I hope you saw the video of Dynaformer’s Memorial Service. They told a very interesting story, he spent his whole life being macho and scaring people, after his cardiac
    event he became affectionate, like her knew something was happening. The three
    chimney’s folks said they thought the affections was to draw them into his stall
    and then he would get them.

    It is a very nice Memorial and I know you will enjoy the story.

    XXXXOOOOO

    • / Reply

      Sign. I just watched the video of the memorial service for Dynaformer. It is really very good that the people who knew best and loved him shared his story with those of us who love him from afar. This is a wonderful aspect about his life that I am glad to know. It brings tears to the eye to think of such a truly magnificent creature as Dynaformer.

      Love you always, Big D, one of the greats. I am not going to forget you ever.

  13. / Reply

    Morning Line will make his first start for John Shirreffs this Sat. at Hollywood Park.

    Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2)

    May 5, $150,000, 3yo & up, 11⁄16m, Betfair Hollywood Park, 4:30 PM

    P Horse Sire Jockey Wt. Trainer

    1. Jaycito Victory Gallop Brice Blanc 116 Bob Baffert
    2. Prayer for Relief Jump Start Jose Valdivia, Jr. 116 Bob Baffert
    3. Great Warrior (Brz) Leroidesanimaux (Brz) Omar A. Berrio 114 A. C. Avila
    4. Morning Line Tiznow Joseph Talamo 119 John A. Shirreffs
    5. Kettle Corn Candy Ride (Arg) Alonso Quinonez 116 John W. Sadler
    6. Thirtyfirststreet Good Journey Eswan Flores 113 Doug F. O’Neill
    7. Awesome Gem Awesome Again Martin A. Pedroza 119 Craig Dollase
    8. Gladding Sarava Victor Espinoza 116 John W. Sadler
    9. Honour the Deputy Honour and Glory Kevin Krigger 113 Jerry Hollendorfer

    • / Reply

      Sandy, Trouble?? I love it anyway. It has been stuck in my head especially in the most precarious situations! Remember I am a geriatric nurse, so use your imagination! HA HA

        • Oh. Sandy! LOL! I did not you know you were a retired nurse. We have more in common than I knew. With that, you will except my laugh and understand I must now go to bed, since I work the midnigtht shift. Have a wonderful day!

  16. / Reply

    Has anyone heard how long it takes to get a name approved? Wondering when ths new Superstar is going to get a formal name He is such an inidividual, we need a name!

    • / Reply

      The owners have up to two years to name a foal or until they enter their first race as a two year old.

  17. / Reply

    Hi Zenyatta this is Shaylin from homeroom 215,jst wanted to let you know to cheer for Hansen in the Kentucky Derby so lets hope he wins and good luck to the others.

    From.Shaylin.S Ps.I mad a picture that says believe with some weird cretures.

    • / Reply

      Good luck Shaylin, I like Hanson a lot too, but I also like several others, like “I’ll Have Another”, because Lava Man will be leading him out. I am very happy you like horse racing. I love it too. Tell your teacher, Mrs. Voltz I think she is the greatest teacher and I wish I had a teacher like her when I was in the 4th grade. Good luck Shaylin.

      P.S. I love your name. Very pretty.

  18. / Reply

    Hi Z Family~ It is Kentucky Derby Day in Room 215. This morning I asked first period who are we cheering for the Derby? I got Mistletoe and Zenyatta. Too cute. I had to explain to them that Mistletoe is not ready and Queen Z is now done with her career. You can see how important our girls are : )
    I showed Secretariat’s Belmont and I had one little boy ask if Zenyatta could do that and I told him I really believe she could run like that. We will never know but our Zenny always reminded me of a female Secretariat. I hope everyone has a good day. God Bless all our horses running in races around the country, Shari

  19. / Reply

    Z Family A Box just came to the school from Dr. Hansen for the children. Can You believe it ? I am so excited. When they get back from their special class I will open it with them and let everyone know what it is : ) How Special : )

  21. / Reply

    They are little miniature Hansens with his name and the Derby date on the side. THEY ARE AWESOME !!!! Children love them : )

    • / Reply

      Wow! How awesome! Can I come back to the 4th grade and have one too?

      That is so generous of Dr. Hanson to remember a class of 4th graders in the middle of Derby Week! I greatly respect that, no matter what the critics say.

      • / Reply

        Chris,Thanks for the plug and kind words. People always feel that they have to post an engaelrd picture or me. But i’m not virtually here to talk about myself. Thanks for posting on the site. I think our audience will find this information very useful!

  22. / Reply

    Kentuck Derby Jockey Change
    Janet Patton‏ Lexington Herald Leader tweeted
    State steward Barbara Borden confirms jockey Robby Albarado was arrested this morning, no details released. Off his Oaks mount

    Later tweet said
    Albarado’s mount, Hard Not to Like, will now be ridden by Rafael Bejarano, according to stewards.

  23. / Reply

    Good Morning All my wonderful Zenyatta Friends.

    I want to wish all the horses and people, coming and going, to the Ky Derby this weekend, safe travels! May God’s speed be with all those beautiful thoroughbreds and jockeys. This years field seems especially exciting to me, maybe because I have learned so much more from what I knew last year. God Bless you all! I will be watching on TV with a mint julep or something similar in hand. Good luck to all. Love to all.

    P.S. Subject to change of course, but my gut instinct is going with “I’ll Have Another”. And Karlovey Vary for the Oaks. Go ahead and laugh me off the blog, if you want. Ha Ha

    P.

  24. / Reply

    WINE PRINCESS, 3yo AZERI filly by Ghostzapper, finished first by 5 lengths at Churchill Downs. BRAVA!

  27. / Reply

    Hi Zenny hope you and EARnie get to watch the Oak and Derby today and tomorrow, it will be good for him to see what his future holds.
    Hope you all have a great weekend and maybe somebody will hit the jackpot. Prayers for safe trips for ALL horses and jockeys.
    I’ll be toasting you all and the winner with a mint julep. HUGS

  28. / Reply

    Baby Z is beautiful! His head up, ears forward and wonderfully long and powerful looking legst – just like his mama!! I miss Zenny so much – racing is not as exciting as it used to be with Rachael and Zenyatta. I know the derby is Saturday and I am not even familiar with the horses. Just think – Baby Z and Baby R will be in the derby together – in two years I think??? CAN’T WAIT!! Thanks, Team Z for keeping us informed and up to date. When are you going to name the little guy?? ;))

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