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.”
Enjoy!
-Team Z
Elsie Martus
Wish I could hug this colt and his beautiful mama. I love them both !
Deborah Richman in So. Cal.
Hi everyone! Just wanted to pop in and say hello. I have SO much to catch up on!
Terry Crow….LOL!!! as always :)
Alys, I enjoyed your lovely, very informative interview. Thank you! Your comments about Zenyatta’s intelligence were especially interesting.
And Kyle, that picture of the little Prince is just…well I can’t quite find the words. He is so very beautiful and special and you captured it.
All of you who posted the link to the HRTV video of the Prince running and bucking and Mama Z rolling….Thank you!!!
And to Black Caviar, I say, YOU GO GIRL!
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin- Elated
Terry and Vicky,
Left a message above after your post giving the link to the Dead Skunk Song.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks, Sue, I saw it earlier. I’m glad you and a lot of others enjoyed this. It was playing in my head, off and on, all day too.
Louise Castello
Hello everyone! So, I heard TVG announced Zenyatta was officially in foal to Tapit! Anyone know if this is true? Did I miss an announcement? Thanks guys.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Louise, we did hear she was bred awhile back, but not officially announced, they are still counting days, before “the reveal”, so there will be more certainty than the first time around.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
The video link Judy Berube provided actually states she was breed but that they were counting the days. No specific date she saw Tapit though. So baby 12Z was with out mama for a while!! I bet she was complaining!!!!! The video footage is wonderful of Big Mama and baby z
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Sally, I wonder about that, because one foaling article I read, I think, said that the foals go with mom too, when she goes out to be bred. So the separation then would be just a few minutes, it sounds like.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
This is a video from 4/25/12 of Z and Little Z from HRTV. It’s annoying because the film keeps stopping and you have to keep clicking on it to get it going again. But, if you’re patient, you’ll be able to see Little Z running in the paddock and Z having fun rolling in the grass and mud. Little Z really looks like he has wonderful balance and speed. I know it’s too soon to tell, but I’m just biased I guess. What a wonderful combo of Z and Bernie he is. So beautiful. Hugs, JB
http://www.hrtv.com/videos/zenyatta-foal-update/
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
Thanks for posting! Maybe BloodHorse will re-post it on their site so we can see it straight through.
BTW, “Step” got his second win.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Congratulations to Better Step Aside!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks, Judy, I did enjoy it, in spite of “the commercial” interference. Love to see him run, and her roll.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Oh Judy Berube, thank you so much for the link!! Patience is a vertue they say, but the waiting was so well worth it. What a little scrapper; he is and full of speed and energy. Those ears!! Our Z looks so beautiful!! So Zenyatta has been breed and they are counting the days? I wonder what date it ocurred. a big hug to you Judy
Especially Horses / Southern California
Thanks Judy, I was able to see it all the way through, without it freezing, as long as I didn’t maximize the screen. Such a delight to watch.
Especially Horses / Southern California
Hey, I just tried it again in Full Screen mode and made it all the way through. He’s so full of himself a good thing to see him enjoying spring fling.
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy B thanks love the video, love Z12 he is so adorable, hugs Ingrid.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ingrid, Especially Horses, Sally B. and Laura J.:
Wonderful to see Little Z running free in the paddock. Looks like hee really was enjoying himself. Z looks great too and having fun rolling in the grass and mud. Hugs, JB
Laura J,
So happy for Step. He’s doing great. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki B.:
You’re so welcome. Love seeing Little Z run and Z having fun just being a horse. Hugs, JB
Darlene Daniels
Marty,Thank you so much. Now that is my cup of tea in learning about TB’s. Ah, if only I knew then (1974) what I know now, you all could be posting to a blog to me. (just kidding). I really enjoyed this. And what a special treat it mostly played all the way through without stopping and starting.
Thank you Marty, You are the best! and I will be paying closer attention to ThoroughbredTimes.com
Darlene Daniels
P.S. And oh duh! This was suppose to post under Martys as a reply. It is probably me (blond) or just worn out, (my weekend to work)
Marty R / Colorado
Darlene,
I’m happy you and some others liked this. I was actually trying to find replays of Black Caviar’s and Utopian’s races any place I could think of, but came upon this instead. It kinda felt like hitting the jackpot to me. Of course, if I had used my head, I should have known I would find links to the races right here in Zenyatta Nation. The best, most generous people come here.
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hello Everyone!!!! Hope all of you are doing well and enjoying the nice spring weather. To Land’s End, Alys Emson, and all of Team Z: Thank you for sharing this video with us. Great Update. The photo of Baby Z is precious! Wow has he grown! I also enjoyed the HRTV video of Zenyatta and her handsome colt. Baby Z certainly has a lot of energy. I wonder how Tasty is doing!!!
BTW, I like the idea The Kennedys in San Diego posted: –the Hollywood Gold Cup — the first anniversary of the charter members of Z-Dumplings. Maybe we will have to have a reunion!!!!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Linda, Yes, wouldn’t it be wonderful to all meet at Lane’s End and then visit Z and baby z? ha ha fat chance!! I definitely respect their and the Moss’s decision.
hugs
Linda Edwards in NJ
Yes, I would love that!!!!
Terry Crow
Linda-It was such a pleasure meeting you last year.
Linda Edwards in NJ
Hey Terry: Likewise. Maybe we can all meet again this year. Sure would be fun!!!!
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Max, thanks for the link with our John and others talking about the Derby. I’ll have to agree with them; So many horses and that tunnel and a lot of noise from the crowd.
I can not remember the last year where the favorite actually won. Was it Looking at Lucky? I remember being at the 2010 Breeders Cup, Zenyatta coming through the tunnel into the saddling area and Ann holding her finger to her lips asking for “quiet”. Believe me, this request was honored. Apparently though being on the track walking toward and into the tunnel was a different story as fans cheered and cheered.
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
In 2010 Lookin at Lucky finished sixth (I think) after drawing the inside post.
Big Brown won as the favorite in 2008. Street Sense won as the favorite in 2007, and Smarty Jones was the favorite in 2004. Barbaro was the second choice in his Derby, IIRC.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Laura, thank you for your answers. Time is flying by so fast the older I am getting, that I forget these things, especially beyond the last 3 yrs! ha
Marty R / Colorado
Sally,
I remember watching Zenyatta’s walk through the tunnel on tv. There were people snapping flash pics and she reacted shying, etc. I think Mario was pretty agitated cause they were making his job much harder. I guess John could protect her ears somewhat with the cotton, but nothing for her eyes. Of course, it’s over now, but it wasn’t a calm situation at the time.
Jan S. / Houston, TX
Yes, it was so loud when Z was coming through the tunnel. You couldn’t hear a thing. I felt bad for her.
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
I am counting down the days until the Derby. I’ll be sharing this excitement up at my BF’s home, with husbands too. The track will be loaded with wonderful race horses this year. There are so many in the race that it becomes luck as to what horse or horses don’t get trapped in for them to run their race. So, which jockey on that given day, the first Sat. in May, will be 100% in his/her choice with an anticipated move? Which horse will overcome all the stuff going on around him? Know one knows really.
I think Union Rags, Gemologist, Creative Cause have the best chance. Of course I like Hansen, El Padrino, Alpha, Hansen, Bodemeister(I know who is riding him, our Mikie) and I’ll Have Another and of course Take Charge Indy. I would love to see Take Charge Indy surprise everyone and be the first place winner!! There are too many I like and have just as much as the other.
There was an article in the Bloodhorse entitled Breeding the Best to the Best. In manycases it said, this practice had been unsucessful. Well, Take Charge Indy is a product of breeding the best to the best and I would love to have this breeding work this time, make A.P. Indy proud.
Any one know what jockey will be riding Gemologist?
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
Who ever will be riding him will have a lot of pressure on their shoulders, that is for sure.
signofthetimes
ALL THE JOCKEYS THIS YEAR HAVE A LOT OF PRESSURE AS THERE ARE
AT LEAST 10 QUALIFIED COLT’S THAT COULD WIN THE 138TH KY DERBY.
GODSPEED TO ALL OF THEM AND SAFE AND SOUND TRIPS !!!!!
GO CALVIN, YOU CAN DO IT AGAIN !!!!!!!
POST POSITION’S THIS WEEK WILL LEAD TO LOTS OF “JOCKEYING”
Terry Crow
Sign-I agree. Post position draw will probably decide the Derby then and there.
Paula McCaleb in AZ
Beautiful picture of Baby Z, and I loved hearing Alys talk about our Queen Z in this interview. Looking forward to Part 2. Many thanks to Team Z and Lanes End!
Anne from Paramount, CA
@ALL DUMPLINGS: Happy high hoof Sunday!! Have certainly enjoyed the posts and some of the videos herein…want to re watch the interview. Terry Crow, for a half second or so I too thought I was seeing Zenyatta, then the light dawned! WOW, what a big guy! I don’t know who is (are) my pick(s) in the Derby yet…I hope Baffert’s horses don’t get a bad post–he just had a heart attack for heaven’s sake. I remember how depressed he said he was after Lookin at Lucky’s post that time. What I like to do is bet $2 place on the field–it can go either way, winning a nice sum, or not. For winning, think Giacamo! Then I do some other side bets and always fit in an exacta. I squirrel away a little for the Derby–and Breeders’ Cup–so I can have some fun.
Was at (Betfair) Hollywood Park yesterday–did not see any discernible changes as yet.
More later if time…it’s been a busy week. Oh yes, either read or heard Gary Stevens referring to the tunnel at CD as the hardest part for the horses….none of them have ever been through such and never will again. Also same for 20 horse field—that can shake up even the calmest of horses.
signofthetimes
BIG THING ABOUT BODEMEISTER; NO HORSE UNRACED AT 2YO HAS WON THE DERBY SINCE 1892, THAT HORSE WON BECAUSE THE FAVORITE DID NOT LIKE TO RUN IN THE SLOP; IT IS CALLED THE CURSE OF THE HORSES NAME, I FOR GET IT.
BODEMEISTER IS VERY TALENTED, HOWEVER THE FIELD AND THE NOISE ARE GOING TO BE A CHALLENGE FOR HIM EVEN WITH MIKE SMITH ON BOARD.
THERE A QUITE A FEW 3 YEAR OLD COLTS THAT HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVES
AT CHURCHILL AND RELISH THE TRACK. BODEMEISTER HAS NEVER BEEN ON THE TRACK OR SEEN IT. IT IS A VERY CHALLENGING TRACK AND THEY EITHER LOVE IT OR HATE IT.
NOT LIKE ZENNY, WHO HATED IT BUT ALWAYS OVERCAME ADVERSITY TO WIN !!!!
Terry Crow
Sign-You must be thinking of some other year. The winner in 1892 had raced as a two-year-old. There were only three horses in the field and there would have been only two betting interests as two of the horses were coupled. There was no betting.
Pati- Queen Z and Prince Fan
I thought it was 1882 where the horse had been unraced as a two year old and won the Kentucky Derby.
signofthetimes
Apollo was the one that did not race as a two year old; did I get the wrong year. Must have read it wrong.
Do you know the year Apollo won???? Jeff Siegel was talking a lot about
it this past weekend and mentioned “THE CURSE”.
signofthetimes
Oh yes Patti , read the list too quickly, your are correct.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kentucky_Derby
Here is a list of all the Derby winner’s from the first races.
During Apollo’s win the race was 1 1/2 miles, too.
Terry Crow
You are correct, Pati. Sign corrected herself later on.
Barb G (SKIP) & Juliet
First, thank you to all who wished me a happy birthday! I was in the middle of “changing my ISP” and didn’t have a way to thank you then. How thoughtful of all of you. And if this is a repeat of something I said earlier–good! You all deserve many more thank you’s!
Second, TRINA–my exemplary and compassionate and enchanted poet–I’m still overwhelmed by that poem–love you dearly for it and for all the other kindnesses you have given to so many of us.
Third, how absolutely delighted i was to see the interview! I think most of us are suffering from Zenyatta/Dottie withdrawal, so this idea of giving us insider farm news is just wonderful. Wish I had Alys’s job!!!!
Fourth, INGRID–you are a fine handicapper! We differ a wee bit, but we agree that this will be a terrific Derby. My first choice is Gemologist–have backed him for three months and see no reason to change. Once Mikey entered, I put a wee bit of green across the board on his horse, which is Bodemeister. If he was riding Trinniberg, I’d still cover him that way. I do believe Take Charge Indy will give us a show but that Rags and Hansen will come in the money. Were i at the track, I’d do a pick 6 like my dear friend Joanie Pitt told me about. As a coward, I ask: can you box them? I know the big money is playing them straight, but I’d take the safer road!!!
JUDY–how good it is to see your words. Miss you, Judy! I was able to watch the video without a stop and just loved it! I love to see horses roll…I think Shackleford is the King of the Rollers–he does it all the time!!! Sending love and hugs your way, Judy.
TERRY–I try very hard to counter your redneck schtick but somehow blueneck or even purpleneck can’t provide the material for any jokes to balance our geography out here! Do love those talking horse jokes…glad you are the resident comic genius on this string!
EQUI-ARMY-NDO–well, difficulty with Facebook caused me to open another personal page and another Equi-Army page. If you are sending me anything on those two pages, I cannot answer you because I cannot get into those pages! Ah, technology. My new personal FB page is simply SKIP EAN. Not too creative, but it works. The new page for Equi-Army is EQUI-ARMY-NDO.COM. I hope you visit me in both places! FB is one of my primary tools for networking rescues and emergencies, and I’d be lost without it. If you would like to reach me by email, it is: l_artssavelives@verizon.net. The first letter is an L as in Larry, followed by an underscore.
Even though I am eager for more and more information about Z and baby Z and Tasty and the girls at Lands End, I am so happy with the new diary message today. Z’s team is being so good to us, sharing these precious moments, and I thank them most sincerely. (Doesn’t mean I don’t miss Dottie, though!!!) Love and hugs to all from Juliet and me!!!
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Barb G thank you, we have the same train of thoughts I agree with you I think Gemologist is awesome, maybe is going to be our next triple-crown winner. Hugs Ingrid.
signofthetimes
I AM AFRAID INGRID THERE ARE AT LEAST 10 QUALIFIED 3 YEAR OLD’S THAT COULD WIN THE DERBY THIS YEAR.
NO ONE HAS HAD A BETTER WORK AT CHURCHILL DOWNS THAN UNION
RAGS !!!!! TO DATE.
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Signofthetime,
Thank you for the update, I have to think about that, hugs Ingrid.
signofthetimes
Dear Ingrid,
It is so very hard this year; there is so much talent, but their still may be
a surprise. That twenty horse field for a three year old is very tough to face.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Skip and Juliet:
Hugs to you, JB
Terry Crow
Senator Barbara Grimaldi, a true hero for the times.
signofthetimes
Definately agree !!!!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
OH, MY GOODNESS! I leave the computer for half a day, and what do I come back to find? More discussion of the dead skunk (which was brought to everyone’s attention first as a reference to the song’s namesake–or one of his relatives, rather– being found lifeless at the bottom of our pool some years back.
WELL! The original question I posed, I believe, was “Are you a redneck if you have to fish a dead skink out of your swimming pool?” The unadulterated FAME spread by the posting of the song by Vicki B. would SURELY elevate the Texas chapter to a height previously unknown, especially if adopted as the official theme song. I alone, as a charter member, could never have aspired to such heights.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Well, Barbara, you certainly did ask that question, on the previous Blog, but then you answered it with, “Oh, never mind, I already AM one!! Ha, ha.” So the question was obviously rhetorical, and it should indeed elevate the Texas Chapter to exalted heights, we can only begin to imagine! You are most welcome and deserving of all the honor that may bring.
signofthetimes
When does the lobbying start Vicki B from near Hollywood Park ?????
Texas Chapter President
Terry Crow
When a new message or blog appears, the chapter presidents will be polled,
Terry Crow
When a new blog subject starts, I will poll the chapter presidents as to whether we should adopt The Dead Skunk Song as our theme. In the case of Texas, that would be signofthetimes. Perhaps you should be lobbying her.
signofthetimes
Defiantely agree, Love the Skunk song; very very funny and appropriate for our group. Thanks so much for finding and sharing this son with us.
signofthetimes
The above is only a thought for the day.
Oh yes, an official vote of ALL the president’s on the next blog so everyone is involved is the best idea, as you suggested. I have not seen full participation of the club either.
Thanks TC for being such a great moderator and leader of our official
Redneck Club.
Keta
Thoroughbred Times tweeted Sunday April 29th
Premier sire Dynaformer passed away at @Three_Chimneys today.
More to follow soon at http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
That is sad! The curmudgeon gone.
Barb G(SKIP) & Julietl
WE HAVE JUST LOST OUR DYNAFORMER, AGE 27. THREE CHIMNEYS HAS ANNOUNCED THIS SAD PASSING.
Terry Crow
Like most of us old guys who are put out to pasture, D did not last long after it happened.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Sounds like he might have been unhappy with his change of status. Or perhaps I’ve got it backwards — just tired may be why he was retired.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Ah, I had not yet heard about his aortic rupture, 2 weeks before.
carol in utah
Crap….sorry….NOT BIG D….OUR LOVEABLE GRUMP…
Jan Doyle
So sad to see one of the greats go. He will be missed. RIP Dynaformer. Was so glad I was able to see him last year when we visited Three Chimmeys.
Heidi K (Vallejo, Ca)
I just read about the “Grumpy Ole Man!” So sad to see him depart this earth!! Especially, after he was just pentioned! RIP big Boy!!!
Onto other news… On some blogs they are spreading the rumors that Zenny has been confirmed in foal to Tapit! I say rumor because, I think, we’d be the FIRST to know. Also in the video, they said that they are counting the days! Maybe, some people need to open their ears and actually listen! lol
signofthetimes
RIP DYNAFORMER,
WHAT A LOVELY ARTICLE THEY DID ON HIM IN DAILY RACING FORUM,
TO SURVIVE AN AORTIC VALVE RUPTURE IS AMAZING AND TO LIVE AND BE ABLE
TO GO INTO HIS PADDOCK FOR THESE FEW WEEKS IS UNIMAGINABLE.
VERY MUCH DEMONSTRATES, HIS CHARACTER TRAIT OF TOUGHNESS, AND
DEMANDING OF HIMSELF AND THOSE AROUND HIM.
THANKS FOR WRITING SUCH A WONDERFUL ARTICLE AND HOW TOUCHING FOR
HIM TO PASS ON THE 9 TH BIRTHDAY OF HIS KY DERBY WINNING SON, BARBARO.
Max
Sign. This is a very great loss. He is a legend. I love him and I will always remember him in his paddock, a king among horses, who knew exactly his worth. RIP Dynaformer, never forgotten.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLTWbmlbTxU
The Kennedys in San Diego
Max, thanks for posting the video. When one sees him you think, “Ah, now that’s a stallion!”
signofthetimes
IT IS TOO BAD HE WAS NOT MORE TRAINABLE AND MORE SUCCESSFUL
ON THE TRACK, THOUGH.
Max
Sign. Dynaformer was the kind of horse whose will was just too strong to be trained. He was one of the wild things who no one could own or tame. Maybe his earthly success was to pass on his strength and talent to others. He seemed most happy on his own in his paddock gazing at the sky with a far off look in his noble eyes. Now he finally runs free where he probably truly belongs even though we who are left behind are so sad to be without him. I for one desperately miss him already. Big D, you are the best.
signofthetimes
Max,
All horses are “touchable”, one needs to know
How to connect with them. The folks at Three
Chimney’s worked very very very hard to connect
With him, make him happy in his way and make
Him a sucessful site. He was far from wild, he knew
Who he was, what he wanted, how he wanted it
And if a human did not produce it he would not
Give anything back. It would be wondeful to
Have Three Chimney’s write a book about how they
Connected with him and made such a difficult
Horse happy.
My TB was not easy very opinionated and if you
Did not present him the things he wanted the way
He wanted, there would be no result or connection.
Everything changed from day to day and there was
Always a new issue or new game to deal with.
The gradification of connecting as a human to
Such a difficult animal, is so very rewarding.
Jan S. / Houston, TX
Thanks for the video Max. Dynaformer was a true diva. He will be truly missed.. He is probably creating “good” chaos in heaven. ;)
Max
Jan S. This is the best thing that I have heard since the sad news of Dynaformer’s passing first hit. Yes, indeed, Dynaformer is probably doing just what you say. It makes me smile to think of him running free and causing “good” chaos wherever he goes. Go Big D!
signofthetimes
Max
They say all of the stallions hated him and really
Raised cane when he passed their stalls or ran
Into them in the shed. Now he has so many more
To “irritate”, some he has never met and may
Give him a challenge. He will love being with his
Famous son, Barbaro, maybe they will get to have
A great father/son relationship .
Sue Fredrick - Wisconsin- Elated
Must add my condolences on the loss of Big D. He will live on in the wonderful horses he has produced. Will miss the stories of the “old Crabs” exploits. RIP big guy we’ll miss you, wish you would have had a few more retirement years.
signofthetimes
APOLLO IN 1882 IS THE ONLY HORSE TO WIN THE KY DERBY AND NO RACE
AT TWO YEARS OLD.
BODEMEISTER HAS THE CURSE OF APOLLO TO OVERCOME; BUT MAYBE HE CAN DO
IT, HE SURE IS TALENTED.
Terry Crow
1882 is the correct year.
Brenda S..Ontario, Canada
Vic and I are so sad to learn about Dynaformer and so thankful that we saw him last July. His influence as one of very best sires will be seen for years to come. RIP Dynaformer.
Max
Brenda S. Would you tell us some details about your visit with Dynaformer, such as how he looked and acted? I would love to hear any stories about him. We have lost a great horse.
Karen Gogue / Oh B♥by Oh!
RIP the great Dynaformer!
The Kennedys in San Diego
We are so very sad to learn of the passing of the proud, tough Dynaformer. It is a tribute to his stamina that he survived an aortic valve rupture and its resulting damage to his heart and was able to be turned out for two weeks prior to his death.
We are so glad we were able to visit him at Three Chimneys in 2010. The usually surly D was a perfect gentleman that day. Always loved to hear of his antics – so entertaining. Wayne Lukas said he was the most difficult horse he ever trained. And yet you knew you were in the presence of greatness.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Behind the scene with Handsome Hansen.
http://www.followhorseracing.com/en/the-latest/news-stories/2012/4/27/hansen-features/
signofthetimes
BOY TAPIT REALLY THREW A GOOD ONE;
HANSEN HAS A VERY POOR FEMALE LINE;
TAPIT REALLY STAMPED THIS GREY BOY, GOOD LUCK
I WISH HIS TRAINER HAD TAUGHT HIM TO RATE !!!!
Terry Crow
He did rate, somewhat, in his second start this year. If they use the same tactics in the Derby, he is a very serious contender.
signofthetimes
Oh yes, he did. But does not seem to be showing this anymore in his works.
He seems to be head strong again !!!
No on can every predict the Derby winner, it sure will be fun this year with so much talent.
Terry Crow
We shall see what they decide to do. I would rate his race in the Blue Grass Stakes as a conditioning run. He certainly did not need the added money earnings. Even though he was overtaken near the wire, he was still running strongly.
Jan S. / Houston, TX
Thanks Kennedys. Nice piece on Hansen.
Jan S. / Houston, TX
Thanks Kennedys. Very nice piece on Hansen.
Louise Castello
When I came here this afternoon and saw the news about Big D, I cried like a baby! I loved this horse and it was on my bucket list to meet him in person like some of you have. I just wanted to touch him and feel his greatness. Of course I am aware that I probably couldn’t have gotten that close to him, but still to be in his presence was special, I’m sure. This great grumpy old man had my heart and I’m so sorry to see him go. RIP Dynaformer, you are the man!
Max
Louise Castello: I feel the same. This is very hard to take. I love that horse too.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max, Louise and Z Fans:
Thank you for your wonderful posts on Dynaformer. He was one of my favorites too. Hugs, JB
Max
Judy. Glad to see your posts. You have been missed by me and many others.
It is a sad day in racing to bid goodbye to Dynaformer. He was an exceptional horse and a very loveable bad boy. Another horse like him is Storm Cat. I hope that he is doing well in his retirement. Storm Cat is intense as was Danzig. Love them all.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Thank you for your kind words and friendship. Really special to me.
You’re so right , Dynaformer will be missed. Yes, Storm Cat turned 29 in February of this year. Will see if I can find any recent photos of him. I agree, love them all too. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max and Z Fans:
Here’s an article from earlier this year on Storm Cat and a recent photo. He looks really good. Hugs, JB
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7506022/lingering-storm
Louise Castello
Judy, I’m so, so happy when I see you here.
Louise Castello
MAX AND JUDY: Thank you both for bringing up Storm Cat and the great article Judy! Another magnificent horse that I don’t know near enough about. Now I’m going to study up on him, thanks!
The Kennedys in San Diego
Judy, your links are always appreciated. The one on Storm Cat is so moving. I love how they have handled his care while pensioned and with the transition of the farm. When I think of the three great stallions of that era, it is Storm Cat, A P Indy and Dynaformer. While I have yet to see Stormy and A P Indy, I hope to soon. Two experiences turned me on to Stormy — the book, “Stud” in which he is featured and a good horseowner friend who recounted his visit to Overbrook more than a decade ago. When they led Stormy out he said his presence was overpowering, an experience he will never forget. Rather like the “demanding, proud creature” described in the article.
The Kennedys in San Diego
Should mention that Dynaformer is also described in “Stud.”
Keta
Three Chimneys posted a memorial album
Dynaformer 1985-2012
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150684619836050.388534.62777301049&type=3&l=ee90779698
Great race horse. Great sire.
Marshall (NC broad)
Keta,
Thank you for posting this link. What great photos and what a handsome creature!
RIP Dynaformer — life is richer because of you.
Love and Angel Hugs (you’ll like those) to you!
signofthetimes
LOVE THAT PHOTO OF ZENYATTA 12, BEING VERY FLEXIBLE;
NOW I SEE WHY FOALS LAY DOWN TO GRAZE, THEIR LEGS ARE SOOOOO
LONG THEY CAN’T GET DOWN TO STAND AND GRAZE.
WOULD LOVE TO SEE BABY Z MEET BABY RA WHEN THEY ARE FOALS;
AND OF COURSE OLDER.
Debbie G/Kentucky
Max, I visited Three Chimneys in June and saw Dynaformer. He was very quiet. They never took him out of his stall. Everyone was warned not to try to pet him because he would most likely bite them. I went over to his stall and talked to him, but he must have been having a bad day because he pretty much just ignored me and everyone else. They were crazy about him at Three Chimneys. My heart breaks for them.
Max
Thanks for this. It is good to hear such things about Big D. He was one of a kind.
The Kennedys in San Diego
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2012/04/28/harrington-s-leap-of-faith.aspx
Always love everything Steve Haskin writes. But when we stopped unannounced at Mike Harrington’s barn two weeks ago, he was very happy to show us Creative Cause (known as CC around the barn). While Mike is a quiet, unassuming man, he talked to us for at least 15 minutes about his hopes for CC and both his pleasure and apprehension about the Derby experience. We will be rooting for CC and Mike.
signofthetimes
Creative Causes story is very touching.
Someone who finally got the money from
An owner to buy/train a possible Champion.
Creative Cause is a very nice horse and definately
One of the 10 possible to win.
Terry Crow
Agree. he has shown an affinity for the Churchill Downs surface, but so have Union Rags, Hansen and Gemologist.