Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

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

    • / Reply

      Sign,
      Rosie is riding in the Oaks on Believe You Can.
      So, she would be a good choice for a Derby ride.
      Keta

      • / Reply

        Really would love it if Kiran choses her, of course it is up to Darley.

        I think she was going to ride Mark Valeski before he stepped out of the
        KY Derby. I really like her style of riding.

    • / Reply

      Agree with the writer on Daddy Nose Best. Have the feeling that Mike should have stuck with him.

      • / Reply

        Daddy Knows Best is really doing well on his works; agree.
        Not sure Bodemeister is going to make it emotionally in a 20 horse field,
        but anything can happen.

    • / Reply

      Union Rags has great conformation. Michael Matz knows how to get a horse ready for the Derby.

      • / Reply

        Oh yes, agree. Union Rags has a gorgeous conformation; so very fit and muscled;
        Michael Matz has him peaking at the right time; and I am not so sure it was
        very negative for him to come in 3rd in Fla Derby. At least he did not freak
        out stuck at the rail and was able to catch some dirt.

        So very much hope he has a good post position and a good trip !!!!

    • / Reply

      Sign. Great great video. There is something about watching a horse have a bath which is so relaxing. Go Rags!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign:

      Loved the video o Union Rags having a bath. Thanks you. He’s a beautiful boy. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Interesting. Of course, it was a long time before photography proved that all four feet of a horse are at times off the ground.

      • / Reply

        That is so very interesting to watch when they gallop; both front back and both back go front so for a few seconds they do FLY !!!!

  5. / Reply

    Thanks so much for this interview. I love hearing about and from people working in the industry. It’s been a real education. Also, no surprise to hear that Zenyatta is different from the other mares :) To me she seems like more of a “person,” although all pets/animals seem that way once you get to know them. I, too, was interested in how she’s different than the other mares.

    Please continue with these interviews and of ocurse updates on Zenyatta (I hear she is pregnant by Tapit now) and her baby.

    • / Reply

      I think it maybe she stand apart; like Inside Information and Personal Ensign did from
      the herd of mares; “out of the gossip” !!!

  6. / Reply

    Terry, How about dishes and cutlery that never make it back into the cupboard from the dish drainer?

    • / Reply

      Vicki, I can’t wait to hear what Mikey thinks of the Prince!!! He’s going to be a stunning colt, that’s for sure! He is his mommas boy, that’s for sure!

    • / Reply

      Mikey, such a gracious and amazing person. I really hope they let him ride Z’s colt if he’s “still around” as he put it, but I have a sneaking suspision he will be. :) LOL

    • / Reply

      Lovely article on dear Mike Smith; Chantal really lost out on that one.
      He is so very special; and I do hope he is selected to ride 12 Zenyatta
      in the KY Derby 2015 !!!!!

    • / Reply

      Sign,
      Thanks this give more details on the NYRA (dare I call it) scandal.
      It keeps unfolding
      Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign:

      Thank you. Hope the Industry follows up on Mr. Whiteley’s suggestions. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy,

        Such a very well written piece. Really love your writing.

        XXXXOOOO

        Hugs
        Sign

  9. / Reply

    Good afternoon Zensters!!! Wow, the Oaks is just as tough as the Derby! Who to go with?? Such a great crop of 3 year olds! So far, I’m going with “On Fire Baby” and “Hard Not To Like.” Now for the Derby, I’m still on the Hansen bandwagon, Bode and Alpha. However, that might change after they draw the post positions. Heck, I just might have to put the names in a hat and pick that way!! I loved the video of him playing in the sand. He sure is full of himself and that’s great to see!!! I hope, Dr. Hansen learned his lesson and will leave his tail alone!! LOL

    Shari, I suffer from panic/anxiety attacks and they are NOT FUN!!!! I learned in Therapy how to “breathe” and “work” through it which, is no easy task. Sometimes, the only thing I can do to calm down is just sit still for awhile. I hope you and your dad are doing better!

    • / Reply

      Fasig-Tipton just tweeted
      5 Fasig-Tipton graduates entered in Friday’s G1 Kentucky Oaks:
      SUMMER APPLAUSE,
      EDEN’S MOON,
      SACRISTY,
      AND WHY NOT &
      OAKS LILY!

    • / Reply

      Heidi Thank you. My dad is doing better and only has to spend another week in the hospital. I have been through therapy too but Saturday I think everything hit me at once. He almost died Thursday and I think my thoughts in church just came in on me. I really appreciate you caring. Take care : )

  10. / Reply

    @All, thanks everyone for all the videos. They are so great to watch. It truly makes my day to see them all.

  11. / Reply

    Here is the Oaks Field
    Post/Horse/Jockey/Odds

    1. On Fire Baby/Joe Johnson/4-1

    2. Grace Hall/Javier Castellano/5-2

    3. Summer Applause/Garrett Gomez/15-1

    4. Eden’s Moon/Martin Garcia/12-1

    5. Hard Not to Like/Robby Albarado/20-1

    6. Broadway’s Alibi/John Velazquez/4-1

    7. Sacristy/Mike Smith/50-1

    8. Jemima’s Pearl/Joe Talamo/10-1

    9. Believe You Can/Rosie Napravnik/10-1

    10. And Why Not/Julien Leparoux/15-1

    11. Karlovy Vary/James Graham/20-1

    12. Colonial Empress/Corey Nakatani/50-1

    13. Amie’s Dini/Jon Court/10-1

    14. Yara/Jesus Castanon/30-1

    AE- Oaks Lily/Rafael Bejarano/50-1

    Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/69391/kentucky-oaks-draws-overflow-field-of-15#ixzz1teWakJmC

  12. / Reply

    Zenyatta, I am very happy to hear that your foal continues to do well. He has tons of beautiful weather to get out and enjoy. So do you, girl! I am going to watch the Kentucky Derby this Saturday. I am pulling for Hansen. Resume the diary on a regular basis soon. I am looking forward to it. In the meantime, I’ll take what I can get.

  13. / Reply

    I’m waiting for the post positions before I make my final choice but right now I’m thinking that I should box Union Rags, Bodemeister and Hansen with a small bet to show on Alpha. It’s a big field and history favors the middle of the starting gate, I just hope the weather is good and that the track is not sloppy.

    • / Reply

      Brenda
      I am also hoping for a good track, but it has been stormy and rain is in the forecast through the weekend. But maybe the weather people will be wrong.

  14. / Reply

    Mike visited Zenny today according to an article in the NY POST. I can’t wait to hear what he thought of little Z.

      • / Reply

        Oh Dang!! I really should read ALL the post first! I start from the bottom up! Sorry, I didn’t see it posted already!
        karen-loopy-upside down-reader person

  16. / Reply

    I checked out the photos of Baby Z and from the looks of it, he has her intelligence and not to mention, looks like her dance moves too. And the alertness he has too!!!!

  17. / Reply

    @Daddy Long Legs, Hope you made it in from Ballydoyle and wanted to tell you a Big Welcome Home to your Kentucy home. What a beautiful picture that was of you in Bloodhorse today, of your sunday photo. OMG what a beautiful Colt you are.. Wish I knew how to pull that article over.. I know, I have to learn how to do that. I wish you all the luck in the world on Saturday, I know they don’t have ya as the horse most likely to win but I love ya and you just do your very best. I’m rooting for you big time along with the woodford folks. Love ya very much. Peggy
    @Every horse running Friday and Saturday Your all in my prayers, May you all return to the barns safely.
    Also, Congratulations to D Wayne Lucas for getting in.

  18. / Reply

    Once again, lots of great links and information!

    @Zenny and lil Z: Lots of love and hugs with kisses on your soft noses!

    To All:
    Thanks to each of you for this wonderful site — such a comforting and informative place.
    Goodnight and sweet dreams with restful sleep!
    Always.

  19. / Reply

    Dear Vicki B. and Karen G.:

    Thanks for the link to that great article on Mikey. Hope he does get to ride Little Z some day. Wouldn’t that be something. Hugs, JB

  20. / Reply

    Dear Z Family:

    Thank you for all the wonderful posts and links. Enjoyed them all. Hugs, JB

  22. / Reply

    Dear Z Family I wanted to tell everyone that on Friday in my room is Kentucky Derby Day !!! I have lollipops for my Homeroom that look like the horn from a Unicorn. I am calling these Hansen Pops. We think he looks like Pegasus or a Unicorn. We will also do readings about The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports, The Fast and Fearless Life of a Jockey and Memoir of a Kentucky Thoroughbred named Thunder. He was born on Castleton Farm on Ironworks Road. This is a really cute story. I also told the children about the Kentucky Oaks. Our Horse Whisperer Jennifer Wirth Ice is walking in the parade with her mother who is a Breast Cancer Survivor. This is an exciting week and I love all the information. Thanks everyone. I hope all have a wonderful day, Shari

    • / Reply

      What a wonderful atmosphere there must be in your homeroom. I am also pleased that the powers that be have allowed you to teach in this manner. Probably wouldn’t happen in California.

      • / Reply

        Terry why would they not allow a Teacher in California to have fun with the children. I get more out of them because they know we can do extra fun activities after their work is done. I cover all the Ohio Standards for social studies but because of the horses they work extra hard for me : )

        • It is not the fact that the kids are/should be having fun, it is the subject of horse racing that would probably be prohibited. If a parent were to complain, the teacher might be instructed to drop the subject, even if it were an “extra.” If you ever have a chance to see the news here in California on a local basis, you would know what I mean. You philosophy is the best and I wholeheartedly concur.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shari Voltz:

      I think you are the best teacher ever. Wish I has a teacher like you as a child. The children are more receptive to learning because you make it fun and enlightening. Hugs, JB

  23. / Reply

    Alpha has a jockey
    Jennie of Louisville Courier Journal tweeted
    Rajiv Maragh to ride Wood 2nd Alpha in #KyDerby

    Have a great day!

  24. / Reply

    Hi All,

    Just wanted to post a few new links to Z, Baby Z, and Rachel info from our local Louisville media.

    First off, tonight on the Louisville NBC news at 6 pm (Eastern) they are doing a segment on Z and Baby Z during that broadcast (with video). They stream their newscasts live at http://www.wave3.com so tune in at 6!

    During yesterday’s newscast they did one on Rachel and baby: http://www.wave3.com/story/18001921/rachels-first-foal-already-stirring-derby-talk

    And finally, this morning an article in the Courier-Journal about Zenyatta and Rachel colts (though they referred to Bernardini as BernAdini several times!) at http://www.courier-journal.com/article/2012305010140.

    Derby draw at 5! :)

    • / Reply

      On the Courier-Journal video I can’t get pass the Deal Chicken ad. I’m sick and tired of that chicken, he better never fly the coop and come to California.

    • / Reply

      Thank you SO much Kim for the “heads up” and the link to the WAVE website. It worked! Just amazing to see the little Prince racing around the paddock and hear what the Lane’s End folks had to say (as in “Zenyatta’s got her hands full with this one!!”) It was a great treat! From all appearances, it looks like they will post the story and the video for all to see.
      Sandy

  25. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta Diary fans, this is posted via Victoria:

    ♥ EL VINO, Zenyatta’s long time work mate and practice pal, now has his own Fb page, EL VINO, Athlete. PLEASE visit and LIKE. He’s no longer at Barn 55, but would like to share his career and life with you. All Zenyatta fans remember El Vino as a big part of Her training with John…(El Vino says he thinks he may even have taught her a thing or two). Join in and continue celebrating this wonderful, beautiful horse, probably the closest four-legged pal to Zenyatta ever. Mike brought him across the wire first, too!

  26. / Reply

    Video interview with Stonestreet Farm Mgr plus Rachel/foal footage
    Horse racing’s queen mothers: Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra in broodmare battle to deliver ultimate foals
    Written by Rick Bozich Courier-Journal
    LEXINGTON, KY. — They are two of the most remarkable fillies to ever crackle across a racetrack. Now they’re trying to become two of the greatest mothers and broodmares.
    There’s royalty in the Bluegrass this spring — and it has nothing to do with the Kentucky Derby 138 invitation list. Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year, and Zenyatta, the equally dazzling filly who succeeded Rachel as the top horse of 2010, have delivered colts being nursed toward the 2015 Derby.
    http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20120501/COLUMNISTS01/305010140/Rachel-Alexandra-colt-Stonestreet-Farm

    • / Reply

      A note on the above Kentucky Confidential – BE SURE to click on all the topics at the top – interesting notes from the backside, horses etc. :)

  28. / Reply

    back to a horse joke. A man is ab out to enter a bar when a horse beckoned to him from a vacant lot. “You can talk?” the startled man said. “Yes, and this could mean a big chance for you to make some money. Of course I would expect a share,” said the horse. ‘What do you mean?” asked the man. The horse then said “I see you were about to enter the bar. If you go in there and say you will be that you have a talking horse I am sure you will get all the action you want.” The man thought it over and said “OK, we’ll do it.” He then led the horse in to the bar. The bartender said “Wait a minute. We don’t allow animals in here.” The man said “Well, this isn’t just any animal. This is a talking horse.” When the hooting died down, the man said “I can see you don’t believe me. I am willing to make any kind of a bet with you that this horse can, indeed, talk.” After all the bets had been made, which ran into the thousands, the man turned to the horse and said “OK. Now prove that you can talk.” Dead silence. The man once again asked the horse to talk and again was met with silence. After paying off all the bets, the man led the horse outside and asked him what had happened. “You obviously know nothing about gambling,” the horse said. “Tomorrow when we go back just think of the odds we will get.”

  29. / Reply

    It has come to my attention that neither Keta, Eveline, nor Max have yet joined the club. Better hurry before membership is declared closed. This edition of the rednecks is dedicated to our celestial members, Kari Bussell and Russ Berube. You might be a redneck if your grandmother has been kicked out of the bingo hall for using bad language. You might be a redneck if you have ever dressed your kid as a snot rag for Halloween. You might be a redneck if the trunk of your car is tied down and you are not hauling anything. You might be a redneck if you have ever had crime scene tape across your bathroom door. You might be a redneck if you have a fly strip hanging above your kitchen table. You might be a redneck if your best dress is made out of a feed sack. You might be a redneck if you have wind chimes made out of beer cans. You might be a redneck if your living room couch came from a Ford. You might be a redneck if you listen to a police scanner to find out what your relatives are doing.

    • / Reply

      Dear Terry Crow:

      Some of your best yet and I know Kari and Russ think so too. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Terry, hmmm, “crime scene tape across your bathroom door”… funny you should mention that. Will have to think about it, might be fodder there for another “relatives” post.

      But it reminds me of not a joke, rather a cautionary tale: My parents had asked me to move back in, when they just couldn’t manage things by themselves. On his last morning at home 9 yrs. ago, my dad fell in the shower, and I heard the heavy thud, which my mom could not hear anymore. I was scared, but went in, found his face turning grey, shifted his head, called his name, and he started breathing again. But when paramedics came, one said, “How long has he been there? He’s already turning cold!” I hollered, “He’s not dead! I moved his head, and he started breathing again. He’s not dead!” I thought they were almost gonna declare a crime scene, but they did listen to me. He lived another six months, albeit in hospital, on a trach., so we couldn’t bring him home — which he asked for every single day, he was not happy going out that way. The biggest thing we learned from that, is that it’s best to file an advance directive with the doctor, before you lose the ability to make that choice. Which my dad had refused to consider, when my mom and brother brought the subject up, years before.

      On a lighter note, 3 yrs. ago, a couple of months before my mom departed, STILL AT HOME, we took off the bathroom door, and hacked off part of the supporting wall, so she could get her wheelchair in and out of the loo. So that bathroom kinda looked like a “crime scene” for a long time, until I had the doorway reconstructed.

      • / Reply

        Vicki-Very sorry to hear about your dad. Your advice should be taken to heart as I know what I would like given the choice. I will permanently retire that joke.

        • Oh, the joke was not a problem, Terry! I liked it. It just reminded me of my dad, but that gave me a chance to tell that story, again, which is good for me, as I’m still “processing” bits and pieces of what happened. It’s all good, to share this stuff, if it doesn’t make other people feel bad — I wouldn’t think so, but they would have to tell me, I’m not a mind-reader, LoL.

  30. / Reply

    Terry I did not understand. I hope I did not hurt your feelings. Thank you Z Family for all the thoughts and prayers. You all mean the world to me.
    I showed Homeroom 215 HRTV video of Hansen. They LOVED IT! FLY HANSEN FLY !!!!!!

    • / Reply

      The way I worded my post your reaction was natural. Knowing you from all the time on the diary and this blog, I know you would never intentionally hurt anyone’s feelings. My explanation was the best i could do. You would have to live out here to really understand. People are so sensitive.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.