Zenyatta

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Merry… Zmas?

Zenyatta. Photo by Alys Emson, Lane's End Farm.
Zenyatta. Photo by Alys Emson, Lane’s End Farm.

Zenyatta asked Santa for mud and peppermints and she got both!!
Merry Christmas to everyone from Zenyatta and the team.

Enjoy!
Team Z

Photo by Alys Emson, Lane's End Farm.
Photo by Alys Emson, Lane’s End Farm.


Photo by Alys Emson, Lane's End Farm.
Photo by Alys Emson, Lane’s End Farm.


Photo by Alys Emson, Lane's End Farm.
Photo by Alys Emson, Lane’s End Farm.


Photo by Alys Emson, Lane's End Farm.
Photo by Alys Emson, Lane’s End Farm.

Reader Interactions

1,268 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Maxine,
    Heard that you made muton stew for new years
    day and you were “vigorously stirring the pot”,
    it dumped onto your kitchen floor and you
    were not able to lick the spoon.
    Happy New Year’s Day

  2. / Reply

    Dear Max and Z Fans:

    These are some photos of Danny on the farm. Max, don’t know if you’ve seen them. Think they were taken this past Autumn. What a handsome boy he is!

    I’m looking for more recent ones of him. Will post when I find them. Love and Hugs, JB

    http://photos.bloodhorse.com/OntheFarm/On-the-farm/i-k8zpq2v/A

    http://photos.bloodhorse.com/OntheFarm/On-the-farm/i-w5VBb9d/A

    http://photos.bloodhorse.com/OntheFarm/On-the-farm/i-xgBRcHm/A

    • / Reply

      JudyB. Thank you very much for these photos. I think that they are pictures of Danny after his colic surgery when he went to the Lopresti farm to recover. The one of his mother may be from the time when she was named broodmare of the year. Very nice. Lisa Danielle is a lovely mare.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Yes, I think you’re right about the time frame of those photos. LD is indeed lovely. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Judy,
      Thank you for the posts. Danny Boy is sure a looker and lo and behold, there was one of my former Derby picks, Violence, looking very proud and full of himself!

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      Beautiful photos – thank you so much. Love getting an update. Have a wonderful evening. with love, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy B.,
      Thanks for the beautiful New Year’s present of WD photos!
      Love him — he looks his usual gorgeous self!

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Danny! Wonder is he is pursuing a new career as a track pony?
      Anyway, hope life is good for him and his handsome bro, S. Dan.
      Love you Dan. Thanks, JB.

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann:

        You’re so welcome. Haven’t been able to find anything recent on Danny. Will keep looking for updates. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Especially Horses:

      Thanks for this update on CC. Love that Chestnut Boy. Godspeed Chromie. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Especially Horses, Haven’t talked to you in a while. How about Heza Dasha Fire. Just loved his win. He sure is a nice horse. So hope we get to see him for a long time.

    • / Reply

      Dear Especially Horses,

      Thanks so much! This was wonderful to see. He sure looks great. Looking forward to what’s ahead!

    • / Reply

      Dear Especially Horses,
      Thanks so much for this update – Go CC! He’s a prize to watch! with love, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Especially Horses,
      Thanks for the video of CC. He is amazing this year. I know Art and company are so happy to have him back and it looks as if he is equally happy to be back. That rest at the farm seems to have really helped him.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      She must be a tiny little beauty. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

        • Lava Man refers on his FB to someone that he calls the Human. Is that Doug? I like the photo of him with his Christmas antlers. He seems quite content wearing them unlike Hovis. I also laughed that he gave out his mailing address to get some treats. Good for him.

        • And did you see the picture of the boatload of treats that he DID receive? He thanked everyone and also thanked those who sent a contribution to an equine charity in his name. I think “the human” is the one who helps him type his FB entries – he calls Doug “Dad.”

  5. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:

    Thank you for allowing us to share this Beautiful Place with you and each other. Goodnight. Happy Dreams to all of you. Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love you. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

  6. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Oh,she’s a little sweetheart.Lava Man will be proud of her.Thank you for the lovely photos. I hope Max gets to see them.It was a filthy day at Sandown mud splattered horses and jockeys!Hope you had a great New Year’s day.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      I saw a video of the race at Sandown. Shorty was covered in mud, but Yorkhill looked pretty good. He’s a very big horse. His sire is Presenting. Yorkhill is quite different from Moosie, who is also a son of Presenting. Mullins is thinking of sending York to Cheltenham because he enjoys travel. Did you see that Sabremont won in Ireland? He’s a full brother to Djakadam. Young Joe is taking up jump training for McManus. He will be in competition with Mullins. Good luck with that.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max.Yes,it was a good run by York Hill in those muddy conditions.Some in the veterans race were pretty tired.Mullins has some horses running for the Wylies tomorrow.I didn’t see about Sabremont.Young Joe will need a lot of luck when in competition with Willie.Did you know he won our “Strictly come Dancing” programme as well!!!I love his spoof twitter account.Your boy Dan looks fabulous.Hugs Sheena

        • Mullins is amazing and the spoof account is a great laugh. Mostly it’s true. He seems to be able to do everything that the spoofers joke about. I was looking at some videos of Mullins explaining how he trains his horses. He has no assistant trainers. He asks his exercise riders to ride the same horse every day so that they know the horse and can report to Mullins on his or her issues. He talks to the grooms about each horse. His wife also rides out each day. I think that she is the racing manager like Dottie. His brother is the blood stock agent. They never seem to take holidays either. The horses come first.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Wow, tough racing surface. Glad they all got through without injury. Love and Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    Hello my Zenny froth friends

    Mom has been in the hospital since Dec 30th and is still very ill.
    Many complications with IV’s bowing through them.
    We are praying that she is well enough to get a port on Monday
    We are not sure if she can come back to my sister’s house or go to a rehab for a few weeks.
    God surely over saw because Mom was at my sister’s house just one day before she crashed and almost died.
    Please pray for my Mom and my sister.
    Thank God
    Love you guys
    Sue

    • / Reply

      Sue,
      Many prayers going out for you and your mom. Hopefully, things will be better for her soon. Remember, in the midst of all this, you must take good care of yourself.

    • / Reply

      Sue
      So sorry to hear this. Thoughts & prayers with you, your sister, and your Mom.
      It has to be a difficult time for all of you.
      Sending a hug, BGG

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue,
        My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your mother and your sister. Hope your mother improves soon resulting in healing and better days for all of you.

        Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Thanks again everyone Mom is still very sick and I’m afraid her mind is going too.
      I hate this.
      2 weeks ago we had Christmas dinner and spent the day.
      Mom was not great but not a mindless blob of jello like today.
      You can not take your health for granted.

      • / Reply

        One day at a time. Just remember that no one can be really alert when they are sick. We’ll keep praying for your mom.

      • / Reply

        I just got called to go back they had to take her to ICU for her heart.
        Only got 5 minutes and then told to leave and come back tomorrow.
        The nurse was very serious and all business.
        I’ll update you all tomorrow
        Love Sue

        • Dear Sue,
          Keep a positive outlook, and although it will be difficult, please try to get some sleep tonight. I hope things will be better in the AM.
          Stay in touch.

          Hugs and Love

  8. / Reply

    Max
    Hope you get a chance to look at the Phar Lap film I posted on the
    bottom of page 6. Some great up close shots of him plus workout film.
    Worth the watch.
    Happy New Year!
    Blue

    • / Reply

      I watched video. It is a very good one, especially interesting to see the Australian racetrack and countryside at Melbourne as it was at the time. Phar Lap was a wonderful racehorse. My favorite part is him rolling in the sand at the beginning and later in the film. He really seemed to enjoy that. Insisting on getting his sugar was also good. They still do not know for certain how he came to die so suddenly, although it looks like foul play. That was tragic end for a mighty champion chestnut.

  11. / Reply

    Have a beautiful 2016 Zenyatta. I know you have such great care at a lovely home.
    I am always glad to be at home too.
    love you with kisses and to your sons
    loving z princess and my dear Sir
    Sally B

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Very interesting article! I don’t agree with them, however, that he doesn’t make much of an impression at first look…he certainly impresses me!!! Thanks, Judy.

      Hugs, Kathy

    • / Reply

      Thanks Judy B.
      Great article, very interesting about the N. Dancer and Mr. Prospector mares.
      Love the mention of the license plate. Now that is Love!

    • / Reply

      Wonderful Article, Love Deep Impact. Judy you know I told you I bet that was Orfevre one of the one’s doing the rearing up. Yep another one of Sunday’s Grand kids. Love that Boy.

      • / Reply

        Dear Peggy:

        I think you’re right. O is very spirited as we know. What a legacy. Love and Hugs, JB

  13. / Reply

    January 3 Cherokee Devotional

    A kettle of hot soup, a cheerful voice, soft music, and a warm fireside. A time ale-ye-su’ to enjoy. These precious things could be experienced anywhere if the spirit is happy. Those living in a mansion are no more apt to have them than those living in a little hut in the woods. A rich man may want more, but he will not have more joy.
    Harmony, a blending of simple things, a simple gratitude for even the smallest things, makes life beautiful. Even if the rain patters on the roof and falls on the fields and in the river, it does not affect harmony that is true and sweet. Relax and let it fall on everything like manna from heaven.

    Persevere onward to the place where the Creator dwells in peace. Let not the things of the earth hinder you.
    -Iroquois Constitution

  14. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Such wise words today.My mum always said home is where the heart is.She wouldn’t have minded where in the world she lived as long as we were all together but Daddy and I loved familiarity.We hated a change of routine.It takes all sorts to make a world doesn’t it?No news from Fubu yet .Gorgeous video of the poms and Dexter plus is cough is much better.Dexter looks a gentle giantt.We’ve had more heavy rain again just cleared in Wales.Hope that you get the rain you so badly need .Wimbley escaped onto the roof to practice his ninja moves.I adopted Justice (the ex poilice horse)and Nero the donkey in Bransby yesterday in memory of Winnie.Justice is a blood donor and Winnie had 2 transfusions.They are all very sad that they couldn’t save him.Oh,my mum never took the decorations down until epiphany and I am the same.She always believed it was bad luck!Have a blessed Sabbath.Love and hugs to you,kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      You’re right…it takes all types. I am like you and enjoy familiarity. We’re left to wonder what Kimberly will be announcing. I loved the video of the poms and Dexter. I think it’s so adorable that Dexter thinks he’s also a pom. Yes, he does seem extremely gentle. Lucky for the poms! We look forward to the predicted rain. Supposedly it will stick with us the entire work week! Loved the ninja pic of Wimbley. Mom sure gets some good shots! Bless you for adopting Justice and Nero. How touching. I like the idea of leaving the decorations up until epiphany. Nothing sadder than taking the decorations down! Have a blessed Sabbath. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  15. / Reply

    Dear Max.The Mullins bandwagon rolls on with all the “Hills”winning this weekend.His 9th grade one this season.This man is a genius with horses.Shaneshill will go for the JLT at the festival and Bellshill the Neptune.Very heavy going as you would expect!Was’nt Presenting Denmans sire too?I don’t what went wrong when he sired the Moose!!!.Hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      You are correct. Denman is a son of Presenting. Presenting has had a lot of winners. Moosie was a very good racer when he wanted to race, both jumps and the flat. At some point, he decided that he’d had enough. Nigel tried but he couldn’t persuade him to race. I must say that he looks very good in his new career with that lady.
      Mullins reminds me of John Shirreffs. Whenever he is interviewed, Mullins is low key and speaks about the horses as individual personalities. Like John, he laughs and is good natured when he speaks of the horses. He wasn’t even upset when The Fly bit him and he had to avoid sitting down. He’s humble too.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Here is a treat for you and others here who like jump racing. It’s the video of the race that you mentioned yesterday.
      Yorkhill wins for Willie Mullins at Sandown under very tough conditions. Mullins said that Yorkhill really doesn’t know what he’s doing because he is still a baby, but it is enough to win. At the end, Shorty went to the whip, but Yorkhill paid him no attention. He’s a big and bold horse.

      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bICODc5Aht0

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Thanks for this. Most impressive for a young horse; especially in the conditions. He’s a big, beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB

        • He sure is. Thanks for posting his race, Max. Really got a kick out of him going over the last jump and over the finish. Love his spirit. Show us more, smart boy.

        • JudyB and Ann NC. He was so muddy after that race that I missed a very important detail. Yorkhill is a chestnut.

        • Dear Max:

          Oh my gosh, you are right. I didn’t realize he’s a Chess Club member. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Max.Thanks for the replay.The Wylies are building up a great team with Willie.You remember they had Inglis Drever with Howard Johnson.Graham says he lets Willie make all the decisions!A lot of animals call their families Human but Sandy is right he refers to Doug as dad.You will recall Nerissa called her owners the peeps.I couldn’t help but think of you(knowing your love of the kitchen)their washing machine was doing the tango and there was water everywhere!Plumber says tree roots are blocking the pipes there is a big hole in the garden now and on top of that they had 2 snowstorms.War and Peace started over here tonight.I
        was rather annoyed with Nicolai was shot and he ran away and left his badly injured horse.The coward!!Plus it was a grey horse.Hugs Sheena

        • Sheena. Glad that the Wylies are having success with Mullins. There was a photo of the family with Nic after his win. Nic was looking right into the camera as if to say – who are these people getting into my victory shot? He’s a nice looking little horse.
          Wasn’t Nerissa a male cat? As I recall, he was not thrilled to have a girl’s name? Is his malmalade brother still writing his blog?
          On his Facebook, Mullins has posted a photo of a line up of his gray horses in training, all of them wearing Christmas gear to wish everyone a good holiday. It is really good.
          Kitchens? I never go there.

  16. / Reply

    Dear Max.You have the right idea I spend far too much time in my kitchen!Yes,Seville writes the blog now and Nerissa was a tomcat.They still miss him very muchI’ll take a look at Mullins FB.Kayf Tara is second only to Presenting in the UK he is doing very well as a NH sire.Of course all roads lead to Cheltenham now.

  17. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Hope you are enjoying Downton tonight!Gillian Anderson is in “War and Peace” and a US actor called Paul Dano he plays Pierre.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, really looked forward all day to DA tonight. Already sad knowing this is the last season. I think we’ll probably get War and Peace on our local PBS too. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  18. / Reply

    Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:

    Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love all of you a whole bunch. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

  19. / Reply

    January 4 Cherokee Devotional

    The simple things slip by us because we think certain areas, certain times, are supposed to be complicated and that we are not supposed to understand. We short ourselves on wisdom and enjoyment because we don’t believe we are equal to them. People deny their natural ability to understand and to take advantage of who they are and what has brought them to this place.
    It is no accident that we are here in this place doing this thing; choices were offered to us in the past and we made them. Sometimes we come to a place to learn something, to be given another boost toward fullness of living. But when we stop and accuse ourselves of having no brains and no heart, we blind ourselves to the gifts of life. We let simple, sweet times slide by while we cry for no reason.

    The certainty of the Maori is that the giver of life has given to all people, all things.
    -Maori

  20. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Sometimes I think I have no brains but I am all heart especially when animals are involved.We hab a big sad today first Monday after the holidays.We hab to be strong!Do you see the lovely message a Jozett wrote about Marty?I love when Marty pops up sometimes.Zoe seems to be the only one well in her family I had to laugh at her description of Diane’s head exploding!Poor little Oliver and his upset tummy.It continues to rain here maybe it will never stop!!I know you in CA would be extremely grateful.The Pats lost last night Alex was watching as well.I found out yesterday that Teddy the blind street cat puss died on December 8th.At least he had a lovely life for just over a year.I hadn’t visited in a while he had renal failure when she got him.Mango is home and has a load of mail to go through.Ray has got fuzzy hair today and still some snow in Boston.No word from Fubu everyone is waiting for the announcement.Remember to turtle today.I am.Love and hugs to you,kisses for Holly.Nikko and Sugar.sheenaXOXO.Iposted a BBC interview about Bob on my timeless he has over 75000 twitter followers now!

  21. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I know what you mean about having a heart for animals. Sometimes I think I get along with them much better than I do with humans! lol I wisely took today off, too, so this is a pretty good day outside of being my last day on vacation! The ratties had good advice for me about taking a sharpie and marking through all the Mondays on the calemdar! I did see that message from Josette. I agree, I always enjoy little snippets from Marty. Zoe was so sweet yesterday putting on her nurse’s uniform to take care of everyone. Hope they’re all feeling better soon. Our rains are starting today and will last all week, supposedly. It rained here overnight, the sidewalk was wet when I let the dogs out! Too bad the Pats lost. Sorry, Alex! Sorry to hear of Teddy’s passing. Thankfully he had a good year, as you say. I imagine it will take several days for Mango to get through all that mail. Loved Ray’s fuzzy hair pic. He’s so handsome! Kimberly is taking a long time to make the announcement! I will enjoy the day with my pups. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Niko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  22. / Reply

    What more can I say-it’s Steve Haskin at his best,
    Writes about the passion of fans (Zenyatta) & the many women who have had or are having an impact on racing.. Thanks Stave.

    Why Women Will Keep Racing Alive
    Steve Haskin THe Blood-Horse 03 January, 2016
    Although this column is about the importance of the passion women bring to racing and the horses, we must begin by deviating from the intended path in order to lead up to it properly, with the help of a famous movie character in a famous movie and a link to American Pharoah.
    http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2016/01/03/why-women-will-keep-racing-alive.aspx?

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Just read this article by SH in Bloodhorse. Was about to post it here when noted you already had.

      He’s done it again; his articles always touch our hearts, but this one is very personal. Loved that he includes, along with AP, John Henry, Kelso, Z, RA, JS and so many woman in the Industry past and present. I would add one more; Barbara Livingston, for all of the beautiful photos (and commentary) she gives us of our beloved horses. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy, Sandy, Kathy
        Steve did miss one of the great owners, breeders, and aftercare people-
        Madeline Auerbach.
        Madeline Auerbach isTB owner & breeder (Unusual Heat), Jockey Club Member, on California Horse Racing Board
        Founder of CARMA cares model for the TB aftercare where she is Vice Chair. Regarded as CA’s most influential female
        However, it still is a great article.
        BGG

        • Dear BGG:

          Yes, another strong woman in the Industry. I think she founded (or co founded) the Horse Racing Nation website too.

          Yes, a wonderful article. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Yes, another great article by Steve! Having missed the whole “horse thing” as a child, I’m always amazed to hear of those who read all the books and have been in love with horses their entire lives. Steve’s stories about our current horses certainly fueled my interest beyond Zenyatta (my first love).

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG,
      Thanks a million for the link to SH’s article in The BloodHorse! He is consistently brilliant. I enjoyed this wonderful piece so much.
      Have a good week.
      Hugs and Love

  25. / Reply

    Quevega is to return home to France this year to be covered by Network who was bought for the Papot family.The 19 year old son of Monsun has suffered from libido problems but a change of routine has given him a new lease of life.He is booked to cover 50 mares.The family are excited to get Quevega who’s filly by Beat Hollow is now a yearling.She was covered by Yeats last seasonSheena

    • / Reply

      Is Q still owned by the Hammer and Trowel syndicate? Mullins always said that those guys were more interested in racing than breeding.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max.They are still named as the owners.I remember everyone was surprised her filly was put in the sales but then was suddenly withdrawn but the stud never gave a reason so maybe they decided to keep her.I am sure she would go to Willie’s yard.Hope she enjoys her trip across the channel!Sheena.

        • As I recall, they said that the foal had had some kind of setback, but they never said what it was. She was a late foal so that maybe they decided that she was too young to be sold. You might be right that they just decided to keep her. She is a cute one. And she’s got a great racing pedigree. The new dad Network has a claim to fame as sire to your favorite, Sprinter Sacre.

  26. / Reply

    Thanks to Steve for the “about time” article. I know he could not mention every woman who has been influential in racing but do wish he had mentioned Barbara Banke of Stonestreet Farm since he discussed Rachel. All of us here on the blog know what an important person Ann Moss has been in the life of Zenyatta, the boys. Also, without Dottie, there would be no blog.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Goodnight. Congrats Galileo. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  28. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:

    Goodnight. Stay comfy and cozy in your stalls. Happy Dreams. Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love you. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

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