Zenyatta

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New Photos and Videos

Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Thursday!

Today we have a few new photos from Lane’s End. Alys has been spending time with Zenyatta and 12Z, capturing aspects of their daily routines. She sent us these two videos, each featuring a 360 degree view of Lane’s End!

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Video of Zenyatta in her paddock, 360 degree view:

Video of 12Z in the barn, 360 degree view:

Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
12Z in his stall. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
12Z. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta enjoying a sunny day. Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Reader Interactions

1,074 Comments

    • / Reply

      Dear Donna,

      Unfortunately in the TB breeding and racing world, mothers and children are
      not united. Maybe when Zenny is retired, The Mosses will return all of her children
      to her, to tell their stories.

      Normally when a horse is purchased for western or english riding and they are breed, folks often keep the foal, raise it and when their first horse retires the have a wonderful youngster to ride. So they keep the “family” together. In many other disciplines, jumping and reining, stallions “work” and breed. They don’t just breed all day long and go out into a paddock a few times a day as in the TB world. Also, TB are the only breed that requires “live cover”, others allow for artificial insemination, which allows the stallions
      to continue to stay in shape for “work”.

      • / Reply

        Hopefully when Zenyatta is pensioned from broodmare duty, her sons and daughters will still be sought after and have active careers as stallions and broodmares themselves.

        No, she will never see Z12 again, except perhaps on the screen when he runs but she will have her hooves full teaching Z13 to be the best horse s/he can be and then the next foal beyond that. When she is pensioned, she will have a life full of humans who adore her to fill her days and to tell her stories of how her offspring are doing in their lives.

        • One never know ????

          The Mosses may build a Zenyatta Farm for all her sons and daughters
          to come. $$$$$$ is $$$$$. The question is when will they start selling
          her “children” maybe not for a long time !!!!

        • Dear TC,

          So very very very true, Merry Christmas to you !!

  3. / Reply

    LIEN DE FAMILLE- Orfevre’s brother
    Kate Hunter‏@KeibaKate tweet
    Orfevre’s little brother Lien de Famille broke his maiden today in his 2nd attempt.
    He was 2nd by a nose in his debut earlier this month

  5. / Reply

    A huge thanks for allowing me into Zenyatta’s world. I have followed every step, with joy,
    Zenyatta beauty and grace has cast a spell on me. Those pictures of mother and son are
    precious. I’ve loved every photo and I really feel blessed.

    Season’s Greetings,

      • / Reply

        Dear Bernadette: I’m an alien (Australian) and the folk here have been nothing but caring and kind to me – so as Terry says, don’t be a stranger. And like you, I’ve come under the Spell. Like Zenyatta and all her team, this is a wonderous place to be. Hugs. KathyR.

        • Dear Kathy R,

          You are our wonderful friend from Down Under and we are so
          glad you are a part of Zenny’s world with us. The more the merrier
          we say. So very glad you found this site.

    • / Reply

      Welcome Bernadette,

      Zenny’s place is a magical one, so glad you share in the magic of
      Zenyatta.

  6. / Reply

    GULFSTREAM PARK: Mucho Macho Man on Track for the Millions Classic,
    January 19, 2013, races right before the ECLIPSE AWARDS

    Mucho Macho Man on Track for ‘Millions’
    12/21/2012

    Mucho Macho Man, who captured the $500,000 Florida Sunshine Millions Classic last season, will launch his 2013 season with a title defense in showcase of the six-race $1.3 million event for Florida-bred horses at Gulfstream on Jan. 19.

    “We thought it was the ideal place to start,” said trainer Kathy Ritvo, who worked with Reeves Thoroughbred Racing’s stable manager, Finn Green, on the decision to target the 1 1/8-race Classic.

    The soon-to-be 5-year-old launched a highly successful 2012 campaign with a 1 ½-length triumph over Ron the Greek in 1 1/8-mile Classic. The son of Macho Uno went on to win the Gulfstream Park Handicap (G2) and Suburban Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park, before finishing a troubled second in the Woodward (G1) at Saratoga. He completed his season with a close second-place finish in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), in which he engaged Fort Larned during a thrilling stretch-long duel, only to fall a half-length short of victory.

    “On Saturday morning, he’ll go three-eighths of a mile in preparation for the Sunshine Millions here on the 19th of January,” Green said. “It’s a great race to go back into after the Breeders’ Cup Classic, a fantastic race for him to get back.”

    Mucho Macho Man, who picked up $900,000 for his stirring runner-up finish at Santa Anita on Nov. 3, has earned $2.3 million in purses while compiling an impressive resume that includes a third-place finish in the 2011 Kentucky Derby. He’s come painfully close, but he has yet to win a Grade 1 stakes. His connections had the option to bypass the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic in favor of the $500,000 Donn Handicap (G1) at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 9.

    “He’ll catch plenty of Grade 1s this year, but this is best race to go into after that race,” Green said.

    The Florida Sunshine Millions will be conducted as a prelude to the 44th annual Eclipse Awards ceremony, which will be held for the first time at a racetrack on the evening of Jan. 19 in Gulfstream Park’s Sport of Kings facility.

    Mucho Macho Man will prepare for his first start of the season with his first workout since his brilliant performance from his outside post position in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

    “He’s done great. He’s come out of the race great,” Ritvo said. “He came out fantastic and he’s shown us all the right signs.”
    Mucho Macho Man’s connections said they’ll take his 2013 campaign one race at a time.
    “We have a plan, but we’re just going to start with this one,” Ritvo said.

    • / Reply

      Quote, “HDG is an opinionated mare and wants everthing her way”, a true champion.
      He also comments on how he has “over $14 million in one paddock, which is
      a little unnerving”

        • Dear Ann,
          Great comment, she may just be opinionated for herself and loving
          For others. She is a very gentle and nurtuing mare. Really love her
          And her regal posing. Larry Jones and his wife made her feel her specialness. She is special.

  8. / Reply

    what’s wrong with Zenyatta right eye!!! Am worried about that pray she is 0K and happy be careful baby girl merry christmas and a happy healthy new year to you and your baby 2013.

  10. / Reply

    As we prepare to spend Christmas with friends and loved ones, I want to share a Christmas card that has been near to my heart for a long time.

    Lamb of God
    No other baby ever had a choir of angels sing-
    ” Come and worship Christ, the newborn King.”
    No other baby ever had a star to light the way
    For those
    who sought Him then
    and those who seek Him
    still today……
    No other baby ever came
    to save the world before—
    To be the Lamb of God
    whose death
    would open Heaven’s door–
    The Lamb of God who rose again,
    inviting you and me
    To follow Him and live with Him
    throughout eternity.

    Remembering those special angels recently called to Him
    by the tragedy of Sandy Point Elementary.
    Can you hear those angel voices?
    I can.

  11. / Reply

    Thank you for the lovely pictures and videos . Zenyatta looks very happy and peaceful…she is obviously being well cared for, and receiving frequent visits from her human family….and 12Z appears to be happy and content as well. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s holiday! Love, Jean.

  12. / Reply

    I went to a Christmas party tonight, where each year, everyone brings an ornament to leave on the tree, and traditionally, talks about why they made or selected it, and what it means to them. I made a Zenyatta ornament, from an enlargement of a small picture of her dance pose, and also reversed it, printed them in color, then cut both out and glued them together, with thin cardboard in the middle — a paper Zenny horse, including an ornament hanger — since I was giving it away. So she’s on the tree. And I told the story of how I got interested in Zenyatta, and her come-from-behind racing style, and about the Diary & Blog, and the fans here, and how I feel about her, and I also showed a photo of Z chasing 12Z around the paddock. Everybody seemed to enjoy it.

    • / Reply

      What a great idea Vickie!! I could envision a ready-made market here if you wanted to expand your creativity :-)
      Sandy

      • / Reply

        OK – it’s early here – fingers not connected to brain yet. Didn’t mean to put the “e” at the end of your name :-(

    • / Reply

      Dear Vicki B,

      A great idea to have an ornament and a story to go with it.
      Definatley should be marketed, are you planning to start a business.

      HA HA HA !!!!

      Happy Holidays !!!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign:

      What a character! Just love LM. Wish I had HRTV; would love to see this complete video. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy B,

        Hopefully they will post he whole Inside Information on the HRTV website.
        He is such a character, love the part about how LM is “working with
        the two year olds”, getting them in line. HA HA HA !!!!

    • / Reply

      Sign,

      I will be watching. LM is the coolest.
      I love the picture where he was correcting IHA!
      Looked like he was telling him, I know you
      are the star right now but I am the boss.

      • / Reply

        Dear Janet,

        Love that LM and love that photo too.
        He really got his point across, he just loves
        being a mentor and teaching young horses.

        What a very special quality for this equine !!!

    • / Reply

      Lava Man…now THAT is a Talking Horse!!!!!!
      I love him.
      All of those track ponies,keeping those youngsters in line deserve the BEST in life!
      A favorite pic. of mine, this summer w/ D. Wayne, on his pony leading out Optimizer. Man, that pony was telling it straight,man! Ears pinned back big time…get it right,MAN!
      Oh,those kids!

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann,

        Lava Man really talks and maybe some “jive”, too.
        HA HA !!!

        Love that Lava Man !!

  14. / Reply

    MUCHO MACHO MAN UPDATE Sat. Dec.22
    Mike Welsch DRF tweet
    Mucho Macho Man breezes 3f in 36.76 out 50.32 first work since B Cup.
    Targeting Sunshine Million Classic#Gulf

  15. / Reply

    @Vicki B.–thank you for sharing that great story. We can never have too many Z-fans! I talk about her almost everywhere I go, because she has become so much a part of my ife.

    @Sandy in NE Ohio–good morning! Glad to see I’m not the only one with typos–you could never top some of the horrendous ones I make–LOL!

  16. / Reply

    good morning to all of Z-land
    so much to do…so little time
    I see from the mud on her eye in the pics that Z has been keeping her spa appt’s complete with mud baths……good girl
    we were going out to dinner….for Christmas….lots of luck….nothing open…so I guess I cook…oh well
    my choice for Gracie…..Lonhro…just love him…do not have any idea how he “nicks”
    Fortuna Magna runs at Hawthorne on wed….go baby go…drf has tweet about him today
    MMM got a Beyer of 116 in the BC race….and if he does this again…unstoppable
    ZENNY….eat sleep rest exercise….continue spa appt’s with mud baths…love you
    kisses for all soft noses worldwide…carrots and peppermints around
    TO ALL….HAVE THE BESTEST CHRISTMAS EVER IN THE HISTORY OF ANYTHING..
    love to all
    carol

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol and All Zenny fans and Dumplings,

      Oh my, Beyer 116 for MMM, he is one really great late developer and soo very
      talented. Hope he has a 2013 that brings him HOY.

      Cooking, HUMMM !!! What shall it be ???? Have a great one.

      Mud baths for all humans and equines for Christmas, $$$$

      Great choice for HDG, Lohnro, great idea, hopefully the nicking with show up.
      Love this guy and sooo looking for his US progeny to come to sales or the track
      in 2013.

      HUMMM !!!! The Hawthorne, how do we Handicap that one????

      Have a great Christmas Carol and All.

      • / Reply

        Dear Barb W.:

        Will be rooting for Magna Fortuna too. Love that name and I hope he has Great Fortune. Hugs, JB

  17. / Reply

    Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,

    LAUGHTER IS THE WAY THROUGH LIFE THAT BRINGS HEALTH AND HAPPINESS

    Laughing Your Way Through Grief By Nancy Weil (see link below; founder of the Laugh
    Academy)

    The above title may seem inappropriate to some. “Death is not funny,” they might think.  The idea of laughing at a time of loss seems antithetical to the emotional upheaval the bereaved is feeling.  Yet, for those who work in the field of laughter and humor, it is perfectly understandable to laugh at a time when you least feel like it.  The healing benefits encompass body, mind and spirit and help to ease the pain. 
    Each of us will be touched by grief.  It might be our personal journey through a death, divorce, serious illness or any other type of loss. Perhaps a friend or family member is grieving.  We may be asked to speak to a group that has experienced a tragic loss. When giving a general presentation, it is important to recognize that at any given time there could be audience members who are privately grieving. Benjamin Franklin wrote, “In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.”  While we cannot help others with the pain of paying taxes, we can assist them through their grief.
    Why laughter?  If laughter is the best medicine, then is there anything that cannot be eased by using it?  When a person is grieving several symptoms are common.  Their immune system is suppressed.  We are all aware of the ways in which laughter can help to boost the immune system.  Another common trait is the difficulty in concentrating.  This is a great gift when someone is faced with a loss.  We could not function if we were to face the enormity of the loss all at once.  So, the brain slows down and lets the reality creep in little by little.  This process could take weeks, months or even years, but the slow recognition of how life is now forever changed is part of the natural process. This also means that the bereaved live by Post-It notes.  Simple tasks are forgotten and they rely upon taking copious notes to remind them of the tasks of the day.  Many people have found themselves at the grocery store in tears because they cannot remember what they went there for.  Again laughter can help with brain function and memory retention.  Stress levels rise, sadness and depression increase and it becomes difficult to find joy for even a moment. Erma Bombeck’s words, “If you can’t make it better, you can laugh at it,” exemplifies this attitude.
    Many have found that laughing feels good following a loved one’s death.  In my current study into the relationship between laughter and death, I have heard many diverse opinions.  One person wrote that “Laughter is a way of lifting that heavy burden of loss and all facets of grief if only for a few minutes. It is a wonderful respite.”  Telling stories about their loved one helps them to cope.  Others have created their personal Humor Plan of Action (HPOA.)  This is a way to schedule laughter into their day. It may be from reading the comics or watching a favorite sit-com or movie.  Some may turn to gallows humor – making an uncomfortable moment lighter.  One woman visited her mother’s grave and found the ground to be cracked and parched. The soil had settled unevenly and it appeared like a hole was forming.  She turned to her brother and said, “It looks like Mom is trying to get out to get her cigarettes.”
    Some people find it difficult to laugh again. They may want to, but do not find anything funny.  Others may find it objectionable to laugh at such a time.  One woman found that others stopped offering her comfort as they took her laughter as a sign that she was fine.  For many guilt accompanies those moments when they experience happiness again.  Living with loss can be a very contradictory experience.
    What can we as humor professionals do to help our clients, our loved ones or ourselves?  Give people permission to laugh if they feel like it.  Educate them as to how the physical act of using therapeutic laughter, or laughing for no reason, can help them.  In a presentation, give the broad spectrum of reactions people have when faced with this topic.  Let them know that there is a place for every emotion when grieving.  Laughter, anger, tears and bitterness are all appropriate emotions. I tell my audiences that it is important to identify what you are feeling and visit that neighborhood, but don’t build your house on Anger Alley or Offended Lane.  Recognize that guilt is a common partner to joy when grieving.  Since no two people grieve alike, we cannot possibly have all of the answers to the complex question of what place laughter will have in their journey.  We can only encourage them to find ways to incorporate simulated or authentic laughter back into their lives.

    

    • / Reply

      Nancy Weil is serious about laughter.  She developed the LAUGH ACADEMAY. After receiving her certification as a laughter leader, Nancy made it her mission to let others know of the tremendous benefits of laughter.  Today, she is a sought-after lecturer, presenting programs and seminars to a diverse audience.
      Nancy enlightens her clients on how laughter and humor can be used to ease suffering and enhance one’s life. Nancy works at both Mount Calvary Cemetery and the Catholic Diocese Cemeteries, where she serves as Director of Grief Support as well as a Certified Grief Management Specialist.
      ….“The more involved I became in talking about laughter, the more research I did, and I became serious about laughter’s benefits.”

      http://thelaughacademy.com/home/

      • / Reply

        Sign,
        I do believe in this. When my Mom died 6 years ago
        it was a very difficult time. I had just made it back to PA
        from Alaska in time to see her. After a small graveside
        service, two of my sisters and I being closer in age and very
        close growing up, began talking about our memories of Mom.
        In a little while we were laughing. Not out of disrespect to
        our Mom, but from love. We chose those happy, funny moments.
        I still will tear up and have a heavy heart, but then something
        funny pops into my head about her and I laugh.

        “Weep for me a short while, but remember me always with joy
        and laughter, for I shall be laughing with you.”

        • Dear Janet,

          So very much love your quote at the bottom of your post.
          Laughter heals. We have a humorist at MD Anderson Cancer
          Center that visits many patients when “humor” is ordered for
          them. Laughing at the things you love about another makes
          everything lighter and less burdensome. Although as you pointed out
          you still feel sadness at your mom being gone.

          My cousin and I laughed so much about her mother, my precious,
          lovely and Aunt and all of her wonderful sayings. She had such a
          dry yet very funny sense of humor.

          Have a great day Janet, hope it is not too cold up there in Alaska.

        • Dear Sign an Z Family:

          That quote reminds me so much of my Russ. He had a wonderful sense of humor. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Janet, thank you for this beautiful personal reminiscence and the inspirational quote.

      • / Reply

        Thank you,Sign.
        The only way I will survive the holidays!
        Making the turnip green perfume now,giving this away to my tacky relatives,acting like vultures,circling over the old home place as we speak. Lord help me!
        I’m hitting the track…see ya in the funny papers.

        Blessing to all for a safe and wonderful Holiday season.

        • Dear Ann,

          Sounds like you have a lot of humor in your house at
          the holidays, all that great food and all those vultures
          just waiting. To the track we go !!!

          Hope yours is a wonderful one, with family and friends.

        • Bless you, Ann! By the way, would I be correct in assuming the vultures don’t peek at Zenyatta’s Blog? They don’t know what they’re missing…

        • Trina,
          LOL!!!!
          My Uncle Bud would say…shhhhhh,you’ll wake the baby! and all the kids go,what baby? HA!

  18. / Reply

    Keta and Sign, Thanks for the update on my love, Mucho Macho Man. Can’t wait to see him race again. So glad they are not retiring him.

    Merry Christmas to all of the Zenny people and have safe travel.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirleeinindy,

      So very much agree with you, MMM is such a talent as all the HRTV commentators today are talking about him. He had a 3 furlong work in 30 and change I believe. Really love this horse and the story of his trainer, have worked with transplant and hear transplant
      patients and the GIFT OF LIFE no matter what organ is so very special. Hope he
      gets his Grade 1 win soon.

      GO GO GO MMMM !!!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirleeinindy, Sign and Z Fans:

      Will look forward to MMM’s racing in 2013 too. What a talent and really a miracle horse from his birth. Merry Christmas to you. Hugs, JB

  21. / Reply

    Dear Lanes End and Team Z,

    The video of 12 Z is sooo very precious, he is in a stall ” fit for a king”, getting his
    hooves picked like a good boy and even being lead with a lead rope and following.

    He has made so many training strides since seeing him as a “wild foal”, jumping
    and pulling in exitement when going from the barn with Z to the paddock.
    One could only see his excitement to get out and run with mom in the paddock,
    now he is becoming a “good boy” and following the humans directions.

    LANES END YOU ARE SUCH A WONDERFUL PLACE SCENERY WISE AND PROFESSIONALLY; Thanks so much for taking this time to share Zenny and 12
    Z with the neophytes in TB breeding.

    Have a Wonderful Christmas !!!

    XXXXXOOOOO

    • / Reply

      I wonder if, Z and Z12 saw a hint of snow on the farm?
      I would love to see young Z12 and his buddies in the flurries!
      Love you,Z and Z12.

    • / Reply

      Sign, You just have to visit this breathtaking farm of Lanes End. It’s heaven for horses while they are here with us! I agree, it was so very special of them to share this. What I noticed was no snow and just so pleasing, not like Wisconsin where we just got clobbered with heavy wet snow…..about 10, 11 inches of it. Some places got less some got more! It will be a very White Christmas for sure. hugs, Sally B

      • / Reply

        Dear Sally B,
        Have you been to LANES End? Would love to go on a farm tour, with our
        Professional farm leader PEGGY N. Oh how I remember the snow, it is beautiful
        But creates so many challenges. Sounds like you are going to have a white
        Christmas, hope you can dig out. Your hubby will be busy !!!!

        Have a great holiday !!!

    • / Reply

      AJ. This is incredible. Yes, I would buy paintings from this artist. He is exceptionally talented. I love his technique and his little art studio. To top it off, he’s handsome too. There is basically nothing that these creatures of god cannot do.

    • / Reply

      Dear AJ,
      Saw this in DRF, what a productive old guy. He is soo talented, everyone
      Is commenting on the quality of his paintings. Would definately be a wonderful
      Christmas present. Just goes to show horses are talented no matter what they do.

      Thanks for sharing

    • / Reply

      AJ. Just checked Metro’s Facebook. Delightful. His paintings are all very good. The photos of him are also great, especially the one with the Santa hat. Thank you.

  25. / Reply

    dear kathy such a sad story we had a steeplechase a few years ago when a horse tripped at the end and fell you could have heard a pin drop and then cheers when he got up so sorry this horse did’nt do hope you have a happy christmas and a peaceful new year am sure you can guessit’s raining over here again!!!!hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena: Please could we have some of your rain?? Going into a heatwave for a bit down here, but it’s supposed to cool down for Christmas. Another sad thing I discovered about Beltrois is that his mum died in foaling a full brother last year. So she’ll be waiting for him over the Bridge too. Hugs, and return blessings to you! KathyR.

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy, this is so sad to hear. I hope Beltrois and his mom are now romping happily in celestial pastures.

  26. / Reply

    dear max hope you and yours have a happy christmas and a blessed new year looking forward to seeing kauto parade on boxing day he’s on twitter now !! awful weather over here again rain and flooding!! hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Happy Christmas to you too. Thanks for the news of Kauto on Twitter. I checked it out. Kauto has not lost his sense of humor. I heard that he is doing well at his new home with Laura. She’s a very talented rider who will guide him in his new career. I hope that he does well. Looking forward to the Boxing Day race and his parade.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and ALL,

    Fairgrounds Race 10 per HRTV

    Bind a 4 year old son of Pulpit won an Allowance race; ridden by
    Brian Hernandez Jr and trained by Al Stall Jr. Binds last race was in 2011.

    Lots of talk on HRTV about the quality of BIG BROWN’s first

  28. / Reply

    Trina and Judy B.; So wonderful to read your messages. I think of you often!!
    Trina, thank you for thinking of the Horse Sanctuary. Bless you
    Judy; Oh my! Thanks you for the video of Zenyatta Queen of the hop! Golly, besides her beauty and greatness isn’t she the coolest Ms. Personality ever!!!! I have goose bumps all over again. hugs, Sally B.

  29. / Reply

    Dear Zenny fans, Dumplings and ALL:

    PER HRTV: FINAL NTRA POLL, shows Wise Dan with 40 votes for HOY, remainder
    Of candidates around 5 votes. GOOD LUCK WISE DAN, there are only 3 other HOY
    that have been turf chamions. ONE IS THE GREAT JOHN HENRY.

    Can’t wait for Eclipse awards, January 19, 2013

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy B,
        Hope he wins.

        The Dubai World Cup is going to hopefully have a good US representation, too
        With Wise Dan, Animal Kingdom, Little Mike, Royal Delta and others from the US.

  30. / Reply

    Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures of the Queen and her prince. I can’t believe how lovely and content she looks. Love the baby bump. I can’t wait to “foal watch 2013”. 12Z is growing up so fast. Zenyatta definitely put her stamp on him, but he’s got Bernardini in him for sure. That eye! Oh my I giggled when I saw that. Thanks for sharing!!! Merry Christmas from Nashville, Tennessee!

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