Zenyatta

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New Winter Photos

Winter landscape from Lane's End. Photo courtesty of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Winter landscape from Lane’s End. Photo courtesty of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Friday!

Alys recently spent some time with both Zenyatta and her colt. She sent us these photos of Zenyatta getting some attention in her stall and the yearlings enjoying winter weather out in the paddock.

We are also proud that Bloodhorse has named the birth of Zenyatta’s colt the most popular story of 2012. You can see the whole “2012 in Review” newsletter by clicking this link.

Bloodhorse 2012 in Review
Bloodhorse 2012 in Review

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


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


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


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


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


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


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

Reader Interactions

1,573 Comments

    • / Reply

      This is pretty amazing. The trip was actually only 1.6 miles in length. His speed was estimated at 30 miles per hour. Bullet Catcher, you are famous!

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann and Max,

      This horse was soo very lucky, in part of the video he was being followed by
      a car. Too cute, Max. Maybe he will win his next race and get an up in class.

      The angels were definatly hovering.

  2. / Reply

    MUCHO MACHO MAN (5-Year-Old Horse) Workout
    Date: January 12, 2013
    Track: GULFSTREAM PARK
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 59:61 Breezing
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 1/26

  3. / Reply

    Alys,
    Thanks for the great photos. Zenny, you are beautiful. Z12 and friends,you guys are all so innocent!Yeah,right,ha!

    Heidi,
    Prayers to you and your sister. I pray she can find out what is wrong. I was in the same boat a few years ago,sick as can be, until my Dr.s discovered I was loaded w/ tick diseases. POJ!!!!

    Max,
    Moose and Goose want you to check this out……. unbelievable talent.
    http://cowparadenc.com/artists/meetcow

    Kathy R. Thanks for the info on the ” Feral Filly”. Wow! She is great. Our little ole chestnut,Max!

    Now for some Wolf Power…awhooo,awhooo!

    Hope all Z fans make it a great weekend.

    • / Reply

      Ann – the only way I can been even a little bit gracious about this is that I know how happy YOU must be that your Wolfpackers beat my Duke boys! :-( They certainly were the better team today, but I hope the injured Duke guys come back soon or there is really big trouble ahead. Congrats!
      Sandy

      • / Reply

        Sandy,
        Thank you. Your gracious spirit is enormous! When you look up” class act “, there are two names, Sandy( Northeast Ohio ) and Coach K.!
        I hope your injured players will quickly heal, no doubt, their absence was a game changer. All ACC teams know,you must get thru Duke to be #1.
        I am glad you are my friend in the “capping” world and now in the College Rivalry world. Yippee!!!
        Now, I must round up some “Wolfpackers” to clean up a celebration MESS.
        The season is young.

    • / Reply

      AnnC. Love this. Hard to choose a favorite because they are all so good. I really like Show me the Moolah, a Holstein on a mission. Best wishes to M & G.

  5. / Reply

    Necropsies Ordered for Aqueduct Horses
    By Ron Mitchell The Blood-Horse Updated: Saturday, January 12, 2013 11:38 AM
    Following the fourth catastrophic injury at Aqueduct Racetrack since the current meet began Dec. 12, 2012, the New York State Racing Board has ordered necropsies for all horses that are fatally injured while racing over the inner dirt track.
    Additionally, the regulatory body has ordered necropsies for two horses that have died at Aqueduct, including Pleasantfriday, who broke down during a race Thursday, Jan. 10. The other horse for which a necropsy was ordered was Gultopper, who broke down in a race at Aqueduct Dec. 6.
    A 5-year-old mare trained by Linda Rice, Pleasantfriday had won seven of 19 career starts. Ridden by Cornelio Velasquez, the mare broke down in the stretch run of the fifth race Jan. 10 and was euthanized due to injuries to her right foreleg. Velasquez, who was thrown to the track, was uninjured.
    Gultopper, a 2-year-old colt trained by James Jerkens, had a second and a third to his credit in five career starts. Previous to his Dec. 6 race, Gultopper was pulled up and eased in a maiden special weight race at Aqueduct Nov. 14.
    “Necropsies for two horses that have died at Aqueduct—Pleasantfriday and Gultopper—were ordered by the board because circumstances of those incidents raised red flags with investigators and required more information,” SRWB spokesman Lee Park said. “Going forward, the board is ordering necropsies for all horses that are fatally injured while racing on the inner track at Aqueduct.
    “The Racing and Wagering Board continues to closely monitor and investigate the circumstances of every breakdown at Aqueduct,” Park’s statement said. “Comprehensive investigative reports for the four equine fatalities from the inner track meet are being completed by board staff.”
    Necropsies, which are autopsies performed on deceased horses and other animals, on all horses that suffer fatal injuries were among the recommendations of the Task Force on Racehorse Health & Safety appointed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
    “The Racing and Wagering Board and the forthcoming Gaming Commission will continue to work with NYRA (New York Racing Association) to establish a consistent procedure for the logistics of necropsies as recommended by the Task Force on Racehorse Health & Safety,” Park said. “Additionally, the board has already revamped its investigative reporting procedures and blood sample withdrawal procedures in accordance with the Task Force’s recommendations.”
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75530/necropsies-ordered-for-aqueduct-horses#ixzz2HmTP1Z3u

  6. / Reply

    HeidiK
    I hope everything works out to best help you and your Sister.
    Doctors are not always right. Remember they are practicing medicine and using prior experiences to make new decisions. It sometimes takes way longer than we like for your loved one to get well. My best friend has been battling a illness for 20 years and my husband had a 7 year battle. Keep thanking God for all he is doing and trust that your faith will keep you strong for your Sister. I have joined you in your prayer of agreement for your Sisters health.
    These people this family here in Zenny world are dear angels.
    Its a great place to seek help there is so much love here and such great people.
    Dumpling-hood is a blessing and just think Zenyatta is the super glue she brings us all together most every day.
    Again I hope you find help soon. love Sue

    • / Reply

      Janice,
      12Z looks so much like his Mom.
      And, he is getting to be a big boy now.
      The last 3 photos are of the colt.
      He is the one in the middle on the last photo.
      In the two above that, he is with his paddock pals.
      He is the troublemaker in the middle.
      Hugs, Keta

  8. / Reply

    Glad I did not rush down the road to Oaklawn today ….so much rain …track looked like a lake…cancelled today and tomorrow…today was suppose to be 50cent corned beef sandwich day…wonder what they are going to do with all that beef?
    …..
    Congrats to Ea…a 9 yr old son of Big D…won at Aqueduct today…those Dynaformers keep getting better with age
    …..

  11. / Reply

    Heidi K – so sorry to hear about all the problems your sister is having. Wish I had some new insights, but I don’t. Amen to what the others have said – hang in there, and we will hang in there WITH you.
    Sandy

  12. / Reply

    Just jumping Righteously in here (groan…or, LOL)…I see Mr. Gary Stevens won the first race today on Branding! Way to go! Yes, Ann and sign, I did read that interview in today’s FORM pullout section. You guys are funny with your Honey Booboo (is that right?) comments. I confess that I did not even know who she was (although have heard the name everywhere) until recently when they showed a clip from the show on one of those “Entertainment” shows. Guess we don’t get that channel.

    Trina, thanks so much for your research on Rightful’s pedigree! Nice–both your research and his pedigree. Think I knew some of that very early on, but of course did not retain it. I agree about “Halo.” Thanks to all with your nice comments–he IS a nice guy!

    These pix here are great. I know we are all eager to learn Prince’s name, but must remember patience is a virtue, kind of. However, seems like Prince himself does not follow that edict, if he is the “troublemaker in the middle.” It’s great that he is a “character,” with that BIG personality.

    Hope all who are ailing or have family members ailing will see blue skies very soon.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann from Paramont (alias Honey Boo Boo):

      Love the nick name. Figures TC would have a lot more knowledege than I do
      about this show and a malfunctioning synapse prevented me from putting
      “Honey” said by Gary S and of course TC adding Boo Boo. So glad
      Gary Stevens won Race 1 at Santa Anita. He sure is sooo enthusiastic
      about being “back in the saddle”. She don’t blame him and so very glad
      he caught on right away. Had no doubts that he would though.

      Love your comment about 12 Z and his name. It is so very important
      to get the right name at the right time for these gorgeous TB. Did it
      take you a while to name Rightful. Really like his name.

      Hope you had a great time at Santa Anita if you were there.

      • / Reply

        PS. Ann, I think he is probably a little mischievous as he is the Queen’s first
        son.

    • / Reply

      Anne( Honey),
      I always enjoy your cheerful posts.
      You are such a good sport.
      Give ” Righteous ” a big hello and love pat from me.

    • / Reply

      Thank you,Sheena for your sweet reply.
      Hope you are staying warm and cozy.
      Glad you enjoyed the link,terrific reading w/ The Vault.
      Glad, Z has brought us together and we can ” talk horses”.

  14. / Reply

    dear kathy thanks for your post on previous blog we all remember the champions but i often wonder what happens to the poor horses who come last there’s such a lot more the industry could do to help ex racehorses sir peter o’sullevan the bbc commentator raises a lot of money over here for horse charities hope the weather does’nt get too hot for our andy in the aussie open he’ll wilt!!hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena–you are so right. No matter the pedigree, a horse must have an aptitude mentally to want to race. It is repetitious training, and many horses just don’t like it. That doesn’t mean they can’t shine elsewhere.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena, high hoof to your Sir Peter O’Sullevan, “The Voice of Racing,” for his efforts for animals. I understand he supports Thoroughbreds in the Thoroughbred Rehabilitation Centre, other horses through the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH), and farm animals in general through Compassion in World Farming, which seeks alternatives to factory farms. The world needs more people like him.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Recently read of a trainer who actually has a retraining operation and when
      his horses for whatever reason donot/cannot race any more he sends them
      there for retraining and adoption. It would be great of more trainers did
      that sort of thing. Not all TB’s are good at or want to run.

  15. / Reply

    Thank you for the prayers and well wishes. My sister emailed me this morning saying how much that prayer meant to her and the fact that we said it together over the phone. I told her to come to this site and she wouldn’t feel so alone or helpless. That the Queen reigns here and everyone on here has become family. I’m hoping that she does and if she does, she’ll say something in response.
    Yay for Gary Stevens on his win today!
    Waiting for the 49ers game, let’s go 9ers!!! It will give me something else to think about besides my sister for a lil bit anyways.

    PUJ

    • / Reply

      Dear Heidi, I hope your sis will join us here. She will get a heartfelt welcome. Prayers for you both continue.

    • / Reply

      Dear Heidi,

      So very glad your sister liked the prayer and it helped boost her spirits.
      Look forward to welcoming her to the site.

  16. / Reply

    Happy birthday, Margie from SoCal! I’ve slightly revised last year’s poem for you.

    A Birthday Poem for Margie from SoCal
    (January 12, 2013)

    Margie is a person
    Who loves an excursion.
    On cruises she’s eager to go
    And thoroughly enjoys a casino—
    She’s in Las Vegas at least once a year.
    Then too she’ll be sure not to miss
    Spending a day with her sis
    At Santa Anita the horses to cheer.
    Margie does espouse
    A love for animals in general,
    But if asked which ones she’s loved the best,
    It’s my guess
    There are two, most venerable,
    That for her will lead the rest.
    Some of us are blessed
    To meet a special animal,
    Quite magical,
    With whom we can commune
    Soul to soul, completely in tune.
    Margie P.
    Has twice known this loving harmony—
    Here’s how the first came to be:
    Margie’s boss was divorcing,
    And this circumstance was for him forcing
    Many a hard decision
    During that time of marital transition.
    Because he no longer was in a position
    His adored golden retriever to house,
    For whom he wanted only the best,
    He made a most special request
    And asked if Margie
    Could temporarily
    His dog’s custodian be,
    A dog he would sorely miss
    And who was, by the way, named Elvis…
    Well, the singer Elvis
    Had sent Margie wild
    Ever since she was scarce more than a child—
    To twenty-some concerts she’d gone!
    She loved his performances to attend
    For Elvis always her heart would send
    To a soaring height
    Of superb delight.
    And now a charming canine,
    A glowing shade of fawn
    And as handsome as could be,
    Who had coincidentally been named
    Expressly
    For the famed
    Elvis Presley,
    Before her in need did stand!
    It’s not hard to understand
    That Margie was happy to take on the job
    Of caring for this canine heart throb.
    Indeed
    It seemed
    Like Destiny
    Was lending a hand
    In something genuinely grand.
    And Heavenly Fate
    Did not deceive her—
    That marvelous golden retriever
    Became her beloved soul mate.
    That gentle boy
    Was her ceaseless joy,
    Golden to the core,
    Like the man whose name he bore.
    The love in his eyes did gleam
    As if backed by many a spangle,
    And their spirits did so intertangle
    That she dubbed him her Earth Angel.
    Together they were a team.
    The former owner, though of his pup still ever so fond,
    Soon recognized the boon
    Of their loving bond.
    He was able to see it from their angle:
    The two had bonded heart to heart,
    And he declined to tear them apart–
    As time passed,
    Margie never by him was asked
    With Elvis to part,
    And Margie no longer her life could conceive
    Without her beloved retriever.
    For years he made her heart sing
    As had the King—
    And that was a marvelous thing.
    But this happiness comes at a cost
    When the soul mate is lost,
    And a parting must come in the end.
    Elvis had helped Margie to mend
    When she had to face the Big C,
    But for Elvis a similar recovery
    Was sadly not to be.
    His passing took its heavy toll
    Upon her heart,
    Leaving a huge hole
    Which still today does smart.
    Though Margie continues for him to grieve,
    She got from deepest grief some reprieve
    The day that she met Z
    And saw with her own eyes
    Another Angel in disguise.
    Margie found more of love’s special light
    Shining bright
    In the benevolent gaze
    Of mighty Z,
    Who looked with her penetrating vision,
    Akin to X-rays
    For the psyche,
    Into the depths of Margie’s soul
    In full cognition
    Of her spiritual condition.
    From that special day
    Of mutual recognition,
    Margie took away
    A boundless joy that with her will always stay.

    Happy birthday, Margie, and many, many happy returns!

    • / Reply

      Dear Margie:

      Happy Birthday. Hugs, JB

      Dear Trina:

      You did it again! Just beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Margie! Best Wishes for many more wonderful years, too.
      Hope you have enjoyed this special day! All the very Best, always!

      Great job, Trina! Thanks so much for these gifts of poetry to us! You are priceless!

        • Trina
          Diana ,Tressia, & Audra (?) plus family/friends were there
          My daughter & I had to leave before this race-it was the 8th
          We got home in time to see it run on TVG
          Had a great time. FIrst time meeting with PHX Z group.
          Special moment for me was getting my Z Dumpling badge from Diana.
          So, I am official now.
          Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Thanks Keta. We got to see Tiz Gianni when we visited Barn 55 after the BC. Not sure how he wound up in AZ or with another trainer, but it’s really cool to see a horse you looked in the eye win a race! Hope you and Diana had a great time!
        Sandy

        • Turf Paradise: Class drop to Cotton Fitzsimmons Handicap pays off for Tiz Gianni
          By Michael Hammersly Daily Racing Form 01/12/2013 7:15PM
          PHOENIX, – Tiz Gianni found Grade 2 waters far too deep when seventh in the Hollywood Turf Cup on Dec. 15 but a change of venue and change of class altitude did the trick as he captured Saturday’s $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap at Turf Paradise.
          Owned by Desert Sun Stables and making his first start for trainer Mike Chambers, the 5-year-old Tiz Gianni bided his time early in the mile grass test under Jake Barton. He commenced his run into the lane and doggedly kept to his task to reel in pacesetting favorite Green Secret and win by a neck. Green Secret, the 3-2 choice going for his fourth straight win, used his speed from the rail to set the pace, opened up a big lead into the lane to look like a certain winner only to get nailed in the final strides by Tiz Gianni while much the best of the rest, finishing 5 1/2 lengths clear of third-finisher Why Frank. Why Not Be Perfect, the second favorite off two straight big wins, stalked the pace but never flattened out, finishing sixth in the field of 10.
          Tiz Gianni paid $10.80 and ran the distance in 1:36.85. The winner’s share of $44,175 gives him earnings of $162,925 from 4 wins in 14 starts. The $35,000 Turf Paradise Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on this course Feb. 16 may be next. A number of his rivals here may show up for that as well.
          http://www.drf.com/news/turf-paradise-class-drop-cotton-fitzsimmons-handicap-pays-tiz-gianni?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
          Sandy, this story helps explain. He may run again on Feb. 16 Hugs, Keta

        • Thanks for the story and the great picture Keta! It said that he “shipped in” from southern California so I’m still a tad confused – is John S still his trainer but with an AZ “helper”??

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta and Z Fans:

        Thanks for this info on Tiz Gianni. Congrats to this son of Giacomo. Hugs, JB

  18. / Reply

    @Barbara….love it here…rainy all day but must be almost 70 out…we are going to go to Oaklawn tomorrow for the corned beef sandwiches and to check out the track…its being reported that a section was “washed away” by the rain….hope to have it fixed by Thursday…Dixie Belle will be run next weekend…kind of wondered how that would affect the horses…they are gotten ready to run on a schedule and now are being delayed a week…maybe some one more in the know here can clarify?

  19. / Reply

    @HeidiK – I’m so sorry about your sister’s health problems. That has got to be so frustrating to be sick for so long and not know the cause. I pray that they find out what’s wrong and that she’ll be feeling better real soon.
    @Margie – Happy Birthday!
    @Trina – Another fantastic poem.
    @Sandy – Sorry about your Dukies today. Don’t feel bad. UK lost AGAIN today. They’re 10-5 this year. Last year’s team has us all spoiled!

  20. / Reply

    I wish we could see the Queen a little better. Love the photos of Prince. Did you notice how he has grown into his ears? He certainly doesn’t look like a donkey anymore! He is a beautiful, energetic boy, who knows he is special. Really hope that the next foal is a gray filly, but any healthy foal will be great! I love this site, such a positive place. Thank you, all, for making life much sweeter! h+++

  21. / Reply

    Thanks much to Alys and Lane’s End for the wonderful new winter photos of Zenny and 12Z! Gave me a nice big smile. :) Stay warm and healthy, everyone in the Land of
    Zen!
    Peace & Blessings,
    Kathy from SoCal xo

  22. / Reply

    @Margie in SoCal–Happy Birthday. So thankful that Z. helped to heal your hurts.

    @Trina–thank you yet again for a marvelous heartfelt poem.

    @Debbie G. and Sandy–so sorry about KY and Duke. Our boys managed a win in the last few minutes after looking terrible the first half.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sherry:

      Yes, it is so true. Horses form real bonds with each other. These two are true buddies. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign and Z Fans:

      Thanks for this wonderful video of Union Rags. What an incredible woman is Mrs. Wyeth. So sad that UR was injured and had to retire at three. He had a fantastic two year old campaign. Hope some of his babies carry on where he left off. Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    BLOODHORSE: GARY STEVENS GETS FIRST WIN ON BRANDING –
    more mounts this weekend – HRTV commentators covering for him.

    Gary Stevens Gets First Comeback Winner
    By Claire Novak, @BH_CNovak
    Updated: Saturday, January 12, 2013 8:23 PM
    Posted: Saturday, January 12, 2013 4:12 PM

    Gary Stevens after his victory aboard Branding.
    Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens rode the first winner of his newly-launched comeback Jan. 12, getting the job done aboard Glen Hill Farm’s Branding for trainer Tom Proctor in the first race of the day at Santa Anita Park (VIDEO).

    “It feels great (to win again), especially for these connections,” Stevens told HRTV’s Christina Blacker. “We go a long ways back.”

    Stevens, who will turn 50 March 6, returned to the races Jan. 6 at Santa Anita after seven years out of the saddle, and rode another mount Jan. 11.

    He notched career victory 4,889 and visited the winner’s circle for the first time since 2005 aboard a 3-year-old Street Sense filly who was sent off at odds of 5-1 in her second start after running eighth first time out last June 28 at Betfair Hollywood Park. In that race, Branding broke slowly and was beaten 15 3/4 lengths by eventual dual grade I winner Executiveprivilege.

    This time out, the veteran reinsman settled Branding back in fifth, about seven lengths behind a quick early pace in the $56,000 maiden special weight contest at seven furlongs. As 9-5 favorite Tizmetizyou and 14-1 shot Rhinestone Diva battled it out through fractions of :22.47 and :45.55, he gradually improved Branding’s position approaching the turn. He found a path between horses and sent his mount to the lead about a sixteenth from the wire.

    Branding widened her advantage with a big run along the rail, striking the finish 2 1/2 lengths ahead under a hand ride. She covered the distance in 1:23.94.

    “My filly broke well and I was going to let her roll away from there,” Stevens said. “She settled into a nice rhythm and they were getting with it the first quarter of a mile (up front). I thought they might come back to me. My filly was traveling real well around the turn. She didn’t really accelerate coming into the stretch but they stopped pretty good. It was just a swell trip, the kind you draw up and it works out the way you want it to.”

    Branding returned $13.20. Bred in Kentucky by Royal Pegasus out of the Storm Cat mare Awesome, she was a $250,000 purchase at the 2011 Keeneland September yearling sale.

    Stevens is named on four mounts Jan. 13, including Tale of a Champion for trainer Kristin Mulhall in the San Gabriel Stakes (gr. IIT). He will ride maiden claimer Spirit of Lindy for trainer Mike Mitchell in the first, maiden Tiz the Truth for fellow Hall of Famer Bob Baffert in the fourth, and maiden Going Back to Cali for Paul Aguirre in the sixth.

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75535/gary-stevens-gets-first-comeback-winner#ixzz2HomGU6kc

  26. / Reply

    Eblouissante (4-Year-Old Filly) Workout
    Date: January 12, 2013
    Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 1.00:80 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: All Weather Track
    Rank: 6/33 –

    TVG Researchers‏ tweet
    Our @ZenyattaMafia just spoke with Dottie Shirreffs who said that
    EBLOUISSANTE will return next week either in allowance event or La Canada.

  27. / Reply

    2 Deaths at Santa Anita today Sat. Jan. 12, 2013
    Greg Jones‏ tweet
    A TOE BY THREE is second dead today at Santa Anita, second hind injury,
    first was MISS DENNY . R.I.P…

  28. / Reply

    Andrew Bensley‏ tweet
    Lloyd Williams new purchase, SEA MOON arrives in a fortnight.
    Melbourne Cup winner, Green Moon pleasing the team immensely.
    2 runs Autumn.

  29. / Reply

    Andrew Bensley‏ tweet
    Darley’s Henry Plumptre says ZYDECO won’t race until the Brisbane Winter Carnival
    after having bone chip removed after 2nd in Crown Oaks.

  30. / Reply

    Larry Zap‏ tweet
    FED BIZ finally gets his Graded Stakes win in Grade 2 San Fernando
    with Mike “Big Money” Smith

    Gary Stevens‏@HRTVGary tweet
    For my money. Mike Smith all day long…. If I’m watching

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