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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

  1. / Reply

    Mucho Macho Man versus ‘Greek’ in Sunshine Millions Classic
    By Sports Network Posted on Wednesday, 01.16.13 The Miami Herald
    Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up Mucho Macho Man and Santa Anita Handicap winner Ron the Greek lead a field of seven older thoroughbreds for Saturday’s $400,000 Florida Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park.
    Trainer Kathy Ritvo saddled Mucho Macho Man to win this race last year over Ron the Greek. Owned by Reeves Thoroughbreds and Dream Team One Racing, Mucho Macho Man defeated Ron the Greek by 1 1/2-lengths in last year’s Classic and was a half-length behind Fort Larned in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 3, with Ron the Greek fourth.
    Mucho Macho Man will be ridden by Mike Smith from post 2. Smith has been aboard the 5-year-old the last three starts including a win in the Suburban Handicap and second in the Woodward behind To Honor and Serve.
    Last year after winning the Sunshine Millions Classic, Mucho Macho Man won the Gulfstream Park Handicap and was third in the Alysheba at Churchill Downs. He comes into Saturday’s race with six wins in 18 career starts and more than $2.3 million.
    Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/01/16/3185761/mucho-macho-man-versus-greek-in.html#storylink=cpy

  2. / Reply

    Stevens to ride Keeneland meet, with Churchill ‘almost definite’
    Posted on January 16, 2013 by Jennie Rees Courier-Journal
    Gary Stevens — the Hall of Fame jockey now eight races into his comeback after more than seven years in retirement – says he will ride the entire meet at Keeneland and is “almost definite” to do the same at Churchill Downs this spring.
    Stevens is at Santa Anita, his winter base for most of his riding career and where he since has been a racing analyst for TVG and HRTV. However, he and his wife, Angie, have had a home in Louisville since 2005, where during Churchill’s fall meet that year Stevens announced his retirement after 27 years as a jockey.
    “I always go back to Kentucky right after the Santa Anita Derby, the first weekend in April, and I plan to do the same thing this year,” he said. “My plan was to go back to Keeneland and then decide what I was going to do after that. Then my thoughts were ‘Louisville is home and it’s a great place to be based out of.’ So my intentions are to stay in Kentucky and probably go to Saratoga after Churchill. It just depends what goes on in New York. One thing about it, New York is an easy commute.”
    Stevens would miss a chunk of the Churchill meet in his capacity as a racing analyst on NBC’s Triple Crown telecasts.
    “I’ve made a commitment for the Triple Crown races themselves,” he said. “It’s going to take a horse I think is 1 to 9 in the Kentucky Derby for me not to be up there doing the telecasts. They invited me into their family seven years ago. It’s not a position I want to give up.”
    http://blogs.courier-journal.com/racing/2013/01/16/stevens-to-ride-keeneland-meet-with-churchill-almost-definite/

  4. / Reply

    HRTV ACROSS THE BOARD:

    TYLER BAZE RETURNS TO RACING

    Congratulations to him, triumph over injury, substance abuse and death of his
    Cousin. He has climbed a very steep mountain and has made it to the top.

    What a feat for this young man, Good luck in the 2013 season at Santa Anita as your cousin rides with you.

    Very touching show.

  5. / Reply

    OHMYGOSH!!! It was Terri King’s birthday yesterday too! HAPPPPY YOU Day – a little late! ♥ And all those with recent birthdays, I’m sorry, I missed them all too – HAPPY Birthday y’all!

  6. / Reply

    Go Ebiouissante. I will be pulling for you big time. Your in my prayers. Be very careful. Have a very safe trip. Love Ya. Off to sleep now. See Ya ah about 7pm eastern I think. It is 4.00 California time. Right.
    Love ya Zenny, and 12 Z

  7. / Reply

    To Signofthetimes re her comment about “plagiarism and deceit” https://staging.zenyatta.com/news/new-winter-photos/comment-page-8#comment-193591:

    Sign, the prayers you post are lovely. What is less lovely is that you fail to acknowledge your source (the website http://prayables.com/prayer-collections/daily-prayers?start=5 ) and credit the true author. For example, the prayer you posted on the morning of January 14 which starts “The black of night still hovers” and memorably goes on to mention “my old dog’s swishing tail” was written by Karen Laven.
    http://prayables.com/prayer-collections/daily-prayers/206-fresh-day

    Sign, tell me, what do they say about people who live in glass houses?

    • / Reply

      “Hostility comes from loneliness, from not seeing yourself like a drop falling into the ocean of humanity like everyone else. (Mehmet Oz)

      In psychological terms, Kelly defined hostility as the wilful refusal to accept evidence that one’s perceptions of the world are wrong. Instead of reconsidering, the hostile person attempts to force or coerce the world to fit their view, even if this is a forlorn hope, and however harmful the cost.”

    • / Reply

      Prayer for Anger
      (Psalm 4:4)
      Lord God, please forgive YOU when YOU have not used self-control because of YOUR anger. In YOUR life and in the lives of those YOU love, please bring healing and restoration to the areas which have been damaged or hurt because of anger. Search YOUR heart! Speak to YOU! Help YOU to become still when YOUR emotions feel out of control. Help YOU not to sin in YOUR anger, but use this energy instead to work through problems in a constructive way. Likewise, help these others on YOUR heart learn to manage their anger in a godly way. In the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.

  8. / Reply

    John Shirreffs also has a Moss horse, Odeon, running in Race 6 (MSW) at SA today. Ebby’s jockey, Corey Nakatani, will also be up on Odeon. Good luck, Team Odeon! Good luck, Team Ebby, and a safe trip to all!

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Sheena was mentioning she was concerned about the weather
      for racing this weekend. Wishing the UK some sun or at least a thaw out.

      It is so amazing to me that people can race and ride in this sort of
      weather. At our barn we often did not even ride in the wind or very cold,
      the horses were often very very fresh even after lunging and definitely
      not in the rain. Amazing how we adapt to our different environments.

      Wishing the horses, riders and all in the UK a safe and sound racing weekend.

  15. / Reply

    Timeform ratings again (from the Advertiser:

    http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/superracing/frankel-rated-better-than-shergar-dancing-brave-in-all-time-rankings/story-fn67lu29-1226554782277.

    Message for Keta: I think I’ve got a clipping somewhere in my files, about the history of the Timeform ratings process, that was researched by the people at Sportsman, which is the major racing paper here. I’ll try to fossick it out, and retype it – found it rather complicated at the time, but the fellow who did the story is one the paper’s top blokes. Cheers (and hugs) KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Thanks for looking up the question (telepathically) I sent to Sheena.
      Perhaps the Timeform ratings are more widely used
      as a credible source in Europe and Australia, as Juddmonte posted
      this information on their website.

      As TC mention, not sure it is as recognized in the US.

      It is very important to present written information on this site that is from
      a reputable source, correct and accurate. There is a lot of written work
      out there that that is not. Also many of those who are on social networking
      sites, are in it for their emotional well-being rather than for the distribution
      of correct and accurate information.

      Look forward to the link you are mentioning.

    • / Reply

      Kathy R
      Timeform was/is one of the hardest searches I have done.
      Their web site is loaded with betting forms from various sources.
      But, could find very little on who they are and how they do it.
      Timeform is now owned by Betfair.
      So, I do hope you find the article and share what it says.

      It has to be a difficult day with the Anniversary of the fire
      The loss was terrible.
      Thoughts & prayers are with you.
      Hugs, Keta

  16. / Reply

    Just before I close down for the night, I wanted to tell you all that tomorrow (Friday here) is the 10th anniversary of the firestorm that swept into my home town, Canberra, killing people and animals, and causing major destruction to property. I’m posting the piece from the Canberra Times about the event. The weather forecast for tomorrow is not good for most of the southern part of Australia – we badly need the cyclones up north to push out the excessive heat and let the land, the people and the animals heal. So on behalf of my fellow Canberrans, and Aussies, we’d be really grateful for your prayers. Here’s the piece:
    http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/remembering-a-tragedy-of-momentous-proportion-20130117-2cvkt.html

    Hugs to you all, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for sharing Kathy R.

      What a tragedy. Wishing you, the people and animals of Canberra,
      a speedy healthy recovery and some rain.

    • / Reply

      That is a very sad anniversary to be remembering Kathy – I feel so bad for all of you. Please know that we’re thinking of you and praying that your weather improves in the very near future.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.:

      My heart goes out to you and all who are enduring this devastation. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.,
      You are definitely in our thoughts and prayers. Hope that conditions do improve for all our Aussie friends, both 2 and 4 footed.
      Take care and all the best!

  17. / Reply

    Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,

    Lord, you promised that when we seek You with all our heart,
    We will find you.
    We seek only after You.

    We will not be able to figure this situation out on our own,
    And right now we are leaning heavily on you.

    We give you all of the anxieties and fears about this situation
    and release them to you.

    We open our lives up
    So that it becomes like an open book before You
    May You write in it Your Words of guidance, insertion and direction.

    We seek only after You.
    We await Your voice.

    Amen

    Have a blessed and wonderful day !!!

  18. / Reply

    dear trina the shops are called ALDI and LIDL believe they are german firms they’re been doing very well recently because of the recession (they sell much cheaper brands of food some over here have found it a bit of a laugh but you can imagine how i felt did’nt know about 10,000 horses are exported live from here to europe too horrible to think about hugs sheena should have put some between here and have oops!!

  19. / Reply

    I am posting a message form a daily email I am set up with.
    I am hoping that the words will touch all of the hearts of anyone that reads it.

    When God Does It, It’s Perfect!

    Once as a young child, I came across a shrub with gorgeous flowers. When I discovered a budding flower among the fully opened ones, I thought that it would be a great idea to help it blossom. So I tried to peel open the petals one by one…and bit by bit, the flower became undone as the petals were torn off in my little hands. I had begun with good intentions, but killed the poor flower in the end!
    My friend, when it comes to our areas of concern, our human efforts to solve our problems, despite the best of intentions, cannot produce results that are as beautiful as if we were to allow God’s wisdom and timing to do it. It’s when we rest from our self-efforts and struggles to solve our problems, and allow God to work in us and through us, that we see divine results.
    I’ve often said this: If God wants all the glory, then allow Him to do all the work. God loves it when you look to and lean on Him alone. In heaven, it’s, “Worthy is the Lamb,” and not, “Worthy is the Lamb…and me.”
    Beloved, stop trying to make it all happen through your own strength and wisdom. Cease from trying and start trusting the Lord. Let Him work in and through you to overcome your challenges accomplish your dreams and fulfill His plans and purposes for your life. When God does it with His incomparable wisdom, power and timing, it can only be perfect!

    Author Joseph Prince

  20. / Reply

    dear max our rain is supposed to be turning to snow tomorrow just had an amber warning much milder here today so did some errands in case tesco very busy am sure kathy would love a bit of our weather it’ll put paid to racing on saturday and was looking forward to seeing sprinter sacre at ascot hugs sheena

  21. / Reply

    BLOODHORSE: UPDATE ON CALVIN
    (get well soon)

    Borel, Agent Both on the Mend
    By Blood-Horse Staff
    Updated: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 9:00 PM
    Posted: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 2:53 PM

    Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt
    Jockey Calvin Borel
    Both jockey Calvin Borel and his longtime agent Jerry Hissam are recovering—one from injury and one from illness—as the three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) sits one away from 5,000 career victories.

    Borel, 46, broke a bone in his left wrist three days before he was set to go for that milestone win on opening day at Oaklawn Park Jan. 11. Hissam was hospitalized the next day with pancreatitis, which comes after open-heart and gall bladder surgery last month.

    With his wrist in a cast, Borel was back on the Oaklawn backstretch greeting fellow horsemen the morning of Jan. 16. He said his recovery is progressing well and his doctors believe he can get back to work in 14 days.

    “I tell you, I never thought that I had broken it,” said Borel, who hurt his wrist in an incident leaving from the starting gate Jan. 8. “The filly I was on flipped and then she brushed the horse next to her. It didn’t even hurt but we put ice on it, and didn’t really swell up until after we left for home. I was getting ready to go fishing and I went to pick up a ladder and that’s when I heard a pop. It’s just a little bitty bone, but it swelled up so fast.”

    Borel said Hissam had told him he was hoping to check out of Mercy Hospital in Hot Springs, Ark. Jan. 15 and that he was feeling better, but that doctors wanted to wait one more day before releasing him. According to Borel, he will be on long-term antibiotics during his recovery.

    When Borel does get the go-ahead to resume his quest for 5,000 wins, Oaklawn will be prepared to distribute commemorative trading cards sponsored by the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau to all fans in attendance when he gets the milestone victory.

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75616/borel-agent-both-on-the-mend#ixzz2IEhhiULf

    • / Reply

      This whole thing with Calvin reminds me of a football player for the Atlanta Falcons by the name of Dave Hampton. Back in the day, the team had never had a running back rush for 1,000 yards in a season. During the last game, Hampton increased his total to 1,001 yards very late in the game. The game was stopped, a ceremony was held and the game ball was presented to Hampton along with other gifts. However, neither the team nor the coach thought to take Hampton out of the game. On his next carry, he lost three yards and his total then became 998. It was his last carry of the year. I’m not sure what the moral of this tale is.

      • / Reply

        Terry,
        Moral of story could be:
        Sometimes in life we take one step forward.
        Sometimes we take three steps back.
        But, we should celebrate life!
        Funny thing–story doesn’t say who won the game!
        Hugs, Keta

        • The Falcons were playing the LA Rams. At that time, the Rams were one of the top teams in the NFL and were in the same division as the Falcons,Saints and 49’ers. The Falcons lost this particular game.

      • / Reply

        Great story TC,
        Just goes to show you how fragile athletes are and their records.

        Hope Calvin gets better soon and back on the track.
        Really hope he gets a great KY Derby mount, too.

  22. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Great discussion about Frankel a couple of pages ago.
    Not sure he “falls” into our US categories of HOY or Horse of
    the Ages. Although it would have been nice to see if he could
    have raced longer and with wins across the continents.

    It seem that the issue in the US is breeding for speed and beauty
    more recently. Both lead to more breakdowns, as musculoskeletal system is
    more delicate and unable to with stand the pounding of training on the
    dirt. Both dirt racing and speed lead to more break downs as well.

    Our “Horses of the Ages” were not bred that way. Not sure that the
    breeding in Europe has changed like ours???, turf is much kinder
    on the horses body, and stamina lends itself to strength and endurance
    so less breakdowns.

    Thoughts on changes in Euro breeding, racing etc…..????

  24. / Reply

    Ebby,
    I hope you will have a Sunny California day to race today. Here in NC it is good only for hogs and mudders.
    Sending you good vibes for a safe race…..exciting.
    I’m sure your, Mario will look you in your eyes and tell you…You can do this!

  25. / Reply

    dear sign it seems there have been some changes over here too it’s often quoted that it would be difficult to get a horse to win the triple crown over here anymore(of course camelot came so near) but life is much easier on the turf than the dirt that is why frankel did’nt come over for the BC hope ebby runs well today and is safe and soundwe are awaiting the snowfall hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Thanks so much for your contributions from “across the pond”.
      Hope it warms up for your races this weekend .

      race 6 now, down hill turf course; then “E” will run.

      Best of luck to her, John, Mr Kronfeld and Mario, leading the Queens sister !!!

  26. / Reply

    I came to my favorite site this morning and was dismayed by some of the comments. I’m kicking myself because I wish I had never made a comment about Ebby’s Facebook being unofficial and also that some of the information is taken verbatim from news articles/interviews. It doesn’t upset me that someone is taking the time to gather publicly released information and transform it into Ebby’s “story”. This person is obviously having fun, is a fan of Ebby and I don’t think it is malicious, but since it is not official everyone should know that there may be some unintentional mistakes or misinformation. Hmmm, ok that’s all I want to say on that issue, other than I will reword one of Ebby’s comment from her Facebook and say “Ebby, I know you will do your very best today, please be safe and just have some fun!”

    Keta, Sign, Trina, LauraJ, Max, and many more….you all have become like coffee for me….got to have a cupful every day.

  27. / Reply

    Kathy R
    I will pray for all humans and creatures big and small to be protected
    from this difficult situation you face.

  28. / Reply

    Here is another talking animal jokes. One day a lion woke up in a bad mood and summoned the other animals in the jungle. “I want each of you to tell a joke, but I give you this warning. If anyone of you fails to laugh, I’ll kill the one who told it. Let’s see. Monkey, you will be first.” Shaking with fear, the monkey tells his joke. When he finishes, everyone laughs except the tortoise. “The tortoise didn’t laugh!” roars the lion, who pounces on the monkey, ripping him to pieces. “Zebra, you’re next.” Muttering under his breath, the zebra tells his joke. Again, all of the animals laugh except the tortoise. “The tortoise didn’t think it was funny!” exclaimed the lion, who then killed the zebra. “It’s your turn, Leopard.” By now, everyone wants to murder the tortoise, but nobody dares to move. The leopard starts to tell his joke but is interrupted by laughter from the tortoise. “What’s with you,” said the lion, “leopard hasn’t finished yet.” The tortoise replied “The monkey’s joke is hilarious.”

  29. / Reply

    Paynter Recovery Voted 2012 NTRA Moment of the Year
    America’s Best Racing 01/16/2013
    Edited Press Release
    The recovery of Paynter from deadly battles with laminitis and colitis following his victory in the 2012 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park has been voted by fans the 2012 National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Moment of the Year. The connections of Paynter will be honored with the “NTRA Moment of the Year” award at the 42nd annual Eclipse Awards, presented by Daily Racing Form, The Stronach Group and Breeders’ Cup Saturday, January 19, at Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla.
    Paynter has been returned to trainer Bob Baffert and is currently at Santa Anita Park, preparing for a 2013 campaign.
    This year’s balloting was conducted at the NTRA Web site, ntra.com, and offered voters 12 different images illustrating a wide range of human emotions as well as outstanding displays of equine athleticism. Finishing second was I’ll Have Another’s narrow victory over Bodemeister in the Preakness Stakes. The images and events that fans chose from, with percentage of votes they received in parentheses, were:
    -Rosie Napravnik becomes the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks, guiding
    Believe You Can to victory (5%)
    -I’ll Have Another and jockey Mario Gutierrez pull the upset from post 19 in the Kentucky Derby (10%)
    =I’ll Have Another runs down Bodemeister to win the Preakness by a neck (13%)
    On the eve of a highly anticipated Triple Crown bid, I’ll Have Another is scratched from the Belmont Stakes (7%)
    -For the first time since 1874, the Travers ends in a dead heat as Alpha and Golden Ticket hit the wire together (7%)
    -Haskell winner Paynter overcomes deadly battles with laminitis and colitis and begins rehab for a possible 2013 campaign (27%)
    -For the second straight year, Royal Delta wins the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic for trainer Bill Mott and jockey Mike Smith, who registers his record 16th Breeders’ Cup riding win (4%)
    -Groupie Doll trounces her opponents in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (1%)
    -Shanghai Bobby digs in under Rosie Napravnik to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and remain undefeated (4%)
    -Wise Dan breaks the course record in capturing the Breeders’ Cup Mile over an international field (5%)
    -Fort Larned holds off Mucho Macho Man to take the Breeders’ Cup Classic (6%)
    -Shackleford ends his career on a winning note in the Clark Handicap (11%)

    The first-ever “NTRA Moment of the Year” was the touching scene involving Charismatic and jockey Chris Antley following the 1999 Belmont Stakes. The following year’s winner was the stretch run of the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Classic, which saw Tiznow hold on for a dramatic victory against Giant’s Causeway. Tiznow won again the following year as fans selected his stirring repeat victory in the Classic over Sakhee. In 2002, fans cited the passing of the last living Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew. In 2003, the popular Kentucky Derby win by Funny Cide was selected. Birdstone’s upset win in the Belmont Stakes over Smarty Jones took down top honors for 2004. In 2005, fans selected Afleet Alex’s spectacular victory in the 2005 Preakness Stakes. Voters in 2006 chose Barbaro’s gallant struggle to recover from his Preakness injury while at the New Bolton Center. The 2007 Moment of the Year was Rags to Riches’ historic victory over Curlin in the Belmont Stakes. In 2008, it was Zenyatta’s win in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic. Zenyatta “repeated” in 2009 when fans selected her triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. In 2010, the Breeders’ Cup Classic again supplied the stage as Blame held off the furious stretch drive of Zenyatta. The winning 2011 Moment once more occurred in the Breeders’ Cup Classic when Drosselmeyer capped off a brilliant weekend for trainer Bill Mott and jockey Mike Smith.

    “The NTRA Moment of the Year award is one of an increasing number of ways for fans to engage in the Eclipse Awards festivities,” said Keith Chamblin, NTRA senior vice president. “Paynter’s gallant struggle with laminitis and colitis inspired fans all across North America, and we are delighted to salute his triumph over those challenges as the latest NTRA Moment of the Year.”

    The Eclipse Awards, which will be televised live on HRTV, are presented by Daily Racing Form, The Stronach Group and Breeders’ Cup and produced by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). Official Partners of the Eclipse Awards include Adequan, Besilu Stables, FLAIR® Equine Nasal Strips, Keeneland, Kendall-Jackson, N.O.A. Watches and Racetrack Television Network. The official hotel of the Eclipse Awards is the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa.
    http://www.followhorseracing.com/en/the-latest/news-stories/2013/1/17/paynter-recovery-voted-2012-ntra-moment-of-the-year/

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