Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News, Ziconic

Ocala Bound

Ziconic at Lane's End Farm, September 2014. Photo by Kyle Acebo
Ziconic at Lane’s End Farm, September 2014. Photo by Kyle Acebo

Happy New Year!

We’re beginning 2015 with a visit to Ocala, FL to check in with Ziconic. For the past few months he’s been learning the basics at Mayberry Farm, and we can’t wait to see him show off his new skills.

If you have a specific question for the Mayberrys about Ziconic or his training, ask it below. We’ll bring along some of our favorites!

-Team Z

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Reader Interactions

892 Comments

  2. / Reply

    God bless you Zenyatta and your loveable young
    Goodnight, sweet dreams, love you always
    Kisses to all of you, Auntie Sally B

    God be with all horses and for our friends here in need of your blessings.
    hugs, Sally B

  3. / Reply

    Many thanks to Donna Z., Peggy (N), Elizabeth in NM, Debbie S., Abigail, Sally B., Doreen in CT, Barbara Wood, and Carol in Arkansas. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers for Reilly, Huey and me. You all mean a lot to me.
    Thank you all for your concern and support.
    Big Hugs and Lots of Love

    • / Reply

      Marshall-Just found out about Reilly so please forgive the delay in my post. There is nothing worse than the death of a beloved friend, be it animal or human. God bless you during this unfortunate time.

      • / Reply

        Dear Terry C.,
        Thank you so much for your concern and for your very kind words. Reilly was indeed beloved and the light of my life since March 17, 2001 when I adopted him.
        Huey and I miss him very much.
        Hugs and Love

  4. / Reply

    Dear Abigail,
    As always,loved your latest addition to The Vault, “Anticipation”.The info,photos,videos and your insight on all of it leaves me appreciating the thoroughbreds you bring to life and makes me want to learn more.

  6. / Reply

    Keri Belle had an impressive win today at Santa Anita with Victor Espinoza on board!
    Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Moss

  7. / Reply

    Posted above about the new Soldat/Magnificent Melody foal (filly) just born ‘up the mountain’ from us, but I put the wrong link. Here is the correct one

    http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/89510/first-reported-soldat-foal-born-in-new-mexico

    Abigail,
    I read your latest on the The Vault. As always, so interesting and educational. Loved watching the clips also. Thank you for sharing some gems with us. You’re a wonder!
    with love, Elizabeth

    Zenny, so excited in anticipation of future races by Ziconic and Coz!

    • / Reply

      Dear Elizabeth:

      What a Honey. Wonderful long legs and she looks to have a very interesting blaze. Just beautiful. Happy life little girl. Love and Hugs,JB

    • / Reply

      Elizabeth, Such a sweet little filly! I have never been able to hug a foal or even get to touch one. One just wants to.
      Sally B

  8. / Reply

    January 11 Cherokee Devotional

    People know important things about living, but too often know it with their heads and not their hearts. Heart knowledge changes a person at the core. It is important to know that it is not what goes into us that makes a difference but what comes out.
    Give the heart reason to rejoice-not because of outer circumstances but from that inner source of knowing that we do not have to lie down and die because someone said it. Give the heart reason to say, “I will live and not die, I will rejoice and not cry.”

    My friends, I have been asked to show you my heart. I am glad to have a chance to do so.
    Chief Joseph
    Nez Perce

  9. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Hope you have a blessed Sabbath. I saw Finn…he’s a real cutie. All seems well with the other FB furbabies. Sure enjoyed the happy ending for that dog who had lived in a box. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy

  10. / Reply

    Godspeed dear Ebby. Will be watching for the race video and results. Take care of her Gary and Ebby take care of Gary.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      I second your thoughts for Ebby and Garry S.

      Congrats to your Lea. Wow! What a splendid “comeback” race. Love and Hugs, JB

  11. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.A blessed Sabbath to you and your furbabies.I think there will be new rats at Marty’s place in march.Zoe and Diane sent Mango some lovely gifts.Did you see about wittle Katy’s “seizure”?A huge demonstration in Paris today,our Dave is there!Hope the pilates went well!Love and hugs to you Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Hi Sheena,

      Glad to know Marty’s mom and dad will be adopting another rat or two soon. I did see the posts about Kathy’s seizure. So glad she’s doing okay now. She’s so tiny and delicate. We’re still focused on Paris and all of France. Glad to hear your Dave is there to support. Pilates were fine. A little sore today, but at least I’m still moving! Hugs, Kathy.

  12. / Reply

    Just a reminder: If you can’t see Eby’s race on tv (like me) you can watch it on the computer through calracing.com It’s free, all you need is to sign up with your email address and set up a password. The password will be case sensitive, so you have to remember it to get back into the site. Just remember to adjust for your time zone. Her race is at 3:30 pst. Calracing also has replays of Calif. races.

  13. / Reply

    Dear Abigail:

    Just read your wonderful new article form The Vault. Well done, as usual. Fabulous photos, especially that one of Ebby. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Judy: Many thanks dear friend. That one of Ebby is my absolute favourite & I intend to order a copy from Jane. Poor Ebby today. I’m glad that she came home safe but I think it’s time to retire her.

      • / Reply

        Dear Abigail:

        You are so welcome. Your articles are always a treat.

        Would like to see Ebby go on a fast SA surface and she how she does. The track was off today. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thank you Sandy (Ohio) I had not read this before. At least at my age I can not remember reading this before! ha CC is simply awesome and I like Art Sherman as well.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Sandy!
      I enjoyed this article a lot. It’s an amazing story which reads like a movie script.
      YAY, California Chrome!
      Hugs and Love

  15. / Reply

    I hope that Ebby has a successful day today under Gary’s guidance. To me, success means she finishes the race with interest and is trying. If she can do that… she may have a future running.

    Safe trip everyone!
    Annie B

  16. / Reply

    Andrew Motion ‏on Sunday Jan. 11 2015 PHOTO
    The great Animal Kingdom posing for the crowd @DarleyStallions stallion parade.
    Looking great
    pic.twitter.com/3Qz8B0Ywg3

  17. / Reply

    Any one see the Packers win over Dallas today!? It was a close one for sure, some how we pulled it out when we needed to.
    I hope everyone is staying flu free.
    hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Thanks for sending me Nissy, Speedy and Sparkle’s Blogs. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Boo and all the Sweeties

  19. / Reply

    Just watched Ebby’s race and it seems her heart is just not in it…came in second from last I think. Gary kept her at the back of the pack like it was an easy breeze with no sense of urgency and stayed there throughout. It’s well known John has spent much more time training her. She was purchased both for racing and breeding and as much as I hate to admit it finally, at five years old she deserves to have a happy and content horses life running and playing in her own paddock going forward. This is coming from someone who has has kept up with her as a two year old just learning how to be a racehorse. I am very sad indeed as others are. So is so very gentle and sweet and hope she is now retired spending her days as a great mother to beautiful babies like her big sis Zenny.

    • / Reply

      Faithful Z supporter, Perhaps they will determine this. To me she will find her place. Ebby is just beautiful and has wonderful genes. (if that is what you call it) I will not give up on Ebby if her heart is into racing.
      hugs, Sally B

  20. / Reply

    Am hoping it was the muddy track. It does rain in the early part of the year in So Cal, but the track sure looked sloppy. Hope Ebby gets a ‘sunny day’ next time out. Still rooting for her!

  21. / Reply

    Watched Ebby run. She has a lovely stride and looks very good. Give her a chance. It takes some horses a very long time to come into themselves. Every horse cannot be a super horse like Zenyatta from day one. The Danimal took years to develop his winning skills. At one time I read that Dan had a very bad patch of races and nearly descended to the claiming ranks. Instead of going into a state of high Danxiety, LoPresti just kept going with the training, and Dan finally clicked. Patience is a virtue. There are enough broodmares in the land. Racing needs racers. Let Ebby run.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max, Elizabeth, Faithful, Sally, Barb and Z Fans:

      Would like to see Ebby race on a steady schedule once a month and see how she does. Was thinking maybe she didn’t like the track surface today either. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        The great racing mare Quevega only raced once or twice a year. That was her schedule. She did not retire until she was 10 and will have her first foal this year with Beat Hollow at 11. When questioned as to why Q did not retire sooner, her trainer Willie Mullins said that her owners were racers not breeders. It all depends on that and the horse. Winning is not everything in life. I like watching Ebby run. She is a lovely mare and runs like poetry. I trust John Shirreffs to know what is right for Ebby.

  22. / Reply

    To Max,
    Let Ebby run you say. Unfortunately, she is not entered in enough races to learn how which has been of some criticism. She is forced to live her life in a small barn with a few breezes now and then and that’s it for many years now. I adore her so much. Going on 6 years old and purchased for a few million by her new owners to mainly breed her considering her superb bloodline she is more or less in limbo, not successful as a racehorse nor as a broodmare. Other mares her age are having babies by now. C’mon. John, as much as we adore him had many years to get her ready. No judgment intended just being humane and practical. Let it go.

    • / Reply

      John Shirreffs knows best. He sees her everyday. He gives good care to all of his horses. Some horses like the Danimal like to live at the training barns. Their stalls are home. They love their daily routine and the social aspects of training. As for age, even some super star mares do not head to the breeding shed until much later from 6. No reason to worry about Ebby. We can leave it all to John to do what is right for her

      • / Reply

        Eblouissante’s race and where she finished and how she did or did not run is only a part of the picture. i wish that everyone had been able to watch her in the saddling barn. They would gain a better perspective as to how very well she has been managed and how hard the team must have worked with her.

        • Dear Max, Cynthia and Z Fans:

          Ebby’s race was after an almost six month lay off and on a wet surface. So I’m hoping she gets to go again. Whatever JS decides will be right for her. Love and Hugs, JB

  23. / Reply

    I cherish you Zenyatta! Have a very peaceful night
    love n kisses on your soft nose and to your young
    thinking and blowing kisses to Sir, zprincess and Dubai
    Auntie Sally B

  24. / Reply

    Z friends,
    I”m not sure what to think of Ebby’s race. I think it’s best to trust John and those who work with her every day. We don’t know what his goal was for her today. Was it to have a good experience coming out of the gate, no blinkers, and have no trouble on the track? If so, then today was a success. If he wanted something else that he didn’t see, or if she didn’t respond to Gary if and when he asked, then today was not good.
    It’s hard not to know, but we’ll just need to wait……

    In any case, Ebby is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful horses I have ever seen. She is magnificent to look at and from all reports she is a sweetheart in the barn. I expect whenever the time comes, she will have a successful career as a a mom.

    Best to all,
    Annie B in MA

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne:

      I totally agree with your post. Ebby also may not have liked the wet track surface. She is, indeed, one of the most beautiful mares ever. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        JudyB. She is super looking. I see no reason to question John or her owners who seem to like to race their horses. Mr Commons for example is still racing. And doesn’t Ebby have a momma and some sisters who have already produced some very good looking children? I can think of one in particular, name starts with Z. No need to worry about losing any bloodlines for now. Ebby’s got time.

        • Dear Max:

          I feel the same way. I hope she gets a chance to go again. Love and Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:

    Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

    • / Reply

      Judy,
      I hate that Blind Luck is up for sale again. She is a wonderful mare and we can’t keep selling our star girls overseas. Hope Mandy Pope is there and bids on her. love and hugs

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue:

        Can’t believe she didn’t make her reserve. Hope someone Stateside buys her privately. Love and Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    January 12 Cherokee Devotional

    A wall stands between what our senses tell us and what our spirits know to be true. Our eyes, our hearing, our touch, tell us things are one way-but our circumstances tell us we need strong medicine beyond what we see and feel.
    Why can’t something overtake us and supply companionship and healing and money for both needs and wants? Probably because we are caught up in what we see and hear and sense, and we know too little about the spiritual.
    We have two kinds of awareness-sense awareness and spiritual knowing. Intellect says we know it all. Spirit grieves for the power and gold sifting through ragged holes in our undeveloped awareness of who we are and what is available to us.

    I am the maker of my own fortune…as great as the conceptions of my own mind, when I think of the spirit that rules the universe.
    Tecumseh
    Shawnee Chief
    12th of August, 1810

  30. / Reply

    Judy,
    Hope Blind Luck arrives to a good new home here in the U.S. She sure deserves it! She had a great record, worked hard and deserves to be well-cared for. Thanks for sharing this about her. w love – Elizabeth

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