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

  1. / Reply

    Zenyatta,
    Wishing you a lovely day. So thankful you are so well-loved and have a great home there at Lane’s End. So excited thinking about CoZ and Ziconic following in your hoofprints. with love – Elizabeth

  2. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.I found that video on Joey’s page!Finn is keeping up the monday tradition.It’s definitely cancelled over here very wet and windy Ffos Las(our local track)is waterlogged!Some peeps in the highlands (Scotland)are still without power after 4 days!A friend of Dolly has crossed the bridge called Otto she is very sad.They get a lot of trouble with the internet and couldn’t post yesterday.They’ve been having their eyes cleaned.She behaves but Harry does.nt!Joe the cat is in the lead with Fubu’s contest.I remember reading about him last year,he was shot 17x times and has lost an eye now.There was a huge outrage but he’s got a great home now.Zoe could hardly watch the football yesterday! Did you see Mango in her red cowboy hat?They are selling hoodies now.Hope you turtle-turtle in your sock!Have a good day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.

  3. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I saw later on that the video was on Joey. So adorable! Finn is a very cute rat. Glad he has a good home awaiting him. We’re having a few sprinkles and quite a bit of fog this morning. Clearing later in the day. 4 days without power…that’s really awful. Sorry to hear of Dolly’s friend Otto. I don’t imagine many cats would like having their eyes cleaned. Dolly is a good girl! Gosh, hearing Joe’s story he deserves to be in first place. Always rooting for Fubu with all his health issues. Poor Zoe hates it when her teams lose. She always looks adorable at any rate in her cheerleader outfits. Didn’t see Mango in her cowboy hat. Will look for that. Also will check out their hoodies. How cute! Have a good day. Turtle-turtle as much as possible. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

  4. / Reply

    Catching up on the Blog-starting with page 6
    Peggy N-appreciate your sharing your visit to Mayberry & Ziconic.
    FYI-Animal Kingdom has returned from Austraila. Posted photo for you.
    Marshall, I am so sorry to hear about Reilly. RIP
    Abigail, another great “Vault” Thank you. Glad you’re feeling better.
    And, thanks to Sandy, Judy B, Sheena, Terry C, Sally B, Max shirlee, Barbara Wood,
    Faithful Z, Annie B, Suem Elizabeth in NM, for all the great updates, photos, and
    discussions.
    A humble apology if I missed anyone. I vaule each of you who contribute so much
    to this Z family

  5. / Reply

    George Clooney seamlessly went from being the coolest single guy on earth
    to being coolest married guy on earth #GoldenGIobes2015
    Ruben Alonzo on Twitter Sunday January 11, 2015
    Just had to share this!!

  6. / Reply

    Just watched the video of Ebby’s race. She just galloped along and Gary did not seem to do much, if any, urging. I think if she had decided to really run she could have possibly won or at least been in the money. Perhaps John just wanted to get some more race experience with her with a rider like Gary up.

  7. / Reply

    Breaking News
    Blind Luck Does Not Meet Reserve at $1.4M
    By Ron Mitchell, The Blood-Horse January 12, 2015 2:59 PM
    Champion Blind Luck was bought back for $1.4 million when the six-time grade I winner did not achieve her reserve price at the Jan. 12 first session of the Keeneland January horses of all ages sale.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/89554/blind-luck-does-not-meet-reserve-at-14m#ixzz3Odz6q7AG

  9. / Reply

    Mike Smith Picks Up Top Decile in Silverbulletday
    HorseRacingNation.com January 11, 2015
    Klaravich Stables and William Lawrence’s Top Decile put the finishing touches on her preparation for the Listed $125,000 Silverbulletday Stakes with a strong move on Sunday morning of four furlongs in :49.60 for trainer Al Stall, Jr. The work was good for fifth-best of 114 at the distance over what was evidently a slower surface.
    http://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Mike_Smith_Picks_Up_Top_Decile_in_Silverbulletday_123#

  10. / Reply

    Here comes Ride On Curlin
    Zipse at the Track January 12, 2015
    For a horse well known by how strongly he finished important distance races last year, such as the Arkansas and Kentucky Derbies, and the Preakness, you might think a six furlong heat would be a strange way to bring Ride On Curlin back to the races. But after a seven month hiatus, that is the plan, as he’s scheduled to make his long awaited return this week at Oaklawn Park. Actually, the son of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin has performed well in all three of his lifetime sprints. So, those hoping to see Ride On Curlin return in good form, have every reason to hope for the best from one of the more popular horses on last year’s Triple Crown trail, when he returns in the allowance/optional claimer, scheduled as the 9th and final race on Thursday.
    http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/zatt/Here_comes_Ride_On_Curlin_123

    • / Reply

      BGG,
      I have been watching him since the TC races last year. ROC is owned by a couple from Louisville (home). They bought him for a very modest price if I remember correctly. He had a nice long rest with lots of rolls in the mud. Hope he does well.

      carol in Arkansas
      If you are there on Thursday, let me know what you think of him.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      Thank you for this. I thought the Jeter one was the BEST. This one has that one beat. I am laughing out loud. I think CC agrees, Danny should have been nominated for HOTY. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        JudyB. Chestnuts must stick together. Dan had a perfect record in 2014, but he just did not race enough. Next year if he is healthy and does well, he won’t have to travel for the BC. It will be in his back yard. Kick butt, Danny.

  14. / Reply

    Unity, risk reduction to be focus of US Jockeys’ Guild Assembly
    Teresa Genaro Thoroughbred Racing Commentary January 11, 2015
    While the eyes of the U.S. racing world will be focused on Gulfstream Park on Saturday night when this year’s Eclipse Award winners will be announced, next Monday a
    less-heralded but equally important event will take place in South Florida when jockey John Velazquez offers the opening remarks for the 2015 Jockeys’ Guild Assembly.
    Not a union, the Guild advocates for measures to improve the health and safety of jockeys. Held annually, the Assembly brings together Guild representatives from across the country, riders, and representatives from industries whose work and products can enhance jockeys’ welfare on and off the track.
    https://www.thoroughbredracing.com/articles/unity-risk-reduction-be-focus-us-jockeys-guild-assembly

    • / Reply

      Here is the important header for this article
      “This week, our editorial content will focus on riders around the world.
      From profile stories to pieces addressing some of the issues riders face in the morning, the afternoon, and at the conclusion of their careers, we will take a closer look at the human athletes so central to our sport.”

    • / Reply

      @BklynBckstretch on January 12, 2015
      Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the @JockeysGuild gathers next week
      to bring focus to riders’ health and safety

    • / Reply

      Sheena.Davies; What a wonderful story on Lincoln. He is a beautiful big boy and still is growing! So happy he was rescued. This made my day!!
      hugs, Sally B

    • / Reply

      Sheena,
      Do you suppose we could sneak him out in our suitcase? If wishes were horses . . .
      So glad he’s being well cared for now. Lovely ending (or really – beginning) for him. Thanks for sharing this. w lv, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Thank you for this very Happy Ending Story. Wow, 20 hands tall; what a handsome boy. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Lovely story, Sheena!
      So glad that Lincoln was rescued and is thriving on love and proper feeding. He is beautiful!
      Thank you for this link.
      Love and Hugs

  17. / Reply

    I’m waiting and pacing. Can’t wait to see some little “Orfevre’s”
    I’m hoping there should be some coming along shortly. “Pacing and more “Pacing”
    I’m going to lose my mind for sure.

  18. / Reply

    Dear BGG

    Thanks so much for the article on Blind Luck. Sounds like she will stay here for now and be bred. I am so relieved about that. I checked the sales results. It did say Make A Bid. I do so hope she stays here. Hope they made the above decision after they printed Make A Bid. I’m hoping no one comes to the price they want. So Sorry, but I just don’t want her to leave.

    • / Reply

      I don’t understand the whole process. If you own the horse and place it in a sale, why do you have to “buy it back” if no one bids the minimum???

      • / Reply

        There seems to be a typo in the article. Bidding for the sale of Blind Luck did not reach the reserve price (the miminum price that the seller will take to sell her to another party) so that Blind Luck was brought back for sale. If no one then bids the reserve price or higher, she will not be sold. In this case, it appears that she is staying with her owner. She is a lovely chestnut.

        • Dear Max:

          Thanks for explaining the process. I hope she has a happy, healthy life. She’s a real beautiful Chestnut girl. Love and Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. Maybe the most famous horse who did not meet his reserve was Northern Dancer. Buyers thought that he was too small. So he was rejected and went back to Windfields to be trained. Then his trainer wanted to geld him. Good thing that his owner refused that idea or history would have been very different.

        • Am so relieved, Max. She is such a wonderful horse. It all just didn’t feel right the way things were going. Thanks for the update.

        • Dear Max:

          Indeed, thankfully so much worked out just right for the Dancer. He created a legacy that can be found in the pedigrees of so many TBs today. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Max,
          Thanks for the explanation. Hope all works out well for Blind Luck. Glad she is staying home. We lose track of so many of the mares when they are sold out of the country.

    • / Reply

      Peggy, I missed this on Blind Luck. Then again, that is normal for me! Where was this?
      Thanks, hugs, Sally B

        • Dear Sally and Max

          I’m so glad she’s here for now. I’ll worry about the November Sale Later. That might be the next sale of concern. Oh My. I’ll take the worry’s one day at a time.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, wonderful. Happy for her. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Boo and all the Sweeties

  20. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:

    Goodnight. Stay warm and cozy. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

    • / Reply

      JudyB. Sorry to say this because forgiveness is a virtue, but I am still angry over Dubai. Let justice be done to those who wronged him.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Don’t be sorry for your words or for still being angry about what happened to Dubai. I am angry and sad for him and for all other horses that have been and will be mistreated while racing. There are uncaring and despicable individuals in the Sport and always have been. There was a MA Bred TB born in 1990 named Bow Out. I know for a fact that he was sent to slaughter. I was following him and worried about him. He had 16 starts at Suffolk and Rockingham Park between 1992 and 1993; 2 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds, and then just disappeared. I found out later through a friend of a backside employee that Bow Out was sent to slaughter. He was three years old. I never will get over it. I still cry when I think of him. Things at Suffolk had gotten better for horses in the last years with Canter NE and more public awareness, but mistreatment by some owners and trainers never stopped. Dubai is proof of that.

        More people should be angry and unwilling to forgive the mistreatment of horses. I am glad that Suffolk Downs is closed, but there are other tracks operating where bad things are still happening to horses. Love and Hugs, JB

  21. / Reply

    Have a warm night Zenyatta
    love N kisses on your soft nose and to Coz and Zi
    love n blowing kisses to best friend Sir and our zprincess,
    Auntie Sally B

  22. / Reply

    Goodnight everyone. Zenny, hope you and your 2 boys have a wonderful night’s sleep. Look forward to reading everyone’s posts tomorrow. w lv Elizabeth

  25. / Reply

    January 13 Cherokee Devotional

    So few people are worthy of our tears-only a few. Our personal space is invaded and we are made to think we caused the rift that follows. This is an illusion that is not worthy of the price we try to pay.
    It is the elders’ privilege to look back and smile. They, too, have known the ideal, the magnificent, the ultimate-and they have cried. But a da to li s di, that wonderful grace, provided knowledge of how to hold one loose thread in place by joy-not tears. And then came peace.

    It is the duty of the brave when injured to lay peace aside…and then to lay down again in peaceful quiet.
    Pushmataha
    Choctaw Chief
    1812

    • / Reply

      Barbara, Thank you for this video of the yellow lab! hah hah. She sure wasn’t bored while master was gone! I have had a chocolate and black lab and thought my next would be a yellow…….but I am not so sure. hah love n hugs, Sally B

  28. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.It’s turned much colder here today,snow in parts of Wales.We are expecting rain and gales tomorrow somehow I cannot see SS running on Saturday although Ascot drains fairly quickly.I see Boo isn’t too keen on Mondays either!Great message from Marty in heaben and another plate from Paris.Finn is holding the fort well.It looks very cold with Ray and family poor Jack O’s ball was frozen to the ground.Loved the pic of the 3 of them waiting for a treat from Gwampy.Zoe had a busy day yesterday!Did you see Mango’s phone call to God?So very sweet of her I had to reach for my tissues as well.Am late visiting the furbabies today(as usual) so off to see the rest now!Have a great day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Rain and gales…NO THANK YOU! Stay inside and keep toasty. I did see Jack O’s frozen ball. Poor Jack O! Still have to visit the others. Have a great day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

  29. / Reply

    Oaklawn will try to open again this week….on thursday..
    If i can walk and scooter is charged. Will be there
    Sunny and mid 50’s is expected…all weekend
    I can taste those corned beef sandwiches already…

  30. / Reply

    Max, Judy, BGG, and others interested in the topic: I don’t think we’ve quite gotten to the bottom of how these sales work yet. In addition to the sentence in BGG’s post above (“Champion Blind Luck was bought back for $1.4 million when the six-time grade I winner did not achieve her reserve price”), an article in today’s BloodHorse uses the same type of language (see the last sentence):
    “Overall, the opening session resulted in 204 horses sold, down 12% from last year’s 232 and winnowed by the day’s outs, and gross fell 8.1%, from $13,714,900 a year ago to $12,607,200. But the average price gained 4.5%, rising from 2014’s figure of $59,116 to $61,800. Median remained exactly even with last year’s opening-day figure of $35,000. But buybacks climbed sharply, from last year’s 23.9% to 33.1%.”

    Hopefully someone here is knowledgeable about how these sales work and can clue us in.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy:

      I don’t know why the phrase “buybacks” is used. I always thought, as Max said, if the horse does not meet the reserve sales price, than it is pulled from auction, not sold and goes back to the owner. Confusing. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        This is not the same concept as not meeting the reserve. No one buys a horse that he or she already owns. A buy back clause is in some contracts of purchase and sale to allow the original seller to be the first to buy back the property if it becomes available for sale by the new owner in the future. Often difficult to enforce.

        • Dear Max:

          So the “buybacks” referred to in the paragraph Sandy referenced are in conjunction with “Buy Back Clauses” in sales contracts? Love and Hugs, JB

        • Here is the definition of “buy back” from the Keeneland website:

          “When a horse goes through a public auction and does not reach a minimum (reserve) price set by the consignor, it is a buy-back and is retained. The consignor must pay a fee to buy back the horse.”

          So it looks like the owner (or the sales agent) actually has to part with some money to keep the horse.

        • I’m not sure how these Permalink comments work, but I am trying to comment on Sandy’s last comment. Apologies if this shows up some place strange.

          It sounds like the auction company or facility is guaranteeing they will get an amount for each horse that goes through the ring. Now I’m wondering what happens in the case of a horse being withdrawn from the sale. They do have expenses with the catalogs and I don’t know what else. I wonder if there is also a fee for withdrawing?

        • Dear Sandy and Marty:

          OK, so that means a “buy back” fee from the consignor must be paid if the horse doesn’t meet it’s reserve and therefore doesn’t sell. Marty, that might be the very reason for this fee, as you said, to cover catalog expenses and such. Makes sense. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Marty R seems to be right. That article appears to refer to buy back commission fees rather than an buy back clause in a contract. There are also rules on when horses can be withdrawn by owners from sale. It’s all set out by the terms of the auction.

    • / Reply

      Did anyone see that War Front yearling filly who sold in the sale? Beautiful filly. Reminded me of The Princess. She would have been a very nice sized filly by now had she lived. Breaks your heart.

        • Dear Max:

          I just saw the photo of the War Front yearling filly you referred to in your post. My God, made me cry. What might have been. Love and Hugs, JB

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