Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Photos: The Boys of Summer

Happy Wednesday!

We’re quite excited about the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Zenyatta Celebration. Have you purchased your tickets yet?

Alys sent us a great new batch of photos of 12Z of the boys having fun, so we thought we’d share them with all of you.

Team Z is headed to Lane’s End, so we’ll be posting more photos and fun updates in the coming days. As of today, we’re also on Instagram! Follow us (@teamzenyatta) for updates throughout our trip. Even if you don’t use Instagram, you can see every photo we post through our Twitter feed. Our most recents tweets are always on the right side of the blog.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Reader Interactions

644 Comments

    • / Reply

      What a wonderful history lesson Abigail! The story and the pictures/video clips are just captivating. I am a total “newbie” (barely a year into any of this) so it was a special treat to SEE Bernardini actually race!! Everyone who says your blog should be published is “right on” (the videos could be on a CD that accompanies the hard copy). Thanks for sharing the link.

    • / Reply

      Dear Abigail:

      Thank you so much for this wonderful, informative article about Saratoga and so many great horses. Loved all the photos and videos. Very well done. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Abigail,
      What a wonderful pictorial, verbal and video tour of Saratoga Race Track. Love the way you write! It is always a treat when you post.
      Thanks a million for this great history lesson! Hugs!

    • / Reply

      Am going to read it this afternoon, when off work.

      LOVE LOVE LOVE your FRANKEL piece !!!

  2. / Reply

    Thanks for the wonderful photos. I love how it looks like one minute they’re bouncing around all over the place playing, and then…all done! Time to drop down and eat!

  3. / Reply

    Here are today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if you think books are bad luck. You might be a redneck if your TV antenna is a bread tie. You might be a redneck if you can french kiss with a toothpick in your mouth. You might be a redneck if you think fly swatting is an olympic sport, and cow chip toss should be. You may be a redneck if you have an assigned day to wear the family tooth. You may be a redneck if you have ever driven around looking for your porch roof after a bad storm. You may be a redneck if you go swimming in the drainage ditch behind your house. You know you are in a redneck hospital when every few minutes you hear a bugle playing taps.

  4. / Reply

    THANK YOU for the pictures!! I just think he is the cutest horse on the planet – with his long legs and big ears. Can you imagine what a magnificent horse he will be when he grows into all of that? So exciting. I bet the Moss’s just dream and dream about him. How is Zenny’s pregnancy going? Is Z12 going to get a name soon? How about Dancing Daze or Dancing In My Dreams or Dancing In The Dark or Let’s Dance? It’s got to be music oriented!

  7. / Reply

    I do not know how to get Team Zenyatta

    to read this but my name suggestion is Rio Luna. ( if this is proper Spanish).

    This is because I believe Mr. Moss was involved in the production of the song Moon River. Baby Z was born under a beautiful full moon.

  8. / Reply

    These are both gorgeous colts. I assume one belongs to spooky minister. Both of the girls did beautiful work. Are the mares friendly?

  9. / Reply

    Everytime I post I call him something different…so today he is BigBoyZee…
    His friend is a different story…because of hus very distinctive blaze….in my admittedly warped mind he is always…..Slash

  11. / Reply

    WOO HOO !!! I have my reservations for Zenyatta Day at the BC!! My daughter,who lives in Irvine and with whom I will stay,is very computer savvy and she got the order done for both of us! I am SO excited to know that I will be able to meet so many of my fellow Dumplings–and to introduce my daughter as well! I know it will be a great,GREAT day and I’m so grateful to all who are working to make this happen for us!!

    @ Diana Stuart-I will email you tonight to order our dumpling tags–I have been looking forward to having one!!

    The photos of Prince Z are so fabulous!! He is SO beautiful!! Don’t you just want to hug him?? He’s so rambunctious though,it might be hard! I’ll bet he calms right down when he sees HIS ANN !!

    Sent off a contribution to Marlene–surely hope she is able to save those precious ones! Every time I see Barnaby,I think of what she did to save him. I will never get over the miraculous way he came into my life and no day passes without my sending my gratitude heaven-ward. He is doing so well and is just such a joy-filled boy. I really believe he knows how close he came to not being here! It has been very warm here and he is so cute when he gets too hot–just goes right in to his “house” and gets out of the sunshine. We had a lovely ride last Saturday–Sue and I were going to take him and Traveller out of the pasture on a trail that goes along the Big Wood River, however,Traveller decided to have one of her frequent “hissy-fits” and threw her saddle off while Sue was trying to tack her up. It took quite awhile to settle her down and by that tine we decided it would be better to take our trail ride in the pasture instead! It’s lovely to ride in there though,as it is five acres,over which the horses have created several trails that they lovge to follow. There is a large grove of willows to ride through and around,and,because of the big runn-off ditch which runs through the property,which I had mentioned before in the story about them coming shoulder to shoulder over the little bridge,there are some interesting little “dips” to ride through,one of them being quite deep. All in all,there are enough topographical features to make a ride interesting just staying in there. The first time we did that,when we went down the big dip,I told Barnaby “easy” and he practically tip-toed down and back up again!! He really pays attention and seems to know a lot of commands. I continue to learn more about how kind his master must have been. I started thinking about it again the other day and started visualizing just how cute he must have been when he was born,with his flashy markings and cute dorsal stripe. I wonder if his daddy gave him extra love and attention just because he was so adorable!! Maybe he was his special pet. I flashed on a name he might have called him—-Tyke–because he was such a cute little tyke. It just popped into my head–maybe a message from above–who knows?? I surely do hope his daddy knows how much I love his boy and approves of how I am caring for him.

    I was telling him the other day about the horses in the Olympics and how beautiful they were and that their riders thought that they had the best horses in the whole world,but that HE is really the best horse in the world!! (With all due respect to our beloved Queen Z,of course!)

  12. / Reply

    Oooops!! Clumsy fingers again–tine should be time and lovge should be love!! Everyone have a lovely night–hope you get to see some more Olympics–I love watching it all–just wish there was more equestrian coverage!!

  13. / Reply

    Sign, Terry Crow, Ann, and whoever — I think I’ve read all the messages addressed to me, but am still not caught up with anything else — e.g.. the all-important Redneck jokes!

    For the 1st and hopefully last time in my life, I have vertigo (with nausea, of course). It started July 30. My Dr. says it can last from 3 days to 3 weeks. Cause unknown, but apparently the calcium in the inner ear somehow “clumps” together, and migrates into the wrong place. Basically, when I change the orientation of my head (and I don’t mean up the wazoo!), the room swirls around. If I lie down it swirls, then when I sit up again, it swirls. Even if I tilt my head down a bit or sideways, I get nauseous. Not all the time, but in episodes. The nausea tends to be there night and day., so anti-nausea meds help somewhat. And sleeping a lot helps.

    So I have not been up to reading much here. When I can numb out in front of the tv watching Olympics, at least I get more sleep. I was ill this morning, but am at work now, and doing better right now, so decided to write a note about it. I will work on another Redneck Relatives joke/story, but not sure when. Thanks for all your requests, that’s nice.

    • / Reply

      Vicki,
      OMG, I sure hope you don’t have to deal with that for three weeks……can’t believe there isn’t something more they can do. Hope you recover soon. Hugs

      Terry,
      Haven’t commented every time but your jokes just keep me rolling on the floor. I can’t wait to see who wins the Outhouse award but I still think you should get the first one.

      I was so happy to see that Take Charge Indy will be back racing after healing a bone chip. Read in TT the following news “When I looked at him I saw A P Indy, who is obviously one of the greatest Sire of Sires in the industry today.” Said WinStar Pres & CEO Elliott Walden. “Stallion credentials don’t get much stronger than being a grade I winner by a multiple grade 1 winner like Indy, out of a multiple grade 1 winner, Take Charge Lady.” When he retires he will stand at Winstar. Pretty impressive statement.
      Hope he has a good year racing before then.

      Made my pick for the fantasy race, I’m really making a daring bet this time. Ha,ha.

      • / Reply

        SOOOOO Very glad “someone” is interested in standing Take Charge Indy,
        He was overlooked at the sale and developed into a very nice colt.

        • Sign:

          I am happy to hear about Take Charge Indy. He was my Derby pick! Great horse and I think he would be a great stud! Do you know who is interested in him? Please me posted on him!

          Thanks GirlSaratoga

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue, Sign and Z Fans:

        Will be rooting for Take Charge Indy. Hope he stays sound and does well. Beautiful boy. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Vicki B.:

      I do know first hand what it’s like. Have had middle ear (Meniere’s Desease) infections causing vertigo and nausea. Comes and goes from time to time and can last as you said 3 days to 3 weeks. Can be caused by infections, stress, fluid in the ear canal; bummer. Hope it is a short episode. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Thanks Judy, Marshall, Sue, & Darlene. Judy, I had heard of Meniere’s, it sounds awful, especially when with hearing loss. Mine is supposedly “benign paroxysmal positional vertigo”… but coincidentally or not, a good friend got it two days before me, so she believes it’s viral, and not the “bppv”. Who knows, but we just want it gone. It has been slowly improving.

        • Dear Vicki,

          BPN is even worse as no cause, maybe viral.
          YUCK !!!!

    • / Reply

      Vicki B.,
      Hope you feel better soon!! We miss you and will send healing thoughts your way.
      Take care and all the best!

    • / Reply

      Vicki B.
      I am sorry to hear about this vertigo. Hope it goes away sooner,rather than a later.
      Hang in there, Wish I were close by to help you my friend.
      Hang in there….sending you healing thoughts!!!!!

    • / Reply

      Oh Vicki B.

      Hope you feel better soon.

      One of the most miserable things to have.

      Look forward to your posts when you are better.

    • / Reply

      Vicki-You are without a doubt one of the most valuable people on this blog. Get well soon. But, you might be a redneck if you don’t know if you’re coming or going.

    • / Reply

      My aunt had this same problem and her Dr. sent her to a physical therapists who helped her get the clumps out of her ear. It worked!

  14. / Reply

    Dear Team Zenyatta and Team Lane’s End,

    Many thanks for keeping us informed about The Queen, Z12, and their paddock buds and, thus, making us feel we are a part of their lives. Alys, what GREAT photos!!!! Those ears, those hindquarters, that face…couldn’t you just hug him?!?! Zen, you and Bernie certainly have an awesome offspring. I think those ears are made for hearing the sound of breezing the track.

    I think I speak for all the godparents when I say the separation will be harder for us than them. Just think of how spoiled we have gotten to seeing our Queen and Prince of Hearts in the same photos!!! I realize it will soon be time for him to take that fork to the life he is meant to have.

    I am so excited about the Zenyatta celebration at Santa Anita. Wish I could be there for I know an excellent time will be had by all. I will definitely be there for Z12…now that will be an event!!!

    High hooves to the Mosses, Dottie, John, Alys, Team Zenyatta, Lane’s End and all those who love and care for our Zenyatta and Z12!!!!!! We are truly a village.

    Love,
    Mary in Boone

  16. / Reply

    OMGosh I just love his ears!!!! He is such a handsome boy. I can’t wait to see him at 3. Thank you so much for the pictures.

  17. / Reply

    Hello Zenny….
    just read an article on drf about Trainer L Jones returning to his “roots” at Ellis Pk…with Joyful Victory….was nice article until it threw a clinker…stated that Mr Jones trained among others…2010 HOTY Havre de Grace….went to comments immediately …
    HOTY 2011 Gracie…..but as we all know the 2010 HOTY is your own beautiful self..
    ……
    I know ….I am picky picky…..
    …..
    Zentastics….have done research and read and listened…..Love Wise Dan…Adore Data Link…Get Stormy always liked….but went in a different direction…I could end up with zero at the end of this…
    …..
    kisses for all soft noses…..peppermints around…
    ……
    thanks to the wonderful LE staff for all the info and pictures of the boys…

  18. / Reply

    Stanwyck posted on Facebook on Thurs. August 9
    ♥ My former stablemate G-Ten by Giacomo (my half-brother) is running tonight in race-1 at Emerald Downs. Post time, 6:00 (PST).
    Stanwyck then posted
    G Ten did not have a good night tonight. He came in last and looked tired.
    Let’s all hope he will be given a rest.
    Keta Note:
    G-Ten was running in a Claiming Race. His claiming price was $2500.
    That is two thousand five hundred dollars. Someone should claim him & find a forever home for him. It is time.
    The photo of G-Ten in Stanwyck’s post made me want to cry!

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      Just checked out G Ten on Equibase.com. He was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Moss and as you said is by Giacomo out of Ten Cents A Dance (Two Punch). He has had 10 starts and won only once (his Maiden race). This is a scary situation. He’s only four years old and as you posted, he was last entered in a very low Claiming race. This is the kind of situation that can be very dangerous for a horse. Hope his owners are good and caring people who will do the right thing by him.

      This horse ran his first race on 12/15/11. He was owned by Mr. & Mrs. Moss, Trained by John Shirreffs and ridden by Mike Smith. Poor little guy had all the best, but just not cut out for racing apparently. By June of this year, he had new connections and was racing at Emerald Downs. This, unfortunately, is the reality of the lives of most of the TB babies that are born. That’s why so many need rescuing. Hugs, JB

        • Judy,
          That was the photo that Stanwyck posted.
          When I read about G Ten’s history, I knew he is on a downward spiral.
          Thought maybe someone around Emerald Downs would read this & rescue him.
          He is a lovely horse in the wrong profession.
          As you said, that is the reality of too many TB babies.
          Sad!
          Keta

      • / Reply

        Judy, He is too beautiful. We must help him, but how? Someone must have connections at that track. This kind of situation is what we see akll too often–even more heartbreaking when he has a face and a name. I would take him in a minute if I had money, a farm, and knew anything about horses. He and Money could have a fine time together.

        • Barbara & Judy
          G Ten might make a great stable pony for John S or someone else.
          Do you know if the Moss’s rescue their horses?
          Posted this here in the hope that someone would have the contacts to help G Ten.
          He is young enough that he could be retrained and work in therapy, hunter-jumpers, stable pony and so on.
          My fear is that he will disappear off the grid soon.
          Another one where some day someone will post–whatever happened to ,,?
          Keta

        • Dear Lisag, Barb W., Keta, GirlSaratoga and Z Fans:

          I took the liberty of e-mailing Skip and other EAN members about the situation with GTen. There may be one of our members in the Emerald Downs area who can check on him and see what’s happening with him. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Barb W.:

          I sent e-mails to Skip, you, Doris, Trina and others about G Ten. Maybe we can get someone near Elmeral Downs to find out what’s happening with him. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        What can we do to make sure he does not disappear sooner or later? He looks so sweet, and so beautiful. He would make a great Pony, if he decides that racing is not for him. Lisag

      • / Reply

        Judy:

        Tried to find this story couldn’t find the story about G-Ten> I went to Equibase.com and looked for his story? Is his story under something special?

        Thanks!
        GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta and Z Fans:

      Some of our EAN members have checked on G Ten and found that he is OK and will be racing soon in Arizona. We Z’sters can keep track of his progress on Equibase and Stanwyck’s Facebook page. For now looks like he is being given a rest. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        JudyB. It is great of you to find out this information about G Ten. We are all concerned about him. It pulls at your heartstrings. He might just need a little rest to get going again on his career. He is a handsome horse like his daddy.

        • Dear Max:

          Yes, he is a handsome Gray, like his Dad, Giacomo. Hope he enjoys his rest and does well when he returns to racing. Will try to keep track of him. Hugs, JB

  19. / Reply

    Dear Susan in TN,
    We miss you very much! Hope you are progressing okay in your recovery.
    How are Chopper and the gang?
    Please let us hear from you soon. You have been missing WAY too long!
    Take care!

  20. / Reply

    OK Ms Debby( go UK) and Ms. Rosemary ( That’s Bouquet! )….I am jumping in the joke pool.
    TC, I submit this joke to the RN club.

    You know you are a RN when, while sitting in MATH class,the professor starts the review, about something called….Pi – R – Square.
    You raise your hand and say…” I beg to differ sir, Momma’s pies are round and the cornbread is Square”.

    I go in peace now…..

    • / Reply

      Ann – Bouquet (spelled B-u-c-k-e-t). I just realized something with your post and I can’t believe I didn’t make the connection long ago between Mrs. Bouquet and the sisters Hyacinth, Rose and Daisy.

      As Pres/AZ/New Mexico RNC, I give your RN joke 4.99 points. Please continue to submit them. Very funny!

    • / Reply

      OK, voting has now started on Ann’s submission. THis one is up for consideration until August 17. We have heard from some of the chapter presidents regarding Rosemary’s entry but voting is still open.

    • / Reply

      YAY, Ann!
      Great joke — very funny!
      The NC Chapter gives you a “favorite-son”(daughter) rating of 4.8 half-moons.

  22. / Reply

    Vicky B, I am sorry you are not feeling well. I developed spasmodic torticollis at one time, made my neck move front to back and made me dizzy. Hope you feel better soon.

  23. / Reply

    Happy birthday, Dottie! Here is a repost of my poem from a year ago.

    A Birthday Poem for Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs
    (August 10, 2011)

    Dottie’s the one who gives Zenyatta a voice
    And makes Zenyatta.com the blog of choice.
    Dottie composes with much wit and charm
    So Z can tell fans of her life on the farm.

    As Z transitions from one role to another
    And undertakes to become a mother,
    Dottie channels Z’s news
    To the many who love her,
    Easing those “I-miss-Z” blues.

    With her diary we suffer less sorrow
    ’Cause we still are part
    Of Z’s tomorrow
    And she speaks to us heart to heart.

    When a new post arrives, we all hurry
    To read our dear Z’s soliloquy
    With her wonderful life philosophy.
    We pause to ingest
    Because it’s the best.
    Then there’s a flurry
    As to our keyboards we scurry
    And rush to reply,
    For we all have something to say—
    Such a bright spot in our day!

    Then we return
    Again and again to learn
    What others have written–
    With Z’s diary we’re all clearly smitten.

    Yes, with Z now in Kentucky,
    We sure are lucky
    That Dottie’s her scribe
    And that she makes us part of her tribe,
    For at Zenyatta.com, the DOT COM that you see
    Refers to the COM-munity
    DOT-tie has founded
    Where we all reside
    And all that is good can abide.
    We are made part of “Zenyatta’s connections”
    And truly feel
    Strong bonds of affection.
    Here we share Zenyatta’s story
    And relive her amazing glory.
    We share horse racing lore—
    But also much more.
    When we’re feeling adrift,
    Here we get our uplift.
    When we are weary with worry,
    It’s here that we hurry.
    Here we can share
    With people who care.

    So let’s lift a stein of good lager—
    For Zenyatta, make that a Guinness—
    And drink a toast to our Dottie
    To show her,
    THE WORLD’S GREATEST BLOGGER,
    Just how much gratitude is in us!

    Hoof, hoof, hoof-ray
    For Dottie the Great!
    Hoof, hoof, hoof-ray,
    She’s truly first rate!
    Hoof, hoof, hoof-ray
    For dear Dottie on her birthday!

  27. / Reply

    CALLING ALL Z’ISTERS: LET’S HELP PUT MARLENE DODGE OVER THE TOP TODAY!
    Marlene is still about $2,000 why of the $5,000 needed to rescue the 8 sweet horses out of the Nevada feed lot before they are shipped to Canada. Tomorrow is the UGLY DAY. Please help do whatever you can. We don’t want her to have to make a Sophie’s Choice and pick one or two of them to leave behind. That would break my heart and I know yours’ too. Please go to http://www.valleyviewranchequinerescue.webs.com to see photos of these dear horses and donate. Thank you Z’isters one and all!

    J

  28. / Reply

    Ω Happy Birthday Dottie!
    I hope this day and all the years to come bring you all the joy you give to my family (moma) and others. You are truly a great lady. We all love you very much. While we appreciate, with all our hearts, the updates on Zenyatta and 12 Z, Nothing, but nothing is the same without you Dottie. We miss you terribly while completely understanding and appreciating how hard you worked to bring us Zenyatta’s (voice) Diary. You along with your great husband, my moma’s and now my hero, inspired in ways you may never fully know. Each and every single day you did Zenyatta’s diary you put a big smile on our faces and made our days so much brighter and for some of us some much more bearable. The kindness and generosity you gave to all will never be forgotten. We will love you, cheer for you and pray for your happiness forever more.
    All the best life has to offer to you today and always “Dearest one” Dottie Ingordo Shirreffs!
    Love Always,
    Kari B. Family.
    Happy Birthday Mikie!
    We love you!

  29. / Reply

    Happy Birthday Dottie! (#2)
    One year ago my moma made a video for you with the following words. She loved and appreciated you so very much. I think we all do.
    “Happy Birthday Dottie!,
    Thank you for being Zenny’s voice. YOU have created a site that has not only kept her family together , but we have grown with more and more beautiful souls joining us every day.Thank you for creating ‘Zennyland’ where we can escape, learn of our Queens well being, gleam knowledge & wisdom from you & each other…..
    where horses are saved…
    where friendships of a Lifetime are made,,,,,,
    where problems seem to to fade…..
    where JOY & SMILES are guaranteed daily…
    It is a safe place where we can escape….
    where dreams really DO come true
    &
    miracles happen.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IeVpmVmfeY&feature=plcp

    To all- I do read the comments here and keep up with you, pray for you and smile for your triumphs. I have three children and not enough time to do all the things I wish I could, like participate here more. Thank you all for you support, emails, kind words and friendship from here, FB and YT. Much love and gratitude to all.—-Ashton.
    Judy Berube- I pray and think of you often. We are forever joined, for obvious reasons. God bless you.
    Debbie G- Go Volcat!
    Terry Crow and redneck club- keep up the funny jokes. Laughter and smiles—–brighten days.
    Dottie Shirreffs- Thank you for all the smiles and joy. God bless you…..and Happy Birthday!

    • / Reply

      Ashton. Thanks for posting the video again. Very well done as always by your mother. Best to you and your family.

      Zenyatta. What great teeth you have! You are superb in every way.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for posting this again Ashton. Nice for Dottie and nice for all the rest of us as well to see it again. We think of you Moma and wish you and your family all the best.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Ashton,
      Thank you for this! Hope you and your family are well and happy.
      All the very Best Wishes, always!

Leave a Reply to signofthetimes; President Texas Chapter RNC Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.