Happy Friday!
As you all know, Zenyatta delivered her first filly on Easter Sunday. She was born at 12:03 am, weighing in at 151 lbs! Zenyatta’s lifetime friend and current paddock mate, Life Is Sweet, delivered an adorable colt not an hour before, just as across the aisle from Zenyatta.
Earlier this month we held a contest asking fans to guess 14Z’s birthday, and we received over 2,500 entries. As usual, we couldn’t pick just one winner! Serena Riecken of Ashland, Nebraska is the official winner, guessing April 19 at 11:53 pm. Don Krueger entered April 20 at 12:04 am. He went over by just one minute, so we think he’s a winner too.
Serena and Don will each receive an 11″ x 14″ print of the above photo signed by the photographer and Zenyatta’s owners, Jerry and Ann Moss. If you would like to order a print of this image for yourself, it is now available here at the Zenyatta Shop.
In the coming days we will share more images from the night of the foaling, our trip, and Zenyatta with her darling filly. For now, we’ll leave you with just a few new photos.
Enjoy!
-Team Z
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Have you heard about Sam getting the top job with Paul Nicholls starting on May 5th.Seems a couple of owners from Nicky Henderson wanted him but of course he’s ridden a lot for Paul lately.Daryl Jacob is going freelance and Noel Felily is keeping the ride on Silvi.As you can see from BGG Treve is fine after her race and is on course for Ascot.Being Moose’s PR man has it’s perks after all!Free The Moose.Sheena.
Max
Sheena. Congrats to Sammy. It’s a definite change from the short one. Willy now will have to take up riding or standing with the Mooster.
Hope that Treve is really okay. A loss like that can be very difficult. Any word on the old warrior? He was super in that race.
Free the Moose! Neigh x 9!
Max
Tomorrow is the second anniversary of the death of Dynaformer. Not a day goes by that I do not think of this wonderful horse. As a tribute to him, here he is in all of his glory, shiny bay coat and the distinctive ears that he inherited from his daddy, the same ears that Roberto passed on to his great granddaughter Zenyatta and she to her three foals. Never forgotten, Big D.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RLTWbmlbTxU
Barbara Wood (Texas)
He was one of a kind.
Janet Newman
Hard to believe it will be 2 years already.
I really hope his sons can carry on his legacy.
He was a real handful, but produced beyond expectations.
I read where Roberto could be a bit nasty too.
Gotta love the bad boys!
Ingrid Arnone
Yes, He was one of a kind!
We miss you!
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Love You Dynaformer. A Beautiful Boy.
Thanks Max
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
I remember this wonderful video of Dynaformer. Know how much you love him. Rest In Peace beautiful boy. His legacy lives on through Roberto in Z and her sons and daughter Love and Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Max, thankyou for remembering and sending this to us. Just a beauty of a horse.
Sally B
carol in arkansas
I am with you….Big D….Never Forgotten!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks, Max!
shirleeinindy
Max, does not seem like he has been gone that long. The video reminded me of the time I visited at Three Chimneys and they would not let us approach Big D’s paddock. He gave us the evil eye from afar and looked like glorious with his almost black coat against the green grass.
Hoping for a safe trip and good showing from his boy and grandson in the Derby.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
I’m too new to all this to have known Dynaformer when he was racing (or alive), but because of what I have read here, I have great respect for him and really appreciated the video Max. Seeing “those ears” on another horse is amazing.
Terry Crow
Max-Your devotion is admirable. You are a real fan.
Ann NC
Miss you Big D. I will always remember his passing, because the thunder that night was like no other. It sounded like the huge timpani drums and I knew it was Big D arriving in heaven.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Well said, Ann.
pamhomeier
Oh dear. I watched the Dynoformer tape then got suckered into watching the breakdowns of Barbaro, Ruffian and Go For Wand and am now so depressed will go look at wonderful picture of Ann, Zenyatta and 14Z, and just hang it up for the night.
pamhomeier
And Eight Belles. Can’t forget her!
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Remember one of the 1st videos I watched on this PC was a memorial service for Dynaformer.Sadly,I never knew a lot about him only of his daddy Roberto.The ears have it!!
Cirrus des Aigles is very well after his exertions yesterday.should be a great re-match.There is talk Sam could be champion jockey one day, a natural successor to AP. Free the Moose.RIP Big D.Sheena.
Max
Sheena. Roberto was a truly great horse who has not been given enough attention. He was named after Roberto Clemente, a stellar baseball player, who died on a humanitarian mission. Roberto the horse won the Epsom Derby, no small feat, and he handed the Brigadier his only loss. He passed his ears and good looks on to Zenyatta, whom he closely resembles. Even the blazes are similar. As a sire, his genes carry on not only with Big D and his descendants, but also his other wonderful sons and daughters and their offspring. Some have said that Roberto was the equal of Ribot in the temperament department and passed that attitude on to Dynaformer. We have to love these very bad boys.
Glad to hear Cirrus is in good order. Love that old warrior. Long may he run.
Free the Moose! Neigh x 9.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks again, Max — I did not know that about Roberto!
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Little Cap Hercules Plus Ruby and Diamond and all the Sweeties.All the Peeps flowers are germinating plus the nip! have heard about the severe storms in Arkansas today hope Carol is safe. Joey on FB says lots of pets are missing or homeless.God be with them.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Devastating storms. Keeping all, humans and non, in my prayers. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Ruby, Diamond and all the Sweeties
Karen in Indiana
Princess Z is stunning! She’s a brick!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI and Princess Z:
Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Just had to say goodnight and I Love You Zenyatta!
loven kisses on your soft nose, and to Coz, Zi and pretty 14Z
Auntie Sally B
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Zenyatta,
Goodnight and sweet dreams to you and 14Z. May you both have a restful sleep.
Sweet dreams to Life is Sweet and her baby boy, too.
Snuggles and Hugs to all!
KathyR
Dear Max:
Americain will keep the flag flying for Dynaformer – he may lack the “attitude” but has the great looks of his dad. Cheers, KathyR.
Max
KathyR. You are right about Amercain. He is a super son of Big D.
Glad to hear from you. Hope to see lots of posts from you soon about Australian racing. You’ve been missed.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Hi Kathy – so glad to see you here. Now I can resume my Aussie geography lessons! Welcome back.
Ann NC
Hi Kathy R. Great to see you here.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Three cheers and nine whinnies for YOU, Kathy R! It’s SO good to have you back. Love and hugZ, Trina
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@TC, GP–love the jokes. By the way our friend, Jeff Shaara, was the author of two books mentioned in clues in today’s version of “Jeopardy”. The contestants had to name the wars the titles represented.
Terry Crow
Jeff Shaara is, without a doubt, my favorite writer of historical fiction. Glad that he is carrying on his father’s work. I know you got that question, or answer if you will, right.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Happy Birthday Barbaro
April 29
Barbaro I once said I would never get over your loss, but I think that pertains now to just not seeing you in the present. Which I deeply miss. As we gained two new saints yesterday. I hear them say that Saint Pope John Paul II was needed to guide. Not only do Saints guide and protect but I think God guides us also if we let him.
He has guided me to a place that I know you are OK. And it is a good feeling now.
Remember the Roses at New Bolton. Love You Always. Will see you one day.
Happy Birthday, Beautiful and Beloved Boy.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Happy Birthday Beautiful, Brave Barbaro. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Barbaro broke my heart and really turned me off racing until Rachel and Zenyatta came along and I was hooked again. So sad to lose him after the battle he put up. Trying to be patient while waiting for his last brother Pennmarydel to race. At 17 hands he is being held back by his people.
Max
Agree with your comments. What happened to Barbaro affected even those who were not usually interested in racing. He put up a long, gallant fight and it was a great loss to so many when he died. RIP Barbaro.
Marshall (NC broad)
Amen!
RIP Barbaro
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Peggy, Thank you! Barbaro, what can I say…all the prayers and tears just did not help.
Happy Birthday Barbaro.
hugs, Sally B
KathyR
Agree with all those remarks about Barbaro, but he lives because we remember him, like so many of our beloved furry, hairy and feathered friends. Hugs, KathyR.
Terry Crow
Good point, Kathy.
Ann NC
Happy Birthday Brave Boy.
Ingrid Arnone
So many great horses, so many great champions, but Barbaro touch so many hearts, including mine; he was so special, like our adorable Zenyatta.
Dear Barbaro, Happy Birthday! WE miss you!
Anne from Paramount
Before the week goes on, for those who have not seen it (and if it’s been posted here already it bears repeating) the current issue of Sports Illustrated (4/28) has a very nice article on California Chrome. I was relieved it wasn’t a cover story–that old SI cover jinx, you know.
And my race horse name is–drum roll–Spectacular Joy! Now that’s a GREAT race horse name! Thanks BGG!
Now, if time permits I want to go back and see some videos.
Goodnight Zenyatta and Princess Z. Take good care of each other! :-)
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Anne:
Love your horse name. I think it describes the Princess very well too. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Agree with Judy – great horse name Anne!!!
Terry Crow
Anne-Your horse name is appropriate. The SI article is a wonderful account of the connections of this horse. The picture of Art Sherman is exactly as I remember him some 60 tears ago. How can you not be a fan of this horse?
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sue Noel:
Thinking of you and waiting for an update on Barnaby and Traveler. Hope all is well. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Remembering the great Barbaro on his birthday April 29th.Rest in Peace Brave Boy.Hugs Sheena.
Kathy
Happy birthday to Barbaro in heaven. Never to be forgotten. You did everything asked of you perfectly. RIP.
Kathy
April 29 Cherokee Devotional
Life stirs up our priorities-makes us think beyond our usual knowledge. There are enormously important things basic to all of us such as the family. The family as a whole is important, and so is each individual. Family makes us consider health and spirit and the capacity to take care of ourselves. The invisible circle gathers all we love close to us. But the final arc involves the making of who we are personally. Each person must know contentment, must be in awe, reverent toward the spiritual, recognize truth, and not go strictly by the depths and height of feelings. Searching for happiness leads us far afield when the search is for self, for a divine connection, a knowing that we are indeed divinely centered. We are a part of the earth, part heaven, one with every living thing. For this reason we love. The ga lv quo di, the precious, the dear truth is that we love.
It is the command of the Great Spirit, and all nations and people must obey.
Big Elk
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kathy:
Thank you; so beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
Dear Judy,
Every day I’m thankful that Native Americans are SO WISE!
Hugs,
Kathy
shirleeinindy
Can you believe our little Easter Lilly weighed in at 151 lbs. Good thing Queen Z is a big girl. And look at those legs! Remember Rod Stewart’s song Hot Legs and the video that went with it?
This time next year we might be talking about Coz and Jess’s Dream going in the Derby. What a race that would be. It is unlikely to happen since both are pretty big boys and their teams seem to be giving them plenty of time to grow up. But it would be fun.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Shirley:
Can you imagine what THAT Derby Day would be like! But, I think you’re so right. The connections for both of these special boys will make sure they’re really ready before they begin their racing careers. Still, I know having them in the Derby together would bring me to tears. Their Moms never raced against each other and having their boys compete in the Derby would just be overwhelming to me. Love and Hugs, JB
carol in arkansas
Good Morning Zenny….hope you and Princess Z are well…hi to LIS and her little boy…
….
all storms went well north and east of Hot Springs….devastation was terrible…loss of life even worse…rescue and recovery efforts under way almost immediately ….tons of food water and clothing flooding into donation sites…
….
keep all fingers and toes crossed for Roxy….sees vet this afternoon for blood work…
he continues to call everyday…she is a walking miracle right now…again thank all of you for your kind words and thoughts about her…my hubby is amazed that she gets
kind words and thoughts from all over…I say that is part of just being in Z’s world
…..
good luck to all gearing up for the Oaks and Derby…safe trips to all…
kisses for all the soft noses…everywhere…
Kathy
Dear Carol,
Everything crossed that Roxy will have a good report at the vet’s today.
Hugs,
Kathy
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Sending good thoughts and prayers for Roxy. Hope you get a good report. I had a 17 year old cat with heart problems and a lymphoma so I really do know what this is like. She let me know when she was sick of all the meds and life in general.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
PS – so glad to hear that you were not in the path of the storm. Prayers for all those who were and continue to be affected by this terrible outbreak.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Carol:
Glad you were not in the storm area. Condolences to all who lost loved ones.
Hoping and praying for a good report for Roxy. Love and Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
I will keep Roxy in my prayers and all those affected by these violent storms and tornados.
hugs, Sally B
Terry Crow
carol-We are ALL rooting for Roxy/Roxie.
Ann NC
Rock Zee!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Ann, that’s GREAT!
Ann NC
Glad you are safe but am sorry about the damage from those storms. They are rolling by NC now.
Roxy, you show em girl.
Terry Crow
Ann-She couldn’t have a better person in her corner.
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Carol,
Pulling for Roxy with continued positive thoughts and prayers. Hope the report is good. Power up, sweet Roxy! Stay strong.
Glad you are safe from those awful storms. Hugs
sheena.davies(wales)
Hope this link comes through.Sasha joins a long line of heroic animals.Rest In Peace.Hugs Sheena.
http://news.uk.msn.com/in-pictures/heroic-animals
Kathy
God bless her. She was so pretty and heroic.
Hugs, Kathy
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
What a gorgeous face. RIP beautiful girl and your soldier. Love and Hugs, JB
KathyR
Dear Sheena:
Sasha, as Kathy and Judy have said was such a pretty girl! A few weeks before Anzac Day the Australian War Memorial here in Canberra held a special ceremony to honour all animals/birds who have served in War. It was a great little ceremony with the dog handlers and their sniffer/bomb detection dogs given pride of place. And they do it simply because they love and trust us. Hugs, KathyR.
Marshall (NC broad)
Such a beautiful face and a beautiful soul. RIP Sasha and your comrade-in-arms, also.
Thanks to all who risk life and limb to protect us. Hugs
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Still quite nice over here,have heard there’s colder weather coming for our Bank holiday weekend It’s the May Day holiday.Is’nt it great about Boo and Buddy in Las Vegas those doggies have a celeb lifestyle!!What happens in Vegas…?remember our Prince Harry!The storms caused such a lot of damage in Arkansas and Fubu said the bad weather was headed to his area last night.We love weather-related stories in the UK!
Patiently waiting Glesni’s 1st egg at the Dyfi she’s showing all the signs, have donated and made my predictions as if I’d ever win!Poor Marty he habbed a tiny sad!He should get to Vegas too!Ray’s videos were so cute he loved his strawberry hasn’t he got the most beautiful paws!Hope you have a Great day.Hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
It will be like summer here today. We’ll get into the 90s!. Enjoy your May Day holiday. Still have to check on the FB furbabies. Boo and Buddy always stylin’…Who can forget Prince Harry in Las Vegas?!! Terrible tornados back east. So much damage and loss of life. Horrible. So glad all is going well at the Dyfi. Marty would be a big hit in Vegas…or anywhere for that matter. Love Ray’s sweet face and paws. Must go check on everyone now. Have a wonderful day. Hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.
Terry Crow
It was accounts of Prince Harry’s visit to Vegas that convinced me he is my kind of guy.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Okay, I checked on the FB furbabies. Omigosh! I don’t think ANYONE looks as good as Boo and Buddy in their Trump bath robes. Adorable! Ray certainly is a dainty eater. My 3 would have wolfed down that strawberry in about 3 seconds! lol Marty is not a fan of Mondays. I’m right with him, there! Bye for now. Hugs, Kathy.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Carol.Pawsitive thoughts for Roxy with the vets today.So glad the storms passed you by.Such devastation.Hugs Sheena.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max and Z Fans:
Just found this video of Dynaformer; don’t know if you’ve seen it before. I think the handler says he’s a big boy, 17 hands and weighs about 1550 lbs. Wow. Talk about doing your own thing, your own way, when you want to. What a handsome boy he was. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM7JBtxqF9Q
Max
JudyB. I’ve seen that one before, but I never get tired of looking at the videos. Here is a favorite. Listen to the comments – Wow! – when Big D saunters out of the barn. You can see that he is only just tolerating the situation for the benefit of his admirers. Love that shiny dark coat too.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=CT8icIrA5KE
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
No doubt about it; he graced you with his presence. Look at those ears! Love and Hugs, JB
Jade
It’s too funny that Dynaformer was a “bad boy” and yet crazy fast on the track, if you check his breeding you can see he goes back through “Flaming Swords”, “Rouge et Noir” and “Eight Thirty” to Man ‘O War and his Daddy Hastings (also to Hastings through “Johnstown” and “Traffic Court”). Both were known “bad boys” and though Man ‘O War produced speed on the track in every race, Hastings was known for his speed as well. His main issue was focusing on the race.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Judy, what a big boy, 1550 lbs! That’s why it is worth wearing steel-toed boots, though I don’t think that would help! Just think, our Zenyatta is 17.2 hands I believe but I would never think she weights near what this big boy weighed. Handsome horse for sure.
Thanks for the video.
love n hugs, Sally B
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sally:
Yes, he was a handsome boy. No, Z never weighed that much; maybe close when she’s carrying her foals. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max, Sheena, Ann, Peggy, Marshall and Z Fans:
Cloudy, chilly day here. Lola Mae and I are spending time looking for Thoroughbred videos on the net instead of what I should be doing, cleaning the apartment. I found this one of Secretariat and the second one of two of his descendants. Thought I was looking at Charlie. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0wjoZTUgYs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5hb_kqnemQ
Max
JudyB. Very nice videos. I see the resemblance in your Charlie.
Love the video of Secretariat in the winner’s circle. Wonderful. What a lively horse he was to be that feisty after setting a record in the KD. Beautiful conformation too. Amazing.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Glad you like the videos. Big Red looked like he could have gone around again in that video. Amazing boy. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Thanks JB.
I would rather clean the barn anyday!
Great videos, yes, I can see Papa Charlie, too.
Big Red did not care about those roses, incredible footage and what a great handler/friend he had in Eddie Sweat.
OK, back to my cleaning. The return of the college coed and stuff….help!
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Ann:
Yes, Big Red was not keen on the Roses. I guess he decided it wasn’t so bad after all and went on to wear the Black Eyed Susans for the Preakness and the White Carnations for the Belmont. Glad you enjoyed the videos. Love and Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
I hope the contributions of Eddie Sweat do not get lost to time. Definitely an integral part of Big Red’s greatness.
Janie (in L.A.)
Happy Birthday to darling Barbaro, our angel in heaven. I too was so heartbroken about him that I turned away from horse racing until Zenyatta came along and I got hooked all over again… we miss you, sweet boy and I know you and your dad are together and having a grand ol’ time.
Donna Olinger
They look so happy together…mother and daughter. I am sure Zenyatta, could not be more proud of her little “princess”. She is adorable with her curly mane!!!! I hope they have a great Spring/Summer together…..and that she grows up to be as pretty as her mommy is and just as special to everyone.
Be a good girl and listen to your mommy….she knows best !!!!
Mark
I think a great name for that beautiful little lady would be Zen O War.