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Send Us Your Breeders’ Cup Photos!

Dreams of riding Zenyatta…

Happy Tuesday!

We had a great time at the Breeders’ Cup, and we hope many of you did as well. We’d like to put together a special gallery of fan photos from the event. If you have photos to share, please send them to fans@zenyatta.com.

Photos should:
• Be related to the Zenyatta events in some way
• Include your name (for photo credit)
• Include a caption (who, what, where) if you would like it to be published
• Be under 1 MB in size

Please note that all submissions will be considered, but publication is not guaranteed. We will not reply to emails sent to this address.

We can’t wait to see your photos!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

211 Comments

  1. / Reply

    WHAT A GREAT IDEA. You guys are the best. I think you deserve a big pat on the back so go ahead. pat pat
    I can’t wait to see them myself.
    Thanks Team Z and LE

    • / Reply

      Sue – congrats on being #1 on this one, and while there’s a chance that you might see this post, I want to send a HUGE “thank you” to you for organizing the Zentastics handicapping team. When I first saw all of you talking about it, I thought it was pointless to try to play given my limited knowledge about the horses and racing. However, after the first week, I realized that players received information about the horses so I decided to give it a shot.
      I have to tell you that I never would have known ANY of the horses who were running in the BC races had I not done this. It was great fun (I really miss it), and I learned SO much!! So MANY thanks from all of us for getting this up and running (the hardest part was signing up – I hope they make it easier the next time!!!). Many of us would have come out better in the end if poor Questing hadn’t encountered her eye problem.
      Sandy (aka Loch Lomand)

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue

      I have to concur with Sandy’s appreciation to you for organizing the BC capping. It was fun and provided us with a lot of info that we may not otherwise have been able to follow. I looked forward to it each week. Thank you very much.

      Now looking forward to see all the photos of the get together at the BC!!!

    • / Reply

      I did have a great time with the Zentastic team myself. I miss it too. I will be glad to set us all up again next time. Thanks to all of the CAPERS for playing along. I do appreciate your kind words Sandy and Mary.
      I hope to see lots of dumplings in the photos.

      This is the best and most friendly group of plain old folks. We are just having fun and enjoying each other. To think Zenyatta did all of this just being her perfect self. HUGS
      Sue

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue FI CPRC:

        I just want to thank you for setting up the Zentastic Team and to apologize for being the only member to score a goose egg. Will try to do better next time (if you’ll still have me as part of the team). Hugs, JB

        • Dear Sue,
          Had more fun that I thought I would being on the Zentastics,
          thanks for taking the time to organize this very fun activity
          for us. It was very stressful at first, but then got into the groove,
          but bombed on quite a few.

          Sooo very hard to think with your head and not your heart when placing
          bets.

          Judy B we are sooo lucky that you participated as part of our team, winning or losing, it was great fun.

        • Dear Sign and Sue:

          Thank you for being so kind, but I hope I can do better next time. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      DEAR TEAM Z,

      You are truely the team that keeps on giving and we are soooo very lucky and greatful.
      What a wonderful idea and sooo look forward to seeing all of them. Just sooo
      much love the Zenyatta Special and the DVD. Looking forward to purchasing a few
      for Christmans Stockings.

      Dear Ann,
      So much love the part where you said, “Zenny is such a perfect woman and represents
      women so well”. She is definately her own woman, not saving humans or equines, but
      helping in OH so many ways. Getting involved with wonderful people that treat her so well, not controlling folks, who try and give permission, when there is none to give,
      pretend they know things when they don’t, and who are not genuine or sensitive
      to anything but themselves. WE ARE SOOO VERY LUCKY TO HAVE HER AS A ROLE
      MODEL TO SHOW US HOW WE CAN TRUELY BE OURSELVES, WITH A LOVING FAMILY,
      NOT A DEPENDENT NEED TO BE IN A PAIR OR A GROUP.

      THANKS SOOO VERY MUCH FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE THE WONDERFUL
      BREEDER’S CUP 2012 FOR THOSE WHO WERE THERE AND THOSE WHO WERE IN SPIRIT.

      YOU ARE ALL SUCH WONDERFUL AND GIVING PEOPLE AND WE ARE SOOOO VERY LUCKY THAT ZENNY CHOSE YOU AT THE KEENLAND AUCTION !!!!

        • Yes, HRTV and TVG will show the races! TVG is live at the track with peeps on the ground for coverage of the races and interviews! Races start at 12:30 pm PST – Ebby race is at 2:00 pm. I already have my poster made to cheer on Ebby for her first start! GO TEAM E!!! E BACKSIDERS LOVE YOU! ♥X ♥X

        • @Jan S., you can also watch the race on calracing.com. You have to sign up in advance, but it’s free. (Don’t wait until the very last second!) It’s only available to U.S. residents, though.

        • Auntie Judy and Karen,

          I am so glad you both will be there in person to cheer on Ebby. Karen, I just know you will take great pics and video for all of us to see, right? Have a great time ladies, wish I could be there.

      • / Reply

        Maureen
        Does Karen Gogue or Robyn have your email? I want to write to you, but I’m not sure how to reach you. I don’t want to post personal info on here… Thanks!

    • / Reply

      THANKS SOOO MUCH TO THE CALI DUMPLINGS FOR CHEERING ON “E” IN PERSON
      AND SHARING THE EXPERIENCE WITH ALL OF US.

  4. / Reply

    What a wonderful idea for those of us who could not attend this year.
    One really does not appreciate the size of Zenyatta , just look at the little girl how small she is next the Zenyatta’s stature WOW,
    Thanks Team Z
    love hugs and kisses

  7. / Reply

    A fabulous idea Team Z. Can’t wait to view the gallery.
    The shot of Zenny & the little one is a great capture.

    Love and kisses to Zenny & 12Z. :)

  8. / Reply

    Dearest Z Family,

    I HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO CAZENOVIA! I got my acceptance letter today! I’m over the moon and I am receiving a $20,500 scholarship renewable for four years! God is good. Praise The Lord!

  9. / Reply

    Oh Pati—Congratulations!!!! You worked SO hard for that!! And to have a scholarship too–WOW!! I’m so very happy for you and I know all the other Zsters will be hoof-raying you too!!!I’m STILL so sorry I missed you at the races—I really was SO looking forward to meeting and talking with you!! Hopefully,it will happen someday!!

    • / Reply

      One day. If the BC comes to NY in 2014, you and I will have a short trip to get to the track! Then we can meet face to face!

  10. / Reply

    The photo gallery sounds wonderful. Will be anxiously watching for it.

    Congratulations, Pati on your college acceptance and scholarship. Really wonderful news.

    I’m so excited about Eblouissante’s debut race. I’ll be glued here watching the race on Cal Racing. So happy to have it. I haven’t seen Mike Smith listed to ride in any race. Does anyone know, is he vacationing?

    Paynter’s recent news just warms the heart. Mr. Zayat is definitely a compassionate owner…very happy for him. Hope the good news continues.

  11. / Reply

    dear pati congratulations you deserve it after all your hard work good luck for the future!! what a beautiful pic of Z’s statue and such a great idea lanes end about the photo gallery look forward to seeing all the pics hugs sheena

  12. / Reply

    Thank you Team Z. this is a great idea. For so many of us it was our first BC. it will be fun to see that others saw.

  13. / Reply

    Team Z …you always strive and succeed to make us feel like family. We can’t wait to see the photos of a magical day. That photo of Zenny’s statue is magnificient.

  14. / Reply

    What a great idea…a photo gallery for all of us to share! Zenny, your folks always make things interesting for us. A HUGE thank you to your team for providing more excitement for we, your loyal subjects.

  15. / Reply

    LOL Darlene Daniels! Yes, my ole trusty video camera WILL BE with me to hopefully record Ebby’s first win – LOL! But GOSH, just to see her finally in a race will be enough and to root for her as she embarks on her racing journey! GO JOHN – BARN 55 TEAM E!!! Hope her groom Mario will lead her out to the paddock – he’s been missed out there with the horses he takes care of. I know she’ll make a ‘pretty picture’ as Mario is top notch in that department – as is ALL John’s horses! His horses are really striking out there when they come to post into the paddock.

  18. / Reply

    SINCE THIS IS THE WEEK OF “E’s” Debut,

    SEEING SHADES OF ZENYATTA IN HER HALF-SISTER
    NOVEMBER 2012

    Seeing shades of Zenyatta in her half-sister
    By Glenye Cain Oakford

    LEXINGTON, Ky. − As the Thoroughbred world speculates about what a Bernardini-Zenyatta foal might look like, there are a handful of people in the sport who already have an inkling.

    This possible hint of things to come is named Eblouissante, and she is Zenyatta’s 2-year-old half-sister by Bernardini – the closest thing available to the mating cross Ann and Jerry Moss are planning for their reigning Horse of the Year.

    The man behind Eblouissante’s pedigree is her breeder and owner, Eric Kronfeld, who also bred Zenyatta. The Mosses have not given many details about why they selected Bernardini for Zenyatta’s first mating, but Kronfeld’s logic for pairing Bernardini with Zenyatta’s dam, Vertigineux, might shed some light on the cross’s appeal.

    By A.P. Indy, Bernardini was an unproven sire, but like Zenyatta’s sire, Street Cry (another Darley stallion), he had impressed Kronfeld with his size and racing ability.

    “I said, ‘Bernardini is one of the best horses I’ve seen recently, and his Travers at Saratoga was one of the best races I’ve seen,’ ” Kronfeld said. “And I think Quiet American broodmares are just the best things that ever were, ever, on the planet. So what Bernardini is, you have an A.P. Indy out of a Quiet American mare, and that nick fits perfectly.”

    Winter Quarter Farm owner Don Robinson, who has managed Kronfeld’s mares for about 25 years, said he likes what he has seen of the Bernardini-Vertigineux cross so far.

    “After Zenyatta, I don’t second-guess any of his matings,” Robinson said of Kronfeld.

    Eblouissante, foaled on Jan. 27, 2009, was a dark bay or brown filly whom Robinson describes as “an absolute queen, just elegant.” And, for the record, no, she doesn’t do that dance, and she has no white markings. But there are some similarities between Zenyatta and Eblouissante.

    “She has as much presence as any young horse I’ve ever been around,” Robinson said. “It scares me. She’s completely herself, very independent, but in a good way. She’s sweet, but not sugary. Very businesslike. She was definitely the dominant one, but in a kind way, with the other yearlings. I watched Zenyatta at Lane’s End several weeks ago when they first introduced her to the other maidens, and it’s the same thing. It’s not a kick-your-ass kind of dominance, but it’s like they just knew who the boss was. Eblouissante is very much that way.”

    Eblouissante – which means “dazzling” in French – is in training with Mickey Preger Jr. at the Camden Training Center in South Carolina, where she is up to galloping 1 1/4 miles. She is already about 16.2 hands, and no one expects her to start until age 3, Kronfeld said. When she does head for the racetrack, it will be to Zenyatta’s trainer, John Shirreffs, in California.

    “We’ll send her to John sometime, maybe Del Mar-ish or when they come back to Hollywood, whenever Mickey and John think the time is right, knowing she’s going to race next year,” Kronfeld said.

    Robinson broke Eblouissante at Winter Quarter in Lexington, Ky., and sent her to Preger in Camden in early December. Preger also gave Vertigineux her early prerace training.

    “Mentally, she’s a different type of horse,” Preger said of Eblouissante, the first Bernardini whom Preger has had in his barn. “Extremely intelligent, almost out-of-the-ordinary intelligent.”

    Getting Zenyatta’s half-sister initially was nerve-wracking, Preger acknowledged, but Eblouissante has given her Camden caretakers no cause for concern. Preger’s five exercise riders take turns getting on her and report she is easy to handle.

    “She’s a baby, but she has more the disposition of an older horse,” he said. “She takes in everything about her and has a real cool attitude. She’s just a really good-natured filly. Even if she wasn’t who she is, she’s just a different type of horse. She’s neat.”

    Kronfeld, an investment banker who also owns the film, record, and television company Maverick Productions, has known the Mosses for 45 years. But he says they never discussed whether Bernardini might be the right sire for Zenyatta’s first foal. But the Mosses and their advisers visited Winter Quarter Farm several times, and they were impressed with Eblouissante, Robinson and Kronfeld said.

    “Having seen the physical specimen, he knows what the cross can produce,” Kronfeld said of Jerry Moss. “And now, in the last six months, Bernardini has hopped up and, wow, what a first year. He’s now certainly a top-class sire. Whatever Zenyatta has will be a three-quarter brother or sister to Eblouissante. The nick is right, the physical specimen is right. If luck is on his side, sure, why not go with a sire that looks that good?”

    Kronfeld decided to sell Vertigineux two years ago but let it be known he would agree to a sale only if the buyer let him keep her in utero Bernardini foal. Fetal gender testing had indicated the foal would be a filly.

    “I don’t think I’d have felt so strongly if it had been a colt,” he said.

    Coolmore Stud owner John Magnier agreed to the terms, and Kronfeld sold Vertigineux privately for a price he felt was “absolutely spot-on when the market was good.”

    Kronfeld and Robinson said they hope Eblouissante eventually will carry on where Vertigineux left off in Kronfeld’s broodmare band.

    “Every professional who has seen Eblouissante has said that she is the closest physical specimen to Zenyatta they have ever seen,” Kronfeld said. “They look like twins.

    “There’s never going to be another Zenyatta,” he said. “So the best we can hope for is a good, stakes-winning horse. And let’s treat her that way.”

    Kronfeld and Robinson said they are planning a trip to Camden this month to see Eblouissante, but Kronfeld is keeping his dreams about her on an even keel.

    “I don’t want to jinx it,” he said. “Too many things can go wrong in this game. I’ve been ridiculously lucky in this game, I know.”

    • / Reply

      Great article. We will root for E and I do not think anyone
      here would compare her to Zenyatta, since she is and will always be the original.

      But I think E will come up with her own style and we will love her for that.
      I wish her well in her races and most of all prayers that she and her opponents come through the races safe and sound.

      • / Reply

        Dear Janet,

        Sounds like it is a tough field she is facing.
        And they say on 7% of John S first time starters win.

        Best of luck to her and a very very very safe trip.

  20. / Reply

    Dear Judy Berube

    I was going to tell you I took some pictures of Quiet American on my visit to Darley. In one where he was sticking his head out of his stall you can sure see the resimblance Ebby has to him. And you are right Bernie looks so much like him. I was thinking by Ebby’s dark color she may look more like going towards Seattle Slew but I don’t think so .She and Bernie look so much like Quiet American. I think definately they got his body sleekness. And yes you and everyone are right she got Vertineux’s personality. And I can’t leave out Indy, he has a good personality too.
    The day I visited Quiet American he seemed a little excited that day. Don’t know if he is always that way. Something I think was on his mind that day. He seemed to want out of that stall. He’s a beauty though even at 26 and I just love him.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N,
      Love to hear about all of your visits. I guess at 26 maybe he still had the girls on
      his mind !!!! As he knew the shed was rockin’

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N.:

      I would love to see the photos you took of QA. If you can send them to my e-mail; rberube59@cox.net.

      Yes, I do think Bernie and Ebby favor him. The wonderful temperament of Z and Ebby comes from both sides; Vertigineux, A. P. Indy, Bernie and Street Cry. Even The Prince has inherited that sweet nature.

      I was reading up on Quiet American and came across this article from 2008. He has produced some very fine offspring including Real Quiet and especially through his daughters (like Cara Rafaela) grandsons Bernardini and AP Warrior, and at the age of 26 is still an active stallion at Darley Stud. Hugs, JB

      http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/scot/archive/2008/08/29/this-thoroughbred-stallion-is-all-american.aspx

  21. / Reply

    So glad that In Summer Bird’s sale they do have a buy back clause in there that they will buy him back at the end of his stallion career. The article said that money is being kept for this. Soo Glad

    Did any one here ever find out if I’ll Have Another had a buy Back clause in his sale? I hope so.

    • / Reply

      Peggy (N)

      I was glad to see Winstar is putting money in an Escrow to be able to bring Summer Bird back to the states when he is retired from stud duties.

      I believe Reddam asked for the first chance to buy I’ll Have Another back, but
      I do not know if that was in reference to the end of stud duties or if they (current Japanese owner) look to sell him at any point in time.

  23. / Reply

    To Z’sters,
    Is there someone named Suzanne Roy who sent me a message? I do not recognize the name and am uncertain whether to open the e-mail. Are you on our Zenyatta site?

    Please respond here!
    Thanks

    • / Reply

      A reply to my own post:

      I hope I haven’t cut anyone off, but with no response here and not knowing anyone by this name, I have deleted the e-mail unread. I wish there were some way to quarantine or sequester messages like this so one could read them without causing computer problems if it is a virus, worm, or Trojan horse. It could be deleted in a safe zone.

      To all Z’sters, hugs and have a good weekend — Good Luck to Eblouissante, the Mosses horse (Belonging?), and safe racing to all entries!

  24. / Reply

    Smerdon fined $10,000
    Posted by: AAP Filled in: Australian Horse Racing | 14/11/2012 at 1:15pm

    Top Melbourne trainer Robert Smerdon has been fined $10,000 after being found guilty of negligence in allowing a horse to be treated on the day it was due to race.
    The stewards rejected Smerdon’s assertion that the horse, Shewan, had been treated with a permitted substance on the day prior to a raid on his stable on Caulfield Cup day.
    The rules of racing prohibit any treatment being administered without permission on race days.
    Veterinary evidence at Wednesday’s inquiry was that Shewan had been treated within 30 minutes prior to it being inspected by stewards.
    Racing Victoria vet Dr Brian Stewart told the inquiry the blood on Shewan’s neck was “quite clearly fresh”.
    “I can’t imagine a situation in a healthy horse where there is that amount of seepage,” Dr Stewart said.
    “In my experience, it does not happen.”
    In handing down the penalty, chief steward Terry Bailey told Smerdon the stewards were “somewhat perplexed at your lack of assistance to the inquiry”.
    Smerdon indicated he would consider an appeal.
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/smerdon-fined-10000/175481 #ixzz2CA9MlYTp

  25. / Reply

    Andrew Bensley tweet
    Racing Vic stewards agree that Rob Smerdon played no role in Shewan
    getting some treatment.
    Samples from horse have returned negative.

  26. / Reply

    Paynter Update Tues. Nov. 13 2012

    Mr Zayat was asked in a tweet about Paynter’s future
    is he going to try to make a come back in 13 ? Or the breeding shed ?

    Mr Zayat answered the tweet with:
    you will see him at the track for 2013 . Please GOD . !
    He can’t wait to see his friends. #PowerUpPaynter

  27. / Reply

    Did anyone see on Horse Racing News site today that there is a buzz going around that John may scratch Ebby Friday for a couple more practices, and start her instead in 2-3 weeks? People are trying to find out more according to the comments. Want her to be ready myself. High expectations all around.

    • / Reply

      Have never seen you on this site before, are you trying to create an issue
      that does not exist????

    • / Reply

      This might be Horse Racing Nation information, and it might just be gossip. Backstretch Z family have said otherwise, so I am not too worried about this. Not everything is posted aloud online. Some people take privacy very seriously.

    • / Reply

      Someone on HRN started this rumor. First, she’ll be scratched if it rains, then, she’ll scratch and wait a few more weeks. Well, like Pati said: There hasn’t been anything said by the Connections, so, why the speculation?

      • / Reply

        The blog on HRN is very inaccurate. And since JAG posted the video everything is on. Is it really going to rain in CA this weekend, don’t think so.

        • Well you know how it is, someone could magically conjure up a big raincloud and just soak Hollywood Park for that one race.

  28. / Reply

    Dear Team Z:

    What a beautiful photo of Z’s statue. Thank you for sharing, especially for those of us who were not able to be there in person to see it. Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    Someone please record Ebby’s first race and put it on Youtube,
    since I’m from Germany, I will not be able to watch it in another way!
    Please!!

    • / Reply

      Sandra,
      If it is posted & I am fairly sure it will be, I will be glad to do this.
      Sign is another Z-ster who is great about sharing these.
      I know someone will have on this site.
      Keta

    • / Reply

      Sandra,

      I am sure someone official from TVG or HRTV with video and post the race.
      We will get it on the side ASAP for those who are not able to see it.

  30. / Reply

    Kate Hunter‏@KeibaKate tweets on Summer Bird & King’s Best
    What a big day for Japanese breeders! King’s Best and Summer Bird are Japan bound for the 2013 breeding season!
    King’s Best stands in Japan in 2013. Darley moves him to far east.
    Japan breeders buy Summer Bird for stud
    WinStar: Summer Bird headed for stud duty in Japan
    Summer Bird has been sold to the JBBA, same operation that stands Charismatic, Silver Charm, Empire Maker, and the late Chief Bearhart.
    Oh and before the peanut gallery starts yelling slaughter, the JBBA pensions ALL their stallions for LIFE at their lovely farm in Hokkaido
    And most owners over the past 10 years do have buy back clauses. Silver Charm, I’ll Have Another, Roses in May, etc

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