Happy Wednesday!
As you may know, we were in Kentucky last week visiting Zenyatta, 14Z, and Ziconic. We posted photos from Lane’s End on Instagram and Facebook throughout the week, and we were happy to see so many of you following!
It still felt like summer in Kentucky, and we arrived to a beautiful full moon. We brought lots of pears, carrots, and mints with us and spent time with the horses every morning and afternoon.
This trip was extra special because Jeanne, April, and Jackie from Mayberry Farm were in town for the yearling sale. They were thrilled to spend time with us at Lane’s End and to meet Ziconic and Z Princess for the first time. It won’t be long before Ziconic goes to their the farm in Ocala for training.
Scroll down to see more photos from our visit. One of our favorites is available in the shop today!
Today’s post is dedicated to Street Cry, who will live on through Zenyatta, her children, and champions around the world.
Enjoy!
-Team Z
Photos by Kyle Acebo.
Bluegrass Girl
Darren Bird Art on Daily Mirror story Sat. Sept. 20 2014
This is all I have to say on the matter! #SpecialDelivery #DailyMirror
https://twitter.com/DarrenBirdie/status/513086828694749185/photo/1
Peggy (N) South Georgia
So Sorry California Chrome.
Did you want to be on the outside. I think so.
It’s Ok. Love you so much.
Congratulations Bayern and all Connections.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Goodnight. So sad about Wiggy. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties
Max
JudyB. I know how you feel about Wiggy, but the Brits used that method as humanely as possible to avoid the problems that Sheena mentioned. It is used in North America too. Injections can prolong pain and the horse might be in a worse situation. It is terribly sad that any horse has to be euthanized with whatever method. Wiggy was a real warrior, especially at Woodbine.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Terribly sad. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. It is getting to the point of being unbearable. Since our Tasty went, it is very very tough to recover after each one of our horses leaves us. All these beautiful and noble creatures who are with us for so short a time. At least Big D had a long life and kicked butt every day of it. You are lucky to have Frank to visit. It’s hard not to smile when you are greeted by an emu.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
You make me smile and so does Frank. As I was washing the stalls the other day, I could hear him making his “boom” noise. I think he needs another Emu for company. I have to tell Angela that.
I have to agree with you, it’s getting more and more difficult for me to be keen on racing or breeding. Once you are around the horses and get to see what social and emotional beings they are, you want them to just be able to be. As much as I know they are born to run, it’s a tough, confining life for them as race horses. Yes, some like Big D, have had long, content lives doing things their way. Most, not so lucky. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Frank might be using that sound for calling out to get a share of some stud muffins? If Frank is around those horses long enough, he might think that he’s one too. Not a bad life.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Frank might like the stud muffins. Have to check with Angela to see if she thinks he should try one. Love and Hugs, JB
Ashton
Dear Judy and Max
I wholeheartedly agree! The song to this video I did of the great CIGAR sums up my feelings. “Let Horses Be Horses.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5H4jNKPlqE&list=UU-zp455aqQujf4T5kmwPLBQ&index=19
RIP STREET CRY
I will always be grateful I got to meet you last year.
Happy Retirement to GAME ON DUDE & WILL TAKE CHARGE. May you have pastures of sweet grass and people to love and be loved back forever.
Thank you to Z’s connections for the updates.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Ashton:
Love your beautiful video, the song and the horse. As Tom Durkin said in the 1995 BCC, The Incomparable……. Cigar. Thank you for sharing. Love and Hugs to you and yours, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Z Princess:
Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Safe and sound always. Love Ya. Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy
Hope you have a wonderful time at the farm tomorrow. Yes, I think Tapit and Street Cry are very proud
Oh, Geeky Gorgeous is on I believe tonight at Charlestown. Hope TVG airs it. Thank You for telling me the number of the race. Race l0
Congratulations to Runningwiththelute. Wow, you won again today. Are you on fire or what.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
You’re so welcome. Post time for the race is listed at 9:45 PM. She’s No. 4 at odds 5-2. Godspeed GG. Congrats to Runningwiththelute. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.I am so sorry CC didn’t get to win on his return,maybe he will come on for the run.I admire the Daily Mirror for posting these photos.It is the hidden part of racing we never get to see.The screens go up and,of course, we can guess what’s happening.Wiggy was a very brave horse to the end.The vets over here think it is the most humane method.It is all over so quickly.As a horse lover I want to see everything!They give their lives in the name of sport.God bless you Goodnight to you LM PC HT Little Cap Hercules Frank and all the Sweeties.Love and hugs Sheena.X
Max
Sheena. I agree with you about everything that you have said. I also hope that you do not have to go through endless constitutional wrangling. The UK is a green and pleasant land. You should be able to enjoy life there without any unnecessary domestic turmoil. More Kauto, less Dave.
Freedom for our wild chestnut. Beast, Dan and Snake, snooze time.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Yes, I hope CC is OK.
I know how much you love horses and if you say that this method is quick and painless for the horse, then I believe you. I do not think it’s done that way here in the States. I’m pretty sure they euthanize on the track by injection. Hopefully, they make sure the horse does not suffer. Either way, as Max said, all the loses lately have just been too much to take. So very sad. God Bless you. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties
Max
JudyB. As Sheena says, it’s not a pleasant subject, but it is a part of racing, and not only in the UK. Euthanasia of horses by shooting, usually with a pistol, is done both in the US and Canada. Its use depends on the situation. In a case like Wiggy, it’s done by a vet because it’s the quickess way to relieve the horse immediately of further pain. That’s the theory anyway.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
I was just unaware that method was still being used and I was under the impression that here in the states we use lethal injection when they are severely injured on the track. I know, it’s the very sad part of racing. Love and Hugs, JB
debbie s.
I have not been a racing fan until Zenyatta’s comeback,very new indeed.Really,I have always worried so much that I never had the heart for it.Then I saw the good side of it with all of you and with Zenny and her family and connections. Now I just don’t know.
Congratulations to Bayern and his people.When Bob Baffert said that he had always said that Game on Dude wouldn’t run when it wasn’t fun anymore,that was good.Now I hope he makes sure with the owners that Dude gets a very good home.
Dear Chrome
You have accomplished so much already,nothing to prove..It must have been so frustrating to be boxed in today with nowhere to go. You are a champ and we love you.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Geeky Gorgeous wins The Pink Ribbon Stakes at Charlestown. Her first time to run there. Hope to see a lot more of you at Belmont and Aqueduct this fall Our beautiful Jersey Girl you did wonderful. Congratulations.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Peggy,
Congratulations to Geeky Gorgeous on her Pink Ribbon Stakes win! Cheers!
Big Hugs
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Marshall & Judy
She’s the daughter of the Devil His Due. Beautiful Father and Daughter.
They say he looks about like he always did. I think she’s just gorgeous too. And, she sure likes to win races.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Congrats to you and your girl, GG. Splendid win. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Peggy and Z Fans:
Here’s GG winning the Pink Ribbon Stakes. Very impressive. She really is gorgeous. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/race-results?startDate=9%2F20%2F2014&endDate=9%2F20%2F2014&trackLookupId=481&type=AllRacing&statesBred=&searchStateBredPlacers=false
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy
Thank you so much for posting the race. It’s so wonderful to get to see her.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks, Judy B., for posting this race. GG is very impressive and quite a looker, too! Congrats to all connections, also.
Love and Lots of Hugs
Marshall (NC Broad)
Happy retirement (a safe one, too) to Game on Dude! Job well done, beautiful boy! I hope a lot of TLC and fun days lie ahead for you — you have certainly earned it.
Hugs
I think I have finally caught up, Whew!! My internet was out for two days, and TWC has corrected the problem at last. Mine was not the only one, apparently — it was an area problem or at least a neighborhood one. I have left replies on the previous pages, starting with 6 (or maybe 5?). I’m sleepy so Goodnight to all!
Always enjoy our Z’sters’ comments. Love to Z, Coz, Zi, 14Z!!
Hugs
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R:
Just read your Tiny T update on Page 6. She is so sweet and she loves her Mum. I am so very happy for both of you. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
Answered your post to me on Page 7. Hope CC came out of the race well. Maybe he just needed this one and he’ll come back strong next time out. Love and Hugs to you and Reilly, JB
debbie s.
Dear Peggy
Congrats to GG and to you.You are a true horse lover and she will always have a good life. I can tell how deeply you and Jerry and Ann and so many others love these beautiful animals. Hugs and goodnight Peggy. D
Judith Ochs
Thanks for the pictures. To me – Zenyatta looks better. She looked very very tired and now she looks like her old self. So glad she has gotten a break from continual pregnancy/deliveries/nursing.
debbie s.
ps Peggy
I just watched the race and Geeky Gorgeous looked wonderful. I loved it when she took off on the final turn.What a gal!!!!
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Debbie
Thank you so much. Yes I do love them so much. Just adore GG’s dad too.Devil His Due.
Anthony Andrews
I love visiting this website. Every time I see that beautiful face, I remember all of the memories from not long ago. The summers at Hollywood Park, the fall racing at Santa Anita, and the two visits that I took at Barn 55 back in 2010. Zenyatta will always hold a special place in my heart, and it brings me joy to see the legacy that she is creating at Lanes End. I hope someday soon to visit her at her new home and perhaps rekindle that magic that she shared with me and my mother not all that long ago.
debbie s.
Dear Judy,
Thank-you for the link. Hope you have a good day tomorrow.I am going down to bath Ash-should be interesting.
Goodnight,sweet dreams, love and hugs, Debbie
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear debbie s:
Enjoy your visit with Ash and let us know how the bathing goes. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Rest In Peace Polly Bergen
So sorry to hear of your passing.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
RIP Polly Bergen. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Yes, RIP Polly Bergen. Always enjoyed your work, talented lady.
Hugs
KathyR
Greetings from General: I just wanted to thank you all so much for your kind and caring messages to my Mum. I’ve posed for some photos to show you that I’m getting better.
http://www.dropshots.com/pandkr
Max
KathyR. You are indeed lucky to have someone to advise you on your work. That rug shows just how tiny Thurzel is.
Free the Moose. Are you writing your constitution? Get help from Glesni and Monty. They have international experience. Beast and Snake, it’s a day to rest. No rest ever for the most interesting horse in the world. You have to live up to your rep.
Barbara Wood
Kathy R–SO glad to see General doing well. Hugs.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
It seems only right that the General should supervise :-). Wow – the size of that rug!!
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R:
So glad General looks great and feels better. I agree with Max, the size of that rug shows just how “tiny” Thurzel is. Love and Hugs to all of you, JB
Kathy
September 21 Cherokee Devotional
Can there be anything more beautiful than the seasons of a tree? A tree stands in beauty form year to year and keeps its grace and dignity. Its secrets are at its center and it tells nothing of people and their passing events. We learn when we watch a tree. It constantly prunes itself, continually sheds any excess. When it is growing in a difficult place it sends down deep roots to grapple for a firm footing. Every leaf is unique beautiful-but also they serve to remove toxic poisons from the atmosphere, and send out a clean fragrance to shade us from heat. To sit beneath a tree, or to lie on the earth beneath an oak is the essence of pleasure. But to see the topmost leaves that no human hand has ever touched is to see a common miracle-a miracle with a message that says to get a firm footing in everything that is good and stand tall with our eye on the sky.
It may be that some little root of the sacred tree still lives.
Black Elk
Sally B. (Auntie cherishes Z and her young)
Thanks Kathy, I really enjoyed this one.
Sally B
Kathy
Hello Sally B.,
You’re very welcome!
Roberta
It makes me so upset when riders ride a race to prevent on horse to win, instead of racing to win. California Chrome, was immediately set a pond by at least two jockeys, both outside, one in front, and one alongside. At least twice California out by bumping, or gave up and went up in the inside, only to get bumped again, just when the jockey was asking him to run. All this bumping and frustration takes a lot out of a horse, especially his first race back, a tired the. Only then, did the jockeys turn their attention to the winner, TOO LATE!!!!!!! If the jockeys hadn’t done that, I believe California Chrome would have at least been second, and for sure they wouldn’t have given the
race away. This is no way to treat these beautiful animals that give their all for us ; give them the r y deserrv3
rac awa
Roberta
It makes me so upset when riders ride a race to prevent on horse to win, instead of racing to win. California Chrome, was immediately set a pond by at least two jockeys, both outside, one in front, and one alongside. At least twice California out by bumping, or gave up and went up in the inside, only to get bumped again, just when the jockey was asking him to run. All this bumping and frustration takes a lot out of a horse, especially his first race back, a tired the. Only then, did the jockeys turn their attention to the winner, TOO LATE!!!!!!! If the jockeys hadn’t done that, I believe California Chrome would have at least been second, and for sure they wouldn’t have given the
race away. This is no way to treat these beautiful animals that give their all for us ; give them the respect they deserve. It’s alright to do good race riding, but don’t gang up on one to prevent it from winning. The sport needs champions, why destroy something that helps the sport and your livelihood? deserrv3
rac awa
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.So sad to hear your neighbour died from ovarian cancer,we call it the “silent killer”.Hope Zoe and mommy enjoy their walk.I was even sadder to read Maisie’s post about the little boy who died Supersam.We all have much to be grateful for.Yet more tears for Joey seeing the pics when he had cancer.He was a brave pusscat and deserved a longer life.Lovely story about Handsome Harry and his recovery.Why don’t they adopt him?
Mango’s mum is on her way home she goes to the valley every year to meet up with other bikers.I do hope she has a safe journey. Mango and the sissy’s will be so happy to see her.Did you see the video of a woman dancing with her dog I think it’s on Little Cakees page.Not certain.You’ll have good company with the pups while Steve is away!!Boo’s heading for his 16million!He looked very studious in his specs.Have a blessed Sabbath.Hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
It’s always heartbreaking to lose a loved one way too soon, be it human or a furriend. I agree with you that Handsome Harry would make a fine addition to the station! Mango’s mom has had quite a journey. I know Mango will be overjoyed at her return. I’m not finding the video of the woman dancing with her dog. Yes, the pups always take good care of me in Steve’s absence. Boo’s popularity is just overwhelming. His pic with all the books and his specs is adorable. It would make a great poster for the library! You have a blessed Sabbath, too. Hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.
sheena.davies(wales)
Hope this link comes up from RP.A very balanced view of euthanization of racehorses.Hugs Sheena.
http://www.racingpost.com
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max and Peggy.The Japanese stars have arrived in Chantilly this morning ahead of the Arc.They had to travel by road from Amsterdam because of the strike.Harp Star was exercising after the long journey.Moose what’s the name of the new country!!I’d love to live there with you and the ospreys!!Freedom for all!Sheena.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Sheena
Thank you so much for letting me know they have arrived safely. Wow What a long trip
Dear Max,
Oh gosh don’t know if I would want to bother Gold Ship today, though. Somebody might get bit or kicked. I bet he’s mad about that long trip.
Max
Sheena. Read in the RP that the trip for those Japanese horses was 35 hours. Tired just thinking about that. Harp however looks pretty together on her arrival.
Moose may decide to name his country, Mooseland. Moosie with his Irish heritage may be a republican, but if he decides to seek union with the UK, it could be the United Kingdom of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Mooseland. I’d live in Mooseland, where the wildest of horses rules.
Freedom for our Moosie. Beast, Dan and Snake, take care of yourselves.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Yes, just makes you tired thinking about that.
debbie s.
The facebook page on Chrome reads:
The Chrome team:
“Baynern’s team has shown great sportsmanship by the comment they left on this page.You ran great and congratulations on your win.’ (Very classy).
The Bayern team wrote earlier:
“You did great in your comeback and I’m sure you’ll give me a run for my money next time we meet up.”
Good sportsmanship means a lot,let’s start to see it on the track.
How frustrating for Chrome .Art Sherman said that he thought Victor would go after the lead earlier,go outside and run second.Espinoza said that he knew he was boxed in and didn’t push him- sixth meant nothing in terms of what was possible-a bad trip.
I had wished Chrome would run in California for his return,the name of the race escapes me but it even had a good omen for him. Chrome is a great horse and I hope next time he runs he can really run his race. Win or lose we love him,but let him run.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Roberta, Debbie and Janet.
I did leave watching Horse racing for a while after Barbaro and Eight Belle’s death. Just could not watch it anymore. Too upsetting, I watched them being made go into the starting Gates and lots of them balking about it and some just refusing to go. I had become to believe they just don’t want to do this. (Well a Lot of them I thought didn’t.)
I become to think it was just too cruel. I heard Greta VanSusteren say on her TV show that she would never go to another race. I thought am I wrong by watching this.
Then along came Zenyatta and several more that I came to really love. You know God gives you little que’s in your life if you will listen. It’s just about love, I can’t take them off the race track and they are there. My cue that I realized was to be there with them in their life. My prayers, My love for them. If I can’t save them all, I can help save some by my prayers and love. I have to let God take care of the rest. Yesterday was upsetting again, and you don’t know what to think or do about this. I saw California Chrome being Which what I guess I called being picked on by a couple of Jockeys. Knew what they were trying to do. Keep him confined. Trying to keep him from getting out. I was so angry. This is so horrific to me. Bad Bad Sportsmanship to me. How do we as fans take this. So much can happen to horse and rider just by fate on the track, let alone jockeys doing this bad riding. Is all fair in riding on the track. NO, NO, NO. I don’t think so.
OK, I’ve ranted. But I’m not happy about this. Stewards need to be more strick about this. What my eyes could see on TV yesterday was upsetting.
Janet Newman
Dear Peggy,
I know there are many varied views and I respect everyone’s.
I sometimes think why do I let my heart keep getting ripped up by watching these lovely creatures give all that they have. It goes from the lowest ranked claimer to the best champions. I find myself thinking I should give it up, but then I realize that there will always be sadness and pain involved in this sport. I have to believe that the creator is far wiser than me and that their fate in life is known by him. I don’t have to like it, but eventually I accept it. As harsh as it sounds, losing their lives on the track, on the farm in the breeding shed, etc.., is far better than ending up in a slaughter house.
As far as CC’s race, he had a target on his back and call it “race riding” which I believe is used as an excuse. (my opinion only) far too often, All of those jocks are not stupid and knew who they wanted to beat from the break and it wasn’t Bayern. CC may not have won first time back, but why not defeat him on the up and up I say.
The BC Classic will be interesting. No Palice Malice, no Game on Dude and now no Will Take Charge.
debbie s.
Dear Kathy
I am so sorry on the loss of your friend.Words can’t express the sadness when we lose a loved one.
Hugs,Debbie
Kathy
Dear Debbie S.,
Thank you so much. Lucille has been gone now for quite some time. She was a lovely person. Kept an immaculate home. Always had all the tests we women need to have annually. It was a shock when we heard the bad news. She didn’t last long afterward.
Hugs, Kathy
Bluegrass Girl
Champion Will Take Charge Retired
By Evan Hammonds The Blood-Horse September 21, 2014
Will Take Charge, last year’s 3-year-old male champion and Horse of the Year finalist, has been retired from racing. He will take up stud duty for the 2015 season at Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky.
The horse was retired due to a mild strain to a branch of his suspensory apparatus. Given the horse’s value at stud, a decision was made to retire him. A stud fee has not yet been announced.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/87504/champion-will-take-charge-retired#ixzz3DyImGy9c
Ann NC
Thanks, BGG.
Congrats on your fine career, Champ. Bring on some more big blazes! Good luck.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thank you for this info on WTC. Have a healthy, happy retirement Beautiful Boy. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Here is an example of a horse who was boxed in during his race and slipped noticeably on the wet turf, but he never gave up, fought on and found the path to victory.
This is but one reason why he is the most interesting horse in the world.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Njbvl9T6QuM
Ann NC
Thank you, Max. They don’t call him “Hedge Trimmer” for nothing.
Janet Newman
Max,
Wise Dan is the most interesting horse in the world and I an hoping to see him at Keeneland on my trip. I guess I will never understand why you have to try to beat a horse by boxing them in. If you think you have the best horse, take them on even terms. Why risk the horses and riders. Again my opinion only.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max, Ann and Z Fans:
What a horse! King of the Chestnut Club. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Dan won the Firecracker despite the fact that he was targeted by the other horses, (winners always get targeted because it’s part of the game), broke from gate 1, boxed in, rain pouring down, lightning bolts flying, slippery turf and carrying the heaviest weight. He was nearly bumped over the hedge as he made his way relentlessly through the pack. A champion horse like Dan with a steel will to win will find always a way even if it’s by using his nostrils. When Dan loses, he takes it like it has to be taken. Dan just moves on to the next one. That’s horse racing.
Ashton
Dear Max
We have a mutual love for Wise Dan. I was blessed to see his Firecracker and all his races at Keeneland since. He is amazing and his connections are wonderful with visiting him. Also, I was blessed to meet Tasty with my family. Like you, I’m still recovering from her passing. I’ll be there in two weeks to see him.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Ashton:
So good to hear from you. Love and Hugs, JB
Barbara Wood
Hello, Ashton. You have been missed! Hugs.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max and Z Fans:
It is, indeed, part of the game. I have seen a lot more blatant and dangerous bumping. One example, the incident to MMM in the 2011 Belmont was a game changer. He was deliberately targeted by a jockey who was replaced as his rider. Extremely dangerous and put other horses and riders at risk as well. The jockey was suspended for 10 days for his reckless riding. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Max
Yes Classiest Horse in the World. Just love him. All Heart.
Thanks so much for the video We gotta love em and pray real hard for them.
debbie s.
Dear Peggy
Your post was heartfelt and so true. It is upsetting but we need to make a difference in whatever way we can.
,Max-yes,we’ve got to love them and pray for them..
Now off the spend time with |Ash, in my little corner of the world.