Happy Wednesday!
Alys took these great photos of Zenyatta playing in her paddock. We think she looks especially beautiful set against the snowy Lane’s End landscape.
Team Z and the staff at Lane’s End are getting ready for the arrival of this year’s foals. Accordingly, we’d like to invite the next round of questions for our “Ask The Experts” column. Questions related to the foaling process will be considered first, but all questions are welcome.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Edit: We have receieved so many great questions from all of you! Submissions are now closed for the time being. If you didn’t get a chance to ask your question, don’t worry, there will be more opportunities in the future.
Some of you have recently asked about the Zenyatta Shop. Our apologies, the Shop is closed at this time. If you have any outstanding orders or inquiries, please contact us by emailing info@zenyatta.com.
-Team Z
Anne from Paramount, CA
Oh my everyone, what a day! So distressing to learn of Rachel Alexandra. To Rachel and all her connections: Thinking of you to get well SOON!!! Good to hear the news about her filly.
Judy Berube, that’s really good news about HT! Congrats!
Trina, thanks for the thoughtful poems.
And Dawn, thanks for the card!
Linda in NJ, enjoy your vacation!
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone in this, our family.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Anne:
Thank you. All of the EAN Aunties and I are so happy we were able to get HT.
Prayers for RA and her feisty little filly. Hugs, JB
Max
Here’s a link to an interview with a spokesman for Roode and Riddle about the medical condition of Rachel and her foal. The foal sounds like she is a feisty little filly, trying to kick down stall doors in the hospital at 1 day old! Prayers for her and Rachel. Power up Rachel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKEYWBuq74w&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Zenyen
Another feisty foal! As I recall they used those terms for Taco as well when he was was a newborn.
Rachel does seem to pass on her fighting spirit to her babies, I anticipate both Taco and his ‘little’ sister will be something else when the time comes for them to take to the track.
GirlSaratoga
Max:
Thanks for providing this informative link to hear the interview by Dr. Riddle about Our Sweet Rachel. It sure sounds like her little girl is quite a handful already! Happy to hear she has already bonded with her new step mommy, and both filly and nurse mare are doing well. Now all our thoughts and prayers go to Rachel for a full recovery so she too can return to Stonestreet Farm.
With Much Appreciation
GirlSaratoga
Kathy R.
Dear Max: Thanks for posting this – unfortunately my system is sulking and I can’t get the sound up. But trust you folk to keep me informed.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Thanks for this video on RA. Keep fighting sweet girl. Hugs, JB
AJ from CA
My prayers go out to RA for successful recovery.
Shari Voltz / Ohio
My prayers go out to RA also.
Keta
Rood & Riddle tweet RACHEL ALEXANDRA SURGERY UPDATE INTERVIEWS
@StonestreetFarm
Here is the link to much of the press conference that was had here regarding Rachel.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/12354/rachel-alexandra-surgery-update
Keta
This video which was on The Blood-horse has interviews with
Dr. Alex Riddle, and two other vets who are tending to Rachel Alexandra.
Talks about the post-op care & meds.
Barbara Banke also in on here–you can see the fatigue & sadness in her face
from watching Rachel go through this.
Keta
Max
Keta. This poor woman has had a lot of stress in the last few days. It was reported that she was at the birth at 2:30 am on February 12 and then went with Rachel to the hospital on Wednesday night. She needs some prayers too, as do the Stonestreet personnel who are connected to Rachel.
Louise Castello
Max, Seeing Barbara Banke in that video just breaks your heart, doesn’t it? Bless her heart, I just want everything to be okay for her and Rachel. I hope Ms. Banke is able to rest soon with some good news. Anyone who thinks these owners don’t love their horses just needs to watch her in this video. I will keep praying hard!
Keta
Stonestreet Farm tweet 36 minutes ago
There is no change in Rachel’s condition tonight, which is good & she enjoyed a mint.
She is so courageous in this most important fight.
Keta
Royal Delta Bigger, Stronger for Sabin
Gulfstream Park News 02/14/2013
Royal Delta defended her title in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) last November at Santa Anita, but don’t count on history repeating itself at Gulfstream Park in Sunday’s $100,000 Sabin (G3).
The daughter of Empire Maker followed up her 2011 Ladies’ Classic triumph with a distant second-place finish in her 4-year-old debut last February in the Sabin, finishing eight lengths behind favored Awesome Maria. In the aftermath of Royal Delta’s 2012 Breeders’ Cup score, trainer Bill Mott has seen physical evidence that the 5-year-old champion is ready to offer a better performance this year in the 1 1/16-mile stakes for fillies and mares.
“She’s stronger than last year. I think the campaign at 4 was easier than the campaign at 3. She beat older mares in the (2011) Breeders’ Cup. I think she was a little tired, a little light (last year),” Mott said. “She’s a bigger, stronger filly this year. I think she’s grown into her frame a bit more.”
http://www.gulfstreampark.com/racing/race-info/news/royal-delta-bigger-stronger-sabin
Last line in story reads:
Royal Delta is scheduled to be ridden Sunday by Mike Smith, who won four of five starts since becoming her jockey following last year’s World Cup disappointment
Janet Newman
Go Royal Delta!
Bill Mott thinks she is even stronger this year.
Prayers for a safe race and a win for RD and jockey
Mike Smith.
Keta
Andrew Bensley tweet
Moody stable has saved 2YO, KONA BREEZE for Blue Diamond Saturday week.
Scratched from Flemington tomorrow
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@zenyen–thanks for the information. It makes perfect sense when we think about it. It makes realizing RA cannot nurse her foal a little easier to bear.
Denise
My prayers to RA, R&R, and her connections during this difficult time.
Mrs. Banke, please keep the faith – I know your decisions are hour by hour & day by day, but RA will guide you every step of the way – no matter how difficult – you will know what is right for her.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Tough day today — Happy Valentine’s… but sad for what Rachel A. is going thru. Sad for her foal, sad they had to be separated — but glad she has a nurse-mare to love her. I’m hoping that Rachel is strong enough to recover well.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
I also caught up all the posts — Debbie G., I didn’t know you had met Rachel A. in a big way Sorry her untimely illness has got you, and all of us, down.
Marty R / Colorado
So many things to comment about tonight. I’m glad to hear that no change in Rachel’s condition is a good thing.
Zenyen- Thank you for all your comments explaining the reality of how things are, so easy to understand, even though we may wish they could be different.
Trina- Two more wonderful poems today. I believe in the Rainbow Bridge ( it just helps with the pet losses) and I have several there romping around.
Judy Berube and the EAN folks- Congratulations in bringing HT to a good home.
Thanks to everyonel for the caring and sharing and kindness to all. I hope there were some happy times this Valentine’s Day.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marty R.:
Thank you from me and our EAN group. It’s good to have HT safely on the farm with PC.
Keeping RA in my prayers too. Hugs, JB
maureen
Hi Queen Z, I hope you had and awesome day today. Any visits from your mama and papa and perhaps Mikky and Dottie? Am sure they all sent their love and Blessings including peppermints and fruits especially carrots!
Did your pesky Prince come by to say hi or did he just send flowers while holding court with all the young filly’s on the farm.?
Still praying for Rachel A, and standing on Faith that she is and will be okay and her feisty little tyke. God’s speed RA.
LOL to all.
maureen
Hi Queen Z, I hope you had an awesome day today. Any visits from your mama and papa and perhaps Mikky and Dottie? Am sure they all sent their love and Blessings including peppermints and fruits especially carrots!
Did your pesky Prince come by to say hi or did he just send flowers while holding court with all the young filly’s on the farm.?
Still praying for Rachel A, and standing on Faith that she is and will be okay and her feisty little tyke. God’s speed RA.
LOL to all.
Kathy R.
Ruffian: This story on one of your great horses was in the paper (Canberra Times) today:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/sport/horseracing/illfated-filly-at-least-the-us-equal-of-moodys-star-20130214-2ef6p.html
Janet Newman
I remember the race and watching as a young woman,
my heart sank. She just did not want to quit. She was a
beauty. I still cannot watch that replay. I could not watch the movie.
Black Caviar your Nelly is a jewel for your country.
Big hugs to your girl and may she cross the finish of
her race safe and sound.
Marshall (NC broad)
Goodnight all and remember Rachel, babyRA and nurse-mama in your prayers.
Best wishes to the entire RA team, too.
Sweet dreams, Zenny and 12Z. Hugs
Rose Edwards(Quarterhossgal)
My heart sank when I heard the news about RA. The pictures posted the day of the filly’s birth were so beautiful. Rachel looked so happy with her new foal. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her human family. Horses hold a special place in our hearts. Their health can change so quickly so we experience many highs and sadly the lows.
Dawn Conrad / Colorado
Dear friends, I am glad you enjoyed the Valentine’s Day card I posted. So many happy memories for us all. Thank you for your kind words. I thought all of the Valentine wishes expressed today were wonderful. Trina, your two poems were absolutely lovely. Debbie G, I believe in Rachel also, she has the heart of a lion. I continue to join all of you in sending healing prayers to our beautiful girl. And to the love of my life, Zenyatta, sweet dreams, hug and kisses. Love, Dawn
Elizabeth in NM
Dawn,
Thank you for the beautiful card. It expressed the joy so well that we all have experienced together over the years loving Zenyatta. Also, I love your writings on The Vault and comments on Bloodhorse. God’s many blessings, Dawn
and to everyone here in Zenny’s Website Family
maureen
Dawn, you always say the nicest things, Thanks. Yes we will all stay in Prayers for
Rachel A and all her connections. Hugs to all and goodnight. Better news from Rachel tomorrow. We have an Awesome God who never fails.!!!
Kathy R.
Terrific comment Maureen. Hang in there Rachael. Keep working St Francis.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Rachel Alexandra,
On my knees this morning praying for you. Power Up Rachel.
May the good lord and many angels pull you through this. I have prayed for some of my special angels to pull you through this too.
May devine Intervention pull you through this, as I feel it helped me to see you in 2009.. Love You Rachel
Power Up Rachel, Fight Fight Fight.
Dawn loved the video.post
Cathy M. / Richmond VA
Thank you for posting the article regarding Ruffian, I was there that sad day. A little girl then but still carry the memory of that race like it was yesterday…it broke my heart.
Prayers to Rachel and her connections for a speedy recovery and that she and her foal be reunited.
Prayers to Zenyatta for strength and well being during her soon to come foaling of a healthy foal. And to all her connections, may they have good health as well.
A little prayer for all:
For my Family and Friends whom are ill especially Rachel Alexandra, “Lord hear my prayer”.
Mary, Mother of Jesus and spiritual Mother of all who follow Him, I ask you to watch over my loved ones with maternal affection. I pray especially for the gift of good health of mind and body for my family, my relatives, my friends and myself.
Blessed Mother, when we are ill, help us to bear patiently with sickness and suffering.
I place in your loving care all my personal needs and health concerns, that you may bring my petitions each day to the Heart of your Divine Son. Amen
Kathy R.
Dear Cathy M: Many thanks for that lovely prayer. I’m pleased you liked the little piece on the wonderful Ruffian – only came to know about her through this site – the power of Zenyatta. Hugs, KathyR.
shirleeinindy
Anxiously awaiting news of Rachel this morning. Was afraid to get on the computer but no word yet. Hopefully, that is a positive. I know she is getting the best of care and is surrounded with loving people, especially Ms. Banke and Jess is watching over her. He seemed to love Rachel so much.
Keta
NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS ON RACHEL ALEXANDRA
Rood & Riddle tweet
For now assume that no news is good news!
We will post as updates come. As will Stonestreet Farm
FOAL UPDATE
Stonestreet Farm tweet
She was placed with a nurse mare today (14th) and they have bonded well.
Abigail_1849
Good morning everyone. Like all of us here, I am pretty well fixated on my sweet Rachel and also opened the iPad with trepidation.
On Stonestreet Farms FB page, the most recent is that Rachel had a good night and even had a peppermint this morning. And glad to hear from our Keta that Rood and Riddle will follow “no news/good news” policy.
I’m guessing the next few days are the most critical but feel that the fact she had a decent night after a long surgery augurs well for her strength and determination. For those wanting the latest updates, I would suggest the Stonestreet Farms FB page or Stonestreet Twitter…..or Several Dumplings, like our Keta, right here! LOL!
Here’s a votive from Brian Zipse who does Zipse At The Track and adores Rachel. He called this ” Even at two, we knew….”
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=MTQ6nV_4JCA&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DMTQ6nV_4JCA&gl=GB
Abigail_1849
Hello there Big Girl and Prince Z:
What did you get for St. Valentine ‘s Day? I’m guessing a basket of carrots and pears? A call from Ann and Jerry? And, of course, a zillion kisses — from me!
Love you, Zenny!
maureen
Hi everyone, it will be an awesome day because Rachel A will be sending us good news from her end and her little angel joining her soon. Again, our God is a mighty healer!. It is well.
How is our big mama Queen Z doing today?, did Bernadini send any flowers?, after all he was her first love and the first love is always the sweetest. Looking great though our Queen is.
Any sighting of the pesky prince yet. I just love the way he his always the leader of the pack!, what a charmer.
Calling on all my Zenny family to pray for the safe return of my cell phone!. Thanks.
A Blessed day to all and God’s speed for our Rachel A’s recovery.
carolinarkansas
good morning Zenny….hope you are doing well…keep up with the routine…
Hi to Z12 and all his gang of friends….run and play…school soon
PUR….sending prayers to Ms Banke and all of RA’s connections….RA never gave up on the track …she did not disappoint then….she will fight this and win…from my lips to God’s ears…please
love to all
kisses for all soft noses
Abigail_1849
Forget to mention that I ordered a copy of “NOOR ” by Milton Toby and I just can’t put it down! He writes beautifully, the photos are fabulous and Our Charlotte is centre stage in the narrative!
For those “younger Dumplings” — Charlotte Farmer was active during the time of Zenny’s original diary and was responsible for locating champion Noor’s grave, having his remains exhumed and driving him across the country to be interred in the Graveyard of Champions, at Old Friends in Kentucky.
Without Charlotte, NOOR would have been covered over by a new development and, like Omaha, lost forever.
A portion of the sales goes to Old Friends.
It might be a post-Valentine treat you want to give yourselves — or give to a friend!
shirleeinindy
Abigail,
Your posting about Noor brings to mind some discussion I saw here on the Blog and the Forum too quite some time ago as the where Seabiscuit was buried. There was speculation that a parking lot had been built over the top of his grave. Had surgery and missed some time so was wondering if anyone knew any more about this.
If he is there, we need to bring him home to Kentucky and Old Friends.
Especially Horses / So Cal
I’d like to know too. I knew his resting place was unknown but I always thought it was remote enough that it would never be developed. I hope there is still an oak tree over The Biscuit.
Karen Gogue / My ♥ is broken / PUR
Here is the FB page Justice for Seabiscuit. Lively debate about his gravesite, you may have to scroll way back to see the posted comments. He IS buried under the parking lot.
https://www.facebook.com/JusticeForSeabiscuit
Karen Gogue / My ♥ is broken / PUR
P.S. You’ll also read Charlotte Farmer’s posted comments about Biscuit. This was so close to Char’s heart some years ago. She had first hand experience with this before *Noor.
sheena.davies(wales)
dear max it seems RA’s filly has inherited her mum’s spunk no news is good news as the saying goes RA is having the best care unlike some of the horses over here new stories every day!!kauto is nursing a large polo hangover today after raiding the fridge and supersteves no wonder very quiet neigh!! hugs sheena
Max
Sheena. 13RA is a feisty filly and not so little. Barbara Banke said that the filly is tall for a newborn and has to bend down to nurse. Let’s hope that she continues to do well as the filly is the bright spot in the story. Like everyone else, this situation with RA for me has been upsetting. However your post about Kauto and his quest for polos brought a smile. Did you notice that Kauto is now recommending that he get his own tv show. I’m for that. Neigh!
shirleeinindy
Just to give you all a laugh on this day of waiting for news of Rachel. I remember visiting on Claiborne Farm many years ago, early 70s, I think, and was told women were not allowed in the breeding shed when the actual breeding was taking place. Wonder what they thought we would do? Faint or attack any human male in sight?
There were very few, if any, women working with the horses in those days. We have come a long way.
Especially Horses / So Cal
@shirleeinindy: Thanks for sharing something on the lighter side this morning. I needed that and it gave me a giggle.
Ann NC Power Up RA
Thanks Shirlee.
LOL!!!
Yep, I’d say the girls have come a long way in the “good ole boys” club!
PUR!!!
Jan D./ Texas
Thank you so much Cathy M. / Richmond VA for the beautiful prayer. I to just hold my breath everytime I turn on my computer. Prayer is so powerful. I know she can do this.
sharon in seattle
I know what you mean about holding your breath. We’re all in this state of suspended disbelief. How can this happen to beloved Rachel? Power up, girl, we’re all cheering for you!!