Zenyatta

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Some New Photos!

Photo Courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo Courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Monday!

Alys sent us some photos over the weekend. She caught 12Z having a good roll and Zenyatta spending some time (and sharing apples) with Donna.

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
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


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
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


Photo Courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo Courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Reader Interactions

1,386 Comments

  1. / Reply

    SEA MOON UPDATE Andrew Bensley‏ tweet
    Sea Moon has arrived in Australia. Started quarantine in Sydney.
    Lloyd Williams says a start in late March is option then spell for Spring

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: I’m posting this out of sequence – maybe Midas had to go to free up a box for Sea Moon? Lloyd does seem to have an interest in things lunar – Green Moon won the Melbourne Cup last year after all! Hugs, Kathy R.

  2. / Reply

    Kathy R This is interesting. Hugs, Keta
    Andrew Bensley‏ tweet
    Lloyd Williams confirms MIDAS TOUCH has been sold to American interests.
    Unsure whether horse runs again or becomes a stallion straight away

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: Heard your mate talking about this with Sean Cosgrove on Skysportsradio this morning and was a bit surprised that Andrew didn’t have any more information. Pricked up my ears when I heard he was going Stateside. Will be interested to learn who has acquired him – he’s a nice horse. Lloyd Williams has a habit of buying internationals, keeping them for a bit, and then moving them on when they don’t serve his purpose any more (like winning a Melbourne Cup). Hope he goes somewhere caring though! Hugs, KathyR.

      • / Reply

        Kathy R
        From the bits & pieces of the puzzle, we eventually will get the whole picture.
        When I saw the MIdas Touch story, wondered who the Americans are?
        And, when I saw Sea Moon + Lloyd Williams and Midas Touch + Lloyd Williams
        wondered what the connection was.
        So, you & I have part of the puzzle. I”ll be on the look out for USA side.
        Hugs, Keta

        • Dear Keta: Saw in one of my newspapers today (The Australian, which I can’t copy from, unfortunately) that Lloyd will bring Brett Prebble from Hong Kong to ride Green Moon again in the Spring Carnival. He (Lloyd) said he’s only going to race the horse lightly, with the sole aim a go at the Cup again.But no mention in the article about Midas Touch! We’ll get there! Hugs, KathyR.

  4. / Reply

    Before I fall asleep from muscles relaxants…
    Congrats to Optimizer….one of the few of my derby picks from last year who ….is still running ….won today….ran 14 times as a 3 yr old…talk about remaining sound and durability …may he keep up the good work

    • / Reply

      Carolina, I, too, love Optimizer! He is a really hard-trying horse. He has done better in Grade 3 races, and not so good in the upper echelon. I don’t know whether it’s due to the erratic (my perception anyway) way he has been raced. He has run in 7 G1 races and the best he ever did was a third in the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland as a juvy. He has an 8th, 9th, 11th, 6th, 10th, 11th in his other starts in G1 races. In 5 Grade 2s, he has two seconds, two 4ths, a 9th. The highest level win was a G3 at Delaware in the Kent Stakes in September, and now the G3 Col. E.R. Bradley….was so happy to see him win this one so impressively. He seems to thrive on this heavy schedule, and he has stayed sound….he’s just amazing. To me, it would make more sense to keep him in Grade 3 races and get some more wins under his belt, and then step him up to see how he does. He’s only 4, and his pedigree suggests he should be able to do well at the higher levels….some horses are just late maturers (Pleasantly Perfect didn’t do much until he was 5!). Here’s looking for Optimizer to have a good year as a four year old!

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol,

      Hope your back is better, those muscle relaxers should really help.
      Watched Optimizer’s win and oh what a win it was. He was a really
      great competitor on the Turf.

      Go go go Optimizer !!!!

  6. / Reply

    John Shirreffs has FAR ROCKAWAY, a 3yo Moss colt, running in race 7, 6 ½ f MSW at SA today. Post time 3:35 PM Pacific. Good luck to Far Rockaway.

    • / Reply

      I may just get home in time to see that. I have my gun school today. Seven hours of training and shooting. I am not sure what would take seven hours to learn about a gun but I guess I am going to find out. I will let you know if I hit anything.

      I was thinking wouldn’t it be fantastic if we had a search button. If we could search to find something in this post or a previous one. I can’t always remember where something I am looking back for is.

      Just a suggestion Team Z and LE.
      Happy Sunday God bless

      • / Reply

        Sue – you can try using the “Find” function (usually under the Edit menu of whatever internet browser you’re using).

        • Yes, the Find function will work page by page, but (and I know you have already lamented this, Sandy) ONLY page by page, which can make the search quite lengthy. If the Team Z Tech Team can solve this for us, we would be ever so grateful. In the meantime, thank you, Team Z Tech Team, for all you are already doing so magnificently!

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue,

        Be careful with those guns, maybe your facebook friend will be impressed
        and write you your next birthday, or else. HA HA.

        Truely, something to learn. Let us know whow it goes.

        • I had a great time it was such fun.
          I was nervous at first but the instructor was so nice it helped me relax.
          I did really well for my first time.
          I am looking forward to shooting again soon.

          TC I just flushed when I got back home.
          A bit late so I did a double.

          Thanks for the tip on the find function ladies I will give it a try.

        • Dear Sue,
          Did a little skeet shooting a few years ago.
          It is quite challenging for someone with limited
          Eye hand coordination like me.

          Glad you are doing so well !!

    • / Reply

      Dear Trina:

      Just checked and Far Rockaway has been scratched from the 7th Race at SA. Could be the track conditions not to JS’s liking. Hope it’s nothing wrong with FR. Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    TC oh CRAP !!!!!!!!!

    I almost forgot today is the BIG DAY.

    We are honoring our famous toilet guy. TC he has the same initials.
    When should the flushing begin?
    Rednecks around the world prepare your toilets……

    Oh Happy Day!!!!

  8. / Reply

    Congrats to Rosie and Joyful Victory. They set the track record at Sam Houston yesterday. Rosie had a very busy day. Joyful Victory is a daughter of Tapit. He is really making a name for himself as a sire.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirleeinindy:

      Thank you for the info on JV. Always loved this beautiful gray girl. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Wow! High hoof to Rosie and Joyful Victory. Thanks for sharing, Shirlee. On a side note, Joyful Victory always brings our dear celestial Dumpling, Kari Bussell, to my mind.

    • / Reply

      WHOO HOOO (posted the bloodhorse article below);

      Love this win, too Shirleeindy, hope she is back for good.

      And to break the track record in the first Houston Ladies Classic,
      a memorable moment for history.

      • / Reply

        Trina,
        An important reminder of Ann Frank’s words from our gifted poet!
        “You can always, always give something,
        Even if it’s only kindness!”
        We shall never forget!
        Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Thanks for posting Sheena.
      Yes, We should never forget this horrific event.
      Survivors of this time are few and far between.

      • / Reply

        Dear Sheena : Join with others in thanking you for this post. Never again. I also remember this time as near the date when the American troops freed my Dad who was a POW after being captured in Tobruk. That’s where my love and gratitude to America came from.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      A lovely reminder of the Holocust Memorial day. We have a Holocaust
      museum here in Houston. One of my friends, father and mother – in -law
      survived Aushwitz (sp?) and volunteer at the Museum frequently. Her
      father- in – law is on the board and a Charter member. The museum is
      a very powerful experience and depicts the tragedy these people lived
      for many years. To survive this experience is amazing.

      I also had a patient, whose passport is in the museum, when he came to
      the US as a child with his parents to escape from the tragedy. He was a delightful
      man, build a paper company that made Millions here. He was also very generous
      realizing that ” life is precious and can end before we know it”.

      Love the Ann Frank poems, one of my favorite books growing up.

  10. / Reply

    TESSA UPDATE: Tessa is very alert this morning. Her head is finally up and looking over the gate. She is talking again. I think we may very well be over the hump here, keep the prayers coming.

    Well, she is feeling better! Still waiting to see how she will fair with the farrier and the vet when she gets her check up, feet worked on, and teeth floated. But, all seems well this morning. A round of applause for her foster mom. She did an awesome job with Tessa. When she is stronger and feeling better, she will join the SHERR crew. At which barn, I am unsure of, but I imagine the main barn for the time being, but I do not speak on behalf of Gin, so we will wait and see.

  11. / Reply

    Kathy R:
    Thanks for the explanation on MOL.

    I wasn’t sure if maybe she shared, in a small way, a bit of Misty of Chincoteague background (a filly born to a wild horse), or what.

    The feral filly she is beautiful and fast!

    • / Reply

      I was wondering the same thing (will not exactly about that horse, but whether her background was on the wild side) so thanks for asking, Especially Horses, and thanks for the answer Kathy R.

  12. / Reply

    HOLY CRAP !!! Been busy again…….luckily I came back in the nick of time so I could join the flushing party……..been saving it all week, ha, ha just kidding. I would feel terrible if I failed to be here on this auspicious occasion. Where is our fearless leader, I hope he checks in, to think we would never have known about this day if not for him.

    Congrats to all the winners, so happy for Pulpit daughter’s (?) win, and for the fabulous Kuaui Katy’s win. God speed to all running today.

    Soon we will be counting down to our Queen’s big day, hope all goes well for my beautiful Mama Z. EARnie looks great in the pics, what a life he has running and playing all day. Soon his work will begin. Kisses on your noses. Hugs to all

  13. / Reply

    A Birthday Poem for Penny Chenery
    January 27, 2013

    Happy birthday, Mrs. Chenery!
    Thank you for all you’ve done for horseracing,
    Including embracing
    The greatness of Z,
    Awarding her the Vox Populi
    And anointing her “Racing Royalty”
    Alongside that other Thoroughbred
    Of highest renown,
    Your very own Big Red,
    Who famously outsped
    All comers for the Triple Crown
    And crossed the wire
    On fire,
    Thirty-one lengths ahead!
    Here’s to you, Mrs. Chenery,
    And to the boldly courageous,
    Yet unfailingly gracious,
    Life you have led!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY, MANY MORE!

    • / Reply

      Yes, happy Birthday to the First Lady of Racing: Penny Chenery! What a grand lady she was and still is.

    • / Reply

      A very Happy Birthday to Penny Chenery! We join Trina (not as eloquently, of course) in thanking you and wishing you well.

    • / Reply

      Sincere Happy Birthday wishes to Mrs. Chenery! Good health and many more happy years to come. Thank you for all the wonderful times you have given us!

      Trina,
      Thanks so much for this lovely poetic tribute to Mrs. Chenery. The best just keeps getting even better!

    • / Reply

      Thanks for that, Trina! I remember seeing Penny the day of Zenny’s Vox Populi ceremony, and also her cameo in “Secretariat”, I thought was a classy move. Happy Birthday, Penny!

  14. / Reply

    Rightful Image Update: (I have not read blog since Thurs eve, but have seen emails, and thanks everyone!) Rightful is okay, but his racing days are over. (Without knowing for sure, we “knew” that when it happened on Thursday.) As a result of Rod’s and Mike’s texts Friday am, we learned that he had a left leg “susp” (suspension?) and would be at the track this weekend if we wanted to visit. Well, of course we did! So there we went yesterday, but it was only yours truly who visited Mr.Rightful. That time of morning–7:30 or so, track and backstretch was VERY MUDDY–Mike warned that our shoes would not be the same afterwards. Rod put one foot on mud and it went straight through tiny hole in shoe (old shoes), so he said he would wait for me. I had to wait for MANY horses to go by–going back and forth to the track–then I made my way,with mud up to my ankles. Hard slogging, thinking maybe I should have had my cane, but that might have been worse. The barn was not that far (thank heavens he had moved recently) but it was not easy. Once in barn, all was well, normal sand and such.There he was, his left leg in a– well, kind of like a hard sling, but he could stand on it. His right leg had a normal white bandage on it. He was not tethered to anything. Considering all, he seemed “okay,” not in pain (that I could tell), although probably he was medicated for pain. He very willingly let me whisper sweet nothings in his ear as I stroked his face and mane, and this was WITHOUT carrots. I told him how grateful I was he was okay and also how sorry we were. After a while I asked for some carrots, which he eagerly ate; it was THEN that I could not touch him unless I had the carrots–that was normal! As I was making my leave, someone else brought me MORE carrots, so that meant some more Rightful time! (I’m guessing some noticed my being there a while– not sure, as they were all busy working.) Then I slogged back across, no change in MUD. Had lots of cleaning up to do before getting into car and then at home later–I never got into a shower so fast. Cold feet! (:-))
    Where Rightful will go now, we are not sure. Probably to a farm. Mike said he would be at the barn until he “stabalizes,” not sure how much longer that will be. He–Mike- also said in the text to Rod that he was sorry. One of our partners (we ran into her at Cl. Crnr) would like him to eventually be a therapy horse, but who knows.

    Working backwards (know this is long), going home Thursday afternoon was a gloomy silent ride, punctuated by “This sucks,” and a few expletives. This was the first horse we have had that has had an injury. Not that we have had a ton of horses, but we have been fortunate in that area. We all know what can happen. In fact when we signed the different ownership papers it states that the “highest of highs” and the “lowest of lows” can occur–probably not an exact quote, but…and we are thereby made aware. We had earlier planned that if he won we would go to the Derby Restaurant to celebrate and if he got claimed we would go to CLAIM Jumper–we thought we were so clever with our play on words. Well, we did not feel like eating at all, so….

    But now we are happy he is up on his feet/legs and at least ALIVE.
    P.S. MY shoes are not what they used to be…they can remain track shoes, but sometimes I would wear them on casual Fridays–no more. My work is not THAT casual. But who cares, it was worth it, all the slogging, to be able to talk to Rightful and give him a proper goodbye/send off.

    • / Reply

      Anne,

      So sorry, but at same time glad RI is going to be okay.
      Will pray he finds a happy forever home.

      I feel for your muddy shoes. You may want to invest in
      a pair of Wellies to carry in your trunk for future mud encounters.
      Once you buy a pair, then you will probably never need them!

      Hugs to all and especially RI

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne:

      So, so sorry that RI has sustained career ending injury. Thankful that he’s comfortable. My heart goes out to you and Rod and hope RI will be able to have a second career as a therapy horse or someone’s beloved pet.

      Very sad how delicate our beloved horses are and how easily things can change in a heartbeat. All my best to you and Rod. Please let us know how RI is doing as you get updates. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Anne-I remember when this happened to one of my mother’s horses. When it was relocated, used to go visit often. Sorry Rightful can’t race any more.

    • / Reply

      Anne,
      i am so sorry for you, Rod, & the connections. It is a sad time.
      Bless Joe Talamo for easing RIghtful Image when he did and preventing further damage. I was watching the race. It is always difficult to see.

      How nice to be able to visit, bring carrots, and whisper in his ear!
      Hopefully you will be able to do that when RI moves on to his new career.
      Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann,

      I’m so sorry to hear abour RI & his injury, but am happy to hear he will be OK. Please keep us posted on his condition.

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne from Paramount,

      So very glad RI is OK, and sorry that he will not be able to race anymore.
      Was it a suspensory ligament injury? Thanks so much for the update. Having
      slogged many times over in the mud to see horses, so glad you were able
      to make it there and he was so happy to see you. So who gets to keep him,
      sounds like he would be a good retirement prospect. Thanks so much
      for sharing your Ownernship experiences for those who have only owned
      non- race horses. A very different prospect for sure. So sorry that you did
      not have that wonderful dinner at The Derby Club, hopefully it will be another time.

      Went to see The Impossible, so very much understand your feelings after seeing
      it; a very poignant, heartfelt movie of sudden tragedy, loss of family and friends
      and finding them again.

  15. / Reply

    Oh, Anne, my heart goes out to you and Rod and Rightful’s other connections. Thank you for this poignant update. It is so sad, but as you say, Rightful is ALIVE, and I’m sure he when he is feeling better he will be happy and if he could be a therapy horse in the future, that would be wonderful. Best wishes to Rightful Image, you, Rod, and all Rightful’s connections.

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne: Join with the others in my heartfelt sympathy for you – but thank God Rightful is still with us. Prayers that he’ll find the perfect retirement home.

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet,

      This photo is precious. She sure has that innate instinct to protect her
      young from the “cats”. Absolutely love the Winstar foal cam, so very fun
      to watch these foals born and how the mothers take to them and their
      intial behavior.

      Thanks for introducing us to this website. It really is great. Have you been
      able to take advantage of the extra benfits with your Package 3. Sounds like
      some of them would be really fun.

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet, You got me majorly addicted to Winstar foaling cams. It’s ridiculous that I cannot quit watching and now they’re putting up two more foaling cams!! So much fun! Thank you for my addiction. I love it.

  18. / Reply

    More: forgot to say that when there on Thursday prior to race, my “honey” Gary Stevens was sitting out in paddock area (as were we–almost 5th race) near where some Dumplings I know (aha!) sit. He was with some cronies, not sure who they all were. Anyway, once there was a minute, Rod asked him what he thought of Rightful’s chances–he immediately said (while getting out FORM), that he would like his chances better if HE was riding him. We all laughed; then he went on to praise Joe T. and said he thought we had little competition…by then it was only a five horse race.

    Fast forward to yesterday at Clockers’ Corner–there he was again, standing around chatting, so Rod went up to him and brought him up to date, reminding him of our brief chat on Thursday. Gary shook his head and said, “Oh boy, I’m so sorry for you guys.” That was nice.

    Also, have had a chance to scan past several days on blog, seeing several comments of concern about Rightful. Thanks, all…really appreciated! And thanks too to Trina, Judy Berube and Janet Newman for your comments here. Janet, liked your “wellies” comment!

    Trina, enjoyed your poem to/for Penny Chenery.

    Has anyone had an update on the BIG FLUSH??? I will probably be away-soon– for a couple of hours, so perhaps I can do this after the fact? (Better late than never?) TC??? Do we need to flush you out?

    • / Reply

      Anne-Since your spirits are still high, you can be the head flusher this time. Let us know when you want us to do it.

    • / Reply

      Anne, thank you so much for the update on Rightful. So very sorry that this has ended his racing career. Hopefully, he’ll fully recover and be able to have a second career with loving and caring owners.

    • / Reply

      Anne, thanks for the update above and the additional information here. I’m so sorry about RI but glad with you that he’s alive and taking carrots!! Hope he will be somewhere that you can visit. We were all “with you” (and him) on Thursday and will look forward to another horse in your future (who then can be in OUR future :-).
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne:

      Will look forward to updates on RI.

      GS (your Honey) seems like a really genuine, nice human being. Like him. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Anne,

      Is Gary (honey) Stevens not working for HRTV?
      I miss seeing him and miss all of his great comments.
      Guess we all have to move on, bet NBC lets him out of
      His contract especially if he gets a triple crown mount.

      Hope Rosie signs up !!!
      Probably a little too soon for her.

  19. / Reply

    Terry Crow, it is 12:38 here…how about we say 1:00 Calif time??? (Since you asked–and thanks!!!) Anything else we need to know? Oops, almost 12:40. Time to prepare, everyone!

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: Stupid country – we’re now into the “flooding rains” bit (that’s a reference to a famous poem by Dorothea McKellar called “My Country”). The remnants of cyclone Oswald has slipped through Queensland and is moving down the east coast. At least some of the bushfires are now out, but it’s stuffed the racing in some parts. Hugs, KathyR.

      • / Reply

        Kathy R Glad you’re having rain. Apparently lots of it. Saw the helicopter rescue of a toddler from a SUV trapped in a flood. Ended well. Hugs, Keta
        Andrew Bensley‏ tweet UPDATES ON TRIALS
        Randwick trials set down for tomorrow have been postponed until Friday.
        And the trials originally Warwick Farm on Friday are now next Monday

    • / Reply

      Shanghai Bobby got 100 coming in second ….interesting that this is his best Beyer ever….I think ….so he is improving…going to be really worth watching

  24. / Reply

    FORMAL ATTIRE EUTHANIZED
    Jerry Bossert‏ New York Daily News tweets
    Bossert’s Aqueduct Analysis: January 27 http://soc.li/cw940mT
    The inner dirt track is fast and harrowed Good Luck
    Formal Attire was eased in his debut before being vanned off in his second start
    Burning Flame takes it for @GaryContessa but Formal Attire is pulled up.
    Horse Ambulance out on track already
    Formal Attire was walked onto ambulance
    Formal Attire will be euthanized after suffering two slab fractures to his right front knee
    Formal Attire is now the 6th raceday fatality on the inner season
    NYSRWB doesn’t include the fatality of Volition, who was injured in a race on 1/17 but died on 1/22 from an infection or it would be 7

  26. / Reply

    @Anne from Paramount– thank you for the update on RI. Just having read about
    Formal Attire above, it makes me realize how fortunate that RI is. So I will be grateful that the cup is more than half full if he can go on to lead a meaningful life. Please keep us updated on his progress.

    RIP, Formal Attire. It is so disheartening to hear of these way too many breakdowns.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mrs. Chenery. Wishing you the best and many more.

    @Trina–thank you again for calling this to our attention and the lovely poem.

    Off to take care of flushing duties now……

    • / Reply

      Keta was kind enough to provide me with some outhouse calendars. Keta has my email address, if those of you who want a calendar do not, and you can contact me if you want one. Open to flushers only.

  27. / Reply

    dear trina am catching up on posts and read your beautiful poem about little anne frank it cannot be allowed to happen again I was thinking of judy glore recently and wondered if you knew she is any better these days have been on her website but no recent news there hoping the wonderful mrs chenery has a happy birthday great words again!!hugs sheena

  28. / Reply

    dear Z family news on black caviar’s twitter peter moody says he cant guarantee it will be black caviar’s final campaign this autumn(australia) if she’s happy she could well race on!!!hugs sheena

  29. / Reply

    BLOODHORSE: JOYFUL VICTORY SETS TRACK RECORD AT SAM HOUSTON AND WINS THE FIRST LADIES CLASSIC

    (great prep by Larry Jones and wonderful return for this gorgeous mare, WHOO HOO !!!)

    Joyful Victory Sets Track Mark at Sam Houston
    By Jack Shinar
    Updated: Sunday, January 27, 2013 2:18 PM
    Posted: Saturday, January 26, 2013 11:53 PM
    Email

    Print

    Photo: Coady Photography/Ethel Castaneda
    Joyful Victory runs away from her competition in the Houston Ladies Classic.
    A freshened Joyful Victory was too much to handle for her opponents in the inaugural $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic at Sam Houston Race Park on the night of Jan. 26, setting a track record while drawing away for a dominating victory (VIDEO) .

    Ridden by Rosie Napravnik, who arrived at Sam Houston for the card after competing at Gulfstream Park earlier in the day, Joyful Victory led at every call and pulled away from her rival Brushed by a Star in the homestretch. The 5-year-old daughter of Tapit was victorious by 4 1/4 lengths in a time of 1:42.30 for 1 1/16 miles on a fast track. The time eclipsed the former record of 1:42.74 established by Desert Air on Feb. 13, 1999.

    “It wasn’t necessarily my goal to go to the lead,” said Napravnik. “I expected to sit off the pace a little. But, when no one came with us, I said ‘we’ll take it.’ She was on her game today and ran an excellent race.”

    The newly established Houston Ladies Classic is the richest Thoroughbred race in Texas, and anchored a strong card that featured four stakes worth $725,000.

    The favorite in the field of six at odds of 3-2, multiple grade stakes winner Joyful Victory found the winner’s circle for the first time in nearly a year for owner Fox Hill Farm and trainer Larry Jones.

    Earlier on the card, Jones and Napravnik teamed up to win the $75,000 Champion Energy Services Stakes with Icon Ike in track-record time for five furlongs on the turf course. The 4-year-old son of Yes It’s True edged Chamberlain Bridge by a nose in a final time of :56.48, besting the previous record of :56.81 set by Charming Socialite in 2006.

    “The plan was to get her to relax, not to fight her and just let her run,” said Jones of Joyful Victory. “I can’t take credit for setting two track records; Rosie had everything to do with that. But if there was one I really wanted, it was this race.”

    Joyful Victory was making her first start since finishing third after setting the pace in the Falls City Handicap (gr. II) Nov. 22 at Churchill Downs. The gray mare’s most recent victory came last February in the Tiffany Lass Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

    Bred in Ontario, Canada by William D. Graham, Joyful Victory is out of the Wild Again mare Wild Lucy Black.

    Breaking from the rail, Joyful Victory took the early lead from Sisterly Love and as the remainder of the field was sorting itself out, she maintained a comfortable advantage while coaxing her way through quarter-mile fractions of :24.04, :47.92, and 1:12.07. With Brushed by a Star, Sisterly Love, and She’s All In all pursuing, Joyful victory inched away in upper stretch to take a commanding two-length lead at the furlong marker. She was kept to her task late while finishing as much the best.

    Brushed by a Star under Corey Lanerie was a clear second by 1 3/4 lengths over Sisterly Love, with Luis Saez aboard. She’s All In took fourth, followed by Lookinforchange and Summer Applause, who lost all chance on the backstretch when jockey Miguel Mena came out of the irons.

    The victory, worth $237,600, boosted Joyful Victory’s lifetime record to 6-5-3 in 17 starts with earnings of $910,679. She won the Honeybee (gr. III) and Fantasy Stakes (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park in 2011 before running fourth in the 2011 Kentucky Oaks (gr. II).

    The winner carried 116 pounds and paid $5, $2.80, $2.40. Brushed by a Star, the 121-pound high weight who had defeated Joyful Victory in her past two starts, returned $3.40 and $2.60 in her first appearance since the Falls City. Sisterly Love, undefeated in three prior starts, was $3 to show.

    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75873/joyful-victory-sets-track-mark-at-sam-houston#ixzz2JDkij3aq

  30. / Reply

    Dear TC and Redneck Crew,

    Have been so busy flushing, not able to get on the blog until now.
    Things have over flowed, in the you know what, the tub and the kitchen
    sink, what a mess but Oh what fun.

    Thank goodness no outhouses to attend to here, would really be
    in mess.

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