Zenyatta

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Spring Holidays and Celebrations

Mother's Day cake with Zenyatta and her filly. Photo by Ann Moss.
Mother’s Day cake with Zenyatta and her filly. Photo by Ann Moss.

Happy Monday!

We thought we’d share some photos of spring’s special moments. The Mosses celebrated Mother’s Day with an incredibly sweet cake representing Zenyatta and her filly. The Easter filly, who now has a special foal tag inscribed with her nickname “Z Princess,” was recently reacquainted with her Easter Bunny and other birthday spoils. Alys sent us these photos.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Photo by Alys Emson.
Photo by Alys Emson.


Photo by Alys Emson.
Photo by Alys Emson.


Photo by Alys Emson.
Photo by Alys Emson.


The new "Z Princess" foal tag.
The new “Z Princess” foal tag.

Reader Interactions

728 Comments

    • / Reply

      Barb,
      What a special woman she is, wishing her safe travels and blue skies and stars all the way. God Bless her. hugs

  3. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.I hope you get to enjoy your anniversary dinner.Thinking of my parents they lived,worked and retired together,were married nearly 53 yrs who knows how a relationship works but when it does….
    Wonderful pic of Glesni on the Dyfi at about 6.30am when lightning struck a few metres from the nest wow!She took it all in her stride.Blue 24 was back again today,am glad Monty chased her off this time she’s getting a nuisance hope she keeps away when the chicks hatch.Fubu is visiting the doc tomorrow,he is hoping to get more friends in time for his birthday,never thought he’d live to see it bless him!
    Marty was enjoying his salad he’s got a Kentucky plate now could visit Zenyatta and her PrinZess!!!Lovely videos on Joey,s page gorgeous maine coon such a big bed!Zoe looked so beautiful today,sad about her furiend having oxygen and another getting spayed.Miss Ellie Beans has many new friends she made a visit to petsmart the other day not so well-behaved as Fubu!Have a wonderful day.Hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Glesni is so brave. Bless her! That’s good that Monty is protecting the home front. Blue 24 certainly is tenacious! Poor little Fubu. I worry myself sick over him. Hopefully he makes it to his birthday and they can control the pain. His mouth is so inflamed. Marty was eating pretty healthy with that salad. He just might get to visit Zenyatta and Z Princess. He’s quite the celebrity. Loved the Maine Coon cat on Joey’s page and thoroughly enjoyed his videos. Zoe is alway picture perfect. Prayers for her furiends! Ellie Beans is such a cute little thing. Sweet little face. Check out the cute videos on My Miss Kitty Face. Also there is an adorable shot of a hamster wearing a sweater. Have a fantastic day. Hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

    • / Reply

      sheena-Agree on all points. The local news here ran an item about some puke dropping off a dog in a residential area and then just driving off. The poor dog chased the car until it was out of sight.The penalties for such actions need to be increased.

  5. / Reply

    Z Princess is brilliantly charming. I love that bunny pic and I love the pic where we see Zenyatta and baby girl looking out. I am grateful for the kindness of the Mosses and and Lane’s End Farm for sharing with us.

  6. / Reply

    She’s a winner, that’s for sure! I would love to see Z Princess in motion! And thanks for getting rid of the numbers game. So much better to have a name, even if it’s just a temp.

  7. / Reply

    Just like everyone else here, I was over the moon when Our Queen finally delivered a filly! And WHAT a filly she is! Princess Z just OOZES with grace and refinement and I honestly think she may turn out to be the most special of the three (no offense Coz or Red!).

    I have been doing research on the “large heart” in pedigrees that can only be inherited from the mare and since Zenny has it, so does our Princess…………………………..

    **she**is**going**to**have**WINGS**!!

    (At least from what my most amateur research has shown me LOL!)

    Thank you for these beautiful photos and please keep them coming. I cannot WAIT to watch her grow.

    • / Reply

      I have been researching the X factor gene for the big heart, too Everyone should google and read The X Factor by Marianne Haun. She explains it in an easy to follow way. I just got through going over Z’s pedigree following the lines for the X factor gene.
      It was like working through a puzzle, but lots of fun! How blessed we are to have her!
      Ms. Haun also discusses it in our Queen Z through her dam, Rachel Alexandra, and Rags to Riches. I was amazed that Secretariat’s heart at his autopsy was normal functioning and weighted almost 3 X that of regular size horses without the gene. Penny C. knew what she was doing when she chose Somethingroyal’s colt (she had already produced Sir Gaylord with it). Somethingroyal’s sire Princequillo is one of the modern era stallion carriers who can only pass the gene to his fillies; he only got it from his dam. Modern sires are War Admiral, Mahmoud, and Blue Larkspur. AP Indy also got it from his dam and passed on to his fillies. The earlier foundation was traced to and through an 1837 mare, Pocahontas. I hope the Mosses consider a Z variation of Princequillo as a name for Z’s beautiful filly. Z has the gene coming through Kris S ‘s (stallion) dam’s line straight back to the big P–sire’s pass to fillies but not to colts while dam’s that carry it can pass to both.

      I got involved with this because Cal Chrome out runs his recent pedigree and wasn’t even breathing hard after running the Derby or Preakness. It was mentioned in an article. His dam is loaded with it and probably has it for both XX chromosomes. Don’t
      hesitate for an instant to place your winning bets on him for the Belmont and the Triple
      Crown. He won’t be breathing hard after the Belmont either! Last thing he needs is the
      breathing strip only a good ride from his jockey and staying OK with other stuff.

      I have been at Ft. Lauderdale the last 2 weeks and love Gulfstream with all the bronze
      plaques on the lower level walls with the wins and history of the best of the best thoroughbreds. What a Hoot to see the plaques of Easy Goer and Sunday Silence next
      to each other without others around them.

      • / Reply

        Dear Cheryl:

        Interesting facts. Loved those two; Easy Goer and Sunday Silence. Love and Hugs, JB

        • I wish I could load a picture from my cell phone showing the plaques. Someone mentioned Round Table in an earlier comment in the blog.
          I took a picture of his plaque when I visited Gulfstream . He is a son
          of Princequillo, but he couldn’t inherit the X factor from him because
          Princequillo could only pass it to all his daughters. I will have to take
          a look at Round Table’s dam, Knight’s Daughter’s pedigree and see
          if she inherited it. His plaque indicates that he won 43 out of 66 starts
          and was horse of the year in 1954 setting records on both dirt & grass.
          He was born in 1954.

        • I just looked at Round Table’s dam’s pedigree. The entire line of dams starting with her Mom goes straight back to Pocahontas 1937 as well as some
          stallions they were bred to following the Pocahontas X factor gene. Her sire
          also had it running directly back to Pocahontas along his dam’s line of dams.

          So Knight’s Daughter was Round Table’s source although it was impossible
          for Princequillo to do so.

  8. / Reply

    OHHHHHH- these are some of the best pictures ever!!!! Every one is just an absolute gem!! Princess Z is SO adorable–you just want to hug and kiss her!! She surely IS all girl and has such sweet expressions on her face in each of the pictures. It seems to me that Queen Z also has a different look about her–she seems to just radiate joy in this sweet new baby. I have suspected all along that her relationship with a filly would be quite different than that with her boys. Maybe I’m just imagining it,but it looks to me like it IS.

    How blessed we are to be able to share in these beautiful moments–huge thanks to all who make it possible!!

    @ Trina–There is a message for you from one of your favorite “nephews” on page 3 of this post,in case you missed it!

    Heard this AM on the news that CC will be Belmont bound today!! Bless and keep you CC and Go GO GO!!!!

  10. / Reply

    Love all the Royal pictures. Never have enough. Thanks for keeping us so informed. The Z team is the best.

    Best of luck for California Chrome and his team. We are way over due for another hero. May all the contenders stay safe, healthy, and happy.

  11. / Reply

    Thanks so much to all who make these updates possible and for the excellent care given Z and her so-special offspring. We are blessed in so many ways by the simple acts of others’ caring.
    It’s also gratifying to see people embracing CC and amazing to see the things he does that bring Z to mind, miss her.

  12. / Reply

    Love the pictures. How is it that each set is more lovely than the previous ones? Zenny and her princess with their Easter loot is too adorable to describe. Zenyatta, darlin’ you are un-believable! hugs and kisses to mama and lil’ princess.

  13. / Reply

    Dear Max.Have you heard Noble Mission is running in group 1 company at the Curragh on Sunday.Tough ask for him but who knows the way he’s been running this year anything can happen.I hope he can win for Jane’s sake!Silvi won the best jumper of the season mainly down to Kauto’s coaching!He got a mark of 174.I am so happy to learn of Dan’s recovery,I was watching a 5 week old filly being operated on for colic earlier,her mum who was with her got very distressed but thankfully all went well,in simple terms,she was constipated!Free the Moose.PU Dan.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. I read about Noble Mission. He’s had a heavy going campaign already. I thought that they would wait at least until Royal Ascot. This decision is not all Lady Cecil. Grimthorpe and Abdullah must think that it’s possible. Mission must be a lot tougher type of horse than his brothers. I would love to see a win for Mission in his daddy’s backyard.
      Hope Dan continues to a speedy recovery. He’s amazing. Someone in my office said that Dan is so in charge that he might have performed his own surgery. Do they make surgical gloves for horses?
      Free the Moose and Power Up Dan!

    • / Reply

      Yes, I heard it on TVG. They said that TP said the horse wasn’t doing well and was going to Ocala for a rest!!! I sure hope that others don’t drop out or the naysayers will be saying that Chromie didn’t run against the best :-(

      • / Reply

        This kind of argument against Chromie really holds no water. No one can say who is the best among horses who don’t bother to show up to put it all on the line. Chromie races against whoever shows up, and if he wins he gets a TC. That alone decides it and is all that matters.

        • You are right, Max, but don’t we get tired of listening to the gar-bazh from naysayers.

        • That’s what I think too Max! Was just over-thinking this, I guess. There is so much “static” out there though.

      • / Reply

        Danza didn’t exactly come close in the Derby. I think this action was taken to preserve whatever is left for the big races down the road. As for knowing what ails Danza, I doubt that TP has even seen this horse since the Derby.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max, Sandy, Vicki and Barbara:

        People are peculiar – that sort of comment was made by some Downunder regarding Black Caviar and they usually made some very weak excuses for not showing up to have a go – that’s why I always had so much time for John McNair and the Hay List connections.

        • KathyR. How is Hay List doing these days? I always liked him. He was probably in love with Black Caviar like everyone else, and enjoyed racing with her.

  15. / Reply

    hi zsters

    i just love the pics. too cute just isnt enough. that cake looks abosulety delish -almost to perty to eat. ;) ;) THX SO MUCH TEAM Z <3

    Pray This – Be Still and Know

    BE – God, I say 'yes' to You. I choose to allow Your way to shape me and Your will to direct me in what is best. I surrender instead of resist, I yield instead of fight, I believe instead of doubt.

    STILL – Father, may Your rest abide and Your peace abound within me. Quiet all anxiety that troubles my thoughts and unsettles my emotions. I bring my soul under the control of the Holy Spirit; I stand steady upon the unmovable foundations of Your kingdom; I receive the sufficiency of Your grace and the encouragement of Your promises as you calm my soul.

    AND KNOW – Lord, thank you that Your word is sure, unchanging, and indisputable. Your word is true. I am certain. You have saved me from guessing, wondering, wishing, or pretending. I know! I believe!

    I AM GOD – You are who You say You are. You do what You say You do. There is no other! You are the highest, the greatest, the best. You have no weakness, no lack, and no equal. You are my God, and my Heavenly Father. I find comfort in Your nearness, security in Your voice, courage in Your strength, hope in Your promises. You are enough. More than enough! You are with me. You are my refuge. I am safe in Your care.

    Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46:10-11

    -Devotional prayer by Roy Lessin :)

    @sue noel – i love hearing about ur horses
    @sally b- glad ur sons wedding went well :)

    @sheena – HAPPY BEKLATED BDAY!!!!
    sorry i missed it. hope it was good :)
    may god bless u richly sweet friend
    big hugs/prayers <3 <3<3

    @trina – ur poems are awesome & i lit a candle for ya :)

    if i missed some1, i apologize, just havent felt good lately.
    but even when im absent, i pray for my Z family.
    u guys mean soo much to me – more than i know how to express.
    this place us a blessing & a 'pick me up'. so encouraging.
    god bless <3 vamp

    Ps. the blog is acting up again – cant right click links……frustrating for me

  16. / Reply

    Dear Vamp Sue.Thank you so much for your birthday wishes.I do pray you will feel stronger soon.I always enjoy your prayers and find them inspirational.God bless you and take care.Love and hugs Sheena.

  17. / Reply

    Dear Max.I am sure somebody makes surgical gloves for horses somewhere in the world!!!!I am certain Dan would be quite capable of operating on himself!!!Seriously it IS very good to see him well again.Sad night at Warwick heavy rain on firm ground very dangerous Artful Lady fell and was euthanized ,they had to abandon the races,jockeys were concerned.RIP Artful Lady.Free the Moose.PU Dan.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Hopefully Dan will go home tomorrow. LoPresti is not certain if it will be his stall at Keeneland or the farm. Learned something interesting about LoPresti. He has only 30 horses to train and he gets them as yearlings and breaks them on his farm. No wonder that he knows his horses like kids. Dan’s brothers will be glad to see Danny again. They’re roomies. I once saw a video where they were side by side calling out to each other. Wanted treats. Very funny. Neigh!
      Artful Lady gone? Why race in conditions like that as it can wait for another day? Very sad to hear this.
      Free the Moose and Power Up Dan.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Love hearing this tidbits about Danny, his brothers and Mr. L. Thanks. RIP Artful Lady; so sad. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Would love to be a fly on the wall when Danny returns home. Surely the barn cats have planned a big party!
          Those whinnies will sound great.
          Blessings to them.

        • JudyB. There is a third brother, Casino Dan. So far his stats are not the best, but you never know when winning ways may kick in. Keep trying is the way to go.

  18. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Disappointing news from Chris Waller’s stable this morning (via Skysportsradio): Zoustar has been withdrawn from Ascot with a very small problem with a suspensory ligament. They’re not willing to risk any serious problem with him, so I guess he’ll go into quarantine and return home after that to start his stud career. It’s a pity, because he’s a good horse, and I think you’d have liked to see him at the carnival. But at least it’s not a life threatening thing. Hugs, KathyR.

  19. / Reply

    Belmont Jockey-Go-Round Starts
    By Dick Downey The Downey Profile 5/20/2014
    Joel Rosario will ride Tonalist in the Belmont Stakes, getting off of Ride On Curlin, the second finisher in the Preakness Stakes.
    Rosario rode Tonalist in his debut, and Joe Bravo was on him when he broke his maiden and ran second to Constitution in an allowance race at Gulfstream Park.
    Rosario returned aboard Tonalist when he handily won the Peter Pan Stakes on a sloppy track at Belmont Park in his most recent start.

    John Velazquez gets the mount on Ride On Curlin in the Belmont. He’ll ride the colt, who’s had 11 career starts, for the first time. Before Rosario, Calvin Borel rode Ride On Curlin in the Kentucky Derby, but not in the manner trainer Billy Gowan wanted.
    Jon Court rode Ride On Curlin in the Arkansas Derby, preceded by Kent Desormeaux in the Rebel Stakes and Borel in the Southwest Stakes. Corey Lanerie and Alex Solis have also ridden the son of Curlin, making Velazquez his seventh jockey.
    Velazquez didn’t have a Preakness mount. He rode Intense Holiday to a 12th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. Intense Holiday was mentioned for the Belmont Stakes last Saturday by the NYRA press office.
    http://www.thedowneyprofile.com/more_racing_news/2014/05/20/belmont-jockey-go-round-starts.862537

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for this info. Good to see JV riding in the Belmont. Love and Hugs, JB

  20. / Reply

    Murray: 10 things you don’t know about California Chrome
    Chris Murray Reno Gazette-Journal May 19, 2014
    California Chrome has become America’s most famous horse since Smarty Jones made a run at the Triple Crown in 2004. But despite everything we know about the chestnut colt, which is co-owned by Topaz Lake’s Steve and Carolyn Coburn, there’s still a little mystery about the miracle horse.
    Here are 10 things you probably don’t know about California Chrome, who won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and on June 7 will attempt to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978 when he lines up to run at the Belmont Stakes.
    http://www.rgj.com/story/sports/2014/05/19/murray-things-know-california-chrome/9293607/
    Note: Thses are fun facts starting with
    1. Chrome was almost called “Seabisquik”

    • / Reply

      BGG. Very good article. The two sisters at birth weighed in at a lot less than Chromie. Contrast that to Z Princess who was heavier than both of her brothers. She also looks much bigger now than they were at her age. Z Princess is like her mom, Valkyrie, goddess status.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        I thought the same thing when I saw the latest photos of Z Princess. She does look bigger and taller than her brothers were at this age. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Seabisquik, what a Hoot! He is quick! Love this name although Cal Chrome sounds
      more sophisticated. See he’s quick!

    • / Reply

      It is my understanding that, when CC was named, various names were put in a hat and one was drawn. Seabisquick was, indeed, one of the names in the hat.

  22. / Reply

    Dear Kathy R. Very disappointed and sad to hear that news about Zoustar.Would have enjoyed seeing him at RA.Everything is pretty quiet on the Dyfi,Blue 24 is hanging around though.Hopefully chicks mid-June.Love and hugs Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Goodnight. No surprise Nissy has more followers. Too cute. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Ruby, Diamond and all the Sweeties

  24. / Reply

    Thank you Ann and Jerry for sharing these PRECIOUS pictures. I`m feeling as if we have gotten a “sneak preview” of the baby`s name…ADORABLE and quite appropriate. Again, love you Zenny and God Bless to ALL!!..Lots of big hugs and kisses…Alene

    • / Reply

      They can name him, Nasal Strip.
      Did anyone see the clip from the Today Show showing, Savannah Guthrie? She was prepping for CC segment and read, Nasal Strip and then asked the others “Who is this horse Nasal Strip?”. So cute!

  26. / Reply

    ZOUSTAR RETIRED
    Andrew Bensley ‏tweet Tues. May 20
    Zoustar has been officially retired @widdenstud
    Will hopefully return home in a few weeks.
    Has nearly full book of mares already booked in.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Z Princess:

    Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    May 21 Cherokee Devotional

    Many are gamblers without knowing it. They demand their right to do something-even when it is not expedient. We can insist on our right to turn at the stoplight, but if someone else has never heard of our right and takes his chances at going through, it is dangerous business. Having rights holds only if the responsibility of them goes with it. Sometimes a right is a privilege we don’t dare demand. The Cherokee calls this u na du da lv, acting in a way that is mature and careful of others. Some people tend to believe they are above the basic rules of living. But when life drops a rock on the one who so freely takes advantage, it can be a well-deserved rock. It reminds us to stay within the limits of everything from good taste to common sense.

    The good road and the road of difficulties you have made me cross; and where they cross the place is holy.
    Black Elk

  29. / Reply

    Hi Zenny….
    This has nothing to do with anything ….but I have been trying to get drf page to open for last couple of days …all I get is message..” web page not available”….
    Is anyone else having this problem or is it just me?

  30. / Reply

    Happy Mothers Day to Zenyatta…she is such a wonderful mother, and loves all of her children.

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