Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Taking Time Off

Zenyatta at Lane’s End Farm, April 2016. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Zenyatta will not be bred this year. She continues to do well and is looking great with her new paddock buddy—even sharing her cookies. We’ll post more photos of them soon!

We appreciate all of the love and support her fans have shown. While we understand the concern the public has for Zenyatta’s well-being, we ask that you do not contact Lane’s End Farm to inquire about Zenyatta or her foals. We do our best to be generous with information and to share Zenyatta’s life with her fans through this website. Zenyatta.com will continue to be the source of official updates on all things Zenyatta.

Reader Interactions

1,469 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Lovely to see Kate out and about again today with George and Charlotte.Terrific start to ‘Poldark’ first scene he comes out of the sea shirtless!My specs steamed up!!!.There was a minor earthquake in Lincolnshire yesterday I thought Hovis??He’s having a bath this week he has been told!A show in Lincolnshire.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      You’re cracking me up. Looking forward to Poldark too. Hovis could cause an earthquake stamping his feet in protest!

      Will check out the photos of Kate and the children. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Found the photos of Kate and the children at William’s Polo match. Kate looks great and the children have grown so much and are just beautiful. William is very dashing in his Polo garb. Lovely family. Love and Hugs, JB

  2. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:

    Have a restful evening. Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB

  4. / Reply

    I just read on ESPN that Justify’s breeding rights have been sold to Coolmore for $75 million. This tells me that he will probably be retired at the end of this racing season. Coolmore also plans to shuttle Justify back and forth between the northern & southern hemispheres like they are doing with Pharoah (he’s going back to Austraulia this winter) so he can breed more mares and help them recoup their investment faster.

    Why do the careers of race horse stallions have to be controlled by big money operations who want to make a quick buck? I feel that retiring the special horses at the end of their three-year-old season takes money away from racing and deprives the fans of being able to see these magnificent animals do what they are bred for. I believe that more fans could be drawn to the track to watch these special horses racing longer, then, maybe the tracks would make more money and wouldn’t need to shorten their seasons or even close. We need more owners like Chrome’s or Gun Runner’s who race their stallions past three.

    What does everyone else on this blog think?

    • / Reply

      You make a fair point and a logical argument for something that is needed in this sport.

      However, Justify is a unique situation.

      He’s an undefeated Triple Crown winner. Of 13 horses who have won the Triple Crown, only 2 have managed this feat. Seattle Slew and Justify.

      Justify has nothing left to gain on the race track and everything to lose. His stud value is at it’s highest right now. It will only go up if he is able to produce champions. Staying on the track, they risk him getting beat or worse getting fatally injured.

      His sire, who has progeny lighting up every continent where they race and across various surfaces, is dead. Breeders are scrounging for any Scat Daddy they can get hold of, be it a son or a daughter.

      This makes Justify almost priceless in the breeding shed at this moment.

      Personally I WANT to see horses have a 4 and 5 year old campaign. I don’t like the gimmick of the Pegasus, but I do appreciated that it provides owners with another good option to keep their 3 year olds in training through 4.

      But if I was part of the ownership of Justify? I’d be casting my vote to send him to the farm. Preferable wrapped in cotton and bubble wrap!

      • / Reply

        Dear Donna Z and Z13rulz:

        I agree, would have been great to see Pharoah and Justy race at 4 and 5 years old. But, like Pharoah, Justy will no doubt retire as a 3 year old and go to stud duty next year. It’s all about over breeding and money. Pharoah’s fee for standing and nursing foal I have read is $200,000. . He was bred to at least 200 mares in 2017 in the US and Australia, resulting in at least 150 healthy foals. Do the math; that’s just one year. No doubt they will shuttle Justy too.

        Not a fan of shuttling or breeding to that many mares. Many foals, as we know, do not make it to the track at all and many that do are not stakes horses and sadly end up needing rescuing. Love and Hugs, JB

  5. / Reply

    Justify’s Triple Crown run caps magical run for
    Canadians John and Tanya Gunther
    Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press Published Sunday, June 10, 2018
    From article:
    “Justify’s pedigree features plenty of Canadian content.
    Scat Daddy’s bloodlines include Canadian-breds Nijinsky (an English Triple Crown champion), Northern Dancer and Storm Bird. Stage Magic’s genealogy features Canadian Hall of Famer Awesome Again — the 1997 Queen’s Plate and 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic champion — and Canadian-breds Deputy Minister, Vice Regent and Mint Copy.”
    https://www.ctvnews.ca/sports/justify-s-triple-crown-run-caps-magical-run-for-canadians-john-and-tanya-gunther-1.3967366

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      That was a tremendous loss indeed. The roses must surely be beautiful in heaven. I feel certain that he has quite a few favorite horses among the angels, too.
      RIP Sir Henry

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG,

      Thanks for posting this comparison — very interesting. The races played out very similarly, and both races were lovely to watch. I still get very moved by American Pharoah’s amazing “liquid motion” and his phenomenal win. Justify is awesome and runs beautifully, too. Talent abounds in these two exquisite beings — pure magic. How lucky we are to have seen both of these miracles!

      Hugs and Love

  8. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Cracksman is due to run in the Prince of Wales at RA.He has recovered from the stall incident.Wesley Ward has a great team coming over.Bobby Bach has developed a good strategy to get fed first he sleeps with the fish.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

  9. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Godspeed Cracksman. Glad he’s OK to go. Yes, hoping the US horses do well.

    It’s usually not a good thing to sleep with the fishes, but I guess in Bobby’s case, it’s working. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Thanks for the laugh! Yes, “sleeping with the fishes” is to be avoided for sure, in most cases. :-)
      You are too funny!

      Best wishes to Cracksman, too.

      Hugs and Love

  11. / Reply

    Justify Unanimous Choice in Final 2018 NTRA Top 3YO Poll,
    Also Heads Top Thoroughbred Poll for All Ages
    Press Release ‎Monday, ‎11 ‎June, ‎2018
    The unbeaten chestnut colt Justify, whose 16-week epic journey from unraced maiden to Triple Crown winner has expanded the conventional thinking as to a Thoroughbred racehorse’s capabilities, was a unanimous choice atop the year’s final NTRA Top 3-Year-Old Poll. Trained by Bob Baffert for owners China Horse Club, WinStar Farm, Starlight Racing, and Head of Plains Partners, the son of Scat Daddy won Saturday’s 150th Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (G1) by 1 3/4 lengths under jockey Mike Smith, capping a sweep of the three most important 3-year-old stakes races, also including the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) and the Preakness Stakes (G1). Justify is a perfect six-for-six since winning on debut in February and also won the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in April.
    https://www.ntra.com/justify-unanimous-choice-in-final-2018-ntra-top-3yo-poll-also-heads-top-thoroughbred-poll-for-all-ages/

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for this. What a very special boy Justy is. His accomplishments are just incredible. He lived up to his magnificent name too. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Wow, what a gorgeous boy our First Prince is. Looks like he won a ribbon too. Thanks for sharing. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties

    • / Reply

      Thanks, BGG!
      Great picture of TWO champs — Justify AND Mike. Brilliant!

      I will have to buy a copy of SI for the second time in my life! The first was American Pharoah (I missed the Secretariat SI cover, but have the Newsweek cover). :-)

      Hugs and Cheers

      • / Reply

        Just read the SI article (had only viewed the twitter picture)!
        What an excellent piece of writing!!

        Thanks again, BGG!

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG,

      Thanks for the Steve Haskin article. Another wonderfully written piece by SH!

      Hugs and Love

  16. / Reply

    Thank you for posting this link. I don’t do Facebook so posts like this are the only way I can see how Coz is doing. So nice and relaxed. He definitely got the right trainer.

  17. / Reply

    Congrats to Justify, Mike and Bob Baffert. Sorry so late but I have been laid low by a stomach bug. Quite a thrilling race.

  18. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Our lovely spell of weather is coming to an end.Unsettled for Ascot next week,,All is well on the Dyfi Monty was feeding the bobs today.Coz looks absolutely gorgeous,Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Hope the weather improves for RA. Good Dad Monty.

      COZ is absolutely stunning. Gets more so as he matures. Love and Hugs, JB

  19. / Reply

    St Patrick’s day makes his debut tomorrow at Leopardstown in the 7.05pm.AP’s full brother.Lady Aurelia will take on Battaash in the King’s Stand at RA next tuesday and Winx has arrived back at Chris Waller’s stables ready for her spring campaign.Cracksman and Saxon Warrior have been invited to Australia to take her on in an unprecedented 4th Cox Plate.Too many important races for them in Europe in october.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG,

      Thanks for posting the SI article separate from the SI cover picture. I thought perhaps others here on the blog might not have looked below the photo to find the article. It really is a well-written piece.

      Thanks again!

      Hugs and Love

  21. / Reply

    Dear Friends,

    Great posts from everyone. Sorry I don’t get to visit much. I have been blessed to see the triple crown winners since Secretariat. All such magnificent equine athletes. I would love to see Justify in Dubai but that probably won’t happen. Thrilled for Mike Smith. Fantastic photo on SI. Was wondering what happened to St. Patricks Day. Will be rooting for him. Love, love, love to Zenyatta, the boys and baby girl.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      I must have missed this post from you. WOW! What a shimmering beauty — Winx is almost reflective. That’s an awesome sheen, just gorgeous.

      Thanks for sharing this photo.

      Hugs and Love

  23. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Storm Hector is on the way for the north of the UK.The Dyfi will hear on saturday if they can build a new visitor’s centre.All is well with the bobs and at Glaslyn but Mrs G had to stop her chicks squabbling Cyw bach was in a headlock!My emails have been off all day.I rang my ISP tonight hopefully back tomorrow.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Winx is absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the photo. Glad all the bobs are doing well and thank goodness Mrs. G is a good referee.

      Hope your email service gets resolved. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties

  24. / Reply

    Dear beautiful Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:

    Hope you’re all staying comfy and cool. Love you. Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear R:

      Thanks for sharing this article. Hoping and praying our Queen Z heals well and completely and has an easy, uncomplicated pregnancy next time and a healthy little one. Love her so much and her babies. Love and Hugs, JB

  26. / Reply

    Parade for Justify at Santa Anita on Sat. June 23

    Justify set to return to California Sunday
    By Steve Andersen DRF 06/13/2018
    ARCADIA, Calif. – Triple Crown hero Justify is scheduled to be flown from Kentucky to California on Sunday and will be paraded between races at Santa Anita on Saturday, June 23, the track announced on Wednesday.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Such a BEAUTIFUL boy. He will be paraded between races at Santa Anita June 23rd. Drat it! I have to work that day. May send my hubby Steve to get some pics. Hopefully he will be paraded on a day when I can actually go! 79 days until I retire!!! I can’t wait!

      Hugs, Kathy

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy:

        That would be wonderful to get some photos of Justy parading. What a celebration that will be. Sorry you have to work that day, but glad for your upcoming retirement. Good for you! Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy B.,

      Yes indeed — he had to be a beautiful baby, ’cause just look at him now! Apologies to the old classic song, “You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby”. Absolutely gorgeous!

      Hugs and Love

      By the way, I suppose the re-entering of name and email for posting a reply is required now. More secure maybe.

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall:

        Justy is one of the most gorgeous Chestnuts ever; but then we think they’re all beautiful. Every one!

        I like that song. Yes, still having to type in name and email address. Could be for security. Love and Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Oh No! Patch, Irish War Cry and Lookin At Lee are all three entered in the Stephen Foster at Churchill on Saturday. Safe trip to all. Can’t decide which one I like best. It is pretty much a tie between IWC and Patch. Johnny V is not up on Patch and I wonder if another jockey will be as in tune with him.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee,

      What a dilemma! It is hard to choose just one; although, I must say I have a soft spot for Patch. :-)
      Wonder who will be Patch’s jockey?

      Hope you are fully recovered from the stomach bug.

      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Marshall,
        Saez has the mount on Patch.

        Thanks for care and concern. Still being very careful of what I am eating.

        We decided against Saratoga this summer and chose instead a long weekend in Louisville. All the traveling to get to Saratoga was a concern with my bad back and Louisville is just 2 hours away. We are going the 21-24. Sure picked the wrong weekend as it would have been such a thrill to see Patch and IWC in the Stephen Foster. Also, will be a good chance for my daughter and her husband to have a nice visit with her 101 year old grandmother.

        • Dear Shirlee:

          Hope your 100 percent soon.

          Enjoy your trip to Louisville. Is that your Mom who’s 101? Wow, awesome. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Shirlee,

          Glad you are feeling better. Your trip sounds wonderful — hope you all have a delightful time, especially celebrating that 101st birthday! Safe travels.

          Hope Luis Saez and Patch will have a nice safe race — good luck Patch!

          Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall and Shirlee:

        I agree, that’s a tough choice to make. I noted JV is riding Uncle Mojo in that race; he’s a son of Uncle Mo out of an Elusive Quality mare.

        I like Saez and my heart is with Patch. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Judy,
          I am like you, really just want a safe trip for all of them. Neither of our boys are the favorite. That is one of Ken Ramsey’s horses. I don’t know they all have to be in the same race.

          Yes, that is my mother who is 101. Wish she were mentally more here in our world with us.

        • Dear Shirlee:

          God Bless your Mom. So difficult to watch the changes, I know.

          Yes, all horses and riders, safe and sound. Love and Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    So impressed with Justify in the Belmont. He looked like he was on a workout. Made it look easy.

    Coz looks great, so relaxed and happy.

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