Zenyatta

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Zenyatta News

The Blood-Horse Visits Lane’s End

Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt

Happy Thursday!

A team from The Blood-Horse was recently in Kentucky filming a feature about Zenyatta that will run as a Breeders’ Cup longform at Bloodhorse.com.

Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt
Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt

The piece will tell the story of Zenyatta’s career and connections, her charisma, and the fan following she maintains to this day. The Bloodhorse team went to Lane’s End to collect video footage to include in this special online feature and visited with Ziconic as well as 14Z. Meanwhile, their photographer in New York collected images of Cozmic One in training with John Shirreffs, which will also be included in the piece.

Here you can see a few photos of the team in action. Pictured above right is Multimedia Producer Scott Tracy and Online Features Editor Claire Novak in the paddock with Z Princess. Take a look at some of the behind-the-scenes footage below.

This piece is set to run on October 27, and we’ll remind everyone when it is released. We can’t wait to see it!

You can check out another recent longform feature they did on Arlington’s Richard Duchossois and the upcoming Arlington Million here.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

1,113 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Max.Good to have Hovis back at his usual time.He’s certainly had a good week,time off and a massage from a lovely lady!What more could a manly horse need!A mare of course!Estimate ran well at York today certainly an improvement from her Ascot race.Ryan said she was in season but Sir Michael Stoute wasn’t so sure.
    I remember being very disappointed when Sea The Stars retired at 3 it’s so young and they have plenty of time to breed.I feel the same about Australia and Tagi especially her because there is no stud fee to worry about.I wonder if Glesni and Moose are getting on well!The Moose must be free!Niss4Senate=^..^=Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Here’s another version of Tagi’s race for those with iPhones and iPads and cannot access the other posted link. Just do not know what to make of that race. Did Hanaghan miss Ryan Moore coming from behind? Moore is always a threat. However I think that Stoute knows more about Estimate. Once heard from a very experienced trainer that mares often run better when they are in foal.
      Glesni is always in charge. Moose prefers independence, but he recognizes and loved a great lady.
      Free the Moose! Keep Glesni safe.

      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=k_Q-Ybkgc2c

      • / Reply

        Max (and anyone else with an iPhone or iPad without support for flash player) – there is a neat browser called Puffin that can be downloaded from the app store, and it DOES have full flash player support. It is nothing short of amazing (I was able to see the race via the previous link on my iPad). I think I got a trial version first and than upgraded for a small amount of cash. It has made a world of difference as far as seeing stuff like this on both my iPad and my iPod touch.

  2. / Reply

    Dear Debbie.Hope you are having a great day.Deri was eating when I looked in sometime today.The crows and magpies can be a nuisance this time of year.Gwynant is certainly practising his flying skills not returning until this morning.I worry for them and the perilous journey they have to undertake.They are in God’s hands.Enjoy yourself with Ash and Tully. Love and hugs Sheena. Tagi will have a good rest before the Arc.I’m sad she lost.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Know exactly how you feel. I still think that the beak like types are going to say that it was all a big mistake and Z won her last race. Tagi will have to get herself rested and ready for the Arc. I’d be concerned about Sea The Moon. He’s definitely another Moose except that he runs and runs on his own terms. Wild! Lots of time to see what develops. Treve may run too. If they allowed geldings in there, CDA might run.
      Free the Moose! Glesni, Sheena is counting the days until your return.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Praying to St. Francis for a safe flight for all the Osprey. Taghi ran a fine race. She’s a beautiful girl and she’ll get ’em in the Arc. Love and Hugs, JB

  3. / Reply

    Dear Sheena
    It is sad to see them lose when they give it their all..She is your girl.
    .I was in the forest with Tully earlier and now she is asleep on the porch…Took Ash out yesterday for a handwalk and he loved his favourite spots to graze.He is 17 hands and a big boy-doing so well on the ground (not much experience before) and so nice to be with When I groomed him he kept changing his position, showing me where he wanted me to scratch again-one shoulder,other side, withers,hiis bottom and everything in between..What a dance.
    Praying for the ospreys and that they stay safe-it is hard to see them go..
    Goodnight and God bless, Debbie

      • / Reply

        Dear debbie s:

        Agree with Judy – maybe you and I should get our “little” boy and girl together!
        Like you, I do worry about the osprey family – it’s going to be a long wait to see them safe home again. Hugs KathyR

  4. / Reply

    Dear Max.That’s the 1st time I’ve watched a re-play,could’nt bring myself to see it yesterday.I’ve also just watched her Ascot race again.I felt the sparkle wasn’t there yesterday the weather was cold and miserable compared to June and July it may have made a difference.The weather has turned so chilly here the horses will be growing their winter coats soon!It happens in racing as we all know.A lot think Sea The Moon will win the Arc and there’s another good filly Avenir Certain (sp?)she’s the dark horse also those great race Japanese horses.It should be a very exciting race.Free the Moose. Anderson the stray is getting closer to Nissy’s place!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Take heart because it is all far from over for Tagi. There’s an old belief among trainers that fillies run at their very best in the fall. Looks to me as if that race was a case of some bad luck. Tapestry had not run well all this year until yesterday. Tagi might have had an off day. Still wonder about that ride. There are few who ride better than Moore. As to the Arc, now she will not be the favorite. The racing gods often do not look kindly on the favorites. Luck might again be with Tagi after all.
      Free the Moose! Blessings on Glesni.

  5. / Reply

    Dear Max
    I am new at this but also wondered if Hanaghan was so focused on the grey that he thought they were clear until Tapestry was almost upon them.I will watch again,thanks.
    Debbie

    • / Reply

      Debbie. I was looking at Tasaday too. My eye always goes to the grays. She is actually a very nice filly, bred in the US by Darley. She races for Godolphin.
      Free the Moose!

  6. / Reply

    Dear Debbie.You sound as if you had a fabulous time with Ash yesterday.Glad Tully enjoyed her walk in the forest today.I live near a town centre so not many forests!!I am late tonight,have been watching a programme about singer Kate Bush.It takes me a long time to get over a horse’s loss.I’ve yet to watch the 2011 Cheltenham Gold Cup when Long Run beat Kauto and Denman!!Goodnight Sweet Dreams.Love Sheena.

  9. / Reply

    Dear Judy

    The Personal Ensign was a Wow wasn’t it. Close Hatches did wonderfully. Wonderful if Princess of Sylmar’s heart just isn’t in it this year or she just didn’t like the mud.. No matter still just love her.
    If you get time go in NYRA and watch race # 7 from today at Saratoga. I was so proud of Skipalute even though she came in 2nd she led most of the way and only got beat at the wire by only just a bit. Great race and what a lovely young filly. I thought she did just wonderful for a 2 year old. Tell me what you think.

      • / Reply

        Peggy
        There were a couple of obstacles for Princess in this race.
        New equipment-she was wearing blinkers for the first time.
        And, the mud.
        I wondered if the blinkers with mud thrown in her face bothered her vision.
        Waiting to see what & where she goes next.
        Love this girl and questioning some of the decisions that have been made.
        Hugs, BGG

        • Princess of Sylmar, Palice Malice to wear blinkers
          By NYRA in The Saratogian Posted: 08/21/14,
          SARATOGA SPRINGS >> Ed Stanco’s Princess of Sylmar will race in blinkers for the first time on Friday in the Grade 1, $500,000 Personal Ensign, a decision trainer Todd Pletcher hopes will help the 4-year-old remain focused throughout the 1 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares.
          At 3, Princess of Sylmar earned Grade 1 wins in the Kentucky Oaks, Coaching Club American Oaks, Alabama and Beldame Invitational.
          This year, she has won the Cat Cay Stakes in April at Aqueduct and finished second by a head in the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps in June at Belmont and second by 2 ¾ lengths in the Grade 1 Delaware Handicap on July 12.
          http://www.saratogian.com/sports/20140821/princess-of-sylmar-palice-malice-to-wear-blinkers
          Meant to add to my obstacles list above: Mike Smith wasn’t jockey.
          He seems to be staying in So Cal these days.
          BGG

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy:

      Close Hatches just loved the sloppy track. I’m not positive, but I don’t think the Princess ever raced on that kind of track surface before. Think you’re right, it probably was not to her liking. Hopefully she came out of the race in good shape and she’ll come right back to her fine self next time out.

      I left a post below on Skipalute. Beautiful filly. Love and Hugs, JB

  10. / Reply

    Speaking of Gorgeous, Go Geeky Gorgeous…………………………..Balerina Stakes..Saturday
    Gee I seem to be pulling for almost all “almost” Black Horses this weekend.
    Go Shared Belief……………………….Love you all All stay Safe all Horses and Jockeys
    Mike …God Speed

  11. / Reply

    Judy

    Just went in and watched Skipalute’s race again. Wow. She’s great. With a little more schooling and training and maybe if the jockey held her back a bit she might could really give us some great races. I don’t know if he held her back a little she might could have really come on late and won. She’s fast. Hope to see her lots in the future.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy:

      Just watched the replay of Skiplute’s race. Wow, she is a gorgeous Black. I can see why she won your heart. I thought she ran a great race; just missed by a whisker. She’s young and you are right; maybe the jockey next time will save some of that speed she showed us for the finish. That track surface was heavy going too. Love and Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Queen Z, 14Z, Ziconic and Coz — hope you all have a lovely weekend and lots of sweet dreams, too!

    Safe racing to all this weekend! Please let everyone finish their race without injury, Amen.

    Have a wonderful weekend, Z’sters! (Terry Crow, please check in soon!) Hugs

  15. / Reply

    August 23 Cherokee Devotional

    Painting a picture is much the same as living a life. Some of us only get the outline sketched while others find the time and desire to mix beautiful colors and brush them on canvas. Color is used sparingly on some canvases, others are somber and dark with little or no highlights. But those who use cheerful colors, cardinal reds, sunflower yellows, and all shades of purple and lilac, show us that life does not have to be ordinary. The Master Artist, U ne la nv hi, gave us all pallets and pots of bright colors to use boldly, or to mix in subtle but lively shades. We have been given the general sketch but it is left to us to fill in the colors, harmonizing and blending until we get the right tones. Each of us is a painter and each has the charge to make life a work of art.

    They searched for a long period of time for the source of life, and at last came to the thought that it issues from an invisible creative power to which they applied the name Wa-ko-da.
    Playful Calf

  17. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.I like Playful calf!Our Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother always wore brightly coloured clothes so peeps could see her.Poor Fubu isn’t eating again,he did look grumpy and Kimberly has a migraine!Mango got some more pretty dresses yesterday,I love her conversations with her mum in the mornings.Did you see the lovely video of the firefighters giving CPR to the little koala after the events of this week in the world it does restore my faith in human nature!Joey is thrilled with all his new friends,poor Tom only has about 8,000 friends!Zoe is certainly going to have a busy weekend and her computer is sick!Hope she enjoys herself.Ray looked so cute sweeping on Grampy’s lap,reminded me of my dad snoozing in the chair!Have a great Saturday.Hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.

  18. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Playful Calf was very wise, and had a really cool name! I remember the Queen Mum’s brightly-colored clothes. I saw that Fubu isn’t eating again. Poor Kimberly! His test results were okay, on the plus side. Mango is a great little dog. A real sweetie. Her conversations with her mom are great. Will have to look for the firefighters giving CPR to the koala. Congrats to Joey! Too bad, Tom! Sure wish I could attend Zoe’s event today. Would LOVe to meet her! That was a very sweet pic of Ray on Gwampy’s lap. Almost brings a tear to your eyes. Have a wonderful Saturday and enjoy the entire weekend! Hugs from me and kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy

  19. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Watched the koala video. Truly remarkable!!! They named him Sean after one of the firefighters. Very heartwarming story!

    Hugs, Kathy

  20. / Reply

    Dear Max.I just loved that King George, ran around screaming my head off when Kauto won!!I am sure he would have a good chance of winning the Gold Cup but for that training fall, better it happened then and not on the racecourse.A day I’ll always remember.The Ebor is about to come on,Lady Cecil has retirement plan running,the ill-fated Tiger Cliff won last year.Gosh ‘Nissy’s peep has been busy with a saw, she must be very strong trimming a huge tree.He hates to see his peep with a saw in her hand and Rushton ate Andy’s breakfast.You don’t argue with him,he’s 17lbs!!Free the Moose!Niss4Senate.Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. I recall feeling the same thing when Kauto won that race. It was the day after Christmas and it came as a belated gift. He is a superb jumper. Amazingly he looks even better now. Did you notice the other jockey in addition to short guy giving Kauto a pat on his neck? He is a Star!
      Let us know how Lady Cecil does. Too bad Ryan Moore is not available to her. Stoute thinks that Moore is the best jockey in the world. With wins on four continents, I’d say that Stoute may be right.
      Moose, hope that you are getting some salmon flown in for Glesni’s Sunday dinner.
      Free the Moose! Wild and free forever.

  21. / Reply

    Dear KathyR and Judy
    Thanks for the kind words
    .Kathy,loved the pictures of “little Thurzel”,she is beautiful.
    Yes,I did smile one day knowing Ash likes the girls and he is not a threat for breeding-smile-thinking it would be nice to get Ash and Thurzel together.If only…keep up the Thurzel stories,love them
    Judy,am off to get the stud muffin ingredients.My daughter is coming to take Tully out with me and we’ll stop for them on the way home.Hope Hudson is feeling better and better.
    Hugs,Debbie

    • / Reply

      Dear debbie s:

      Yes, Hudson was turned out to the paddock late yesterday afternoon. She’s doing great. Thank you for caring. Hope Ash likes the treats. Love and Hugs, JB

  22. / Reply

    Dear Sheena
    Thanks for the photo of the nest and Deri-fish are getting smaller.Monty will help them become independent but Oh for the big ones!
    I watched the link Max posted last night of Kauto Star in the King George and knew you would love it!! I really enjoyed watching him race ,have not been familiar with that style, was amazed at how long the race is.Whew!!.Loved the big hug Kauto got from his jockey at the end. re: forest I live in a city too,near the university and luckily there are miles of forest reserved for parkland.Sending you love and hugs,Debbie

    Dear Max-thanks for the King George link and info on Tasaday.Cheers,Debbie

  23. / Reply

    A Special Remembrance
    For a very special man

    Edward “Eddie” Sweat
    Aug 29, l939-April l7,l998
    Our Groom
    An open letter
    With less than a week before what would have been your 75th birthday. Thank You Eddie for loving and caring for our Big Red. And not only him but many horses. I believe you put your heart and soul into it. I just got to view the new release of you and Red in the barn photo. Eddie that photo would melt the hardest heart. It made me cry. I have to look up and know that you and Red are together now. Thank You again Eddie for the love you gave to our Champion. The horse that God made.

    I share this highlighted statement from you.

    “Only way that horses win is if you sit there and spend time with ’em. Show “em that your trying to help “em. Love ’em. Talk to ’em. Get to know ’em. That’s what you gotta do.
    You love ’em and they’ll love you, too. People might call me crazy but that’s the way it is. I been on the track 34 years . And, I ain’t never give up. I think they’ll take me to my grave with a pitchfork in my hand and a rub rag in my pocket.

    Eddie Sweat died at a hospital near Belmont Park
    You have a kindred spirit in me Eddie.

    I’m so glad Eddie the Good Lord blessed us with your life.
    “Eddie I didn’t know till I just read it that, Secertariat chased you out of his stall when you first met him. ” Too Cute

    • / Reply

      Peggy. Very nice post about a true hero. But is there something wrong with the math? I always thought that Eddie Sweat died young at 59 after battling illness for many years. What is that reference to a 75th birthday?

        • Max

          I got an email from Secretariat.com telling about it. You were right about the age when he died, But this Friday this year he would have been 75. Wanted to show a remembrance for him. I have seen lots already.
          The barn photo is just wonderful

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy:

      Thank you for posting this Remembrance. What a true understanding of horses Eddie Sweat had. Didn’t know about his first encounter with Big Red either. They certainly became best friends. RIP ES and Big Red.

      • / Reply

        He was, Ann
        I’ve been reading some wonderful remembrances of him. A wonderful life, but seems he suffered a good bit too.

      • / Reply

        He was, Ann
        I’ve been reading some wonderful remembrances of him. A wonderful life, but seems he suffered a good bit too.

  25. / Reply

    Oh, Max

    A Dynaformer mare beat her. Well, if she had to get beaten. Glad it was one of Dynaformer’s. Wow, nice race.

    • / Reply

      Peggy. It’s hard to be upset by a Big D filly win. Next time for Lisa. I’d like to see her go back to her winning ways. Looking forward to the other Dan sister getting to the track one day too.
      Free the Moose!

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet:

      Oh my God, what a gorgeous boy. So, so sad. Condolences to his connections. RIP Beautiful Ludicrous. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet,
      How utterly sad — condolences to all his connections. He certainly was gorgeous — such a beautiful face. You raced to the Rainbow Bridge; run free, dear boy. RIP Ludicrous

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann, Max and Z Fans:

      He’s a special one. Wow, The Big Beast. Congrats TBB and FA. Will post the replay as soon as it’s up. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Ann NC. Thanks for the photo. My Beast did not let me down. Beast, you are the best. I am proud of you.
        Free the Moose!

      • / Reply

        JudyB. The Beast actually has a nice temperament. Smart too. He’s just huge! A beautiful Big Beast.
        Free the Moose!

        • Dear Max:

          I know, he’s very well behaved. It’s just that he’s so huge, if he does act up, it takes a strong groom to settle him down. He’s on his way to the BC. Love and Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. Yes, indeed. Dutrow says that the Beast is the biggest horse that he has ever trained. He quoted Bobby Frankel’ advice: When you know that your horse is ready, you’ve got to take the chance and race. Believe in your horse. Some peeps laughed at the Beast. They are not laughing anymore.
          Beast, you are the man!
          Free the Moose.

        • Dear Max:

          The Beast is a big, beautiful, talented Boy. Bobby Frankel was one of the Best.

          Read that Beholder is in training again and recovered from that gash on her leg. Power Up Danny, CC, CDA, Beholder, Treve, Taghi, Sir, Hudson, Angel, Reilly and all who are ill or injured. Beast, good boy. TT, love you forever. Loose The Moose! Love and Hugs, JB

        • Power Up Big Trouble and Frac Daddy; don’t want to forget you. Love and Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Dear Max.No luck for Lady Cecil today,Mutual Regard won trained by Johnny Murtagh!Al Kazeem is back to winning ways at Windsor beating a Godolphin horse True Story great to see him back in the winner’s enclosure.If I remember correctly it was Dickie Johnson who gave Kauto a pat after the King George.Nick Luck and Clare Balding did the ice-bucket challenge today or rather yesterday in Clare’s case .An aunt of mine had Motor Neurone in the 1970’s,not much was known about this dreadful disease then.It’s good to see peeps getting involved in the challenge.The Moose must be free!Glesni needs sunday lunch!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Yes, I saw the York results. Do you think that a mile and three quarters is a little too short for Retirement Plan? He won at 2 miles. 2 or 3 miles might suit him better.
      This is very good news about Al Kazeem. All of that running up and down hills has paid off. Well done, Al.
      Free the Moose!

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for the replay of The Big Beast’s win. Love that boy. Love and Hugs, JB

  30. / Reply

    Ed Zieralski Saturday, Aug 23 2014
    Word from Ken McPeek is Frac Daddy injured a leg when it got caught in the webbing in his stall.
    Out of TVG Pacific Classic. #delmar

    • / Reply

      Kenny McPeek UPDATE
      Frac Daddy is scratched from Pacific Classic.
      He has suffered tendon injury that will cause him to miss race and possibly career ending.

      • / Reply

        Dear BGG:

        Wishing Frac Daddy a complete recovery and happy retirement if the injury is career ending. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear BGG,
          Like Judy B., wishing Frack Daddy a complete recovery and a happy, safe retirement if that is what must be now. Healing thoughts and prayers to FD!
          Take care and Lots of Hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      OMG, did not see your post until now of how Frac Daddy was injured. My gosh, poor baby. Really bad luck. Their legs are so fragile. Love and Hugs, JB

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