Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

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 Sheena,

    Good Sabbath. Have a lovely and blessed day.

    Hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy

  2. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Hope you have a blessed Sabbath and the pups!All our furbabies are well even Fubu ate his dry food!!Poor Dolly managed to post they are having 12hr power cuts!Can you imagine no A/C in that heat.I feel so sorry for them.Marty did the yogie-bucket challenge and he’s found the yogie maker!!!Monday is creeping up on him but it’s a bank holiday over here so he can rest.All quiet on the Dyfi.Hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Yes, I checked on all those furbabies you mentioned. Good news all around. That’s fantastic that Fubu ate dry food! It’s a relief to get some news from Dolly. 12 hours without power! That’s awful. Leave it to Marty to replace ice with yogies! So funny. Glad all is quiet on the Dyfi. Godspeed to all the ospreys. They had a 6.0 earthquake in Napa this morning. Lots of damage. We know all about earthquakes here! Have a great day. Hugs from me, kisses from Holly Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

      • / Reply

        Kathy. Are you anywhere near the quake area? Have experienced some minor quakes myself and it is no fun. Hope that you are okay.
        Free the Moose!

        • Max,

          I’m far away from today’s quake. It was in the San Francisco Bay area. I’m in Southern CA in the Los Angeles area. Thank you for asking about me! Free the Moose.

          Kathy

        • Kathy. Glad that you are far away. My first earthquake made me think that I was having a heart attack until I noticed that there was no pain and the room not me was shaking. These things make us realize that we are at the mercy of forces much greater than ourselves. There is really no such thing as being in control. Once we get that concept down, life is a whole lot easier.
          Free the Moose!

  3. / Reply

    Good morning all> Missed the racing yesterday because we were away. Will watch the replay today. Congratulations to Hard Spun and his kids. Hugs to all.

  4. / Reply

    Dear Max.Gold Ship was beaten earlier today by the filly Harp Star a daughter of Deep Impact.Both preparing for the arc with Just a Way I think Japan may have a good chance of winning this year but look out for Sea The Stars offspring!We must not forget Treve either.Free the Moose.Fly Glesni Fly!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. The law of averages may finally work in favor of the Japanese. Gold Ship is another Moose. He could still win the Arc, depending on how he feels on that day. Yes indeed about Sea The Stars. As you know, both he and his mother have won the Arc. Treve is also not to be counted out. She has an excellent trainer.
      Free the Moose! Glesni, encourage the Moose to fly. Wild and free forever.

  6. / Reply

    Dear CA Z Fans:

    Just read about the quake in Northern CA. Praying all of you are OK. Love and Hugs, JB

  7. / Reply

    Dear Judy
    .I am sorry to hear about the quake,California has had so much to deal with,fires and drought, and now another quake-my heart goes out to all.

    I am off to take Ash out and sure the stud muffins will be a big hit! Will let you know.
    I forgot to say Congratulations to V E Day yesterday.Watched the race and her surge at the end made for such an exciting finish! What a day for all the winners and their fans-Congrats to the Beast (and Max) Big John B and Mike ( and Hard Spun),Artemis Agrotera (who won by 6 lengths) and your V E Day! Well done to all the horses that ran!

    Dear Peggy(N)
    Thank-you for the link and info to order the print of Eddie and Red.I did order it today and am really excited . It was so good to learn more about Mr. Sweat with your Remembrance to him yesterday. Much appreciated.Debbie

    • / Reply

      Dear Debbie,

      So glad you got yours. I ordered mine today too. Didn’t want to miss getting it. I keep going back to it and looking at it. It is just a wonderful feel good picture. Deep “love” shown in that picture.
      Need one of Z and Mario too.

  9. / Reply

    Dear Sheena
    Gwynant had a fish on the lower perch earlier.Monty just dropped a fish off and Deri is enjoying it- a good sized one. About 15 min ago Deri was sqwaking and really upset-there was a fox at the bottom of the pole.He came for those tasty fish that drop from the perch-but has gone thank goodness.Deri told him off in no uncertain terms-smile.
    Off to take Ash out and Tully had a nice time at the park. Hope you are having a good day.Hugs,Debbie

  10. / Reply

    Dear Barbara
    Yes,them staying safe is what is most important.
    I had a sad day yesterday worrying about them but am staying positive and sending prayers and love to them all.
    Debbie

  11. / Reply

    Ok, talk about having the crap scared out of you, our place shook so hard and it seemed to go on forever. I’ve never been in a quake like that. We jumped out of bed and stood under the door frame. Looked to see if we had damage and, boy, what a mess we had. But, as far as I know, no structure damage. Our girls were terrified, Precious was hiding behind the couch pillows and she was shaking. Poor girl. Other than that, we are ok. They are saying that we should expect several aftershocks. Hopefully, it won’t be to bad. Oh, and btw, My Zenny wall is ok too.

    • / Reply

      Hi Heidi…glad you and yours are safe…checked with our daughter in Sac and she is fine. Also checked with friends in Antioch…also ok. But you are much closer to Napa than them

      • / Reply

        Carol, actually, it was in American Canyon which is about 10 miles from us. Furniture was moved about a foot and the entire place Moved, and I mean MOVING! Cindy had experienced the 89 quake in San Francisco and said that this felt just as strong and lasted longer.

    • / Reply

      Dear Heidi:

      Must have been so scary for all of you. Happy to know you’re OK. Love and Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Dear Max

    You are so right about your thoughts about Gold Ship. You never know which Gold Ship will show up. Someone was talking yesterday about one of the horses at Saratoga not being A One Trick Pony. Well that statement applies to Gold Ship perfectly. Wonder what antics he’ll show in the ARC. Can’t wait.

    • / Reply

      Peggy. I would not count out Gold Ship in any race. He’s enigmatic like the Moose, very quirky in the same way as Montjeu. Winning all depends on if he decides to bring it on that day. There’s another filly in there whom Sheena mentioned, Avenir Certain, which is French for definite future. Wonder if she will live up to that name? That race will be full of talent.
      Free the Moose! Wild and free forever.

  15. / Reply

    Dear Darlene:

    I know you follow the Kitten’s Joy babies from Conquest Stables. The beautiful Chestnut two year old colt, Conquest Panthera, with Mikey aboard, won his (first start) Maiden today at Del Mar in Race 1. Congrats CP and Mikey. Love and Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Ebby’s race is coming up in about 10 minutes. She’s No. 6. The broadcaster picked her to win and made some glorious comments about our Queen. They kept the camera on her for quite a while and Mario is with her. John put her blinkers on and Mario’s walking her around the paddock. Love and Hugs, JB

  17. / Reply

    Ebby, just went by in the post parade. She looks wonderful. Turf Course looks good too.
    Ebby, only minutes not. God bless and take care of you.

  18. / Reply

    Well, I am more convinced than ever that dear Ebby’s heart just isn’t in it. Just my opinion, but I can’t forget that gate incident. Wonder if she has.

    @Heidi–thanks for checking in. We need all our CA Dumplings to let us know they are ok. Hugs to all.

    • / Reply

      Dear Barb W:

      I’m wondering the same thing. Did you notice they loaded her last and she had just a slight hesitation to go in. Maybe that’s stayed with her. Love and Hugs, JB

  20. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Not today. Ebby broke really well, but just never fired. I so hope she is OK. Couldn’t see any problem in the gate. She broke third and raced fourth for a while, then nothing; she finished last. Maybe our beautiful big girl is just not interested. I hope that’s all it is and not an injury. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Same here, Judy. She went in fine, came out fine, but by the end, she just appeared to be cantering compared to the others. Exact same pedigree, same trainer, but so much of it is desire.

      • / Reply

        Barbara. Ebby does not actually have the exact same pedigree as Z. Bernardini not Street Cry is her sire. The only exact same pedigree to Z so far is Z’s full brother who is under the care of Coolmore.
        Free the Moose!

    • / Reply

      JudyB. Does anyone have a video of her race? Would like to see it. Wasn’t this her first time on turf and after a long layoff? As long as she’s okay, there is always another race.
      Free the Moose!

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Here’s the video. You have to click the date, the track and Race 2. Yes, it was her first time on turf and she had not raced since May 18th. Maybe the new surface did have something to do with her performance. It’s the first time she was ridden by Joe Talamo too. She’s had so many different riders: C. Nakatani, G. Stevens, Mikey, R.Napravnik and J. Talamo.

        http://www.calracing.com/live-video/replays/

        • Dear Max and Z Fans:

          After you view the race, let me know if you think she looks tired or sore. Jockey Talamo, thank God, did not push her. Love and Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. She looked really good going in, but it is hard to know what happened. These days too much emphasis is put on perfection. We only get that with a very few horses. If Ebby is fit, why not keep trying? Too many TBs are bred as it is. Ebby’s a race horse who has not seen much action on the track. Subject to her good health, why not let her race? She is fortunate that her owner and John Shirreffs will call the shots and do the right thing by her.
          Free the Moose!

        • Dear Max:

          The winner of Ebby’s race, Bee Brave, was bred in GB and broke his Maiden at Ayr in Scotland in 2012. He’s had 7 races since then; 5 at Santa Anita and 2 at Del Mar. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Max:

          You make very good points and I agree with you; if she is fit, then I would like to see her race again. Could be she just needed this race after having been off for a little over three months. The thing is, she never seems to have the luck to get in condition without some small problem popping up or a big problem, like loosing two teeth in that gate incident, which prevents her from getting into a racing routine. Love and Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. Bee Brave is a filly. She’s got a good turf pedigree with a sire like Rail Link. Ebby however has an outstanding turf champion in her pedigree, Roberto. He won the Epsom Derby. He is the only horse to beat the Brigadier. Her ears come from him. She also has Z as her sister. The heart is there, but maybe it has yet to come out. Ebby, don’t throw in the towel yet.
          Free the Moose!

        • Dear Max:

          I’m so sorry. Of course Bee Brave is a filly.

          For all the reasons you stated, I think JS was anxious to try Ebby on the turf. I hope she comes out fine and JS finds another turf race for her. Love and Hugs, JB

        • From Equibase
          Eblouissante finished 7th beaten by 25 3/4 lengths, on August 24, 2014,
          at DEL MAR in Race 2.

          Sigh……..BGG

  21. / Reply

    Dear Ann:

    There’s a horse in the 10th Race at Saratoga today. His name is Fox Rox. Made me think of Jayne’s Foxy. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, it would seem so. Will be looking for news on how she came out of the race.

      RIP Lord Attenborough. Love and Hugs, JB

  24. / Reply

    Hope all is well with Ebby.
    Maybe she will contribute more as a mom. She may not have that drive to run, but would definitely be a loving mama. Being a sister to the Queen was a heavy load and there was so much expected of her.

    Just my opinion only.

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet:

      Will have to wait and see. Hope there is some news from JS in the DRF or Bloodhorse. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        JB, Janet a Zfans,
        Hope we do hear some news about her.
        Also read, Princess S had thumps after her race. Anyone get DRF+..there was a report of PS there and her future? Poor baby. Hope these girls will be OK.

        • Dear Ann:

          I don’t have DRF+. I will see if Bloodhorse has anything on her. My gosh, that’s spasms of the diaphragm? I wonder what caused it to happen. Poor baby girl. Hope she’s OK.

  25. / Reply

    Dear Judy
    Bless Ebby,she is such a beautiful horse.I hope she will be allowed to go to a good home and persue a different career.
    Ash has not had many stud muffins before and looked very serious as he savored the first one..He wanted another and it was clear they were a hit!.I left a container of them in the tack room for other people to give to their horses and heard rave reviews.
    .Enjoyed by all and there have been requests for your recipe, may I make some copies? It was a good day with Ash,very peaceful.He loved his graze.
    I really liked the pictures you posted-Saratoga Smiles-by Barbara Livingston.They do reflect so many people who are connected with the horses and love them.T-you.
    Hugs,Debbie
    ps sorry it took me so long to get back to you,there was some work being done on the roof at the barn and Warren( a chestnut) was ready to jump out of his stall.I stayed with him and he calmed down.Then I visited Verena,Ash’s girlfriend.She put her head next to me. I closed my eyes and could hear her breath and then could feel her cheek touch my nose.She closed her eyes too and was startled when she nearly nodded off.Too cute..

    • / Reply

      Dear debbie s:

      We’ll have to see how Ebby came out of the race and what JS has planned for her. So glad the Stud Muffins were enjoyed by all and you had a lovely visit with Ash. Love your stories about him and the other horses. It’s good Warren had you to comfort him. Verena sounds like a real Sweetie. Love and Hugs, JB

  26. / Reply

    Dear Debbie.Each time I looked in today there was no one on the nest I couldn’t make out who was on the perch ,may have been Monty.Yes,there are often foxes around but I think Deri is quite capable of taking care of herself now!She’s a feisty girl.Hope you’ve had a great day with Ash and Tully and that Ash enjoyed his treats.I’m going to check on Beatrice in the Highland Foundation,she migrates to Southern Spain unlike Glesni.Hugs Sheena.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Debbie.Beatrice is well on her way home at 5pm on Aug 22nd she was flying towards the North Of Toledo.She had 3 healthy chicks this year.Hugs Sheena.
    To all Z fans in the earthquake area I pray God keeps you all safe from harm.Hugs Sheena.

  28. / Reply

    Beast fans. Here is a video of the Beast’s daddy getting a shower. Yes It’s True is at Three Chimneys and was a good race horse himself. Interesting commentary about him too. Says that his kids are fast. YIT does not look like a huge horse. The Beast however is a very big boy and still filling out. Wow!

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Fp8Qp_wRcEw

    Free the Moose! Beast, you are the man!

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      Thanks so much for this video of The Beast’s Daddy, Yes It’s True. He was a very good race horse, indeed, earning over 1M dollars in his career. His son did what he failed to do in 1999, win the King’s Bishop Stakes at Saratoga. Love and Hugs

      • / Reply

        JudyB. You’re right. It’s amazing to me that the Beast is a sprinter. Maybe he’ll go longer as he matures. He did not race at 2. Dutrow says that he has no plans yet for future races. It’s still sinking in. It’s the summer of the Beast.
        Free the Moose!

        • Dear Max:

          We will keep a close watch on him. What a fun ride for AD, the owners and Beast fans. Love and Hugs,JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Max. What a solid looking guy! Beasty Boy could out beast Dad. Thanks for eyeing this guy, he certainly has been an exciting one and happy for T. Dutrow.

      • / Reply

        Ann NC and JudyB. Knew that this horse was a winner when he broke his maiden during Belmont Week. Wired it against a nice Moss horse called Guggenheim. Guggi is a chestnut. The Beast as it turns out is a real character. I think that he’s another Big D in the making. He’s certainly got his build. And he’s a real handful. Love that he’s an escape artist like Tiznow. Dutrow says the Beast gets loose everyday. Have to send out the posse to get him. Ha!
        Free the Moose!

        • Dear Max:

          He’s a special one, alright.

          An inquiry in the Pacific Classic between Shared Belief and Toast. My Imperative, Bernie’s Boy, did me proud. He finished third and that’s how I picked him in the capping contest. Waiting to here it’s official. Love and Hugs, JB

  29. / Reply

    Dear Sheena
    I hesitate to email you so late in the day..See you are still up ,so a quick one.
    Glad Beatrice had three healthy chicks and wish her a safe flight ( .Do wish Glesni and family wintered in Spain).Ash loved his treats and enjoyed his walk and grass.Tully is full of beans and just barked to get out as my neighbours grandchildren are visiting and she loves them So we are going to say hello. Goodnight,big hugs,Debbie

    Dear Heidi
    I had no idea the quake was that big.Glad you are all fine and hope everyone is safe.
    Hugs,Debbie

  30. / Reply

    It looks like Ebby bumped the #5 horse out of the gate. California, whether its dirt or turf, there track’s are fast. Being on the east coast I’m used to turf races that are slower in the beginning and faster at the end (how a normal turf race runs). I think that she was up to close to the pace. She’s been doing that in her last three races (including today) and I think that she’s better being further back.

    Perhaps, after the gate incident, she just wants to get out of there as fast as she can that its hard to take her back once she gets going. Maybe some more work at the gate might help, but there’s nothing like live competition – but I’m sure that issue has been worked on to the max.

    By the time she ran six furlongs, Talamo was pumping the reins, either she lost interest in the race, or she was a little spent because of the fractions. After the final turn, and into the stretch, Talamo looked down at her legs a couple of times, but her stride seemed to be fine when she crossed the finish line and from the head on after the finish line. When you riding a horse that someone paid $2.1 million for, you’re going to make sure that they cross the finish line without injury (not that they don’t “less valuable” horses) – they’re all priceless to me.

    I wish that Ebby was with John – being the horseman that he is, he’ll figure out what’s up. Horses are creatures of habit, so perhaps a different track, or even a different surface may be just as upsetting to her if she did go. Then again, perhaps Ebby just wants to be a mama and isn’t interested in racing – and that’s okay too. Just some questions that come to mind.

    • / Reply

      Dear Doreen:

      They were in a little tight when they came out of the gate, but I missed the bump.

      I’m thinking John sent Ebby back to CA for maybe two reasons. Her first two races were wins and they were in CA, not at Del Mar; one at Hollywood and the other at Santa Anita. She also had a 2nd at Santa Anita. Her terrible gate experience happened at Saratoga last year. Maybe he felt that she would be more comfortable in familiar surroundings and with Mario. We’ll have to see what JS and Ebby’s owner have planned for her. You are so right, no matter the monetary value of the horse, they are all priceless. Love and Hugs,

    • / Reply

      Dear Doreen:

      BTW, JS was with Ebby today. I saw him before the race put her blinkers on. Love and Hugs, JB

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