Calling all fans! The 2017 Zenyatta Celebration is in full swing. We’re raising money for Thoroughbred Rehab Center and giving away five invitations to meet The Queen.
At the core of the event is the 2017 Celebration Sticker. Each sticker purchased is a donation to TBRCI as well as automatic entry into our grand prize drawing for an invitation to meet Zenyatta.
Today only, we’re offering a special bonus: three lucky fans who purchase a Celebration Sticker on Friday, November 10 will also receive the Zenyatta—Queen of Racing DVD free of charge.
See you at the Celebration!
All details at can be found at the 2017 Zenyatta Celebration website.
Janie in L.A.
Oh darn, I had already bought my sticker AND the DVD! Wished I’d waited… Love to Zenyatta and all her babies and thanks for sharing her with us!
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Any updates are Hovis? Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties
judy berube
OOPs. That’s “on” Hovis. Sorry about that. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy,
There is an update on the previous blog entry together with Sheena’s posting of the latest installment of Hovis’ Diary which includes a short video of a groggy Hovis making his way to his accommodations after surgery. Hoping he continues to do well with a speedy recovery.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Marshall:
Thanks. Keeping him in my prayers. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Z’sters and Ben’s Cat fans,
Laurel Park is giving tribute to the wonderful Ben tomorrow.
https://www.drf.com/news/fitting-month-honor-late-great-bens-cat
https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Bens_Cat_Day_honors_a_horse_everybody_loved_at_Laurel_Park_123#
Nice of Laurel Park to honor this magnificent hard-working horse. RIP dear boy
Hugs and Love
Marshall (NC Broad)
Note:
For some reason the Daily Racing Form link I posted above doesn’t seem to work. Please google Ben’s Cat Day and click on the “drf.com” link. It is a very nice article. There are a couple of other links there, too.
Love the photo of Ben and Mr. Leatherbury, too. It appeared this past July.
Hugs and Salutes
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Team Z, LE and Z,
Thanks so much for this fantastic opportunity! You are the ultimate Best!
Best of luck to everybody.
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.I hope you see Marshall’s post concerning Hovis.I commented this morning before the latest post appeared.Valegro looks superb in readiness for his big weekend at Your is Live for Carl’s 50th birthday party.I took another look at his retirement ceremony at Olympia last year and am a mess!We should get more news of Hovis in the next few days.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Yes, will check the previous Blog. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Marshall.I found this about Ben’sCat.
http://www.facebook.com/ThoroghbredRacingCommentary/
sheena.davies(wales)
http://www.facebook.com/ThoroughbredRacingCommentary/
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena,
Thank you so much for posting this facebook link about Ben’s Cat. Enjoyed it a lot.
Ben was definitely loved by those in Maryland and by lots more everywhere else — particularly on this site, as well.
Have a lovely weekend!
Hugs and Love
Ann NC
Yes, thank you. Loved Ben very much.
While in MD, I took a card over to the track for Ben’s family. Cried while giving it to the sweet lady at the gate and she was crying too.
Will stop by and visit him next time, beside the historic paddock. Special place for a special boy.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Very special indeed.
Thanks for sharing this with us, Ann.
Hugs and Love
Debbie Sutherland
Thinking about Ben’s Cat and his Tribute tomorrow.
I looked at many videos tonight on utube, races and tributes and memories to treasure. Two videos were particularly touching , one of Fern Augusti ,his groom, and the other of Avon Thorpe, Ben’s assistant trainer. Fern said he was her baby and she cared for him for 9 years, from the time he stepped off the trailer as a two year old.
Avon Thorpe mentioned how Ben did not want to get on the trailer the morning he left, how he kept stopping and looking back at the barn and did not settle even after he was in the van. Avon said how his exercise rider was in tears and how much they would all miss Ben, saying the barn was so quiet after he left. Like everyone they were hoping he would have a great retirement, it was clear his team adored him. That says it all about “The Cat”. It was not just what he achieved on the track but who he was that won the hearts of all his fans and the people closest to him. God bless you Ben.
Tomorrow remembering all the men and women who have served our countries to preserve our freedom and to whom we are eternally indebted.
My father is soon to be 93, and will be marching(walking) to the Cenotaph in the morning. So many of you have loved ones who were lost in the wars or who came home with much healing to do. You are in my thoughts and prayers as well.
sheena.davies(wales)
We begin a weekend of remembrance in the UK today.The country came to a standstill as a two minute silence was held at the11th hour of the 11th day of the 11 month.They gave their lives without question so we can enjoy our freedoms.Tonight the festival of remembrance will be held at the Royal Albert Hall and tomorrow a ceremony at the Cenotaph’Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh along with other members of the Royal family will watch from the Balcony of the FCO a the Prince of Wales will lay a wreath of the Queen’s behalf.The changing of the guard.We must never forget we lost the best generation in these wars and still continue to lose good men and women in recent conflicts.
At the going down of the sun
And in the morning we will remember them.
God bless you all and grant you everlasting peace.
Celeste_in_TX
Thank you for sharing this.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena and Donna,
Thanks to both of you for the beautiful remembrances on this Veterans Day/Remembrance Day. We must always remember these brave men and women.
?? ??
Hugs and Love
Celeste_in_TX
Your words on Ben’s Cat are beautiful expressions of how many of us feel about the beautiful boy – thank you. Also, thanks to your father for his service to our country and celebrate him every day. My WWII Army Air Corps pilot dad has been gone for over a year and I still miss him.
sheena.davies(wales)
Hovis update.He is tolerating the drugs very well and hasn’t even tried to remove the tubes.A member of staff told Karen he is loving all the attention and a dream to look after!One of Karen’s friends is going to see him tomorrow and we will get more news.Karen is missing him so much.PU Hovey
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks for the update, Sheena.
Yes indeed, Hovis, Power Up!
Blessings, love and prayers for a successful recovery and return to good health, dear boy.
Thank you, Karen, for sharing this lovable hunk with us! And for loving him so.
Hugs and Love
shirleeinindy
Sheena,
Thank you for keeping us up to date on Hovis. Seems he is doing pretty well. Continued prayers for his recovery. Bless him for the joy he has brought to so many.
martha
So glad to hear about Hovis! I can’t seem to get the previous link. DARN! Maybe afterKaren’s friend vists him.
judy berube
Dear Marshall, Sheena, Debbie and
ZFans:
Wonderful comments about Beautiful Warrior, Ben’s Cat. Wish he could have lived to enjoy his retirement and visits from his adoring fans. Run free in God’s Heaven Champ. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Thanks for the positive update on Hovie. Sending healing prayers for continued improvement. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties
judy berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Stay comfy and cozy and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
judy berube
Remembering all the service men and women. past and present, who served our Country proudly and well; and to all who made the ultimate sacfifice, Rest In Peace.
Thank You and God Bless You. Love and Hugs, JB
coleen henry
I love her, I really loved watching her race, I thought the way she danced was just a treat to see, and Mike Smith knew just how to ride her and let her do her thing. I knew nothing about horse racing until I watch and fell in love with her and the sport itself. If i have a chance or win tickets, please let me. I am now a horse racing guru! I would love to be a thoroughbred owner, maybe someday.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Hope we get more updates tomorrow.Love and hugs SheenaX
Max
Greyvitos breaks maiden in the Grade 3 Bob Hope with Victor Espinoza. Grey was sent off at 19-1, but he didn’t know that. Very nice win today at Del Mar.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/224730/greyvitos-speeds-to-19-1-upset-in-bob-hope-stakes
judy berube
Dear Max:
What a beautiful Grey he is; nice breeding too. Like his Mama’s name, Snow Top Mountain. Thanks for sharing. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Reminds me of World Approval. So easy to pick out a gray in a race too.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
That’s what I thought too although he is a bit darker.
Max
Sandy: The win by World at Del Mar was super. Hoping that he continues to race next year. He’s got it altogether and there is no reason to quit now.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Keeping my fingers crossed!!!! I understand so little about what goes into these decisions, but I sure can’t see any reason to retire him.
Max
I think that World is a gelding and therefore has no impending stud career to hurry his retirement. If he’s healthy and interested, he could race again. Casse thinks very highly of him. He’s also got caring connections who retire their horses to their own farm in Florida. World’s relatives like Za and their mother are living there.
Max
Sandy. Here is the latest on World Approval. He’s on a short vacation and then back in training for 2018. Great news.
http://www.espn.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/21351059/world-approval-target-dubai-turf-march
Ann NC
Congrats. Love those Moon babies. Good job, VE.
Love the Mom’s name too, JB.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Max, Judy, Sandy and Ann,
Me, too! (On all comments) :-) Beautiful name, Snow Top Mountain, and a very nice mare, too.
Greyvitos and VE, job well done!
Hugs and Cheers
Max
Here’s a story. Horse goes from a claimer to a Stakes winner at Churchill on the turf. Lives up to his name and is misunderstood no more.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/224729/mr-misunderstood-wins-commonwealth-turf
Marshall (NC Broad)
Big Congratulations to Mr. Misunderstood and connections!
What a win — well done MM and FG.
Thanks for posting this, Max.
If you look on the right side of the page, there is an article from Bloodhorse about the memorial for Ben’s Cat at Laurel Park.
Hugs
Donna Z
Stay warm tonight, Mama Z and Z17 – I heard that it will be chilly tonight again in KY. Here in upstate NY, we are going down into the middle teens again and may even break the record of 15. At least the wind has died down, so we won’t have the wind chills in the single digits.
judy berube
Dear Max:
Wow, did this beautiful boy ever make up some ground and four wide at that. Congrats to him and his connections. Looks like he loves the turf; he’s won 4 straight at two different tracks since switching to grass. Thanks for sharing this article. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Ridden by Gun’s Flo. What a turnaround in his career for this colt! Love to see this.
Ann NC
Very exciting! It is great that he found his love of the turf. Also LOVE Gun’s Flo ( too cute ). That hug he gave Gun is precious!
sheena.davies(wales)
On this Remembrance sunday.
As we express our gratitude,
we must never forget
the highest appreciation
is not to utter words
But to live by them.
John. F. Kennedy
judy berube
Me too. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Amen.
Thank you for sharing.
sheena.davies(wales)
Karen’s friend Mary has been to visit the big guy and he continues to recover the bag of carrots disappeared in a couple of minutes.She has posted some lovely pics for anyone on FB to see.PU Hovey.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks for keeping us apprised of Hovis’ recovery, Sheena.
So happy that he enjoyed the bag of carrots Mary brought, too. Power Up, big guy!
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
There is a’strong possibility’that Winx may run in the Lockinge at Newbury as a prep for the Queen Anne at RA according to Chris Waller.No firm decision until next march.
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Love that quote by JFK. Glad Hovis enjoyed the carrots Mary brought him; very good sign. Goodnight. Relayed info on Mendy to Peggy. Thanks again. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties
judy berube
Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Have a pleasant day and evening. Happy Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
Max
John Shirreffs has a promising 2 year old chestnut colt by Candy Ride in training. He was 2nd yesterday at Del Mar.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/usa/dmr/2017/11/11/7
judy berube
Dear Max:
Impressive first try by this beautiful Chestnut boy; was in it from start to finish. Nice ride by T Baze too. He went off at odds of 65 to 1. congrats to him and JS. Dam is a daughter of Mizen Mast. Love and Hugs’ JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks, Max. Candy Cornell is a nice looking young member of the Chestnut Club!
Sure hope he does well for JS and all connections. Stay safe and sound, Candy C.!
Hugs and Cheers
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Yes, he really looked great! Must have been a real bright spot for John.
Marilyn Braudrick
Thanks so much for this video. Will go to J.S.’s barn to meet this new and beautiful chestnut. My yearling colt is a chestnut. Came from 2 bays, Addison’s Honor (our brood mare) and his sire, Suances, won races in France and England before coming to the U.S. (Suances) is a bay as well. But there is Secretariat in her bloodline.Our colt is named Big Red Valentine. He was born on Valentine’s day.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Judy and Sheena. Thank You so much for the information on Mendelssohn. Sheena so glad to get this info. Thank You. Just love this boy. Will be following him at Ballydoyle. So hope they keep us updated. Just loved his dad Scat Daddy and so hoping he will do good on the dirt.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Peggy.My pleasure.It will be great to see if he winters well.Hugs.
Max
If they train this horse on the dirt in the US, there might be a chance at the KD. Otherwise unlikely. Check out Churchill’s results in the Classic. Same for Galileo. No horse has ever won the KD who was not trained on dirt in the US. Northern Dancer had an American trainer and trained on dirt tracks only.
judy berube
Dear Peggy:
You’re so welcome. I knew Sheena would know how to find Mendy. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
On Monday November 13th 2006 Desert Orchid went to sleep forever.He had known his time was up and gathered his loved ones around him that last weekend.Dessie died as he lived his own way and surrounded by his family.He was 27yrs old and had enjoyed 15yrs of retirement.He always spent his summers in God’s own country and the rest of his time with his trainer David Elsworth.Jumps fans took the flambouyant front running grey to their hearts immediately.His Cheltenham Gold Cup win goes down in history as one of the most exciting Ran on ground he hated and on a left hand course he rallied up that famous hill to beat Yahoo.Trying to win the King George for the 5th time in 91′ he fell at the 3rd last someone tried to catch him but Dessie wasn’t going to miss his last moment of glory he ran past the winning post to huge cheers from the crowds.Of course he appeared at the Boxing day fixture until the year before his death.He was in the parade for the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday parade and at Windsor for the Queen’s jubilee.He attended all the big chase meets usually with his devoted lass Janice Coyle.He really had a wonderful life and death.He was a joy to watch and to know.He will always be remembered by us who loved him.Sleep peacefully my darling boy.All my lovexx
Absent they may be but ever near and ever dear
Marshall (NC Broad)
RIP Desert Orchid.
Glad you had such a wonderful long life filled with love.
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Hovis is going to be annoyed with his mum.Karen has posted pics of the operation and our boy hoisted up on the operating table while in La-La land.I wonder what he will have to say on Friday?Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX