What a wonderful treat to see you, Zenny, and get some of your Valentine kisses❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hope all is well with you and baby bump filly. Thanks so much to Alys and everyone at Lane’s End for keeping us connected!
Belated Happy Valentine’s Day to all Zsters!???
Thank you Zenyatta for looking out at all your fans for V Day! We love to get pictures and words about how you are doing. Thanks to your team for keeping us in touch.
Congratulations to John Shirreffs, Mike Smith and Hard Not to Love for their impressive win in the Grade II Santa Monica Stakes today at Santa Anita! She came from the back and literally cantered past the field to win by a few lengths.
The talk of the track was the fact that her groom walked with her all the way to the starting gate, patting and stroking her the whole time. So John Shirreffs to think only of the filly and her comfort…
This perfect update on our Queen and now this great news on beautiful Hard Not To Love, our Mikey and JS. Congrats; well done. Congrats to Dottie and David I. too and all connections Here’s the replay.
Congrats to Hard Not To Love, John, Mike and all of her team. They are a perfect example of putting the horse first. It is clear her groom loves her with all his heart.
Congrats to Mr. Monomoy. Sired by Palace Malice a son of the Might Curlin!
That Derby picture is getting more cloudy with each race.
Dear Zenyatta. Your John has another wonderful mare….. loves the excitement to come from behind and blow by the competition. She is a beauty just like you!
Thank you Lanes End for these photos of our Z. She looks wonderful. In all the stress and turmoil of this world, it’s always such a comfort to come here to see Z in all her glory. She and all the others know only love and kindness. It’s a beautiful day in this world…..
thank you and have a wonderful Sunday. Stay warm and safe.
See below for more info on John Shirreffs/Dottie Ingordo’s Hard Not to Love who won the Grade 2 Santa Monica Stakes yesterday at Santa Anita with Mike Smith aboard:
Thanks for posting the link to this article. Loved it!
Mike and John are the best. Hard Not To Love is in the best of hands — continued good luck, safe and sound racing to this gorgeous filly!
Very sad news this morning. I am in tears over the loss of great filly.
The TDN just reported that Taraz broke down at Oaklawn during training and was euthanized. Article in TDN stated there will be more information to follow.
Sincere condolences to her team. They are heartbroken and grieving her loss to be sure.
RIP dear Taraz. We will miss you. Gallop over the Rainbow bridge to meet all who have gone before.
So very sad for the loss of Taraz. RIP beautiful girl, run free and happy among the angels.
Condolences to all her connections. So much grief and heartbreak lately.
Is it just me, or have there been more tragic breakdowns during training recently? It seems we have lost a lot of promising horses not just in races but in workouts, too.
Makes one even more grateful for those who are still with us. May they all stay safe, sound, loved and happy.
and kisses right back to you beautiful Zenyatta!!!! and hugs and love too – always!!! loved seeing our beautiful girl again – thanks team Z – wishing and praying Zen stays well and healthy and happy!!! — love to all…. a friend in california
I am sorry to read about Taraz…. I left my message and had not realized this lovely and talented 3yo filly was gone – very tragic – I am so sorry – – – while I did want to extend my love for our beautiful Zenyatta this morning, when I saw the new pictures of her and the ‘kisses’…. I would also like to send my sympathy regarding the stricken filly this morning – this is a sport that will break your heart too often – I am grateful we can continue to enjoy our dear Zen – she will always uplift our spirits – but I know, the despair this game brings can break your heart too – I am so sorry…..
You said it perfectly. Zenyatta lifts us up from our sadness while we grieve for Taraz. This is indeed a tough sport with elation and agony. I can only imagine the agony her team is feeling.
Taraz reminded me of Ruffian so long ago. Big talented fillies that maybe were capable of more than their bones could stand.
Hoping and praying the safety procedures will get better and better and this won’t keep happening.
I am so sorry as well. Wishing all the connections and each and every horse safe racing.
Heartbreaking is right! A beautiful horse with so much promise. So, so sad. I don’t know how her trainer, Brad Cox, could get it together to run several horses this afternoon at Oaklawn.
I’m so happy that our Queen is looking so well….so grateful to still have her…..today we lost the beautiful and talented filly Taraz…..I had her in my potential Derby horse list…..that’s how good she was…..a lovely Princess taken from us so young…..so heart broken…had to look up Z to make she was alright…..
I’m so happy that our Queen is looking so well….so grateful to still have her…..today we lost the beautiful and talented filly Taraz…..I had her in my potential Derby horse list…..that’s how good she was…..a lovely Princess taken from us so young…..so heart broken…had to look up Z to make sure she was alright…..
HOPE YOUR DAY WAS A WONDERFUL AS THE ONE YOU GAVE US !!! What marvelous photos !!
You would have , I think, gotten a kick out of the Valentine’s gifts that Boss Mare Sue bought for Barnaby and Traveller. Bright red buckets, red curry comb, red wash cloths, and bright red bell boots !!! Along with hoof trimming,hot bran mashes, organic rainbow carrots, honeycrisp apples and more bales of fluffy horse bedding to build up their deep beds !! Not spoiled—-MUCH !!
They look like stuffed plush toy horses right now !! They are both doing well and are still real characters with definite minds of their own !!
The four of us all send love to you, Zenny, your ” babies”, your connections, and all on this wonderful blog !
Great to hear from you! Glad that Barnaby and Traveller are doing so well — what a Valentine’s Day haul they scored. I bet that is a sight to behold with the red bell boots and all the red gear. Yum, hot bran mash, organic rainbow carrots and honey crisp apples! I am sure they love their fluffy bedding, too. It is good to be spoiled!
We’re raising funds for one of our local Animal Rescues. We’ve made our donation through an entry fee. If you would like to donate, will be so very appreciated. Twelve pets chosen will make up a calendar that will be sold to raise additional funds. Thank you and love you all. Love and Hugs, JB
Lola Mae, hope you make the calendar. Cutest pup ever!
Good luck and thanks, JB. Helpin’ the animals is wonderful. My mutts just gave 5 votes!!!
Luv ya.
Bailey, Fenn and I just voted for Lola Mae! I agree with my neighbor, Ann; Lola Mae is the cutest ever. She would make a lovely “calendar girl”.
?
I don’t think we will have much snow, if any. The ground is so warm (and has been for months) that any accumulation is doubtful. North Carolina doesn’t do winter very well anymore. Why when I was a young “whippersnapper” we had winter with several snows — what warm memories of a fire in the fireplace with gloves/mittens and socks drying on the fire screen and Mama making delicious Brunswick stew. Oh yes, then there would be snow-cream! Yum! I miss it very much, and juncos (snowbirds) are still my favorite birds.
Kathy
Dear Zenyatta,
We are all hopelessly in love with YOU! XOXOXOXOXOXOX
Virtual hugs, Kathy
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
What a wonderful treat to see you, Zenny, and get some of your Valentine kisses❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hope all is well with you and baby bump filly. Thanks so much to Alys and everyone at Lane’s End for keeping us connected!
Belated Happy Valentine’s Day to all Zsters!???
lynne langill
These are very cute selfies of the Queen. I think Zenyatta loves to ham it up for the camera.
Happy Valentines Day!!!!
DMCQ_AL
Thank you Zenyatta for looking out at all your fans for V Day! We love to get pictures and words about how you are doing. Thanks to your team for keeping us in touch.
Carolina
Thank you dear Z for the cutest, tickley kisses.
Great race by Hard Not to Love and Mike. Congrats to HNtoL and her team for the win.
Congrats to Mr. Monomoy and his connections for their victory.
Belated Valentine wishes for all. ?
Sharon Peck
Zenny, you have the most beautiful “face” — happy hearts to you always!
Dee in the Hudson Valley
Congratulations to John Shirreffs, Mike Smith and Hard Not to Love for their impressive win in the Grade II Santa Monica Stakes today at Santa Anita! She came from the back and literally cantered past the field to win by a few lengths.
The talk of the track was the fact that her groom walked with her all the way to the starting gate, patting and stroking her the whole time. So John Shirreffs to think only of the filly and her comfort…
judy berube
Dear Dee and Z Fans:
This perfect update on our Queen and now this great news on beautiful Hard Not To Love, our Mikey and JS. Congrats; well done. Congrats to Dottie and David I. too and all connections Here’s the replay.
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/race/usa/sa/2020/2/15/8/santa-monica-s-g2
Ann NC
Congrats.
Beautiful horse, beautiful race and beautiful connections!
Great racing story.
Thank you!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Ann and Judy,
What a girl! Yes, she sure is a beauty. Congrats to HNTL, MS, JS and all connections!
Ann, you said it — beautiful all around and a great story.
Judy, thanks so much for posting the replay!
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Marshall:
Love and Hugs, JB
KJ
Queen Z, always beautiful!
Barbara Wood
Awwwww. Our sweet girl!! Glad you are well and happy.
Ingrid Arnone
Thank you dear Zenyatta, same to you too!
Love you, big hugs Ingrid.
shirleeinindy
Congrats to Hard Not To Love, John, Mike and all of her team. They are a perfect example of putting the horse first. It is clear her groom loves her with all his heart.
Congrats to Mr. Monomoy. Sired by Palace Malice a son of the Might Curlin!
That Derby picture is getting more cloudy with each race.
Hope all came home safely.
Delrene from Carlsbad, Ca
Dear Zenyatta. Your John has another wonderful mare….. loves the excitement to come from behind and blow by the competition. She is a beauty just like you!
Thank you Lanes End for these photos of our Z. She looks wonderful. In all the stress and turmoil of this world, it’s always such a comfort to come here to see Z in all her glory. She and all the others know only love and kindness. It’s a beautiful day in this world…..
thank you and have a wonderful Sunday. Stay warm and safe.
judy berube
Dear Delrene:
Lovely post. So true, Z is a bright, uplifting light. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
So thrilled for Hard Not To Love, Mike and John! She certainly is aptly named!
Happy Sunday to all!
Hugs, Kathy
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL and DC:
Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB
Dee in the Hudson Valley
See below for more info on John Shirreffs/Dottie Ingordo’s Hard Not to Love who won the Grade 2 Santa Monica Stakes yesterday at Santa Anita with Mike Smith aboard:
https://www.westpointtb.com/hard-not-to-love-an-easy-winner-again-in-santa-monica/
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Dee,
Thanks for posting the link to this article. Loved it!
Mike and John are the best. Hard Not To Love is in the best of hands — continued good luck, safe and sound racing to this gorgeous filly!
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Dee:
Thanks for this article on HNTL. What a horse; what a team. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
She is just terrific! SO happy for John, Dottie, and all of her connections ??❤️
Linda in NJ
Hi Zenny
I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s weekend with lots of love, hugs and kisses!!!!
Donna Heim
Dear Zenny, Your sweet kisses were one of the best things that arrived on Valentine’s Day. Love you so and wait for your little one to arrive.
Thanks for the adorable pictures.
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL and DC:
Have a wonderful day. Love You. Hugs, JB
Carolina
Dear Fans:
Very sad news this morning. I am in tears over the loss of great filly.
The TDN just reported that Taraz broke down at Oaklawn during training and was euthanized. Article in TDN stated there will be more information to follow.
Sincere condolences to her team. They are heartbroken and grieving her loss to be sure.
RIP dear Taraz. We will miss you. Gallop over the Rainbow bridge to meet all who have gone before.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Carolina and Barbara,
So very sad for the loss of Taraz. RIP beautiful girl, run free and happy among the angels.
Condolences to all her connections. So much grief and heartbreak lately.
Is it just me, or have there been more tragic breakdowns during training recently? It seems we have lost a lot of promising horses not just in races but in workouts, too.
Makes one even more grateful for those who are still with us. May they all stay safe, sound, loved and happy.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Carolina:
No words; just tears.
Rest In Peace beautiful baby girl. Love you. Hugs, JB
Carolina
Dear Judy:
I know. Tears keep coming for me too.
Peace be with you.
judy berube
Dear Kathy:
Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Carolina:
Sorry. I meant the above post for you. Love and Hugs, JB
Barbara Brayton
So sorry to hear about Taraz. Gone too soon. RIP, Taraz.
monica estes
and kisses right back to you beautiful Zenyatta!!!! and hugs and love too – always!!! loved seeing our beautiful girl again – thanks team Z – wishing and praying Zen stays well and healthy and happy!!! — love to all…. a friend in california
monica estes
I am sorry to read about Taraz…. I left my message and had not realized this lovely and talented 3yo filly was gone – very tragic – I am so sorry – – – while I did want to extend my love for our beautiful Zenyatta this morning, when I saw the new pictures of her and the ‘kisses’…. I would also like to send my sympathy regarding the stricken filly this morning – this is a sport that will break your heart too often – I am grateful we can continue to enjoy our dear Zen – she will always uplift our spirits – but I know, the despair this game brings can break your heart too – I am so sorry…..
Carolina
Dear Monica:
You said it perfectly. Zenyatta lifts us up from our sadness while we grieve for Taraz. This is indeed a tough sport with elation and agony. I can only imagine the agony her team is feeling.
Taraz reminded me of Ruffian so long ago. Big talented fillies that maybe were capable of more than their bones could stand.
Hoping and praying the safety procedures will get better and better and this won’t keep happening.
I am so sorry as well. Wishing all the connections and each and every horse safe racing.
Ann NC
RIP Taraz.
Heartbreaking.
Love and Hugs to her connections.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Heartbreaking is right! A beautiful horse with so much promise. So, so sad. I don’t know how her trainer, Brad Cox, could get it together to run several horses this afternoon at Oaklawn.
Ida Lee
I’m so happy that our Queen is looking so well….so grateful to still have her…..today we lost the beautiful and talented filly Taraz…..I had her in my potential Derby horse list…..that’s how good she was…..a lovely Princess taken from us so young…..so heart broken…had to look up Z to make she was alright…..
Ida Lee
I’m so happy that our Queen is looking so well….so grateful to still have her…..today we lost the beautiful and talented filly Taraz…..I had her in my potential Derby horse list…..that’s how good she was…..a lovely Princess taken from us so young…..so heart broken…had to look up Z to make sure she was alright…..
Sue Noel in Sun Valley, ID
HOPE YOUR DAY WAS A WONDERFUL AS THE ONE YOU GAVE US !!! What marvelous photos !!
You would have , I think, gotten a kick out of the Valentine’s gifts that Boss Mare Sue bought for Barnaby and Traveller. Bright red buckets, red curry comb, red wash cloths, and bright red bell boots !!! Along with hoof trimming,hot bran mashes, organic rainbow carrots, honeycrisp apples and more bales of fluffy horse bedding to build up their deep beds !! Not spoiled—-MUCH !!
They look like stuffed plush toy horses right now !! They are both doing well and are still real characters with definite minds of their own !!
The four of us all send love to you, Zenny, your ” babies”, your connections, and all on this wonderful blog !
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sue Noel,
Great to hear from you! Glad that Barnaby and Traveller are doing so well — what a Valentine’s Day haul they scored. I bet that is a sight to behold with the red bell boots and all the red gear. Yum, hot bran mash, organic rainbow carrots and honey crisp apples! I am sure they love their fluffy bedding, too. It is good to be spoiled!
Hope you are well. We have missed you❣️
Hugs and Love
shirleeinindy
Sue,
Good to hear from you again. Sound like you had a good Valentine’s Day with the boys. Bet they are very handsome in all their red.
Don’t stay away so long. We miss you.
judy berube
Dear Sue:
So good to know all is well with you, Barney, Traveler and Sue. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Here’s an article from Bloodhorse with more info on what happened to Taraz. ?
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/238561/stakes-winning-filly-taraz-suffers-catastrophic-injury
Kathy
Dear Judy,
Thank you for sharing. Makes you SICK. RIP, beautiful Taraz…
Hugs, Kathy
judy berube
Dear Kathy:
I know. So very sad. ? Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Racing continues to break our hearts. So sad about the beautiful talented Taraz. I was looking forward to seeing more of her. RIP sweet girl.
Sue Werner
Smoochies to you, too, Zenny.
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
We’re raising funds for one of our local Animal Rescues. We’ve made our donation through an entry fee. If you would like to donate, will be so very appreciated. Twelve pets chosen will make up a calendar that will be sold to raise additional funds. Thank you and love you all. Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.gogophotocontest.com/potterleague/entries/200122#
Ann NC
Lola Mae, hope you make the calendar. Cutest pup ever!
Good luck and thanks, JB. Helpin’ the animals is wonderful. My mutts just gave 5 votes!!!
Luv ya.
judy berube
My Dear Ann:
Thank you so much. Love You. JB and LM
judy berube
Dear Ann and Marshall:
Just read about the Winter storm headed your way. Wishing both of you and all in it’s path safely through it. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy,
Bailey, Fenn and I just voted for Lola Mae! I agree with my neighbor, Ann; Lola Mae is the cutest ever. She would make a lovely “calendar girl”.
?
I don’t think we will have much snow, if any. The ground is so warm (and has been for months) that any accumulation is doubtful. North Carolina doesn’t do winter very well anymore. Why when I was a young “whippersnapper” we had winter with several snows — what warm memories of a fire in the fireplace with gloves/mittens and socks drying on the fire screen and Mama making delicious Brunswick stew. Oh yes, then there would be snow-cream! Yum! I miss it very much, and juncos (snowbirds) are still my favorite birds.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
My Dear Marshall:
Thank you so much. Lola won’t make the calendar, but all that matters is helping these wonderful beings. Thank you so very much for donating.
Glad looks like you and Ann won’t have much accumulation of snow. Love your descriptive childhood memories.
Love and Hugs to you, Bailey and Fenn from me and Lola Mae.