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Weaning, Before and After

Zenyatta and 13Z, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta and 13Z, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Tuesday!

Zenyatta’s youngest boy was weaned last week, and it all went very well. Alys sent us some photos before and after, and as you can see the boys are quite large and independent at this time. Z is happy to be back with her old friend Life Is Sweet and they definitely seem to share a bond. We’ll have more photos to share with you soon.

-Team Z

Before:

Before weaning, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Before weaning, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Before weaning, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Before weaning, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

After:

13Z with fellow weanlings this week. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
13Z with fellow weanlings this week. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Zenyatta and paddock mates, including Life Is Sweet, post weaning. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta and paddock mates, including Life Is Sweet, post weaning. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Reader Interactions

1,196 Comments

  1. / Reply

    To all of you who asked me to pass on words to Wise Dan. You already know what an awesome race he ran, winning with no difficulties at all. Vic and I had a wonderful day at Woodbine starting with a 30 minute autograph session with John V. We both were given a commemorative photo of WD with John up which John signed for us. I had a few seconds to tell him about all the good wishes from fans on the Zenyatta blog and that we would like him to “kick butt” He laughed and then said “You’re a sweetheart” so, needless to say, that made my day!! Vic and I both spoke with Mr. Fisk and his party before and after the race, Mr. Fisk was so gracious and thanked us for the good wishes and congratulations.
    The Northern Dance Stakes was a thrill for me. Roger Attfield trained the first and second horses, not really too surprising for a mile and a half race on the turf, that man is hard to beat in the longer turf races, and John V was in the irons on the second horse, Perfect Timber.
    Victoria managed to meet and get autographs from Kent Desormeaux, and Gary Stevens as well as Mr. Fisk and Charles LoPresti so she has some really good souvenirs from the day in addition to our tote tickets from the Wise Dan race which we did not cash in.

    I’m sure that you all watched on TV, I haven’t had time to go back to read the posts yet, but Wise Dan’s team knew that you were cheering him on.

    • / Reply

      Brenda-Thanks for the first hand account of the day. Sounds like you and Vic had a marvelous time. It was reported on TVG that the crowd gave Wise Dan a standing ovation after the race. Well deserved for a great horse but definitely unusual these days. The last standing ovation I can recall for a horse was in the race book in the Las Vegas Hilton in 2009 after Zenyatta won the BCC. I felt lucky to be among that crowd.

    • / Reply

      Should have known that you two wouldn’t just be sitting in the grandstand :-) So glad that you had a great day! What a treat to BE THERE and be part of such excitement.

    • / Reply

      Dear Brenda:

      Thank you for giving us this wonderful account of your and Vic’s Day at Woodbine. How great is it that you got to meet and speak with JV and Mr. Fisk. So glad you had such a memorable day. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Brenda. Enjoyed reading your story of a day at the races. Very happy for you and Vic to witness Dan kick butt for all of us. Also must have been great to see Forte dei Marmi win for Roger Attfield. He’s a first class trainer and person. Loved how he treated Musketier like his buddy, and made sure that he had a good supply of teddy bears.

  2. / Reply

    Looks like John has another “hot one” here (hope he continues to live up to his name :-)

    Rookie Sensation (3 yr old colt):
    Date: September 16, 2013
    Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 59:60 Handily
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: All Weather Track
    Rank: 1/15 – See the day’s workouts

    • / Reply

      Must be getting ready for Santa Anita. That is an excellent work. The question is–What will happen to John’s horses when Hollywood Park shuts down?

      • / Reply

        Dear TC GP:

        Remember reading JS is planning to return to SA for Fall/Winter racing. Do you think SA will become JS’s California home base once Hollywood Park closes for good? Hugs, JB

        • Could work out that way. However, there was some breaking news this week that Los Alamitos, a local quarter horse track, has applied for racing dates that HP used to have. The oval at LA is only 5/8 of a mile, so it has been agreed that, if that track is successful in acquiring the dates, that it will expand to a mile. The main advantage it has is lots of barn space to house horses once HP goes away. It was never in the picture before because it was not needed. Now it is.

  3. / Reply

    Wise Dan was fantastic! Hoy? I don’t know. GOD was fantastic. WD fantastic. Love my Palace Malice. Adore Royal Delta. Guess it will all come down to BC.

    Concerned about Paynter. Is it possible his miraculous survival should be enough? Mayber expecting him to race is asking just too much.

    • / Reply

      I believe that Paynter is yet to run his best race and will give a good account of himself in his next outing. After his great win at Hollywood Park in his return to the races, he then raced at Del Mar which has a very strange surface and then at Saratoga on an off track. Both of those races can be excused. Look out next time.

      • / Reply

        Dear TC GP:

        Hoping the weather cooperates in Paynter’s next race and track conditions are to his liking. Will be rooting for him. Hugs, JB

        • We could use the rain but it is not likely to happen before November. I do not fault the connections for running Paynter on an off track. You never know what a horse is going to do until he tries it. Then even if you know, you never know. There are different types of off tracks.

  6. / Reply

    I know Horse of the year voting is a ways off, but I feel Game on Dude and Wise Dan should both be HOY and share the title. They both deserve it and if I had the honor of voting, I would not be able to chose between the two.

    Love the photos of the Queen and her best friend, Life is Sweet. They look happy and healthy and obviously well taken care of.

    And there are no words to describe Coz and his little brother Z13. I am so grateful that the Mosses and Lane’s End keep us up to date on their lives with photos and videos.

  8. / Reply

    How does a mass shooting happen at a Navy yard? This is crazy. To any dumplings that are affected by this, I send my condolences.
    I hope that the Colorado rains will stop soon. Geez, what is going on?

    Zenny, Coz and 13Z, I love you so much and thank you for giving us something positive to ponder in this crazy world.

  12. / Reply

    Moving tributes paid at Sir Henry Cecil service
    By Bruce Jackson Racingpost.com 7:14PM 16 SEP 2013
    THE racing world and the public who loved him turned out in force on Monday to remember trainer Sir Henry Cecil in a moving service at Ely Cathedral to celebrate
    his life.
    From the leading owners he trained for, to most of his Newmarket colleagues, representatives of racing organisations and a coach full of his staff, they packed 1,000 seats to hear the tributes of family and friends.
    The service started with Canon David Pritchard leading the family down the aisle, headed by Sir Henry’s widow Lady Cecil and supported by his eldest brother Bow Cecil.
    One of the most poignant moments came in Cecil’s haunting own words, in an audio tribute compiled by At The Races presenter Matt Chapman to the trainer, who died in June at the age of 70 after a long battle with cancer.
    http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/moving-tributes-paid-at-sir-henry-cecil-service/1531440/top/#newsArchiveTabs=last7DaysNews

    • / Reply

      Adrian Beaumont ‏tweet
      So pleased I went to Sir Henry’s service at Ely.
      Spooky to hear his voice on tape – very moving.
      Loved his granddaughter, Olivia and piper.

  13. / Reply

    Wise Dan info
    Daily Racing Form ‏on Monday Sept. 16
    Wise Dan eyes Shadwell Turf Mile as final Breeders’ Cup prep race:

  15. / Reply

    I think those mares are the fattest Thoroughbreds I have ever seen-POST weaning? GOOD job ladies!!! And 13Z is amazing, with gorgeous conformation. I just learned that queen Z didn’t start running until 3 1//2, TG for your caring people!

  19. / Reply

    Weights for Melbourne Cup
    @FlemingtonVRC: #MelbCup Top weights:
    Dunaden: 58.5 kg / Green Moon: 57.5 kg / Red Cadeaux: 56.5 kg / Sea Moon: 56.5 kg

    2013 Melbourne Cup Weights (Complete Chart)
    Posted by: Morgan Payne+
    Filled in: Horse Racing Nominations, Melbourne Cup | 17/9/2013 at 12:23pm
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/fields-results/race-fields/nominations-race-fields-fields-results/2013-melbourne-cup-weights/221583#ixzz2f7HC0eYw

  20. / Reply

    Wise Dan and Game on Dude-interesting facts
    Sid Fernando + Obser ‏@sidfernando tweets on Mon. Sept. 16
    GoD: 15 wins from 27 starts; WD: 18 wins from 25 starts. Both geldings.
    Both foaled in 2007, on eve of economic crisis. Both have earned $5m

    re last tweet: neither GoD nor WD raced at 2, and neither won a G1 at 3.
    GoD won his 1st G1 at 4 and WD his at 5. Both lightly raced early.

    • / Reply

      Bluegrass Girl:

      Thank you for posting info on the similarities between Game on Dude and Wise Dan. Both of these talented athletes have been traveling the same path to stardom.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for that link to the foal pics – just what was needed during a stressful, sad time. Thank you again. I love the So You Think foals, too. Well, shoot – I just love them all!

    • / Reply

      They are all SOOOOO cute! Thanks for posting the link JSmith. Some look just like their Moms and some . . . . well . . . . don’t! I think there is at least one who will be gray. They all look very sturdy.

    • / Reply

      Precious little babies… every one of them… so cute! Thank you so much for posting.

      Do they brand the mares there? I see what looks like brands on many of the mares’ left shoulders.

        • Dear Randy:

          Sorry – I think I’ve misunderstood your comment on brands. I think you folk use lip tattoo – is that correct? We do brand in Australia – the left is the breeders details (like Coolmore, Arrowfield, Darley) some of which are very clear – like the D for Darley. And I’d have to check on this one, but the right shoulder has the foaling year and a number relating to the number of foals from that stud in that year. And again I’ll have to check, but I think most of the branding is done with a freeze method, which is quick and relatively painless. Don’t think I’d like either – the lip tattoo sounds pretty scary to me! Sorry for my misunderstanding. Cheers, KathyR.

        • Hi KathyR,

          Thanks so much for answering my question. When I saw the above article posted by JSmith and so many of the mares had marks on their left shoulders I figured it had to be some kind of brand but wasn’t sure. Yes we do use lip tattoos here although I’m not sure what age the tattoos are done… maybe just before they get ready to race?

          I’m with you though… neither method sounds pleasant!

          Randy

  22. / Reply

    $1,000,000 Cotillion Stakes (gr. I, race 10, approximate post time 5:10 p.m. EDT) 3YO Fillies, 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt)
    PP, Horse, Jockey, Weight, Trainer
    1. Flash Forward (KY), R. Maragh, 119, D. Schettino
    2. Carnival Court (KY), L. Saez, 117, K. McLaughlin
    3. Dancing Afleet (PA), A. Cintron, 122, T. Ritchey
    4. Asiya (KY), I. Ortiz Jr., 117, K. McLaughlin
    5. Seaneen Girl (KY), P. Lopez, 122, B. Flint
    6. My Happy Face (KY), J. Castellano, 117, C. Brown
    7. Sweet Lulu (KY), J. Leparoux, 117, J. Hollendorfer
    8. Promise Me More (KY), J. Ortiz, 117, S. Asmussen
    9. Close Hatches (KY), M. Smith, 124, W. Mott
    10. Street Girl (KY), A. Castillo, 119, M. Azpurua
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80721/philly-showdown-for-sweet-lulu-close-hatches#ixzz2fAjHrXlT

  23. / Reply

    $1,000,000 Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II, Race 11, approximate post time 5:45 EDT), 3YOs, 1 1/8 miles
    1. Speak Logistics (FL), P Lopez, 117, E Plesa, Jr.
    2. Transparent (FL),I Ortiz, Jr., 117, K P McLaughlin
    3. Moreno (KY), J L Ortiz, 122, E J Guillot
    4. Battier (FL), A Castillo, 117, T A Pletcher
    5. Java’s War (KY), J R Leparoux, 124, B Tagg
    6. Fury Kapcori (KY), M E Smith, 117, J Hollendorfer
    7. Romansh (KY), R Maragh, 119, T Albertrani
    8. Will Take Charge (KY), L Saez, 124, D W Lukas
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80724/travers-1-2-finishers-meet-again-in-pa-derby#ixzz2fAkWOdhF

    • / Reply

      Star jockey Mike Smith featured in four races on Parx’ big day
      DICK JERARDI, Daily News Staff Writer Posted: Thursday, September 19, 2013, 3:01 AM
      MIKE E. SMITH turned 48 last month. When he is in town to ride the last four races at Parx on Saturday, the Hall of Fame jockey ought to get together with Bernard Hopkins and compare notes. If Hopkins isn’t the best conditioned late-40s athlete in America, then Smith is.
      Like Hopkins, Smith seldom performs anymore. He waits for the big moments. And he wins.
      Smith began riding 30 years ago. If he wasn’t an instant success, it did not take long. By 1993, he was winning 342 races in a single year. His mounts won $14 million that year. In 2013, with barely 3 months left in the racing season, Smith has ridden in fewer races (299) than he won back then. But he has made just about all of his 54 wins count. His mounts have earned $8.6 million, an incredible $28,841 per start.
      He is flying to Philadelphia from his Southern California base to ride the three major stakes at Parx, as well as the last race on the $3 million card. He will ride Rainbow Heir, the possible favorite in the $300,000 Gallant Bob; Close Hatches, the likely favorite in the $1 million Cotillion; and Fury Kapcori, a contender in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby.
      Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/horse_racing/20130919_Star_jockey_Mike_Smith_featured_in_four_races_on_Parx__big_day.html#cV1buCz5RxAK0iRl.99

  24. / Reply

    Kathy R, interesting move by AU racing. Any background info? BGG
    Australia bans steroid use in horse racing
    UPI Published: Sept. 16, 2013 at 3:44 PM
    SYDNEY, Sept. 16 (UPI) — The Australian Racing Board Monday announced a
    complete ban on the use of steroids, both in and out of competition.
    “Foremost in the board’s consideration was the need for absolute integrity and public confidence in racing,” said ARB Chief Executive Peter McGauran. “Racing is a sport and, as such, must be a test of the ability of the individual horse, its trainer and rider and not of the pharmacologist, veterinarian or sports scientist.”
    The ban, covering all horses 6 months or older, takes effect May 1. Louis Romanet, chairman of the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities, applauded the action, which the IFHRA has advocated for some time.
    Read more: http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2013/09/16/Australia-bans-steroid-use-in-horse-racing/UPI-53931379360681/#ixzz2fAoT4ewy

    • / Reply

      Dear Bluegrass Girl:

      According to a conversation the Peter McGauran had with Sean Cosgrove on Skysportsradio yesterday, the move came as a result of the scandal involving Godolphin, and some of the English stables, and also the feeling that the science had moved on from a time when it was automatic to monthly give horses their shots of steroids. The Kiwis have yet to come on board, but I think (as does McGauran) that that’s only a matter of time given the closeness of NZ to Australian breeding/racing. It will give time for stables that have used steroids for vet. purposes to get them out of the horses’ system, and the ban will only apply to internationals visiting that don’t follow this ban in their own country to be clean when racing in Australia. McGauran thinks this is sensible, in that a lot of civil law is different from nation to nation. He also said that usage will be allowed in foals under 6 months on the advise of veterinary surgeons. He also commented that it is easier in smaller countries to control the issue, but in large ones like Australia and the USA where there can be many smaller breeding operations, the inspection process can become very difficult. In Hong Kong, for example, the control over the whole racing operation is much easier because of the smaller numbers involved. Hope that all makes sense. Hugs, KathyR.

  25. / Reply

    In an earlier post on page 10 to Sally B in Wisconsin I suggested asking the Green Bay Packers players/organization for help in fund raising.
    Terry Crow posted that the team is different than the others due to being owned by the people in the town.
    I just want to update that info by saying that in 1997 and 2011 the Packers sold shares to the public. We are shareholders and are very proud to be.
    The Green Bay Packers are as unique to the NFL as Zenyatta is to Thoroughbred racing!
    The best of the best!!

    • / Reply

      Maryp NY, you are so right, they are the only one of their kind. We are also stock holders and very proud of it. Love the comparison. hugs

    • / Reply

      Thanks for this additional info. I should have said that the Packers are a publicly owned team and anybody can own stock.

  26. / Reply

    Little Red is such a standout. Coz is a handsome lad. Take care Zenyatta. Am hoping for a darling daughter this time but will be thrilled with a healthy bouncing boy or girl. It seems like just yesterday we were waiting for Little Reds arrival.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Max Thank you for Kauto’s lovely pic, He really is champion the wonder horse, brought back memories of Frankie Laine singing the theme tune.Did you see the pics in H&H of him and Neptune at Burghley? Frankel’s full brother has been weaned, yet another grand ole chestnut, handsome lad, the staff are very keen on him.Watch this space! neigh Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Very nice photo of 13K. His blaze is like 13Z. 13K looks like quite a big boy, but cannot tell from the photo if he’s built like 13Z. 13Z has a great back end like his mother and Wise Dan. From the description of the weaning of 13K, they are using the method that Windfields used. One of the Z fans mentioned this earlier on the blog.
      Saw the photos of Kauto and Nipper. They look great.

        • JudyB. That’s it. He’s going to be a grand ole chestnut one day like Urban Sea, but I’m still loyal to Red. Red’s already cornered the charisma market like his mother. Juddmonte also had a reference to Mentor Cane racing in the King’s Bishop in their website from a few weeks ago. His sire, Mizzen Mast, is a Juddmonte stallion. Sad sad loss of a good young colt.
          Did you notice that Wise Dan took the Woodbine Mile record away from Juddmonte? Ventura raced for them. Good for Frankel that he’s safely retired with his entourage of mares. One trainer said that Dan scares away the competition and that no one goes looking for Dan. Keep going Danny.

  28. / Reply

    Beautiful Kittens Joy Colt just sold at Keeneland. Those beautiful Kittens just keep on coming. Thank You Mr. Ramsey.

  29. / Reply

    Orfevre shortens for Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe 2013
    Posted by:Morgan Payne JustHorseRacing 18/9/2013 at 9:28am
    Betstar’s Alan Eskander believes 2012 Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe runner up Orfevre
    will continue to shorten in the coming week’s leading into this year’s event
    on October 5.
    Orfevre moved into clear favouritism in Betstar’s 2013 Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe market after an effortless win at Longchamp on Sunday, firming from $7 into $4.
    “He could not have been more impressive on Sunday, winning by three lengths eased down,” Eskander said.
    Excerpt from article
    “He showed none of his quirky, bad habits mid race and no ill effects from the long journey from Japan to France so come race day I expect him to have shortened even further.”
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/international-racing/orfevre-shortens-for-prix-de-larc-de-triomphe-2013/221715#ixzz2fCE5C49c

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG

      Thank You so much as always for the article. I thought he acted so relaxed, was so proud of him.

      But, and its a big But, I’m really sleepy tonight and not thinking real clear. Have been taking tests today and yesterday. I’m caught up for this year untill they give us a few more. But I did good on all. Thank the Good Lord 90 on my last one. But I digress

      I don’t suppose we know for sure yet who all is going to run in the Arc. I’m being a little funny now, but Orfevre just has to keep his mind on that race. I think sometimes he gets intimidated if there’s a filly running..If there’s a filly running he just needs to not let her pass him. Sounds like I’m putting on a trainer’s hat here doesn’t it. Too Funny. OK now Orfevre i’m going to have to have a talk with you about this.

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