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Zenyatta by Bronwen Healy

Photo © Bronwen Healy
Photo © Bronwen Healy

Happy Tuesday!

Zenyatta recently received a visit from Australian photographer Bronwen Healy. You can see more of Bronwen’s work on her website, http://www.bronwenhealy.com.au.

Enjoy!
Team Z

Photo © Bronwen Healy
Photo © Bronwen Healy


Photo © Bronwen Healy
Photo © Bronwen Healy


Photo © Bronwen Healy
Photo © Bronwen Healy
Photo © Bronwen Healy
Photo © Bronwen Healy


Courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Photographer Bronwen Healy with Zenyatta.

Reader Interactions

633 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Mecca’s Angel beats Acapulco in the Nunthorpe.Acapulco got a little upset and sweaty before the race.There was a delay because Take Cover bolted.Mecca’s Angel a soft ground specialist.Great run by Acapulco though.Sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Great run by Acapulco, she does prefer firm ground,but ran a great race.
      Did not realize Mecca’s Angel was a soft ground specialist, makes all the
      difference, that is for sure. Acapulco is a baby in a woman’s body and the
      racing world is hers.
      Love and hugs

      • / Reply

        Dear Sheena,
        Age does not matter with Acapulco, she is what we call “older than her stated age”
        and just a great talent and on her way to becoming a champion and like WW says
        sound at such a young age. She just has such a great structure, stamina and speed, speed, speed on the turf. I guess he is going to keep her in Europe. Coolmore must be so very proud to have bred such a very gorgeous filly.
        Love and hugs

        • With age comes experience. This is what Mecca had over Acapulco in this race. In the future, things could be different.
          Coolmore is not the breeder of Acapulco. They purchased her, and sent her into training with Ward.

        • Dear Sheena,
          The unfortunate thing for Acapulco is that she does not like the soft turf
          as you know better than we do in the US she will have to be pointed at firm
          turf races. Like Adian scratched Gleneagles. One thing the Coolmore boys
          like about WW is that he has a plan and he sticks to it and he takes risks. He is a great trainer and he takes risks like no other trainer does in the US. Oh yes, Acapulco is by our Stallion Scat Daddy, he is very hot stalion here. And only a couple of our trainers have had sucess winning in the UK.
          Love and hugs

    • / Reply

      Mecca is 4. It’s hard for a juvenile like Acapulco to win against older horses. Nice however to see a gray win, and for such a win to come from a smaller operation than Ballydoyle. Aca did really well and has a good future in front of her with the chestnut club. If Ziconic likes to hang out with the giant girls, they might get along well.

  5. / Reply

    Ah, Zenyatta…lovely as ever! :) Thanks to Bronwen Healy and Team Z for the awesome photos and the wonderful story of the talented Bronwen. Such a gifted gal! :)

    Sending blessings and peaceful thoughts to all in the Land of Zen!

    Love,
    Kathy from SoCal (San Diego)

  7. / Reply

    Dear Max.It’s always good to see a smaller stable win.Did you hear Max Dynamite may be off to Australia for the Melbourne cup!Katie Walsh got a hefty whip ban today.What is it with that family?George Washington’s granddaughter broke her maiden at York under William Buick.Date with Destiny his only foal has a Nathaniel filly now.I never forgot how Aidan allowed George to run in that slop. It wasn’t fair on the horse he deserved better.Sheena

    • / Reply

      Yes, I read that Mullins is thinking of the Melbourne Cup. I’d prefer Max D to stay at home. There are lots of very good races in the UK and Ireland. And Max is also a jumper or, as the Moose would say, a dual purpose horse.
      Running George Washington on any dirt course was a big mistake like the one that he made with Galileo. Fortunately Galileo did not suffer the same cruel fate as George. Like his father Danehill, George was a strikingly handsome horse. Every time that I hear or see O’Brien, I think of George.
      Did you notice that Cougar Mountain ran last in the race to Arabian Queen?

  8. / Reply

    Dear Max.Yes,I noticed Cougar’s run.It’s a long trip for Max Dynamite but Red Cadeaux has travelled about 5or 6 times I think to Melbourne.There was a photo of George on the tribe standing so courageously being examined before his euthanization.They withdrew him from the Dewhurst because of the going but,of course,he was a valuable stallion then.It was no good Anne-Marie walking away sobbing.Too late then.
    On a lighter note “Sea Biscuit”is the late night film so I won’t be going to bed early!!!Sheena.

  9. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:

    Goodnight. Enjoy Seabiscuit again. Love and Hugs, JB, LM,, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties

  11. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:

    Goodnight. Stay cool and comfy. Love You. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      I love “Seabiscuit”, too. Enjoy the ride again — really good movie!! It is a feel good story.
      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      Seabiscuit is a great movie! He is near to my heart. My parents actually saw him run at Santa Anita in the 40s. He was a great horse.

      Hugs, Kathy

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      Seabiscuit is one of my favorite movies and one of my favorite
      books. I read it in high school over and over an ugly horse with
      a crooked leg that becomes a champion. I was horse crazy then. Went to
      summer camp every year and rode horses. Have not sern the movie recently.
      Did you rent it or was it on the telly. Saw the magpies cleaning the nest and
      Montyin the background, no time to make a bachelor nest, 3 hungry chicks. Not sure
      where the chicks are. No screaming they must be full. Poor Blue, she spent the breeding
      season alone, no reason to try and court Monty he is to busy. Now he is the only one feeding his demanding family. Do we have a baby panda yet.
      Love and hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Don’t know what your message to Glesni says, but I’ll bet it’s beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB

  14. / Reply

    September 22 Cherokee Devotional

    In a sense, the American Indians lived a freer life than any other race. They had no boundaries, and many lived in teepees that were cool in summer and warm in winter. They moved south in cold weather and north when it was hot. They ate off the land and kept it in good condition without becoming slaves to it. They wore the very best furs and rode the best horses, and they worshipped God in the purest sense.
    Every morning the Cherokee prayed near the stream and then bathed in it-summer and winter. He protected his honor and that of his tribe. He did not litter the land nor contaminate the streams, and he fought when he had reason to fight. Because he lived so close to nature, he was something of the poet and loved deeply.
    These were Indians and they left us that legacy.

    Who gave you the Countries that you now inhabit, and by what right do you possess them?
    Adario
    Huron Chief

  15. / Reply

    Here’s hoping Beholder wins today in the PC, and all return safely. Getting really excited!

  16. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.If only we were as close to nature as the Native Americans.It’s very humid here today a plume of hot air from the continent temps 88F in the south-east of England.I think we can safely say that Glesni has left the Dyfi now she must be on her way through France now.It’s always sad to see them go.Bobby bach is holding on to his fish today though.Merin is screaming!I didn’t get to bed until about 2.45am I loved the film about “Sea Biscuit” enjoyed the book too.Have you heard what happened to his grave?I haven’t had much time to visit the furbabies yet.Mr Alex had a lovely birthday didn’t he?Zoe brings such joy to people’s lives.Poor Mr Fibbs thought that donuts grew on the broccoli!Am looking forward to the big race the Ebor.Maybe Mullins again?Hope you have a great weekend.Love and hugs to you,kisses for Holly Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

  17. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Wow, that is hot! Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. The ospreys sure aren’t around for very long. I know you miss them! Yes, both the film and the book about Seabiscuit were the best! Like you I could watch the movie over and over. I would love it if there were a great book about Zenyatta. Maybe Laura Hildebrand would be interested?!! I really loved hearing about Mr. Alex’s birthday. He seems to be such a nice gentleman. And he so loves our Zoe. But of course, who wouldn’t??? I’m not sure where the connection is between broccoli and donuts. I think Mom has been kidding around with the ratties again. Enjoy the race and have a great weekend. I took today off as a vacation day. I was sick of working so many Saturdays! Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena, Max and Z Fans:

      Congrats to G’s two year old, Ballydoyle. She’s out of a Storm Cat mare. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        She won the Breast Cancer Debutante Stakes at the Curragh with young Joe. She has a very interesting blaze, like a heart shaped flower opening. Maybe a water lily? Beautiful looking filly with good pedigree.

  19. / Reply

    Go Curalina…….Go Uncle Johnny……….
    Johnny hope to see you on our Danny at Woodbine hopefully soon.
    Curalina do it for your PaPa. Love Ya Curlin
    Go Beholder and Bayern, can’t choose between you two,
    Godspeed to All

  20. / Reply

    Yeah…………………………….Thank You millions, Americans and Brit. Great Heroism. Way to go for stopping the Terrorist on the Train in Paris. Way to Go ………………………So Proud.

  21. / Reply

    Wow, what a great week for our Military. Huge Congrats to Ft Benning Ga Ranger School Grads and for the first time ever two women made it. Wow. What a grueling test.
    My dad was stationed at Ft Benning long long time ago. So proud of all our Army, Airforce, National Gurard, Navy, everybody wow, with our guys and Brit that took this suspect in Paris down, You guys Rock. Don’t mess with us.

  22. / Reply

    Yah…………………………….Way to Go “Uncle Johnny” 800th Win at Saratoga. Way to Go…………………………………..Save some “Win” Power for Danny.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy and Z Fans:

      Congrats Uncle Johnny. Godspeed to you and Jess’s Dream and Samantha Nicole. Safe and Sound. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Mary Margaret:

      Thank you for this info on Ben’s Cat. He is one of our Ann NC’s favorites. Will let her know. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Thanks, JB and Mary Margaret.
        Congrats to the fabulous, Ben’s Cat and his HOF trainer!
        Great turf day at Laurel today, too.

    • / Reply

      Dear Mary Margaret,
      Ben’s Cat won, what a great veteran he is.
      It is so great to have a wonderful guy like
      this to cheer for.
      Love and hugs

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy, Thank You so much for this article. You know how I feel on this. I just don’t want him to go to the Travers. I’m terribly worried. Hope they do the right thing for the horse.

    • / Reply

      Agree with you, Peggy. Owners should always listen to the trainer who knows the horse best. A recent example is Danish Dynaformer. I read that Roger Attfield did not want DD to go to the Prince of Wales because it’s on dirt. DD does not like dirt. The owner however insisted and the horse decisively lost. He did however come back less than a month later to win in the last leg of the Canadian Triple Crown on turf. Listen to the trainer and the horse. The Pharoah has nothing to prove. If he’s not there, another horse can win. That’s not so bad to give other horses a shot at a win in a prestige race when the Pharoah probably already has the lock on HOTY. He’s the top rated horse in the world and passing on the Travers won’t change that.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max, You are absolutely right. Pharoah has nothing else to prove. He’s already Horse of the Year I believe. He may be horse of a lifetime. He’s just such a gentle soul too. They just shouldn’t risk him. He’s done enough. Max its interesting too as I told Judy, I am heading down to Ocala on Tuesday morning to catch the first day of the yearling sale and there is a horse I am going to the barn to look at. It is a son by Leroidisanimaux and Big Gem. Anyway if Bob Baffert were there I would definately tell him to please not race Pharoah in the Travers. There’s this big old beautiful tree behind the back walking ring that a lot of the trainers like to sit around. I have seen Bob Baffert there many times. But, this is the baby sale and I mostly see him down at the Big March 2 year old sale. So I don’t think he would be there this week. But I sure would like to say please don’t run him. Sure wish lots would tweet him not to run him.

        • From what I’ve read already, BB would agree with you. I think that the owners want to go to Saratoga. Enjoy your trip and let us know what happens.

      • / Reply

        Max, Peggy and Judy,
        I agree about AF. But I have to confess I have a selfish motive along with loving AF. Don’t want him and my boy T. Red to meet until the BC Classic. I will be so torn when and if they go against each other! Might be one of those races where I switch channels and tune back in after it is over. Too old to jump over the coffee table as I did when Rags won the Belmont.

        As far as JV goes with Taco and Danny. Just hope both of them treat him nice, let him stay in the saddle and don’t take a little nip out of him.

  26. / Reply

    Dear Max.Frankie said Clondaw was tired maybe one race too many.I heard him mentioned a couple of times then he faded.There are rumours Young Joe may soon be training NH horses.The weight is a worry for such a tall lad.Secret Gesture connections are planning an appeal.She may be coming out to Woodbine next.Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Seems like Jack Kennedy got the better of the switching of rides. Mullins did say that Clondaw might be ready for a little rest. He was pleased with Wicklow. How about Litigant coming back to win after such a long lay off? Sweet!
      Also heard about the appeal. They are going to try to do it by phone, but they’ve hired a lawyer too. We’ll see.
      The big turf races are coming up at Woodbine starting in September. Number of UK and Irish horses as you know usually go for those races. Remember the Panther? I still laugh about that incident. That was cool. Danny may show for the Woodbine Mile. It’s a win and you’re in to the Breeders Cup.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,
    Acapulco is by Scat Daddy who stands at Coolmore America- so they are buying their own US stock. He was the sire of No Nay Never and is a hot Freshman sire of talented 2 year olds. He recently had a colt purchased for $600,000 that recently raced very well
    here in the US. Seems like they like the stayers with Adian and Balydoyle- Galileo and
    Gleneagles, which is their UK, Ireland heritage. But also like the newness of Coolmore
    America and the edgyness of WW. He is a very aggressive and innovative trainer and very talented. They like the fact that he has a plan and follows through. Acapulco is very
    talented, sound of body and mind and reminds me of Zenyatta. Look forward to her next
    race on firm turf. How the racing world is interwoven. Too bad we were not more curteous to each other.
    Love and Hugs

    • / Reply

      Interesting interpretations. It’s usually the owner of the mare who is considered to be the breeder. For example, Coz is not considered to be Darley “stock.” The breeders of Coz and Ziconic are the Mosses.
      Galileo and Gleneagles are both Irish horses. Coolmore and Ballydoyle are not British. The Irish other than those who live in Northern Ireland are fiercely independent and never identify as being part of the UK as a long and troubled history for Ireland can attest. They call their U.S. operation Ashford Stud. Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty are there. Stay Thirsty is a talented son of Bernardini. The Pharoah will go there when he is retired. It is indeed a small world as a lot of roads connect to the Queen Zenyatta. Just have to see the sign that proves it. Being courteous is a very good idea.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,
      I was so glad to hear that all of the jockies were cordial to Ortiz, although that you
      said he did not see Jamie. I hope that an appeal will be under taken as the side view
      of the Beverly D shows that there was plenty of room for Jamie to move into the other lane. It is very sad that those of us in the US are not playing by International rules,
      seems like we need to have some prominent folks like Will Farrish etc… work with
      an International commitee to level the playing field. I look foward to hearing the results of
      the appeal on the 2015 Beverly D.
      Love and hugs to my dear friend Sheena.

  29. / Reply

    Dear Judy,
    Wishing Beholder a safe trip against the boys, I did not think
    their was much competition, but was listening to talking heads
    and there is more than as thought to be. Just hope Bayern is
    not on his A game and thank goodness she is not close to him
    to get his special bumping out of the gate. Mandella has a good
    colt and John Sadler claimed a nice colt that is not fast but can
    “run all day”. I hope she wins.
    Love and hugs my dear friend Judy

  30. / Reply

    Dear Tizgood.I do admire Wesley Ward bringing his horses over here to race but Finnegan ran out of speed today I’m afraid.Your horses are so quick out of the stalls.Max is right in that the breeders are the owners of a mare and foal.Coolmore often buy foals bred by Galileo and their other stallions.Northern Ireland is a part of the UK.We have a long and troubled history with Ireland but things have improved especially since Her Majesty’s visit to the Emerald Isle.As for me I have never forgotten Shergar!!!
    I saw the magpies(2 thank goodness) Glesni must be well on her way now.No news of a panda yet.Maybe the “bobs”will leave next week.Hopefully Secret Gesture will have better luck at Woodbine.Love and hugs Sheena.

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