Happy Monday!
Our first ever Zenyatta.com Celebration happened over Breeders’ Cup weekend in November 2013. Through the sales of our limited edition Celebration Sticker and the auction of Zenyatta memorabilia, we raised money for Thoroughbred Rehab Center, Inc. The final donation totaled $12,000, and we have all of you to thank for your support and generosity!
As our Grand Prize, we picked five fans in a random drawing to win an invitation to visit Zenyatta at Lane’s End Farm. Each winner was able to travel with their friend of choice and meet Zenyatta, 13Z and receive a tour of Lane’s End. These photos by Alys Emson document their visits.
View the complete set of photos from these visits in our Zenyatta.com Celebration Photo Gallery.
Enjoy!
-Team Z
Trisha Veazey
I am so envious of the winners. I hope to be able to see Zenyatta in person some day.
Love to all and stay warm and safe in this winter wnaderland.
Love hugs and kisses
carol in arkansas
DRF twitter feed reports Wando has died of heart attack aged 14…
RIP Wando
judy berube from Rhode Island
RIP Wando. Hugs, JB
Max
This is horrible news. Wando was a Triple Crown winner in Canada before retiring to stud at Lane’s End with his father, Langfuhr. He returned to Schonberg Stud in Ontario around 2010. He was sire to one of my favorite horses, the late Turallure, trained by Charlie Lopresti. And he was a chestnut. RIP Wando.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Max, I think I saw Langfur at Lane’s End the first time I visited, but I don’t think I saw Wando. So sorry to hear.
hugs, Sally B
Max
Wando was a very good looking horse, bright chestnut like Z’s Red. He was at Lane’s End from 2005 to 2010 and then went to that stud farm in Ontario. He was gentle and good natured. He let people sit on his back. No biting from him. His jockey was Patrick Husbands who was also jockey to Tasty Temptation. Small world. This news is hard to take. So young to go. His sire and dam, and grand dam, I think, are still alive. Very sad 2014 for horse lovers.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sally, Max and Z Fans:
Here’s two photos of Wando. What a gorgeous, deep red Chestnut. RIP. Love and Hugs, JB
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_A7iWRCato7I/TF3-DfCjFUI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/e5964KTQLTI/s1600/001_wando%2Band%2Btasha.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_A7iWRCato7I/TF3pErlWfQI/AAAAAAAAE0I/BJlcBro0Hvo/s1600/000_copper+wando.jpg
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks for the great pictures Judy. You are our super sleuth for sure. Condolences to all who knew Wando.
Marshall (NC broad)
Thank you, Judy B., for the photos of Wando. What a magnificent chestnut he was! All that beauty and such a gentle temperament, too. How sad to have lost him at only 14. Hugs
Max
Just checked on Wando’s grandmother on his father’s side. She’s 28 and still going. Her name is Sweet Briar Too. It’s a real pity that Wando died so young. Very upsetting news along with Nick, Caixa, El Vino and many more.
shirleeinindy
Max, so sad that both Wando and Turallure are gone. I loved Turallure. Such a beautiful gray.
Ingrid Arnone
Max,
Thank you for the info.
RIP! Wando!
Ingrid.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
That is so very young. RIP Wando.
Marshall (NC broad)
Another beauty gone way too soon. Condolences to all concerned. I am so sorry.
RIP Wando, a kind and gentle soul.
Terry Crow
This is, indeed, sad news. I remember Wando. I used to say that I would know when I was getting old when I started noticing and fol.lowing the careers of horses whose sires were favorites of mine. When a horse such as Wando passes away, I feel much older.
Bluegrass Girl
Frankel’s First Filly (VIDEO)
Racing Post Published on Jan 21, 2014
Frankel’s first filly foal (out of the mare Song) enjoying her early days at the
National Stud in Newmarket.
Pictures courtesy of our Newmarket Correspondent David Milnes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcGex85ki8c
Bluegrass Girl
FYI-midway through the video it seems to stop.
Then there is a pop-up ad which says: Play or Download.
Just click the check box in the upper right-hand corner to close ad.
Then click on the picture in the video. It should resume Play and go to end.
Filly is quite cute and quite feisty!
Very self-assured and independent.
Max
BGG. Video played okay. It is a good one. You’re right about her. She’s a feisty girl. Mom will be kept busy.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thank you so much for this video of Frankel’s beautiful little girl. She’s has spunk. Her Mom’s a beauty too. Love and Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks for the video BGG. What a cute little girl!! Can’t help but wish we would get some new video of Coz and the Red Prince.
Ann NC
Thanks, BGG.
Precious! Want to reach out and give her a big hug, sure Mom would think NOT!
Ingrid Arnone
Thank you for the video!
She is so adorable!
Hugs Ingrid.
shirleeinindy
I, too, am jealous of the winners who got to have a personal audience with the Queen and meet one of the princes. Thanks to them for sharing their photos with us.
Zenyatta looks so calm and at peace now. The racing fire however, is alive and well in the eyes of Little Red. He does look a lot like the original Big Red, Secretariat.
Hope the next little one is a girl just like mom, but guess we will have to wait a month or so to know.
shirleeinindy
That dratted Johnny V is back riding. He is listed with a mount in the Holy Bull on Saturday. So glad to see him back even though he beats my favs more often than not.
Max
This is the first post of the season on possible sightings of Uncle Johnny. Glad to see their return. Best wishes to your favorites, shirlee.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shirley and Max:
So glad JV’s back too. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Yippee! Safe trips for you, JV!
Daisy
Zen’s lil sis just worked quick Four Furlongs in 47:80, going handily
at Betfair HP. 1/18. SHE’S READY!
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG / So. Calif. ♥
♥ Eblouissante (5-Year-Old Mare)
Date: January 22, 2014
Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 47:80 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Track
Rank: 1/18
———- and
♥ Death Star (6-Year-Old Horse)
Date: January 22, 2014
Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 47:80 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Track
Rank: 1/18
http://www.equibase.com/static/workout/BHP012214USA-EQB.html#EBLOUISSANTE
Nice workout Sweeties!
XO Auntie Judy
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear AJ:
Thank you. Hope we see Ebby racing soon. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Thanks BGG no problem with video here. Mother and daughter looking well and happy. She’s going to visit Dubawi next when she returns home to Ireland.Hugs Sheena
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Dumplings nationwide–have you heard of the game you can enter and win a billion dollars? Warren Buffet is offering one billion dollars to anyone who fills out a correct NCAA bracket. The chances are almost nil, but I’m just fantasizing over the number of horses I could save!!! It costs nothing, and I don’t even know how to go about entering. Oh well, I can dream. Hugs to all.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Barbara, I heard something about this over the radio. I did not understand. Keep searching for the NCAA given-away!! Yes, even in my older age, it would be such a dream to have that kind of money to help rescue some horses, have rescued dogs as well; hey, one could afford quite a bit of acreage and housing, barns!! WOW!!
One could affored to hire help if not enough volunteers!! Keep searching! It is fun to dream.
hugs, Sally B
Barbara Wood (Texas)
It would be awesome. We could hire a whole staff of Dumplings, maybe even coax some of overseas Dumplings to come over.
shirleeinindy
Barbara, it would be fun to try. The only time I win the NCAA jackpot is when Kentucky wins. Most people here in Hoosierland don’t believe in the Cats.
Terry Crow
Kentucky is a very good team usually, unlike Indiana which has been down somewhat lately. We got spoiled out here when UCLA was winning every year. But it was easier to win the tournament in those days.
sue and tony
We can’t keep from smiling at that pic of Linda Daly up close and personal with our Zenny. Oh, what did she hear? Inquiring minds just need to know. :-)
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Okay, okay; honestly I am very envious of those who have had a chance to visit our Zenyatta. So I ask myself this question, “I love Z so much, she is forever my horse of my lifetime, so why was it not me!” It feels good to get that off my chest. (hah)
I hope to see Zenyatta, no matter how old I get!
Sally B
Lovenkisses on your soft nose Zenyatta and tummy rubs
I hope and know that you and your two sons have a good life, and that is important to me.
Kisses to your awesome sons too!
Auntie Sally B
Linda in NJ
I know what you mean I hope to see Zenny one day too even if the have to push me in a wheelchair. Lol but series.
Linda in NJ
I hate these Smart phones.. I typed serious not series.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy Goodnight God bless you,Lola Mae, Charlie, Hudson Little Captain and all the Sweeties. Thanks for the cute video. Hope you are keeping warm. Love and Hugs SheenaX
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
You’re so welcome. So far we’ve got heat. Temps in single digits tonight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap and all the Sweeties
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mama Z, COZ, Prince 2 and Baby Z:
Sweet Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Roberta
I, as I’m sure others, are so pleased with these pictures of fans meeting Zenyatta; it only reaffirms the feelings we all have for her. She still has this almost spiritual feeling about her, when she meets people, and it even comes across on the camera. There is no doubt that God sent a special angel to earth; I often think of Ann saying that whenever she came to see Zenyatta, that somehow there was a white feather. She raced like she flew, and she reaches people’s hearts with pure love. She is a gift from heaven. It is only fitting that she helps so much with the charities, and the fans respond. Any other horse would lose these qualities, after being away from the track, and living life as a horse, but not Zenyatta, she is still the same. You can see through the pictures, how much she enjoys her fans, and the fans enjoy her. I was thinking that the people at the farm, would treat her the same as any other horse, and maybe they tried, but you can see that she won them over. When they are showing her off to people, you can see the look on their faces; they look so proud and aware of her effect on people, and how smart she is, while relating to them. Thank-you God for sending her to us!!
I was so happy to see the pictures of our big beautiful red prince. He has her face, and kind expressive eyes; and boy does he love the camera, and people. He has such presence, and self-assurance, and what a body. Zenyatta has produced two sons that are beautiful in body and mind; I hope they have her talent too. She has imparted her look of angels on them, and may God bless them with wings (maybe white feathers) and health, and well being. I am 71, and pray to be able to see our red prince race; from the day I saw him racing with his mother, when only a month old, and saw the body and confidence he had; I said to myself, “He is going to be something special, he is going to be a champion!!!!”
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Roberta:
Love your post. You have described Z and her fans really well. Love and Hugs, JB
Celeste_in_TX
Very well said, Roberta. Just how many of us I’m sure. No doubt that Zenyatta still has it – that undefinable *it* that separates her from the rest and draws us all into her circle of love. My Queen forever. Thanks for saying it so well.
Terry Crow
Roberta-You put it very well.
Maryp NY
That’s beautiful Roberta. She won our hearts for all time. I pray her babies have good health and success. If she passed “it” to them they will be champions.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sandy, Marshall, Barb W., Max and Z Fans:
Sandy, thanks. Yes, he was in his prime. So sad. Colic is an unpredictable, scary thing. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Oops. Just realized beautiful Wando died of a heart attack, not colic. Still, so very sad. (I still have St. Nick on my mind).
Here’s an article on Wando’s passing. Sorry if it’s been posted before. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82977/wando-2003-canadian-horse-of-the-year-dies
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Thanks for the link to the Blood Horse article on Wando. Too young to leave us.
I noticed in the other news on that page that Afleet died at 30 in Japan. He was sire to Northern Afleet and Afleet Alex and others. RIP Afleet
Love and Hugs
Marshall (NC broad)
Oops!
Afleet was sire of Northern Afleet who sired Afleet Alex, Amazombie and others. I goofed — he was “granddaddy” to Afleet Alex .
Sorry! Hugs
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear TC GP:
Haven’t seen a post from you lately. We need one of your uplifting jokes. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Just came across this beautiful photo of a daughter of Mr. Greeley, Left A Message. Look at her unique coloring. She is listed as a Gray/Roan. Seems to be some red highlights in her tail. Don’t know if it’s just this particular photo lighting, but she appears golden. Very beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82983/left-a-message-to-open-campaign-in-endeavour
shirleeinindy
Judy, she is a beauty. Does look like dusty gold.
Max
Moose fans. The Moose is hinting at a comeback in October by mentioning horses who won after a long lay off. Let’s hope that Moosie stays in training. Life would be a little bleak without the Moose to brighten our days and remind us to think for ourselves. Free the Moose! Neigh!
Kathy
Hi Max,
Yes!!! Free Moosie!!!
Kathy
January 23 Cherokee Devotional
As a child, I wanted to sing at the supper table. It seemed the logical place to let the joy of life flow freely-since it was our habit to share happy experiences at mealtime-never grievances. But E li si, Grandmother Essie, expected manners, not singing, The food at our table was not as important as the stories. Some were farfetched yarns so typical of the Cherokee. When we came together, laughter and joyful bantering took my mind off the ever-present greens that I had to close my eyes to eat. Grandmother said greens were a part of making-do, but it seemed to me that I was making do when I sang at the table. Food should never be eaten when the throat is constricted and the spirit aches from hurt. Joy makes the most common food a feast-and it would not surprise me that E li si is sitting at supper in heaven-singing!
Friends and relations…you know what I feel…you have children, whom you love as yourself…
Wawatam 1763
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Good morning, all: Here is a lovely story of a pit bull who acts as a “nurse”:
http://www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories/post-surgery-snuggles-are-puppys-specialty?utm_source=Freekibble&utm_medium=Quiz&utm_campaign=Jan232014
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Barbara,
What a great story! This is one sweetie of a dog — Yay, Dominic!! I am so happy that he has a good home AND a wonderful job, too.
Thanks for posting this. Big warm Hugs
shirleeinindy
You all take a look at the pedigrees in the Holy Bull. Don’t know how fast those guys are but boy are they a bunch of royally bred horses! Kinda like Mr. Speaker because of Personal Ensign and Shug.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Just checked out the contenders for the Holy Bull. You’re so right; there’s colts by Tapit and Pulpit (AP Indy), Street Boss (Street Cry) and Unbridled’s Song (Unbridled) to name a few and as you say the Dam of Mr. Speaker is a daughter of Personal Ensign. Also, Cairo Prince’s Dam is a daughter of Holy Bull for whom the race is named (could that be an omen). Royal breeding indeed. Love and Hugs, JB
Linda in NJ
Yes. The Holly Bull should be a great race. Looking forward to it.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Linda:
Should be a good one. Safe and sound to all. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max Good news about the Moose!! Our Bookmakers were left scratching their heads yesterday,lost £2million a legendary punter called Barney Curley was involved and there’s talk of another coup today with Piper’s Piping at Kempton.Ruby has decided not to ride Boston Bob in the Cleeve against his ol’pal Bucks.I hope Moosie has given Sam sound advice for Saturday!Hugs Sheena forgot Clive Smith has bought an eventer for Laura to ride called Pamero.
Max
Sheena. The Moose waged a long race campaign on the jumps and flat in 2013. Maybe he needs a staycation and was saying so by digging in his heels? However any advice to Sam must be taken with caution. Moosie can be a rascal.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy We were all told eat our greens as children and I still love them!!Poor Zeus was cold yesterday only 30F in the sunshine state!I didn’t know Zoe was on an euthanasia list before she got rescued she’s got such a sweet little face. Grumpy cat has over 3 million followers now. I’m late today so haven’t got around to visit the rest yet,It’s 23yrs since my dad passed away so I’ve been to the cemetery with flowers.The years pass by so quickly. Have a Great dayHugs to You, Kisses for the Pack. Sheena
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Yes, greens are great. And so good for us! They say we will be much healthier if we eat a plant-based diet. The 30s in FL is very cold. Poor Zeus! Hard to believe that Zoey was on a euthanasia list. Thank God she was rescued by such a wonderful Mom. She is a DOLL! Haven’t looked in on Grumpy lately. Will definitely check on him. Even though it’s been 23 yrs. I know from experience that the anniversaries always bring everything back to us as if it were yesterday. Our lives are never the same after we lose our parents. And even though we’re adults we feel like “orphans.” Hugs to you from me, and kisses from The Pack. Kathy.
vicki
Trying to catch up on the postings. I’ve had a dratted head cold. Heard Warren Buffett on the Dan Patrick Show yesterday. He was interviewed about the Billion Dollar Challenge but I don’t think he gave details of how to play. The brackets are hard to figure but that’s why it’s one in a billion.
Little Red looks fantastic. His neck and chest look impressive to me. He looks like a champion and I do love him but Coz has a special, special place in my heart.
Bluegrass Girl
Champions Series tweet with PHOTO· Jan 21
Here’s the first foal of King George and Eclipse hero, Nathaniel!
The striking colt out of Liel was born last week
https://twitter.com/ChampionsSeries/status/425672463481978880/photo/1
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Oh, another cutie pie. Thank you for sharing. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
I think I’ve heard this news correctly Canadian HOY Afleet died in Japan on January 22nd aged 30yrs RIP Hugs Sheena
Bluegrass Girl
Canadian HOY and Sire Afleet Dies in Japan
By Blood-Horse Staff January 23, 2014 Breeding, International
Canadian Horse of the Year and prominent sire Afleet died Jan. 22 at the age of 30
at Breeders Stallion Station in Japan.
The news was confirmed via Twitter by Japan’s Paca Paca Farm.
Afleet, a son of Mr. Prospector, out of 1988 Canadian Broodmare of the Year Polite Lady (by Venetian Jester), won three graded races while campaigned as a homebred by Richard Kennedy in partnership with Taylor Made Farm. He took the Jerome Handicap (gr. I) and Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) at 3, and then added a victory in the Toboggan (gr. III) at 4.
Also during his sophomore season, Afleet won Woodbine’s Plate Trial Stakes, Queenston Stakes, and Friar Rock Stakes, and placed in the Queen’s Plate en route
to being named Canada’s Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old colt.
A career earner of $995,235, Afleet’s resume additionally includes runner-up efforts in the Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I), Carter Handicap (gr. I), Meadowlands Cup Handicap (gr. I), and a third in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I). In the last mentioned race, the final start of his career, Afleet was beaten just 1 3/4 lengths by Gulch after making a brilliant stretch rally from last.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/83004/canadian-hoy-and-sire-afleet-dies-in-japan#ixzz2rGSlbo8p
Max
More sad news. At least Afleet had a long life. RIP proud horse.
judy berube from Rhode Island
RIP beautiful Afleet. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
A tribute to Afleet. Love and Hugs, JB
http://horseracinghalloffame.com/1992/12/14/afleet/
Ann NC
Thanks, JB.
Sweet guy! RIP.
Bluegrass Girl
‘Prince’ leads Holy Bull cast
By Claire Novak | Bloodhorse Updated: January 23, 2014, 5:27 PM ET
The last time racing fans saw Grade 2 winner Cairo Prince, he was ding-donging down the stretch with highly regarded Honor Code in a thrilling edition of the Nov. 30 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack.
The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee lost that 1 1/8-mile test by a brutal nose in the final jump, but comes back Jan. 25 in the $400,000 Miller Lite Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park minus his Shug McGaughey-trained foe to contend with — plus a lesson learned by rider Luis Saez.
McLaughlin attributed the tough Remsen loss to a six-pound weight advantage in Honor Code’s favor and a rider error by Saez, who nevertheless retained the mount.
“He knows he made a mistake, but everyone makes mistakes,” said McLaughlin, who was critical of Saez for falling into the trap of an extremely slow early pace and allowing Honor Code to rally inside of him. “He knows the horse and he knows not to make the same mistakes.”
Breaking from Post 7 under high weight of 122 pounds, this Pioneerof the Nile colt heads a stout field of 11 sophomore contenders in his first start since the Remsen for the 1 1/16-mile Holy Bull that drew the likes of undefeated Coup de Grace, Pat Byrne trainee Almost Famous, and another runner from the McGaughey barn, Phipps Stable homebred Mr Speaker.
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/10334371/cairo-prince-leads-solid-cast-holy-bull
BGG Note: Lots of good info in article. Well worth the read
sheena.davies(wales)
Zara Phillips (Her Majesty’s granddaughter) and her husband Mike have not gone down the traditional route in choosing a name for their daughter, she will be called Mia Grace. Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. Her mom started that approach. Zara and Peter are not traditional English royal names either. It’s a nice name however for little Miss Tindall.
sheena.davies(wales)
Hopefully this link will post Hugs Sheena
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/kauto-stars-owner-clive-smith-buys-event-horse/
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Thanks for this article. Wonderful photo of Kauto and Laura at the bottom of the page. Love and Hugs, JB