Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Reader Interactions

606 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.All the furbabies I have managed to visit are well Disappointed Flos Las is off waterlogged.We get a lot of rain in my part of the world but still got some good racing at Sandown.I love listening to “Pick of the Pops”saturday lunchtime memories if my childhood today 1957.NTD has a good horse with Bristol de Mai winning the Scilly Isles.Hope you have a lovely Saturday and the nurses are still on duty.Love and hugs to you,kisses for Holly.Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

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      You’ll enjoy seeing Wiilie Mullins’ horses put the hooves to Aidan O’Brien and Young Joe’s race favorite. The winner, Footpad, who is considered third string at the Mullins’ yard, and is a baby at 4, was channeling Zenyatta for this race. A good win for Danny too. 1-2-3 yet again for the Mullins’ juggernaut.

      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hYw_JhnjNgY

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        Dear Max.Thank you for sharing.Plenty of ups and downs with favourites today and Shorty just fell at the last in the Irish Gold cup seemingly with the race at his mercy on Valseur Lido.Carlingford Lough “did a Zenyatta”to win for the 2nd year in a row.Strange to see racing going ahead at Leopardstown and my local track abandoned.I was looking forward to the West Wales National.Good win for Bristol de Mai.Have you seen the latest pics of Moosie?Sheena

        • Saw the glory that is Moosie in his new photos. He’s still got it. Long live the free Moose. Too bad that Annie Power does not seem to be impressed.
          The Irish weather today is very wet and foggy, but those Mullins’ trainees go on relentlessly. Carlingwood Lough did well too. Any word on Shorty?
          Really happy to see that win in Dubai by Frosted. He was the last favorite of my friend who died last fall. He loved Frosted, and used to say his name at any given time. It made us all laugh to hear Frosted said spontaneously. It’s a great name and very suitable to the horse. Somewhere Mitch is smiling, and so proud of Frosted.

        • Dear Max:

          I saw this with my own eyes, but I still can’t believe it. What a finish by CL. Wow. The horse and rider that fell off appeared to be OK, thank God.

          You’re friend, Mitch, must have been a really good soul. He sounds like fun. I’m sure he’s celebrating Frosted’s win! Love and Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. The fallen rider was Ruby Walsh on a Mullins horse. Sheena said that Ruby is okay after the fall. Sometimes we call him Shorty because of a controversy with Our Conor. The Brit fans didn’t like what Ruby had said about Our Conor being only a horse, after Our Conor died from race injuries. They were angry. They nicknamed Ruby as short man. It’s not a good idea ever to mess with Brit horse race fans.

        • Dear Max:

          Thank you for filling me in on Ruby and glad he and the horse are OK. Always wondered what the story was behind the nickname “shorty”.

          I’m not happy with his comment about Our Conor either. Guess Ruby will be more compassionate with his words now. Love and Hugs, JB

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    Dear Sheena,

    Happy Saturday! The FB furbabies are all doing well, but of course we haven’t heard from Fubu. Hope they’re okay! Lovely video of Ray and Jack O playing in the snow. Enjoy all the wonderful racing and your weekend. We have Super Bowl tomorrow. Funny pic of a super bowl on the ratties’ page. Love and hugs from me, kisses from the nurses. Kathy XOXO

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      Dear Sheena:

      Never saw a more patient horse than Nobby. Vewy much like Mattie’s taste in music. Love and Hugs, JB

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    Safe trip today to Blingo owned by Ann & Jerry Moss and trained by John. He is going up against some very stiff competition.

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    Mike Smith Entries
    February 6 – Santa Anita
    I Will Score Wgt-119 Race 4 Robert B. Lewis S.
    Songbird Wgt-123 Race 5 Las Virgenes S.
    Captain Tim Wgt-122 Race 6 Allowance Optional Claiming $40,000
    Imperative Wgt-119 Race 7 San Antonio S.
    Opportunistic Wgt-123 Race 9 Maiden Special Weight

    February 7 – Santa Anita
    A Red Tie Day Wgt-122 Race 7 Allowance Optional Claiming $62,500

  6. / Reply

    Dear Max.Yes,Shorty is fine but a very sad incident in one of the later races when a Jessie Harrington horseYou must know Me died.Ridden by her daughter he went lame after the last jump but carried on and collapsed.God bless him.
    You must have wonderful memories of your friend Mitch and,indeed.Frosted put a smile on everyone’s face .He has a good chance in the World cup.There is news Vautour may run at Newbury next week.I hope we get to see Denman parade at the meetingOh,The Moose looks fantastic and his dream of having a female to ride him came true.I think Annie Power is a career girl!No time for romance yet.Sheena

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      I cannot believe this news about You Must Know Me. It’s awful to hear this. Wasn’t he a chestnut?
      AP was at Carlingford’s race today. As you will remember, AP rode him to a win in last year’s Irish Gold Cup. He said that Carlingford is a horse who just likes to pass other horses. Maybe this was true of Zenyatta too?
      I miss my friend everyday. Still not easy.

        • How awful but how brave. RIP You Must Know Me
          You won the race, and now you are with the angels.
          Run free, dear boy.

          Hugs and Love

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        I read that You Must Know Me broke a leg as he crossed the finish line as the winner. The jockey immediately got off but the injury was catastrophic and the vets could not help him. This is just too sad.

        • TVG was showing the race – just awful to see the look on the jockey’s face. Thank God the camera moved away just as the horse was going down.

  7. / Reply

    hi Zsters :)

    todays devo:

    I pull on my tennis shoes, open the front door and begin to run. The sky stretches blue above me and the road feels firm beneath my feet. I stand tall with my shoulders straight and arms swinging rhythmically by my sides. I even feel a little cool in my shades.

    By the end, things have changed. I’ve gone into what I like to call “T Rex” mode. My arms are bunched up under my chest like tiny little claws and my cadence has the grace of a dinosaur doing ballet. Yes, it really is as awkward as it sounds.

    Cars whiz by and I worry about what they’re thinking. I didn’t mind other people bearing witness when I first began and felt strong. But now I want to shout, “Look away! Look away!” (And I might but I can’t breathe).

    Even more, I want a t-shirt that says, “Be kind: You can’t see how far I’ve already come.”

    Maybe the whole world needs t-shirts like that one. Because we’re all just trying to take the next steps as best we can. And while it can be easy to judge, we can’t see the hill she just conquered. We don’t know this is her third lap around the same struggle. We missed the miles she put in while the rain poured down.

    Less criticism. More cheering.

    Less assuming. More understanding.

    Less gawking. More seeing the best.

    I open the door of my house and practically collapse on the floor. My husband comes over to make sure he doesn’t need to call 911. “I made it,” I manage to gasp, “I’m home.” And suddenly that’s all that matters. I don’t care that I’m a mess. That I smell bad enough to scare the dog. That Nike would probably pay me not to ever wear their shoes.

    The next time I run I notice a woman struggling up an incline one slow step at a time. I smile and give her a thumbs up sign. I get it. And I would want someone to do the same for me.

    Until the whole world gets those t-shirts, let’s all be a little kinder anyway. We don’t know how far anyone has come. Or how far they have to go. And we don’t know when it might be our turn to climb that hill.

    XOXO,

    Holley Gerth

    hugZ/prayerZ, vamp

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      Dear Vamp Sue,
      Great devotional! We never know what someone has come through or what they may be fighting to overcome so we should always keep that in mind. Kindness is definitely needed today and always.
      Thank you!

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      BGG,
      Songbird and Mike laughed all the way home. Mike just seems to have a special relationship with these great fillies.

      Keen Ice finished 6th but it’s not as bad as it sounds. Only lost by 4 lengths and wasn’t pushed too hard. I won’t be too sad if this means he does not make the trip to Dubai. AND gotta add that the track record holder in the Donn is my sweet Lea.

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      very impressive. it was a romp in the park for her. hehe. mike just sat on her for the ride. nice :)

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      Dear BGG,

      Thanks so much for posting the race. She just takes off and never looks back. Well done Songbird and Mike!

  9. / Reply

    Dear Judy. What a run by Songbird and mike.I am having problems with my computer tonight.If you don’t see me tomorrow you will know why.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaXI am using my other pc am not used to it!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Songbird and Mikey are becoming quite a team. Hope your computer problems resolve. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

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      TVG tweet Sat. Feb 6 2016
      Jockey Gary Stevens sustained an injury over the course of the San Antonio and will not be riding in R9.
      Note: No reports on injury. Gary might have a facial injury-bumped by El Kabeir.

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      Dear BGG:

      Thank you for this; my gosh, she’s a beauty.

      Thank you too for the video of Hoppertunity and Imperative. I was rooting for Bernie’s boy, Imperative and Mikey. Congrats to both horses and riders. Two great efforts. Love and Hugs, JB

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      BGG,
      Thanks for the post. She sure is a big good looking girl. I’m a Valentina fan but am worried that if they compete against each other, it will turn out like the BC.

  12. / Reply

    Congratulations to all the winners today. SongBird, Lady Shipman, Mshawish, all dear to my heart. So happy you won.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy:

      Add my congrats to yours for beautiful Song Bird, Mshawish and Lady Shipman. Nice rides by Mikey, Johnny V and I Ortiz too. Love and Hugs, JB

  13. / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:

    Happy Dreams. Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love you. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

  14. / Reply

    February 7 Cherokee Devotional

    This winter morning offered a nice view in every direction. Beautiful sheep grazed on the east side and a herd of deer, seven does and yearlings, ate acorns on the west side. A deer feeder filled with corn hangs from an oak tree, but the squirrels usually get there first. Tell me there are other beautiful sights in other parts of the world, but this is our land, our woods, and to us nothing compares with it. Most any time of day we can look out and see something that delights our spirits-an owl, a water bird croaking along on the way to the pond, and even a coyote or two. Feeding our spirits is as necessary as feeding our bodies. Good books, music, and sunshine can help us to see and hear afresh. This is what the Cherokee calls “a breaking up of those things that set up in the mind and will not move without coaxing.” Time spent enriching the spirit is worth an abundant effort.

    To us the earth was tame, was bountiful, and we were surrounded with the blessing of the Great Mystery.
    -Chief Luther Standing Bear, Lakota

  15. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Somehow I have managed to access the blog.I got so excited watching Mike and Songbird last night my tea spilled on the keyboard!I shall send him the bill.Borrowed my cousin’s for today can hardly make head or tail of it but is better than nothing.I hope it can be repaired it started making funny noises.Weather very mild over here expecting storm Imogen tomorrow!Did you hear Paul Nicholl’s yard was hit by flash floods last night a massive effort by staff to rescue the horses and now they are safely back at the stables.Rain in the south was dreadful last night.Fubu is back!!!!!His sight has improved dramatically and he weigh 9.7 now but Kimberly has been pretty bad with the pain from her RA Hopefully the warmer weather will help.The ratties are felling the cold in New Hamster and they had to stop for a break.I saw some of the debate last night your politicians are clowns just like ours!!!I saw Jack O’s video yesterday they just love the snow I am trying to get the hang of visiting FB on this Have a blessed Sabbath and hope the nurses are still on duty.Love and hugs to you kisses for Holly.Nikko and Sugar SheenaXOXO

  16. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Oh no! Computer woes! Songbird and Mike did so great. They are a wonderful team. Her markings kind of remind me of Rachel Alexandra. Gorgeous girl! Will be saying prayers for your computer. Funny noises are never a good sign! That’s great news the horses over at Paul Nichol’s are all safe. Isn’t it wonderful that Fubu’s eyesight is improving? Never thought it would happen. Kimberly should feel better in warmer weather. I think the ratties should think twice about drinking something cold when it’s so cold outside. All those doughnuts probably help, though. The debate last night was pretty good entertainment. As you say…clowns! Love seeing Ray and Jack O enjoying the snow. Hawley was watching over Ray in that lovely picture. Have a blessed Sabbath and enjoy the day. I’m off today and tomorrow and then back to work on Tuesday. The nurses will be traumatized without a patient! Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  17. / Reply

    hi Zsters :)

    todays devo:

    “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek:
    that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”
    {Psalm 27:4, NIV}
    One Thing . . .

    Kids will sometimes ask each other: “If you could have just one wish granted, what would it be?”

    Their answers will vary from “a bazillion dollars” to “a pet dog.”

    It’s not a bad question to ask ourselves either. Oftentimes our answer will reveal what is currently happening in our hearts.

    What is the one thing your heart longs for most?

    Our answers may vary . . .

    More time.
    A good friend.
    A healed body.
    A restored relationship.

    Perhaps it’s “all of the above.” And that’s okay too.

    Our longings indicate our hearts’ deepest stirrings. So when I read Psalm 27, I am drawn to the “one thing” David asked of God — to dwell in His house forever. More than anything, David longed to be in God’s presence.

    This is why David was called “a man after God’s own heart.” David experienced plenty of highs and lows in his lifetime. He knew the pit of failure and the sting of loss. But the one overarching theme in David’s life was a singular longing to be in God’s presence.

    And this is my prayer today . . . that our hearts will be filled with this one thing . . . a desire to dwell in His presence.

    Lord, we know You see all things, You know all things. Fill our hearts with an ever-deepening desire for more of You. May the “one thing” of our hearts be a longing to be with You, in Your house forever. Amen.

    hugZ/prayerZ, vamp

  18. / Reply

    So happy for Mike and Songbird, such a pleasure to see them together.
    Has been a great week with a Frosted and Songbird win.

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      Dear Ingrid,
      WOW! This is phenomenal — just a beautiful partnership. Sandra and Lizzy are the best dancing duo since Fred and Ginger, or Torvel and Dean! Maybe even THE best of all.

      Thank you for posting this.

      Hugs and Love

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      Dear Ingrid:

      This is just too adorable. What a bond they have. I just want to give Lizzy a big hug. Thank you for sharing. Love and Hugs, JB

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    Dear Judy.We have been promised a very stormy day tomorrow an amber warning for the south.I may need to get a new PC.Hope it can get repaired though.Songbird looks to be a great champion Mike has a way with the girls!Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX

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      Dear Sheena:

      Our forecast is for 5 to 8 inches of snow tonight into tomorrow with more possible during the week. Stay safe and warm. Yes, I agree Mikey does have a way with the girls. Hope your PC can be repaired. They can be such a pain. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties

  22. / Reply

    1/3 quarter ended in the super bowl.
    Love you and rest Zenyatta with sweet dreams
    love with kisses and to your sons
    loving z princess and my dear Sir
    Auntie Sally B

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      Dear BGG:

      Wow, thank you for this.

      Zenyatta’s sister Pressurizing (Henry The Navigator/Vertigineux) has an adorable colt. Pressurizing was born in 2010 and never raced. Loved seeing one of my favorites, Dayatthespa’s first baby too and love the video of Paynter’s boy in the snow. They’re all so adorable. Love and Hugs, JB

  24. / Reply

    Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and DC:

    Goodnight. Stay warm and cozy in your stalls. Happy Dreams and Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB

    Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.

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      Judy,
      All of us here in Indy were pulling for Payton. So glad his team won. Hope he retires now at the top rather than go on when he is not what he was. He did so much for the city of Indianapolis as well as the Colts. Will miss him.

      • / Reply

        Dear Shirlee:

        Yes, I was thinking the same thing; nice way to end his career on such a great win. Love and Hugs, JB

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      Payton and Eli have both been favorites of mine forever! But for me it all started with their dad, Archie. I always admired Archie sticking with the New Orleans Saints although they weren’t very good at that time. Remember the fans wore bags over their heads at games and called them Ain’ts. Being a KC Chief fan I really don’t like the Broncos but I will always root for Payton. Broke my heart when Indianapolis cut him loose.

  26. / Reply

    February 8 Cherokee Devotional

    Every good photographer knows the important thing is focus. Focus is first, and then other things follow. Even so-called candid shots that look spontaneous and turn out to be keepers rely on the steady hand on the camera. Total concentration on a precise moment makes all the difference.
    Whatever we want, whatever seems the right thing for us requires focus and dedication. We cannot waver when we are placing our mental images, changing our minds, and beginning all over again. There is nothing wrong with changing our minds. From all appearances, we need to do more of it rather than jumping in with no real direction. But once we find a perfect place, we need to focus steadily and get a clear picture.
    What we are living today is what we focused on yesterday. Is it cloudy or blurry? Is the color true? Is the picture true? Or have we distorted the images by not being focused?

    A pause giving time for thought was the truly courteous way of beginning and conducting a conversation.
    -Chief Luther Standing Bear, Lakota

  27. / Reply

    Dear Kathy.Oh,I am always changing my mind!I am having difficulty accessing FB on this PC but have heard quite a few foals arrived at the Irish national stud over the weekend.It’s been a wild and wet night in Wales and the south last night ; still blowing a gale,Nyquist did predict a Broncos win I watched the entertainment at half-time enjoyed Coldplay we get nothing like that at our football games it was about 1.30am over here!Milo was telling us to get our socks ready I am always well-prepared.Is’nt there a holiday with you next Monday?Mr No ears has a new page now and I joined bless him it’s been 5 months now.More snow with Ray he loves it!and had a wrestling match with Jack O he is still losing many furiends.Fubu was enjoying the Super Bowl last night.He really is a Miracle Persian Prince!Remember to turtle while thinking of work tomorrow!Have a great day.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO

  28. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    Sorry for your computer woes. Lots of beautiful new foals for us to enjoy now. They are all magnificent creatures! Sorry the weather has been so bad. Stay safe! Nyquist picked the winners. Good for him! The half-time was quite a spectacle. Good advice from Milo to get our socks out early! Yes, next Monday is Presidents’ Day. Used to be we got two days off. Lincoln’s birthday AND Washington’s birthday. Then some genius came up with the idea of lumping them into just one day and call it Presidents’ Day. What a ripoff! I’ll have to look for Mr No ears. 5 months…that’s a long time! Enjoyed the video of Ray pinning Jack O. Fubu truly is a miracle. I will do a lot of turtling in preparation of returning to work tomorrow! Have a good day. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO

  29. / Reply

    morn Zsters :)

    today devo:

    Preparing for Lent…

    Starting this Wednesday (Ash Wednesday), many Christians will begin preparing their hearts and minds for Easter through the season of Lent. And while the term “Lent” is well-known for many, others are less familiar with the idea.

    So, let’s have a quick refresher on the Lenten season. Here are some basics:

    Lent is the period of 40 days that precedes the celebration of Easter. It’s often linked to the story in Matthew 4, when Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights.

    Lent begins on Ash Wednesday continuing until Holy Thursday just before Easter, but many followers will abstain, fast and/or do other good works during this time all the way until Easter Sunday.

    Many Christians see it as a time to recall and renew their commitment to Christ.

    With this in mind, let’s all dig deep into our souls and think about the last time we really contemplated being fully committed and fully alive in Christ Jesus. When was the last time we really acknowledged Him for giving His life for us? And, if it has been awhile, what is distracting us? Can we pinpoint it?

    As sinners, we know that even with the best of intentions we often turn from God. Our thoughts become consumed with our next meal, an upcoming assignment, plans for the weekend, etc. Many times, we simply go about our routines without really putting much thought into it.

    What if, for the next 40 days, we were able to rid ourselves of those distractions by making a few changes to our routine? Maybe we give up our afternoon snack break or turn off our cell phones for an hour each evening. Maybe we forego the cup of drive-through coffee each morning. And maybe we instead spend this time focusing our thoughts and hearts on Christ.

    You never know – perhaps as we acknowledge the little things that sometimes distract us from God, we become more aware of the weight of his sacrifice for us. And in turn, we might just be one step closer to fully embracing His grace and unfailing love for us this Easter.

    For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:8-10 (NRSV)

    hugz/prayerz, vamp

    • / Reply

      todays devo is meant to be informative. and maybe reflect on how to improve ourselves. im not tryimg to push my faith on others. i understand every1 has their own beliefs. and i respect that. i mean no offense to those who believe differently.
      hugz, vamp

      • / Reply

        Vampressqueen Sue Colvin
        Appreciate your Comment.
        Not everyone on the Blog is Christian.
        Or, a follower of the Native American beliefs.
        You gave a nice recognition of the diversity of the Z-sters.
        Hugs, Blue

        • Dear BGG,

          That’s very true. I’ll weigh in, too. I’m not Native American, but I find the Devotionals to be very wise so much of the time. If anyone like them, fine. If not.just scroll on by.

          Hugs, Kathy

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue You could never offend anyone with your devotionals.I am and was brought up a Christian but I love nature and always think of it as my cathedral.That’s why I love Kathy’s devotionals .Hugs Sheena

      • / Reply

        Dear Vamp Sue and Kathy:

        It’s wonderful to read your devotionals. They are inspiring and uplifting. Love and Hugs, JB

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      Dear BGG,
      Thank you for this interesting article on a most tragic and despicable event. What an awful thing for the magnificent Shergar to experience. Why wouldn’t someone somewhere step up now and do the right thing? Surely, poor Shergar deserves to come home and rest in peace with the dignity owed to him. I hope these horrible criminals have come to no good end — they are beneath contempt, IMHO.

      Thanks and may we always remember Shergar. He, Alydar and many more are running free in heaven. Angels all of them.
      Hugs

    • / Reply

      Such a sad and horrific end for the sweet Shergar. He was simply beautiful.

      Can only pray karma visited those who are( or were) involved with this vicious crime to this magnificent horse.

      RIP Equine Angel

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG.We always think of Shergar and his tragic end.They say he is buried in Bandit country.The IRA never claimed responsibility but we always believe that they killed him.He surely deserves a Christian burial.SheenaRIP my brave beautiful boy

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