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Zenyatta Statue Unveiling: Live from Santa Anita



Live video for mobile from Ustream

The Zenyatta statue will be unveiled in Santa Anita’s Paddock Gardens area at noon (PDT), Saturday September 29. Watch the ceremony live here on Zenyatta.com courtesy of HRTV.

LEGENDARY MARE ZENYATTA TO BE HONORED FOR ALL-TIME WITH LIFE-SIZED STATUE IN SANTA ANITA’S PADDOCK GARDENS AREA, UNVEILING SET FOR SEPTEMBER 29

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2012)—The legendary Zenyatta, winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita and Horse of the Year in 2010, will be honored for all-time by Santa Anita Park as a life-sized statue of the great mare will be unveiled in Santa Anita’s Paddock Gardens area on the first Saturday of Santa Anita’s upcoming Autumn Meet, on Sept. 29.

Zenyatta. AP photo.
Additionally, the inaugural Grade I, $250,000 Zenyatta Stakes (formerly the Lady’s Secret), a race won by Zenyatta over three consecutive years from 2008 through 2010, will be run on Sept. 29.

Zenyatta, who at the age of eight is currently enjoying her role as a broodmare at Lane’s End Farm in Kentucky, will be joining two of the greatest horses of all-time, John Henry and Seabiscuit, as her statuary likeness will now join these legends of the American Turf adjacent to the track’s grandstand.

Named after The Police’s blockbuster album “Zenyatta Mondatta,” Zenyatta is owned by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Moss and his wife, Ann.

“Like the song written by Sting and performed by The Police, everything Zenyatta did here will always be magic for the entire Thoroughbred industry,” said Santa Anita President George Haines. “Her win against the boys in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic is considered by many to be the greatest moment in Santa Anita history.”

The incomparable Zenyatta retired with a remarkable 19 wins from 20 career starts and $7,304,580 in earnings. Although she was defeated by a head in her final start, the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Classic, her stature as one of the sport’s all-time greats remained undiminished as she was voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year for 2010.

“The breadth of her accomplishments at Santa Anita alone is astonishing,” said Haines. “She won a total of seven races here, all stakes and six of them were in Grade I competition. Her story will forever resonate with our fans and we know we’ll have many thousands of people coming here over the years to admire her statue, which will be situated on south side of the Kingsbury Fountain, directly across from John Henry.”

Trained by John Shirreffs and ridden in her final 17 starts by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, Zenyatta made her third career start on Jan. 13, 2008, winning Santa Anita’s Grade II El Encino Stakes by 1 ¾ lengths under David Flores.

As was the case in her 2009 Classic victory, all nineteen of Zenyatta’s wins came in last-to-first fashion.

After winning the El Encino, Zenyatta’s subsequent Grade I wins at The Great Race Place came in the 2008 & ’09 Lady’s Secret Stakes, the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic, the 2009 Classic and the 2010 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap.

“We’d again like to thank the Mosses for running Zenyatta here and we look forward to welcoming them back as we again honor ‘the big mare’ on Sept. 29,” said Haines.

Sculpted by Nina Kaiser, who also created the statue of John Henry, Zenyatta’s likeness stands at her height of 17.2 hands, and weighs 1,200 pounds, which is approximately what Zenyatta weighed throughout her racing career. Commissioned by Santa Anita, the world-renowned Kaiser worked on the project for more than two years.

Santa Anita’s 2012 Autumn Meet gets underway on Friday, Sept. 28. For more information or to make dining and seating reservations, fans are encouraged to visit www.santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.

Reader Interactions

1,273 Comments

  1. / Reply

    I wantyed to tell you all that Trina kind of blew it. There was a hat contest, first prize was $1,000. She had on a beautiful hat wioth Zenyatta colors. If she had entered, she would have won for sure.

  2. / Reply

    This statue of THE QUEEN is simply breathtaking and perfect in every detail. Nina Kaiser has to be the best equine artist in bronze in the world. It is a masterpiece. I just love this statue.

    • / Reply

      Dear Paula:

      I’ll bet it’s just beautiful. Hope I can get to see it some day. Glad that you were able to. Hugs, JB

  3. / Reply

    We have had many posts about Chantal Sutherland’s being replace on Game on Dude.
    Here are excerpts from an excellent article-link to read full article.
    One fact that jumped out when I read this was:
    she has ridden only 33 winners from just 295 rides,
    ranking her in 386th place in terms of races won.

    Sutherland jocked off Classic favourite Dude
    By Nicholas Godfrey The Racing Post 12 SEP 2012

    USA: North American racing’s golden girl Chantal Sutherland has been dealt a bitter blow with news that she has been jocked off Breeders’ Cup Classic favourite Game On Dude in favour of Rafael Bejarano.
    The partnership between Sutherland and the Bob Baffert-trained five-year-old has become one of the best known in US racing after a series of high-profile victories, including three Grade 1 triumphs in last year’s Santa Anita Handicap and Goodwood Stakes, and this year’s Hollywood Gold Cup.
    However, Sutherland was roundly criticised last month when she dropped her reins in the closing stages of Del Mar’s signature event, the $1 million Pacific Classic, and 6-5 favourite Game On Dude was beaten half a length by Dullahan.
    Baffert told the Blood-Horse he felt the time was right to make a change before Game On Dude’s challenge for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on November 3.
    In last year’s contest, Sutherland and Game On Dude led into the final furlong only to be run down by her former fiancé Mike Smith on Drosselmeyer in an agonising defeat.
    Although her mounts have earned in excess of $2.1m in prize-money this term – 95th on the national jockeys’ list – much of this figure is down to Game On Dude and she has ridden only 33 winners from just 295 rides, ranking her in 386th place in terms of races won.
    In contrast, Bejarano stands third on the overall list with 204 winners from 846 rides, with nearly $12.9m in earnings.
    http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/chantal-sutherland-usa-sutherland-jocked-off-classic

      • / Reply

        Aidan O’Brien has not yet decided if Camelot will race in the Arc. If he does, Camelot will need another jockey. Joseph O’Brien is just too heavy for that race. He cannot make the weight restriction. Decision to be made by Wednesday.

        • Yes, I don’t understand their weight restrictions, but I got the gist of
          what Adian was saying. He does not want his son to get sick trying to
          get to that weight and maybe be light headed and fall off, that is a joke.

          Joseph is a talented jockey, but I worry about him being sooo tall
          and riding all crunched up.

        • The young O’Brien is 6 feet or more and is fighting a losing battle with his body to keep his weight down. He is now at 8st. 13 lbs. That is heavy for a jockey. The Arc requires 8st. 11. The O’Briens know that he cannot risk his health by trying to lose that difference. He is quickly facing retirement, probably in the next year.

    • / Reply

      Keta,

      Those statistics were in the original article about the switch.
      What I have put in was directly from Gary Stevens mouth on HRTV,
      who is a good friend of hers.

      She just does not have the experience to win these races like Raphael.
      She ran out of “gas” in the BCC 2011, GOD is a tough competative horse
      that love a fight, she should have had a “ton” of horse coming into the stretch
      so he could have dueled Drosselmeyer. It is a very sophisticated skill to save
      horse until the end of the race. She will learn, but GOD is in line for HOY so
      they need a sure thing and RB has won at least 3 BC races, Chantal has won none.

      • / Reply

        Sign,
        It seems that the Chantal link in the Racing Post is part of their archives.
        So, when you click on it, you end up on a current story.
        Or, the Racing Post links are really screwed up.

        There has been a tendency to look at Bob Baffert rather than Chantal Sutherland in the removal from GOD. This story had hard facts in it on why she should be replaced.

        We are on the same page. Sorry, I did not remember seeing this before. So, as
        you have said before, reposts are good.
        And, yes, Bejarano is a proven winning jockey-ranked 3rd overall.
        Keta

        • Oh yes, Keta.

          They were just said in a different way. I also looked her up on Wikipedia and also Raphael and his credentials are extremely outstanding, those magic hands are so valuable when riding strong minded horses so they do
          not become rank.

          Chantal let GOD run the show and that is why she ran out of horse. If you listen to Trevor he says that Raphael had a hold on GOD down the backstretch so he did not use up his energy, without getting him rank.
          Not sure Chantal has that skill yet or even realizes that she needs to develop it. Soft hand are a must. I know you know how important they are coming from the Grand Prix world and the talent and sucess of your daughter, which is sooo impressive. Wish I had such talent. You must be soooo very proud of her.

    • / Reply

      Her win percentage is OK. With all due respect, you have to wonder why she got the mount in the first place. Anyone who has seen the reply of last year’s Santa Anita Handicap has to wonder why her horse was not disqualified.

  4. / Reply

    TC GP,
    Glad you and the dumplings had a nice day at the track.
    You had the exacta for our cappers!!!
    I bet that Nonois,was thinking someone would finally answer the door for him…he has been knocking on it for awhile.
    GOD is looking fine!

    • / Reply

      GOD loks like the BCC winner. The second horse had closing ability. The only knock I had againt it was the fact that ot was a 3 year old, although it is late in the year. Ifthe rules had permitted it, I would have played a straight 20 dollar exacta,GOD to Nonios.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ann, TC and Sign:

      Did not check the standings of our Zentastic Team so I did not know you had the Exacta, TC. Way to go. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      “It was just to get him settled in and make him feel at home,” Mott explained. “These horses are all very professional. Ron (the Greek) could probably fly the plane out there.”

      This man REALLY understands his horses!!!! LOL…flying the plane……but this is a wonderful thing for Mr. Mott.
      Thanks for posting the article, Sign.

  6. / Reply

    Bill Mott’s plan :

    Ron the Greek
    Flat Out
    To Honor and Serve
    in the BCC

    Royal Delta to defend her title in LC

      • / Reply

        Yes, Bill Mott said he did not like the track.

        One thing for sure when some don’t like the track they don’t run, but a real
        champion runs on anything even if they hate it. Like Zenny in the 2010 BCC,
        she hated churchill and almost won.

    • / Reply

      When was the last time a trainer said “no way should my horse be HOY.” It has been a long time since a turf horse was voted the award.

      • / Reply

        This is just talk now, you are right turf horses are usually not HOY in the US
        anyway, however, with the choices it could be possible, but more unlikely.

        Lots of talk about lots of possiblities because nothing is or no equine is a real standout, which is tooo bad.

      • / Reply

        Was the last one John Henry !!!

        I am not sure he really was a turf specialist as he also ran on dirt too???

        • John Henry won some big races on the turf but I would think that he was considered to be a dirt horse. JAG could anawer better than I.

      • / Reply

        TC said…When was the last time a trainer said “no way should my horse be HOY.” It has been a long time since a turf horse was voted the award.

        All the more reason for POE to be named HOY!!!….You the Man,Shug!!!

    • / Reply

      jean-Not sure about this, but would think that pictures of the statue will be widely available, either at Zenny’s store or the SA gift shop.

  9. / Reply

    dear terry so glad you all had a great time at the unveiling of our queens statue would love to have seen trinas hat the weather looked lovely and hot we tend to use umbrellas for the rain in the uk!!! hugs sheenaX

  10. / Reply

    Dear TC,

    I thought the deeper the track the harder for speed to win.
    We always groomed our ring when it got too deep as harder
    for horses to work and jump in the deep stuff. Also getting a
    leg stuck in the deep stuff could cause injury.

    Jethro was jumping in some deep mud and fractured a splint
    bone so we never jumped him after that in any deep wet surface.

    Deep track makes it harder for them to lift their feet up and run,
    smooth track easier to run on so speed is favored. Makes sense.

    So they keep the groooming a secret !!!!!

    • / Reply

      Somewhere, somehoe somebosy knows when the track is going to be worked on, other that routine stuff. The work is done after, or before, the wmorning wworkouts begibn so often only the crew knows what is going on. I know the trainers were caught by surprise at Hollyhwood Park. Your description of track conditions and whom it favors is an accurate one, as a general rule. For some reason, even some speed horses favor a deeper track. But, not very often.

      • / Reply

        I guess the fitness would have to do with being able to run fast (favor speed) on a deep track. They would be able to with stand the extra expenditure of energy
        to run through a deep surface. Easy for the horses to run through a well groomed surface, not sure why it is hard for closers, other than the speed may be going to fast for them to catch????

  11. / Reply

    Dear Eveline, Vicki B, TC, Sue, Sheena and Keta,

    Left some comments on page 5.

    Thanks Keta for finding out the Belmont Attendance.

  12. / Reply

    Sorry to hear Stay Thirsty didn’t win yesterday. I just love this guy! I love his connections, his style of running and he so reminds me of his father!

    Thanks to whoever posted the link so I could watch the race! Sorry It’s Tricky didn’t win too, even though I do love Royal Delta, but there is something about It’s Tricky that draws me to her! Maybe it’s how feisty she is! Both horses ran a fabulous race!

    To All who were at SA yesterday, lucky you! I missed the live feed (ugh!) but did see the pic’s of the statue you posted, thank you! Been trying all morning to get the tape or the repeat of the boardcast but no luck so far. Maybe it will pop up somewhere!

    Congrats to all those who won yesterday’s race, good handicapping! That was a tough race to bet! Looking forward to pic’s of Saturday’s great events at SA, how very lucky all who went are to be there and witness our “Queen” being honored in such a royal fashion, the weather sure looked nice and sunny!

    Does anyone know what’s going on with Calvin Borel? Haven’t seen or heard from him in a while? He wasn’t at Saratoga when I was there this year, which isn’t like him because he loves Saratoga> Also does anyone know where a horse named Eskendrya is? (Don’t think I spelled her name right?) I believe she was a Todd Pletcher horse? Been looking and wondering about her? If anyone has info, please share it with me, thanks!@

    Anxiously awaiting news about Paynter,

    GirlSaratoga

    • / Reply

      Keta, yes I saw the race. I thought she was going to win for a while. She is improving. In her very first race she came in 5th. Now she comes in 2nd. I am so proud of her. She is a sweetheart. Now I have to find out if she got claimed or not.
      Just love her dearly.

    • / Reply

      Keta

      She didn’t get claimed. Breathing a sigh of relief.
      Well, just didn’t know if that would have been good for her or not. At least maybe she’ll stay where she’s at for a while. She’s only 2

  14. / Reply

    Sign,
    Responded to your comment on page 5, but will repeat. it here. I said they were Indy grandkids, as is Royal Delta on her mom’s side. Indy is sire to Love and Pride. Sorry for the confusion.

    Took the easy bet on fantasy capping and put everything on GOD, so I won but not that much. So my “Lets save the mares from going to Japan” fund is not going so good. Oh well it was a dream, anyway. Has anyone contact Michael Phelps or Bob Baffert?

    Glad everyone came home safe, it turned out to be a memorable weekend of races capped by the beautiful ceremony for our Queen, and no words can describe her statue.

    Hugs to all

    • / Reply

      Oh yes Sue,

      Love and Pride’s sire is AP Indy.
      Royal Delta’s Dam Sire is AP Indy.

      That is what I also said, good communicaton.

      • / Reply

        Favored Kauai Katie Wins Matron Decisively
        By Esther Marr, @BH_EMarr
        Updated: Sunday, September 30, 2012 6:31 PM
        Heavily favored Kauai Katie didn’t disappoint in the Sept. 30 Matron Stakes (gr. II) at Belmont Park when she overcame Baby J at the half-mile pole and increased her advantage to the wire, drawing off to a decisive 7 1/2-length victory.
        The daughter of Malibu Moon kept her unbeaten streak intact and may have taken a huge step toward the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) with the score, which was her third in as many starts.
        The six-furlong Matron, race seven on a 10-race card, was a major triumph for Kauai Katie, who broke her maiden by 12 lengths at first asking going 5 1/2 furlongs July 20 at Saratoga Race Course and easily overpowered four foes in the 6 1/2-furlong Adirondack (gr. II) at Saratoga Aug. 12. She won that race by 2 3/4 lengths after ripping through early opening fractions of :21.77, and :44.93 under Rosie Napravnik, who returned to ride in the Matron.

        Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/73186/favored-kauai-katie-wins-matron-decisively#ixzz27zmbiF4F

        • This was an awesome race. Rosie said she is a very professional filly that
          is fairly easy to ride, she needs minimal direction and just gets the job done.
          Very sweet temperment, too.

        • Dear Keta and Max:

          Kauai Katie; three in a row and all by very good margins. Very impressive two year old filly. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        From what I oberved on Saturday, Rosie is a top notch rider, a cut above Chantal. But, that doesm’t mean that Chantal is not capable.

        • Very true, Rosie and some of the other jockey’s have more experinenc
          than Chantal, but she definatly is a hopeful.

  16. / Reply

    This article is quite long. I have posted the first few paragraphs.
    There is more & important info. To read the complete one, click on the link
    Keta
    Zayat: Paynter transferring to New Bolton
    by Ray Paulick | 09.30.2012 | 5:44pm
    Zayat Stable’s Paynter, the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational winner who has been battling colitis for more than a month, will be transported from upstate New York to the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Kennett Square, Pa., on Monday morning for further diagnosis and possible surgery of his gastrointestinal tract.
    At New Bolton the 3-year-old colt by Awesome Again will be under the care of Dr. Louise Southwood Parente, DVM, MS, PhD.
    Ahmed Zayat, who has provided regular updates on Paynter through his Twitter account (@Jazz3162), spoke on Sunday afternoon with the Paulick Report about the horse’s fighting spirit, the “phenomenal” care Paynter has received since Aug. 26 at Upstate Equine Medical Center in Schuylerville, N.Y., and the recent discovery of a possible abscess on the colon that led to the decision to send him to New Bolton.
    “He has been battling two serious illnesses: colitis and laminitis,” Zayat said. “He has actually won a lot of battles, but did not win the war. Paynter has been so courageous, an unbelievable fighter. He really wants to live and has this desire to keep fighting. He’s saying ‘Don’t give up on me,
    believe in me,’ he gives inspiration to his whole team, and I hope people do not think that is corny or theatrical, because it is true.
    “Today, he is bright, alert, playful, happy, and has totally healthy feet (having overcome laminitis). He is turned out every afternoon, he loves eating, loves playing.
    “If you didn’t know he was sick internally, you would not know anything was bothering him. He is not in pain, not suffering.”
    http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/zayat-paynter-transferring-to-new-bolton/

    • / Reply

      Keta. Thanks. Looks like our Paynter still needs some prayers. Hope that they can help him fully recover at the new place. Sounds pretty optimistic. Good for him that he is gaining weight back. PUP

    • / Reply

      Keta; I still pray for Paynter and thank you for this report. He loves this horse and is doing whatever he can do which is so admirable because Paynter is saying “I want to live”. I, we, want him to live too!!! He should never doubt the fans for Paynter!!!!
      Paynter, can you hear us, we are behind you 100%!!!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta,

      I am continually praying for Paynter and will keep doing so. I am so praying that they can get him well. Power Up Paynter. I want you to live so bad. Love You.
      Keta again, Thank you so much for the Updates.
      PUP

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta and Z Fans:

      Thanks for this report on Paynter. Praying he can come through this colitis problem. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      I will continue to send prayers for Paynter’s full recovery. Kudos to his owner for trying all resources available to help him “win the war!”

  18. / Reply

    I’m so glad that Terry, Trina and some other Z’sters got to see the Zenyatta statue unveiling. I also can’t wait to hear about Dottie’s reaction to the scrapbooks that Karen made for her. I can’t wait to see the Z statue at the BC. I still can’t believe that I’m going! I’m so excited. I couldn’t have done it without my two fellow Dumplings Sandy and Darlene. Trina, I hope you wear your hat to Z’s party so we all can see it. I just know that you look too cute in it!

      • / Reply

        Thanks, Vicki. Are you going to the Breeders Cup? I hope so. I’d love to meet another postal worker/horse lover!

    • / Reply

      The statue will not disappoint you. It is life sized and fabulous. I would prefer that Karen post about Dottie’s reaction. She did all of the work and deserves kudos.

    • / Reply

      Great piece,

      Gosh Jakelberry is there too. Just watched him win a race her today on HRTV, I think at Arlington this year. He is a world traveler.

  20. / Reply

    Santa Anita did a great job with the unveiling of the spectacular statue. For anyone who is in Southern Calif, the San Diego Museum of Ntural History has a great exhibition called “The Horse”. The last room is practically devoted to Zenyatta with a silhouette of The Queen herself. You can stand next to it to see how you ‘measure up’ to this magnificent mare. I higly recommend it to anyone. Also, so beautiful photos by Vavra.

        • I four peat!!! I so want to see Dottie’s face when she got it. You sneaky gals you! :)

    • / Reply

      If you would like, I will post the details about the unveiling. However, I believe that Karen should post about the scrapbooks.

      • / Reply

        Terry,

        Speaking for myself, I would love to hear every detail, impression….anything that comes to mind. Thanks.

        I hope Karen can comment soon.

        Marty R.

      • / Reply

        Great idea, TC.

        There were a few on the blog that described what was happening from the
        live feed, but no one actually there.

      • / Reply

        OK. The gates opened about 11:15 and the statue was right in front of the main gate. For those familar with SA, it was in front of the fountain, right across from the statue of John Henry. Seabiscuit’s statue has been moved a few times, but at the present time it is in the middle of the grassy area inside the walking ring. A large crowd was starting to gather, and some of the dumplings were there, including JAG, Anne from Paramount, Rosemary, JSmith, Stephanie from San Diego and, of course, Trina and her friend Martha, who is known as Martha the driver on her Z tag. Karen and some of the other dumplings arrived a bit later. The statue was covered from head to tail to toe so it was unveiled in its entirety at one time. At the appointed hour, some SA officials gave speeches. Jerry and Ann Moss were there along with Dottie and John and Nina Kaiser. The crowd started to chant Zen-yat-ta and horse of the year. Dottie then did the unveiling and there stood Zenyatta in all her glory to a round of thunderous applause. The statue does depict her dancing and is exactly life size and weighs 1200 pounds, the weight at which Zenyatta did her racing. Dottie and Jerry and Ann Moss gave some appopriate remarks about how much Zenyatta has meant to them, both past and present. John was off to the side taking pictures but did not speak. There were a lot of pictures taken with the Mosses posing in front of the statue giving Zenyatta an apple, etc. After the officials had taken their leave, the crowd lingered while many pictures were taken. Every time I passed by the statue during the day there were fans posing in front of it. The biggest cheer of the day was when SA replayed Zen’s 2009 BCC win. As Karen had previously arranged with John, he and Dottie went to clocker’s corner at which time Dottie was presented with three scrapbooks. She appeared to be very surprised and appreciative. I will leave the balance of the story to Karen. Clocker’s Corner is located at the head of the SA stretch. A group picture was taken at Clocker’s Corner but I was not in it as I was otherwise occupied. At least I saved the camera from breaking. I hope I relayed everything accurately, but I cannot emphasize enough the atmosphere which surrounded this event. You could feel the love in the air. I am sure Trina would have something to add if you guys would ask her to. She does not know that I added this footnote.

        • Thank you,Terry. I watched on the live stream here, but it is great to get a “color and feeling” report from someone who was actually there.

          Incidentally, congratulations on your handicapping in the race of the week.

        • Yes. I didn’t realize the photo was about to be taken. If had been an outhouse, ar least I could have watched through the crescent moon.

        • Dear TC GP:

          Thank you for your wonderful, detailed post of the unveiling. Almost felt like I was there. Hugs, JB

        • TC: Thank you so much for this play by play – it fills in a lot of the gaps I now know I missed in the live feed. I wish I could have seen Ann kissing Zenny’s nose! Precious!

          I will anxiously await Karen’s deft YouTube video of the scrapbook presentation and hope she can also include some of John’s photos. I know how huge those scrapbooks were so Dottie will have hours of love reading through them!

          How many flushes???

          diastu past my bedtime in tempe

  22. / Reply

    Dear Judy,

    Gabby Came in second. So Happy I am hoping she came out of the race good. She looked like she was running easy. She looked like she maybe tired at the end.
    Love Ya Gabby

      • / Reply

        Max: She was one of my favourites when racing; it just shows the difference between racing/ownership here as in the States – once a mare goes off to be a Mum that’s really it as far as news goes – the first is reported, and the first to race and so on, but unlike this wonderful site for Zenyatta, the information is just restricted on broodmares. So far the Diva’s offspring have performed very poorly at the track – in fact one of her daughters has recently been sold to stud. It just goes to show that some of these brilliant mares leave their best on the track.

        • KathyR. Zenyatta is unique. With the exception of Rachel, broodmares largely disappear. You usually only hear about them in passing when one of their offspring has some success at the track. The open approach of the Mosses to sharing information about this great horse with fans is rare and admirable. Social media also allows fans to keep in touch with the Queen, but only because the Mosses provide information about her. Her incredible personality shines through even in retirement and continues to fascinate.

    • / Reply

      Great article.

      Kathy R,
      Have you checked out the blog The Vault, Abigail did a three part series in 2011 on the
      large heart gene and other genetic issues looking at Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta
      as prototypes. It is a great series.

  24. / Reply

    Judy, Gabby didn’t get claimed. Maybe I can rest a little easy for a while. It seems only one horse got claimed in that race Juke Box Jackie.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy N.:

      Gabbiano ran very well. She stayed on for Second. Her connections seem to be doing well by her. We’ll have to watch for her next start. Third time’s a charm. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Peggy N.:

          Yes, her trainer seems to be giving her a rest between races. She ran on 8/31/12 and 9/30/12, so that’s a month between races. Maybe they’ll stick to that schedule. Will probably do a workout in between. Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    dear kathy loved your article about the spring festival down under are you a fan of black caviar ?ilove her to bits hope she can come back to race in the new year she weighs more than denman a retired chaser who was nicknamed the tank because of his size we loved having her over here at ascot thios summerhugs sheenaX

    • / Reply

      Sheena: the Spring Carnival is really great over here – and unlike some dedicated punters I just love seeing the internationals (especially Americain – he’s such a stunner!). Nelly will be back in the New Year – I’ve very mixed feelings about this – don’t think she has anything to prove and am very anxious that with her being such a fragile mare, something untoward will happen. But one never knows, and Peter Moody may bring the curtain down on a great career if he’s not happy with how she goes when into full work. And Max, you are too kind! Cheers to you both!

    • / Reply

      Nelly has that “Lonhro” type of Aussie Body, Sturdy, sound and full of stamina and beauty. I am soooo looking forward to seeing some of Lonhro’s babies next year.
      He is at Darley USA, breeding first year this year.

      Hope she is able to come back OK, if not she will make a beautiful broodmare and make beautiful babies.

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    What a beautiful statue it is – it’s really breathtaking and majestic. Wish it hadn’t been soooooo hot at Santa Anita but at least the area where Dottie was presented with the scrapbooks was shady and pleasant. As John walked her toward all of us waiting, she seemed puzzled so she hesitated and backed up a step before continuing forward – she was surpised that the gathering was for her. She seemed to absolutely love the scrapbooks and I heard her say, “This is too cute…” as she was looking through one of them and she was genuinely pleased and touched by them. What a great job Karen did on them and I’m glad we were all there to thank Dottie for everything she’s done to keep Zenyatta in our lives. Looking forward to the Zenyatta party on November 2nd…

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      Janie – where were you?? I am so sorry that I did not see you! There were just so many ‘dumplings’ there for the unveiling, most got lost in the crowd! Thank you for that account too – blush! blush! but the DAY BELONGED to Zenny, Nina, the Mosses and Dottie, it was not about me, yet it WAS the perfect day to give Dottie her surprise! Nina made the day so special for us all, and Zenny never looked better! Nina outdid herself and she has every reason to be so proud – hip hip hoofray Nina!! We love you!

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        Hi Karen – I don’t have a “Z dumpling” tag but I was wearing a turquoise/aqua T-shirt and pink visor. We met several months ago at Santa Anita and I got your email last week about the scrapbook presentation and I was one of many there on Saturday who wanted you to take credit for the scrapbooks and beautiful box they were in, but you didn’t want to be singled out… but you should be so proud of it all! Dottie and John were very pleased and I saw him take several pictures of her looking through the scrapbooks. I’ll be at the BC Zenyatta party on November 2nd, so I’m sure I’ll see you there!

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        Karen: I know you need to rest up after this huge production, but I’ve got to tell you I am so looking forward to your YouTube video especially if it can combine photos that John took!

        Can’t wait to see you at BC, GF!

        WELL DONE!

        Hugs, diastu in tempe

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      Great update on Black Cavier, Kathy R.

      Don’t know why US trainers do not use the Equine Aquasizer, as it conditions without the constant leg pounding on the dirt and also the “wet suit” for compression???

      Maybe they should come to Aussie land for some revamping in their training, HA HA !!!

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        Love to have them visit – but (nothing personal) – would prefer to have a visit from The Queen!!! (Well, it never hurts to have little daydreams!!).

        • Ah yes, we would all love that too.

          There was a horse here named Well Armed from Winstar Farms and Bill Castner/owner/trainer. He fractured his pelvis and Bill brought him back
          by having him swim, he even swam in the winter. They broke ice around
          the dock he swam around and he did great. He eventually won the Dubai World cup when it was on dirt.

          Water work is definatley a great asset as it can strengthen even more and
          have less stress. My dog is doing Physical Therapy for gait training in
          the water and it really makes a difference.

          Have a wonderful week and thanks for keeping us up to date with Nelly,
          she is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see her babies.

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        sign-Well Armed was indeed a success story. He won several races before his BC run, in which he was favored. However, he picked that race to run one of his worst and was out of the money. Aaron Gryder rode him both in Dubai and in the BC.

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      KathyR. BC looks very well in that photo. She’s showing her profile like a rock star. Has she broken any more horsey hearts since Saloon and Voila Ici?

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        Max: Not that I’ve heard of – but if the intention is to return her to racing, she may have told them to take a hike until she retires! Also agree with your comment earlier regarding the unique way the Mosses have handled Zenyatta – unfortunately that sort of situation just doesn’t occur down here with horses – as you say, the broodmares just disappear. And if we can let that happen with Makybe Diva, then it will also happen with Nelly.

        • Kathy R,
          The situation with Zenyatta is very very very
          Unique and the amount of $$$$ to do what the
          Mosses are doing is huge. Not many owners have
          That kind of wealth!!!

        • Dear Max and Kathy:

          I agree. The Moss’s and J. Shirreffs have everything to do with Z’s success and well being and our access to her life as a broodmare. We are very fortunate indeed. Hugs, JB

        • Kathy R,
          That is very, very sad to think they would bury this mare on a farm somewhere never to be heard from again. Maybe they’ll take a lesson from the Mosses and continue to share her life with the fans she has all over the world. Hugs

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    This might have been talked about on here before, but I just read about it.
    Rahy’s Attorney I have just been reading about him. Did not really know him during his career. But he sounds like such a nice horse. Really just touched my heart.
    Sounded like he’s going to Florida over the winter for training. I would love to go see him. That is so nice that they are going to make him a stable pony.
    Sounds like happiness for him. So nice. Says he’s going to Indian Town, Fl, I have to find out where that is.

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    Hello, Zenny, 12Z, and all Z connections!
    Gorgeous statue of our girl — great job, Nina!

    Have a wonderful week, everybody!
    Hugs to all!

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