Happy Monday!
We celebrated Zenyatta’s birthday at Lane’s End last week with carrots, pears, yams, mints, cupcakes, and even Guinness! Fans sent birthday cards and cakes for Zenyatta and Ziconic, who shares his birthday with his mom. Scroll down for photos from our party.
Enjoy!
Team Z
Photos by Kyle Acebo
sheena.davies(wales)
Wow another National for Leighton Aspell!!!Back-to-back wins on Many Clouds he is very wobbly after the race he’s in the cooling area now and is settling.A 3rd winner for owner Trevor Hemmings.Lots of fallers but good news of Balthazar King who had a nasty tumble at the canal turn.He is up and fine.No fairy tale ending for McCoy he was 5th!Thinking of Robbie McNarmara (cousin of JT) He had a very nasty fall at Wexford yesterday.He is being assessed.All 39 horses are well and safe thank God.Hugs Sheena.
Bluegrass Girl
Channel 4 Racing on Sat. April 11 2015
RESULT @CrabbiesUK #GrandNational:
1 Many Clouds (25/1)
2 Saint Are (25/1)
3 Monbeg Dude (40/1)
4 Alvarado (20/1)
victoriaelsbury-legg on Sat. April 11 2015 ManyClouds ridden by Leighton Aspell
wins #GrandNational
Channel 4 Racing on Sat. April 11 2015
We think Many Clouds (11st 9lb) has carried the biggest weight to #GrandNational victory since Red Rum (12st in 1974)
Bluegrass Girl
Balthazar took a bad fall at the Canal turn. Ruby ran to him & then flagged
off the other riders/horses. Early reports say Balthazar broke ribs.
Waiting for official confirmation. Lots of speculation.
BHA Press Office on Sat. April 11 2015
Balthazar King walked on to a horse ambulance & taken to Uni of Liverpool
Equine Hospital for further assessment & treatment #GrandNational
Francis Keogh Sat. April 11 2015
Looked like a bad fall in the Grand National for last year’s runner-up Balthazar King
Nicole Rollet-Manus Sat. April 11 2015
Ruby Walsh certainly is walking away a hero today waving the flag to prevent further injury to #BalthazarKing praying the horse recovers
Max
The English papers are reporting that the horse is not fine. There is still a real worry that he will not survive. Hoping for his recovery. Very bad situation.
Bluegrass Girl
Max
Early reports that were not verified said Balthazar had been put down.
Did not want to share this without official word. Still waiting
BGG
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear BGG and Max:
Hope he makes it through. Poor baby. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Prayers being said sure hope he makes it.
Bluegrass Girl
Winners Enclosure on Sat. April 11 2015
Philip Hobbs has reported Balthazar King is concussed and has sore ribs but other then that he is ok. Fantastic news!
Bluegrass Girl
Upstart Spikes A Fever: Misses Scheduled Work
By Jim Charvat San Diego Horse Racing April 11th, 2015
It’s too early to tell if Saturday’s episode with Upstart will affect his chances of making the Kentucky Derby this year. That’s according to trainer Rick Violette who told Mike Welsch of DRF.com that he’s hoping it’s just a sinus thing that will clear up in a few days. But if it’s something worse, “we’re in trouble.”
http://sdhorserace.com/2015/04/11/upstart-spikes-fever-misses-scheduled-work/
Max
Sorry to hear this about Upstart. Get better, boy. Wish I were in Palm Meadows to hand out carrots. It snowed some here this am. Not much, but it was snow.
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Blue,
Thank you for all your up dates.
Hugs Ingrid.
shirleeinindy
Oh no, not another one. Seems like it is the good ones who are getting injured or falling ill. Hope this is nothing serious and he is better tomorrow.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Oh, so sorry to hear this news. Power Up beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Congratulations to Oxford university for winning.both men’s and ladies boat races today.A great English tradition!Sheena.
Max
Forgot to mention another English tradition. Of the 8 rowers on the Oxford men’s boat, 3 are from the U.S. and 2 are from New Zealand. The Oxford team always relies heavily on American rowers to win.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Well me and the horses just about survived the Grand National!Many Clouds was sooo exhausted at the end and I am keeping Balthazar King in my prayers.The short guy was the hero of the hour by getting the other horses to avoid BK on the ground It was his horse that collided with him.Lots of speculation as to how he is.It was the 2nd fastest National in history and the winner carried 11st.9lbs.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank and all the Sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Oh, I pray BK is alright. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank and all the Sweeties
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Please let us know any news on Arctic Fire and Balthazar King. Worried. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Seedling died after a fall in the Hurdles. This is the very dark side of jump racing. I wonder if it is a good idea to have 39 horses racing in the Grand National?
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max and Z Fans:
Really feel that is too many entrants. I think 20 is even too many in the KD. Just increases the risk for injuries. Love and Hugs, JB
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
American Pharoah won the Arkansas Derby going away. Not sure what his amrgin of victory was, but it was a lot.
shirleeinindy
LauraJ,
Thanks for the post. Glad he won and hope he and all the others came out safely.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Laua J and Shirlee:
Congrats to American Pharoah. Wow, what an exciting KD it will be. Love and Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
Arkansas Derby order (points, total): Sat. April 11 2015
1-American Pharoah (100,160)
2-Far Right (40,62)
3-Mr. Z (20,34)
4-Madefromlucky (10,30)
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
I chose Far Right as an upset. Good effort by him and Mikey, but no one was a match for AP. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Every time I look at the picture of our dignified Queen with her tongue stuck out, I get a bad case of the giggles. What a tonic when you are feeling a bit down!
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
How true! Love and Hugs, JB
Max
That is a world class tongue. Pink and priceless.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:
Goodnight. Stay comfy and cozy in your stalls. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Congrats to Divining Rod and Julian Leparoux on their win in the Lexington Stakes today. Quimet, the horse trained by Nick Zito, had a terrible trip, bumped at the start, steadied on the first turn and then hitting the rail at the backstretch. There’s that oh so important racing luck. Hope he’s OK. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Happy for Divining Rod and his connections. The Jacksons deserve some good racing luck after the terrible thing that happened to Barbaro. Another set of loving caring owners.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Glad to hear Many Clouds and Balthazar King are OK. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee:
Me too and yes they are. Love and Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Huge Congratulations to American Pharoah. Great Race.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Huge Congratulations to Roy & Gretchen Jackson on Devining Rod’s Victory. So happy to see you in the winners circle. Great Win. Maybe we could see him get into the Derby. Will have to see I know if he could slide in. Don’t know who’s on the outside of 20.
shirleeinindy
Peggy,
I sort of hope he doesn’t go to the Derby. He is relatively inexperienced and the field he went against in the Coolmore was not of the caliber he is going to meet in the Derby. I do know that the Jacksons will do what they think is best for the horse and do not suffer from Derby fever.
Ann NC
Hi Ho Pimlico.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
:-)
Peggy (N) South Georgia
I agree, and I know they will do the right thing by him.
Mary Margaret in Georgia
Power up Upstart. I’m praying for you.
Mary Margaret in Georgia
Great to see the Jackson’s in the winners circle.
sheena.davies(wales)
Many Clouds is parading as I speak.He’s made a fantastic recovery,is bucking and kicking in the paddock.BK may have a few broken ribs but is expected to make a full recovery.The humans are taking a bit longer to recover.Sheena
Robbie McNaramara underwent surgery to remove a haematoma from his spinal cord yesterday.Prayers for him.
Kathy
April 12 Cherokee Devotional
Time equalizes rivalry so that love and friendship finally have a chance to bloom. But the long wait is not necessary. It can happen as soon as one person is glad because another person is glad.
Love is not dependent on deserving it. If that were so, none of us would be loved and most would be barbarians. Who we are is not what someone else made us to be-but what we thought and said we could be. Love is cultivated so that we can communicate it to each other.
Everyone makes his feast as he thinks best, to please the Great Spirit, who has the care of all created beings.
Black Hawk
Sauk
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
All seems well with the FB furbabies I checked on. Good news that Fubu likes those licky stix. Hope Mama can find a good supply! Love the ratties with all those sleeping buddies. Did you see the great pic of Blue resting his head on Boo? So cute! Have a blessed Sabbath. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.
sheena.davies(wales)
A sad postscript to the National meeting Balder Succes was euthanized after a fall in the Melling Chase on Friday.Much sympathy to Alan King and connections.
To say that 39 horses 38 men plus Nina Carberry survived 30 fences and nearly 4 and 1/2 miles relatively unscathed says much about this iconic race.There is death and injury on the flat too!Sheena.RIP Balder Succes and get well Balthazar King!
Max
This is a relativist interpretation of the hazards of racing. I take another view. No horse should be expected to give its life for an iconic race on any surface. Accidents happen everywhere, but some thought must always be given to minimizing the risk of injury or death, such as decreasing the numbers of runners, which can contribute significantly to falls and horses running into each other. Balthazar King appears to have been kicked by another horse who stumbled over him after he fell. It’s not enough to say that they managed to survive. Horses have little say in the matter and will race under most conditions. The exception is the Moose, who looks very wise indeed today.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
RIP Balder Success. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
ear Kathy.I have been catching up on Boo and the pompals!Gosh Blue is growing so fast and Boo has a weather app now!I hope Fubu can get his licky stixs he seems a little better yesterday following momma around he’s a little fighter!Loki and Freyja got mama up early today it’s not their fault she cannot go back to sleep their house their rules!It’s a horrible day on the dyfi stormy and wet am sure Glesni wishes she were back in Africa does promise warmer during the week though.Hovis has made it to 3500 friends!!!I loved watching the old national winners parading yesterday.Red Marauder who won in the year of the mud(only 2 completed the course) is 25 now and looking marvellous!Rae who is looking after CC for you all is a brother of Richard Guest who rode RM that wet day.Have a blessed Sabbath.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.You have your own views about the Grand National and I respect them.I always pray for the safety of the horses before the race.What happens to the jockeys doesn’t really concern me they have a choice but on the whole the race is a lot more safer than in years gone by.Alastair Down always said flat races are for the head and jumps are for the heart.It’s an iconic race and I will always support it even Kauto thought he’d have liked to jump the fences!There is no one like the wise old Moose!Sheena.
Max
What did you think of the short guy turning into a hero? Still cannot get those comments on Our Connor out of my memory.
sheena.davies(wales)
Balthazar King was kicked by the short guy’s horse Ballycasey at the canal turn first time around.Sheena.
Max
Sheena. Shocking loss for John F Kennedy at Leopardstown. Old Man River is now the Derby favorite. O’Brien said that the JFK does not like heavy going Irish turf. Horse may also not be in top shape yet. Further proof that anything can happen. Chromie, you might have a chance?
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Just heard about JFK wow that was a surprise especially with Ryan aboard and an Irish horse should be used to soft ground!Ol’Man River one of Montjeu’s last crop is favourite for the Derby now.The short guy is a hero now seems the officials were just standing by could have been very nasty!Maybe he was thinking of the tough time he had on twitter when Our Connor died!Hugs Sheena.
Max
I’m quite surprised by this loss. You never know however. Have to check out some of the British horses.
Did you notice that the two other Moore brothers are both off racing for awhile? Josh Moore just broke his collar bone. Think that he was riding SDG.
Read some comments by short guy’s sister about the Grand National. Seems that she shares his view that horses are “just horses”.
Moosie has a new photo of his training with Sophie on Twitter. He’s actually intently concentrating on his work. I recall however that Nigel said that Moosie trained harder than most of his horses. Moosie just refused to race. He also prefers female jockeys so that he’s right in his element now. Happy for the Moose.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Have met two new amazing new Japanese Filly’s. 3 year olds. Lets Go Donki just won last night the Oka Sho, Japanese l000 Guineas. King Kamehameha her sire and “Yeah” King Mambo her Grand Sire.
Cat Coin didn’t place but she’s really nice by Stay Gold “Yes My Orfevre’s Dad.” And Storm Cat on her Dam’s side.
Really worth the late night to see them. Watch out for the Filly’s “Arc” in October.
They are Gorgeous. And, what more important they can run……
Max
Interesting name. Looked her up. She’s a chestnut.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Max, Shirlee, Judy, They are both gorgeous Chestnuts. Very lightly raced. Cat Coin is a little green, but think she is going to be very good. Lets Go Donki, She’s great. So proud for her win. These two girls just stood out to me in the post parade.
Max
Did not know this. Very nice to have two chestnut fillies to follow. Racing Post UK said that Let’s Go Donki was unfortunately named. It might however have a different meaning to the Japanese. Both have wonderful pedigrees. Might be feisty too if they take after Storm Cat and Halo.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Two more gorgeous Chestnut Club members. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Thanks for the heads up on these two girls. So many races and so many horses that if someone doesn’t call them to our attention, they get over looked. Got to say as a cat person, I love the name Cat Coin.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.I have just watched the replay of JFK’s race difficult to know what to make of that loss.Only 3 raced.Yes both Moore’s are in the wars Josh was on SDG in the Melling.Oh,Katie is a tough girl,I doubt she could race in NH otherwise.Seems all the Walsh family think the same way although all our jump jockeys say they love the horses they ride!Moose is definitely in his element now.I remember Nigel saying he was such a kind gentle horse at home just a bit stubborn on the racecourse.I really miss seeing him dig his hooves in at the start though but am glad he retired safe and sound.That’s what we want for all our racehorses.Hugs Sheena
Max
It’s strange for sure, but you can see that the three of them are babies. Success Days was all over the map, but he had a good kick at the end for home. Nice gray. JFK is a nice looking horse too. His dad Galileo is obviously a superb sire, but his momma
Rumplestiltskin has had some good runners with him. She’s momma to Tapestry?
I looked at that video that you mentioned of the interview with AP. He said that he cried for days after Synchronized died in the Grand National. Cannot see that from shorty. I believe it of AP.
TIZGOOD
Sheena,
Asian said JFK was a real baby and they had to leave him home lots of baby stallion behavior; he also said the ground was too soft for him and he might not have been fit
Enough. From what Ryan said he did not like the soft ground and he may have just thrown a fit and stopped running because of immaturity, there was some mention of gelding not sure they will do that but those “testicles” are causing him some problems.
TIZGOOD
Sorry Sheena Adian not Asian
Robin
HRTV is reporting on Facebook that Cozmic One has been entered in a one mile race at Santa Anita on Friday. Nothing on Equibase yet.
Marypny
It’s all over facebook…. Cozmic One entered in 1 mile race Friday 4/19, drew #1 post, Victor Espinosa will ride.
Excited beyond words!!!!
Marypny
Sorry wrong date! Should be 4/17!
Max
Coz is probably more relaxed about this race than any of us. Come home safely.
Ann NC
Thanks, Marypny.
Very exciting! The nervous energy will make spring cleaning a breeze this coming week.
Luv ya, Coz. We are so proud of you, handsome boy!
Max
One of the listed contenders is Moe Candy. He’s a former Lane’s End paddock mate of Coz. Momma is Spooky Minister. Dad is Candy Ride. Both Claiborne and Goldolphin also have entires.
Ann NC
Thanks for that info, Max.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
I’m so excited. Will be so worried, though. All come home safely
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Such excitement over Coz’s first race!!Hope you have plenty of tums!The Walsh family are very tough.Do you remember when JT McNamara was injured Ted Walsh was critical of vets tending an injured horse and that it should have been euthanized straight away.Like AP I have cried over many a horse’s death even those in their golden years.I suppose the short guy thinks it’s unmanly but I think tears maketh the man.Hope JFK can go better next time.Hugs Sheena.
Max
We’ve all been waiting for this race for some time. Fortunately I have a huge supply of TUMS on hand. Think that I will need them. Might have to start now. I will be glad when Coz is safely back in his stall.
Cannot understand any of those Walshes. Agree with you about the tears, especially in relation to horses. Glad that Kauto and Denman retired okay. Nicholls looked after them. He seems different than Ted. Doubt that Mullins would make comments like that either.
It’s a real puzzle about JFK. He has raced and won at Leopardstown before today. That ground was listed as soft but it didn’t look like it for Irish turf. You cannot really tell from videos. Let us know if there are any British contenders for the Derby. Does The Queen Elizabeth have any racers?
Max
Peggy. Your Night Prowler is racing on April 15 in the Transylvania.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Max
I am so excited beyond words. I need plenty of tums too. Hope Javier will be on board
Max
It is Javier. Safe trip to NP and Javier. He’s not been winning a lot lately so that his luck is probably about to change. Hoping for a win.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Godspeed to NP and JC. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Peggy,
We will all be watching your boy. Will also be praying for a safe trip.
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
Info about Coz’s race:
Cozmic One is entered to run on April 17, 2015, at SANTA ANITA PARK.
Race: 2 – 1:30 PM
MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
Purse: $ 56,000. (Plus $16,800 – CBOIF – California Bred Owner Fund) . For Maidens, Three Years Old. Weight, 121 Lbs. One Mile.
PP— Horse– A/S–Med–Jockey–Wgt–Trainer
1–Cozmic One—3/C—-Victor Espinoza–121 –John A. Shirreffs
Looks like he might not run on Lasix.:-)
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks for the details LauraJ! This will be a very exciting day. Not sure Max has enough Tums to go around :-)
Max
My nerves have already begun to unravel. I’m taking Friday off work.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Laura J, Sandy, Max and Z Fans:
Oh, boy; here we go. There are not enough Tums to go round. Pace, pace, pace.
Godspeed, safe and sound COZ. Love you. Love and Hugs, JB
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
OMG, OMG, can you believe this….the day is finally here…..babycakes is going to the RACES…….yippee. I plan on starting to get nervous now so I’ll be a total wreck on Friday, LOL. We have to remember a good placing is great for his first race, we can’t be too disappointed if he doesn’t win…….even though that would be the ice cream on the cake. It’s just hard to believe her firstborn is already starting his career. Angel Princess will watch over him and keep him safe. hugs
Zenny I hope they put a TV in your stall so you can watch it too. Kisses to my girl.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Beautiful Z, COZ, ZI, V and Montey:
Goodnight. Happy Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.