Happy Tuesday!
We have new leather goods available in the Zenyatta Shop, just in time for last-minute Mother’s Day gifts!
Show off your love for Zenyatta with our limited edition Clubhouse Tote or the Zenyatta Key Tag. Proceeds from the Zenyatta Shop support charities that benefit retired and rescued thoroughbreds as well as the ongoing maintenance of Zenyatta.com.
Enjoy!
-Team Z
KathyR
Excellent race – have just woken the neighbours here in Canberra with my cheering! He looked so good in the slow motion shots, and the jock did a terrific job with placement. Well done to a champion chestnut and his connections! Hugs KathyR.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Woo-hoo!!! Awesome ride, California Chrome. Love your story and love you. Thanking God all appear safe.
Hugs to all.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.That’s great news!!!Maybe you have a Triple Crown winner on your hands!
Congratulations CC and all connections.Free the Moose!PU Dan.Sheena.
Max
Sheena. Epsom and Belmont on the same day.
Free the Moose and Power up Danny.
Janet Newman
Way to go CC!
I just hate that NBC does not show him receive his blanket.
That is part of celebrating his win.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Janet:
Yes, I agree with you. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Wish that they would concentrate more on the horses and less on side issues not related to the race. Who cares about infield shows? Interview the horses.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Indeed! Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
I agree, Max. The infield show isn’t all that interesting. Would love to see more pictures of the horses and their teams. Also wish they would give the dam and sire of each horse in the post parade. At least it was better than the Derby coverage.
Really proud of ROC and The General.
Janet Newman
Marginally better coverage than the KD, but not by much for me
personally. Max is right, they should concentrate on the horses more.
They are the stars.
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Shirleeinindy,
I agree 100% about showing the Sire/Dam of each horse, some of us are pedigree Nuts…….I’ve been saying this for years. hugs
Elizabeth in NM
Max,
Also agree. Would have loved to have seen more about CC and the Harris Ranch folks and their history. A great story. This was so exciting today. We’ve been at Harris Ranch – the restaurant – and on the way to the coast, driven by the ranch many times when we lived in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. The ranch itself is beautiful – not far from the CA coast in the foothills near Coalinga. We were so excited today to see this history being made for the Harris’s and their beautiful CC. Love being called a ‘Chromie’.
PS Max, haven’t had a chance to comment on ‘Billy the Kid’, but just to let you know – an ancestor of ours did know him. As far as I know …. so far…. no pardon for him from Gov Richardson nor current Gov Susana.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Z Family:
Chromite did it. What a gutsy horse. Congrats to him, Mr. Sherman and all his connections. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
PS: Brilliant ride by VE too. Love and Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
RACE REPLAY VIDEO OF PREAKNESS
California Chrome prevails in Preakness
By Marty McGee Daily Racing Form May 17 2014
BALTIMORE – California Chrome kept hope alive for the first Triple Crown in 36 years when running to victory Saturday in the 139th running of the Grade 1, $1.5 million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico in Baltimore.
Ridden by Victor Espinoza, California returned $3 to win after finishing the 1 3/16-mile distance in 1:54.84 over a fast track. Ride On Curlin finished second, about 1 1/2 lengths behind the winner, with Social Inclusion fading while barely holding third over General a Rod.
http://www.drf.com/news/california-chrome-prevails-preakness
Sally B. (Auntie cherishes Z and her young)
Bless your heart Bluegrass girl for the link. There was no TV availabile at my son’s dinner reception banquet hall!!!!! At least we heard Calif Crome had one because of someones ipod?, whatever. Thanks, hugs
Sally B
Bluegrass Girl
Coolmore tweet Sat. May 17 2014
Cracking photo of Coolmore’s UNCLE MO Foals are top class,
see more at the Magic Millions Photo by Asunción Piñeyrúa
https://twitter.com/TomMagnier/status/467795594694901761/photo/1
Max
BGG. Mo looks great. He always was an impressive looking horse, but he looks even better now. Maybe at last he has a chance with Awesome Maria?
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thank you for this fantastic photo of Mo. Another miracle boy. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.June 7th will be a great day both sides of the pond.Our racing coverage is pretty much the same as yours should concentrate more on the horses.Free the Moose PU Dan.Sheena
Max
Sheena. That will be some day. I was looking at Australia’s pedigree. He must get that chestnut coat from Urban Sea. His background screams out for big wins. He should have won the Guineas. Wish that Ryan Moore had the Derby ride.
Free the Moose and Power up Danny.
KathyR
Dear Sheena, Max, Judy, Shirleeindy and Janet:
Sounds like a common problem with coverage of horse racing – same Downunder – way too much attention to “fashions on the field” and the betting ring, and too little coverage of the real stars, the equine athletes. And they wonder why attendance is waning.
Especially Horses / So Cal
New York get ready! The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner is coming. Chrome is a comin’
Kim Rockefeller
I have a general question for anyone that knows anything about racing…what do they mean by the term “bends” to do with a horse in an upcoming race?
if you know please email me or FB me an answer. Thank you very much.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kim:
I know of one definition for “bends”: when referring to shoes on a horse, the shoes on the back legs are made to turn down by the farrier supposedly to provide better traction. I don’t know the context in which the term was used that you are referring to, but it could have been a discussion on getting better traction for the horse in a race. Love and Hugs, JB
Kim Rockefeller
Thank you Judy for your reply…my aunt is the one who was asking this … she has seen this word on the OTB channel when they list the horses for the next race at Belmont … along w/ “blinkers and other such things” so your answer seems to be correct.
Thanks again.
Kim
KathyR
Dear Kim and Judy:
Interesting question and answer – have not heard this term used Downunder: must ask about it next time I go to the track. Hugs KathyR
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kim:
You’re so welcome. I can remember being at Saratoga and hearing the announcement that bends, mud caulks, etc. were being worn by some of the horses. So many things I’ve learned over the years from my love of horses and racing. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Thanks Judy. I did not know the meaning of that word in regard to racing.
sue and tony
Congrats to CC on another impressive win today! He is making his own history as he marches toward the triple crown.
Maryp NY
I can’t believe how happy I am that CC won the 2nd jewel in the crown!! His team is so deserving of all accolades, etc! Certainly nice of Mr Coburn to thank CC’s groom Raul Rodriguez publicly. Hope he came out well and will be good to go for the Belmont S.
I think ” America’s horse” is a good description and also what the sport, fans and maybe the whole country can use these days with all the troubles we have. Something to enjoy and be proud of. Love the Chrome!
Love to you Zenyatta and your princessZ. Enjoy your time together and teach her well like Coz and Zi. Kisses on your soft noses.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Well said Mary!! It was a great win, and I’m so happy for Chromie and all of his connections AND all of US!! He really is the peoples’ horse whether or not he wins at Belmont.
KathyR
Dear Maryp and Sandy:
Can you please let an Aussie pretend to be an American while racing for the Triple Crown is on? Hugs KathyR
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R:
You’re a Chromie for sure! Love and Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Dear Kathy, for sure CC belongs to all Chromies everywhere!
Your friend in Chromiehood,
Trina
Bluegrass Girl
KathyR
I really like Art Sherman’s description of California Chrome:
“The people’s horse.”
Hugs, BGG
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
KathyR – that was an emphatic us (as in “us folks”) – not a USA reference. Of course you are a Chromie too!!! He is an international super star and in all of our hearts. Sorry for the confusion.
Maryp NY
Dear KathyR,
Of course you are a Chromie!! “The people’s horse” works for us ALL!
sheena.davies(wales)
Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Ruby Diamond Little Cap Hercules and all the Sweeties.I’m thrilled for your boy CC huge congratulations!Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Glad you enjoyed a good race day in the UK. Chromie was fabulous. Was impressed with Ride On Curlin’s finish. Get those white carnations ready; CC’s on his way. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Ruby Diamond and all the Sweeties
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max and Z Fans:
Don’t know if you’ve seen this update on Dan from this morning. Love and Hugs, JB
http://www.drf.com/news/wise-dan-has-uneventful-night-following-surgery
Max
JudyB. Thanks for this. Dan might be annoyed to have his food intake cut back. He loves his eats. LoPresti said that Dan was already looking for his breakfast this morning. If he is like Tiznow, he wants his meals on time. Hoping for a miracle horse recovery. Power Up Danny. Free the Moose.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Me too. Love and Hugs, JB
KathyR
Dear Max and Judy:
Has to be a good sign when he’s looking for his tucker! Hugs KathyR
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R:
That’s his feed bag or hay rack? Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Thanks for this update on WD! Uneventful is a lovely word in this case. Continued thoughts and prayers for a smooth recovery for our Danny Boy. Power up Dan! Hugs and Love
KathyR
Dear Judy:
Thank you for my honorary citizenship regarding CC!
Tucker is the food, which is kept in a tucker bag. Love and hugs, KathyR.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R:
Thank you. Thought as much. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
Yes, Power Up Dan. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
Dear friends, I am so glad that finally you agree with me, Chromie is going to win the Triple Crown!
Congratulations to Team Chromie and to me because I win with him, love you Chromie!
Lol, Lol!
Ingrid.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Ingrid:
You know how to pick ’em. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy,
Thank you!
Hugs Ingrid.
Bluegrass Girl
The difference between this one & previous-RACE REPLAY PLUS POST-RACE
2014 Preakness Stakes + Post Race
Horse Racing Published on May 17, 2014
Steven Coburn and Perry Martin’s California Chrome kept Triple Crown hopes alive with a smooth trip victory in the $1.5 million Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico Race Course May 17.
With wins in the Preakness and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), California Chrome will head to New York for the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7 and a chance to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.
With Victor Espinoza riding for trainer Art Sherman, California Chrome got a trip similar to that in the Kentucky Derby; he rated just off the early leaders, bid on the far turn, made the top and drew away to victory. At the finish the Lucky Pulpit colt had 1 1/2 lengths on fast-closing Ride On Curlin, who was 6 1/2 lengths ahead of third-place finisher Social Inclusion. General a Rod was fourth.
The time for 1 3/16 miles on a fast track was 1:54.84.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNqmQEA1i-0&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1
Sally B. (Auntie cherishes Z and her young)
This video was even better!!
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin
i’m glad CC won the preakness :)
lovethe way the owner dissed churchill downs. lol
i thought it was awesome that he acknolegded the groom.
most grooms dont get enough credit fir taking care of the horses and keeoing them happy &heathly.
they usually only talk about the jockey & trainer, but the groom holds the horses together.
very cool of the owner :)
take care of urself Z & princess. kisses to ur boys as well.
nite all, vamp
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Vamp–you are so right. We all owe a debt of gratitude to “our” Mario for his part in Zenny’s calmness and concentration. She never knew fear from the hand of any of her people. Night-night, dear girl. Love you always.
shirleeinindy
Barbara, You are so right about Mario and the people involved with our Queen. Also, Raul seems to have taken wonderful care of CC. He displays no fear of people and in fact seems to enjoy all of the attention.
Max
Shirlee. Another reason may be that Chrome spent a lot of time in the barn with his momma. I read that his birth was difficult and she was on rest for a long time, not out in the paddock with other horses and their foals. He was with her in the stall and therefore around only people most of his early life. Some horses who experience that situation actually think that they are human. Chrome is a special horse.
Sally B. (Auntie cherishes Z and her young)
I say ditto!!!
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Vamp Sue:
Love CC and his Team; owners, trainer, jockey, groom. Class Act. Love and Hugs, JB
KathyR
Dear Vamp Sue, Barbara and Judy:
Agree completely. Too often the strappers (as we call them here) are ignored: and they are the ones who can tell how a horse is feeling, and their general condition because they’re with the equine athlete 24/7. Trainers know how valuable they are to a stable, but the owners often forget. Was great to see that acknowledgement after the race. Hugs KathyR.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Well said, Sue! And for those who may not yet have heard, Sue was herself a groom in Delaware and in Philadelphia Park before illness and injuries forced her to give up that calling. We hope you feel better, Sue!
Ann NC
Dear Sue,
Hope you will feel better.
Delaware was always my favorite track. Loved the turf days and have many fond memories.
Hugs.
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Princess Z:
Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Sally B:
Thinking of you today and hoping the wedding was wonderful. Will send you CC’s replay by email in case you didn’t get a chance to see it. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Big Congratulations to California Chrome and all his connections! That was a great race and a fine job by his jockey. Yay, CC! Big Hugs, too
Marshall (NC Broad)
Sweet Dreams and goodnight to our girl and her little girl! Sleep well and have a wonderful week! Lots of Love and Hugs
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Dear Sheena, I apologize that I was “Missing in Action” when your birthday came along. Here with belated happy birthday wishes is a repeat performance of your poem from last year.
A Birthday Poem for Sheena Davies in Wales
(May 10, 2013)
We here on Zenyatta.com
Have grown very fond
Of our dear Sheena in Wales,
Who sends us great racing tales
From the far side of the pond.
To this site Sheena came
Drawn by the name
Of Zenyatta, that glorious horse
So above and beyond.
In short course
We Z-sters formed a special bond
With Sheena,
Not due just to the love we share
For the mare
We call the Queen,
But also because we’ve seen
How Sheena always shares
A kind and thoughtful word
With Z-sters burdened by cares
And brightens our days
In various ways—
For one, without her,
We’d never have heard
Of the trials of Hovis and his mother!
So here’s to our dear Sheena—
We certainly do love her!
Elizabeth in NM
Happy Birthday Sheena !
Sending you wishes for a wonderful new year of your life. Love reading your posts and of course reading Hovis’s escapades! God’s many blessings for you, I pray. With love, Elizabeth
PS Thanks to Trina for letting us know thru her beautiful poem.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Thank you to Barbara Wood, Elizabeth in NM, Vampressqueen Sue Colvin, Sandy (Northeast Ohio), Judy Berube, Max, Terry Crow, Ingrid Arnone, Peggy N, Bluegrass Girl, Kathy R, Marshall, Maryp NY, Carol in Arkansas, Sheena, and Lindal for your birthday greetings.
Here’s a little thank you verse to you and to ALL who post here:
To all those comrades in Z
Who so kindly chose
A salutation for me
To compose
In poetry, music or prose,
Or simply a thought my way now send,
I thank you so very much
And want you to know
That each missive does me touch
And warmth to my day does lend.
Brought together
Initially
By our love for Z,
All now can see
How affection for each other
Has come to lovingly tether
Us additionally
One to another
In ways both large and small.
I will hold you all
In my heart forever!
With many thanks to ALL who post here and thereby continue to make Z’s Blog our favorite meeting place!
HugZ,
Trina
Elizabeth in NM
Trina,
How do you keep up with us all? You’re amazing – love the tribute for Sheena. Another beautiful poem. God’s many blessings, with love, Elizabeth.
Kathy
That’s lovely, Trina! And a belated Happy Birthday to you!
I’m so happy for California Chrome. We just might have a Triple Crown winner this year!
Hugs, Kathy
Sally B. (Auntie cherishes Z and her young)
Trina, my dear sweet Trina!! Happy Belated Birthday to YOU!! I knew it was coming up, but wow, I couldn’t be here. Hope your day was very special in many ways.
love n hugs in Dumplingland, Sally B
Ann NC
Happy Belated Birthday, Trina.
What a nice present from, CC! Can’t beat that.
Maryp NY
Dear Trina,
Such a lovely poem for us. You are a treasure here in Zenyatta land.
Hugs,
Maryp
Sue Fl CPRC
Hi
I hope you saw your candles for your birthday. I sent you an email and sent you a facebook message. Hope your day was great. love Sue
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=trina
Judy Berube From Rhode Island
Dear Trina:
Another Gem. Thank you Dear Heart. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
So happy for CC and proud of ROC and The General (who didn’t hit the board but didn’t embarrass himself.)
Now on to New York and a hope for the Crown. CC and the Crown, sounds pretty good.
As a Kentuckian, I am very upset to hear that the CC connections were not treated well at Churchill. Hopefully they will look into this and make corrections.
Bluegrass Girl
California Chrome: Groom Raul Rodriguez (MUST SEE VIDEO)
Triple Crown
May 16, 2014 4:11 PM
Duration: 7:55
Raul Rodriguez, California Chrome’s Main Man: Out of the limelight yet playing a vital role, one man provides day-to-day hands-on care for Kentucky Derby winner
California Chrome. On Preakness eve, Claire Novak and Scott Tracy tell his story.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/13249/california-chrome-groom-raul-rodriguez#ixzz324EjzmbD
This is a wonderful piece-up close & personal with Raul & Chrome!
Kathy
Thank you BGG! That was wonderful! I’m so proud of California Chrome. Just might be the next Triple Crown winner…
Hugs, Kathy
Kathy
May 18 Cherokee Devotional
Have we lost control of who we are? Have we allowed ourselves to get in a position of little or no control-believing that we must forfeit bits and pieces of who we are to get along? The one weapon against us that has the total respect of the world is the business of weight loss. Never have so many fought so long to lose so little. Think of the dollar value put on a pound of flesh-the hype, the remorseful tears, the acceptance that we cannot control our eating. Though over-indulging in anything is dis-ease, it is not disease. It is the silent enemy, the spirit of destruction that the Cherokee calls u so nv i, which is not good but downright evil. It is the enemy with no power except subliminal suggestion. But enter the Great Holy Spirit, and its great roar is but a pipsqueak. We have to care, but we also need to know the truth to be free.
When the Great Father sent out men to our people, I was poor and thin; now I am large and stout and fat. It is because so many liars have been sent…and I have been stuffed full of their lies.
Red Dog 1870
Bluegrass Girl
Claire Novak The Blood-Horse tweets Sunday May 18
Although she finished last in #Preakness, Ria Antonia did not appear to have suffered injury, was bright-eyed this am (PHOTO)
https://twitter.com/BH_CNovak/status/467976254424358914/photo/1
Ria Antonia, Bayern, Pablo Del Monte, Dynamic Impact, General a Rod all loading
on van now to fly back to Kentucky. #Preakness
shirleeinindy
BGG, Thanks for the news about Ria Antonia. She did not belong in that race at all. So happy she came back okay. Kudos to Calvin for taking care of her.
Ann NC
Wish my lottery numbers would come in. Ria A., you need a good home. Sweet baby!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Trina, you’re back! Wonderful poem. Hope you had a grand day yesterday and that you realize how important you are to all of us. The icing on your cake was CC giving you a big present yesterday. Big hugs to you and Sheena too.