Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

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September Shop Updates

New prints available today.
New prints available today.

Happy Tuesday!

We added new portraits of Zenyatta’s boys to the Zenyatta Shop today.

Additionally, “The Queen’s Dance” Poster by Jamie Corum is back!

Along with this update we’re offering a promotion on all small prints. Customers who order at least one large print or poster are eligible for a 50% discount on small prints. Enter promo code SMALLPRINT at checkout.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

533 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Peggy Please dont be upset about Leroi, as Max said ,he’s really landed on all 4 hooves in Newmarket a beautiful part of the English countryside and the home of British racing.He’ll love his life there (maybe not the weather)! He could even give Frankel a call!hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Leroi does not mess about. He’s already got his photo up on their website as the leading sire. Reminds me of Bernie, who never misses a chance to shine, or Moosie. Noticed that Richard Hannon trains Sky. She needs to talk to Moosie and get him moving forward on the track. Run Moosie.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena, Max

      Thank You so much for your info. I have been so upset about all of this. This all does help my feelings.

  4. / Reply

    @Sue Fredrick and Janet Newman–thank you both for stepping up for this precious girl. Unfortunately, I see this every day in my “work”. It is beyond heartbreaking. Please keep us updated. Maybe I can pitch in next time around.

    It has been very interesting to see the comments about Ebby. Pedigree only counts for a portion of it. Luck, training, and desire play a part too. I hope she does well wherever she goes. She is so beautiful. I was appalled at the gate incident.

    • / Reply

      Barbara. So true what you say about pedigree. Many have said that Dan does not have a great pedigree, although how one can believe this with two TC winning horses and Northern Dancer in your bloodlines, I fail to understand. However, with Dan, it is obvious from watching him that he is full of an innate desire to win. He knows what to do on the track, and that is to take down decisively all of his competition. Z also had this determination combined with courage. You can train a horse to race, but this desire to win is rare and cannot really be learned. A horse either has it or does not.

      • / Reply

        I agree completely about Wise Dan. Many made fun of John Henry’s pedigree, and he showed them all.
        Our boy, on the other hand (Appendix QH) has a great pedigree, but if asked to do a task repeatedly asks, “What? Did I not do it right the first time? Let’s do something new. “

      • / Reply

        Max, I agree with your post. I recall an interview with Steve Willard about Zenyatta’s amazing success on the track. He said she had so much “want” in her and loved the competition. Even as a yearling at the Mayberry’s she loved everything about training. She had and still has three important elements: fleetness of foot, soundness of body and a keen intelligence that allows her to adapt to any situation. Oh, she has a huge heart, too, and loves those who give her love in return.

    • / Reply

      Shirlee. Johnny V just came in 8 out of 8 on Cross Traffic in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont. Ron the Greek took it with Orb in second. Think that Palace Malice was 7th.

        • JudyB and shirlee. Looks like Orb just had a bad day or, as TC would say, he threw in a clunker. We all have those bad trips from time to time. Few of us are Dan or Z. Orb’s only a baby yet and was racing against mostly older horses with the exception of Palace Malice, who did really well to finish in second. Next time.

      • / Reply

        He’s Back! Ron the Greek Shakes Up Gold Cup (Race Replay Video)
        By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse Updated:Saturday, September 28, 2013 9:27 PM
        Ron the Greek picked a perfect time to snap out of a lengthy slump when he demolished the field in the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) in a 21-1 upset Sept. 28 at Belmont Park (VIDEO).
        Palace Malice, ridden by Mike Smith, was a clear second over Flat Out and Junior Alvarado. Brazilian-bred Vitoria Olimpica took fourth as the longest shot in the field, followed by Last Gunfighter, Alpha, Cross Traffic, and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) victor Orb
        Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80956/hes-back-ron-the-greek-shakes-up-gold-cup#ixzz2gFAKyZ5L

      • / Reply

        Don’t think JV had a good day yesterday. Mike and Gary had pretty good ones. As I have often said, Mike and Gary bring them home safely.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Orb’s been impressive winning the Derby and running in the remaining TC races and The Travers. He always gives his all and he may need a break. Gutsy little guy. Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. He had a pretty long layoff at Fair Hill after the TC races, so that maybe now he just needs some track time. He may go to the Breeders Cup. As TC says, you never know what could happen. Orb’s a nice horse. Hope that he races at 4. We need horses with longer careers than 2 years to follow.

        • Max-Agree. Racing needs to refocus from the breeding shed to the race track, As for Little Mike, I like the horse but don’t feel the same about the owner.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      Congrats to Little Mike and Mikey. That’s impressive to beat those “kittens”. Hugs, JB

        • TC. Little Mike sure had the best nostril position in that race. Big Blue nearly had him. Real Solution had the kitten claws out too. Both Mikes however kept on going and it paid off. Like the Mikes and Dale Romans. The owner’s criticism of Danny and suggesting a match race, not!

  6. / Reply

    Congrats to Ron the Greek and all the connections of the winners so far.

    Am carrying multitasking to a new level–blogging, switching from football to racing and then back again.

    Capona update–she and her mom, Sweet Mary, are both doing well. Capona can get up on her own now. Pictures to follow on the Panhandle FB page. It’s Panhandle Equine Rescue in FL if I don’t get it posted.

    • / Reply

      Barbara,
      Oh that’s such good news, she’s got a will to live, and mama too. Maybe we’ll get lucky with all these sad cases. I’ll try to remember to check that website. hugs

    • / Reply

      Peggy. Newmarket and surroundings is home to Frankel and most English TB horses. The Coolmore horses like Galileo or St. Nick live in Ireland. Sheena knows the deets.

  8. / Reply

    Max

    Thank you for the Lanwades site.
    I will be keeping track of my Leroi.

    OMG, done got his picture up already. Go Leroi…………………….

    • / Reply

      Peggy. They’ve got an email address on the site so that you can check up on Leroi. Kirsten Rausing calls him Leroi in her comments in the news release. She’s clearly thilled to have the sire of a Kentucky Derby winner in her stable as no non North American horse has ever won the most famous horse race in the world, the KD. Many have tried but none have succeeded so far. I’ll bet Leroi’s stall is grade 1 like Frankel’s because that farm has the funds to keep their horses in very grand style.

        • Peggy. You should rest easy about the care and feeding of Leroi. He will lack for nothing and will get the best of everything including access to high class mares as they say that he is a good cross to the top British, Irish and Euro mares. The Brits love their horses and treat them very well. This new owner is hands on and is the general manager of her farm. She is also one of the richest women in England, ranking up there in assets with the Duke of Westminster who owns most of London. Leroi will not have to worry about from where his next meal is coming. Maybe JudyB and I should apply to go there too.

        • Dear Max:

          Sounds like a great second choice for us if Lane’s End is not available. Hugs, JB

        • Paynter has nothing to be ashamed of. After all, Muchie was a close 2nd in the BC Classic last year. It might be time for Paynter to go to the farm and be a daddy.

        • Congrats to 3M and Gary. I thought that Paynter did really well and came on strong from way wide at the end from a comparatively long way back. There is a lot left for Paynter to do without sending him into early retirement on the basis of coming in second. He’s only 4 and did not race much during his third year for reasons that we know only too well. Let him roll on. Too many horses are sent to the breeding shed without giving them a chance at a career. His uncle Tiznow can look after things with the mares for a while yet.

        • Dear Janet, Max and Shirlee:

          I thought Paynter made up a lot of ground and ran very well. Thank God, he looks great. Hope all of them came out of he race in good shape. Hugs, JB

        • Paynter looked amazing- he was very full of himself and he and MMM exchanged “words” in the saddling barn. Paynter got boxed, had to slow down to then go wide into the final turn (6 wide!) and still had enough to be closing on MMM. Longer race, maybe a different outcome. Don’t get me wrong, I love MMM, but Paynter is my baby. I also watched him as he came back, went to the receiving barn. I waited for him at the receiving barn since his owners had asked me to let them know how he came out of the race, and then went back with him to his stall. He was relaxed, happy, and STARVING. He was happy to see me, happier to see his hay net, and tore into his hay, pausing to tell me hi, ate more, let me give him pats, and ate and ate. The Zayats are doing right by him, this horse LOVES to run. He isn’t ready to retire. They have only his best interests at heart.

        • Paynter’s race looked a lot better on film or in person than it will in the Racing Form. Had a lot of trouble and still finished strongly. I still think the dirt mile would be better for him than the Classic. However, he would have a good chance in either contest.

        • PS:

          Congrats to Gary Stevens. He won with All for US in the 3rd Race,
          Beholder in the 9th, Muchie in the 10th and Ponchatrain in the 11th. I think he had a couple of 2nds too. Wow, what a day for him. Hugs, JB

        • Dear Casey:

          Thanks for your info on Paynter and how well he came out of the race. What a miracle he is. Love him too. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Awesome Again: Mucho Macho Man Flexes Muscle (Race Replay Video)
      By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse Updated: Saturday, September 28, 2013 9:16 PM
      Mucho Macho Man earned his long-anticipated first grade I victory and stamped his return ticket to the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) with an impressive performance in the $250,000 Awesome Again Stakes Sept. 28 at Santa Anita Park (VIDEO).
      Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens was aboard 8-5 pick Mucho Macho Man for the first time for trainer Kathy Ritvo and owner Reeves Thoroughbred Racing. The strapping
      5-year-old horse overcame a wide trip to win by open lengths in a time of 1:48.30
      for 1 1/8 miles on a fast track.
      Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80966/awesome-again-mucho-macho-man-flexes-muscle#ixzz2gF1p4e4r

      • / Reply

        Congrats to Muchie on a fabulous win today with the great Gary Stevens. He finally got his grade one.

  13. / Reply

    Little Mike Finds Form in Hirsch Turf Classic
    By Tom LaMarra, The Blood-Horse Updated: Saturday, September 28, 2013 8:47 PM
    Priscilla Vaccarezza’s Little Mike got back on track after four consecutive losses with a narrow upset win in the $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (gr. IT) at Belmont Park Sept. 28 (VIDEO).
    Ridden by Mike Smith for trainer Dale Romans, Little Mike rated off honest fractions over a firm turf course, took the lead turning for home and just held off fast-closing Big Blue Kitten, part of a three-horse, 4-5 entry, to win by a nose at 7-1.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80952/little-mike-finds-form-in-hirsch-turf-classic#ixzz2gF331lcF

    • / Reply

      Great race by both the Mikes. I loved the announcer’s call at the wire, where he said Little Mike crossed the finish line surrounded by Kittens.

  14. / Reply

    Beholder Dominates Foes in Zenyatta Stakes (Race Replay Video)
    By Lenny Shulman The Blood-Horse Updated: Saturday, September 28, 2013 9:10 PM
    Beholder was something to behold in the $250,000 Zenyatta Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park Sept. 28. The 3-year-old stepped up to top company against older fillies and mares and toyed with the field, going gate-to-wire and winning with ease (VIDEO).
    Authenticity ran on well for second, with Joyful Victory third. Both of the minor award winners shipped from the East Coast to run in the Zenyatta.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80964/beholder-dominates-foes-in-zenyatta-stakes#ixzz2gF2MEhCr

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for this link. Congrats to Beholder; against older females too. Good efforts by Authenticity and Joyful Victory. Hugs, JB

  15. / Reply

    Dear Shirlee

    Huge Congratulations on your Mucho Macho Man. Yah ………………………….To MMM and Paynter. Way to Go……………………………

    Huge Congratulations, Carole & John in Ocala to your Mucho Macho Man.

    • / Reply

      Just imagine that 3M is from the class of Uncle Mo, Stay Thirsty, and Shackleford. Great that he is still racing. Happy for his grade 1 win.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max, Peggy, Shrilee and Z Fans:

        Muchie has been very impressive in his racing career. He ran in all 3 TC races in 2011, as you know, and has continued his four and five year old campaign with a wonderful result today. He is a real trooper. Just love him. Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. His peeps did well keeping him in training for year 5. He’s a big horse and it is not easy to keep the big horses, or any horses for that matter, in peak racing form for so long. We here are all a little partial to those 17 hand horses like Union Rags, 3M, Big D and Z.

        • Dear Max:

          Yes, Muchie’s connections are great with him. They are patient and give him breaks when he needs them. We are partial to these 17 hand beauties and that includes Ebby (although I’m not sure she is 17 hands). Still hoping she has a chance to race again under JS’s care.

          You’re so right, it’s not easy to keep them in peak running condition over long periods. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        MMM has to be the early favorite for the BCC. The surface at SA looks to be about the same as it was for last year’s BC. Sandy.

  17. / Reply

    today was the zenyatta stakes at santa anita, i was hoping for some sort of update or features of zenyatta before the race, but that didn’t happen. i remember her prancing and dancing before a race and her beautiful attitude towards the fans. we miss her so much. it is wonderful that you keep us updated on what’s going on with her and how she is hanging in there with making these beautiful babies and then them being taken away. i hope that she has a girl this time, we need a zenyatta#2. thanks again team zenyatta, i think the blog has gotten off track from focussing on the queen and it has gone in a different dirrection with all of these wierdo postings. let them go somewhere else to discuss their lives and opinions. a long time fan!!!! marsha roliardi

  19. / Reply

    Coolmore News
    Princess of Sylmar Downs Royal Delta
    (29th September 2013)
    Top class filly Princess of Sylmar (3f Majestic Warrior x Storm Dixie, by Catienus) confirmed her status as the best three year-old filly in the country when defeating champion mare Royal Delta to win the Grade I Beldame Stakes at Belmont.
    Sent out second favourite behind Royal Delta, the Todd Pletcher trained filly proved too good for her older rival over the concluding stages, surging clear to win the 1 and 1/8th mile contest by two lengths.
    The high class daughter of Majestic Warrior has now won her past four starts in Grade I events, the Beldame Stakes following on from the Alabama Stakes, Coaching Club American Oaks and Kentucky Oaks, her efforts sure to have her a hot favourite to be the Eclipse Award Champion 3YO Filly.
    http://www.coolmore.com/princess-of-sylmar-downs-royal-delta/

  20. / Reply

    Paggy, here is the press release for Leroi’s move from Lanwades & Hallmarc.
    News for 2013 Lanwades successes
    LEROIDESANIMAUX – US Leading Stallion to stand in Newmarket
    26th September 2013
    Lanwades Stud and HallMarc Stallions are pleased to announce the relocation of leading American sire LEROIDESANIMAUX to stand at Lanwades in 2014 and onwards.
    http://www.lanwades.com/l_news/2013_jul-sep.asp

  21. / Reply

    Leroidesanimaux to stand in England
    By DRF Breeding Staff 09/26/2013 11:42AM
    Champion Leroidesanimaux, sire of Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, will relocate overseas to stand at Lanwades Stud in Newmarket, England beginning in 2014.
    The 13-year-old Candy Stripes horse most recently stood at HallMarc Stallions in Ocala, Fla. He will be available for inspection by breeders in England beginning in November, with a 2014 fee to be announced.
    “We are delighted and very proud to welcome ‘Leroi’ to Lanwades,” the farm’s owner and general manager Kirsten Rausing said. “He represents the reintroduction of the Blushing Groom sire line to the UK and with his pedigree, toughness and durability, marvelous racing form on both turf and dirt over distances up to [1 1/16 miles], as well as his proven ability to sire world-class performers, he will be an immensely important addition to the European breeding industry. His pedigree makes him a suitable mate for mares by Galileo, Danehill and his sons, Mr. Prospector-line mares and others. It will be fascinating to breed him to daughters of Dansili. ‘Leroi’ is the outcross stallion European breeders have been waiting for – and he is a proven stallion, too. We expect strong interest from mare owners throughout Europe.”
    http://www.drf.com/news/leroidesanimaux-stand-england

  22. / Reply

    Still giddy after Muchie’s win. Looks like Gary will stick with him for the Classic. They seem to make a good pair.

    I meant no disrespect to Paynter. He is a great horse and should have perhaps skipped the mud bath of the Woodward. It is just scary for me every time he runs since his illness.

    Muchie’s nemesis, Fort Larned, won at Churchill last night. Setting up for another BC Classic with these two.

    • / Reply

      Shirlee. Another question is Johnny V. Who is he riding in the BCC? Wise Dan has an automatic in to the BCC from Woodbine. Would be something incredible if they decide to race him, although it will probably be next year. Don’t count out Game on Dude or Ron The Greek in the BCC. Anything can happen.

      • / Reply

        Don’t know who JV will ride. He will be on one of the Pletcher horses for sure. Guess Mike is committed to Palace Malice if he runs. I think MMM and Fort Larned are peaking at the right time and they will keep their current jocks. Who knows with the Dude. If PM doesn’t go, think they would want Mike back.

        Still really giddy about my Muchie and Gary.

        • Shirlee. You are a faithful fan to your Muchie and deserve all of the pleasure that his winning this race brings. I think that he’s a great horse, and Gary is a wonderful jockey. Happy for both of them. They have a good chance at the BCC.

  23. / Reply

    Congrats to MMM for winning and Paynter for a very good race AND to MaryP, JudyB, and Dancing Queen for your WINNING exacta bets! Woo HOO! Also to the other winners who were Terry, Carol, Debbie G (way to pick those winners Debbie) and Marty. Way to go. My season is in a serious slump here :-( Couldn’t decide between MMM and Paynter (why didn’t I just bet them both?). If anyone needs to know which horse will finish fourth, just ask me who I bet on.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy:

      Thanks. You are too funny. Your luck with turn around soon. I’m so happy for MMM and Paynter. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Sandy. I kid not, I walked the computer doc to the door, saw him reach his car then ran back to my “new” computer, pulled up calracing just in time to see the horses approach the starting gate. I missed the post parade, but saw the race. Whew. What a day for racing, too.

      Thanks, Especially Horses, for sharing the photos of “Taco” and “Coz”. There’s racing excitement in the future for sure.

    • / Reply

      Thank you Sandy,

      MMM ran a great race and I was so happy that Paynter found his way to runner up. Don’t let the slump get you down!

    • / Reply

      Sandy,
      You’re not alone, I’m not exactly burning up the boards either. I bet on Moochie and Take Control…..guess I won something…….but I’m not bragging, ha,ha. hugs

    • / Reply

      Sandy, don’t feel bad. I had been on a losing streak, but MMM came through for me. I’ll never catch up with Baby Tapit though!

      • / Reply

        I don’t think anybody will catch Baby Tapit unless he or she hits on a long shot. My only consolation this weekend was that BT included Golden Ticket in an exacta so must have expected him to place (which was my bet). Maybe it wasn’t an awful bet after all.

  27. / Reply

    Shanghai Bobby retired because of injury
    Published: September 29, 2013 The Associated Press
    NEW YORK — Shanghai Bobby, last year’s undefeated 2-year-old champion, has been retired from racing after getting injured in his comeback race.
    He won the $98,000 Aljamin Stakes by a neck at Belmont Park last Friday but hurt his suspensory ligament, a common lower leg injury in the sport. The race marked Shanghai Bobby’s successful comeback from a pelvic fracture that caused him to miss the Triple Crown after he got hurt in the Florida Derby in late March. He won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year.
    The colt will stand at Coolmore America’s Ashford Stud in Kentucky, where he will join fellow Eclipse Award-winning juveniles Lookin At Lucky, Uncle Mo and Hansen. Shanghai Bobby had six wins — including all five of his races last year — in eight career starts and earnings of $1,857,000.
    Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/09/29/2850582/shanghai-bobby-retired-because.html#storylink=cpy

    • / Reply

      Shanghai Bobby is another horse whose earnings were greatly inflated by winning a BC race at age 2. Purses are so wildly out of ;proportion these days you cannot really judge a horse by its earnings.

        • Max, I think Street Sense is one of the few who won the BC juvenile and went on to do well at 3. I did find Alysheba in the Juvenile, he was third and closing like gang busters. Guess that tells you how long I have been a fan.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Sorry to hear Shanghai Bobby was injured in his comeback race at Belmont. Always makes me queasy when they return after an injury; afraid they will re injure themselves. Hope he has a healthy retirement. Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Orb Camp Seeking Answer for Gold Cup Flop
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Sunday, September 29, 2013 4:46 PM
    Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Orb appears to be well in spite of his last-place finish in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational (gr. I), an assistant to trainer Shug McGaughey reported on the morning of Sept. 29.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80979/orb-camp-seeking-answer-for-gold-cup-flop

      • / Reply

        Yes, Terry & Judy B., the commercial “takeover” of buildings and events, really just makes that business look tacky and classless, it devalues the business quality, and adds grasping desperation to their image.

        • Vicki-You said what I was thinking. It would be interesting to know just how much Yum paid for the opportunity to link its name with the Kentucky Derby. Then we would know just how much it took for Churchill Downs to sell out. Like the old joke, we already know what you are, now we’re just talking price.

  29. / Reply

    One of the great races yesterday was the Chandelier. Rosie’s ride was strong with an amazing stretch run. Here’s the video. BGG
    2013 Chandelier Stakes – Secret Compass
    Published on Sep 28, 2013
    Secret Compass wins the Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita on September 28, 2013. The race is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series, guaranteeing the winner
    entry into the 2013 Juvenile Fillies.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsRfJ1fCJUA

  30. / Reply

    Chandelier Stakes 2013 Results: Secret Compass nips She’s a Tiger
    By Matt Gardner on Sep 28 2013, 6:29p
    A long, grueling stretch duel between She’s a Tiger and Secret Compass ends with Secret Compas winning the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Closer Fascinating rallied in deep stretch to finish third while Harlingon’s Rose round out the superfecta.
    Excerpt
    Secret Compass is a two-year-old filly by Discreet Cat out of a Maria’s Mon mare (Maria’s Pride), trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by Rosie Napravnik.
    http://www.anddownthestretchtheycome.com/breeders-cup/2013/9/28/4780686/chandelier-stakes-2013-results-winner-payouts

    • / Reply

      This filly excited me when I saw her run at Del Mar this summer. There was something about her that made me go “hmmmmmm” Remember, I don’t bet, but yesterday, I was watching them parade in the paddock, and I said to my friends (all who were watching Fascinating), “I like Secret Compass”. After the race, I said to Georgie Alvarez (Paynter’s exercise rider) “I called that race, Georgie!” He was surprised and admitted he thought Fascinating would win.

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