Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ziconic

Catching Up with Ziconic

Ziconic and Sarah Pollock, Reaching Some Jumping Goals at Templeton Farms
(Photo Credit:  Chelsea Schmitz, Stories Told by Film)

Dear Fans,

Winter has been both busy and a lot of fun at the Farm.  Despite that it is February and the middle of Winter, the California Central Coast has felt more like Spring.  This has benefited our ability to train outside instead of just the covered arena every day.  So Ziconic gets to spend more time with Sarah enjoying warm up and cool down on the track that weaves through Templeton Farms and in the jumping court – his happy place.

We had some BIG FUN at the Farm earlier this month with our good friend, Chelsea Schmitz, Stories Told by Film.  Chelsea started her career as an equine photographer, and now focuses on weddings and events – BUT, she has not lost her eye or touch for horses.  We love what Chelsea does and think she has captured the essence of Ziconic during this photo shoot.  And one of several things we can confirm that Ziconic shares with his Mom, Zenyatta; They ALWAYS know where the camera is!

Ziconic Sharing Some Love with Linda at Templeton Farms
(Photo Credit: Chelsea Schmitz, Stories Told by Film)
Ziconic and Sarah at Templeton Farms
(Photo Credit: Chelsea Schmitz, Stories Told by Film)
Ziconic and Sarah – Both Smiling – at Templeton Farms
(Photo Credit: Chelsea Schmitz, Stories Told by Film)

We were so honored to have Jen Roytz, Executive Director, Retired Racehorse Project, visit us last month!  The love and effort this organization generates to support Thoroughbreds after their racing careers is truly AMAZING!  The next Thoroughbred Makeover will be October 7 – 10, 2020, Kentucky Horse Park, with 616 entries accepted – WOW!!  This is where brother, Cozmic One, made his debut competing for the 1st time and came in 5th!

Ziconic, Sarah, and Jen at Templeton Farms
(Photo Credit:  Linda R. Moss)

As mentioned in our last post, one of our visions and dreams for Ziconic is to have a role as an Off The Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) Ambassador for the West Coast and beyond.  And as he continues his OTTB transition, we truly believe he is indeed becoming a great inspiration as a Sporthorse.  Last December 2019, we sponsored a jump to support CARMA and The Thoroughbred Holiday Classic Horse Show at the LA Equestrian Center. We think this turned out GREAT!  So, we are very pleased to have our jump represented at the next Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show Spring 2020, March 21 – 22, 2020 at Galway Downs, Temecula, CA.

Thoroughbred Holiday Class Horse Show Sponsored Jump at the LA Equestrian Center
Ziconic, Sarah Pollock Sporthorses & Templeton Farms 
(Photo Credit:  Screen Shot taken from Horse Show Video)
Thank You to Our Wonderful Sponsors
                     (Photo Courtesy of The Thoroughbred Holiday Classic Horse Show, LA Equestrian Center) 

Please Note:  Unfortunately, Ziconic will not be attending this show at Galway Downs, but we do have plans in the future, so please stay tuned.    

If you have been following Ziconic on Facebook, you know he has become quite the Jolly Ball player.  This has become an everyday occurrence that can go on for 15 minutes at a time.  Z-Z, as everyone in the barn calls him, has learned how to “fling” his Jolly Ball, which then ends up in his neighbor’s walkout until someone retrieves it for him.  He not only has mastered his twirl; he enjoys having an audience – no surprise!

Video Credit: Sarah Pollock at Templeton Farms

Ziconic’s grandsire A.P. Indy passed away on Saturday at Lane’s End. Heart-felt condolences and R.I.P. to Lane’s End, Family, Connections.

Sending Joy & Hugs!

Reader Interactions

521 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Ann, Kathy and Shirlee:

    So happy for our Danny. Yes, hope he and Dude make it in. I love that video of the Most Interesting Horse in the World.

    Shirlee, I agree totally with you on VE. Never was a fan after that either.

    Have been thinking of Chromie often; hope he’s all over that tummy problem. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Thanks for posting this. Great slideshow — so touching to see the obvious love from Mama to her little one right from the start. Sweet!

      Hugs and Love

  5. / Reply

    Dear Judy B:

    Thank you for the video of the Arrogate filly. She definitely wants to be in front of her Mom, until it’s time for a snack. So beautiful and spirited. Girl power rules.

    Love the slide show. Babies are so special.

    Smiles to all.

  9. / Reply

    Hi everyone,
    Hovey is still doing battle with the weather and pony discrimination. I must assume that they recently had a storm named something that sounded like “Whore hay” (you’ll see :-). Mum will be coming home from Mum-bai soon.
    Lots of Derby prep races this weekend. Really looking forward to watching Honor A.P – a gorgeous AP indy trained by “our John” in the San Felipe!! Safe trips to all.
    Sandy

    https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-diary-were-breeding-a-generation-of-pony-biased-discriminating-delinquents-709166

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy:

      Wow, Hovie has coined some good ones this week; the god of L’oréal, Storm Whore-Hay and Barbie Blimp. He’s hilarious as usual. Love this boy.

      Yes, more points to be won toward the Derby this week. Godspeed Honor AP. Great name. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy,

      Thanks again for the hilarious Hovis report! He is truly amazing — great stand-up routine.
      He will have to “straighten up and fly right” since Mum will be back soon though. :-)

      Safe racing to all this weekend! Good luck to Honor A.P. and JS in the San Felipe!

      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Dear Z Fans:

        Honor AP made up lots of ground to finish 2nd in the San Filipe Stakes yesterday. Congrats to him, JS and Mike. The winner was Authentic, an Into Mischief colt trained by Bob Baffert. Congrats. Love and Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Sandy,
    As ever, thanks for posting Hovis. With all the worry going on in the world it is great to be able to laugh out loud on a Friday morning. I would love to see him do his modern dance.

    And that darn Derby picture keeps getting all muddled up. Right now, I have about 3 that I like but after the next round of races who knows. Tiz The Law looks good. Gotta pull for Nadal because of Blame and one of the ladies on Omaha’s facebook is part owner of Tizamagician. Could it be one of those “Who?” Derbies?

    All of you all stay safe and healthy. Probably right now we here in the USA have the cleanest, well washed hands in history!

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      Totally agree; this year’s Derby is wide open; so much talent. Did you see a son of Uncle Mo out of Slow Sand (Dixieland Band) called King Guillermo won the Tampa Bay Derby at odds of 49 to 1. Beat Sole Volante and Chance It. Sole finished 2nd from far back. Chance It was 5th. Congrats. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy,
        I saw on Bloodhorse.com about King Guillermo. Nice story about his owner. These guys keep beating one another and then some horse we have not heard of wins! Think I might just go on pedigree for the Derby. One with lots of stamina.

        • Dear Shirlee:

          Sounds like a plan. So much success in the Derby depends on racing luck. This year at least we have the one gate across the track for all 20 horses. There’s so much talent, it’s anyone’s to win. . Hope they survive all the shoving and bumping that could happen and come back safe. Love and Hugs, JB

  14. / Reply

    Yes it does seem like yesterday, Kathy!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cozmic One! We love you and wish only the very best for you, big guy!

    Hugs and Love ❤️ ? ❤️

  15. / Reply

    Dear Kathy and Marshall:

    Adding my Happy Birthday wishes for Cozzie to yours. Love you beautiful boy. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Fenn is doing quite well. He and Bailey are enjoying each other — chasing around and wrestling. Fenn is obsessed with squirrels, and they keep him busy. The squirrels know he can’t climb trees so they just like to tease him; however, one wrong step or miscalculation and he will be right there. I think a squirrel bite would be very unpleasant so I hope that never happens.

      Fenn is a typical stubborn terrier, but he is really very sweet and lovable. <3

      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall:

        Sounds like Bailey and Fenn are BFF’s already. Wonderful!

        He’s doing that Terrier thing. Guarding his territory from bushy tailed invaders.

        My nephew lost his beloved 12 year old Black Lab, Roma, to cancer. His neighbor’s Lab had pups four weeks ago and he and his family chose one of the little Yellow girls from the litter of six (two girls are Yellow and 4 boys are Black). She’ll be ready to come home with them on April 9th. Saw some photos of her; she’s precious. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy,

          Yes, that Terrier thing indeed. ?

          Labs are great dogs. So glad that your nephew has a neighbor with Lab pups and that he and his family will be getting one of the little girls soon. That will help with healing the heartbreak of losing Roma. RIP Roma, a faithful friend and family member.

          Hugs and Love

        • Dear Marshall:

          Yes, Roma was truly my nephew’s dog. She was 7 weeks old when he took her home. They had a very special bond. We all loved her so much. She was the smallest of a litter of nine and the sweetest, gentlest girl.

          This little one will be a comfort. They all have their own distinct personalities. My nephew said she is the leader of her litter mates; mischievous already. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy,

          This little yellow Lab puppy-girl sounds like just what the doctor ordered!
          I sense that Roma is wagging her tail in approval.

          Hugs and Love ❤️

  18. / Reply

    Marshall,
    So glad Fenn is doing well. He sounds like a little busy imp. So sorry about your nephew losing his friend. I have found that nothing eases the pain of losing one of your pets like giving another a home. All of mine have been rescues. I just feel that when one goes, it is just making a home for another who is in need.

    Happy Birthday Coz. So glad you are home in Kentucky and having a great time.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee,

      Thanks for your kind thoughts. Yes, Fenn is quite busy! He is very well loved by Bailey and me, and he is a great source of irritation/entertainment to the squirrels in the backyard!
      I feel the same as you about the short lives of our beloved fur-babies — they move on so that others find loving homes. Incidentally, it is Judy’s nephew who lost his friend, Roma. The new puppy will certainly ease the hurt for him and his family.

      Have a good week!
      Hugs and Love

  19. / Reply

    So sad to hear news about trainers and others under charges concerning illegal drugs on horses to enhance their performances. One being the trainer of Maximum Security.

    It huts to see men and women do this to the horses under their care. I feel so bad for the effects this will have on Maximum Security and the stain it will leave on him, not through his fault but that of an unscrupulous trainer, vets, and others connected with this ugly sting.

    There is a link on Bloodhorse, but I did post it.

    • / Reply

      Dear Janet, Ann and Z Fans:

      Oh Dear God, I am so upset at this news. These poor innocent beings are subjected to whatever horrors unscrupulous people force on them to. My heart is broken for Maxi and all other horses that have been abused this way and in other ways as well.??????

      Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        I too am shocked and sad about the news of these horrible people mistreating these beautiful wonderful animals.

        I am so sorry for Max. He is a talented horse and does not deserve to have his wins tarnished by this crooked trainer. I understand that Jason and his brother John, who trains also are not on good terms. I think John trains King Guillermo.

    • / Reply

      Very disturbing.
      Reading the indictment #3 is particularly upsetting. The language and abuse these horses suffered makes me sick.
      RIP XY Jet and others under the care of such monsters.
      Not to mention putting the jocks on horses on those drugs. Victor and Bobby Abu…one example.
      Thanks to the FBI and SDNY. Lock em up and throw away the key.

      Thanks to all decent and hard working horsemen/woman doing right by the horse.
      Praying all the horses in those barns find safe passage to a better life.

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann:

        They should be held accountable with punishment that fits the crime and banned from the Industry. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy B,

          Sending you big hugs and lots of love.
          This is heartbreaking news and I know how much you have supported and stood by Max.
          Hoping he finds a new life he deserves. Hello, Mr. West??!!!!

          Luv ya bunches!!!! Kiss to LM. MWAH.

        • Dear Ann:

          I’m literally crying for Max; love him so. Hope he is retired soon and Mr. West sees to it that he’s well cared for. Beautiful XY Jet and others have died suddenly from heart attacks. You have to wonder now if meds involved.

          Also, suspect that Mongolian Groom was racing with some kind of pain med in the BCC.

          This is really going to have a bad effect on the Industry, which is already struggling with the concern of the welfare of horses.

          Love You. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Amen, Neighbor Ann!

        Lock’em up and throw away the key indeed. These are totally depraved individuals, all of them. I am disgusted by these so-called humans and heartbroken for the innocent horses they have endangered or killed. They put the jockeys in jeopardy, too. May the surviving horses who were victims suffer no ill effects in the future and find safe loving homes.

        Truly abominable behavior. Hope they get what they deserve, and promptly.

        Judy, Janet, Ann, Shirlee and all Z fans,
        Hugs and Love

  21. / Reply

    Oh my god. Just when you think you have seen everything. Shame on all of them. Money talks, apparently.

    • / Reply

      Judy,

      I cried when I read that. Then I got angry. They should never be allowed anywhere near any horse, any breed, anywhere, anytime.

      Owners have to be very worried about their horses that raced under them. This is a snowball that is picking up speed and will soon become an avalanche of so many consequences.

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      I, too, am heartbroken for XY Jet. He deserved SO much better than this horrible treatment. Pure unadulterated greed and evil. There is no punishment bad enough, IMHO.
      RIP beautiful XY Jet and all those unknown victims, also. ?

      Hugs and Love

  24. / Reply

    Money makes people do terrible things. Lundy killed my beloved Alydar for the almighty dollar. Hope he is roasting in you know where.

    All of these people should go to jail and be banned from racing. I think as this goes on, they might be telling of others who are involved in this horrible practice and more trainers are going to be named.

    Judy,
    My heart breaks for you and your Max.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      Horrible what that man did to your beloved Alydar. My heart breaks for him and you. Love and Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    Dear Fans:

    My heart is breaking along with yours. Tears for all the beautiful horses affected by this.

    Judy: I believe Max should be retired immediately and not raced in 2020. Is there news of that? OMG, the horror if something should happen to him.

    Agreed, anyone involved should be held accountable and punished severely. When I think of all the people in the industry trying to do the best for the horses, I am so disgusted with the awful people.

    After all the hard work that has been done to make rules and regulations to stop this, here it is, the very thing they are trying to eliminate. Both Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds were drugged.

    Shirley: I googled Alydar and read about that tragedy. Heartbreaking.

    Thank goodness for all the people who strive to do right by these magnificent creatures.

    That gives us hope for the future.

    Hugs and hope to all.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Fans:

    TDN is reporting that Max is going to Bob Baffert. Owner Gary West is moving all of his horses away from Servis. No surprise there. Thank goodness.

    Praying that Max is healthy and suffers no ill effects from anything he was given.

  28. / Reply

    Many thanks to all for information. This kind of drugging will not be tolerated in any form, any time, any where.

    There are so many good trainers, vets, grooms, and owners. Surely they will keep the industry going as the bad ones weeded out.

    Some good news. A filly by Frosted born at Gainsborough Farm on March 6. More Girl Power!

    Hugs.

  29. / Reply

    My Dear Z Family:

    This is very widespread apparently and these drugs are proven to cause adverse heart issues and bone issues according to this article. Poor innocent horses? ?. I do pray all the people who did this are banned from racing, in all capacities, for life.

    Love and Hugs, JB

    https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1153126

    • / Reply

      Thanks JB.
      To think they stumbled upon this while investigating another crime…..yikes. Thank goodness. About time.
      Keep shining the light, make it brighter and brighter.
      The past few years have seen a huge spike in breaks and heart attacks,,,hmmmm.
      Yes, banned for life. All licenses revoked!!!! Get ’em SDNY. Bet there will be more to come when the flipping starts.
      We love you Max and praying for you.

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann:

        Big thanks to the FBI and the SDNY. Sad their good work was too late for XY JET, but saved countless others. Love and Hugs, JB

  30. / Reply

    Dear Marshall and Z Fans:

    Just want to say thank you from Lola Mae and me for donations you made to the Potter Rescue League Photo Contest. First place out of 102 entries was an Orange and White Tabby cat, KC, who raised $2,144.00. Lola Mae finished in 34th place and raised $75.00.

    Total raised in donations was $15,036.00.

    Thank you for your generous hearts. Love and Hugs, LM and JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Congratulations to Lola Mae! The number 1 and 2 finishers were less than $100 apart — the second place was Daisy who is a sweet looking dog. These were the only two who got 4 figures, but personally, I think LM is lots cuter! :-)

      Glad the rescue got such great donations — $15,036.00, WOW, well done!

      Hugs and Love

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