Zenyatta News

[jenn52318]

If she took first try again, I would guess they are going to wait for the 35 day check or so. The point at which she lost it last time. I am taking no news to be good news.

[islandgirl45]

If she took first try again, I would guess they are going to wait for the 35 day check or so. The point at which she lost it last time. I am taking no news to be good news.

If everything is going well, perhaps they will announce her status in the 60 Minutes piece.

[Codysmom55]

A brief snippet of the 60 Minutes follow up on Sunday:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7364374n&tag=mncol;lst;1

[PJMIII]

Zenyatta's stall at Hollywood now a makeshift shrine

Life goes on in Barn 55 South at Hollywood Park but it will never be quite the same since the retirement of ZENYATTA last December. The superstar mare, who won 19 of 20 starts and was named Horse of the Year before joining the broodmare ranks in Kentucky, spent more than four years here with trainer John Shirreffs.

In honor of Zenyatta, Stall 85 where she resided, has been converted into a shrine.

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/article.cgi?id=21786

[EquineAnne]

I chuckle every time I hear Mikey say, no man is worthy of her, not even close. LOL :becky:

[Blue Jeans]

As per the BC FB page, the Zenyatta segment will re-air on 60 Minutes Sunday night, with an update.

Bump this one up! Hope it starts on time (golf classic in New Orleans today).

[Igloo]

Just wondering why this thread is still in the racing forum? Seems like it should be moved. JMO. She's not racing anymore.

[ThreeMustangs]

Bump this one up! Hope it starts on time (golf classic in New Orleans today).

The golf tournament has gone to a playoff.

[Happy Endings]

60 Minutes has started on time in DC area.

[Blue Jeans]

60 Minutes has started on time in DC area.

It did in my area (coastal GA) too despite the golfers playing a sudden death! I was cussing those golfers, but the station dropped the local news to keep it on schedule. LOL

The other channels were behind schedule too ... not just CBS. Thanks to hockey and NBA.

[auburndee1]

From her diary:


http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-246

[Blue Jeans]

From her diary:


http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-246

Wow! Team Zenyatta really means something to those good folks, the Mosses. So nice to see folks being treated as nicely as the Mosses treat their team. Congrats to all.

[Play The King]

From her diary:


http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-246


Wow! That is frikken amazing!!! What generous, caring owners Jerry and Ann are! Congrats to each team member...well deserved!!! So neat!!

Jenn

[Squeaky]

This is nice but I still really want to know if she is in foal or not...

[drjohnh]

This is nice but I still really want to know if she is in foal or not...

her diary recently said, i am not a mom yet but i hope to be one by mothers day next year...

as far as the awards, that is an awesome photo and really a wonderful story

[sweettalk]

her diary recently said, i am not a mom yet but i hope to be one by mothers day next year...

as far as the awards, that is an awesome photo and really a wonderful story
as in she hopes to have a baby on the ground, or get one cooking? it was a vague statement.

[Codysmom55]

http://www.drf.com/news/zenyattas-half-sister-starts-training

[Retrospectiv]

as in she hopes to have a baby on the ground, or get one cooking? it was a vague statement.

Word on another site was that she was covered on or about April 2nd so if she took she should be past the point that she lost the last pregnancy.

[Tappiano]

I keep waiting for someone to talk about whether she has/had caslick's :) that should lead to some nice personal conversations about people's own birthing experiences.

People don;t realize it can be tricky to get maiden mares in foal. Much as GiGi enjoyed herself, four times was two times more than I had expected. Two of those were within two days of each other as she was still holding tight onto that egg! They just don't always do what we expect them to do.

[PJMIII]

From brisnet.com

EBLOUISSANTE (Bernardini), a two-year-old half sister to Zenyatta, is making herself at home in the John Shirreffs stable, which had been home to Zenyatta for more than four years. The dark bay out of Broodmare of the Year Vertigineux (Kris S.) arrived at her new home Thursday. "She's been galloping," assistant trainer Michelle Jensen said. "She doesn't look like Zenyatta, but she's a big elegant filly and she's got the presence, that royal aura."

[Blue Jeans]

http://www.drf.com/news/zenyattas-half-sister-starts-training

Exciting! Now, let's hope she likes to run like her half-sister did. :)

>“She’s got the same neck, deep in the shoulder,” Shirreffs said. “She looks a lot like her sister.”<

[sweettalk]

Word on another site was that she was covered on or about April 2nd so if she took she should be past the point that she lost the last pregnancy.
but we werent told if she kept it or not were we? i dont remember hearing, so thats why i dont really get what that statement is implying.

"i hope to be a mom next year"... with an actual baby next to you next year, or in your belly next year for 2013?

[Native Diver]

Exciting! Now, let's hope she likes to run like her half-sister did. :)

>“She’s got the same neck, deep in the shoulder,” Shirreffs said. “She looks a lot like her sister.”<

Ebby's on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eblouissante/143117319085172#!/pages/Eblouissante/143117319085172?sk=wall

I tried unsuccessfully to copy one of her pics here, but she really is very similiar physically to her big sister. Huge (for a 2yr old), and has that same very intelligent, inquisitive expression.

I hope no one tells Zenny that her Bernie also fathered her little sister. That's gonna be an awkward conversation......:embarassed:

[Retrospectiv]

but we werent told if she kept it or not were we? i dont remember hearing, so thats why i dont really get what that statement is implying.

"i hope to be a mom next year"... with an actual baby next to you next year, or in your belly next year for 2013?

I'd take the quote to mean hoping to have a foal on the ground next year. Even if she didn't take the 2nd time, I can't see them giving up on her this season as long as she's healthy and cycling. Breeding sheds are open for a while yet.

[Blue Jeans]

Ebby's on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eblouissante/143117319085172#!/pages/Eblouissante/143117319085172?sk=wall

I tried unsuccessfully to copy one of her pics here, but she really is very similiar physically to her big sister. Huge (for a 2yr old), and has that same very intelligent, inquisitive expression.

I hope no one tells Zenny that her Bernie also fathered her little sister. That's gonna be an awkward conversation......:embarassed:

Love the slideshow ... what a treat. Thank you so much for sharing.

[fdf47]

John will take his time with her, like he did with Zen...when she does run first time, I would think the track will have a great crowd to see her...

right now, I just want good news about Zen in the baby business...I think positive thoughts everyday that she did settle on that second breed back.

[EquineAnne]

http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-250

Anyone think she's implying she's in foal? I do! Oh I hope so.:)

[The Tin Man]

http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-250

Anyone think she's implying she's in foal? I do! Oh I hope so.:)

It most definitely sounds as if that's the case. :)

[EquineAnne]

:dance:

[Noble]

Knowing how patient and conservative John Shirreffs can be, I wouldn't be shocked if Ebloussiante would still be in training by the time Zenyatta's first baby hits the track. Ebby would be like the auntie to Zen's foal even if they have the same papa in Bernie.

[islandgirl45]

Per Z's diary...

"...EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY AND AT LANE’S END could not be HAPPIER for ME!
So, let’s keep HOOVES CROSSED that ALL continues to go this well!
WINK, WINK!..."

Hmm, wonder when they'll make some sort of announcement. At 45 days or so?:)

[sweettalk]

hope so, it isnt our business really, but i know we all care and are excited.

[moonwalker]

Reading between the lines (just saw her entry #250), I think she's expecting and Dottie's letting us know with a WINK WINK that everything is going OK so far.

I was skimming the comments to the post where it was announced she reabsorbed the first pregnancy, and it seemed to have evoked memories for some women, who wrote about their own miscarriages. Zenyatta's people are caring, and perhaps one reason for not mentioning her pregnancy on this second go-round (if indeed she has conceived again) is to not trigger those kind of memories. Plus, there might be a little superstition involved.

Whatever is going on, whether she's in foal or not, I'm glad to hear she's healthy and doing well. Even if she didn't conceive again, there is always next year. Azeri did not have a foal from her first breeding season. But I think from recent diary entries, there are plenty of hints that a little one is on the way.

I made a prediction on Facebook that Rachel Alexandra is having a colt, and Zenyatta a filly. So far I'm half right.

Mary MMM

[Retrospectiv]

Per Z's diary...

"...EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY AND AT LANE’S END could not be HAPPIER for ME!
So, let’s keep HOOVES CROSSED that ALL continues to go this well!
WINK, WINK!..."

Hmm, wonder when they'll make some sort of announcement. At 45 days or so?:)

If she were indeed covered on April 2nd, she should be around 42 days right now.

[islandgirl45]

If she were indeed covered on April 2nd, she should be around 42 days right now.

How many days pass before it generally considered safe to assume a mare's pregnancy will go to term, barring a major, unexpected complication? I thought I read somewhere that mares are scanned at 45 days?

[violabella]

Perhaps they are putting together a piece for the Preakness telecast? If she was covered April 2, she would be 45 days today, which is right about when they would do that "all important" scan. The mildly cryptic Mother's Day post would have been right in line with her 35 day scan (where she came up empty last time).

Part of me is horribly ashamed that I've done this math and am involving myself in the 'wink wink's! :becky:

[EquineAnne]

Perhaps they are putting together a piece for the Preakness telecast? If she was covered April 2, she would be 45 days today, which is right about when they would do that "all important" scan. The mildly cryptic Mother's Day post would have been right in line with her 35 day scan (where she came up empty last time).

Part of me is horribly ashamed that I've done this math and am involving myself in the 'wink wink's! :becky:

LOL. You have nothing to be ashamed of!

[islandgirl45]

Perhaps they are putting together a piece for the Preakness telecast? If she was covered April 2, she would be 45 days today, which is right about when they would do that "all important" scan. The mildly cryptic Mother's Day post would have been right in line with her 35 day scan (where she came up empty last time).

Part of me is horribly ashamed that I've done this math and am involving myself in the 'wink wink's! :becky:

I also wondered if there would be an announcement about Zenyatta's foal during the programming before the Preakness or the Belmont, just like the announcement was made for Rachel Alexandra.

[WesternDreamer]

How many days pass before it generally considered safe to assume a mare's pregnancy will go to term, barring a major, unexpected complication? I thought I read somewhere that mares are scanned at 45 days?

We considered ours 'safe' at 45, 60 if they were traveling, but did have a few lose around the 45 mark so I always feel better at 60.

[Codysmom55]

Mike Smith goes to Britain:

http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/m-e-smith-folkestone-trip-for-zenyattas-jockey-mike-smith/858866/top/

[Tappiano]

Article comments...

He simply murdered Zenyatta, he should wear black for mourning and should be escorted to the Tower of London!!!





04:45pm - 18 May 11
Birals, Italy


An excellent opportunity for Zenyatta punters to vent their spleen at the man who cost them a fortune!

[Rackon]

We considered ours 'safe' at 45, 60 if they were traveling, but did have a few lose around the 45 mark so I always feel better at 60.

That was always our calendar as well. 45 days was considered good to go, and if I had a mare in foal at 60 days, I was a very happy camper. The embryo attaches to the uterine wall between 40-44 days so that is a critical marker.

[fdf47]

I am also guilty of reading Zenyatt's posts...I usually check in once a week...I agree that Dottie is giving everyone a hint at what we are all waiting for...good news concerning Zen becoming a mother...
they very well may wait until 60 days...but all of us that have brrodmares and go through the breeding thing know that anything can happen at any time...even well past 45 or 60 days...I know with my mares the entire 11 months was a stress factor...I never did take a deep breath until the foals was on the ground...even during the delivery, you need all the luck...but, I am a positive thinker... I beleive she's in foal!!

I doubt they'd make an announcment during the Preakess anyway...they will want the spotlight on Zenyatta, and on Preakness day, they will probably highlight Rachel at the farm, and in winning the Preakness.

[Catinca]

A Zenyatta halter is on eBay right now, with proceeds to benefit CANTER. The bid right now is just under $5,000, and there are still 5 days left!!!

[second_glance]

Zenyatta inspires Mathis stable to return to the game:

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/sales-news/2011/05/23/zenyatta-inspires-mathis-stable-to-return-to-game.aspx

[BornToWin]

A hoot that Mike Smith is noted in news stories as Zenyatta's jockey. :)))

What a team they made~

Zenyatta's Jockey To Make British Debut


http://formguide.cyberhorse.com.au/templates/rt_solarsentinel_j15/images/pdf_button.png (http://formguide.cyberhorse.com.au/index.php/pdf/2011051949719/International/Zenyatta-s-Jockey-To-Make-British-Debut.pdf)http://formguide.cyberhorse.com.au/templates/rt_solarsentinel_j15/images/printButton.png (http://formguide.cyberhorse.com.au/index.php/2011051949719/International/Zenyatta-s-Jockey-To-Make-British-Debut/Print.html)http://formguide.cyberhorse.com.au/templates/rt_solarsentinel_j15/images/emailButton.png (http://formguide.cyberhorse.com.au/index.php/component/option,com_mailto/link,aHR0cDovL2Zvcm1ndWlkZS5jeWJlcmhvcnNlLmNvbS5hd S9pbmRleC5waHAvMjAxMTA1MTk0OTcxOS9JbnRlcm5hdGlvbmF sL1plbnlhdHRhLXMtSm9ja2V5LVRvLU1ha2UtQnJpdGlzaC1EZ WJ1dC5odG1s/tmpl,component/)
Written by AAP Thursday, 19 May 2011 11:45


American champion Mike Smith is set have his first ride in Britain at Folkestone next week.
Smith is famed for his partnership with the brilliant mare Zenyatta on whom he won 17 races, including 13 Grade Ones headed by the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic."http://bit.ly/lQG5eN

[violabella]

I can't believe I'm caught up in this but I am. :becky: Per Zenyatta's blog, she "will catch you up on ALL of the news next week!" If she was bred April 2, that makes Wednesday her 60 day check, correct?

As Zenny says, 'HOOVES CROSSED!"

http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-259

[fdf47]

Thanks for that update :)...I haven't been over there for about 10 days...sounds to me like it's going to be good news for Zenyatta and her people. The very fact that the Moss's were so generous to keep her racing another year, knowing that they were taking a gamble that she's concieve at age 6-7, deserves a big reward...that Zen not only delivers a foal, but that he/she will be healthy and sound and that Zen has a normal delivery.

Best of luck....I think there are 1,000's of folks with their fingers crossed!!

[DesertHeat]

I met Eblouissante today, and I didn't know where else to gush about it. She's a big goofy baby full of baby fat, and has a bit of an attitude. Not a fan of the wash rack, not a fan of going in circles for no reason... basically, your typical baby. She's extremely kind and very curious, and she'll give Z fans something to cheer about! I admitted to John, "I just can never remember how to pronounce her name!" and he said something wonderfully cryptic; "Don't worry, you will." Then he taught us how. Great morning!

[Slewfan2]

I met Eblouissante today, and I didn't know where else to gush about it. She's a big goofy baby full of baby fat, and has a bit of an attitude. Not a fan of the wash rack, not a fan of going in circles for no reason... basically, your typical baby. She's extremely kind and very curious, and she'll give Z fans something to cheer about! I admitted to John, "I just can never remember how to pronounce her name!" and he said something wonderfully cryptic; "Don't worry, you will." Then he taught us how. Great morning!

Aww, I love her already. I hope she'll turn out to be good -poor thing has so many expectations riding on her. Even if she doesn't, she sounds like a sweetie pie.

[EquineAnne]

I met Eblouissante today, and I didn't know where else to gush about it. She's a big goofy baby full of baby fat, and has a bit of an attitude. Not a fan of the wash rack, not a fan of going in circles for no reason... basically, your typical baby. She's extremely kind and very curious, and she'll give Z fans something to cheer about! I admitted to John, "I just can never remember how to pronounce her name!" and he said something wonderfully cryptic; "Don't worry, you will." Then he taught us how. Great morning!

Does she look as much like Slew as she appears to in the pics?

[fdf47]

I sure hope she turns out as a very good one...love the quote from John about her future... she was born on my brother's birthday :becky:...

Owner: Eric Kronfeld
Breeder: Maverick Productions Ltd.
State Bred: KY

Foaled January 27, 2009.
Half-sister to Zenyatta. In training with John Shirreffs.
Her name is French for "dazzling".

Besides having to walk in Zenyatta's shadow, she has her name to live up to also!!

[Rainyday]

It was just announced that Zenyatta has just had her 60 day check-up and is in foal: http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-260

They won't be fetal sexing, so we'll have to wait until next year to see if it's a filly or a colt.

[serenassong]

It was just announced that Zenyatta has just had her 60 day check-up and is in foal: http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-260

They won't be fetal sexing, so we'll have to wait until next year to see if it's a filly or a colt.

Woo Hoo! I'm hoping for a girl:bounce:

[Native Diver]

That's great news! I'm so happy for her and her folks. Prayers and blessings for a healthy foal! :preggers:

[Allspice]

It was just announced that Zenyatta has just had her 60 day check-up and is in foal: http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-260

They won't be fetal sexing, so we'll have to wait until next year to see if it's a filly or a colt.

Yay! <3 I hope everything goes well! Can't wait for Baby Z. :preggers:

[LifeAtZen]

This has me SO EXCITED!!!!!! It was crushing when she lost her first, I am so happy she stayed in foal this time.

Can't wait to see a baby Z! And if he/she will have a blaze like their momma, or nothing like their papa... so much to anticipate for next year! I feel like a kid again :becky:

[The Tin Man]

Congratulations to Zenny!! I'm hoping for girl too!! :)

[GreenasGrass]

Best wishes to the new mom.

[EquineAnne]

This has me SO EXCITED!!!!!! It was crushing when she lost her first, I am so happy she stayed in foal this time.

Can't wait to see a baby Z! And if he/she will have a blaze like their momma, or nothing like their papa... so much to anticipate for next year! I feel like a kid again :becky:

She might look just like Zen's sis Eby! And she's gorgeous.

[islandgirl45]

Yay! So glad to hear everything is going well for Z and her team.

[Secretariat Forever]

Yay!!!!! This is VERY exciting!!! We the fans are SO excited...imagine how excited the Mosses and all her connections are!! I know one thing..the foal is probably going to grow up into a big strong horse, just like Zenyatta and Bernardini.

[Codysmom55]

:preggers: Finally get to use this again. :) Yayyyy!! Big thumbs up!!!

[afleetphil]

Made my day. Zen and Bernardini. This could be royalty. Do we want a colt or philly.

[moonwalker]

So glad this was finally announced! So many "wink winks" on her website this month.
Also glad they will not test for the sex of the foal -- I like the intrigue (well as much intrigue as you can have with only two possible results. Or three, if it's a hermaphrodite.)

I guessed colt with Rachel Alexandra and filly for Zenyatta on somebody's Facebook earlier this spring, so I'll stick to it. That way, years from now we can plot a romance (LOL) between the two. (Unless Zenyatta has a boy, too, and there is a gay romance in the making.)

Either way, we could see Kentucky Derby 2015 featuring these future foals. No pressure on them, no way. Competitors and possibly lovers, what a story, oo la la. LOL

Mary MMM

[The Tin Man]

Either way, we could see Kentucky Derby 2015 featuring these future foals. No pressure on them, no way. Competitors and possibly lovers, what a story, oo la la. LOL

Mary MMM

Well ... Since THEY never had a rivalry ... Maybe their kids will ... :becky:

[EquineAnne]

So glad this was finally announced! So many "wink winks" on her website this month.
Also glad they will not test for the sex of the foal -- I like the intrigue (well as much intrigue as you can have with only two possible results. Or three, if it's a hermaphrodite.)

I guessed colt with Rachel Alexandra and filly for Zenyatta on somebody's Facebook earlier this spring, so I'll stick to it. That way, years from now we can plot a romance (LOL) between the two. (Unless Zenyatta has a boy, too, and there is a gay romance in the making.)

Either way, we could see Kentucky Derby 2015 featuring these future foals. No pressure on them, no way. Competitors and possibly lovers, what a story, oo la la. LOL

Mary MMM

Love it Mar! :dance:

[affirmed79]

Glad to hear Z is in foal again. Can't wait to see Baby Z, either. Hope he or she can run like Mama, and the foal will be alright if he or she can. Hope its as pretty, too. Maybe the baby will meet up with Rachel's somewhere along the way as those 2 didn't, but maybe their babies will. Congrats to ZEN.

[Rick1323]

I usually could care less about this kind of thing....but I'm not sure I was ever really a fan of a horse before.

[drjohnh]

great news and something to look forward to next spring. i like it that we won't know the sex until then

[LadyWeaver]

Wonderful news for Zen :preggers:

MMM I just loved this line that is below it made me laugh out loud


(Unless Zenyatta has a boy, too, and there is a gay romance in the making.)

[Blue Jeans]

First article I read today! Oh my goodness, this really is wonderful news!

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/63338/horse-of-the-year-zenyatta-in-foal-at-60-days

And I'm so glad they're not doing the sex test! Gee, just like the good old days!

Congrats to Zenyatta and Bernardini ... and all their good people.

Wishing for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby! :preggers:

[Laurierace]

I think her due date is 3-8-12.

[Cigar]

This is so exciting for racing and Z fans. :becky:

[Retrospectiv]

I think her due date is 3-8-12.

Come on now Laurie....you know about mares and 'due dates', especially maiden mares :becky:

[Laurierace]

Of course I know about maidens but you still need a date to give vaccs and such.

[BornToWin]

MMM, I will guess you are going to be correct on the sex of the foal. A filly. The one she lost I'll guess, was a male. Now how about that for speculation :)

Any idea what the sex ratio is for Bernardini?

[Codysmom55]

I think her due date is 3-8-12.

03/08/2012 works very well for me. :becky: However, I will settle for an uneventful pregnancy and a healthy baby getting here when it's supposed to.

[Codysmom55]

I usually could care less about this kind of thing....but I'm not sure I was ever really a fan of a horse before.

I thought this was a really nice post.

[The Tin Man]

Not my greatest pics, but I also got a chance to hang out with Eblouissante a little bit last Friday ...

My report? ... She's super sweet and incredibly personable. Much like her older sister ... And as hard as it it to believe, maybe even MORE so!

She's very attentive and curious. She let me rub her neck and her muzzle many times. She realy likes it! Totally docile and very, very friendly.

If she ends up being something special like her sister, I have a feeling she'll LOVE having visitors and having people around her also. And I figure John will be totally for that too since she loves the attention thus far. :)

As far as physically? She's a tall girl, but kind of lanky right now. I have a feeling we won't see her running for quite a while as I think she needs time to grow into her frame like Zenny did.

When I saw her, she had some medicine around her left eye. It's silver in color. Per Steve, she'd recently had a fight with her stall. Evidently she flailed around trying to get up and nicked one of her legs and scratched herself around her eye. Thankfully, she didn't do anything serious. :)

Anyway ... That's my report. For those who are local, I'm betting you could give her a look see too if you ask John. :hat:

[klsyr1]

Not my greatest pics, but I also got a chance to hang out with Eblouissante a little bit last Friday ...

My report? ... She's super sweet and incredibly personable. Much like her older sister ... And as hard as it it to believe, maybe even MORE so!

She's very attentive and curious. She let me rub her neck and her muzzle many times. She realy likes it! Totally docile and very, very friendly.

If she ends up being something special like her sister, I have a feeling she'll LOVE having visitors and having people around her also. And I figure John will be totally for that too since she loves the attention thus far. :)

As far as physically? She's a tall girl, but kind of lanky right now. I have a feeling we won't see her running for quite a while as I think she needs time to grow into her frame like Zenny did.

When I saw her, she had some medicine around her left eye. It's silver in color. Per Steve, she'd recently had a fight with her stall. Evidently she flailed around trying to get up and nicked one of her legs and scratched herself around her eye. Thankfully, she didn't do anything serious. :)

Anyway ... That's my report. For those who are local, I'm betting you could give her a look see too if you ask John. :hat:

Wow - she's a really pretty girl. Is she black?? I so love those "in-your-pocket" types. The John Sheriffs style of training is KILLING me. I HATE waiting. :) Seriously, I am glad she's with him. He must love having her there to fill a small part of the void.

[Slewfan2]

Not my greatest pics, but I also got a chance to hang out with Eblouissante a little bit last Friday ...

My report? ... She's super sweet and incredibly personable. Much like her older sister ... And as hard as it it to believe, maybe even MORE so!

She's very attentive and curious. She let me rub her neck and her muzzle many times. She realy likes it! Totally docile and very, very friendly.

If she ends up being something special like her sister, I have a feeling she'll LOVE having visitors and having people around her also. And I figure John will be totally for that too since she loves the attention thus far. :)

As far as physically? She's a tall girl, but kind of lanky right now. I have a feeling we won't see her running for quite a while as I think she needs time to grow into her frame like Zenny did.

When I saw her, she had some medicine around her left eye. It's silver in color. Per Steve, she'd recently had a fight with her stall. Evidently she flailed around trying to get up and nicked one of her legs and scratched herself around her eye. Thankfully, she didn't do anything serious. :)

Anyway ... That's my report. For those who are local, I'm betting you could give her a look see too if you ask John. :hat:

Wow, those are great pics - oh my, that girl is SOO cute. I wish I could be there myself, but since I can't, I'm glad you could. She sounds like a pet, lol

[The Tin Man]

Wow - she's a really pretty girl. Is she black?? I so love those "in-your-pocket" types. The John Sheriffs style of training is KILLING me. I HATE waiting. :) Seriously, I am glad she's with him. He must love having her there to fill a small part of the void.

Yeah ... She's TOTALLY black ... Not a speck of another color on her.

And yeah ... We'll probably have to wait longer than we want to ... But she really DOES need to fill out some before hitting the track. :)

I've been waiting for one he has called Death Star for over a year now. He's been training a lot lately, so I think his day is near!

I got to see him too and he's adorable! Here he is ...

[The Tin Man]

Wow, those are great pics - oh my, that girl is SOO cute. I wish I could be there myself, but since I can't, I'm glad you could. She sounds like a pet, lol

Heh Heh Heh .. She acted like one ... Seems like if she were small enough, she'd snuggle up on the sofa and watch TV with you ... She was SO calm and very, very sweet. :)

She loves having her muzzle stroked ... If she could purr ... She would've.

[klsyr1]

Yeah ... She's TOTALLY black ... Not a speck of another color on her.

And yeah ... We'll probably have to wait longer than we want to ... But she really DOES need to fill out some before hitting the track. :)

I've been waiting for one he has called Death Star for over a year now. He's been training a lot lately, so I think his day is near!

I got to see him too and he's adorable! Here he is ...

Love the black ones, and she looks really sweet.

Holy cow, Death Star is absolutely adorable. That forelock is to die for! Looks like he's had some really good works too. I'll have to keep an eye out for him - thanks for the pics!!

[The Tin Man]

Love the black ones, and she looks really sweet.

Holy cow, Death Star is absolutely adorable. That forelock is to die for! Looks like he's had some really good works too. I'll have to keep an eye out for him - thanks for the pics!!

Isn't he though??? Such a sweet, sweet face.

And what a totally cool name too! :evil:

His works have been pretty good as of late too. He fired a bullet the other day, so I'm guessing he can scoot!! :becky:

[klsyr1]

Isn't he though??? Such a sweet, sweet face.

And what a totally cool name too! :evil:

His works have been pretty good as of late too. He fired a bullet the other day, so I'm guessing he can scoot!! :becky:

I do really like the name, and how can you not love that adorable face. Now I am just going to try to reconcile the two. Somehow I see "Death Star" as more of a Twirling Candy-monsterous- all black-imposing type with a star, not the sweet little guy in the picture! :)

Looks like he is by Quiet American out of Sweet Problem. And, from what I can see he has no star. I feel like I am TOTALLY missing something....... I also feel some sort of Star Wars reference coming...... Help me out - how did he get to be Death Star??

[The Tin Man]

I do really like the name, and how can you not love that adorable face. Now I am just going to try to reconcile the two. Somehow I see "Death Star" as more of a Twirling Candy-monsterous- all black-imposing type with a star, not the sweet little guy in the picture! :)

Looks like he is by Quiet American out of Sweet Problem. And, from what I can see he has no star. I feel like I am TOTALLY missing something....... I also feel some sort of Star Wars reference coming...... Help me out - how did he get to be Death Star??

Yeah ... I'm guessing one of the connections is a big Star Wars fan ...

If I remember, I'll ask John about it when I see him at the track this weekend. :)

[islandgirl45]

Nice pictures Tin Man! Eblouissante looks like a she was ready to eat out of your hand in a couple pictures.

Hey, I thought Steve Willard was going off into retirement after Zenyatta left for Kentucky. Is he back working horses or just ponying them to the track?

[The Tin Man]

Nice pictures Tin Man! Eblouissante looks like a she was ready to eat out of your hand in a couple pictures.

Hey, I thought Steve Willard was going off into retirement after Zenyatta left for Kentucky. Is he back working horses or just ponying them to the track?

Oh no ... He's there and it's business as usual ...

I thought he was gonna call it quits too, but I guess he changed his mind. ;)

[DesertHeat]

Steve just rides the pony now and takes care of horses, he doesn't get on racehorses. He told me in a chagrinned kind of way that John pseudo forced him into retirement....

[JT Dancer]

TTM, thanks for posting the pics of both Eb and Death Star (who has such a kind eye:)) and the information about them. It's the next best thing to meeting them in person.

[Native Diver]

Thank you so much for sharing these pics, TTM. Lucky you!!!

[Retrospectiv]

CONGRATS TINNY!!! I'm so glad you got to see 'E' and your pics are great as always :)

Per her color....while she may look dark, she really isn't a true black. Photos of her outside show how much brown tone she has, particularly around her elbows, girth, her inner thighs, etc. She may be brown but she sure is a cute baby!:)

[The Tin Man]

You're welcome ladies ... Always happy to share my love for the ponies with other pony lovers. :)

As a heads up ... I spoke with Doug O'Neill today and I finally get to meet Lava Man next week!! I can't wait ... I'm stoked! He's my equine MALE hero! :becky:

Doug is super, super nice and incredibly down to Earth ... He said no problem just come on by any time. He said that Lava Man is all dappled right now too! That's wonderful!

I can't wait! I always wanted to ride him or get a pic on top of him, but I think that would be pushing it eh? ;)

I'm gonna take lots of pics of him, so if any of you are interested, just PM me and I'll get them to you once I get them ... Probably the weekend after this one ... 'Cause Doug's out of town this weekend. I'm SOOOOOO excited! :becky:

I'm gonna get the Cookie Monster too!(Galleta Monstruo) ... I love that guy ... He's So very, very cool and on his A game right now. He runs tomorrow night, if anyone is interested.

[DesertHeat]

Doug was letting people ride him (I always joke with my husband that our wedding is only the third best day of my life after Zenyatta's BC win and riding Lava Man), but then Leandro said they had some problems so they stopped for a while. They might be doing it again, I'm not sure!

[The Tin Man]

Doug was letting people ride him (I always joke with my husband that our wedding is only the third best day of my life after Zenyatta's BC win and riding Lava Man), but then Leandro said they had some problems so they stopped for a while. They might be doing it again, I'm not sure!

Oh wow! If he is ... I'll be beyond ecstatic if I could just sit on top of him for a picture.

Heck ... I'm ecstatic just to touch him and see him now.

In all honesty, I used to joke back when he was in his prime, that I wanted to get a picture or myself riding him ... How crazy if that unrealistic fantasy came true! Wow ... :)

[Blue Jeans]

Somewhat off topic. For the Moss fans out there (and there are plenty of them!) ... his former partner, Herb Alpert, is going to be featured (a repeat) this weekend on the CBS Sunday Morning Show. Seems to me, they show several pics of the Mosses with HA from years back in the segment. When Jerry had dark hair!! :)

>The distinctive Latin-jazz sound of Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass broadened America's taste for music in the 1960s. But there has always been much more to Alpert than meets the ear. Today, he is an accomplished entrepreneur and philanthropist, trumpeting the arts at every opportunity. Correspondent Russ Mitchell catches up with Alpert at his seaside home in California.<

I've seen it .... it's well worth watching. Sunday at 9:00AM EDT.

[PJMIII]

Zenyatta package to benefit Central Kentucky Riding for Hope

A rare opportunity for up to six people to visit superstar racemare Zenyatta at her home at Lane's End will be offered to the highest bidder at the eighth annual Night of the Stars, the June 18 fundraiser for Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) that will be held at the Keeneland’s Entertainment Center in Lexington.

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/national-news/2011/06/04/zenyatta-package.aspx

[MightyMitch]

Hey folks who've been to Barn 55 recently...

... are they still doing scheduled meet and greets or is it more along the lines of nab John if you see him and ask if you can go visit?

Cause a friend and I are headed for Hollywood Park this weekend, and would love to go back there to visit again. And see Zenny's little sister.

[The Tin Man]

Hey folks who've been to Barn 55 recently...

... are they still doing scheduled meet and greets or is it more along the lines of nab John if you see him and ask if you can go visit?

Cause a friend and I are headed for Hollywood Park this weekend, and would love to go back there to visit again. And see Zenny's little sister.

Personally I'd nab John and ask first ... And I'm sure there would be NO problem ... But I also strongly believe that if you go to Gate 7 and tell the guard there that you want to see Zenyatta's shrine/stall ... You could parlay that into seeing Ebby ... ;)

[MightyMitch]

Personally I'd nab John and ask first ... And I'm sure there would be NO problem ... But I also strongly believe that if you go to Gate 7 and tell the guard there that you want to see Zenyatta's shrine/stall ... You could parlay that into seeing Ebby ... ;)

Thanks David. You going to be there this weekend?

[The Tin Man]

Thanks David. You going to be there this weekend?

At the track yes ... But probably not at Ebby's stall ... I'm pretty sure I have a date with Lava Man this weekend. :becky:

But as always ... If you stay for the races, you can find me right at the finish line before each and every one ... And at the paddock while the ponies are there.

I'll be there Saturday and Sunday ... Hope to see you there, but if not ... Have fun with Ebby and take lots of pics! Make sure to pet and stroke her ... She LOVES it! :)

[EquineAnne]

At the track yes ... But probably not at Ebby's stall ... I'm pretty sure I have a date with Lava Man this weekend. :becky:

But as always ... If you stay for the races, you can find me right at the finish line before each and every one ... And at the paddock while the ponies are there.

I'll be there Saturday and Sunday ... Hope to see you there, but if not ... Have fun with Ebby and take lots of pics! Make sure to pet and stroke her ... She LOVES it! :)



Hey give the Man a kiss for me. If he let's you and you're brave! I'd love to hear how he is doing.

[The Tin Man]

Hey give the Man a kiss for me. If he let's you and you're brave! I'd love to hear how he is doing.

No problem Anne ... I'll be glad to give him a kiss for you if he lets me. Rumor is I may even be able to ride him. Doug joked(or was serious) and said I could even ride him if I want to. If he's serious, it'll be a dream come true. Regardless ... I'm gonna take lots of pictures, as I've never met this hero of mine in person before. :)

I'm aiming for this weekend ... So we'll see. I think it's likely, but if not ... I'm sure next weekend. :becky:

I'll leave an update on him after I see him. Doug says he's all dappled up right now ... That's pretty cool huh? :)

[MightyMitch]

No problem Anne ... I'll be glad to give him a kiss for you if he lets me. Rumor is I may even be able to ride him. Doug joked(or was serious) and said I could even ride him if I want to. If he's serious, it'll be a dream come true. Regardless ... I'm gonna take lots of pictures, as I've never met this hero of mine in person before. :)

I'm aiming for this weekend ... So we'll see. I think it's likely, but if not ... I'm sure next weekend. :becky:

I'll leave an update on him after I see him. Doug says he's all dappled up right now ... That's pretty cool huh? :)

You sure we can't just invite ourselves along? ;)

[EquineAnne]

No problem Anne ... I'll be glad to give him a kiss for you if he lets me. Rumor is I may even be able to ride him. Doug joked(or was serious) and said I could even ride him if I want to. If he's serious, it'll be a dream come true. Regardless ... I'm gonna take lots of pictures, as I've never met this hero of mine in person before. :)

I'm aiming for this weekend ... So we'll see. I think it's likely, but if not ... I'm sure next weekend. :becky:

I'll leave an update on him after I see him. Doug says he's all dappled up right now ... That's pretty cool huh? :)

OMG Tinny have a ball and keep us posted. Have fun buddy.

[The Tin Man]

Zenny's old running mate ... El Vino ... Is running again this Saturday! And they no longer put him up for claim these days ... I like that ... A lot!! :becky:

Good luck to him!!

Hollywood Park - June 18, 2011

Race 3 - 2:01 PM

ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING $62,500

Purse $55,000. (Plus $16,500 – CBOIF - California Bred Owner Fund). For Three Year Olds And Upward Which Have Never Won $10,000 Twice Other Than Maiden, Claiming, Starter Or State Bred Or Which Have Never Won Three Races Or Claiming Price $62,500.

1Carbonite (KY) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7722476&registry=T) 5/GL$62,500J Rosario (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=109183)120M R Mitchell (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=1268)
2Raetodandty (CA) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=8068862&registry=T) 4/GL$0J Talamo (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=122644)120V Brinkerhoff (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=261904)
3Earnednevergiven (CA) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7136245&registry=T) 7/GL$62,500D R Flores (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=633)122B J Koriner (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=26392)
4Kelly Leak (FL) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7830829&registry=T) 5/GL$62,500G K Gomez (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=731)120M Machowsky (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=1127)
5El Vino (KY) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7747860&registry=T) 5/GL$0V Espinoza (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=16787)122J A Shirreffs (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=38392)
6Cherokee Heaven (KY) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7138165&registry=T) 7/HL$62,500R Bejarano (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=102032)120H O Palma (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=1392)

[Miss Woodford]

Zenny's old running mate ... El Vino ... Is running again this Saturday! And they no longer put him up for claim these days ... I like that ... A lot!! :becky:

Good luck to him!!

Hollywood Park - June 18, 2011

Race 3 - 2:01 PM

ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING $62,500

Purse $55,000. (Plus $16,500 – CBOIF - California Bred Owner Fund). For Three Year Olds And Upward Which Have Never Won $10,000 Twice Other Than Maiden, Claiming, Starter Or State Bred Or Which Have Never Won Three Races Or Claiming Price $62,500.

1Carbonite (KY) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7722476&registry=T) 5/GL$62,500J Rosario (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=109183)120M R Mitchell (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=1268)
2Raetodandty (CA) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=8068862&registry=T) 4/GL$0J Talamo (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=122644)120V Brinkerhoff (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=261904)
3Earnednevergiven (CA) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7136245&registry=T) 7/GL$62,500D R Flores (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=633)122B J Koriner (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=26392)
4Kelly Leak (FL) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7830829&registry=T) 5/GL$62,500G K Gomez (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=731)120M Machowsky (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=1127)
5El Vino (KY) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7747860&registry=T) 5/GL$0V Espinoza (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=16787)122J A Shirreffs (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=38392)
6Cherokee Heaven (KY) (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbHorseInfo.cfm?refno=7138165&registry=T) 7/HL$62,500R Bejarano (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbJockeyInfo.cfm?eID=102032)120H O Palma (http://www.equibase.com/premium/eqbTrainerInfo.cfm?eID=1392)
Hey, Kelly Leak is back. Remember him?

[The Tin Man]

Hey, Kelly Leak is back. Remember him?

Yeah ... He's been back fo 2 or 3 months now ... But he's been running on Friday nights. :(

I haven't seen him since I've been back home ... So I'm really looking forward to seeing him this Saturday and hopefully getting some good pics of him. :)

Having grown up with "The Bad News Bears" ... I've always loved his name! :D

[luvsgeldings]

hey tin man! i see death star is also racing saturday - with joe talamo up - 5th race - i am really excited to see him and very happy joe is on him - joe is my favorite - hope they make a good team together - will look forward to rooting for el vino too - gotta keep sending love to all the zenyatta connections - i still miss her a ton - nothing like going to the track to watch her race all those years - sigh... it was just the BEST - no zen in the vanity saturday but what a race it will be... nice nice field - will be rooting for blind luck - and wishing good luck to all.

[The Tin Man]

hey tin man! i see death star is also racing saturday - with joe talamo up - 5th race - i am really excited to see him and very happy joe is on him - joe is my favorite - hope they make a good team together - will look forward to rooting for el vino too - gotta keep sending love to all the zenyatta connections - i still miss her a ton - nothing like going to the track to watch her race all those years - sigh... it was just the BEST - no zen in the vanity saturday but what a race it will be... nice nice field - will be rooting for blind luck - and wishing good luck to all.

Yeah ... I'm SUPER EXCITED for Death Star's debut!

I've been following him for 6 to 8 months ... Very excited to see him finally hit the track. I hope he shows well ...

He's adorable too ... Here are some pics I got of him in his stall a couple of weeks ago ...

[The Tin Man]

hey tin man! i see death star is also racing saturday - with joe talamo up - 5th race - i am really excited to see him and very happy joe is on him - joe is my favorite - hope they make a good team together - will look forward to rooting for el vino too - gotta keep sending love to all the zenyatta connections - i still miss her a ton - nothing like going to the track to watch her race all those years - sigh... it was just the BEST - no zen in the vanity saturday but what a race it will be... nice nice field - will be rooting for blind luck - and wishing good luck to all.

And yeah ... I've got a VERY soft spot for El Vino ... Being that he sacrificed a year of his career for Zenny ... Plus he's gorgeous and has her same DEEP closing style!

The Moss' had him up for claim his 1st 2 races back, but due to his excelling thus far ... He's NO longer been up for claim last race and this coming one.

He's earned his keep and they obviously think he's pretty good now!! So do I. :becky:

[klsyr1]

Yeah ... I'm SUPER EXCITED for Death Star's debut!

I've been following him for 6 to 8 months ... Very excited to see him finally hit the track. I hope he shows well ...

He's adorable too ... Here are some pics I got of him in his stall a couple of weeks ago ...


OOOH - there's that gorgeous boy!! LOVE this horse. Will you be there Tin Man? I'd love to see more pics of him!! (hint hint :becky:)

Sooooo, are we going to hear about Lava Man or what??? Did you get to ride him? You're killing me!

[The Tin Man]

OOOH - there's that gorgeous boy!! LOVE this horse. Will you be there Tin Man? I'd love to see more pics of him!! (hint hint :becky:)

Sooooo, are we going to hear about Lava Man or what??? Did you get to ride him? You're killing me!

Yep ... I'll be there for Death Star's debut ... Can't wait to get pics of him all dressed up! :becky:

I'll post them in this thread. :)

And as far as I know, I've got a date with Lava Man tomorrow morning. As long as there are no hiccups ... I'll at least get to see him tomorrow. I guess I'll know then whether I'll really get to ride him or not then ... I sure hope so!! It would be a dream come true ... Beyond a dream really ... :)

[luvsgeldings]

thanks for all the pix tin man! death star looks like a real sweetie pie - and i really hope you get to take a ride with lava man tomorrow - how glorious that would be! i look forward to hearing all about it - have big fun and please give a loving pat to lava for me - my husband and i rooted and cheered for him countless times at the socal tracks - enjoy your happy day with a great champion!

[klsyr1]

Good race by El Vino this weekend.

Poor Death Star looked totally confused out there. I think he's going to be a good horse when he puts it all together, but man was he green! Totally adorable, but green! :) Honestly, that face is to die for. Waiting not so patiently for pics Tin Man!!!! :becky:

[The Tin Man]

Good race by El Vino this weekend.

Poor Death Star looked totally confused out there. I think he's going to be a good horse when he puts it all together, but man was he green! Totally adorable, but green! :) Honestly, that face is to die for. Waiting not so patiently for pics Tin Man!!!! :becky:

I got the shaft on El Vino ... They saddled him WAY away from me and when he left the paddock, he'd totally turned his head the other way. Headless horse pics suck! :(

But I'm pretty sure I got Death Star though. I'll know later tonight and post what I got of him late night tonight.

And yeah ... He didn't do too well yesterday. Hopefully they'll tweak him a bit and do notably better next out.

He IS adorable though. :)

[EquineAnne]

I got the shaft on El Vino ... They saddled him WAY away from me and when he left the paddock, he'd totally turned his head the other way. Headless horse pics suck! :(

But I'm pretty sure I got Death Star though. I'll know later tonight and post what I got of him late night tonight.

And yeah ... He didn't do too well yesterday. Hopefully they'll tweak him a bit and do notably better next out.

He IS adorable though. :)

Did you see Lava Man?

[The Tin Man]

Did you see Lava Man?

Yep! And it was awesome!

I promise to give you an update plus pics tomorrow ... I took about 60 to 80 of them ... :)

Suffice to say ... It was even better than I imagined and he looks FANTASTIC still!! :becky:

[EquineAnne]

Yep! And it was awesome!

I promise to give you an update plus pics tomorrow ... I took about 60 to 80 of them ... :)

Suffice to say ... It was even better than I imagined and he looks FANTASTIC still!! :becky:

Does he appear to be happy?

[The Tin Man]

Does he appear to be happy?

He's happy as a clam and being VERY well taken care of!

He looks FANTASTIC!!

Still dappled too! :becky:

[The Tin Man]

Here's a teaser ... "The eye of a champion" ... :evil:

[The Tin Man]

And a pretty face ... :)

[The Tin Man]

And ... Hmmmmmmm ... Interesting angle ... How did I get THAT pic??? :evil:

[DesertHeat]

As I said before, riding Lava Man around was one of the best moments of my life. I just couldn't believe the history and power under me! Make sure you replay it over and over and over so you never forget a single second!

[islandgirl45]

Now that's cool, Tin Man! Congrats on your pony ride!

[The Tin Man]

As I said before, riding Lava Man around was one of the best moments of my life. I just couldn't believe the history and power under me! Make sure you replay it over and over and over so you never forget a single second!

Yeah ... It was awesome DH ... Definitely my best one on one time with a horse ever. The guy looked fantastic and seemed VERY happy and well taken care of. He's a SoCal legend and I'd have never dreamed I'd actually get to ride him. Not in my wildest fantasy.

He's probably the nearest and dearest horse to my heart ever. As much as I love Zenny, Lava Man had my heart 1st and I'm a very loyal guy. But I love them both greatly! :)

I got a zillion pictures ... Probably around 80 to 100 ... And much better ones than the teasers I previously posted here.

I'm going to start a thread on the "Racing Photos" forum(So I stop hogging Zenny's thread) and have a full report on my visit with him and I'll likely post at least 20 pics on it too(I got a lot of good ones) ... I'll start the thread either tonight or Friday. But definitely in time for the weekend. I hope the Lava Man fans here will enjoy them. They're pretty good and he's healthy, happy and looks fantastic! :becky:

But for now ... Here is likely my most prized one ... :becky:

"Which way to The Hollywood Gold Cup??? I'm ready!!!"

[The Tin Man]

Now that's cool, Tin Man! Congrats on your pony ride!

Thanks IG! See my above post for a little more on it and future pending stuff! :)

[islandgirl45]

Yeah ... It was awesome DH ... Definitely my best one on one time with a horse ever. The guy looked fantastic and seemed VERY happy and well taken care of. He's a SoCal legend and I'd have never dreamed I'd actually get to ride him. Not in my wildest fantasy.

He's probably the nearest and dearest horse to my heart ever. As much as I love Zenny, Lava Man had my heart 1st and I'm a very loyal guy. But I love them both greatly! :)

I got a zillion pictures ... Probably around 80 to 100 ... And much better ones than the teasers I previously posted here.

I'm going to start a thread on the "Racing Photos" forum(So I stop hogging Zenny's thread) and have a full report on my visit with him and I'll likely post at least 20 pics on it too(I got a lot of good ones) ... I'll start the thread either tonight or Friday. But definitely in time for the weekend. I hope the Lava Man fans here will enjoy them. They're pretty good and he's healthy, happy and looks fantastic! :becky:

But for now ... Here is likely my most prized one ... :becky:

"Which way to The Hollywood Gold Cup??? I'm ready!!!"

That's a great picture! You're definitely on the way to checking off that "bucket" list.:)

Hollywood Gold Cup, haha. I bet Lava Man could have a nice chat about that with Awesome Gem.

[The Tin Man]

That's a great picture! You're definitely on the way to checking off that "bucket" list.:)

Hollywood Gold Cup, haha. I bet Lava Man could have a nice chat about that with Awesome Gem.

Yeah ... I actually yelled that to Doug and company as I rode past his office on Lava Man! :becky:

I know it was dorky ... But that was my full intention! :hat:

Yep ... Check it off of my bucket list alright! I never realistically thought it was on there, but now that it's happened ... I'll add it!! :evil:

[The Tin Man]

This from DRF today in regards to Ebby ...



Smith enjoys another from family

Eblouissante, a 2-year-old half-sister to 2010 Horse of the Year, Zenyatta, worked three furlongs in 36.80 seconds on Wednesday and had an eager partner in jockey Mike Smith.

Smith, who rode Zenyatta in 17 of her 20 races, worked several horses for trainer John Shirreffs at Hollywood Park on Wednesday. Wednesday was the first time that Smith had ridden Eblouissante.

“That was fun,” Smith said. “She’s got a whole lot of her sister in her, the way she carries herself. She feels great. It’s hard to tell now but she was on it. She wanted to do it.
“She broke off behind another horse, and cruised up alongside at the wire. For a big 2-year-old filly, she’s very light on her feet. There’s promise there. We’ll have to see how much.”

Shirreffs described Smith’s reaction, as “like a kid with a new car.”

Owned by breeder Eric Kronfeld, Eblouissante joined Shirreffs’s stable in late May. Wednesday’s workout was her second recorded exercise.

Shirreffs said he is not pushing the filly to be ready at a specific time this year.
“It was a nice little three-eighths,” he said. “She’s just having a little fun in the morning. I’m not in a hurry with her. I’m just playing around.”

[BARNFOUR]

I know it was dorky ... But that was my full intention! :hat:



You never disappoint Tiny....

If you really want to do something for your bucket list,ask Drug O'neill if you can help assist him pre-race one this weekend....

[Slewfan2]

This from DRF today in regards to Ebby ...

Wow, this is so exciting watching this sweet baby learn her trade. I don't want to get too high in case she doesn't turn out, but it's hard not too because she sounds like such a sweetie pie.........I'm glad she's a filly because she'll always have a good home regardless of how her career turns out. In any case, she's off to a great start - just wait till she gets to really run!

[serenassong]

Yeah ... I actually yelled that to Doug and company as I rode past his office on Lava Man! :becky:

I know it was dorky ... But that was my full intention! :hat:

Yep ... Check it off of my bucket list alright! I never realistically thought it was on there, but now that it's happened ... I'll add it!! :evil:

Sound like you had a good time, good for you. I would have to remind myself to breath.:becky:

[klsyr1]

Yeah ... It was awesome DH ... Definitely my best one on one time with a horse ever. The guy looked fantastic and seemed VERY happy and well taken care of. He's a SoCal legend and I'd have never dreamed I'd actually get to ride him. Not in my wildest fantasy.

He's probably the nearest and dearest horse to my heart ever. As much as I love Zenny, Lava Man had my heart 1st and I'm a very loyal guy. But I love them both greatly! :)

I got a zillion pictures ... Probably around 80 to 100 ... And much better ones than the teasers I previously posted here.

I'm going to start a thread on the "Racing Photos" forum(So I stop hogging Zenny's thread) and have a full report on my visit with him and I'll likely post at least 20 pics on it too(I got a lot of good ones) ... I'll start the thread either tonight or Friday. But definitely in time for the weekend. I hope the Lava Man fans here will enjoy them. They're pretty good and he's healthy, happy and looks fantastic! :becky:

But for now ... Here is likely my most prized one ... :becky:

"Which way to The Hollywood Gold Cup??? I'm ready!!!"

You have to have this framed!!! That is so incredibly exciting that you got to do that!! I can't wait to see the rest of the pics on the other thread!

[klsyr1]

Here's a teaser ... "The eye of a champion" ... :evil:

Love this picture! I have a framed picture of Zenyatta's eye and head, almost the exact same angle, in my family room.

[LifeAtZen]

This from DRF today in regards to Ebby ...


Awww!! I'm glad Mike got to ride her, he seems soooo excited! Hopefully he will be her jockey when it comes time to race. I can't wait!!

[EquineAnne]

So awesome Tin. I cannot even imagine how thrilling that must have been. To love and follow a horse and then be on his back. WOW! Congrats and enjoy a dream come true.

And just ignore the haters, they are so jealous they can't help themselves. :becky:

[EquineAnne]

Awww!! I'm glad Mike got to ride her, he seems soooo excited! Hopefully he will be her jockey when it comes time to race. I can't wait!!

I hope he doesn't retire before John is ready to race her. He likes to take his time with his charges!

[LifeAtZen]

I hope he doesn't retire before John is ready to race her. He likes to take his time with his charges!


I remember Mikey saying he had another 5 years at least left in him. He's not ready to retire yet. Plus he always talks about possibly riding Zenny's baby when he/she is old enough (if he's chosen to - which I'm sure he will be) so I think he'll be around for a while!

[EquineAnne]

I remember Mikey saying he had another 5 years at least left in him. He's not ready to retire yet. Plus he always talks about possibly riding Zenny's baby when he/she is old enough (if he's chosen to - which I'm sure he will be) so I think he'll be around for a while!

Wonderful!

[islandgirl45]

Mike is riding more for Steve Asmussen, too. He's riding three Asmussen horses this weekend in stakes at Prairie Meadows.

Mike E. Smith
Entries
June 24 - Prairie Meadows
Remit Wgt-120 Race 8 (http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/PRM062411USA-EQB.html#RACE8)Iowa Distaff S.

June 25 - Prairie Meadows
Astrology Wgt-116 Race 8 (http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/PRM062511USA-EQB.html#RACE8) Iowa Derby
It Happened Again Wgt-115 Race 9 (http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/PRM062511USA-EQB.html#RACE9)Cornhusker H.

[moonwalker]

Zenyatta on the Farm (with photos) in the Blood Horse:

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2011/06/23/spring-at-lanes-end-farm.aspx

Mary MMM

[islandgirl45]

Zenyatta on the Farm (with photos) in the Blood Horse:

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2011/06/23/spring-at-lanes-end-farm.aspx

Mary MMM

Wow, Z looks like a big, dappled tank in that last shot. Nice to see she's healthy and happy.

[EquineAnne]

Looks like she has a rash on her legs.

[afleetphil]

She is the queen. She looks very content.

[Diver52]

Sigh. She's losing her girlish figure. But she looks terrific. The great thing about her temperament/personality was that although she could get amped up when it was show time, her general demeanor (at least as a mature horse) is remarkably relaxed and mellow.

[islandgirl45]

Looks like she has a rash on her legs.

Is that on the two white feet? It looked like they were speckled with something, but I figured it was dirt from her rolling around. What would cause a rash like that?

[LifeAtZen]

Looks like she has a rash on her legs.


Yeah that's dirt from romping in the field! We are so used to her so clean and spotless, gotta get used to a dirty Z!

[Citation07]

According to the newest diary post (http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-290), ESPN's doing a Zenyatta update this weekend on the Hollywood Gold Cup telecast. Something to watch for. :)

[moonwalker]

According to the newest diary post (http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-290), ESPN's doing a Zenyatta update this weekend on the Hollywood Gold Cup telecast. Something to watch for. :)

Will be DVR-ing for sure, if I go up to the track on Saturday (Arapahoe Park.) I check the weather report and usually don't drive up (it's about 75 miles) if it's going to rain. Though the last time I was up there on a rainy day, I won $129.

Sometime I like to go to the Colorado Horse Park show jumping events in the morning, then up to Arapahoe for the races in the afternoon. It's a great horsey day!

Mary MMM

[islandgirl45]

Cool, ESPN is broadcasting the Hollywood Gold Cup.

SATURDAY, JULY 9
7 p.m. (EDT) ESPN: Horse Racing -- Hollywood Gold Cup. (CC)


Saw that at...
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03001/329783-209.stm#ixzz1RLRIPVh6

[LifeAtZen]

Nice side shot of the ever-growing belly :)

http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-302

[islandgirl45]

Nice side shot of the ever-growing belly :)

http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-302

Man, she's going to be a Sherman tank by this winter! Still got those dapples, though, even with the sun lightening her coat.

[Allspice]

Nice side shot of the ever-growing belly :)

http://www.zenyatta.com/news/diary-post-302

She looks great.

[PJMIII]

That she does.

[daisy]

Wow. Great to see her.

I don't remember her tail being so scraggly. I know she didn't have much of one, but that looks like a baby ate it! If her real baby is a mommy-tail monster, she won't have ANY tail. LOL

[firehorse]

Breeders Cup Classic Calendar poll: http://www.facebook.com/breederscup?sk=app_214506075227746

She'll probably be on the cover no matter what, but quite a list to choose from......

[Secretariat Forever]

Breeders Cup Classic Calendar poll: http://www.facebook.com/breederscup?sk=app_214506075227746

She'll probably be on the cover no matter what, but quite a list to choose from......

I'd say. She's got over 800 votes it says. No one else has even broken into 200.

[BornToWin]

She's over 1000 now.

[islandgirl45]

North County Times interviewed John Shirreffs at Del Mar.
(EDIT: It was nice of Death Star to grin for the camera:))


DEL MAR: Shooting the breeze with ... trainer John Shirreffs
By JEFF NAHILL
jnahill@nctimes.com North County Times
Posted: Sunday, August 21

DEL MAR — This summer has been very quiet around John Shirreffs' barn.
There haven't been any nosy reporters poking around. There haven't been any bystanders with cameras just waiting for a glimpse of the "Big Horse................."

http://www.nctimes.com/sports/equestrian/racing/article_38f00ace-5787-5c03-a159-a42e5de963a5.html#ixzz1VgNp0V7g


http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/31/83113497-7420-582f-aad0-88c5b3da90ac/4e503ee2e83e7.preview-300.jpg (http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/31/83113497-7420-582f-aad0-88c5b3da90ac/4e503ee2c179a.image.jpg)
Trainer John Shirreffs poses outside his barn at the Del Mar fairgrounds on Thursday.
(Photo by Misael Virgen-Staff Photographer)

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/62/462e1141-45e9-599b-a99b-89ce81cc0b2d/4e503ee2335c3.image.jpg (http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/62/462e1141-45e9-599b-a99b-89ce81cc0b2d/4e503ee2335c3.image.jpg)
Trainer John Shirreffs and poses with his horse Death Star outside his barn at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar on Thursday.
(Photo by Misael Virgen-Staff Photographer)

[Blue Jeans]

Thanks for sharing. What a cute pic.

JS has fun with those horses. LOL

[islandgirl45]

Jerry and Ann Moss are attending the Keeneland September sale and will participate in a Q&A session at University of Kentucky.


University of Kentucky lecture series presents conversation with Zenyatta owners Jerry and Ann Moss
LEXINGTON, Ky., (Sep 9, 2011) Jerry and Ann Moss, owners of 2010 Horse of the Year and three-time champion older mare Zenyatta, will speak at the University of Kentucky Equine Initiative Distinguished Industry Lecture Series Sept. 14.

The event will be at 6 p.m. EDT in the College of Agriculture’s Seay auditorium on the UK campus. The event is free and open to the public.

Dan Liebman, past editor-in-chief for The Blood-Horse magazine, will interview the Mosses. The informal conversation and question-and-answer session will cover their experiences with Zenyatta and her impact on Thoroughbred horse racing...........
http://www.ca.uky.edu/news/?c=n&d=907 (http://www.ca.uky.edu/news/?c=n&d=907)

[BornToWin]

Anyone know if the session will be recorded and available somewhere online?

[islandgirl45]

Anyone know if the session will be recorded and available somewhere online?

The release didn't say, but here are two contact names and numbers listed at the end of the article. Perhaps they would know.

Contact: Holly Wiemers, 859-257-2226; Nancy Cox, 859-257-3333

[BornToWin]

@islandgir45--I emailed Ms. Wiemers. We'll see what she says. Thanks!

[LifeAtZen]

Mosses Recount Accomplishments of Zenyatta

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65062/mosses-recount-accomplishments-of-zenyatta




When asked if the Mosses were planning to keep Zenyatta’s first foal, Ann Moss: “Absolutely.”

[firehorse]

:preggers:

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2011/09/19/zenyatta-s-new-friends.aspx

Some beautiful pix in the Blood Horse article, but this one's the funniest....

http://www.bloodhorse.com/images/content/z8_aug11.jpg

[Secretariat Forever]

Gotta love her!!

[LifeAtZen]

Holy moley she is getting big!


Love her!

[islandgirl45]

Maybe it's just the angle of those photos, but she looks enormous!:)

[Native Diver]

Gracious, she's looking massive! Oh well, the camera adds 10 lbs....I'm sure that's the difference....:becky:

I'm struck by how, even turned out and slighted sun-bleached, and in losing the racing fit, spit-polished shined look, she is still as photogenic as ever. Lovely pics!

[PJMIII]

Great pictures. She sure looks good.

[Blue Jeans]

:preggers:

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/throughthelens/archive/2011/09/19/zenyatta-s-new-friends.aspx

Some beautiful pix in the Blood Horse article, but this one's the funniest....

http://www.bloodhorse.com/images/content/z8_aug11.jpg

Love it! There really is a lighter side to this pic! Too funny. :lol:

[Diver52]

She looks as big as a rhinoceros! :becky: But I guess we didn't need to worry about her "adjusting" to retirement. Stay happy, big Mama.

[Blue Jeans]

The pic second from bottom is a hoot. Looks like she's checking out Matt's new deodorant
... a fragrance she's not familiar with. :lol: Love that Zenyatta!

[serenassong]

North County Times interviewed John Shirreffs at Del Mar.
(EDIT: It was nice of Death Star to grin for the camera:))


DEL MAR: Shooting the breeze with ... trainer John Shirreffs
By JEFF NAHILL
jnahill@nctimes.com North County Times
Posted: Sunday, August 21

DEL MAR — This summer has been very quiet around John Shirreffs' barn.
There haven't been any nosy reporters poking around. There haven't been any bystanders with cameras just waiting for a glimpse of the "Big Horse................."

http://www.nctimes.com/sports/equestrian/racing/article_38f00ace-5787-5c03-a159-a42e5de963a5.html#ixzz1VgNp0V7g


http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/31/83113497-7420-582f-aad0-88c5b3da90ac/4e503ee2e83e7.preview-300.jpg (http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/31/83113497-7420-582f-aad0-88c5b3da90ac/4e503ee2c179a.image.jpg)
Trainer John Shirreffs poses outside his barn at the Del Mar fairgrounds on Thursday.
(Photo by Misael Virgen-Staff Photographer)

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/62/462e1141-45e9-599b-a99b-89ce81cc0b2d/4e503ee2335c3.image.jpg (http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nctimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/62/462e1141-45e9-599b-a99b-89ce81cc0b2d/4e503ee2335c3.image.jpg)
Trainer John Shirreffs and poses with his horse Death Star outside his barn at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in Del Mar on Thursday.
(Photo by Misael Virgen-Staff Photographer)


I love Death Star! I call him "His Cuteness"

Zenny is getting big, she looks good being preggers and all:preggers:

[klsyr1]

I love that someone commented below the blog that Zenyatta does not even look pregnant. Seriously?!?? I was about to ask if someone checked to make its not twins! She's HUGE. Love the last shots - she has a look on her face like "who me, eating again?" :)

[The Tin Man]

I love Death Star! I call him "His Cuteness"



Yeah ... He's certainly got an incrediby sweet face!

And he did much better last out too! Maybe next race he pulls out the win! :becky:

[firehorse]

http://www.zenyattashop.com/

http://www.zenyattashop.com/images/content-main.png

[EquineAnne]

http://www.zenyattashop.com/

http://www.zenyattashop.com/images/content-main.png

I may do that silly thing.

[StarGirl11]

http://www.zenyattashop.com/

http://www.zenyattashop.com/images/content-main.png

This is making me really wish I was going this year. Even more so than normal anyway. But nope I'm hope in CO for this year's event.

[second_glance]

You too can now ride "Zenyatta" (or "Giacomo" or "Tiago") -- on the new $2.5M carousel opening at the LA Zoo on Thursday. (The Mosses put up most of the money.) http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/10/24/29538/la-zoo-carousel-open-25-million-carousel-thursday/

No pics of the horses yet.

[Blue Jeans]

How wonderful for the LA Zoo, and I can't wait to see a pic of the trio of carousel horses. How exciting for the riders .... of the carousel.

The Mosses are such outstanding people .... so very generous!

'A dancing Zenyatta' .... for many years to come! Perfect for a carousel rider of all ages.

Thanks for the latest Zenyatta news.

[MightyMitch]

I may do that silly thing.

I AM doing the silly thing. When my friend and I spoke with John Sherriffs last weekend at Santa Anita, he asked if we were going. Our reply: "YES!"

[GreenasGrass]

Hmm, the Zenyatta news and the Rachel, Rachel threads are still going strong a year after retirement. Yay for superstars.

[Man o' Taz]

This is making me really wish I was going this year. Even more so than normal anyway. But nope I'm hope in CO for this year's event.

Me too. It would have been a "must do" if we were. :)

[PONYRCR]

You too can now ride "Zenyatta" (or "Giacomo" or "Tiago") -- on the new $2.5M carousel opening at the LA Zoo on Thursday. (The Mosses put up most of the money.) http://www.scpr.org/news/2011/10/24/29538/la-zoo-carousel-open-25-million-carousel-thursday/

No pics of the horses yet.


Guess I'll be making a trip out to the zoo soon.

[PONYRCR]

Found this picture; Zenyatta as a carousel horse. I don't think it does her justice.

[LifeAtZen]

Found this picture; Zenyatta as a carousel horse. I don't think it does her justice.


I don't think any sculpture or other work of art will ever do her justice.

Still pretty anyhow!

[Blue Jeans]

Found this picture; Zenyatta as a carousel horse. I don't think it does her justice.

Ah, it's really cute. She looks so happy ... and looks like she's doing the cha-cha!

Thanks for sharing.

[personalensign79]

Love it, it's cute...also love the cotton in her ears.

[EquineAnne]

Any thoughts?

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/10/27/havre-de-grace-vs-zenyatta.aspx

Racing commentary: Head-to-head matchup with Havre de Grace favors Zenyatta

Posted: Thursday, October 27, 2011 2:02 PM


http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/images/zenyatta3-benoit.jpg
ZENYATTA
Benoit & Associates photo

by Bob Ehalt
They could have raced against each other, but never did.
There was Zenyatta, undefeated in her first 19 races. Horse of the Year for 2010. As good of a distaff runner as the sport has ever seen.
Now comes Havre de Grace. A winner of five of six races this year, losing only by a miniscule nose in the Delaware Handicap (G2) to last year’s champion three-year-old filly, Blind Luck. Conqueror of males in the Woodward Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course. The leading candidate to be Horse of the Year in 2011. At four, she’s as good a filly as the sport has seen since … Zenyatta?
As brilliant as Havre de Grace has been as a four-year-old, she has been unable to outrun the shadow of the great mare who came before her, Zenyatta.
At three, she was a notch below Zenyatta, a contention supported by her third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) behind Unrivaled Belle and Blind Luck. But what might have happened if the two had met now, when Havre de Grace has developed to the point where her trainer, Larry Jones, used her in the same sentence as Secretariat after a monstrous victory in the Beldame Invitational Stakes (G1)?
Such a question can spark emotional answers, but there are some hard, cold facts—or numbers—that can perhaps settle the point. Comparing the Ragozin speed figures for Havre de Grace and Zenyatta during each’s four-year-old season vividly illustrates just how fast each ran in those races and who might win if they could have been placed in the starting gate together.
And looking over those figures, to borrow a phrase from a forgettable vice presidential candidate, I’ve seen the numbers and Havre de Grace is no Zenyatta.
Based solely on the horses’ first six races at four, Zenyatta held an overall edge through the single fastest effort, and if the figures were matched against each other in chronological order Zenyatta would have won four of the six meetings.
“Both were outstanding fillies,” said Len Friedman, a partner with Ragozin Thoroughbred Data. “I’d put Havre de Grace among the 25 fastest fillies I’ve seen. But Zenyatta belongs in the top five. If she raced against Havre de Grace, she would do what she did all the time: she’d win.”
To put all of the figures in context, here’s a breakdown of each of their races at four (remember, lower numbers are better on the Ragozin scale):
Zenyatta started 2008 with a victory in the El Encino Stakes (G2) and received a 6 1/2. Havre de Grace started this year with a win over Blind Luck in the Azeri Stakes (G3) that netted her a 3 3/4.
Havre de Grace 1, Zenyatta 0
Zenyatta then won the 2008 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) with a 1 1/2, while Havre de Grace took the 2010 Apple Blossom with a 3 1/2.
Havre de Grace 1, Zenyatta 1
Zenyatta returned with a win in the Milady Handicap (G2) that garnered her a 2 3/4. Havre de Grace slipped to a 5 1/2 in the Obeah Stakes (G3).
Zenyatta 2, Havre de Grace 1
Next Zenyatta took the Vanity (G1) with a 5 while Havre de Grace recorded a new career top of 1/2 despite losing in the Delaware Handicap.
Zenyatta 2, Havre de Grace 2
Zenyatta then posted what would be the fastest effort of her 20-race career, a minus 3/4 in the Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (G2). Havre de Grace, meanwhile, matched her career top with a 1/2 in the Woodward Stakes (G1).
Zenyatta 3, Havre de Grace 2
Finally, Zenyatta prevailed in the Lady’s Secret Stakes (G1) with a 2 3/4 while Havre de Grace chalked up a 4 in her final Breeders’ Cup prep, the Beldame.
Zenyatta 4, Havre de Grace 2
Game, set, and match, Zenyatta. She won the head-to-head battle and, with that career top of minus-3/4, her best day was better than anything we’ve seen from Havre de Grace—so far.
Returning to reality, Havre de Grace has one more race left in 2011, and will try to match Zenyatta in becoming a female winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). She definitely will have to improve off that 4 in the Beldame to do it, which poses a challenging yet hardly insurmountable problem for her.
Her real-life challengers—horses like Uncle Mo, Tizway and Flat Out—are fast, but not as fast as a mare who will not be in the starting gate on November 5 at Churchill Downs.
Funny, isn’t it? A year after her farewell performance, Zenyatta is still winning races.
Apparently, there are some things that never change.


Bob Ehalt is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer
This story appeared in the October 26 edition of Thoroughbred Times TODAY, a free newsletter covering the Thoroughbred industry. To subscribe to the TODAY, click here (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/today-signup/).

[MonmouthGuy]

I have found Ragozin numbers to be the most inaccurate speed figures that there are.

For example, they have Union Rags slower than 3/4 of the field in the BC Juvy.



Any thoughts?

http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2011/10/27/havre-de-grace-vs-zenyatta.aspx

Racing commentary: Head-to-head matchup with Havre de Grace favors Zenyatta

Posted: Thursday, October 27, 2011 2:02 PM


http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/images/zenyatta3-benoit.jpg
ZENYATTA
Benoit & Associates photo

by Bob Ehalt
They could have raced against each other, but never did.
There was Zenyatta, undefeated in her first 19 races. Horse of the Year for 2010. As good of a distaff runner as the sport has ever seen.
Now comes Havre de Grace. A winner of five of six races this year, losing only by a miniscule nose in the Delaware Handicap (G2) to last year’s champion three-year-old filly, Blind Luck. Conqueror of males in the Woodward Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course. The leading candidate to be Horse of the Year in 2011. At four, she’s as good a filly as the sport has seen since … Zenyatta?
As brilliant as Havre de Grace has been as a four-year-old, she has been unable to outrun the shadow of the great mare who came before her, Zenyatta.
At three, she was a notch below Zenyatta, a contention supported by her third-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (G1) behind Unrivaled Belle and Blind Luck. But what might have happened if the two had met now, when Havre de Grace has developed to the point where her trainer, Larry Jones, used her in the same sentence as Secretariat after a monstrous victory in the Beldame Invitational Stakes (G1)?
Such a question can spark emotional answers, but there are some hard, cold facts—or numbers—that can perhaps settle the point. Comparing the Ragozin speed figures for Havre de Grace and Zenyatta during each’s four-year-old season vividly illustrates just how fast each ran in those races and who might win if they could have been placed in the starting gate together.
And looking over those figures, to borrow a phrase from a forgettable vice presidential candidate, I’ve seen the numbers and Havre de Grace is no Zenyatta.
Based solely on the horses’ first six races at four, Zenyatta held an overall edge through the single fastest effort, and if the figures were matched against each other in chronological order Zenyatta would have won four of the six meetings.
“Both were outstanding fillies,” said Len Friedman, a partner with Ragozin Thoroughbred Data. “I’d put Havre de Grace among the 25 fastest fillies I’ve seen. But Zenyatta belongs in the top five. If she raced against Havre de Grace, she would do what she did all the time: she’d win.”
To put all of the figures in context, here’s a breakdown of each of their races at four (remember, lower numbers are better on the Ragozin scale):
Zenyatta started 2008 with a victory in the El Encino Stakes (G2) and received a 6 1/2. Havre de Grace started this year with a win over Blind Luck in the Azeri Stakes (G3) that netted her a 3 3/4.
Havre de Grace 1, Zenyatta 0
Zenyatta then won the 2008 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) with a 1 1/2, while Havre de Grace took the 2010 Apple Blossom with a 3 1/2.
Havre de Grace 1, Zenyatta 1
Zenyatta returned with a win in the Milady Handicap (G2) that garnered her a 2 3/4. Havre de Grace slipped to a 5 1/2 in the Obeah Stakes (G3).
Zenyatta 2, Havre de Grace 1
Next Zenyatta took the Vanity (G1) with a 5 while Havre de Grace recorded a new career top of 1/2 despite losing in the Delaware Handicap.
Zenyatta 2, Havre de Grace 2
Zenyatta then posted what would be the fastest effort of her 20-race career, a minus 3/4 in the Clement L. Hirsch Handicap (G2). Havre de Grace, meanwhile, matched her career top with a 1/2 in the Woodward Stakes (G1).
Zenyatta 3, Havre de Grace 2
Finally, Zenyatta prevailed in the Lady’s Secret Stakes (G1) with a 2 3/4 while Havre de Grace chalked up a 4 in her final Breeders’ Cup prep, the Beldame.
Zenyatta 4, Havre de Grace 2
Game, set, and match, Zenyatta. She won the head-to-head battle and, with that career top of minus-3/4, her best day was better than anything we’ve seen from Havre de Grace—so far.
Returning to reality, Havre de Grace has one more race left in 2011, and will try to match Zenyatta in becoming a female winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). She definitely will have to improve off that 4 in the Beldame to do it, which poses a challenging yet hardly insurmountable problem for her.
Her real-life challengers—horses like Uncle Mo, Tizway and Flat Out—are fast, but not as fast as a mare who will not be in the starting gate on November 5 at Churchill Downs.
Funny, isn’t it? A year after her farewell performance, Zenyatta is still winning races.
Apparently, there are some things that never change.


Bob Ehalt is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer
This story appeared in the October 26 edition of Thoroughbred Times TODAY, a free newsletter covering the Thoroughbred industry. To subscribe to the TODAY, click here (http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/today-signup/).

[Beandog]

Those hypothetical "if they met and raced so and so would have obviously won" scenarios aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

Crazy things happen in racing, just ask Onion or the obvious one..Upset. :becky:

[janpal]

Zenyatta is a great mare, her record-setting string of victories, her unbelievably long stride, her magnetic personality along with her victory in the Classic will never be forgotten! But, Grace is still writing her legacy and to compare Rag numbers is pointless when both horses were doing what they needed to do to win their respective races. Havre de Grace was sure able to turn it up a notch, or two, when she won the Woodward and if she wins the Classic she will have done 2 things that Zen was unable to accomplish, win two races in one year against the best boys in our country, and will be the only filly to have won the Classic on dirt. So, although it makes for interesting reading, comparing these two great mares is a bit unfair, not only because they never faced each other, but also because Grace has not had the opportunity to complete her resume.

[secretariat4ever]

Grace can complete her resume and Zenyatta or Rachel would made lunch of her.:bowl:

[janpal]

Grace can complete her resume and Zenyatta or Rachel would made lunch of her.:bowl:
Not sure that this is really worthy of a response (??), except to say that it is this type of no-it-all-put-down-one-to-build-up-another-comment that causes bad feelings and quite frankly speaks badly of you! Hopefully, you are usually a nicer, less pompous-acting person than this would lead one to believe? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and just assume that you would agree that all three of these fillies have great talent and we have been blessed to see ALL three of them on the track.

[Sheepish]

Grace can complete her resume and Zenyatta or Rachel would made lunch of her.:bowl:

This statement is silly. That is all.

[janpal]

This statement is silly. That is all.
Right -- I just can't understand the need to make a comment like that --it's not like we'll ever have the chance to prove or disprove? I mean, there are so many variables here; synth vs. dirt, closer vs. stalker, competition faced, when each reached their peak, what they were asked to do in a specific race..... I could go on and on. The only thing I know is all three have proved their greatness on the track, and to me that's all that really matters.

[Allspice]

Zenyatta is a great mare, her record-setting string of victories, her unbelievably long stride, her magnetic personality along with her victory in the Classic will never be forgotten! But, Grace is still writing her legacy and to compare Rag numbers is pointless when both horses were doing what they needed to do to win their respective races. Havre de Grace was sure able to turn it up a notch, or two, when she won the Woodward and if she wins the Classic she will have done 2 things that Zen was unable to accomplish, win two races in one year against the best boys in our country, and will be the only filly to have won the Classic on dirt. So, although it makes for interesting reading, comparing these two great mares is a bit unfair, not only because they never faced each other, but also because Grace has not had the opportunity to complete her resume.

More like didn't than unable for that one. I'm sure she was able, her connections just didn't give her the opportunity to prove it.

I do agree with the general sentiment of the article, that Zenyatta was the better horse, but that's just my opinion. For me, Zenyatta is the best horse I've seen since I started following the sport. And I'm not the kind of person that has a new "best" every year or so, Skip Away held the top spot for over a decade until Zenyatta took it from him.

That said, I do like Grace and would like to see her do well in the Classic.

[MonmouthGuy]

More like didn't than unable for that one. I'm sure she was able, her connections just didn't give her the opportunity to prove it.


Not sure about that. I think a valid question and one that people can have reasonable differing opinions on is whether Zenyatta's unbeaten streak was because of how her connections managed her.

One can say her connections managed her brilliantly based on her record, and another can say her connections didn't create challenges that may have showed her full potential. Both statements are correct.

One can say, she didn't ship well, so you can't blame the connections for protecting their most valuable asset. Another can say, being able to ship and race at different tracks against all comers in open competition is part of the measuring stick on which greatness is measured. Both statements are correct.

This is why Zenyatta, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest mares of all time, draws so much controversy. Both sides can make reasonable arguments on the level of the greatness.

Personally, if HDG wins the Classic, I think her 2011 campaign will be the greatest campaign of any female horse in recent history. Does that make her the greatest mare? Not necessarily. See above.

[MR.W]

Shipping or lack thereof seems to be such a huge issue when it comes to Zenyatta and her greatness. Zenyatta ran at five different tracks and still gets negative feedback for her lack of shipping. Grace ships on the east coast only and Churchill and has never come west to race Blind Luck even once. Personally, I don't think her connections needed to ship her west, however Graces lack of shipping to a distant location never seems to come up on this board like it did for Z. I see a double standard here.

[Allspice]

Not sure about that. I think a valid question and one that people can have reasonable differing opinions on is whether Zenyatta's unbeaten streak was because of how her connections managed her.

One can say her connections managed her brilliantly based on her record, and another can say her connections didn't create challenges that may have showed her full potential. Both statements are correct.

One can say, she didn't ship well, so you can't blame the connections for protecting their most valuable asset. Another can say, being able to ship and race at different tracks against all comers in open competition is part of the measuring stick on which greatness is measured. Both statements are correct.

This is why Zenyatta, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest mares of all time, draws so much controversy. Both sides can make reasonable arguments on the level of the greatness.

Personally, if HDG wins the Classic, I think her 2011 campaign will be the greatest campaign of any female horse in recent history. Does that make her the greatest mare? Not necessarily. See above.

Very valid points. I think she could have, but there is no way to really know.

[Somnambulist]

Shipping or lack thereof seems to be such a huge issue when it comes to Zenyatta and her greatness. Zenyatta ran at five different tracks and still gets negative feedback for her lack of shipping. Grace ships on the east coast only and Churchill and has never come west to race Blind Luck even once. Personally, I don't think her connections needed to ship her west, however Graces lack of shipping to a distant location never seems to come up on this board like it did for Z. I see a double standard here.

No one is saying Grace is the best horse ever, though.

[janpal]

Shipping or lack thereof seems to be such a huge issue when it comes to Zenyatta and her greatness. Zenyatta ran at five different tracks and still gets negative feedback for her lack of shipping. Grace ships on the east coast only and Churchill and has never come west to race Blind Luck even once. Personally, I don't think her connections needed to ship her west, however Graces lack of shipping to a distant location never seems to come up on this board like it did for Z. I see a double standard here.
I don't believe any horse should ship, just to ship. That which you are seeing as a double standard, I see as a question of available races. There have always been many top-quality dirt races to choose from on the east coast, so why would a trainer or owner opt for the added expense and needless stress of shipping for a race of equal or lesser quality?

[sweettalk]

No one is saying Grace is the best horse ever, though.
that doesnt mean anything. not once has her lack of shipping ever come up from anywhere; i was looking for her to ship west for BL's race, and she didnt (hardly matters anyway since BL wasnt herself). she didnt, ad no one seemed to think anything of it. zen didnt ship for certain things and the boards were like a halloween bonfire.

greatest horse ever ornot, if a horse is getting accolades, they should be under the same rules as everyone else. no special treatment for varying levels of greatness.


I don't believe any horse should ship, just to ship. That which you are seeing
as a double standard, I see as a question of available races. There have always
been many top-quality dirt races to choose from on the east coast, so why would
a trainer or owner opt for the added expense and needless stress of shipping for
a race of equal or lesser quality? why should west coast have to ship? there are strong fields out here too, yet we get pummeled for not shipping east. why are east coasters seen as better, with better foes, and no need to ship, while west coast has to ship to prove themselves?

[janpal]

that doesnt mean anything. not once has her lack of shipping ever come up from anywhere; i was looking for her to ship west for BL's race, and she didnt (hardly matters anyway since BL wasnt herself). she didnt, ad no one seemed to think anything of it. zen didnt ship for certain things and the boards were like a halloween bonfire.

greatest horse ever ornot, if a horse is getting accolades, they should be under the same rules as everyone else. no special treatment for varying levels of greatness.

why should west coast have to ship? there are strong fields out here too, yet we get pummeled for not shipping east. why are east coasters seen as better, with better foes, and no need to ship, while west coast has to ship to prove themselves?
Don't think west coast top synth horses do need to necessarily ship, but if they want to be known as one of the best dirt horses ( only or in combo with synth ), I believe the best dirt racing competition is on the east coast.

[BornToWin]

Not being sassy, (I really don't know) but have any of these others besides Zenyatta carried 129 lbs?
And won?

[Allspice]

Not being sassy, (I really don't know) but have any of these others besides Zenyatta carried 129 lbs?
And won?

You mean Grace? No.

[MonmouthGuy]

.

why should west coast have to ship? there are strong fields out here too, yet we get pummeled for not shipping east. why are east coasters seen as better, with better foes, and no need to ship, while west coast has to ship to prove themselves?

Zenyatta's 2010 California restricted campaign did not include a win over any horse that even ran in the 2010 Breeders Cup Ladies Classic.

When you are trying to compare a horse historically to Cigar and other all time greats, it would behoove the connections of that horse to run a horse against the level of competition those horses faced race in and race out.

[Ty88]

Zenyatta's 2010 California restricted campaign did not include a win over any horse that even ran in the 2010 Breeders Cup Ladies Classic.

When you are trying to compare a horse historically to Cigar and other all time greats, it would behoove the connections of that horse to run a horse against the level of competition those horses faced race in and race out.

Take her career as a whole, and who did she not face that she needed to? Rachel Alexandra, that's it. She beat Music Note, Hystericalady, Ginger Punch, Sealy Hill, Tough Tiz's Sis. The males she finished in front of include Einstein, Colonel John, Rip Van Winkle, Twice Over, Summer Bird, Gio Ponti, Awesome Gem, and Lookin At Lucky. She racked up that win streak with only two races that were not graded stakes. The last eight of these were Grade Ones. She owns the consecutive Grade/Group One world record and has won the most Grade Ones of any filly/mare in North America, and the North American record for consecutive wins in unrestricted stakes (apparently the people who make this record don't count sex as a restriction). And to her credit on the Rachel Alexandra thing, Zenyatta did show up for that year's Breeder's Cup and the planned Oaklawn meeting. Rachel didn't.
Yeah, she could've shipped more. Yeah, she could've faced males more often. The same people who have questions now would have questions then, though. No horse can please everyone with their campaign. And if Ghostzapper can get called one of the best talents in North American history with his four-race campaign, and Rapid Redux can be called deserving Horse of the Year off his 19 race streak--in allowances and claiming races, I think Zenyatta's career, despite its faults, can be called one of the best for a North American female, and Zenyatta herself as one of the best.
(That's without even going into her racing style, which does not lend itself to many wins, and her ability to set speed records--as a closer.)

[Native Diver]

Very excellent post, Ty88. My thoughts exactly.

[peeptoad]

Take her career as a whole, and who did she not face that she needed to? Rachel Alexandra, that's it. She beat Music Note, Hystericalady, Ginger Punch, Sealy Hill, Tough Tiz's Sis. The males she finished in front of include Einstein, Colonel John, Rip Van Winkle, Twice Over, Summer Bird, Gio Ponti, Awesome Gem, and Lookin At Lucky. She racked up that win streak with only two races that were not graded stakes. The last eight of these were Grade Ones. She owns the consecutive Grade/Group One world record and has won the most Grade Ones of any filly/mare in North America, and the North American record for consecutive wins in unrestricted stakes (apparently the people who make this record don't count sex as a restriction). And to her credit on the Rachel Alexandra thing, Zenyatta did show up for that year's Breeder's Cup and the planned Oaklawn meeting. Rachel didn't.
Yeah, she could've shipped more. Yeah, she could've faced males more often. The same people who have questions now would have questions then, though. No horse can please everyone with their campaign. And if Ghostzapper can get called one of the best talents in North American history with his four-race campaign, and Rapid Redux can be called deserving Horse of the Year off his 19 race streak--in allowances and claiming races, I think Zenyatta's career, despite its faults, can be called one of the best for a North American female, and Zenyatta herself as one of the best.
(That's without even going into her racing style, which does not lend itself to many wins, and her ability to set speed records--as a closer.)

This is a good post, and you make your point very well. I agree, except that I think it's natural for people to be a little critical (not going overboard though) about something they're passionate about. For example, I wanted to see Zenyatta run in the 2010 Hollywood Gold Cup, since I thought she would have done really well there, but it didn't happen. So I think there's room for some criticism, but Zenyatta really had a stellar career overall.

[moonwalker]

The Oct. 29 issue of the Blood Horse has a very nice 2 page picture of pregnant Zenyatta and her pasture mate at Lane's End.

Mary MMM

[Play The King]

The Oct. 29 issue of the Blood Horse has a very nice 2 page picture of pregnant Zenyatta and her pasture mate at Lane's End.

Mary MMM


AWWWW!! I want that edition! I knew I should have gotten a subscription! :(

I'm not comparing any female horses racing or retired...I just think it's amazing that they are dominating the races on a global front the past couple of years...they ALL are great and I love what they are and have brought to the sport and to the fans.

May they ALL come home safely next weekend!

Jenn

[Flanders]

I'm not comparing any female horses racing or retired...I just think it's amazing that they are dominating the races on a global front the past couple of years...they ALL are great and I love what they are and have brought to the sport and to the fans.

May they ALL come home safely next weekend!

I don't compare either. I enjoy watching them all and I always root for the fillies against the colts. ;)

[Codysmom55]

Take her career as a whole, and who did she not face that she needed to? Rachel Alexandra, that's it. She beat Music Note, Hystericalady, Ginger Punch, Sealy Hill, Tough Tiz's Sis. The males she finished in front of include Einstein, Colonel John, Rip Van Winkle, Twice Over, Summer Bird, Gio Ponti, Awesome Gem, and Lookin At Lucky. She racked up that win streak with only two races that were not graded stakes. The last eight of these were Grade Ones. She owns the consecutive Grade/Group One world record and has won the most Grade Ones of any filly/mare in North America, and the North American record for consecutive wins in unrestricted stakes (apparently the people who make this record don't count sex as a restriction). And to her credit on the Rachel Alexandra thing, Zenyatta did show up for that year's Breeder's Cup and the planned Oaklawn meeting. Rachel didn't.
Yeah, she could've shipped more. Yeah, she could've faced males more often. The same people who have questions now would have questions then, though. No horse can please
veryone with their campaign. And if Ghostzapper can get called one of the best talents in North American history with his four-race campaign, and Rapid Redux can be called deserving Horse of the Year off his 19 race streak--in allowances and claiming races, I think Zenyatta's career, despite its faults, can be called one of the best for a North American female, and Zenyatta herself as one of the best.
(That's without even going into her racing style, which does not lend itself to many wins, and her ability to set speed records--as a closer.)


A very thoughtful and well styled post.

[LifeAtZen]

Take her career as a whole, and who did she not face that she needed to? Rachel Alexandra, that's it. She beat Music Note, Hystericalady, Ginger Punch, Sealy Hill, Tough Tiz's Sis. The males she finished in front of include Einstein, Colonel John, Rip Van Winkle, Twice Over, Summer Bird, Gio Ponti, Awesome Gem, and Lookin At Lucky. She racked up that win streak with only two races that were not graded stakes. The last eight of these were Grade Ones. She owns the consecutive Grade/Group One world record and has won the most Grade Ones of any filly/mare in North America, and the North American record for consecutive wins in unrestricted stakes (apparently the people who make this record don't count sex as a restriction). And to her credit on the Rachel Alexandra thing, Zenyatta did show up for that year's Breeder's Cup and the planned Oaklawn meeting. Rachel didn't.
Yeah, she could've shipped more. Yeah, she could've faced males more often. The same people who have questions now would have questions then, though. No horse can please everyone with their campaign. And if Ghostzapper can get called one of the best talents in North American history with his four-race campaign, and Rapid Redux can be called deserving Horse of the Year off his 19 race streak--in allowances and claiming races, I think Zenyatta's career, despite its faults, can be called one of the best for a North American female, and Zenyatta herself as one of the best.
(That's without even going into her racing style, which does not lend itself to many wins, and her ability to set speed records--as a closer.)


:amen:

[luvsgeldings]

ty88.... thank you! thank you for that great post - it was wonderful - you gave facts - they cannot be denied - - - zenyatta ran 20 winning races - basically, she showed up every time she entered a starting gate - she never let us down - not ever.

[EquineAnne]

ty88.... thank you! thank you for that great post - it was wonderful - you gave facts - they cannot be denied - - - zenyatta ran 20 winning races - basically, she showed up every time she entered a starting gate - she never let us down - not ever.

nope, she didn't.

I had tears in my eyes reading the last few sentences of the article. I miss her but thankfully, we had Blind Luck & Gracie this year. And now, for year-end excitement, we have Gracie! The girls have been very entertaining and rewarding to follow and watch.

[Blue Jeans]

The Oct. 29 issue of the Blood Horse has a very nice 2 page picture of pregnant Zenyatta and her pasture mate at Lane's End.

Mary MMM

Oct 29th? I'm still waiting to receive Oct. 22nd (rec'd Oct. 15th on the 24th). Think they're sent down here on a shrimp boat! The deliveries have been terrible this year.

[EquineAnne]

Oct 29th? I'm still waiting to receive Oct. 22nd (rec'd Oct. 15th on the 24th). Think they're sent down here on a shrimp boat! The deliveries have been terrible this year.

Deliveries were always bad, IMO. I canceled my subscription due to that.

[klsyr1]

Oct 29th? I'm still waiting to receive Oct. 22nd (rec'd Oct. 15th on the 24th). Think they're sent down here on a shrimp boat! The deliveries have been terrible this year.

I got 3 installments of the Thoroughbred Times delivered this Friday. I'm not so sure its the publications, as much as the US Mail. I swear our mailman hoards magazines, reads them, and then delivers them all at once. I can go 3 or 4 days without getting a catalog or other mailer, and then I'll get 5 or 6 in one day.

[BornToWin]

You mean Grace? No.

I meant any of them running in this year's BCC. Have any of them carried 129 pounds and won?

[Allspice]

I meant any of them running in this year's BCC. Have any of them carried 129 pounds and won?

Prayer for Relief-No
Flat Out-No
Drosselmeyer-No
Ruler on Ice-No
So You Think-Yes
Ice Box-No
Rattlesnake Bridge-No
Game on Dude-No
Stay Thirsty-No
Havre de Grace-No
Headache-No
Uncle Mo-No
To Honor and Serve-No

On a side-note, I didn't know So You Think was in the race (shows you how closely I've been paying attention to the BC this year). Sorry Grace...I'm rooting for him.

[moonwalker]

Oct 29th? I'm still waiting to receive Oct. 22nd (rec'd Oct. 15th on the 24th). Think they're sent down here on a shrimp boat! The deliveries have been terrible this year.

The only reason I have Oct. 29's BH and TT is because I picked them up on the rack at Fasig-Tipton last week during the sale. Got Oct. 22's magazines that way, too. I'm sure they haven't been delivered in Colorado yet; they are so slow.

Mary MMM

[Blue Jeans]

The only reason I have Oct. 29's BH and TT is because I picked them up on the rack at Fasig-Tipton last week during the sale. Got Oct. 22's magazines that way, too. I'm sure they haven't been delivered in Colorado yet; they are so slow.

Mary MMM

Thanks. When issues are received, I record the date on a kitchen calendar; that's the only way I can keep up with them. Have been doing that for the past two years .... they just get later and later these days. I understand B-H uses two different delivery outfits ... one being in California, so those are apparently the issues received the latest of late deliveries. Very, very seldom does an issue arrive about the time of its due date.

[LifeAtZen]

Conquering Defeat: Remembering Zenyatta in her Final Breeders' Cup Classic

http://thesaturdaypost.org/blog/2011/11/01/conquering-defeat-remembering-zenyatta-in-her-final-breeders-cup-classic/

[islandgirl45]

Conquering Defeat: Remembering Zenyatta in her Final Breeders' Cup Classic

http://thesaturdaypost.org/blog/2011/11/01/conquering-defeat-remembering-zenyatta-in-her-final-breeders-cup-classic/Nice article and pictures! Even a year later, her memory holds power. Hindsight is 20/20, of course, but I can't help wondering, if only she'd had a couple works over the track ... if only...

[Play The King]

That brought tears to my eyes. This wonderful horse still manages to pull my heartstrings.

I didn't realize what happened after the race last year...how amazing that everyone stood and gave her such a standing ovation. Either years I wish I could have been there to be part of that love and admiration for ONE horse. Bet it would have gave me goose bumps. Reminiscent of years gone by when a nation would cheer on one horse like Secretariat or Man o' War. Z is the first time I've been a part of something that large...what a feeling!

Jenn

[Diver52]

I just wish they'd stop showing That Race as part of the BC promo. I try to mute it every time I can. :sad: On the other hand, there's one promo photo that shows just how far back she was going into the first turn, which I'd almost forgotten (because I can't stand to watch it!).

[islandgirl45]

Claire Novak weighs in with her look back at last year's BCC . . .


Zenyatta and Blame: A year later
By Claire Novak
Special to ESPN.com
Tuesday, November 1, 2011

http://espn.go.com/winnercomm/Zenyatta_576_110111.jpg
Zenyatta is due to have her first foal in early 2012.

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Her coat is thicker now, fuzzy with the changing seasons and with winter coming on. Days shorten and temperatures dip at night across the bluegrass. The foal inside her rounding belly grows. Twelve short months ago, Zenyatta went charging down a sandy strip at Churchill Downs in the race of her life, an unprecedented bid to repeat her historic score in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Her incredible run from far behind the field on that cold November evening was not quick enough to catch a gusty colt named Blame -- but their performances resulted in Eclipse Awards, with Blame earning Champion Older Horse and Zenyatta taking home honors as Champion Older Female and the 2010 Horse of the Year. Racing fans recall the buildup to that showdown, the duel beneath the lights, the announcer's frantic call as he himself urged them on -- "Zenyatta, Zenyatta, Blame and Zenyattaaaa!" -- as if it were yesterday. They remember debating over which was the better runner after Blame came out ahead by a nose, and some of them drove from across the country -- from Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Colorado, New York -- to visit the two before they were sent off to retirement safe and sound, Zenyatta with a special ceremony at Keeneland and a record of 19 wins, just one loss. Here at Churchill as the 2011 Breeders' Cup approaches, there's no shortage of buzz around current Classic contenders. But memories of last year's two top finishers are still alive and well, as are the horses that made history. Even in retirement, Zenyatta and Blame continue to impact the sport of thoroughbred racing. They will for generations to come.
* * *

Blame still gets letters. Stallion handler Kevin Lay keeps one tucked up in the visor of his pickup, a note from a little girl, "you tried real hard" written in 8-year-old hand along with a rendering of a horse race. People come to see the former runner every day, between 40 and 50 fans, several breeders. They visit Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky., because of its legacy to the racing world, because of runners like 1973 Triple Crown winner Secretariat (who Seth Hancock syndicated for breeding purposes and who was buried on the property after standing stud at Claiborne Farm for 16 years). Now, many of them are drawn by Blame, the only horse to ever beat the practically undefeatable Zenyatta.............
http://espn.go.com/horse-racing/story/_/id/7178490/zenyatta-blame-year-later

[LifeAtZen]

That brought tears to my eyes. This wonderful horse still manages to pull my heartstrings.

I didn't realize what happened after the race last year...how amazing that everyone stood and gave her such a standing ovation. Either years I wish I could have been there to be part of that love and admiration for ONE horse. Bet it would have gave me goose bumps. Reminiscent of years gone by when a nation would cheer on one horse like Secretariat or Man o' War. Z is the first time I've been a part of something that large...what a feeling!

Jenn


They sure did give her a standing ovation... and when Blame came by, the reception was nowhere near what they had given Zenyatta. So much so, that Garrett Gomez had to encourage and ask the crowd for more applause. Nothing gave me more satisfaction that day than seeing him beg the crowd for acknowledgement.

[Native Diver]

I just wish they'd stop showing That Race as part of the BC promo. I try to mute it every time I can. :sad: On the other hand, there's one promo photo that shows just how far back she was going into the first turn, which I'd almost forgotten (because I can't stand to watch it!).

ME TOO! Call me whatever you want, but I have never, never, to this day been able to watch a replay of that race. It pains me, it truly does, to remember watching it live, and feeling the dismay and just the disorientation of the scene, of what I was seeing. I was so sick, and honestly my feelings were so intense and visceral, I thought something had happened to her. Of course, I was relieved she was okay at the end, but still, it's something I don't care to revisit.

[LifeAtZen]

ME TOO! Call me whatever you want, but I have never, never, to this day been able to watch a replay of that race. It pains me, it truly does, to remember watching it live, and feeling the dismay and just the disorientation of the scene, of what I was seeing. I was so sick, and honestly my feelings were so intense and visceral, I thought something had happened to her. Of course, I was relieved she was okay at the end, but still, it's something I don't care to revisit.


I've watched the replay, but only a few times, and in an effort to try and see what was up with her during the first part of the race. And to bask in the glory of that incredible final stretch run. It still hurts though, and I usually follow that viewing up with her 09 Classic, and then I'm just a ball of tears :lol:

I do wish they would stop using it though. And their main promo image is the photo at the wire, which is no better.

[EquineAnne]

Thanks. When issues are received, I record the date on a kitchen calendar; that's the only way I can keep up with them. Have been doing that for the past two years .... they just get later and later these days. I understand B-H uses two different delivery outfits ... one being in California, so those are apparently the issues received the latest of late deliveries. Very, very seldom does an issue arrive about the time of its due date.

good idea!

[Allspice]

ME TOO! Call me whatever you want, but I have never, never, to this day been able to watch a replay of that race. It pains me, it truly does, to remember watching it live, and feeling the dismay and just the disorientation of the scene, of what I was seeing. I was so sick, and honestly my feelings were so intense and visceral, I thought something had happened to her. Of course, I was relieved she was okay at the end, but still, it's something I don't care to revisit.

I don't blame you. It made me too sad to watch it for a while after (she was so close!), but I've gotten over it to the point that I can watch the race now. She was amazing.

[Diver52]

I was so depressed by the new promos recently that I played the "TVG Instant Classic" show from 2009 to wallow in the glory one more time. I'm actually visible in the first 30 seconds, just as Todd Schrupp says "13 for 13." :)

[Play The King]

They sure did give her a standing ovation... and when Blame came by, the reception was nowhere near what they had given Zenyatta. So much so, that Garrett Gomez had to encourage and ask the crowd for more applause. Nothing gave me more satisfaction that day than seeing him beg the crowd for acknowledgement.

Is it childish of me in that I find an odd satisfaction to this too lol?!

Jenn

[LifeAtZen]

The E Train: Visiting Zenyatta

http://thebreederscupclassic.com/blog/e-train-visiting-zenyatta

(video)

SHE'S HUGE!

[islandgirl45]

The E Train: Visiting Zenyatta

http://thebreederscupclassic.com/blog/e-train-visiting-zenyatta

(video)

SHE'S HUGE!

She was intent on mowing that entire patch of grass, lol.:biggrin:
That was a nice video, Zen. Thanks for sharing it.

[Diver52]

She was intent on mowing that entire patch of grass, lol.:biggrin:
That was a nice video, Zen. Thanks for sharing it.

Yeah, nice to see that she's taking the duty to eat for two seriously. :becky:

[drjohnh]

regarding her having an energy field, as mentioned in the clip...i have seen her in person twice. the second time she was being visited by a large group of people and she was in her enjoy the fans mode and i didn't feel anything except the the huge thrill that i was able to spend the morning with her. the first time, i walked down to the barn to see if i could visit her and she was just coming out to graze. she wasn't interested in me, she wanted to graze and to look around. i never touched her, i was just taking pictures and talking to her groom but i really did have the feeling from the moment i saw her looking out the barn door and all during the 45 minutes or so that i watched her, that she was surrounded by a force field or an energy field of some sort.. i have never felt anything like it and i will never forget it

[JT Dancer]

regarding her having an energy field, as mentioned in the clip...i have seen her in person twice. the second time she was being visited by a large group of people and she was in her enjoy the fans mode and i didn't feel anything except the the huge thrill that i was able to spend the morning with her. the first time, i walked down to the barn to see if i could visit her and she was just coming out to graze. she wasn't interested in me, she wanted to graze and to look around. i never touched her, i was just taking pictures and talking to her groom but i really did have the feeling from the moment i saw her looking out the barn door and all during the 45 minutes or so that i watched her, that she was surrounded by a force field or an energy field of some sort.. i have never felt anything like it and i will never forget it

A friend and I flew out to Santa Anita for the 2010 Santa Margarita; we are both huge Zenyatta fans, but that was to be our first time to see her live. On the Friday before the race we were standing in the saddling enclosure, and for some reason my eye was drawn to the far end of the enclosure (no real explanation for why because there weren't really any people who noticed her or said anything other than this horse that turned out to be Zenyatta just drew my attention). Anyway, we went over and sure enough it was Zenyatta and she was magnificent, and standing very near her at the rail, it was almost like she was emitting some electromagnetic force. I have never felt that around another horse.

[EquineAnne]

She was intent on mowing that entire patch of grass, lol.:biggrin:
That was a nice video, Zen. Thanks for sharing it.

Yes, thank you Zen!

I loved what Richie said about the electricity/energy of Z. That he had only felt it once before in a horse...Seattle Slew! My two favorites, Seattle Slew & Zenyatta.

[LifeAtZen]

John Sherriffs - Memories of Zenyatta

He also talks about Tasty Temptation's "protective" duties of Z!

http://bcove.me/r8tdcrz7

[flytothestars]

John Sherriffs - Memories of Zenyatta

He also talks about Tasty Temptation's "protective" duties of Z!

http://bcove.me/r8tdcrz7


any transcript for this? i obviously cant hear a thing of what it is saying. :(

[LifeAtZen]

any transcript for this? i obviously cant hear a thing of what it is saying. :(


"When we came to Churchill Downs with Zenyatta, I always tell everybody it's like a celebration. You know, it was a culmination of a couple years. In that time she built a great fanbase and everyone was really in love with her. It was just a wonderful time.

[clip of the '10 Classic stretch run] You know, you always have to let go, right? It's one of the lessons you learn in life, is how to let go. So especially on the racetrack as a trainer you only have the horses for a couple of years, then you get really attached to them. So the only thing you can think of is while they're in your care you really want to do what's best for them. And then when it's time for them to go, you just have to let go and hope that everything goes well.

She's at Lane's End, she's in a wonderful spot there. She's got a great pasturemate, Tasty Temptation. We went to see her; I walked out in the paddock and Tasty comes over and gets inbetween me and Zenyatta, right? She's very protective of Zenyatta, it's really cool to see. So then Zenyatta is laying down in the field and Tasty Temptation is standing over her, guarding her like Zenyatta's her foal. So it's really cool, they got a great relationship out there."