Happy Friday, Everyone!
Wow, it has been a very busy week in our industry. There is so much going on that I want to share with you.
First of all, I’d love to congratulate FRANKEL (GB) on his success in winning the SUSSEX S. (G1). He is now undefeated and has a race record of 8 for 8. FRANKEL (GB) is truly a sentimental favorite in my camp as he is named for a very dear friend. Jay Hovdey, in the DRF, wrote a special piece on all of this in a recent article. Dottie and Bobby were very close friends for years. Ruben Loza, who now works as one of MY JOHN’S assistant trainers, held the same position for Bobby for 25 years. Jose Luis….who currently grooms MR. COMMONS and STAR BILLING for My John…was a long-time groom for Bobby. “Chuma” (as he is known around the barn) is also such a hard-working gentleman. He has groomed so many other wonderful horses during his career as Medaglia D’Oro, Sightseek, and Intercontinential to name a few.
So, it was with great joy and pride that MY TEAM watched FRANKEL(GB) win #8 on Wednesday. A heartfelt congratulations to his owner and breeder, Juddmonte Farms, his trainer, Mr. Cecil, and the entire team who works with this exciting colt!
I’m sending him a special HIGH HOOF for a job well-done!
Both of the SUMMER MEETS on each coast are in full-swing….and this weekend, Monmouth Park has a wonderful stakes program including the HASKELL. This should be a very exciting race!
Then at Saratoga, several big stakes races are taking place including the JIM DANDY and THE THE RUFFIAN. These should be great to handicap and enjoy. At Del Mar, we have some very accomplished sprinters competing in the BING CROSBY. So much action!
From all reports, the dirt surface at Santa Anita is terrific! This is fabulous news. In California, they now have Santa Anita open for training in addition to Del Mar. Hollywood Park closes for the next 5-6 weeks to allow the maintenance crews to completely clean out the barn area and freshen up everything that needs to be repaired and painted. The track crew, headed by Dennis Moore, is given the opportunity to work on the track and the surface to get it freshened up for the upcoming year. This is traditionally done in CA each summer…one year Santa Anita is closed to accomplish these maintenance needs and the next Hollywood Park. This alternating system works out quite well for everyone and it really helps to keep everything in the best possible shape.
Thus, since nothing can be left out at Hollywood Park for this big clean-up process to take place…everyone and everything needs to be out of Barn 55. My John and his crew did a great job getting this organized and properly storing everything that was in MY STALL. It was all safely packed for the future!
So all of my horse BARN 55 friends had to relocate as well for the summer. They were split between Santa Anita and Del Mar. In the photo above, you see STAR BILLING on the left and EBLOUISSANTE on the right getting ready to travel. They are loaded on the van and on their way to Del Mar. They are comfy, cozy, the windows are open just right…and these girls are READY TO GO TO THE BEACH!
I gather “E” wanted to snack along the way.
The TOO CUTE part of all of this is that “E” is in the same exact stall on the van I always used. In California, I shipped on Vida and David Randall’s Ranch Runner’s van. That was MY STALL! They even put a plaque on the side of this stall with MY NAME on it. So, I guess for all practical purposes, I still get to travel right with them…..in spirit!
Have a FUN weekend…and enjoy RACING!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
Signofthetimes
Just watched the story of Swale KY derby and Belmont
Winner who passed as a three year old. And the rise fall and
Rise of Claiborne Farms. A wonderful story especially
How the kept the one eyed mare Stakes winner Huerta,
Bred to Seattle Slew and foaled Swale.
judy berube
Dear Abigail in Montreal:
I thought I was seeing things when I watched Hoof It’s link. There were enough horses in that race to fill three races in the States. That was exciting; never saw anything like it before. Thank you again. Hugs, J.B.
LauraJ
@Judy Berube, I missed Step’s race but saw the results. At least he is making some money. I think his surgery must have been mostly but not entirely successful. Since the surgery he’s led in all three races for most of the way, only to fade in the last furlong. I hope it will resolve or respond to conditioning.
–
@Barbara Grimaldi, you may appreciate a little story about the Seabiscuit movie. First, you may have heard that Seabiscuit was portrayed by several different horses. One of these is Popcorn Deelites AKA Pops, who is at Old Friends and is one of the stars on the tour. Pops’s specialty in the movie was breaking from the gate. He is also the horse that beats “War Admiral.” During filming, the horse that played War Admiral kept winning. They had to shoot several takes. Finally Pops, who was fresh, was able to beat the other horse, who was understandably tired by then. True story!
Signofthetimes
@Maureen B
Thanks for info on Versus and the schedule.
Hopefully I won’t miss too many more this summer.
Terry Crow
@Barbara Grimaldi-Thanks for the kind words. @Judy berube-That is interesting. I knew Seabiscuit had run back east as I have a picture of him in the winner’s circle at Empire City Race Track. However, I was unaware of the NE connection.@DJ-Thanks for the link. I always thought that Lou and Mary were going to get together after Lou’s divorce.@Charlotte farmer-Casey Tibbs sounds like my kind of guy. Interesting idea about Jerry Lambert. Could I peel Karen Gogue off the ceiling?
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
The Diana was on Versus also. Swale’s story was so sad in the end. I’ve read where Woody Stephens was so heartbroken over Swale’s death (apparently from a heart attack) that he never really got over it. Who knows how long he could have raced or what he might have accomplished. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Laura J.
Think you are right. Hope Step’s breathing problem gets resolved. Thank you for sharing that story about Pops. Too Cute. Hugs, J.B.
Karen (Kathy) Gogue
@Diana S.
Yo, whatsup? Howdydo and boohoo, I wanna new and improved Z dumpling tag too! Explain yourself GF (or YOU were!)
Karen (Kathy) Gogue
@Larry (or is that Terry?) Crow,
BLUSH, BLUSH!!
Kim S
Hi Zenny. Hope your Saturday was great. Trying to catch up, didn’t get a chance to read your post yesterday. Seems like we have a comedy central here :)
@Terry Crow–two wonderfully funny jokes. And they both had to do with the rear end. Following Gary’s lead with the Reincarnation poem? :)
@Diana S–the Z Dumpling Charity sounds good to me AND I got my Z Dumpling name tag today. Thank you so much!
@S in San Diego–great news about the forever home for the beautiful girl. Hopefully we can get updates.
Big congrats to See You at Peelers!!!
Ok Z, think I’ve caught up for the most part, will look over this post again tomorrow to see if I might want to add anything else.
Everyone have a great Sunday.
Lotsa love to all.
judy berube
Dear Karen Gogue:
You are too funny. Hugs, J.B.
Lisa g
Ms Zenyatta, you are just too cute! E wanted to snack? It reminds me when you had flowers for a snack. Too Cute. My heart just swells of love for you. Great picture, I see so much of you in your baby sister. I love you, Good night..Lisa g
DJ
Signofthetimes: Yes it certainly is! The best jokes, appetizers, cocktails, movies, race cards, gifts and stories. Z Dumplings are really buzzing during “All You Can Think – T.G.I.Z Hour! Time for me now to recollect for evening prayer and then I’m out for dinner…Blessings!
Lisa g
@Diana S and All Dumplings: My brother, sister-in-law, and my two handsome nephews are here with me this weekend. My brother and sister-in-law had some Mommie and Daddie alone time and went to the movies. My nephews wanted to watch a movie, Secretariat came on. Joshua, 10, is the older one..he was truly upset when Secretariat came in 3rd place. I told him not to worry, that Big Red will win a race or two. Joshua cheered Big Red on like he was watching TVG. Yea, it does run in the family. My brother and Sister-in-law came home, I was busy and did not get my mail. Me Bro brought my mail in, I got my Z’s Dumpling Badge. Of course, I had to explain to them what this was about. Me Bro says I belong to a gang. Anyway, I showed him some of my pics and stuff, and my brother sees Dottie…”UM, wow, she looks like Hot Lips..ah..I mean Lorretta Swit.” Thank you, Diana S. When I saw the package, I was jumping for joy. I truly am a Dumpling. I love you all, hugs to you all…Lisa g.
Shari Voltz
Zenyatta thank you for letting us know what is going on. I am so happy for Frankel. WAY TO GO !!!! I have been busy with my father having surgery. It went well.Thank you God :) Even when I don’t post I always read what you write to us. It ALWAYS makes my day BRIGHTER. I love you sweet girl. I am sending you Big Kisses and Hugs. Love, Shari XXXOOO
@ Diana I got my Dumpling name tag. You are AWESOME. I LOVE IT. Thank you so much sweet lady :)
DJ
For those who would like to share an Evening Prayer/Hymn:
…………………………………
Now fades all earthly splendor,
The shades of night descend;
The dying of the daylight
Foretells creation’s end.
Though noon gives place to sunset,
Yet dark gives place to light:
The promise of tomorrow
With dawn’s new hope is bright.
The silver notes of morning
Will greet the rising sun,
As once the Days glory
Shone round the Almighty One.
So will the night of dying
Give place to heaven’s day,
And hope of heaven’s vision
Will light our pilgrim way.
So will the new creation
Rise from the old reborn
To splendor in His glory
And everlasting morn.
All darkness will be ended
As faith gives place to sight
Of the glorious Creator,
Shone in heaven’s light.
……………………..James Quinn
Irene Caty
Hi Zenny, Congradulations to Frankel. He is a good horse and is rideing toward a good future. Thank you for letting us know about the barn clean-up. That is interesting as to how they take care of that sort of thing. Good to go now for Santa Anita so some of the horses have a place to go during the clean-up. You are really in a different world right now since you are with foal and I wonder what your thoughts are. With horseracing being your life for so long it has to feel very different to you. I hope you understand all that is going on with you and are enjoying the peace of mind you must be experienceing at this time. We here love you so much Zenyatta.
Kari Bussell
@Terry Crow- Love the joke
@DJ- thanks for link to Chuckles…I grew up watching MTM…I love that show….and as always than you for prayer…
@Diane S- How do I get out of trouble?
@Kathy Kimber- You will here from me very soon.I was deeply touched you took the time….Please forgive how long it has taken me to respond. I am awful and not checking mail and I fell crazy behind when I was without service for so long….
@ Dawn Conrad -Miss your posts!
@Amanda Gilliand- Miss your posts!
@Susan in TN.-I hope you are having a great weekend …miss you.
@Sharon Call Miss you too….
@All other vets…miss you too!!Hope all is well with everyone and you are just busy having fun ….
@Trina N- Thank you- You are always such a sweetheart to everyone!
@Judy Berube- thank you for all you do…HUGS & JOY back to you!!
@Barbara Wood- I so owe you a PM! Please forgive..
@Sue Fredrick- I have really searched and tried to get you a answer, but I can not seem to find out who took that picture. I got it off of Google Images…
Barbara Wood
@DJ–lovely prayer.
@Laura J–if I’m not mistaken, Popcorn’s dad, Afternoon Deelites, is now at Old Friends as well.
@Karen Gogue–oh, no, I’m getting worried. Others are receiving their Dumpling badges in the mail, but I have not. You don’t suppose it has gone the way of my you-know-what, do you?? Say it isn’t so!
@Shari Voltz–so glad your Dad is doing well. We missed you.
Precious Z– none of us would be here making friends if it weren’t for YOU. Good night, sweetie. Love you always.
Kari Bussell
good greif- miss you -too???-
Miss you!
Kari Bussell
@Abigail in M….- I always love your posts, links as well as your blog. Thank you.
Kari Bussell
@All- Who do you like in the Haskell?
Signofthetimes
@Kari Bissell
Will definately log onto FB NBC and give feedback.
Great idea!!!
Signofthetimes
@Kari Bissell
Go Shackelford!!!!!!
mary bobolis
Stay Thirsty Dominates Jim Dandy
Colt follows his sire, Bernardini
Signofthetimes
@DJ
Thanks for the evening prayer. I am putting down
My 15 year old greyhound tomorrow. I found a vet
That comes to your home to take care of your animals. She
is failing
And has always been a sweetheart. A retired racer.
I got her 3 days off the track at 3.5 years old. Most
Greyhounds only live 9 to 10 years. Her vet said that
The kennel bred for longevity not speed. She was slow
And that is why she was retired. She has had a wonderful
Life.
Kathy Kimber
Zenyatta, How about a new weekly video of you that wouldn’t be a lot to ask and Sarah is close by. I know LE made the remark at the beginning they would be glad who all the hoopla around you died down. But guess what my beautiful Queen we are still here. Your subjects await you.
Trish & Mike in Colorado
Frankel’s acceleration is amazing; isn’t that hard to do when you race on the front end? Wonder if Zenyatta ever contemplated racing on the turf and/or in Europe . . . Glad he merited his own high hoof.
Trish & Mike in Colorado
Saying a prayer for you and your dear greyhound friend and companion tonight, signofthetimes; we are praying for yours and her peace and solace and comfort.
Sue Fredrick
@Kari Bussell, thank you so much for looking, I’m sorry I thought it was just a picture you had handy (don’t know how you manage to do those videos). I didn’t want you to scour the internet for hours like I have been. Sorry and thanks so much I guess its just not meant to be.