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
Barbara Wood
@signofthetimes–will be praying for you and your sweet girl tomorrow. Hard, hard, hard to do, but I know she knows you love her, and love doesn’t have to stop when the loved one is gone on.
DMCQ
Dear Zenny and Little Z, your people at Barn 55 and LE, and Dottie,
Thank you for your continued posting for all those who love YOU and are so grateful to have news about You. You noted that there was a plaque with Zenyatta’s name on the van. I bet other plaques will be showing up to commemorate “Zenyatta was here!” :)
@Diana S: I think you’ve had a 4 alarm idea for the Dumplings to have a charity. Perhaps we would connect it to our online community by doing it on behalf of Zenyatta with permission from Jerry and Ann Moss.
I got It!! My Dumpling tag came today! Since you posted that everything was in the mail, I also ordered a Z hat. I feel so official that I’m not sure where all this may lead me to. Many thanks. I will wear it to the races even if I only get there through tv or youtube.
@judy berube, Terry, Gary, Max, and the other players (handicappers?): When I was very young (maybe 7 or 8) my dad took me to the races. I think in Louisville, KY. He let me bet $.25 on each race for one horse. About the 3rd race, he asked me why I was choosing my horses. The story goes that I told him, I was choosing the horse that didn’t seem to have many friends and that people were not being very nice too. I remember that he told me I should never bet on the horses except when I was with him:) Years later, local tv stations carried more horse races than now and I could get to see more horses. For about 5 years, I could pick the top 3 that were going to come in. My husband didn’t quite understand why I would not bet. It was because I didn’t know why I knew. I am amazed at how you pick and why. But you are fun to read! Even when you know…
@judy berube:I loved Young Frankenstein too!
@Joanna: I will enjoy hearing more about GB.
@Barbara Grimaldi: I am getting news and postings from American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign at and they carried a link @http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_18552664 about environmental groups
Gary Moulton
@Baby Results 07-30-11
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SARATOGA –
Race 2 – In this one two of mine were underlays and “Stealcase” was the favorite and the biggest underlay of the two. In real life I would have passed this race. The Baby Bumpers finished 2nd, 4th, & 7th. I hope the winner comes back OK. They took him out of there in a hurry. -$6.00
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Race 6 – Again in this one I would have passed. “Captain Webb” ran a big one but he was bet down from 3-1 to 3/2. I almost put the 10 in there on a hunch because my Daddy’s favorite horse was “Hennessy”, also his favorite drink, and the name worked. The reason I didn’t is because he didn’t have any turf experience and no turf works. He did have 4 works at Kee. back in May. Those works were nicely spaced but the times didn’t say much. Daddy’s Dam had one winner from two starters but not on the grass. Kent is a very good rider on the lawn. “Quiet Danger” lunged at the break and hit the gate, (Racing Luck) then sputtered into the turn although he made up a little ground, he was way back by then. They came in 1st, 3rd, 8th. The dollar tri only paid $159 -$6.00
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Not one race came in 1, 4, 3 box or straight at Saratoga today. I didn’t check the rest of the world for 1, 5, 7. “GOD” can be funny too.
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DEL MAR –
Race 6 – “Hurry Home Clover” didn’t run as I anticipated. He was pretty much 3rd all the way around and held that spot. “Big Bad Barry” had the lead into the final furlong and then faded to 5th. I believe #5 “Dr. Evil” was sandbagging and will run big in his next start or maybe his 3rd start. Evil finished dead last just were evil belongs. The order of finish was 3rd, 5th, & 10th -$6.00
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-$18.00 Today -$105.00 for tomorrow.
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@Diana S – I feel it’s a badge of honor to be called in. I’m not sure why or what you mean but if I email you will you send me one?
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@Kim S – There were four references to that area if you caught the answer to the question “Why did the racehorse go behind the tree”?
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@Terry Crow – Good One – Thanks
The Kennedys in San Diego
@Michelle Cross — Sensational! Thank you for the link to Blind Luck’s 7/29/11 work at Del Mar. Loved the “Beautiful!” description of the work by her exercise rider and Bl’s responsive snorts. Doesn’t get better than this.
For those who have not yet viewed it, the link is re-posted below. Enjoy!
DMCQ
Sorry that posted probably with my unintended help-
Environmental groups have filed another lawsuit and on 7/29 there was news that the Wyoming Govenor will oppose the lawsuit that is trying to block BLM from proceeding (at this point continuing)with the round up and castration of hundreds of wild stallions (all gathered). BLM
intends to return only 177 geldings to the management areas, but have decided not to spay the mares as originally planned. Around 200 total wild mustangs would be returned to reach the management level determined by BLM.
@Brenda S: Remembering those with drought, which AL finally is no longer in, and those with way too much rain and stormy weather.
@S in San Diego: I am so relieved for the TB mare who was saved. Will you suggest to Zenyatta’s face book and postings to the new owner? It would be so cool to hear more about her. In any case, I wish her years of a sweet home and good life.
@ Don in San Diego: Agree, agree, agree!
@Abigail from Montreal: looking forward to seeing the Hoof It and Midday races. Thanks!
@Michelle: also looking forward to seeing the Blind Luck link!
@Charlotte Farmer: So nice to see you back.
@all: Great wishes for the rest of the weekend. I may wear my Dumpling tag to sleep tonight! I miss those postings from people that some are referring to as “old timers” too. Thanks everyone for letting me lurk and learn from your ongoing conversations. @Terry: love your history and your jokes. @DJ: Tonight, I did the morning and evening prayers together. Bless you…Until next time
The Kennedys in San Diego
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAbTOzwUw4s
Blind Luck’s Work.
DMCQ
Dear Zenny, I know you will understand when I tell you what I did. The first few times I voted for the Breeder’s Cup calendar survey, it only let me vote for one horse and naturally that was you. But, when it let me vote for more than one and you were so many “lengths” ahead, I started voting for Ferdinand so that people would remember him and remember to keep track of where horses go in retirement. Then I started seeing that some were getting very few votes and voted for those that were not getting votes so that they would continue to feel loved. I will never love you less Zenny and I believe you would have said I’m OK by a long shot,give some attention to some of those others who were champions too.
Kari Bussell
@ Signofthetimes- I am so sorry about your greyhound. It is so hard to do…My heart goes out to you. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have two 12 year old half siblings I got from our local (kill at that time) pound….and they are both showing signs of age at a very scary pace now….Our move has really been stressful for them. They are having a very hard time adjusting to apartment life. The sounds of neighbors not to mention the loss of their fenced in backyard…even though they spent much of their time indoors. I always loved greyhounds they are so regal.
Sue Fredrick
Signofthetimes, I’m so very sorry you have to put your grand old girl to sleep, I’ve been thru it many times and just your mention of it brings a flood of memories and tears to my eyes. Its wonderful they can do it at home now so the animal isn’t stressed by that dreaded vet smell. Praying for strength for you.
DJ
To Kari B: You are so welcome! Hope to bring a smile.. and as for the prayer, just pleased to have shared words from another heart and another soul.
DJ
To Barbara W: Thank you for sharing it with me.
Kari Bussell
@The Kennedys in….-Thank you for the Blind Luck link. I just Love her. What a ride!
Kari Bussell
@ Signofthetimes- I agree.
Go Shakleford!!
Gary Moulton
I have a plan to fix the economy when it hits -40 trillion
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There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force;
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Pay them $1 million a piece severance with 3 stipulations:
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1) They leave their jobs. Forty million job openings – Unemployment fixed.
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2) They buy a NEW American car. Forty million cars ordered – Auto Industry fixed.
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3) They either buy a house or pay off their mortgage- Housing Crisis fixed.
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DJ
To Signofthetimes: A prayer for your dear sweet Greyhound, may tomorrow she rest in the peace of Love, and you, who gave her a Happy life.
A Prayer For A Happy Death:
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Heavenly Father, when You are ready to lead me through death to eternal life, be with me as You have promised all Creatures. Lay the special place you have prepared just for me, close to Yourself, and those I love. As the last breath of life pours from me, take away all fear and let me embrace You with joy. Comfort me with the strength of grace my loved one is succoring at my side. May we, who sleep in You Lord, find in Your presence light, happiness and everlasting peace.
Marshall (girl's name)
Queen Z, Hope you and your friends are staying comfortable in this hideous heat!
I am eagerly awaiting my Zenyatta Bronze which is due to arrive this coming week! Take care, Beautiful One! All the Best!
@s (in San Diego), so happy to hear that the lovely TB mare will be adopted! Hope she has no further worries! Thanks to you, Keith and others for your efforts.
A good weekend to all!
The Kennedys in San Diego
@DMCQ — Lovely post on the BC calendar.
DJ
To DMCQ: Until next time…
KIMBERLY
How cute! The girls are on a ROAD TRIP to Del Mar… I was there yesterday and today.. The weather was perfect…I am sure your sister loved the cool ocean breeze… Miss you Z.
Trina Nagele
Dearest Zenny—Your Bernie’s son Stay Thirsty did him proud! I so enjoyed seeing him win. High hoof to him and dear Uncle Mike Repole.
@DmamaKlock—“Zbest”—too cute! And I feel the same: the Zenyattasphere makes my day!
@Max—Thanks for the link on the great “you-would-have-to-go-back-forty-years-to-find-as-good” Frankel!
@Lisa g—I enjoyed your tale of sharing Secretariat and Z with family—and a good time was had by all!
@Brenda S and Abigail in Montreal—High hoof to the two of you on your successful DVD connection! Too cute!
@Shari Voltz—Best wishes for a speedy recovery for your dad. Tell him the Z-sters are glad the surgery went well. Blessings to you both.
Marshall (girl's name)
@signofthetimes: So sorry about your wonderful greyhound. She has certainly had a good home and has been dearly loved. Many thoughts and prayers for both of you. Hugs.
Trina Nagele
@Signofthetimes—My heart goes out to you on the sad task before you of saying good-bye to your beloved greyhound girl. Certainly she had a long and happy life with you, and you both were fortunate that the kennel bred for longevity instead of speed! She was a lucky girl to get off the track and into your home and your heart. Condolences on the pain of this final chapter that none of us who loves a pet escapes. Remember that though the parting brings you pain, it brings her peace.
Charlotte Farmer
@Karen Gogue – Sorry, I am still laughing and I can’t even blame it on drinking.
@Sue Frederick – It is not that I have anything against Lane’s End, it is just a preference. Here in California never ask the question, are you a Ford person or Dodge. Why, cowboys can be VERY forthright in their opinions of which one is better.
Charlotte Farmer
@Breeders’ Cup – I have a dumb question, having never had the kind of money it would take to go to such an event, exactly how much does it cost to get a box seat at such an event?
Trina Nagele
@Signofthetimes–Hugs to you and your girl.
Char
I always enjoy your updates Z, and boy, Eblouissante sure does remind me of you!
Karen (Kathy) Gogue
@Barbara Wood
‘fraid so! Wuzup with that? Will just have to blame (Oh, there’s that word again!) it on Diana S. for making them sooo dang special! EVERYONE WANTS ONE – even GARY has joined the ranks of the brother Z dumplings! (and your friendly neighborhood post office, apparently)
Karen (Kathy) Gogue
@Shari and Signofthetimes
Shari, happy your Dad is doing good now. And Sign, I am sorry about your girl! She did have a great life with your soothing heart and love to give her a good home…
Karen (Kathy) Gogue
Char, I’ll drink to that only if you promise not to use the word ‘blame’ ever again! Geez…it must be getting late- we are all starting to crawl out from under the woodwork! Except Diana S. – come out, come out wherever you are! You can’t stay hidden …we’ll find you…you know we will!
Karen (Kathy) Gogue
@Char
Come on darlin’! you can rough it at the Breeders’ can’t you – jus like the ole cowpokes do when the trail gets hot, dusty and stinky. Ahhhh, smell that fresh smell of horse and cow, mmmmmm nothing like it, takes your breath away as you try to drink that first cup of burnt thick coffee and down those bacon and fried eggs over the early morn campfire! Ahhhhh, yeehaw! If they can do it, so can the rough and tumble Z dumplins’ of the ole west on Breeders’ baby!! HeeHaw,YeeHaw Giddyup!