Good morning everyone,
I hope you have had a very nice week. I have. It has been quite relaxing and peaceful here at Lane’s End.
Right before my team left Barn 55 for the summer (remember they had to take everything out for the every other year cleaning process) a friend of Anita’s (John’s sister) came to visit the barn.
He is an artist named Pema. He brought John a lovely piece which is meant to bring ‘good luck’. What a very sweet gesture on his part! Many thanks to him. For people in racing…luck is a very precious consideration!
In looking over the entries for this weekend…..the races look to be very exciting. Again, as seems to be the case during the summer seasons, there are quite a few major stakes races running around the country. They have definite implications as far as the road to the Breeders Cup is concerned.
David is currently at Saratoga for the next few weeks working. They have a yearling sale there next week. He also enjoys the opportunity to visit with the other horses he has purchased for clients and see the ones that have grown up from the matings he has planned for their owners. It is always so much fun to touch base. We horses….are like his dear friends!
Sarah will also be going to Saratoga to work for a few weeks. This is great news as Dottie has asked her to get some ‘fun photos’ from that venue for us to share with you in the diary. This will be so special to get an up to the minute report on the Saratoga happenings from these two people we know so well.
I’m off to stay cool under one of my favorite trees. Have a splendid weekend…enjoy the great racing…drink lots of water to stay hydrated….and most of all enjoy your time with your family and friends.
With love,
Hugs to all~ (especially my John’s mom, Mary Jane, who is truly not feeling well at this time)
Z
Especially Horses
Great weekend for Del Mar….
Natasha Armstrong
I hope she feels better!
Edie Dickenson
Zenny, I just returned from walking my dogs and guess who I was thinking about: YOU! And yes, hugs, to Mary Jane. Happy Friday!
Kim
This weekend’s Clement Hirsch isn’t the same without you, Zen!
Connie
U r so positive Miss Z, no wonder u are such a champion:) enjoy the shady tree and cool water♥
Gary Moulton
@Baby Plays ……………………………….08-05-11 (11:45 pm est.)
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There are 3 baby races today at Saratoga, race 2, race 4, and race 9. Now the 2nd race is what I call a claiming race at Saratoga. Look out for the Jap Jock he might Kamikaze this race. No joke aside he is a very good rider and he is only here in the USA for 60 days I think. He has been here about two weeks and he has won a race Monmouth, one at Arlington, and was involved in a key race photo (Woodbine – Toronto Cup) where he was 4th out of only 7 total mounts at three different tracks, he’s radioactive!!! The 4th race is a tuff one to figure. I’ll through darts again on this one. Race 9, I like, big field offers a potential for a big payoff and no clear cut favorite. Even with the favorite in the tri it should pay a lot more then a 7 horse field. At Del Mar there’s one good one, the ‘Sorrento Stakes’, race 7. I think this race might come down to a 3 or 4 horse photo, so I’m playing the longest shot of the four to win. “Sorry Z, No Baby Box” because I think two of the four will be vying for favoritism.
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@SARATOGA –
Race 2 – #1 “Bluegrassislegal”, #6 “Shesa Sweet Talker”, & #8 “Alydarla”
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$1.00 Triple Box 1, 6, 8 = $6.00
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Race 4 – #2 “Coral Glade”, #4 “Inny Minnie”, & #8 “Dorothy’s Spirit”
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$1.00 Triple Box 2, 4, 8 = $6.00
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Race 9 – #1 “Sportswriter”, #6 “Freudian Therapist”, & #10 “Little Dale”
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&1.00 Triple Box 1, 6, 10 = $6.00
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@DEL MAR – $10 win on #2 “Made to Love Her”
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+$368.20 going in – $28.00 bet today – Good Luck
Especially Horses
@Mary Johnson – Regarding your post on Deputy Broad…Please copy/paste into “today’s/this weekend’s” Post #313. More Z fans need to read it. I would have copied/paste it myself but I don’t want to take away from you. It is a gut-wrenching story and needs to be shared. Many blessings to you for all your efforts to save one of God’s greatest creations – the equine.
Guido
Hope John’s mom feels better! Enjoy your relaxing Z!
Laurie
Hi Zenyatta – I am so excited! I met Mike Smith last night here in Del Mar! We talked all about how wonderful you are and how much we miss you! But we are both so happy for you and soon-to-be motherhood! He is running a big match race here this weekend so maybe you can send her your good luck for him!!
Thanks for all the updates – you look beautiful and happy!!
Lauren
I have a question if anyone could answer it for me, it would be greatly appreciated. =)
Does anyone know the rules on visiting Zenyatta at Lanes End? Im saving up to go to Kentucky in May for my first time and would like to visit her if i could.
Thank you!
Love Lauren
Sally B. (cherish Z- Wi.)
Hi Lauren; As far as I know since Z came to Lane’s End to become a broodmare after her great racing career, no one is allowed to visit Zenyatta. There have been a couple charity auctions to have an opportunity to have a private visit.
Lane’s End allows scheduled visitation to their stallion barns. They are awesome to see!!! A.P. Indy is there, Mineshaft, Curlin, Pleasantly Perfect to name a few. BUT, we have learned many horse farms do NOT have visitation during the breeding season which I believe is from February through July. I know for sure Lane’s End had stated this. We all want to see Zenyatta too!! Guess, perhaps some day or year that may be a possibility. Hope this helps. Good luck and enjoy beautiful Kentucky!!
Linda
I would also want to see Zenyatta and am planning a trip to Lexington. Could anyone let us know how to see our favorite horses.
DJ
Dearest Sweet “Z” and little “z”,
Thank you for the new Hoofprint. Enjoy your shade tree today, sounds nice and relaxing. I will offer a candle and a prayer for Mary Jane, your John’s mother, also one for your John.
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Todays Morning Prayer is on previous diary post…
JAG from California :-)
Oh, Zenny, I’m sorry to hear about YOUR JOHN’s mother. I hope Mary Jane is feeling better real soon!! I think it’s wonderful that both John and I still have our mothers! {{hugs}} to both mothers!
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Sending special Good Luck Wishes to all the girls entered in the Clement Hirsch Grade I Stakes at Del Mar ~ ah, the wonderful memories from last year, Sweet Mamma!! You were (and still are) a ROCK STAR!!
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Big Hugs & Kisses to you, Queen Zen and Baby z XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Cheryl Smith
Love you Z, happy weekend!
JAG from California :-)
@ Lauren
Good luck visiting Zenyatta ~ I highly doubt you can visit her, but contact Lane’s End directly for information. GOOD LUCK!!
JAG from California :-)
Today would be a good day to light a ZENNY candle on behalf of John Shirreffs’ mother, MARY JANE.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=ZENNY
Debbie
hi Z! I hope John’s Mom feels better SOON!!! YOU have a wonderful weekend, stay cool and hydrated, I’ll be dreaming of YOU racing down the track as I watch all of the races, love YOU gorgeous mama xoxoxo
Margaret
Oh Z I’m sorry to hear that John’s mom isn’t feeling well. He is a wonderful man as you and Dottie can both attest to. The first time I met you they had already put you up for the day. But when John found out how far I had driven just to meet you he called Steve over to take me to your stall. I just was bowled over by his honesty and integrity. Please give her my best.
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Thanks for reminding me about my fluids. They are so important. Not just for hydrating (which is unbelievably important)but an icy cold glass of water also can help with weight loss too. I don’t recommend this for you right now! You need the baby weight. I meant this for your human friends!
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Have a good weekend Team Z! I love you all!
Allen
Have a great weekend Z, and stay cool. Love from Tn. Big Girl.
Pam Zacek,
Prayers for Johns, Mom, and I think,You should enjoy your shade underyour good old tree, they do come in so handy in the hot weather, Hope all your pals, racing, this weekend at Saratoga, win there races, and all have a very safe trip, oh, yes, say hi to your baby bump, which must be getting, bigger, every day, have a great day,
Terry Crow
After reading Mary Johnson’s powerful post, I am not sure if a joke is appropriate. However, I will post one later after the affect of her post wears off. @Gary Moulton-Congratulations for being on the plus side. I bow to a superior handicapper.
Christine Coleman
Hi Zenny Coleman! Please make sure you spend most of the day under your shade tree! It’s very hot in our neck of the woods! I love you beautiful mare!
LauraJ
@Gary Moulton, good luck with your wagers.
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@Lauren, sorry, but so far the public is not allowed to visit Zenyatta. The folks who have visited her are connections of one sort or another and a few people who have paid for the privilege through charitable auctions. It is not normal practice at any of the big breeding farms to permit visits to the broodmares, for various reasons. Anyway, Lane’s End is closed to the public in May since it’s during breeding season. A trip to Kentucky will still be worth your while, though. Some of the other farms in the area offer tours during breeding season. These include a visit to the stallion facilities and someof the grounds. Each farm keeps its own hours and reservations are necessary. Alternatively, you could sign up with one of the tour companies that offer farm tours (just google). Old Friends is open for tours three times a day, and it is wonderful. If you are not familiar, it is a TB retirement facility that is home to some racing greats. You actually get to feed and interact with the horses, many of whom are quite friendly. Our Mims is a retirement facility for broodmares. They don’t have regular tours, but would be happy to have you visit by prior arrangement. There is also the Kentucky Horse Park, home of Derby winner Funny Cide and Horse of the Year Cigar, among others. The International Museum of the Horse is there also. It is excellent. In Louisville, the Churchill Downs meet will be in full swing. You might enjoy the Kentuck Derby museum. As for non-horsy things to do, there is Mammoth Cave, the Bourbon Trail, the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Corvette Museum, various historical sights, nice architecture, and great places for hiking and boating.
suew
Zenny and Dottie, I am remembering John’s mom in my prayers and hope she feels better soon. This diary is so uplifting…what a bright spot in any day. Wish I could stand under that shade tree with you, Zenny. It’s been so hot everywhere this summer. I’m sending you and your team a “High Hoof”.
LauraJ
@Lauren, I’m going to disagree with Judy (JAG) and beg you NOT to contact Lane’s End. They get enough inquiries already.
Sioux_girl
Hello “Z!” I miss seeing you on the track! Now that there’s talk of the Breeder’s Cup; it just doesn’t seem the same without you! Your team provided racing with the gift that keeps on giving….YOU! :O) I’m so excited for your new baby! Be blessed of the LORD today! :O) Prayers to John’s mom as well for a full recovery and thanks for the great pictures of yourself!
Jo
My best wishes to Mr. Shirreff’s mother. I hope she begins to feel better. This week-end I’ll be thinking of Z’s great races at Del Mar. I don’t hyperventilate quite as much now as when I was pulling for Z all of the time but she always had it under effortlessly under control! Looking forward to seeing Switch, St Trinians and likely ZAZU in the Clement Hirsch. Miss Z, those were The Days, but so glad The Queen is happy and healthy! Love to Z and Team Zenyatta.
DJ
To Terry C: That is very good of you. We may need the joke for balance, soon though, my friend!
Arlene
Good afternoon Zenny and all, Hope John’s mother is feeling better. I lit a candle for her and all those ailing.
I love the music videos done in tribute to you. They are so inspirational and put together beautifully. You sure have music in your feet and pose, Zenny!!!!
LOL
Jeanie
Dearest Z,
Good morning to your majesty! Thank you for sharing with us today, especially so we can send healing thoughts and prayers to John’s mother Mary Jane. I love the idea that you have a special tree and that you have planned some time around it today. I hope it brings you shade, serenity and a snack as well! I am planning use of some of my prized memorabilia, including a bobble head of you and Secretariat, and I’m wondering if anyone knows a really good place to get good, but reasonably priced cases for my bobble heads. I don’t want to leave them exposed. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Have a wonderful weekend, dear girl.
Your humble J