Good Morning,
I must say this was such an exciting weekend of racing! So many of the graded stakes races we all watched were truly ‘thrillers’…with several of them requiring the aid of a photo finish camera to determine the winner.
My Barn 55 friend, Mr. Commons, lost by a ‘tiny’ nose in Del Mar’s Mile G2 Stakes. He ran an incredible race against older, very accomplished horses. Everyone at the barn really applauded him for his outstanding effort and accomplishment. I think Mr. C also felt rather proud of his race and the way he performed. When he returned to the barn after running, he was happy, playful, ready to graze and enjoy himself. He wanted lots of hugs, kisses, treats and attention! A high-hoof to you, MR. C. I’m wishing you all the best as your racing career continues to develop!
Yesterday, the Pacific Classic G1 at Del Mar was decided in a thrilling stretch run between Acclamation and Twirling Candy. (His sire, Candy Ride, won this race several years ago and stands here at Lane’s End Farm.) Acclamation held on to win in a wire to wire victory. Kudos to his connections and the ride by his jockey, Patrick Valenzuela. Patrick has always been known to be an incredible talent who can ration out speed on the lead with perfect timing. In this particular race, he was definitely at his best doing this!
The stakes races at Saratoga on Saturday were all quite interesting. Bernie’s son, STAY THIRSTY, won The Travers Stakes G1 in fine fashion. During the first part of the race, he positioned himself right off the leader, Shackleford. Then at the mile pole , he took the lead and went on to finish strongly for his victory. I know MY BERNIE is really proud of this guy for all of his achievements to date! Yeah, Stay Thirsty! Congratulations to all of the winners on Saturday. It was a great day of racing!
Throughout the weekend, though, we were all extremely concerned about the path and strength of Hurricane Irene. The scope of her presence and the intensity level of her travels were a constant source of consideration for all of us. On a horse racing level, Monmouth Park in New Jersey and Saratoga on Sunday in New York both closed. Then along the entire east coast, families were evacuated from their homes. Businesses were closed. People were asked to be safe, be careful, and stay in a protected place. Thus, as we are spending time reviewing all of the weekend’s activities, we must be thankful that the effects of Hurricane Irene were not worse. So many people had their lives change during ‘her’ travels. Let’s extend our thoughts and kindness to wish them well and keep their safety and welfare in our thoughts.
It is like so many things in life, when the review is in and people say it was ‘not as bad as it could have been’…this is certainly important. However, when YOUR LIFE has been directly damaged or changed by the incident…in this case…the hurricane, it is very painful. Blessings to all who have had their lives directly touched and influenced by Hurricane Irene! We are thinking of YOU and wishing you many blessings!
With Love,
Hugs to All~
Z
signofthetimes
@Linda in NJ
Posted the Factors race at the end of #328. It was a good one. A very talented guy.
signofthetimes
@ Andrea
Glad you survived the wrath of IRENE. She was not a very fun girlfriend.
Kari Bussell
@Judy Berube- thrilled you are okay & back!
@Lil in KY- you are soo kind . Thank you.
@Sharon Call- Amen!
@Terry Crow- Hilarious! I love that! I Also loved the Dale E- in last diary! Laughter heals the soul.
@Cynthia Holt- LOL! I didn’t explain it well. It was wee hours last night when I left that. You are correct!! It has something to do with long time private friend & family joke…..it can not be repeated here. The phase our dear (insert name) has been a long time joke in my family & comes from that scene. It has been the source of much laughter for years. ….Vivien Leigh is one of the all time greats. My too precious for words 12 year old black & tan hounddog (my Tn. is showing-LOL) one of two recues I have name is Bonnie Blue…and 12th dear friend.
Shari Voltz
Hi Zenny it was a good day at school. The children asked about Uncle Mo and Cousin Thirsty. I wore my new orange tennis shoes that I got for my bday. I got these in Kentucky and wanted then because of Mo and Thirsty’s racing colors :) We are going to send cards to Mo and Thirsty next week. The horses bring such joy in my room. I hung my poem and cherish it. It is on my side board what a beautiful gift. I feel so lucky and blessed to have my Zenyatta family. Life is hard at times and this world brings me comfort. I also love to get lost in my race horses. They bring me such joy. That might sound strange but they do. I look at my Kentucky pictures everyday. Oh one of the teachers made me a beautiful binder that I can use in class. On one side are pictures of YOU and the other side Uncle Mo. I cried when she gave it to me. My heart was so touched. I love you Zenyatta forever. Have a GREAT night. Tell TT hi. Hugs and BIG Kisses, Shari and Homeroom 215 XXXOOO
Kari Bussell
@CH- *comes from a joke told years ago regarding that scene which add the our dear…..and now when that happens we refer to one another as our dear ….* hope it makes some sense now. Trina calling me that did make me laugh so hard I cried.
Mary Copelin
TO ALL EASTERN ZSTERS and ABIGAIL FROM MONTREAL- It is so good to hear that you are all okay. Storms like Irene are so scary and unpredictable. Bless all of you
and prayers for all others who had to face the torrential rain and wind.
Kari Bussell
@Sharon in Seattle- You remain in my thoughts & prayers.
Love- Joy- Peace & Happiness to ALL!
signofthetimes
For those recovering from “dear” IRENE and those who are interested in some inspiration:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5b6XuIqielQ&feature=related
A beautiful song The Prayer by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
from Camelot; A quest for Camelot.
Kari Bussell
@Kimberly Potter- You, Mother & baby remain in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping for great news for you.
@Eveline- I am so happy no more damage was done in your area. thank you for keeping us posted. MY Bonnie Blue would have been under the bed trembling…her brother Clyde is the brave one of my family.
@Abigail in Montreal- I am so glad you are okay. I know I would have been terrified.
Elizabeth
Dearest Zenyatta,
Thank you so much for your beautiful and thoughtful post today – yes, it was really tough here on the East Coast and the after effects are still taking place. It means so much to us that you are thinking of us and wishing us well. Of course, you are known for your charity and generosity of spirit!
Yes, many wonderful races this past weekend – outstanding race for Mr. Commons – glad he was in a celebratory mood afterwards! I am very partial to Stay Thirsty because he is Bernie’s son and also because I had the thrill of seeing him live in the Jim Dandy last month at Saratoga.
I love the beautiful close up picture of you and really smiled at the “sleeping beauty” picture of yesterday.
Love you, gorgeous girl.
Elizabeth
signofthetimes
@nancy in nj
Glad everyone is safe and sound.
Terry Crow
@Barbara Grimaldi-Jim Arness said that the reason he got the role of the “thing” was because he was tall. The casting call was for an actor who was at least 6’5″ inches tall and he was 6’7″ and available. I should have said that both he and his brother were nice men who felt at ease mingling with fans. Hard to belive that both of them are gone. “The Thing” was remade several years later with Kurt Russell as the star.
zenyattaloveramy!
ZENY!!! i love that photo!!! thanks again for you awesome updates! love you and hope your baby is doing well oxoxoxoxoxoxox FROM YOUR BIGGEST FAN AMY.
Kari Bussell
Do we have any dumplinz in Vermount? The flooding and damage there looks really bad. Prayers for all that had to face down Irene and that dreadful clean-up. I hope those withoout power have it restored soon. My thoughts & prayers go out to those that did not win the battle to survive Irene..& their families.
Brenda S..
@ Terry C – Loved the joke and it’s made me think that it’s probably a good thing I can’t afford all those procedures, much as I might like to have them,
Mary
Thank you for your sweet picture and news about your horse friends :)
Hugs and Prayers
Kari Bussell
This video was uploaded Oct.16, 2008 . It has beautiful pictures of Zenyatta… some of you may not have ever seen before. They are not the ones usually seen in videos. It has long been a favorite of mine. I did NOT do this one. Just came across it and thought you might enjoy it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajGRiUspIDM&feature=related
Kari Bussell
Try this above wouldn’t go through…sorry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajGRiUspIDM
I am not sure if this will work . Some on YT don’t allow links to their videos.
Kari Bussell
Above link does NOT work-sorry.
Pamela Hill
what a great bunch of people you all are!! so many give my thoughts words, mine are unnecessary, but consider them said. thank you, thank you for this site!!
Lil from Ky
@—-Judy—So glad to see you back and unharmed from Irene.You were missed wonderful z’ster
Z—How did you spend your day, weather was nice, guess you were out grazing & chatting with your pal TT. Love you sweet girl
I went to Wallace Station for breakfast today-wow, what a lot of food they give you & sooo good. I was pleasantly surprised to see a large OLD FRIENDS poster on the wall,
@Terry Crow—-Trying to decide which joke I like most, this one or the Bill Gates one, both great.
Kari Bussell
@Signofthetimes-I was not in Irene’s path, (thank God!), but I have always loved that song …especially Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s version.Thank you for posting.
Gary Moulton
@Baby Results ———————————- 08-29-11
.
We weren’t even close today. Only one horse hit the board. “Flavor Girl” came in 2nd. “Stock Fund” was 4th, “Primed for Success” was 6th, and “Double Mint” was last. Both races kinda fell apart with five scratches between them. Both times were very slow. Everybody knows by now what to do when everything isn’t right, PASS THE RACE!!!, but we are betting them as they are posted. I made $5.50 off of Granny today. No that sounds bad even though I sit on all her bets, Granny lost $5.50 today. She bet $8 too and cashed one ticket. -$8.00
.
-$8.00 Today +$204.20 Going into tomorrow.
judy berube
Dear Lil from Kentucky:
Thanks for missing me. Missed all of you too. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Kari B.:
Thinking of you. Hugs, J.B.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
Thank you for the link to “The Prayer”. One of my all time favorites. Hugs, J.B.
Debbie G
@Judy Berube – I’m so glad to see you’re back! We were all worried about you. I’m glad you didn’t have any more damage than you did.
@Terry Crow – Two more great jokes. I especially like the first one. I work at the post office, and I have worked with many people there who are now on disability, so I can really appreciate that joke!
judy berube
Dear Mary Copelin:
Thank you. Hugs, J.B.
Janet Oliver
I saw Mr Commons race Saturday at Del Mar. He is so sweet. I was heart broken when he lost at the last second! He did so good. He was ahead of everyone until the last seconds. Zenny, I miss you. Maybe some day you can go on tour to different race tracks to visit with us fans.
judy berube
Dear Signofthetimes:
We were very lucky. We were without power and cable for all of Sunday and half of today. Hugs, J.B.