Happy Monday to All!
It is the beginning of another wonderful week! I am enjoying all of the time I’m spending each day with my friends here at Lane’s End.
I just had a long chat with MATT…in between bites of my favorite grassy treats. We reviewed the entire weekend of fabulous racing. There were so many impressive winners in the various divisions. I absolutely LOVED seeing my pal, GIO PONTI, return to the winner’s circle again. His race was so impressive. I am SO PROUD of him! To stay at such TOP FORM and to COMPETE AT SUCH A HIGH LEVEL for years…is not an easy task. He and his connections deserve a big HIGH HOOF for doing so!
Some of my other personal friends also performed very well. On Saturday, SWITCH ran a very contentious 3rd in her return to the sprint arena at Keeneland. She will be sprinting again in her next start. I must also say, my 3 year old Barn 55 friend, MR. COMMONS, did a fabulous job to close in such fast fractions to be a very strong 2nd in the Oak Tree Mile. He clearly ran his highest speed figures to date…and he is a 3 year old running against older horses. This is not easy to do! The ability to move forward and continue to make steady progress as he has done is always important when one is competing at these graded stakes levels. My compliments to BOTH!
The 2 year olds, competing on 3 different types of surfaces this weekend: dirt, turf and Keeneland’s all-weather track, truly provided a great deal of excitement! Members of this age group are now at such an important time in their careers. In many instances, they are now being introduced to the concept of ‘going around 2 turns’ in their races. The ability to perform well at this is something that can truly begin to separate ‘the men from the boys’ in the future…so to speak. This is especially important as we begin to look for the ‘classic type horses’ who will be moving onto this stage at the Breeders’ Cup next month and also as 3 year olds next year.
Congratulations to ALL of these athletes and their connections for definitely providing the sport with exciting performances in these prep races.
The next few weeks will be so important to all of these horses and their ‘teams’ as they prepare for the World Championship Events. I remember every bit of it all so well!
Here’s wishing EVERYONE the best!
With Love,
Hugs to All~(It is getting exciting!)
Z
Trina Nagele
A Birthday Poem for Victoria Bailey
October 11, 2011
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
’Twas a surprise
To my eyes
When I saw you relate
That today your birthday would be
And then state
You’d like a greeting
From Z–
(Such a thing
I’d personally
Not dare to suggest!)
I confess
I didn’t recognize
The name,
Nor was a poem from me
Your request,
So I guess
This will be
A poor second best,
But all the same
And nonetheless
I’m here to say gaily
Happy Birthday,
Victoria Bailey!
Terry Crow
@JAG-Using a whip on the inmates? I won’t tell. @Brenda S-You have been in for some time. When I published the current roster you were there. That makes you a charter member. @signofthetimes-That question happened to be at the end of the diary entries when I logged on. I am sure that you could have answered it more succintly. Agree with your position on 2 year old racing. Don’t think it will be abolished, though. Too much money involved. Even the Breeders Cup has gotten in to the act.@Debbie G-I can’t get over the fact that Peter Graves, one of the nicest guys you would ever hope to meet, played sort of a child molester in that film. @Judy Berube-Mr. Commons can compete against older now because he was a January foal. Will be very tough next year. I couldn’t understand it at the time, but John must have had great faith in him to enter him in the Preakness. Too bad he drew an outside post. @Christine in Michigan-Thank you. You only learn by asking questions. There are several knowledgeable people on this site who will be glad to answer any question. The subject that you brought up is a confusing one. There is a lot of competition in the world of the jockey. After all, this is how they make their living. It can get competitive to the point of abuse. There have been many cases in which riders have been replaced for not following the trainer’s orders, even when they win. Use of the whip is a prime example. @Susan in Tn and Kari Bussell-You might be a redneck if the earrings you bought your wife/husband for Christmas double as fishing lures. You might be a redneck if someone yells hoe down and your girlfriend hits the floor. You might be a redneck if, when you put your hunting boots on, you only get them on the right feet 50% of the time. You might be a redneck if the UFO hotline limits you to one call per day. Will post a joke later.
Tricia Clemmensen
As always darling – you look fabulous. Love your sweater/coat. I also am thrilled that your former competitor Gio Ponti made it into the winner’s circle. Hopefully he’ll kick some serious butt in the BC. It will be sad to lose him. I am in serious love now with Unions Rags. All I can say is WOW! I will be coming to Lanes End in November but darn I won’t be able to see you, but I certainly will be thinking about you and maybe with any luck. . . . . . . and maybe I’ll come to your party. That way I can help with your charity work. It would be such fun to officially meet all your wonderful connections, I almost feel like they are family. Miss you, hugs and big kisses. Take care, Zenny.
Suzanne G
ALL–CAN SOMEONE NOMINATE ZENYATTA FOR A POSTAGE STAMP? It seems you have to be on Facebook or Twitter. Otherwise it’s snail-mail. Current leading nominees are Lady Gaga, Oprah and Bruce Springsteen. Sorry I don’t have a specific link but here is the general post office site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Postal-Service/112922748720908
THANKS!!! Suzanne G
JAG / California :-)
@ ALL
If you’re not on FB, this is the link for Marcy’s cards ~ she does an incredible job! I love her humor :-)
http://www.cardsbymarcy.com/home.html
Trina Nagele
Don’t forget tonight’s the night hero-horse TONK and his rider, who together saved the little boy from the grizzly bear, will be on David Letterman.
JAG / California :-)
Blind Luck to be Sold at Keeneland November!!!!
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65477/blind-luck-to-be-sold-at-keeneland-november#ixzz1aUUDnEWp
OMG! I hope she finds a happy home!!!
JAG / California :-)
Two Suspended Under Britain’s New Whip Rules:
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/65476/two-suspended-under-britains-new-whip-rules
Quote: “The whip can now only be used a maximum of seven times in a Thoroughbred flat race and eight times in a jump race, including only five times in the last furlong or after the last obstacle. It is about half the number of times a whip could be used previously.”
IMO we need these rules in our Country…
Daina Ryan
Another good story for you — my sister and I try to make a trip to Lexington, Kentucky every other year usually the beginning of October (my last trip was last year)when Keeneland begins their Fall meet and one of the best things we do is was walk the barns at Keeneland and meet the horses. Some trainers are OK with it and some aren’t which I can understand for liability reasons – the safety of the horses and the people BUT it was the best part of our trip and made the racing that day so much more interesting – to see some of the horses that we met race that day (a message to all trainers). As you come to each stall you just never know who you’re going to stumble upon – – and so I’m walking around and come to a corner stall and see a man wrapping the legs of a horse standing quietly in the back of the stall and I asked who the horse was. He said “GIO PONTI”. I said WHO because I couldn’t believe what I just heard and he repeated. I was SOOO excited that I was that up close to a great horse like Gio!!! I asked if we could pet him and get some pictures and the man said sure. To me – that was a WOW. I have to say Gio seemed very businesslike whereas some horses were very friendly and loved the attention. Perhaps that’s why Gio is so good. Anyhow, to meet the horses was just wonderful and there were many that day – GET STORMY, Zardana (the Rachel Slayer), CALIFORNIA FLAG, Wickedly Perfect (who won her race that day), Hooh Why, Wonderlandbynight and saw Wasted Tears enter the track for a workout. What a great day we had. We met two horses that we wanted to take home – – B Pops (by Johar) & Badleroibrown (by Leroidesanimaux). What loves they were. We followed B Pops few races (via Equineline.com) which he was unsuccessful in and then fell off the radar. I don’t believe Badleroibrown ever made it to the track. I read about him recently though in a Bloodhorse article – – that he was being trained alongside Animal Kingdom at one point and was considered a better horse. That was interesting. So where is he now??? I’d sure like to know what happens to these horses. I’ve been trying to find B Pops but no luck so far. He was owned by Stanley Selig and trained by a Michael Sherer (I think that was the name). If anyone knows of a service that you can call to locate horses please let me know. Equineline had no idea what happened to him. Seems they or someone should have a record of that? Anyhow, to finish this – – another must visit is Michael Blowen at Old Friends (great place) and he’s a really terrific guy as well as the staff – very relaxing fun. And then of course the Stallion Farms are wonderful to see. I believe Artie is now at WinStar where you can also catch the great Tiznow – just beautiful – like to take him home and turn into a Hunter/Jumper type :).
The Kennedys in San Diego
Hope Blind Luck does not end up in Japan like her dam. So sorry to hear this.
Gloria Jeanne
Great Photo Zenny – Glad to see you outside enjoying the day. I loved the races this past weekend – great job Gio Ponti / Mr. Commons and all the horses who raced.
High Hoof to all!!! smiles
Jeanie
Z’isters,
Like all of you, I’m waiting for today’s message from the Great One. I call her that because she is the greatest female Thoroughbred of all time. I don’t think that is arguable. I just want to say that you all have become a regular part of my daily routine, checking to see what you are talking about today, what you are concerned about and what you are rejoicing in. I am so glad I discovered all of you through the Great One. I’m just glad to be a part of all of you and HER. I don’t know about you, but most people around me don’t understand my obsession like you do; that’s because you are “afflicted” with it as well. I like that affinity we have. Hope we can all meet some day, like maybe the Breeder’s Cup 2012 at Santa Anita?
J
The Kennedys in San Diego
Some very unhappy Blind Luck fans have posted comments on her Facebook page.
MARY
DEAREST ZENYATTA
NEXT MONTH WE ARE OFF TO SANTA ANITA…ITS NOT AS EXCITING AS IT WAS WHEN YOU WERE THERE…WE STILL LOVE THE TRACK, AND THE HORSES…BUT THE MAGIC OF IT ALL LEFT WITH YOU.
I AM HAPPY YOU ARE LOVING LIFE AND I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOUR FIRST BABY AT THE TRACK…I HOPE ITS A CALIFORNIA RACE HORSE CUZ WE DON’T GO ANYWHERE ELSE LOL.
LOVE TO YOU
Debbie G
@Daina Ryan – It sounds like you had a great time at Keeneland. That’s awesome that you got to meet Gio Ponti. I’ve been there many times, but I’ve never walked around the barns. I just thought it wouldn’t be allowed, so I’m really glad to hear that it’s permissible. I’m going there Sunday, so I’m going to have to check out the barns.
Debbie G
@Terry Crow – The role Peter Graves played was definitely a stretch, but it was all done in good humor.
judy berube
Dear Jeanie:
Meeting everyone would be the best. Hugs, JB
Sally B.
@all; I sure do pray for Frankie. It is exactly what I worry about. These magnificient thoroughbreds are so powerful, yet fragile.
judy berube
Dear Daina Ryan:
Loved your post sharing your meeting those beautiful horses. The sad truth about the question of finding some of these horses is that there are no public records kept that you can go access to see what happened to them. That’s why we started our equi-army-ndo site. Some of these horses just disappear and we fear are transported to slaughter. I do know that Badleroibrown had a 6 Furlong workout at Fairhill on 1/2/11. So that’s good news. Unfortunately, I could find nothing current on Bo Pops. Last race 2/19/11, No works or entries since then. Please visit our site and see if you would like to participate in our newest campaign to Stop The Slaughter of our beloved Thoroughbreds. Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Daina R.:
Oops. That work for Badleroibrown at Fairhill date should be 10/2/11.
Dottie Combest
Hi Sweet Z, your baby bump is really showin now … you look great … hope you are feelin as good as you look … we think about you alot mainly cause you are sadly missed … howevr, we are so very glad you retired and are happy with your broodmare status … love to you always :)
Yvonne and Maurice
Hi Zenyatta. You look so beautiful in your fall sweater. You chomping on your grass treats is too cute. We were in Los Alamitos for the weekend for great quarter horse racing. So sorry to hear about Here Comes Frazier. Praying for his successful surgery and recovery. Also very upset to hear that Blind Luck is being sold as a racing or broodmare. What happened. She was supposed to run next year!!! She did not do well at Santa Anita – was there anything wrong with her? Jerry H. stated that there was nothing physically wrong with her – so why not just rest her for the rest of the year and bring her back next year as planned???? I was sorry to see that someone mentioned that her dam is in Japan – OMG, do not want to see her go there. I am still in shock over this – this all went down in a few weeks. Zenyatta, you look so gorgeous – Thoroughbred News is having a contest to name you baby. Too cute. Hopefully you and TT are getting your beauty sleep before your big day at the Breeders Cup. Everyone is talking about it. Stay comfy, eat well for two and enjoy yourself with TT and all of your friends. Love you, Angel in Disguise.
Daina Ryan
Judy Berube – I will most definitely take a look at your website and thanks so much for taking the time to do some research for me. Glad to hear Badleroibrown is still out there and I had a feeling you meant October 2. Keep your eyes and ears open for B Pops for me – everyone for that matter. It’s a dream of mine to rescue him someday and hey – dreams only come true if you have them. He was such a sweetheart of a horse – hoping someone took him over as a pleasure horse. You just never know….anyhow thanks again and I’ll checkout your site.
Daina Ryan
Debbie G – I hope your barn experience is a nice as ours was. We were told by one barn that we were not allowed to walk around. I think it was Graham Motion’s barn. Other than his we had no problems. Good luck and have fun this Sunday. I’m jealous…..
WILD HORSES
Hey Big Z,
How are you and Baby Z? I hope feeling well. If looks are any indication you feel fabulous! So excited about the 2 yr old Union Rags. Glad to see Michael Matz have another nice 2yr old. I remember him from his old equestrian days.
well see ya soon Big Beautiful One…Lori
MarySue Wedl
Z,
I met your John today and he’s as wonderful as you always say.
Paul
Zenyatta, congratulations to all of your friends who performed well in the races this past weekend. Gio Ponti definitely deserved it as well as Mr. Commons, who finished second and is getting better all the time. Horses, keep up the good work!You guys are getting better with time and experience.