Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Z's Diary

Diary Post #449

HELLO ZENNIE! It's your pals from BARN 55! Photos by Michelle Jensen and John Shirreffs

Happy Friday!

The weather in Lexington has been quite ‘active’ lately and we’ve had several storm warnings. This part of my life is so different than anything I ever experienced in California. Lane’s End is exceptionally careful with us when this happens and our time outdoors is very structured and limited….if at all. Everything depends on the weather conditions and our safety.

Fortunately, TASTY and I love our stalls and are very comfy and cozy indoors. We do hope it clears up soon. This way we can get back into our ‘spending time outdoors routine’ …and things will be safer for everyone.

My days of ‘traveling alone…without a foal by my side’ are becoming more and more monitored. As of this morning, per the farm, my ‘bag’ is getting a bit larger. It is making all of the gradual changes necessary to increase in size…and I am ‘waxing a bit’. This all pertains to my udder and milk production levels which are consistently and carefully recorded all of the time now.

I must say, I never thought the words ‘bagging’ and ‘waxing’ would take on such great importance in my life! However, I have now learned when a mare is getting ready to foal…these terms become extremely significant!

From today’s report, it appears I am still on target to foal ‘sometime next week’…but nature is nature. I’ll keep you posted! As I’ve said so many times before, this is all so NEW TO ME! Thank you for your support!

This morning, my pals at BARN 55 wanted to send ME some fun….THINKING OF YOU…photos. They are wearing my NEW T-SHIRT and sending ME lots of hugs, warm greetings, and positive thoughts. They always do…but as it is getting closer and closer to my foaling experience….they really wanted to reinforce these thoughts and tell ME how much they care, think of ME, and MISS ME!

Michelle... dancing and sending ME a HIGH HOOF and hug!

I miss you guys too….all of you….more than I can say!

MY MARIO and CHEVA above... and now FRANK is also sending his regards!

So many stakes races are running the next few days…it is very busy! As always, I wish all of the horses running and their connections a wonderful time and lots of success! I’ll be really tuning into the Grade 1 races running at Santa Anita on Saturday and the Gotham for 3 year olds at Aqueduct. Focussing on racing over the weekend will not only be fun, but it will help to keep my mind busy!

With Love,
Hugs to All~(Thank you, everyone, for thinking of ME!)
Z

On a very serious note….. A special hug and prayer is needed for one of my other BARN 55 pals, Dr. Leslie… who checked in on ME often when I was in California. She had a skiing accident yesterday and all of our prayers are with her at this time!

Reader Interactions

915 Comments

  1. / Reply

    GLAD to hear you’re doing great! Some good racing this weekend! Have a restful weekend! LOVE Ya and baby too!

  2. / Reply

    OK, so now I’m not only virtual pacing waiting for the little ones to arrive, but controlling nerves re the storms. YUK!

    Be safe, everybody.

  4. / Reply

    Dear Zenny–prayers going out all over the country for you and Tasty to be safe, along with all the other animals and people in the area. Going to go get the Weather Channel now. Please hold off a little while if the baby starts to come during the storm (I’ve read that mares can do this). But I think it will be the 8th/9th (full moon). Wink, wink.

  5. / Reply

    Saturday at Santa Anita Part One
    Mike Smith
    If you come out to Santa Anita on Saturday you will see me ride 9!!
    Since he has only 7 left to reach 5000, this could be THE DAY>
    Saturday at Santa Anita Part Two
    Chantal Sutherland tweeted:
    Saturday at Santa Anita at the east park Gardens close to the paddock, I will be there with Steve Anderson. Please come at 11:30 for Q and A
    Santa Anita tweet said:
    Chantal Sutherland will be Steve Andersen’s guest on Sat’s Daily Racing Form seminar, 11:30 a.m., in the East Paddock Gardens
    Z-Dumplings: Have a wonderful fun-filled day there!

    • / Reply

      Wish I could go on this Saturday, but I can’t make it. Would love to see Mike win #5,000 and see Chantal’s interview.

  7. / Reply

    Z~

    I bet your baby is going to be the sun shining through the storm. A bright beginning to everyone, especially the racing business. I am sad I never got to meet you, but I hope to see your baby race. Your baby is going to chase away all these storms and bring the sun back out for awesome weather and all. I <3 you Z!!!!

  8. / Reply

    Stay safe and calm Zenyatta! Sounds like your time is getting close and we’ll all be waiting to hear what you have! Praying that the storms stay away!
    I haven’t been this excited about a “birth” since our granddaughter Madison was born!! LOL! Can’t wait!
    xoxoxo
    Jane

  10. / Reply

    Dearest Zenyatta,

    So glad to hear the storms haven’t caused too much disruption in your area, although I know how much You and Tasty would love to go outdoors and enjoy your paddock. Spring has a way of bringing storms, but the rain will produce lovely grass for You and Baby Z, who sounds as if he or she is about to arrive any day now!! How exciting for us all! My brother’s birthday is the 8th so I’m hoping for that day and it will be the full moon, too, dear Queen! :)

    The racing this weekend is going to be great to watch. I hope You and Tasty have a chance to keep up with all your favorite horses. In the meantime, stay safe and snug.

    Love you much,
    Stel PS Will say a prayer for your friend, Dr. Leslie. May she be well soon!

  11. / Reply

    For Cigar fans
    Question to Gary Stevens on Twitter
    If you could ride any horse for one race that you personally ran against…
    who would it be?”
    Answer: Cigar

  13. / Reply

    Stay safe, warm, and cozy! Glad all is going well with you and Tasty! Hoofs are still crossed! Take it easy ladies! ^..^<

  14. / Reply

    Congratulations to Eswan Flores who tweeted:
    I am excited to tell you that I have COMPLETED HIGH SCHOOL, and will attend graduation in June! Thanks Miss Holt!

    Auntie Judy, thought you’d like to congratulate Eswan in person!!
    Quite an accomplishment!!

    • / Reply

      @Eswan: Congratulations on a big milestone! Your life opens like the wings of a butterfly now – you can be anything you set your mind to and go anywhere in this life. How exciting for you!
      diastu in tempe

    • / Reply

      Yeah!! NOW STOP GROWING SO YOU CAN REMAIN A JOCKEY!!!! :)

  15. / Reply

    Your in awesome care at Lane’s End and I know you and all the wonderful horses are safe! Getting excited to see the babies!! Hugs!

  16. / Reply

    Lots of prayers for Dr. Leslie recovery hint hint my birthday is next wek March 8th ((pacing )) the floor

  17. / Reply

    Consortium out the the Derby!

    Steve Haskin in The Blood-Horse
    Godolphin’s Consortium will miss the March 3 Gotham Stakes (gr. III) and is off the Derby trail after suffering a chip in his right front ankle, trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said.
    The son of Bernardini had been highly touted after his solid second-place finish behind Algorithms in a Gulfstream allowance race in December, but was a disappointment when finishing last of six

    Read more: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/67710/consortium-on-shelf-with-ankle-chip#ixzz1nvMZgA4w

    • / Reply

      This is too bad. With his breeding, I thought he had a real shot. Union Rags, barring injury, looks tougher and tougher.

      • / Reply

        Dear Terry C.:

        Consortium was my choice for the Run for the Roses. He has a wonderful pedigree. Hope he recovers fully and we get to see him maybe at Saratoga. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Terry,
        So far, we have 2 splints & 1 chip.
        Makes me wonder what’s going on.
        Is this a star-crossed group of 3 yrs old?
        And, we haven’t even gotten through this weekend races.
        I am KY born & have taken secret delight at the “red neck” jokes.
        Understand your need to take a break to honor Kari
        Have a great weekend!

        • Dear Keta:

          This happens all to often. Last year there was more than one horse injured and off the Derby Trail; Alternation, Boys At Tosconova, Elite Alex, Premier Pegasus and To Honor and Serve to name a few. Alternation and Boys At Tosconova have already won a race in 2012. But I have not seen an entry for Elite Alex, Premier Pegasus or To Honor and Serve as yet in 2012. Hope they all recover. Hugs, JB

        • The most glaring example of this is the 1957 Kentucky Derby, won by a horse named Iron Liege. Literally on the morning of the race, Iron Liege’s stablemate was scratched. The horse’s name was General Duke, and he would have been 4 to 5 in the race. Who remembers General Duke today?

  18. / Reply

    I thought everyone might like a weather update from the Bluegrass area. I just watched the 4:00 local news and it doesn’t look too good. It’s quiet here now, but the storms are in Louisville and southern Indiana now and heading our way. They just said that the storms should arrive in Lexington around 5:00 and beyond. I hate this. It’s so scary. I’ll keep you posted on what happens.

      • / Reply

        Debbie, thank you for the update and please, keep updating us. I’m watching the weather channel now and it looks like Tennesse is getting hit very hard right now.

    • / Reply

      Debbie G, dear friend it is late here in Colorado, so I am not certain if the worst of the weather has passed out of your region or not. I followed it several times today on the Weather Channel. I hope you were spared anything major. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

      Love and hugs,
      Dawn

  19. / Reply

    praying that all will be safe from these storms,,won’t be long now for the little prince or princess ro arrive

  20. / Reply

    Hi MOMMA Z! stay safe during these storms you are having, I hope everything goes well with your foaling. XOXOXOXOXO

  21. / Reply

    Sounds really close now lady! The bagging was one thing, but the waxing is another!!!
    I have to say, it doesn’t sound long. It sounds like anywhere between Sunday andTuesday is going to be the day! Can’t wait! I know you and Tasty will get thru it like old pros.
    Please stay safe tonight and thank Dottie for all the great updates!
    I personally don’t care what sex your baby is as long as it’s healthy. I will be checking in many times during the weekend just to see whats up. Love to you and Tasty!

    • / Reply

      Darling babies! Most seem to have really good coordination.
      PACING…PACING….PACING. On virtual foal watch….

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta:

      I loved Eskendereya. He was so fast. These babies look like that have some speed. All so adorable. I especially like the Chestnut filly out of the Gray, Candy Jo. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Keta, I absolutely love Eskendereya and my goodness don’t his foals look fabulous!! Thank you for the link! Wonderful!!

  23. / Reply

    Zenyatta, stay safe! I’m pretty nervous right now with the weather, but I have faith that I’ll me and my family will ride this one out just fine and YOU too!

    I’m so excited for you! It won’t be long now – you are going to be a fantastic MOM!

    Much love!
    Sandra

  24. / Reply

    I am really stressed watching the weather today. I hope all are safe and sound out there. Please be very careful and take care. My husband really wants you to have your foal on the 10th , his BD. As long as you and foal are healthy , that’s all that is important.
    Wishing you a safe and stress free weekend.
    Love you gorgeous girl, tell Tasty I seen love to her too.
    Love hugs and kisses

  26. / Reply

    Sure hope you, Tasty and everyone else at Lane’s End are safe from the terrible storms! And, Mike has safe rides at Santa Anita this weekend!!
    Loved the article in the DRF with Dottie today.
    I see Bernie is doing a little pacing too!! Just looks like everything is on schedule. Can’t wait to come in here and find the news of your foal!!

  27. / Reply

    I wonder if the girls will foal once the pressure outside quiets down? Anyone know if horses are able to adjust foaling to weather events?

  28. / Reply

    My Dear Zenny…these photos of your Barn 55 folks brought tears to my eyes, especially the one of your Mario. You are SO loved and rightly so! I love the new tee-shirts and your team looks mighty fine in them. Thanks also for the update on your condition…I think baby Z/B will be here next week, too. So exciting!!!!!
    I will say a prayer for Dr. Leslie and hope for a quick full recovery from the skiing accident.

  29. / Reply

    Zenny, I had no idea WAX was involved, we’re learning along with you! “Wax” quickly made me thing of “Wax on, wax off. Don’t forget to breathe, very important.” from ‘The Karate Kid’, but I’m assuming it’s a different kind of wax, although the “breathing” part is always appropriate.

    • / Reply

      Waxing is when a thick, sticky colostrum forms on the teat. That means the milk is coming and birth “usually” happens in 72 hours but Mother Nature controls that. Yes, I’d say she’s getting close to foaling! I like what someone posted on Z’s FB page…that it would be fitting that she have her foal during a tornado warning to match her blaze!! Just be safe!! *´♡♥ ❇ ★ ♡♥ ☆
      Jane

    • / Reply

      Being abysmally ignorant, I went and looked up “waxing up” for pregnant mares, and found: “… When the nipples “wax,” it is a fairly reliable indicator that the foal will be born within the next day or so. Still, none of these indicators are absolute. Remember that mares approach foaling in their own individual ways. Some do not bag up at all, while others will produce copious amounts of milk and may even leak milk for days before the foal is born. Some mares will wax and others will not. Evaluate all the signs as an overall indicator of impending foaling, rather than relying on any one sign.” And it has a lot more to say on the subject. http://www.horses-and-horse-information.com/articles/0196foal.shtml

      • / Reply

        Vicki-There is nothing ignorant about you. Your posts are among the very best on this site and, if you don’t understand something you look it up. I am in awe that you bothered to look up Criswell.

        • Thanks, Kimberly and Terry. I do often feel ignorant about horses, but I don’t really feel bad about that, it is not a put-down. I just have had so little experience, with any animals (as kids, we were not even allowed pets). That lack of knowledge just tells me all I can do is ask questions, and look things up, and learn.

          As for Criswell, Terry, it’s funny, because it didn’t occur to me NOT to look him up, because I was having fun here. Just Google “Criswell”, it was fast & simple. Otherwise I would not have known what the blank you were talking about. A friend once said curiosity is part of my nature, and I think I’m almost compelled to go that way.

      • / Reply

        Dear Vicki B.:

        Thank you so much for the info. Looks like it may be very soon now. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Vicki,
        I could not help but draw the parallel between waxing in mares
        and waxing in the moon.
        Especially since the moon is “waxing” Full next week.
        It is so great that we are all sharing & learning through Z’s experience.
        So, thank you for posting more info on this amazing process.

        • You’re welcome, Keta. It would be fun if Zenny foals with the full moon, as someone else (maybe Margaret) said mares are inclined to do.

    • / Reply

      And remember Dottie said Zenny is ‘waxing a bit’, which sounds like not a lot, yet.

  30. / Reply

    Dear Zenny, What a relief to finally hear from Dottie that you are all O.K at Lane’s End and so exciting to learn that you are waxing, such an important sign. I’m sure you’ll be getting even more attention than usual and that your dear owners are not too far away, but as you say, Mother Nature will decide and we just have to contain ourselves. It’s so hard to be patient and now we have to make it through the weekend. Everyone at Barn 55 must be on pins and needles and it’s nice to see the current photos of them, everyone is looking so happy and proud. I love the “Champion” t- shirt, as soon as Vic comes in from the barn she’ll be wanting to know how soon she can have one.
    Have a calm weekend Zenny, hugs and kisses to YOU and TASTY xoxoxoxo

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