Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #12

Zenyatta, early September. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Q:

If a mare, for whatever reason, misses a “date” with a stallion, is it difficult to make up? Does one person juggle the breeding schedules for all the stallions and mares?

Barbara Wood

Waco, TX

A: Here at Lanes End we rarely miss a mare’s heat cycle due to the stallion being too busy. We work very hard to communicate with the mare’s boarding farm and do our best to accommodate each mare on the day that is requested. If it does occur we try to give the mare that we missed preferential treatment next time she comes into heat and is “back on the books”.

We have two people here at Lane’s End Farm that juggle the bookings. The stallions are divided between us at the beginning of the year, since we have a large number of them.  We each book half the stallions for the season.  We also have another employee who handles the bookings for the mares that reside at Lane’s End that are bred to stallions on outside farms.

Our Expert

Daniele Hunter

Stallion Booking Secretary, Lane’s End

Daniele has been working at Lane’s End Farm for eight years. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Communications. She has held many positions within the thoroughbred Industry including working for a veterinarian and managing her own thoroughbred breeding operation.

Reader Interactions

640 Comments

  1. / Reply

    HRTV insider tweet on Mucho Macho Man
    Mucho Macho Man will skip Gold Cup & go directly to BC Classic,
    according to owner Dean Reeves, who said the colt will race as a 5-year-old.

        • Sharon,
          They are saying he will race next year and they want him to be
          fresh and ready to go to WIn the Classic.

          Go MMM, he could be HOY if he wins, He is a one of the older male
          stand outs. He will be fresh to take on Game on Dude.

          GO GO GO MMM !!!!!

    • / Reply

      That is good news. If he stays healthy, always a problem these days, he could be HOY next year. Still has a chance for it this year.

      • / Reply

        So very true, TC. A healthy young colt or filly these days is a real treasure.

        So glad you are getting well taken care of an are back on the site.

        Thanks again to Trina and Diana S for helping TC, GP.

  2. / Reply

    Juddmonte Reviving West Coast Racing Division
    By Deirdre B. Biles, Updated: Friday, September 21, 2012 1:35 PM
    Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms is reviving its West Coast racing division. Juddmonte purchased three yearlings for $1,105,000 during the first week of the Keeneland September yearling sale in Lexington that eventually will be sent to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert in California, Juddmonte’s Kentucky farm manager Garrette O’Rourke told The Blood-Horse Sept. 18.
    “Prince Khalid decided he wanted to have some horses back on the West Coast again,” O’Rourke said. “We always had horses out there until (Hall of Fame trainer) Bobby Frankel died, but we just haven’t had any since then. We had a tradition of winning a lot of those nice races out on the West Coast, and I think it would be nice to get back to doing that again.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/72972/juddmonte-reviving-west-coast-racing-division#ixzz277y3xdiZ

  3. / Reply

    Juddmonte returning to California, brings Baffert on board
    by Ray Paulick | 09.21.2012 | 10:44am
    Juddmonte Farms, victorious in major Southern California races like the Hollywood Gold Cup, Hollywood Turf Cup, Eddie Read Handicap, and Pacific Classic, will reemerge on the West Coast next year with a small string of horses trained by Bob Baffert.
    Juddmonte purchased four yearlings at the Keeneland September Sale, with three of them – an Elusive Quality colt out of Xtra Heat, a Tapit filly out of Arradoul, and a Curlin colt out of Leslie’s Lady – targeted for the barn of the Hall of Fame conditioner.
    http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/juddmonte-returning-to-california-brings

  4. / Reply

    Another wonderful question and answer… thank you Barbara for asking and Daniele for your answer. The insights we’re getting into how farms like Lane’s End are operated are endlessly fascinating… many of us (myself especially) really have absolutely no clue. Also thanks to Alys for another of her exquisite photographs… Zenny looks like she couldn’t be happier, and both girls look so cute with their baby bumps.

    Happy Friday everyone!

  5. / Reply

    So many thanks to be given…
    Thank you Daniele Hunter for your interesting and informative answer to Barbara Wood’s great question. I don’t know if I would have ever wondered about that part of the breeding process. Pretty important to get the mares and stallions together at the right time.
    Thank you Alys for another wonderful photo. I love how Zenyatta is framed by the trees like she knew just where to “pose”.
    Thank you Keta for the news about Paynter plus all the other links you shared.
    Thanks to all the Zsters for the news and information, caring and sharing you all bring to this site.
    Thank you Lane’s End for your good care of all the horses of all ages and genders and thank you for providing the Experts who answer our questions.
    Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Moss for allowing us to continue to have acess to the goings on with Zenyatta and 12Z. Thanks to all of Team Z for keeping this site going and keeping us up to date.

  6. / Reply

    A little joke heading into the weekend.

    Billy Bob had to go to the big city. He was real careful that he didn’t speed and always had his seat belt buckled. He got his business taken care of and was headed home feelin’ real proud he hadn’t had any mishaps.
    He was driving on the interstate when he heard his wife’s voice on the car telephone. She said, “Billy Bob, I was jus’ listenin’ to the radio and they said some feller was going the wrong direction on I25. You be real careful, hear?” Billy Bob answered, “Shoot, Bonnie Lou, there’s not one car going the wrong way, there’s hundreds of ’em!”

  7. / Reply

    What a lovely picture—thank you Alys!!! It looks like Zenny’s friends are getting so used to having cameras around that they pay attention now too!!

    Just love all we are learning from the Q & A’s–and,how fun to have Barbara’s question be picked!! High Hoof!!!

    Just ordered another case of Fuji apples for Barnaby (and Traveller too,of course)–and there were 3 watermelons back in the produce department that had soft spots,so the nice guys gave them to me for the horses. Now they have enough for 6 days of watermelon—they’ll be in heaven. Traveller is back on Bute again–tried to give it to her with it dissolved in applesauce and then mixed in the grain–she didn’t like that either—she is too smart for her own good!! I’m going out later and will put the watermelon in the dish on top of what she didn’t eat–then she’ll clean it all up!! The smoke from the fires in the next county has rolled in agaion and today is the worst day of all. Sue says the flies are driving them crazy so I’ll get spray on Barnaby. She sprayed Traveller with hers,but Barnaby is allergic to what she uses and has to have a certain kind (at 40.00 per bottle–but it is worth it to keep him happy!) so I will do it. I love the way he lets me put it on him out in the pasture,I don’t have to catch him with a halter or anything. He’s not crazy about my wiping the spray soaked rag around his eyes,but he listens when I tell him that it is important–that’s where the flies really try to get him.

    Tomorrow,I’m going to try the other saddle on him–can’t wait to see how he likes it!! I think I’ll feel like I’m headed for the track!!

    I pray that Paynter responds to the new treatment and that the weekend will be a great turning point for him!! PUP–you brave boy!!

    Love to all from all here,Both Sue’s,Barnaby John,and Traveller

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,

      I always love your stories about Barnaby. I so hope Traveller’s vet can figure out just what is causing her troubles.
      The other day in the produce dept. I saw Fuji apples and knew they rang a bell and I should try one, but couldn’t remember why. Hopefully, next time I’ll be clearer headed.
      We’ve been getting the smoke from the fires blowing on the wind here in Colorado. I don’t think there are any here right now, but they just seem never ending in the West and North West.
      I’m glad Barnaby lets you put fly spray on him. Early Fall is biting season for sure.
      Please keep your stories coming and best of luck for your friend, Sue and Traveller.

  8. / Reply

    dear sue hoping that traveller will get better soon always keeping her in my prayers barnaby really landed on his four hooves when he came to you especially with all his treats from the grocers hope you have a great weekend with him hugs sheenaX

  12. / Reply

    dear vicki have just seen your wonderful piece about kincsem and her cat and her devotion to frankie and vice versa i never knew this about her only that she loved to travel she came over here for the goodwood cup such a shame she died giving birth the relationships between animals and humans are quite remarkable! thanks very muchfor telling us hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena you’re very welcome — I re-read that piece several times a year, or whenever I need a lift. It feels like I feel about Zenyatta.

  13. / Reply

    More info on Paynter Friday Sept. 21
    Tim Wilkin‏ lead horse racing writer at the Albany Times Union tweeted his conversation with A. Zayat
    #Paynter has beaten laminitis. “A great day,” owner Ahmed Zayat said. “He has an unreal desire to fight, to live; he’s tough as nails.”
    “We are not out of the woods yet,” Zayat said. “He has significant damage to his colon and it will take time to repair.”
    Zayat said #Paynter still spikes a fever from time to time. He has been in Upstate Equine Medical Clinic in Schuylerville since Aug. 25 Zayat says there is no timetable for #Paynter to leave the clinic. He still holds out hope the Haskell winner will defy odds and run again.
    Zayat: “We’ll take it day by day. We hope to get him back to the farm where he can rehab. My wish is that he will be able to tell us that he wants to run. Right now, we can say we have beaten laminitis.” #Paynter had the disease in three of his feet

    • / Reply

      Hearing the upbeat news on Paynter beating laminitis and seeing the Endeavor land at LAX certainly made for a hooves up day!

      • / Reply

        Hear, hear! Me, too, only I heard my husband’s scene by scene description of Shuttle from Bay Area over the phone while I was watching it on a website from 300 miles away! Saw many a Columbia landing though. Beautiful!

        I actually named one of our racehorses Vandenberg because his sire was Jet West and his dam was Launchpad! Naming our babies is one of the few perks we owners have. LOL!

  14. / Reply

    Remember the horse with no name? He has one now. Here it is
    Deirdre B. Biles The Blood-Horse tweet
    Coolmore couldn’t get John Brown for the $1.3 million Big Brown — Cool Ghoul
    2yo colt so they named him Darwin.
    How cool is that?

  15. / Reply

    Great question. I really never thought about how they got the mares to the stallions on the “right” day. We are getting quite an education about horses and horse farm operations.

    Would love to see photo of Zenyatta and Z12 also.

    Wonderful news about MMM. He has been a favorite of mine since his 3 year old season (really his 2 year old season.)

    • / Reply

      Did you read the diary when Z was going to visit Bernie ?

      Very detailed explaination of the teasing process, evaluation of the mare and
      ovulation and then the “planned day”.

      • / Reply

        Shirlee,

        Look on the next page. I posted the diary entry from the day Zenny went to visit Bernie for the first time. Lots and Lots of great information.

        Hope you enjoy it.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee in Indy:

      MMM’s one of my favorites too. Glad they’re planning on racing him next year. He’s a beautiful, talented Boy. Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    MS DIANA STUART :) :) :)
    You my dear sweet lady have made my day.
    I have been having a tough time of it lately with animals and just stuff.
    I looked in my mail box tonight and I had a small brown envelope pkg.
    It was from YOU!!!!!
    I was screaming it’s my PIN. It’s my PIN.
    I ripped the pkg open and yes I had it in my hand. MY VERY OWN Z’S DUMPLING TAG.
    Oh my I am startling to cry. This is really a bit overwhelming.
    Let me get myself together here.
    I have to say THANK YOU FROM MY HEART TO YOURS.
    I am so touched that you mailed the tag to me.
    I have a hall tree right by the front door and there is a big floppy hat on one of the top pegs.
    I clipped my Z’s Dumpling Tag in the end of the hat so everyone that comes in the door will see it.
    My older sister will be so jealous. She loves Z very much but is a quit observer of the blog.
    God is so good to me I have a friend in Arizona and she made me a beautiful Dumpling Tag.
    Thank You so much Diana you are a special person.
    Love Sue
    Ps I will proudly wear it at Tampa Bay Downs this coming spring.

    • / Reply

      Thanks soooooo much DIANA S, for burning the midnight oil in getting everyone a Dumpling tag.

      YOU ARE THE BEST !!!!!

      • / Reply

        Sue: I too, went to get the mail yesterday and guess what?? There was a brown package from Diana. I was so excited that I too ripped the package apart. Right now, my Z’s Dumpling tag is clipped to my Z jersey and hoody!! Whenever I go to GGF, I will wear it with pride! Also, on the 29th, I will be decked out in all of my Z gear, tag included since, I can’t be there for the unveiling and the first Z Stakes race!!!!
        Thank you sooooo much, Diana!!!

        Ps… Diana, this is cute: you got my last name right but not the first name. That’s a first but, it adds character. LOL

        • I am glad to see that I am not the only person that got so excited about the Tag. I am still smiling every time I think about it. I have a Z tee and Z sneakers. I will join you in wearing them all on the 29th. Do you know what time the race will be run? I don’t want to miss it. I sure hope TVG shows the unveiling of the statue. Hugs

        • Heidi K
          I’ll be at the unveling, too, wearing my Z Dumpling tag and MAYBE my Zenyatta pink jersey. I hope to meet you!! :-)

          Auntie JAG

  17. / Reply

    Great response to a good question from one of our frequent posters.
    Thanks, LE, for the picture of Zenny…we can never get enough of her.

  18. / Reply

    well Zenny have you been to the spa today for your mud bath…hope so….remember ..eat…rest….exercise…..spa…..i will PACE starting in Jan….
    ….
    i am having an acute case of Cigar withdrawl……did not catch him today….no internet last wk….i think i may break out in spots…
    …..
    for all Big D lovers…..his boy….well his 8yr old gelded son…Ea won the first at Belmont today….got to love those Dynaformers where ever they are..they are warriors..
    …..
    do any of you attend Oaklawn in the early spring? since i will be in the area i will be there….
    ….
    safe trips to all this weekend…..kisses and peppermints for all

  19. / Reply

    I got my label that names me an official Z dumpling. Though I must say, it looks like a polish dessert we make out of egg whites and sugar. I got fat off of those. :-)

    Glad Paynter is shaping up!

    Gus got injured!!! :*-( He slashed open his right hind quarter and required 16 stitches and a tube to flush out the excess fluid as it heals. We believe it happened this morning, and it was very fresh when someone found him. We always have someone at the barn around the clock in case of situations like these. A volunteer found the smart old man standing unnaturally still for him, and she went to check on him. That’s when she found his injury. The vet was immediately called, and he is on anti-biotics. He is eating well, and even tried to drink my Sprite out of the can! So he hasn’t lost his old man sense of humor.

    Liddy horse took an alternative route to the new pasture today, and rather than going around like everyone else, she went in between the wires, and left a big baby sized hole.

    A volunteer had a birthday today, and her cake was adorned with flowers. Well, someone, and I won’t name who, decided they wanted to try the flowers. We come over, and the cake is very noticably bare. Walking away is Bing with the evidence smeared all over his mouth…

    I am showing next Saturday. I am very excited and I hope I do well. I might one of the last few I will get to do before I go off for college!

    We had senior pictures for the yearbook yesterday. Senior year didn’t feel real until I stood there in the forest, getting my picture done for the senior section in the yearbook. I am still wondering about with whom I will get my senior portrait done. I am thinking my Red horse and maybe a horse from SHERR. I would love a picture with a racehorse; that would be the greatest thing ever!

    Can’t wait for the fantasy capping race! I also can’t wait to see Royal Delta! Hope she does well!

    How about that Awesome Feather? Awesome indeed, though she will have to do A LOT to reach the Zenyatta radar. Z is Queen for a reason!

      • / Reply

        Thank you, I just look at myself as a regular person just trying to get through life and find her way just like everyone else. I never saw myself as remarkable, but thank you for saying that.

    • / Reply

      Dear Pati:

      This has been a bad week for our Z Family and their horses. Hope Gus recovers well and soon. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Gus…get better.
      Liddy…behave!!!
      Bing..way to go,you sly fox.
      Good luck showing, Pati! Enjoy your senior year. It goes by so very fast.
      Today has shaped up to be an exciting day in racing! I need to make my wager asap!!!

    • / Reply

      Pati, I’m so sorry to hear about Gus. Certainly hope he heals quickly with no complications. Good luck in your show next Saturday. Pati, have your Sr. picture taken with a horse that means a lot to you, one you have a history with. It will mean so much more to you in the future than having it taken with “Twinkle Toes” (made up name) a borrowed racehorse who would be just that, borrowed.

      • / Reply

        Well if “Twinkle Toes” happen to be Zenyatta, then borrowed or not, I’ll have plenty of memories! LOL

  20. / Reply

    Great question. I love reading and learning more about the industry. Z you look as beautiful as ever.
    Paynter what a fighter you are and prayers continue that you get stronger everyday.
    Kitalpha RIP

    • / Reply

      Sign,
      I’m still so sad at the thought of this, especially that I can’t have one. His son, Stephanoatsee is running this weekend in the Penn Derby, first race back after being off for injury. I’m sure rooting for him and Alpha in my exacta. Hugs

      • / Reply

        Dear Sue
        So very sad to, his dynasty is now ending, but
        His filly’s and mares will continue it.

        Sue,
        You could find one. A couple of months ago
        One of his mares, not racing quality, was for
        Sale for $5000. These are the best ones to
        Get as they are your very own. Check the rescue
        Groups. There is a great rescue group in KY that
        Has many well bred unraceable ones. These horses
        Are usually just not interested in racing but can
        Be trained for other careers.

        Will post the link to the rescue I am speaking of.

  24. / Reply

    My Dear Z Family:

    Hope you are all well. I’m catching up on all the great posts and links.

    Dear Barb W.:

    Congrats on getting your question answered in Ask The Experts. Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    Good health to all creatures, both 2 and 4 (footed)!
    Hope everyone has a good weekend.
    Good night and sweet dreams!

  26. / Reply

    A Birthday Poem for Darlene Daniels
    (September 22, 2012)

    Never a fuddy-dud
    Nor a stick-in-the-mud,
    Our dear Darlene’s ready for laughter.
    In Terry Crow’s Redneck Club,
    She’s the esteemed president
    Of the Indiana chapter.
    Along with many other folks,
    She eagerly awaits
    The Grand Poobah’s latest jokes,
    While she herself in our eyes rates
    As a skillful redneck humor crafter.
    Dear Reader, I’m sure you remember well
    The tale she did tell
    Of her own unease
    At the rumor her hubby started
    (He being good-hearted
    But disposed her to tease)
    That he would tomatoes plant
    By the front door?
    For quite a spell
    We all for her sake did fear
    To hear
    That he would not recant!
    But it seems ‘twas just a gentle dodge,
    His way to rib her,
    And for sure he did give her
    Moments of doubt
    As to how all would turn out–
    In the end, he did relent—
    He placed the tomatoes by the garage,
    Which act blessedly did not dislodge
    Any barrage
    Of commentary
    From the neighbors, ever wary
    Nowadays
    Of any displays
    Of redneck ways.

    Darlene will have you know
    That though born and bred in Ohio,
    And now resident
    In Kokomo,
    By blood
    She’s Kentuckian to the core,
    For both parents hailed from there,
    And what’s more,
    That is where
    Happiness does her heart flood—
    Our Darlene
    Does adore
    The whole Kentucky scene,
    Especially racing at Churchill Downs
    And then all the charms
    Of the countless Thoroughbred farms
    Interspersed between Kentucky’s towns.
    She delights in every magnificent stud,
    Supremely self-confident,
    Of his own greatness aware,
    (Her heart throb ‘twas that great performer,
    The incomparable Dynaformer),
    And the many marvelous mares,
    Be they chestnuts, grays or browns,
    And the frisky foals who frolic without cares.
    Her love of horses and horse races
    She traces
    Back to her dear dad.
    This shared love
    Formed between them a special bond
    Of which she remains ever so fond.
    It was sad
    To hear from Darlene
    That her dad was called to heaven above
    Before the days of our Queen,
    But she feels his spirit still nigh
    And hopes that, even from on high,
    He Z’s glories has seen
    And joins in all Z-sters’ elation
    From his lofty location.
    Another racing memory
    From back on May 3,
    In the year 1975,
    Is for Darlene still vividly alive.
    It’s a day she continues to celebrate,
    For, as she watched Foolish Pleasure
    In his winning Derby run,
    She was her preparations getting done
    For her first date
    With the man who was to be THE ONE—
    Her hubby-to-be, her own personal treasure,
    Who’d bring her a life of love and joy beyond measure.

    Dearest Darlene,
    You have lovely memories in which to delve,
    And yet more to make at the scene
    Of Breeders’ Cup 2012
    Where to meet you will be our great pleasure!

    Happy birthday, Darlene, and many, many happy returns!

    • / Reply

      Darlene,
      Happy Birthday. I hope your day is wonderful. Hope your hubby treats you like a Queen!!!

      Thanks for the treat Trina. Always a sweet read!

    • / Reply

      Darlene,
      Have a wonderful birthday celebration and many more. By the way how DID your tomatoes turn out, my were crappy, ha, ha. So nice to get to know you, wish I was going to the BC this year and could meet you and so many more in person. Alas, my hubby’s health and funds make this impossible. Hugs

    • / Reply

      Darlene-Hope you have the best birthday ever. Trina-Great poem. Now that I undestand all of the work and research you put into each one I have nothing but the highest respect for you.

    • / Reply

      Dear Darlene:

      Happy, Happy Birthday to you. Hugs, JB

      Dear Trina:

      You did it again! Just wonderful. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dearest Trina.

      I am absolutely overwhelmed with this awesome, amazing, and touching poem you have written for me. Thank you just doesnt qualify for the feelings I have for your gift of this lovely poem. I will treasure this poem forever. I am printing it off and framing it. My Dad would have loved it too. Thank you, thank you, thank you truly from the bottom of my heart.
      Thank you Ann, Sue, Carol, Signofthetimes, Terry, Judy, Sandy, Marty, Sheena, Barbara, for all your lovely birthday wishes. I did have a lovely day, busy but nice. Hubby got me a dozen red roses, some cupcakes and made his chili.
      I apologize for the lateness in the day in thanking all of you, but we were having server issues on and off all day. Probably from the wind. Also, an update on the maters, they did fantastic and are still producing great big delicious tomatos.

      I also want to thank Diana S, for my dumpling tag! I, too was very excited when I got it. Can’t wait to get to Santa Anita and wear it.

      Last but certainly not least, I want to thank Zenyatta and Dottie, Team Z, The Mosses, John, Mike and Lane’s End, without all of you none of these wonderful, loving, caring, people on this blog would have ever been connected. For this I am truly grateful.

      Zenyatta, my angel, I love you forever. God Bless you all and love to all. Have a great weekend everyone.

      Darlene

  27. / Reply

    Happy Birthday Darlene!! Enjoyed reading your “story” and looking forward to meeting you in the getting nearer and nearer future!
    Sandy

    Trina – another home run!!

  28. / Reply

    Dear Darlene,
    I hope you have the happiest of birthday’s and many more to come. Thanks for laughing at my jokes.

    Trina, another winner’s circle poem.

  29. / Reply

    dear darlene hope you have a wonderful birthday great poem by trina lots of hugsXX dear pati so sorry to hear about gus leg hope he will be better soon was’ nt bing a naughty boy eating the decorations on the cake!! you really are remarkable young ladyhugs sheenaX

  30. / Reply

    Happy Birthday, Darlene!! Hope it is wonderful. You are precious to us all. Can’t wait to meet you. Hugs till then.

    @Trina–we’ve run out of words, except to say “thank you” for everything, not the least of which is the poetry.

    @Sue Fredrick–we will miss you.

Leave a Reply to Elizabeth in NM Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.