Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #19

Fillies in the paddock at Lane's End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Fillies in the paddock at Lane’s End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Q:

Sales have always fascinated me but I don’t have a full understanding of all the mechanics of them. How is it chosen which yearlings will be sent to auction and what sales they will be sent to?

Brooke Coleman

Versailles, KY

A: Determining if a yearling will go to public auction depends on a number of factors, beginning with the initial interests of the breeder. Some clients breed to race, some breed specifically to sell, and some do a little bit of both.

Sale nominations are submitted to the auction companies by May 1st of their yearling year; this is when it is determined who will be kept to race and who will be pointed towards a sale. This decision is generally made by the owner in conjunction with the advice given by our managerial and sales staff here at Lane’s End.

Various sales are held throughout the summer and fall; some are “select”, meaning nominated yearlings must be accepted by the sale companies upon inspection, and other sales are open, or acceptable for all types of yearlings. Determining which sale to nominate a yearling to prior to the May 1st deadline depends on a few important factors:

1) Physical
Yearlings are very similar to teenagers—they can go through awkward stages as they grow and develop, so it is important to select a sale that corresponds well with a horse’s maturity level. Our public sales and managerial staff inspect yearlings every two-three weeks through the Spring months. Notations are made on the horse’s conformation, condition, stride, and even demeanor. Maintaining notes on their physical development allows us to judge how each horse matures and determine the most appropriate sale for them.

2) Vetting
When all yearlings at Lane’s End are between 10-11 months of age, a set of survey x-rays (36 views) is taken to help us determine if any joints need special attention or surgery based on radiographic findings. For sale yearlings, survey x-rays also allow us to establish a suitable exercise program for each yearling entering the sale prep routine on June 1st.
We are mindful of survey x-rays at sale nomination time because radiographic findings can affect how commercial a yearling will be at a sale. Another set of x-rays are taken within 21 days of the auction date and provided for veterinarians to review on behalf of potential buyers.

3) Pedigree
The strength of a yearling’s pedigree also affects which sale we nominate it to. For example, a horse by a proven sire out of a stakes winner/producer will appeal to buyers at select sale venues. Alternatively, a horse with an unproven family will probably be best-suited for a larger, open sale venue where there are more potential buyers present, some of whom may not have steep pedigree requirements.

Lane’s End typically consigns yearlings at the following sales:

July 15: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Select Yearling Sale
A one-day select sale best suited for a physically forward yearling with few (if any) significant radiographic findings. Because it is a select sale, all yearlings must be accepted in a conformation inspection performed by the sale company. Physicals and X-Rays are very important here as this is the first summer yearling sale and buyers are not pressed to purchase a horse that doesn’t meet their exact requirements. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 283
Average sale price: $81,291
Median sale price: $60,000

August 5-6: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale
A select sale taking place over two evening sessions, held in conjunction with the prestigious race meet in Saratoga Springs, NY. Physical, pedigree, and vetting are all extremely important at this sale as it is concentrated with some of the best yearlings to be found all year. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 162
Average sale price: $299,065
Median sale price: $225,000

August 10-11: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York – Bred Yearlings
A two-day sale for New York-Bred yearlings only. Athletic-looking individuals sell well here as the sale is well-attended by trainers and end-users looking to race in the lucrative state-bred program. Minimum bid required: $5,000
2012 # Catalogued: 223
Average sale price: $62,551
Median sale price: $50,000

September 9-20: Keeneland September Yearling Sale
This is the largest yearling sale in the world and it is suitable for yearlings of all types… a one-stop shop for buyers! 11-12 sale sessions are typically catalogued within 6 sale books. Horses catalog primarily by pedigree with the best pedigree + physical combinations selling in Books 1-2. Keeneland September attract thousands of international and domestic owners, trainers, and bloodstock agents. Minimum bid required: $1,000
2012 # Catalogued: 3,604
Average sale price: $87,354
Median sale price: $45,000

October 21-23: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale
A three-day sale acceptable for all yearling types, especially late bloomers! This sale is also a good option for yearlings that may have been injured or experienced a physical setback over the summer months. Minimum bid required: $1,000
# Catalogued: 1,254
Average sale price: $26,127
Median sale price: $12,750

Our Expert

allaire

Allaire Ryan

Sales, Lane’s End

Allaire was born and raised in Lexington, KY. She developed an early interest in Thoroughbreds by attending the sales after school with her father, a bloodstock agent, and growing up she gained sales experience working for various farms and consignors. She works with clients old and new to develop Lane’s End’s public sale consignments of yearlings and breeding stock.

Reader Interactions

1,118 Comments

      • / Reply

        They do say all the family was first to the feed bin (see the little piece posted on previous page from TVN Thoroughbreds) so she’s just following her genes. Hard to believe that Moody is a gentleman about it though – doesn’t sound like the rough and tumble Queenslander he is to me – bet he’s giving her heaps! Then again, Peter could lose a few kilos, and the fags, so maybe he should be setting Nelly the example?

        • Think I may have made a “translation” mistake in that post on Nelly: the sentence “Then again, Peter could lose a few kilos, and the fags….” fags is an Australian term for cigarettes.

        • Dear Kathy R,

          Sooo funny about Peter Moody and his kilo’s; a “big belly” we say.
          Interesting BC has “overweight” in her family. Hope he cuts back on
          Her feed, she is a very large boned mare. The term “fag” brought back
          Memories of my cousin, around my age, smoked since high school and we always joked about her and her sister smoking ” fags”.

        • Too cute, Kathy! And no worries, mate, we all knew what you meant.
          PS–Can I use “mate” for a lady such as yourself?

  2. / Reply

    @Vicki-Time for more relatives of rednecks jokes? Here are today’s rednecks. You might be a redneck if you have a family tick check. You might be a redneck if you have chocolate gravy for breakfast. You might be a redneck if you watch Duck Dynasty. You might be a redneck if you buy a computer so you can get NASCAR online. You might be a redneck if your local fire department has even been called to put out a cow chip fire. You might be a redneck if the local fire department has ever been late to a fire because they had to stop to get the guy who fell off the truck.

        • Give it another try. I watched for the first time last week. On Christmas Day (of all days) my brother mentions Duck Dynasty and I tell him “Oh no! I don’t watch DD or Swamp People or the Hog, Axe, Ice or Alligator People or whatever else”. And then wala, last week I watch five DD episodes in a row!!!! LOL

        • LoL, Barbara — I watched it once, for awhile, but decided however crazy they are, I really do have better things to be doing. My leisure time is not that extensive! DD, and Swamp whatever, Alligator wrestling, etc. — along with people wrestling, cooking & reality shows — all just too much. I have given up on keeping up.

        • Could we get, Tony Bennett to sing a song for us, change New York to
          Red Neck State of Mind? He could sing it on the 27th at the museum?
          Trying to make this day dazz ling.

        • Ann-I am sorry to say that, in his current state of mind, Tony Bennett would probably agree to do it.

    • / Reply

      Dear TC GP:

      I definitely qualify as a RN; I’m a fan of Duck Dynasty. Funny jokes today. Thank you. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        I love Miss Kay. Kay, the matriarch and chef of the Duck Dynasty family. After putting up w/ all of those men,she finally has a beautiful bunch of girls!
        Hugs to ya,JB.

        • Dear Ann:

          Funny show. I like Kay too. Love the way she and her husband (Phil) get along. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear TC,

      Great jokes, how about watching Honey Boo Boo?
      Also setting of home fire alarm with burnt popcorn, very embaracing !!!

      • / Reply

        sign-I just noted your comment on the last page. I posted a reply and I hope Anne is not offended at any of this.

        • Dear TC,

          Hope she understands it is all injest, will have to watch the show.
          Going backwards again, from this page back to 9 !!!

          My friend in Fla and her friend were cracking up about Honey Boo Boo
          And I had never heard of her, too much HRTV all day !!!

        • Dear TC,
          See my comment after yours on prvious page.
          So glad Anne is sharing her “owner” experiences with
          Us!!!

      • / Reply

        I watched Honey Boo Boo for a while last night. This family almost gives a bad name to rednecks. But, I suspect that a lot of it is acting. At least I hope so.

        • Dear TC,
          Had my wires crossed when first commenting on
          the Honey Boo Boo thing. Did not put it together
          with the Gary Stevens comment to Anne, Dah!!!

          That is why you are our RN leader, have to find
          and see that show !!!

    • / Reply

      Terry
      When I was at Barnes & Nobles this afternoon,
      found a calendar named: Outhouses.
      Yes, those outhouses–no shit!
      Who knew Rednecks were so mainstream>
      Hugs, Keta

        • Terry
          You have my e-mail address.
          Let me know how many you’d like.
          Will need address. I will gladly send them to you.
          Consider it a Redneck Celebration gift.
          The publisher is BrownTrout. It is a mini calendar, not wall size.
          And, they are half price
          Hugs, Keta

        • Keta-I did have your email address at one time but have lost much stuff since then. I would appreciate it if you would re-send it. If you don’t have mine, I will post it. Thanks for the offer.

    • / Reply

      Thank you,TC.
      We just married off the young “head turner”,my neighbor,like a daughter.
      The young firefighter caught a glimpse of her and off he came. Great couple!Neither fell off the turnip truck!

      P.S. A few of my lovely relatives would gladly share their X-mas gift,from me. An Out House Calender….imagine that? Just because it didn’t come from Saks! UHHHH!

        • Judy B….enjoy your stories about Papa Charlie . Sounds like you should take him some shoe polish,to match his beautiful color…just in case!

          Sign, thank you. I am blessed to have many folks ,from all walks of life, in my life. The horsey ones being the best and you Z fans!

      • / Reply

        I am sure that your relatives of rednecks jokes will be well worth waiting for, and I am sure I am not the only one who feels that way. Missed your January 2 post the first time, thanks for the link. Toilets of the world? Reminds me of the time I was in the men’s room at a Las Vegas casino and they had a piece of the Berlin wall in there. Don’t know why.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.:

      How sad. The article doesn’t say what caused the trauma to Beneteau. So young and so beautiful. RIP Beneteau. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Sounds like a paddock accident; “ataxic (unsteady on his feet) gait from
        A neurological injury, could be spine or head injury .

        RIP Beneteau

    • / Reply

      Thanks for another great link Kathy (or ANY link so that we know you’re still OK). Hang in there – I couldn’t believe what you wrote about many of the fires being arson!!! How could anyone willingly cause such destruction and heartache?

  5. / Reply

    Andrew Bensley‏ is back tweeting
    BRAMBLES has suffered tendon injury and will require a spell
    reports owner Terry Henderson

  6. / Reply

    MM SALES INFO Andrew Bensley‏ tweets
    Staggering day for Gai Waterhouse and James Harron Bloodstock at MM Sales
    on Gold Coast. Spent $2.5 million on 8 lots. Got top lots galore!

    Gai Waterhouse will also train 9 yearlings purchased by @StarTbreds
    They spent $970,000. Top $170,000.
    Collectively they do their homework.

  7. / Reply

    ASSAIL Andrew Bensley‏ tweets
    Magic Millions favourite ASSAIL travelled through the night from Sydney.
    Arrived Gold Coast without issue this morning. Coped with heat fine

    Trainer Clarry Conners says he’s nervous about barrier 1 with Assail on Saturday.
    Will leave tactics up to Craig Williams. Small filly

  8. / Reply

    dear kathy poor nelly we’ve all been there have’nt we she was bigger than our denman at racing let alone now left you a post on previous page about sea moon hope it;cooler today saw that family in tasmania who all jumped in a lake and stayed there hours grandad sent photo of the children to his daughter to show they were safe fires look horrific keep safe and take care hugs sheena

  9. / Reply

    I AM MISS BROWN at OAKLAWN
    I Am Miss Brown is entered on January 11, 2013 at OAKLAWN PARK
    PP Horse 3 I Am Miss Brown 3/F A/S Med L Claim $ 62,500
    Jockey Luis S. Quinonez Wgt 118 Trainer Donnie K. Von Hemel
    .
    Race: 3 – 2:05 PM Exacta / 50 Cent Trifecta / $1 Classix (Races 3-8)
    ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING $62,500
    Purse: $ 54,000. (Includes $27,000 – Other Sources)For Fillies Three Years Old Which Have Never Won A Race Other Than Maiden, Claiming, Or Starter Or Which Have Never Won Two Races Or Claiming Price $62,500. Weight, 121 Lbs. Non-winners Of A Race Since November 11, 2012 Allowed 3 Lbs. A Race Since September 11, 2012 Allowed 5 lbs. Claiming Price $62,500. One And One Sixteenth Miles.

  10. / Reply

    Royal Delta Gets Back to Work at Payson
    By Claire Novak, The Blood-Horse Updated: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 4:40 PM
    During that time of year when champions are gearing up for their new campaigns, a familiar name popped up at Payson Park. Royal Delta is back on the worktab.
    The 5-year-old daughter of Empire Maker breezed an easy three furlongs in :38 flat Jan. 5 in South Florida, her first move for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott since a wire-to-wire victory in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park. She was just the second runner in history to notch consecutive scores in that event, joining Bayakoa (1989-90) as the only two-time winner.
    “She’s certainly where we need her to be at his point, she’s doing well, and she was ready to breeze,” Mott said. “We thought we’d get her started and do a little something with her, and she just did that galloping. I was pleased with the work and she came back well, she’s been out on the track the past two days and she’s doing fine.”
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/75453/royal-delta-gets-back-to-work-at-payson#ixzz2HWBomNFu

    • / Reply

      Maybe I missed something but thought Black Caviar was retired – she won 22 in a row and certainly deserves to be indulging herself right now. Why put her at risk by racing again as she has already proven herself?

      • / Reply

        AJ

        She was on a rest and recovery after her RA injury. Owners want to
        Continue her racing. Maybe she is telling everyone with her weight
        Gain she is not interested in the track or boy rest and relaxation is sure
        Fun !!!

  11. / Reply

    PURPLE EGG
    Inaugural Stakes winner Purple Egg has recovered from his brief illness and has been entered in this weekend’s Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

    Purple Egg Looks Golden at Tampa Bay
    Horse Racing Nation Blog
    Purple Egg, the gelding named for the way Goodwood Racing partner Sven Johnson’s wife looked in a purple sweater while pregnant, looks well on his way to making the starting gate of the 2013 Kentucky Derby. That was not always the case, though. It took the unusually named son of Lion Heart three tries to even attempt to break his maiden due to bad behavior. The first time he went to the starting gate he reared up and ran off. The second time he turned on his lead pony and knocked the pony girl off despite trainer Jane Cibelli walking out with him.
    Such bad behavior resulted in Purple Egg being gelded. The surgery made a world of difference, and the third time became the charm. Sent off as the second choice in his debut, Purple Egg dueled through grueling fractions of 21.95 and 46.11. Such fractions would have burnt out most first time starters, but Purple Egg did not get that memo. Instead, he drew off in the stretch to win by 4 3/4 lengths. The 3-YO gelding following up his dazzling debut with a convincing allowance win and a hard fought stakes win, making him 3 for 3 at three different tracks.
    The Gulfstream Park Derby was to have been Purple Egg’s 2013 bow, but the gelding missed the race after spiking a fever. His next race could either be the Pasco at Tampa Bay Downs or the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream, but since he is stabled at Tampa Bay and being pointed to that track’s big Kentucky Derby preps, Cibelli will probably choose to run her charge in the Pasco. Regardless of what his next start is, his road to the Kentucky Derby is set to go through Tampa Bay, a road that should get him to the starting gate on the first Saturday of May with little to no trouble.
    Over the last ten years, the Sam F. Davis Stakes and the Tampa Bay Derby have not exactly been known for showcasing true Derby talent. Of the last ten winners of the Sam F. Davis, six did not even start in the Derby, and Bluegrass Cat’s second place Derby finish was the closest the Sam F. Davis came to producing a Kentucky Derby winner. The Tampa Bay Derby has fared a little better. In 2007, Street Sense won the Tampa Bay Derby en route to a Kentucky Derby victory. The TB Derby also produced the 2009 third place finisher and the 2004 fourth place finisher, Musket Man and Limehouse respectively.
    Given such recent history in Cibelli’s chosen prep races for Purple Egg, I see no reason why The Egg shouldn’t reach the Kentucky Derby starting gate with at least 60 points after winning both races. Though he has yet to race beyond 6 furlongs, distance should not be a problem. After all, his sire ran a good second behind stand out Smarty Jones in the 2004 Kentucky Derby, was a winner at 9 furlongs, and competitive at most traditional route distances up to 10 furlongs. Yes, he may be the Purple Egg, but right now, he’s looking pretty golden.
    http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/Floridaf/Purple_Egg_Looks_Golden_at_Tampa_Bay_123

  12. / Reply

    RIP BEAT THE BULLET
    Andrew Bensley‏ tweet Beat the Bullet, dam of Hollow Bullet, Red Hot Mama and Mama’s Choice died earlier this week through bout of colic.
    She was 19.

  13. / Reply

    TC GP HELLO
    I want to represent the good state of Florida the best I can.
    A toilet in every home.
    If you have plans for the 27th for the redneck family please let me know.
    Before I go to the gun range I want to take care of business. “) “)
    Sue

    • / Reply

      This man is soo blessed to have a multibillion dollar business to sell, buy a farm in KY
      And buy million dollar horses right at the start. Although he does have a lot of farm/ horse/ livestock experience.

      • / Reply

        Really hope his father, Fred is able to watch the awards on TV.
        Fred was so funny on an interview, he said he bred Buff and Groupie Doll.

  17. / Reply

    Moody Racing ‏tweet Black Caviar over-weight report incorrect

    Black Caviar over-weight report incorrect
    By Neale Donnelley TVN Thursday, January 10, 2013 – 12:38 PM
    Neil Werrett, the Managing part-owner of the world’s best sprinter, Black Caviar, has quickly corrected a newspaper report this morning regarding the great mare’s weight.
    The News Limited report said Black Caviar was 70kgs over her racing weight which placed her in danger of resuming in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes at Flemington in 37 days.
    Werrett today said the report was incorrect. Trainer, Peter Moody, today said Black Caviar came back into the stable about 620/630kgs, but he said that was no concern.
    “She hasn’t raced for six months and the weight comes off very quickly. They have just got the numbers wrong. There is no concern, she normally races about 580kgs – she’s on target,” Moody added.
    Unbeaten in 22 starts, Black Caviar went back to Peter Moody’s Caulfield stable last week after a month on the water-walker pre-training.
    She currently weighs 610kgs – 30kgs above her regular racing weight of 575/580kgs.
    Werrett said Black Caviar was on target to resume in the Lightning Stakes.
    http://www.racingnetwork.com.au/black-caviar-over-weight-report-incorrect/tabid/83/newsid/11316/default.aspx#.UO4gQT9jWXw.twitter
    Keta Note; This is so interesting. Even the Herald Sun & others are still running with the original story.

  18. / Reply

    Delrene posted a Groupie Doll story from The Blood-Horse. See above.
    Here is another verions of what is going on. Keta

    Illness holding back Groupie Doll
    The Miami Herald > Sports > Horse Racing Posted on Wednesday, 01.09.13
    By Sports Network
    A problem with her blood work is keeping champion sprinter Groupie Doll from her workouts at Gulfstream Park. The winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint is waiting to receive the ‘all clear’ to begin training.
    “Her blood work hasn’t been just right yet, so we haven’t even taken her to the track yet. She’s eating good; her temperature’s normal; she’s not coughing; but she’s had to be put on antibiotics, trying to get her blood right,” said trainer and co-owner Buff Bradley. “It’s showing there’s some kind of infections she’s fighting. We pulled it again on Monday, and it’s getting better. So we thought we’d walk her another five days and pull it again and see how that’s like. We’ve been pulling bloods to make sure the horse is right before we go back with her. We’re not pushed for time or anything.”
    A finalist for the Eclipse Award as champion Female Sprinter, Groupie Doll was beaten a nose by Stay Thirsty in the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct on Nov. 24. Bradley, who co-owns the 5-year-old mare with his father Fred, is hoping to start her in the $200,000 Inside Information at Gulfstream on Mar. 17.
    “She’s been very healthy. She’s had all her vaccines and everything, it’s just may be a bug or something,” the trainer said. “She really hasn’t shown a big sickness or anything, which is good. But I don’t want to start her training and knock her back, because that’s what would happen.”
    The Bradleys sold shares in Groupie Doll to longtime clients Carl Hurst and Brent Burns.
    “It’s pretty exciting knowing that she ought to have the Filly & Mare Sprint division wrapped up pretty good. I always wanted to walk up there and get a little horse, that statue,” said Bradley. “It’s great to know that a horse we bred and raised right from the start is a champion. The whole team and family are excited and proud.”
    Along with winning the Filly & Mare Sprint, Groupie Doll notched victories last year in the Vinery Madison, Humana Distaff, Presque Isle Downs Masters and Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes. For the year she earned $1,385,314.
    Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/01/09/3174745_illness-holding-back-groupie-doll.html#storylink=addthis#storylink=cpy

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta and Z Fans:

      Sorry to hear about Groupie Doll’s illness. Hope she recovers soon. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Probably run down from all that racing at the end
        of the year. Remember Shack got sick earlier in the
        year. Most of the cough and respiratory problems
        for the race horses is from inhaling dirt when they
        run, horses only breath through their nose, no
        mouth breathing .

  19. / Reply

    The Thoroughbred‏ tweet
    Interesting buyer at (Magic Millions Sales in Australia) is David Ingordo
    (Ingordo b’stock) from USA. 4 yearlings so far.
    Ingordo bought Zenyatta as a yearling.

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: David Ingordo has been buying at the US sales for a boutique breeder down here (my brain is not cooperating – blame it on the smoke) but will poke about and find the name.

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta: My poke was successful. “Bloodlines” by John Holloway (Sydney Morning Herald, 13 July 2012) reported that two of Australia’s highest profile thoroughbred buyers, Phil Sly and Paul Fudge, have been granted licences to race in Japan. The Ingordo connection comes in because Sly and Fudge were involved at the JRHA select yearling and foal sales in Hokkaido, one of the world’s biggest auctions. The piece says “Fudge’s adviser in Japan was bloodstock agent David Ingordo, who recently visited the owner’s new training and breeding facility on the outskirts of Bowral and inspected his bloodstock. Fudge was one of the biggest buyers at the Tattersall’s sales in England and the Arqana sales at Deauville in France late last year, and has horses in training in both countries as well as in the US, and will now have horses in Japan. His biggest team is in work in Australia, placed with the leading stables in Sydney and Melbourne.” As you say, interesting!

        • Dear Kathy R,
          David Ingordo is bloodstock agent for Lanes End
          and of course works with Dotties Connections, too.
          Sounds like Lanes End is starting Intetnational
          outreach now that A P Indy has bern pensioned.

          What a phenomenal farm and business the Farishes
          have !!!

  20. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Did any of you catch the opening episode of Downton Abbey Season 3 on Sunday? Highly recommend it if you get the time. Excellent. Loved seeing Shirley MacLaine’s and Dame Maggie Smith’s characters exchange barbs. It was a two hour long episode and the time went by too quickly. Hugs, JB

  23. / Reply

    Dear Judy, Thank you for Barbara Livingstons piece and her excellent photography on Unbridled’s Song. Simply gorgeous horse.

  24. / Reply

    Dear Trina: Delighted that you would think of me as a mate! I certainly think of all the Zenyatta family as mates! Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Kathy. I saw some photos from the fires down there. How terrible! Do you think that the arsons were committed by poachers? Please stay safe and try to stay cool and away from all that smoke!!

      • / Reply

        Dear HeidiK: Police studies say that 90% of the fires are started by arsonists, the rest by lightning strikes during storms. The difficulty is catching arsonists. In 2009 when Victoria had the Black Tuesday fires and 200 people died, some of the fires were actually started by members of the Rural Fire Service, volunteers who fight the fires. The latest culprits have been 13-15 year old boys. Poaching wildlife usually involves people stealing birds or reptiles for sale on the overseas market: recently there has been a spate of stealing sheep/cattle from farms, but the sort of people involved in both these activities won’t set fires to draw attention to themselves. The arsonists are usually mentally disturbed psychopaths. But as I say, they are incredibly hard to catch. People have said in the recent past that Australia doesn’t need terrorists with a bomb, just terrorists with a box of matches to bring down the community, and it’s so true. It’s cool down here at the moment, but the heatwave conditions are due back on the weekend – but hopefully without the strong winds. Thanks for your kindness! Hugs, KathyR.

        • Dear Kathy R,

          So very sad, the guns are a problem her as you know,
          but matches?? Sad.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Hope Serena’s odds get up to Black Caviar’s, saw the video of the fires
      in the right lower corner. Such a great sadness for the people and the animals.
      To have to leave so quickly with out ones beloved friends.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings and All,

    May the light of God surround us,
    The Love of God enfold us,
    The power of God protect us,
    The presence of God Watch over us,
    Wherever we are, God is,
    And where God is, all is well.
    Amen

    Have a safe and blessed day.

  28. / Reply

    Dear Zenny Fans, Dumplings, and All,

    Lord, spread your protection over us,
    Keep us from harm and watch over our lives.
    Watch over our coming and going both now and forevermore.
    Let your favor surround us like a shield.
    Let your angels guard over us in all ways.
    Lord, thank you for your protection.
    Amen

    Have a safe and blessed day.

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