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

  1. / Reply

    Dear Lanes End and Allaire,

    Thanks so much for the great information on sales and how a yearling is sold
    and the criteria for entering a yearling in each of the sales. You are so fortunate
    to have such a wonderful job and Lanes End with so many lovely TB in such a
    beautiful place.

    Thanks again and Happy New Year !!!

  2. / Reply

    Happy,Happy New Year to all in Zenny Nation!!!!!! This year will bring us lots of exciting things,Z-13—Z12’s move to training–Ebby’s career—-and the BC to look forward to in November!!

    May all of us have a healthy and happy 2013!!

    Can’t wait to get home tonight to read the cards from Trina and Dawn—no sound on my computer at work. Will listen to Bob Baffert too about the tragic loss of his horse. Such a shame–that’s the hard part about our favorite sport. Was so very sorry to hear about Ashlee Mundy–in her photo in the news story,she looked so lovely–and lively–she looked as though she were so happy living her life as a jockey.

    Traveller’s Sue and I celebrated Christmas and New Year’s on the Saturdays before each holiday. They each had several huge Fuji apples and several carrots and grain on each of the days. I gave Barnaby both days off from being ridden–I told him he could do what ever he wanted when I turned him out into the arena—tack-free. He was so cute both days–galloped around,kicking out and bucking a little and then,when he had all of that out of his system,he would stop and then come over to me. He would just stand next to me while I petted and loved him,talking to him while Sue rode Traveller and just watching them. I would talk to him and kiss him and hug him . He stayed by me like that for over a half hour,just content to “hang out” while Sue and Traveller did their thing. Then I groomed him and trimmed his tail both days–he is so good about all of that. Sometimes he doesn’t want me to do his tail when I have to brush the snarls out–I hold it near the bottom and work my way up so it doesn’t pull so much,but once in awhile it annoys him and he will move sideways or flick his tail away from me to make me stop. I tell him then that he’d better hold still and let me brush it or thwe snarls will be so bad I’ll have to dock it!! Of course,I would never DO that,but I tell him I will so he’ll be good. He really is a funny boyhe has so much personality that it is almost like talking to a person.

    Tom,the gentleman who cares for them down there says that both Barnaby and Traveller sometimes take naps in the sunshine,stretched out on their sides on the frozen ground,when it is sunny,soaking up the rays! Don’t know how they can stand doing that on the frozen ground,but guess that furry coat makes it possible. On CBS Sunday Morning the Sunday before Christmas,their “Moment of Nature” at the end showed wild horses in the Nevada winter. There was lots of blowing snow and wind and it made me think that the reason he put on so much hair early this winter is that he was putting it on for another Nevada winter,like the ones he had before this year. Ours are not quite as harsh,but he didn’t know that–I think he paniced when it first got cold here and said he’d better get it on fast!! He really DOES look like a giant plush horse!! A big stuffed toy that should have rockers on his feet!!

    I got some Christmas money so I should be able to order his new bit in a few days–I think he will really like it–I hope so!! It’s a double jointed Happy Mouth snaffle–flavored with apple!! When it comes,will let you all know what he thinks!!

    Hope to get caught up on all the back postings I missed soon–sorry if I have ignored any messages sent to me that I have not yet read!! Much love to you all!! Barnaby sends his love too!!!

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,

      So glad you had a good holiday and love the update on the horses.
      Thought horses grew coats when the temperature changed, actually,
      it is when the days become shorter and there is more darkness.
      In the fall, Jethro’s coat would start lengthening, not too long as Texas
      does not have very cold, dark winters. Just long enough to need a
      clipping in the Spring. Can you imagine how hairy the horses get in
      Alaska with 6 months of darkness ????

      Happy New Year to You !!!!!

    • / Reply

      Sue Noel
      The adventures of Traveller & Barnaby have all the makings of a wonderful
      children’s book. Every read makes me smile!
      Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Love the continuing adventures….I agree with the thought about a book…Traveller and Barnaby make a home…

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue Noel:

      Thanks for this wonderful update on Barnaby and Traveller. Look forward to reading about them. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks so much, Sue, for this lovely update on our favorite horses in Idaho–Traveller and Barnaby. I love your description of Barnaby as a big plushie who only needs the rockers to be a perfect rocking horse. Too cute! Hugz always to Barnaby from his Auntie Trina, and happy New Year to both horses, their respective Sue’s, and rancher Tom.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,
      Sounds like Barnaby is enjoying life on the Suzie Q.
      I bet he will LOVE his new snaffle bit w/ the apple flavor.
      Lucky horse. Good to hear that new winter coat is working out for him. I bet he does look all plush and lovable,huggable.Our horses now have lady beards!

      Maybe,Mentor Cane needs a bit like that?Give him something else to think about.

  3. / Reply

    Goodness,I am silly–paragraph 4 above SHOULD have said that Sue and I celebrated the holidays WITH THE HORSES on the Saturdays before each holiday–sorry!

  4. / Reply

    PAULICK REPORT: ROSIE NAPRAVNIK REACHES NUMBER 8 IN TOP 10 RIDER’S
    FIRST FEMALE SINCE JULIE KRONE

    CONGRATULATIONS ROSIE – YOU ARE SOOOO TALENTED !!!!

    NAPRAVNIK FIRST FEMALE RIDER TO REACH TOP 10 SINCE KRONE
    by Press Release | 01.01.2013 | 2:22pm

    Jockey Rosie Napravnik closed out a career-best season Dec. 31, securing the highest spot ever for a female jockey on the North American leader board in 2012.

    Finishing the year with $12,451,713 in purse earnings and 193 wins with 191 seconds and 167 thirds from 1,200 starts, Napravnik finished eighth among the top jockeys in the nation in the year-end standings. Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone set the record in 1988 when she finished the year with a ninth-place finish. She finished ninth again in 1992 and the record stood for the past 20 years.

    Napravnik won her second consecutive meet title at Fair Grounds Race Course in March and made history in May when she won the coveted Kentucky Oaks, becoming the first female rider in the race’s 138-year history to do so. She won the race aboard the aptly named filly Believe You Can, bringing home the garland of lilies for trainer Larry Jones and owner and former Kentucky Gov. Brereton Jones.

    “It is pretty obvious that Rosie lays down the numbers,” said Krone. “What fun it has been to watch her year unfold. She is in new territory: Being one of the top 10 jockeys in the U.S.A. My heart gets to racing at the thought of her winning the Kentucky Derby. I live vicariously through many of her racing moments, then the others, I just enjoy.

    “Her tactical savvy in a race is as good as they come. Her gift of the feel or touch for the Thoroughbred is remarkable. As a rider one of the best compliments I got in the 1980s was a valet that said, ‘You look like a man on a horse.’ This has been said of Rosie many times as well. Her talents are only second to her determination. I suspect this won’t be her last visit to the top 10 list. She has all the qualities of a champion.”

    Napravnik rode the 2-year-old colt Shanghai Bobby to five straight victories for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Starlight Racing. The colt’s fifth win in as many starts came in the grade one Breeders Cup Juvenile, a victory that made him a shoe-in for the Eclipse Award for Champion Two-Year-Old Colt and marked him as the early favorite for this year’s Kentucky Derby.

    “Rosie rides as good as any male jockey out there,” said Pletcher, who finished the year as North America’s leading trainer. “She’s a fierce competitor and wants to win every time she goes out to the track. She’s a great communicator and always does her best to put her horses in a spot to win.”

    “This year has been unbelievable,” Napravnik said. “I’m very grateful to my supporters and to all of the people who have given me the opportunities to get to this level. I have continued to learn and have grown as a rider and I thrive on the challenges that come from competing against the best in the game. I’ve had the chance to work with some of the best horsemen in the business and I feel privileged to have ridden some incredibly talented horses in 2012. I’m excitedly looking forward to what’s to come in the New Year!”

    Napravnik is currently leading the recently-opened Fair Grounds meet with 33 wins.

    Jockey Rosie Napravnik closed out a career-best season Dec. 31, securing the highest spot ever for a female jockey on the North American leader board in 2012.Finishing the year with $12,451,713 in purse earnings and 193 wins with 191 seconds and 167 thirds from 1,200 starts, Napravnik finished eighth among the top jockeys in the nation in the year-end standings. Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone set the record in 1988 when she finished the year with a ninth-place finish. She finished ninth again in 1992 and the record stood for the past 20 years. Napravnik won her second consecutive meet title at Fair Grounds Race Course in March and made history in May when she won the coveted Kentucky Oaks, becoming the first female rider in the race’s 138-year history to do so. She won the race aboard the aptly named filly Believe You Can, bringing home the garland of lilies for trainer Larry Jones and owner and former Kentucky Gov. Brereton Jones.“It is pretty obvious that Rosie lays down the numbers,” said Krone. “What fun it has been to watch her year unfold. She is in new territory: Being one of the top 10 jockeys in the U.S.A. My heart gets to racing at the thought of her winning the Kentucky Derby. I live vicariously through many of her racing moments, then the others, I just enjoy.”Her tactical savvy in a race is as good as they come. Her gift of the feel or touch for the Thoroughbred is remarkable. As a rider one of the best compliments I got in the 1980s was a valet that said, ‘You look like a man on a horse.’ This has been said of Rosie many times as well. Her talents are only second to her determination. I suspect this won’t be her last visit to the top 10 list. She has all the qualities of a champion.”Napravnik rode the 2-year-old colt Shanghai Bobby to five straight victories for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Starlight Racing. The colt’s fifth win in as many starts came in the grade one Breeders Cup Juvenile, a victory that made him a shoe-in for the Eclipse Award for Champion Two-Year-Old Colt and marked him as the early favorite for this year’s Kentucky Derby.“Rosie rides as good as any male jockey out there,” said Pletcher, who finished the year as North America’s leading trainer. “She’s a fierce competitor and wants to win every time she goes out to the track. She’s a great communicator and always does her best to put her horses in a spot to win.”“This year has been unbelievable,” Napravnik said. “I’m very grateful to my supporters and to all of the people who have given me the opportunities to get to this level. I have continued to learn and have grown as a rider and I thrive on the challenges that come from competing against the best in the game. I’ve had the chance to work with some of the best horsemen in the business and I feel privileged to have ridden some incredibly talented horses in 2012. I’m excitedly looking forward to what’s to come in the New Year!”Napravnik is currently leading the recently-opened Fair Grounds meet with 33 wins.

    • / Reply

      Sign
      2012 was such a great year for Rosie.
      Wonder what 2013 will bring?
      Happy New Year to you-all the best in 2013
      Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign: Happy New Year to you! The jockey business is the only sporting activity where it is compulsory to have an ambulance following the field (I assume this is so in the US, Canada and Europe): races won’t start here unless the ambulance is there and ready to go. But to read about the many injuries some top jockeys suffer – quite extraordinary that they continue with the game!

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy R,

        So very true. Ridiing these wonderful creatures and feeling so free and
        exhilarated seems to outweight the danger. I so loved to ride and nothing
        ever could replace that feeling of being on a very strong, powerful creature.
        So glad I was not comfortable going so fast and am not small enough to
        be a jockey. Jockey’s are so very admirable.

        • Dear Sign: Agree – they’re admirable. So envy you being able to ride – was something I always wanted to do, but my parents could not afford lessons. So I developed a very good imagination and read lots of horse books – and look where it’s got me – here on the best site in the world, with the best people in the world!

  7. / Reply

    Happy New Year! Many thanx for all the updates and info shared!
    Happy Birthday to all the horses out there,and stay safe in 2013!
    Peace & Happiness

  8. / Reply

    Dear Sue Noel,
    Great to hear about Barnaby and Traveller. Especially love the way you describe his staying beside you, content to be a spectator with you, while Sue and Traveller rode around.
    So glad the four of your had holiday visits which included Christmas Fuji apples and New Year Fujis, too!! A Fuji is the “cherry on top” of the carrots and grain — Yum!

    Love your stories and look forward to hearing more in 2013.
    Best Wishes and Happy New Year!

  9. / Reply

    Dear Judy B.,
    Thanks for the greeting. Hope you, Lola Mae and Papa Charlie will have a lovely 2013 — a year filled with blessings.
    Happy New Year and lots of warm hugs, too!

  10. / Reply

    To All in Zennyland:

    Infinite thanks for another year of positive thoughts, mutual affection and support, together with shared information on all things equine and other subjects as needed by each and every one of us. Zenyatta inspires kindness!
    Good luck to us all as we begin this brand new year of 2013!

    Happy “Seven Swans a-Swimming” Day, too!!

  11. / Reply

    I haven’t been here in ages …… Happy Holidays to everyone and I hope 2013 is a great year for all!

    Like you, SO excited to see the progress to come with Z12 (PLEASE give us a REAL name for him SOON!!) and of course the “Z13 watch” will be fun/stressful/can’t wait. I am totally in love with Ebby and think she is going to be super special and did anyone else see Stanwyck’s second start and second win on Monday???? The Moss’ and our John have a real good filly there! Oh and even though he was a bit of spaz and ran off with Mike, I think Mentor Cane has promise as well.

    May 2013 be a happy and prosperous year for the Moss’ and for John Shirreffs — John truly is one of the best trainers out there and I just adore the way he loves his horses!

    Love to you, ZENNIE………hoping for a healthy GRAY FILLY!

      • / Reply

        Thanks Judy………….and the same to you and yours!

        I know that it is a ways off but are there plans to do a “foal watch” here again when Zennie gets ready to deliver? I will never forget that night in March of 2012 and don’t know how I would have made it through without all of you!

  12. / Reply

    Dear Zenny fans, Dumplings and All,

    Let us be loved, let us be happy, let us be peaceful.
    Let our friends be happy, loved and peaceful.
    Let all beings be happy loved and peaceful.
    Let the whole world experience these things
    in our wonderful new year.

    Have a blessed day and new year !!!

  13. / Reply

    BLOODHORSE: A LOVELY BIRTHDAY AND NEW YEARS WISH FOR ALL
    THOROUGHBREDS – Vic Zast

    Happy New Year, Happy Birthday
    31 Dec 2012 7:38 AM 4 Comments

    By Vic Zast

    At midnight on the last day of the year, as the moon lays a blanket of light on the pastures and the wind stirs the needles on the pines that line their edges, nothing seems different than the night before or the day after. Yet, the horses will celebrate a birthday.

    The January 1 birthday is a custom, used by the registry to categorize the species simply. The event slips away undetected. In a quiet room where records are kept and matters like this may mean something, someone takes notice. But the horses don’t. They sleep standing, bobbing gently when the burden of their weight on a leg makes the other leg numb.

    Stars splatter the sky above. The night is unremarkable, otherwise.

    Acknowledging a faint faraway sound, a mare paws the sodden Earth. She is heavy through the middle like an old man laying face down in a hammock. She shakes the dusting off her swaybacked spine with a tremble and lets out with a snort. Her eyes shut, her head dipped, the jagged movement in her back is subtle.

    Nature marks the seasons by the forming of ice on the streams and the flight of geese and a new circle in the trunk of a sycamore. Homo sapiens, the ingenious species, create history, define goals and make resolutions.

    As proof of this, the farm’s owners are engaged in revelries. Homes across the region are aglow. Strands of Auld Lang Syne can be heard, champagne’s poured and there’s kissing when the hands of the clock point to twelve. People are unique in maintaining a record of their lives. The past, present and the future merely happen for other life forms.

    Animals comply with the natural order. Possessed with uncanny awareness, horses behave at the command of their instincts. Their sense of place and role is a result of a genetic disposition. Which of the many shall lead the pack through a figure eight in the paddock? Which will enter a gate first when they’re brought home from the elements?

    Remarkably, within the fenced borders, myriad issues that escape the human experience are being sorted out. The equine universe is holistic. Hierarchy and purpose are the dictates of DNA, not the adherence to convention. There’s a place for even the least of the beasts.

    Why anyone allows cruelty in this kingdom is a mystery? Yet, men with a worldly motive have shown to be uncommonly heartless. Everything in nature deserves to be watched over. Rescue, sanctuary and euthanasia are choices.

    When a living thing appears at the end of its happiness, humans who do less than they can to preserve its dignity face the sad fate of becoming diminished. The life of a creature exists at their biding. Horses ask little in return for their beauty, their loyalty and service. A person enters into a compact with a force beyond comprehension whenever a horse is bred, born and raised. At the very least, the manner with which people dispose of animals who suffer is a reflection of how they themselves wish to be treated.

    There are men who can see invisible things, it is said. This night, on the occasion of collective accounting, a man of unusual insight approaches the arena. He breaks the peace of the falling snow. The pointed flakes, each in their own composition, descend on the oil-treated shoulders of his Barbour. He is a shaman, whose mystical powers enable him to operate in nature’s realm.

    Quietly standing in the circle of the herd, this man understands that his thoughts lack in consequence. But he’s unable to escape them. And he listens, and hears nothing. And the horses show no signs of wariness. Their acceptance of fate proceeds without complication, as if nothing in the past or the future, regardless of its influence, will intrude upon the stillness.

    Vic Zast is a Thoroughbred breeder and owner and writes the Saratoga Diary for bloodhorse.com. His first book, “The History and Art of 25 Travers,” was named one of the Top 10 Books of 2008.

  15. / Reply

    dear sign what a stunning post happy new year to all horses worldwide hugs sheena
    @sue noel just adore hearing about barnaby and traveller so glad you all had a good holiday and barnaby enjoyed his treats love to you all hugs sheena

  16. / Reply

    I would like to wish all my friends on the blog a safe and prosperous 2013. Here are some redneck jokes, first ones of the year. I hope they improve as the year goes along. You might be a redneck if you delay bathing for a few days because you used an excessive amount of deodorant. You might be a redneck if you know how many fish, collard greens, peas and beans make up a “mess.” You might be a redneck if you think disposable diapers are an appropriate wedding gift. You might be a redneck if two of your weddings have been on America’s Funniest Home Videos. You might be a redneck if you used food stamps on a date.

    • / Reply

      Dear TC,

      Great jokes, and the best so far of 2012.
      Making sure crapper is in good working order and warmed up.
      Only a few more days. Will we have another synchronized flushing????

    • / Reply

      Thank you ,TC.
      Remember, when serving the “mess”,whether it is trouble or turnip greens,ask if they want a helpin or a heapin helpin.

      Now, off we go, to mess with that filly at the barn…she’s a hotmess!

      Sign…..we ain’t messin around on the 27th. Git ready ,TC!!

  19. / Reply

    Happy ‘Neigh’ Year Z dumplings!!

    ♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•*
    ♪ღ♪ ░H░A░P░P░Y░♪░N░E░W░ ♪░Y ░E░A░R░!░♪ღ♪
    *•♪ღ♪*•.¸¸¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪¸.•*¨¨*•.¸¸¸.•*•♪ღ♪•*

    • / Reply

      Kathy. Yes, Jocks are a bit “crazy.” I know that when I was in training, I had several injuries but, couldn’t stay away or off the horses backs. It’s in their blood. It’s still in my blood too but, I will just assume staying on the sidelines rooting on the horses and the jocks.
      For instance: I had a horrible accident on a very nasty stud colt, shattered my pelvic bone etc. Was told that I would never ride again and I’d be lucky to walk in a year. Guess what? I was back in the saddle in 3 months before I could walk correctly. So, yeah, Jocks can be a bit crazy! LOL

      • / Reply

        Dear Heidi and Kathy R,

        Yes, us riders are a little off. Fractured my left arm and had numerous falls, from
        crowhopping and everytime got back on. Was told by my doctor after I fractured my left arm to never ride again. I followed his orders only until I healed and then
        back on. The feeling is soooo wonderful it is so hard to give up. Being a jockey
        is even more extreme. Also had a friend who owned a very crazy horse that
        she fell off numeous times, this woman had 2 very young children. A few years
        later she had a very bad fall on her new gorgeous warmblood horse, had
        fractured her pelvis and the x-rays showed numerous old pelvic fractures, she
        was in bed for many months healing and then on a walker and crutches for a few more. That did stop her from riding as she was very concerned about not being around for her young children. We are a little off ????

    • / Reply

      Kathy R
      Yes, jockeys are a little crazy.
      One of the amazing features in all these injury stories is their abiltiy
      to heal and return in a fairly short time.
      You also hear that in Sign’s & Heidi’s stories.
      I am another rider who had a major accident & fractured a couple of vertebrae
      in my back & in my neck. The kind that can cause paralysis.
      With three small children and a super-concerned husband, I never rode again.
      It took two years of rehab to get back on my feet.
      So, I know the price. And, yes I miss riding.

      Good luck with the heat wave. Here in Phoenix we had one of the hottest summers on record. Too many days of 110+ F
      Hope some rain comes your way. Not as much as Britain where there was flooding during Christmas.
      Many blessings to you & your Mum during 2013!
      Hugs, Keta

  23. / Reply

    We’re about to have a major heatwave down here – an event that only occurs every 20-30 years. It’s going to cover virtually the entire continent with temps. in the 38-39-43 degree mark depending where you live. So I’m praying for no serious bush fires with the subsequent loss of life to people, and so often horses and other stock and of course wildlife. Maybe Sheena can get that excess rain to shift down here, and I’m sure most of you folk would love to lose the snow for a few days! Cheers, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Sending you so of our American Indians to do a rain dance down under. They are pretty good at it. So hope you do not have any fires, we do have that issue at times
      in California.

    • / Reply

      Oh my goodness, Kathy. Those temps would be 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. No fun! I pray you will all be spared brushfires.

  24. / Reply

    Happy New Year to all..Happy Birthday…and thanks so much for this last post. Really interesting info on sales.

  25. / Reply

    Kate Hunter‏ KeibaKate tweets on Dubai Races
    2012 Hong Kong Sprint & Sprinters Stakes winner LORD KANALOA is nominated
    for the Dubai Golden Shaheen

    GENTILDONNA is nom’d for the Dubai Sheema Classic & Duty Free
    but her main goal in 2013 is the Arc

    ORFEVRE will skip the Emperor’s Cup Spring, will start year in Dubai OR G2 Osaka Hai

    GOLD SHIP will run in the G2 Hanshin Daishoten, G1 Emperor’s Cup Spring, G1 Takarazuka Kinen

  26. / Reply

    dear kathy just heard on our early morning news about the heatwave with you and firesif only i could send you our rain still damp and drizzly here at least not so heavy as it’s been could never stand heat like that though but would’nt mind a bit of dry!!!!the austalian open starts soon hope our andy murray does well!! take care hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena: Keep working on sending that rain! I don’t understand how anyone can play either cricket (about as interesting as watching paint dry) or tennis in the summer! What was that line from Noel Coward again about “mad dogs and Englishmen” – well is certainly applies to some Australians. Hugs, KathyR.

  27. / Reply

    Dear Zenny fans, Dumplings and All,

    Whatsoever things are true,
    Whatsoever things are honorable,
    Whatsoever things are just,
    Whatsoever things are pure,
    Whatsoever things are lovely,
    If there be any virtue,
    And if there is any praise,
    Think on these things for the new year,
    And the Lord shall lead the way for us.

    Amen

    Have a blessed and wonderful day !!!

    • / Reply

      Interesting. I doubt that Espinoza would have picked these silks, but it does inject a bit of fun into the game. In harness racing, the driver picks his own silks and uses them for each race he drives.

      • / Reply

        Dear TC,
        Great bit of information on harness racing
        silks. Too bad they did not show the back of these
        silks, have to see them on the track !!!

  29. / Reply

    PAULICK REPORT: ECLIPSE AWARDS TO BE TELEVISED ON HRTV
    JANUARY 19, 2013 8- 10:30 pm ET

    ECLIPSE AWARDS TO BE TELEVISED LIVE ON HRTV
    by Press Release | 01.02.2013 | 12:40pm

    The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters announced today that the 42nd annual Eclipse Awards will be broadcast live Saturday, January 19, on HRTV. Live coverage will also be available via Racetrack Television Network (RTN) and DRF.com. Television coverage will air from 8:00-10:30 p.m., ET (5:00-7:30 p.m., PT). The Eclipse Awards will take place at Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

    For the second consecutive year, the Eclipse Awards will be hosted by Jeannine Edwards of ESPN.

    “We are delighted that the highly talented team of professionals at HRTV will be producing this year’s Eclipse Awards show and telecast,” said Alex Waldrop, President and CEO of the NTRA. “And we are every bit as proud to have Jeannine Edwards back again as our host. Jeannine is a universally admired figure within our industry, and she did a first-rate job hosting the event a year ago.”

    “It’s an honor for HRTV to be involved with the broadcast of the Eclipse Awards, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments of both equine and human stars during a tremendous 2012 racing season,” said Scott Daruty, President of HRTV. “Our outstanding production team is committed to providing viewers with complete coverage of a memorable evening.”

    HRTV will also televise live the announcement of Eclipse Awards finalists during a special edition of “Race Day America” on Saturday, January 5, at 12:00 p.m. ET (9:00 a.m. PT).

    Eclipse Awards are bestowed upon horses and individuals whose outstanding achievements have earned them the title of Champion in their respective categories. Eclipse Award voting takes place among designated representatives of the NTRA, DRF and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. Awards also are given to recognize members of the media for outstanding coverage of Thoroughbred racing.

    The Eclipse Awards are named after the great 18th-century racehorse and foundation sire Eclipse, who began racing at age five and was undefeated in 18 starts, including eight walkovers. Eclipse sired the winners of 344 races, including three Epsom Derbies.

    The Eclipse Awards are presented by Daily Racing Form, The Stronach Group and Breeders’ Cup and produced by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). Official Partners of the Eclipse Awards include Adequan, Besilu Stables, Keeneland, Kendall-Jackson, NOA Watches and Roberts Communications. The official hotel of the Eclipse Awards is the Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa.

    • / Reply

      Hi Sign:
      Thanks for letting us know. I will definitely tune in. This is when they will announce the Horse of the Year, right?

      Thanks.

      – Linda

  30. / Reply

    Dear Kathy R,

    Rode horses as a child at summer camp for a few years. Parents also did not have
    the money to support this “habit” so read/watched everything horse as a kid, Black Beauty, Flicka, Lone Ranger etc….

    As an adult was able to get back into riding and then realized the cost, which is huge.
    And that was just in hunter/jumpers, getting in the high end barns with high end trainers, and having the talent to do that was definatly another thing. Really met a lot of fearless
    talented women that were great riders and many were “born on a horse”, had mothers
    and grandmothers who were show judges, many professional women (lawyers, doctors
    etc…). It was such a great experience, but eventually going up the ranks the horses become more expensive (rode a $150,000, Argentinian warmblood, jumper gelding, that was just like riding a porsche, light springy, fast and could turn on a dime), so heard about ZENYATTA and her winning streak in the late spring of 2010, which lead me here.
    And so very glad for that.

    • / Reply

      Sign,
      Great story! Thank you for sharing your background.
      Your description of the hunter-jumper sport is true
      It is tough to succeed without the money/heritage.
      That is one of the many reasons I am so proud of my daughter.
      Glad the path lead here-you bring so much knowledge & into.
      Hugs, Keta

      • / Reply

        Keta,
        So very true $$$ and heritage are an almost must
        in all aspects of the horse world along with lots
        and lots of talent. Definately a wonderful feat
        for those without the above to make it in the horse
        world. And there are quite a few who do. So the hard
        work and talent your daughter has developed is
        very admirable, when you think of McClain Ward,
        Margie Engle, Meridith Micheals-Bierbaum and so
        many others.

    • / Reply

      For you, Sign. Fearless rider of the crow hoppers…..

      May you never lose direction
      may you never take to flight
      as you make a slight correction
      if your horse bucks to the right
      © 2007, Pat Richardson

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