Q:
I have a question about the colts. When is the decision typically made whether to geld or leave them intact, and what factors go into that decision?
Nancy Schaffer
Tucson, AZ
A:Typically we will never geld a colt before it leaves the farm, either for the sales or to be broken in, unless there is a medical issue involved. We often have a good idea that they may become geldings fairly soon into their training careers though! Some colts are definitely more “studdish” than others.
Buyers usually don’t want to purchase a yearling gelding, as this will often indicate they have a difficult temperament. On top of that, this is a dreamers game—when someone buys a colt they like to think they have a shot at owning a horse that will have a stellar racing career and go on to leave his legacy as a stud.
Some of the colts that are headstrong and studdish as yearlings improve once they are in training and they have a job to do. With the horses that don’t settle down, it becomes a question of whether you can get the horse to train and race to his full ability if his mind is not on the game and he’s fractious and difficult to handle. If the answer is no, then often he will be gelded at this point.
The other reason to geld a colt is if they are clearly not going to compete at the levels that would then lead to a career at stud. A gelding is usually easier to handle and deal with on a daily basis. I know a lot of people will say they have had difficult geldings or easy colts, and of course that can be the case but generally it’s easier to have a gelding in the shed row, especially when there are fillies in the barn.
Our Expert
Yearling Manager, Lane’s End
Cooper was born in Lexington, KY and graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in Agriculture. He started working with horses in 1997 in the training barn of Al Stall Jr. Before coming to Lane’s End as the Yearling Manager in 2010, he worked at Wimbledon and Mill Ridge Farm.
Susan In Fl
Thanx for the info & pics…Too Cute! Pace, Pace…Peace & Happiness
Celeste
Does anyone know if 12Z has a nickname that they call him? Also, what does the green tape on his halter signify?
Linda in NJ
Hi Celeste:
That’a a really good observation–I wonder!
Randy
Hi Celeste,
I don’t know the answer to your nickname question (I’d love to know that too!), but I’m pretty sure the green tape is probably there to repair an area that’s been damaged by his buddies when they grab each other’s halters (apparently one of their regular games). I’ve noticed green tape on a number of the colts’ halters and I think I even saw some on Zenny’s back when Z12 was a baby and Mom was his favorite playmate.
Randy
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
I wonder if they call him Zenyatta’s Boy? That (and Prince) is what he’ll always be to me.
Debbie
Just seen our Black Caviar run we luv her
so much she was awesome to see in the
flesh she is a legened
carol in arkansas/PACING
She sure is something …a National Treasure…..
RAN LIKE A GIRL……Go Nelly
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Debbie:
She truly is amazing. Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
So happy for you, Debbie, and for the great Black Caviar! High hoof!
Kathy R.
Dear Debbie: Was a bit concerned when I saw the brollies at the Valley – but all was well in the end. Although I was expecting to see you in your Nelly gear interviewed by the roaming TVN bloke! Very happy that you had such a wonderful experience! Hugs, KathyR.
sheena.davies(wales) waiting for Z's big day
dearmax congrats to the supermare!!spring has arrived with avengence over here snow rain gales flooding even kauto has his wellies on all4 of them!!! neigh sheena
Max
Sheena. I saw Kauto’s tweet about his wellies. Did you see the photo in Horse and Hound of his new dressage saddle? He looks so proud. Also read that Denman is on vacation fom hunting. Charlotte was asked to parade him with Kauto at Cheltenham, but she was afraid that he would bolt away from her if he saw Kauto. She thought that she was not strong enough to restrain The Tank on a mission. He seems to be doing well in his new career. Very happy for him.
Ann NC (PUR)
I drool over new saddles. Lucky guy.
Celeste_in_TX
Thank you so much, Lane’s End and all Z connections for sharing such an information packed Ask the Experts answer. The photos of our sweet Z12 are wonderful, too, so thanks goes again to the talented Alys for sharing her shots of our big boy!! This is such a great place – always makes a better start to my day to get going by reading updates here. Thanks!
Linda in NJ
Just dropping in to see if there’s any news, yet!
Love you, Zenny!
Keta
Lane’s End Farm post on Facebook with link to RACE REPLAY VIDEO
“Brutal power” – Black Caviar powers home for the 24th time in front,
with an astounding 14 G1s to her credit!
Black Caviar wins the William Reid Stakes
Published on Mar 22, 2013
Black Caviar makes it 24 consecutive victories with another smooth performance
at Moonee Valley.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=m9CSnGeoqoU
Keta
Max,
Sorry, I posted before reading previous page.
Saw that you already had the race video up.
Nelly made it look easy.
Hugs, Keta
Max
Keta. No need to apologize. I watched the video on your post too, and liked it as much or maybe even better. Nelly sure can run. Or as Z might say, how about that Black Caviar?
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max, Keta and Z Fans:
Congrats to Nelly. Thank you both for posting the replay. Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Ah, now I understand the remark of the commentators at the end of Black Caviar’s race: “The Queen joins the King.” BC had just equaled the record of 14 Australian group I wins that was set in the early 1980s by Kingston Town, one of Australia’s greatest racehorses. Coincidentally, Black Caviar’s next race target, the $1 million T. J. Smith (April 13 at Randwick) is named in honor of the legendary trainer who conditioned Kingston Town. High hoof!
andrej
Zenny and twelvz kiss your soft noses, love you and horses
Perky Green
Thank-You for the Post of Z12 at play video too cute
Joan
Hi, I was wondering if the owners of Zenyatta are going to keep 12z and race him, or are they going to sell him.
Joan
LauraJ (Cincinnati OH)
They’ll keep him.
Keta
Pati- College Bound & shirleeinindy
You were interested in the ArchArchArch foals.
Thought you might like this slide show of Arch & his offsp;ring.
It includes ArchArchArch.
Hugs, Keta
Progeny of Arch (Slide Show)
The Blood-Horse Wednesday, March 20, 2013 12:00 AM
Training Offspring of Sires – Arch
Read the full feature in the March 23, 2013 issue of The Blood-Horse.
After completing a career in which his five wins from seven starts included the Super Derby (gr. I), Arch was retired to Claiborne near Paris, Ky. Arch entered stud for a $20,000 fee that had dropped to $5,000 by 2004 before his progeny’s success on the track resulted in his fee increasing to $40,000 for 2013. Arch’s best horses to date from more than 40 stakes winners have been champion older horse Blame and Canadian Horse of the Year Arravale.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/slideshows/slideshow/archprogeny/progeny-of-arch
Keta
Blackstone Farm tweets with FOAL PHOTOS
Archarcharch 2013 colt out of Lola’s Love.
The stallion will be doing great if this is the standard.
Love this foal!
https://twitter.com/BlackstoneFarm/status/314476498952269824/photo/1
Headshot of Archarcharch 2013 colt out of Lola’s Love
https://twitter.com/BlackstoneFarm/status/314475915084177408/photo/1
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Thanks for the update on JT.
Gorgeous Arch foal out of Lola’s Love. Thank you. Hugs, JB
Sandy (Northeast Ohio) PUR
What an adorable fuzzy little guy he is – thanks Keta! :-)
Bobbie --- Elkhorn WI
I just love his fuzzy coat!
Keta
J. T. McNamara UPDATE
Irish Jockey Remains in Stable Condition
By The Associated Press Updated: Friday, March 22, 2013 12:30 PM
A doctor says Irish jockey J. T. McNamara did not suffer a brain injury during his fall from a horse at the Cheltenham Festival.
Dr. Adrian McGoldrick, senior medical officer of the Irish Turf Club, said in a statement released March 21 by the Injured Jockeys Fund that the 37-year-old McNamara remains in stable condition in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Bristol.
McNamara fractured two vertebrae in his neck after coming off Galaxy Rock in a race last week, and McGoldrick says the “vertebral damage remains serious.”
There will be no further update on McNamara’s condition until at least next week.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/77013/irish-jockey-remains-in-stable-condition#ixzz2OHwNGLIb
carolinarkansas
is the video here on site of Z12 rolling around and running new? showed up on fb a while ago…very cute
…..
PACE….PACE….PACE….
Sandy (Northeast Ohio) PUR
THANKS Carol!! I would have missed this for sure. What a ham!
Pace . . . Pace . . . Pace . . .right with you :-)
Sandy
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Black Caviar Wins Race Twenty-Four
I did hope
We’d get to see
Live on TVG
As Nelly
Went for win twenty-four,
But nope,
Sadly, we couldn’t see
Her victory
On the telly
As she came home at an easy lope,
In first place,
As always before,
At the end of the race.
In the replay
Posted by Max,
We see she was idling,
Just sidling
Alongside Karuta Queen,
When Luke Nolen asked
For acceleration,
And as is her way,
She sped away,
Then basked
In the crowd’s adulation–
That’s the great Black Caviar,
The best of all sprinters today
By far!
Keta
Trina
Wonderful tribute!
BLACK CAVIAR & RECORDS Alex Brown tweet
so Black Caviar equalled Kingston Town’s record, and
has 2 more to equal John Henry
Hugs, Keta
Sandy (Northeast Ohio) PUR
Good one Trina!!! And to think that you were up in the middle of the CA night to try to watch the race! Did you see that TVG finally got around to airing it during their early show (noonish here) – once THEY all woke up? Humph!
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Yes, Sandy, I caught that one, after setting my alarm for 3:30 AM in hopes of seeing the race live on TVG. At least my thoughts were with the great Black Caviar during her run. Did you see Ashton “was up at dawn thirty” watching live here– http://www.australianracing.com/pages/members/31.php (posted on Zenny’s Tribe). We’ll know for next time! Hurrumphing along with you–Hugz, Trina
Kathy R.
Dear Trina: So sorry you folk didn’t see the race live – was thinking of all of you watching at some unearthly hour, and hoping you were enjoying the pre-race bits and bobs. Hopefully your network will lift their game in time for Number 25! Hugs, KathyR.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio) PUR
I’m hoping too Kathy! What is WITH these folks? I’m sure there is some way for the network to connect automatically so that the commentators don’t have to lose any sleep. This one wouldn’t have been bad here in the eastern time zone. GRRRRR!
Pati- College Bound
Perfectly stated.
Ann NC (PUR)
Thank you,Trina.
Nelly,you are something else!
Congrats on a great trip.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Wow! Thank you, Trina!!!
Keta
DUNDALK CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Irishracing.com tweet
Racing has been cancelled @DundalkStadium this evening after high winds caused damage to the stand.
Keta
Sprinter Sacre could step up in trip at Aintree
By Stuart Riley Racingpost.com 5:40PM 22 MAR 2013
A STEP up in trip and a possible clash at Aintree with Cue Card and Flemenstar has been mooted for Spinter Sacre after his breeder Christophe Malse told trainer Nicky Henderson he was “mad” for restricting the superstar seven-year-old to two miles.
And Henderson feels his stable star, who is unbeaten in eight starts over fences and has never raced further than the 2m1f in the Game Spirit, could be even better over further. Having already achieved the second highest rating in the history of RPRs, that is a scary proposition for any potential rivals.
Henderson had initially been drawn towards running Sprinter Sacre in the Grade 1 Boylesports.com Champion Chase at the Punchestown festival at the end of April but could change his plan and go to Aintree on April 5 instead.
“There is a possibility Sprinter Sacre could go to Aintree,” said Henderson. “There is no two-mile race for him but he could go for the two and a half mile chase.
http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/sprinter-sacre-could-step-up-in-trip-at-aintree/1225225/top/#newsArchiveTabs=last7DaysNews
Keta
VERRAZANO UPDATE
horseracinghl tweet
NYRA notes also report Todd Pletcher says Verrazano will return the worktab
at PM Sunday and fly to New York on April 3 for G1 Wood
andrej
black caviar please have little rest, walk and run in paddock for some days on air, my be with frendly mates, race is not easy travel
Brenda S., Fort Erie, Canada
Congratulations to Nelly and her connections, 14 Grade 1’s is an awesome record. She goes from strength to strength.
I hope Zenny will manage to give us all a nice gift for Easter and I don’t mean a chocolate egg. My hooves are crossed and I’m wishing for a filly by this time next week.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio) PUR
Hmmm – you mean in addition to chocolate eggs, right? :-)
Keta
Mr. Bossy Pants is entered on March 23, 2013 at SANTA ANITA PARK Race: 8
PP 8 Horse Mr. Bossy Pants A/S 7/G Med L Claim $ 25,000
Jockey Victor Espinoza Wgt121 Trainer Robertino Diodoro
Keta Note: Sent an alert to Diana
judy berube from Rhode Island
Godspeed Mr. Bossy Pants. Hugs, JB
Bobbie --- Elkhorn WI
I just love that name!
Kathy R.
Me too!
Diana Stuart - Go Bossy Go!
Dear Sweetie Bossy Pants: Please run safe on your favorite course! And I hope you do not get claimed! Mr. Diodoro takes good care of you and I’d like you to stay with him! My favorite “bookie” Auntie Judy JAG has placed my bets for me on you. Maybe one of these days I’ll actually cash all my win tix on you – or not. LOL Love you lots.
diastu (AKA Miz Bossy Pants) in tempe
Sandy (Northeast Ohio) PUR
We’ll all be watching and rooting for him Diana – a good run and NO claiming!
Keta
Lady of Shamrock Takes Santa Ana Spotlight
By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse Updated: Friday, March 22, 2013 9:56 AM
Lady of Shamrock, a two-time grade I winner on turf last season, commences her 4-year-old campaign in the $150,000 Santa Ana Stakes (gr. IIT) March 24 on the turf at Santa Anita Park.
Hronis Racing’s daughter of Scat Daddy will face five opponents in her first start for trainer John Sadler since she ran a troubled fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) over the same Santa Anita course Nov. 2.
Regular rider Mike Smith will be aboard the late-running Lady of Shamrock. She drew the rail in the Santa Ana, a 1 1/8-mile test of older fillies and mares at nine furlongs. The race is the seventh on the Sunday card with a scheduled post time of 3:36 p.m. PDT
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/77002/lady-of-shamrock-takes-santa-ana-spotlight#ixzz2OIdyDNcJ
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Lady of Shamrock was a favorite of our dear Kari Bussell’s. Go, LOS, and safe trip!
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Hoof ray! Our dear ANN MAREE posted on Zenny’s Tribe four hours ago the longed-for message “I’m back! ♥” We congratulate Ann Maree on her successful triple-bypass surgery and wish her a quick and not painful recovery. Lighting candles of well wishes at http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=AnnMa
carol in arkansas/PACING
Wonderful news…..
PACE…PACE….PACE….
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Trina:
Wonderful, wonderful news. Hugs, JB
Ann NC (PUR)
Fantastic!
Thanks for this news,Trina.
Glad all went well.
Marshall (NC broad)
Again, thank you Trina!
Happy to know that Ann Maree has posted. Hoping her recovery will be speedy and complete. Hugs
Diana Stuart - YAY Ann Maree!
Thank you Trina for this great news. I was thinking about her just this morning.
Love and hugs, diastu in tempe
Sandy (Northeast Ohio) PUR
Great news Trina – thanks! And best wishes to Ann Maree for a speedy and uncomplicated recovery!
Pati- College Bound
First horse show of the season tomorrow. Nervous and hoping for no rain. Maybe I rain danced too much week of finals…
Red has been all keyed up. Maybe he knows that tomorrow is a special day too.
Pati- College Bound
Oh, I forgot to ask earlier. Mrs. Trina Nagele, did you ever get my letter and card back in January? I think it was then..I had a card in a desperate envelope and I hope both got delivered to you safely.
Pati- College Bound
*seperate envelope
Sorry for the typo.
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Thank you, Pati, yes, I got your letter. I have to get a card into the mail for you!
Pati- College Bound
Oh no, you don’t have to. I just wanted to make sure you got it! I have to put together a new SHERR update too. We got a new big guy who’s all white, like Ty. They’re best friends. You guys will like Jack.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Pati:
Best wishes to you and Red tomorrow. Please update us on the show. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC (PUR)
Have FUN at the show,Pati.
Ride em cowgirl!!!! I know you are showing English(?) Hope the weather will be nice for your show!
Hugs to Liddy!!
Diana Stuart - Have Fun Red & Pati!
Hope someone will take lots of pictures that you will share with us. Carrots and peppermints to Red!
diastu in tempe
Pati- College Bound
Even better, my dad recorded ALL my rides! You can watch me and Red on video!
Ingrid Arnone
Love you Z12.
Pace….pace….pace…. love you Zenny.
Dear Z fans thank you for the great links.
Hugs to all Ingrid.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max, Sheena, Ann, Peggy and Z Fans:
Went to visit Charlie and the girls yesterday; everyone is doing very well and enjoyed their treats.
While visiting I discovered a new TB has been welcomed at the farm. His name is “Rocco”; race name Rathor. Talking with his owner I found out he is a cousin of Zenyatta. He is an Irish bred by Machiavellian, who is Street Cry’s sire. He is very big and a Dark Bay with long legs. Thought you would all get a kick out of that.
He’s eleven years old and started racing in Great Britain in 2005, before coming to America in 2006. His Trainer was, none other than, Bobby Frankel. Last race was 4/2/11.
He raced at Belmont, Santa Anita, Keenland, Del Mar and was gradually running in low level Claiming races at Philadelphia Park. The woman who owns him loves him very much and he’s settling in nicely at the farm. Small world isn’t it. Hugs, JB
Keta
Judy B
A gift to celebrate with you his soon-to-be foal relative!
Isn’t it interesting how this smail world/karma works!
Hugs, Keta
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Yes, it really is. Hugs, JB
Max
Wow, he’s got the elusive Fanfreluche in his pedigree. Very interesting horse.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Just checked out Franfreluche, as I was unfamiliar with him. Wow, indeed. Born in Canada; a son of Northern Dancer. Twenty-one starts: 11 wins, 6 places and 2 shows. Rathor has great bloodlines on both sides. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Here’s a photo of Fanfreluche. Hugs, JB
http://www.pedigreequery.com/photos/fanfreluche
Max
JudyB. I am sorry to have to correct you, but Fanfreluche was very much a filly. She was in foal to Secretariat when she was abducted. She was away from Claiborne for months, but was eventually located, and returned to Seth Hancock. It all turned out well.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Oh, I’m so sorry. I apologize to you and to Fanfreluche. She is a daughter of Northern Dancer. Thank you for correcting me.
I did not know anything of her abduction or being in foal to Secretariat. Did she have the foal and did she live out her life at Claiborne Farm? Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Here is a link to Fanfreluche’s story of a life which turned out well. I have always hoped that Zenyatta and Tasty Temptation could continue to be as close as Fan and Optimistic Gal had been, but Z and T were sadly separated by cruel fate. This is a beautiful story of horse friendship and supportive companionship, an example of why horses are God’s own special creatures and are gifts to us all. They ask only for our love and protection, and the occasional mint. Let us never deny them what they are owed.
http://www.barbaralivingston.com/Stories_Fanfreluche.html
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Thank you so much for the link to Fanfreluche’s story. Beautiful thoughts and comments in your post too. All very true. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Just read the link to the article on Fanfrelauche by Barbara Livingston. Wow, what a beautiful horse and still trusting after her crazy ordeal. Did not know she was the Dam of D’accord also by Secretariat. I remember him very well. Wonder what became of Sain Et Sauf. Sad that he ended up at stud in India.
Fanfrelauche sounds like she had a temperament like our Z and Optamistic Gal was like TT. They were together as you said for many years and died days apart. They lived long, happy lives. Thank you again for the link. I learned something today. Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Max,
Thanks for the link to BL’s article on Fanfreluche and Optimistic Gal. Lovely story!
How nice that they were loved and happy to the last. Too bad that Optimistic Gal doesn’t have a plaque/marker for her final resting place. Maybe someone will rectify that omission — hope so.
Cheers and hugs
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Judy, this is delightful news! So glad “Rocco” is in great hands for his new career! High hoof, and thanks so much for sharing.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Trina:
So glad you enjoy the stories about the horses and the farm. Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC broad)
Dear Judy B.,
Yes, we do enjoy your stories about Papa Charlie and ALL the horses at the farm. Please continue to keep us updated. Happy to learn of the newbie, Rocco — he is a lucky guy!
Take care and lots of hugs
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Marshall:
Thank you. Will keep posting updates on the horses. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC (PUR)
Judy B,
Give a big welcome to Rocco. Very exciting about his pedigree.
Maybe Ms. HT will mind her manners w/ a new TB in town!
What a special barn!
Hugs to all.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ann:
May be. That would be a good thing. Hugs, JB
Peggy (N) South Georgia (PUR)
Dear Judy,
Oh Wow, that is so nice that he’s there. I know you just love all the visits. I knowone of my most favorite things to do in this world is visit the farms. I know when I go on vacation if it doesn’t have to do with a horse. I just don’t want to go. Is that bad………………….Oh well its my favorite thing. . .
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
I think it’s great that you choose to spend your vacations visiting horses farms. I love visiting PC and the girls and because I’ll never get to visit the horse farms in Kentucky or Florida, I always enjoy your posts and e-mails about your visits. Makes me feel like I’m there too. Thank you. Hugs,JB
Diana Stuart
Dear Judy B: What neat news about Charlie and the girls’ new “room mate”. Such a pedigree Rathor has. I thought that name sounded familiar!
It was a horsie visiting day for me too. The farrier was out to trim Hoot and Slew. But he wasn’t happy with their hooves this time. Seems the new neighbor hasn’t figured out how to irrigate his pasture without flooding everyone else’s and then, the boys knocked over the big water barrel! So the pasture has been quite wet and their hooves were a bit soft and messy. Not good. The farrier and I locked the boys up in the smaller dry paddock until the water situation can be resolved. So much for giving them baths today! Sheesh! Kids! LOL
Love and hugs and carrots, diastu in tempe
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Diana:
Yes, Rathor raced quite often at California tracks. Maybe that’s why his name rang a bell with you.
Glad you found dryer ground for the boys. Some of the paddocks at Angela’s farm have gotten quite soggy and wet as well with the melting snow and warmer temps. So true; not good for the horses’ feet.
Wow, they knocked over a water barrel. They are always getting into mischief. Love and Hugs, JB
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Woo-hoo!! Bullet Catcher came in first in his race at Laurel Park. I think he’s going to be a runner (as he proved earlier in the year by dashing through the Maryland traffic).
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Barb W.:
Congrats Bullet Catcher. Well done. Hugs, JB
carol in arkansas/PACING
Good job Bullet Catcher…..use that energy on the track!
Keta
Barbara Wood
Yeah Bullet Catcher!!!
Hugs, Keta
Max
Great news. Good for you, Bullet Catcher.
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Hoof ray, Bullet Catcher! Safe trip, always. Thanks for sharing, Barbara.
Ann NC (PUR)
Thank you,Barbara.
Since my B-ball team lost today,this news cheers me up.
I love Bullet Catcher,way to go buddy!!!!
Marshall (NC broad)
Congratulations to Bullet Catcher on his win!!!
Thanks for letting us know, Barbara. Hugs
HeidiK Vallejo,Ca (lost in the drama)
Zen Family……
Well, I got some tragic news last night and then it was confirmed this morning. My Aunt passed away at 9:30 pm from TSS after having a colonoscopy earlier this week. I hate to hear my Mom cry and when she called bawling last night, I knew something was horribly wrong. So, I called today and we talked more and cried together. I wish I could be there with my Mom!! Talk about a week from Hell, literally!! To add to the grieve, My Uncle couldn’t get to the hospital in time. He was driving from Fremont where he works to Redding. He got there 2 hrs too late. :(
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Heidi:
So sorry for your loss. Hugs, JB
carol in arkansas/PACING
So very sorry for your loss…sometimes I just can not find right words…please consider yourself hugged…hard
Keta
Heidi
What a terrible time you have been having!! So many sad events.
So sorry for your loss.
Thoughts & prayers are with your Mom, you & family
Hugs, Keta
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Heidi–we are all in shock, and we just have no words, except to send you heartfelt hugs and prayers for your family. And our love, of course!
Pati- College Bound
Oh no. My sincerest condolences. I wish for peace and a tranquility for you and your family in this time of pain. Gosh, 2 hours too late. That’s heart breaking.
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
So sorry, Heidi, for this additional tragic turn. Prayers and hugz for you, your mom and your uncle.
Ann NC (PUR)
Heidi,
I am so sorry about your Aunt.
Hoping the love from the blog can help a bit.
Blessings to you and your family.
Peggy (N) South Georgia (PUR)
Heidi, So Sorry for your loss.
Abigail_1849
Heidi: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry to hear that you’ve had to endure still another sad event. I’m sure this is emotionally & physically exhausting as well, so please take good care of yourself. I send you my love & many hugs.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio) PUR
Heidi,
So sorry to hear about your aunt. It must feel like you have a huge black cloud just following you around right now, but hang in there – the sun WILL come back out.
Sandy
Ingrid Arnone
So sorry for your loss, big hug Ingrid.
Keta
Trainer Al Stall Jr. says he will tentatively nominate two horses to the Triple Crown trail
By Katherine Terrell, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
With the deadline for Triple Crown nominations looming Saturday, local trainer Al Stall Jr. and his owners have some decisions to make. Stall has two potential candidates in DEPARTING, an undefeated bay gelding owned by Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider, and SUNBEAN, a bay colt owned by Brittlyn Stable.
Both horses are being pointed to Louisiana Derby, a Kentucky Derby prep race held at the Fair Grounds on March 30.
Stall, who has never run a horse in the Kentucky Derby, said the tentative plan is to pay the $6,000 nomination fee. If they choose not to nominate by the Saturday deadline, the price would raise substantially to $200,000 for supplemental nominees.
http://www.nola.com/horseracing/index.ssf/2013/03/trainer_al_stall_says_he_will_2.html
Keta
Keta Note: Now for the rest of the story from the same article.
Another trainer fighting suspension
Staying positive has been a mantra for the locally based trainer this week, as he is in the process of appealing a suspension handed down for two Class C drug violations by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission.
Both tests were for traces of methocarbamol, a therapeutic muscle relaxant commonly used to treat soreness and muscle strain in horses. The medication is approved as a therapeutic drug, but only traces (1 nanogram per milliliter) are allowed on race day.
The recommended withdrawal time for the drug to leave a horse’s system by race day is 48 hours.
Stall’s first offense was when his filly Sign tested above the threshold limit (2.1 nanograms per ml) following a win in the Grade II Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs on Oct. 28. His second offense was for Upon Reflection (1.5 nanograms per ml), who won a $15,000 maiden claiming race at Churchill Downs on Nov. 7.
Both horses were disqualified from their races and placed last. Stall was fined $500 and suspended for 10 days for the second offense within a year.
“We haven’t done anything different than we’ve done in 21 years,” said a frustrated Stall. “We’re in the process of appealing.”
The suspension is scheduled for March 28 through April 6, but Stall said he expects he’ll be given a stay while it’s under appeal. He is being represented by attorney David Royse.
http://www.nola.com/horseracing/index.ssf/2013/03/trainer_al_stall_says_he_will_2.html
Sue Fredrick- Starting to pace
Thank you LE for the pics and video of our big brute. Wow he is one handsome dude.
Such fun just to watch him roll around in the grass.
Judy B, that is really neat to hear you have one of Zen’s relatives at the stable. I bet you just have a ball going over there, seeing your Charlie, and meeting the new ones, it would be the hi-lite of my day.
Such good news about Ann Maree, have lit a candle for her continued healing. Power Up Ann!!
Heidi, left a message on another blog for you, my heart goes out to you and your family for all you’ve endured these last 2 weeks.
Congrats to the wonderful Black Caviar on another fantastic win. And to Bullet Catcher on getting it right this time.
Kisses to Big Mama and EARnie, wonder if your mom and dad got there yet. love Auntie Sue
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sue Fredrick:
Makes my day every time.
The Prince is just breathtakingly gorgeous isn’t he. Love and Hugs, JB
Sue Fredrick- Starting to pace
Judy,
Yes he is!! We love our Bernie and his kids don’t we. Give those horses and especially your Charlie a nose smooch for me. love and hugs sue
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sue:
Oh yes, love Bernie and all his babies. Will give all the horses a hug and smooch from you. Love and Hugs, JB