Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #23

12Z. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
12Z. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

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.

Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End
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

Cooper Sawyer

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.

Reader Interactions

965 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Brown Almighty (3-Year-Old Colt) Workout
    Date: March 23, 2013
    Track: OAKLAWN PARK
    Distance: Five Furlongs
    Time: 1.01:40 Handily
    Track Condition: Muddy
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 3/15

  2. / Reply

    I Am Miss Brown (3-Year-Old Filly) Workout
    Date: March 23, 2013
    Track: OAKLAWN PARK
    Distance: Four Furlongs
    Time: 49:80 Breezing
    Track Condition: Muddy
    Surface: Dirt
    Rank: 2/11

  5. / Reply

    In the Pan American today…..1 1/2 miles on grass…Twilight Eclipse wins in world record time…..Big D’s grandson thru Purim….second place to Ioya Bigtime…one of Big D’s boys…HE is smiling somewhere…
    ….

    • / Reply

      Twilight Eclipse Wins Pan Am in World Record
      By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse Updated: Saturday, March 23, 2013 8:46 PM
      Twilight Eclipse ruined the return of favored Newsdad while establishing a new world record for 1 1/2 miles on turf in the $150,000 Pan American Handicap (gr. IIT) March 23 at Gulfstream Park (VIDEO).
      Using a rail-skimming ride by Javier Castellano, Twilight Eclipse posted a four-length victory in a time of 2:22.63. The clocking shaved .09 of a second off the time registered by Bright Thought in winning the San Luis Rey Stakes (gr. IIT) March 16 at Santa Anita Park. The prior mark, 2:22.80 by Hawkster at Santa Anita, had stood since Oct. 14, 1989.
      Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/77039/twilight-eclipse-wins-pan-am-in-world-record#ixzz2OQ8lkyzI

  6. / Reply

    Barakey news.

    Andrew Bensley (Keta’s mate) has reported on Skysportsradio this morning in his racing washup programme that when the surgery was done on Barakey they found no cartilage around his knee and the horse will therefore be fully rested for 12 months and assessed after that time. So very disappointing for all his connections, and I wish them all the best for the successful recovery of this horse, even if he ultimately is retired.

  7. / Reply

    Wow, Congratulations. To Black Onyx. For winning the Spiral. You are just great and beautiful Too. Congrats also to your Dad Rock Hard Ten, Jersey Joe and Kelly Breen.
    Please suppliment the fee for Triple Crown nomination. Hurry today’s the last day.

    • / Reply

      Oh Wow, should have went to Bloodhorse first, They just nominated you. Sooooooooooooooo Happy.

    • / Reply

      Wasn’t Rock Hard Ten sold overseas this fall? Hate to see our good ones go abroad. Hope he has a “come back home” clause in his contract.

      • / Reply

        Dear Shirlee,

        Did he go overseas. Oh no, I must have missed that. Oh I’m so sorry if he did. I saw him at Lane’s End,, but that’s been a number of years ago. He is Gorgeous.
        I remember we were talking about Black Stallions a number of years ago, and Ensign, I remember was telling us about how beaufiful he was too. Oh I am so sorry he’s gone.

        • Dear Shirlee,

          I just read you were right he did go overseas last fall. So glad you told us. I am still sad he’s gone though. The good thing is though, He did go to Korea, but he will it said be returned to the US at the end of his Stud Career.
          Sure wish he was still here, but will keep him in my prayers for a safe return.

        • Dear Shirlee and Peggy:

          Love this beautiful boy, Rock Hard Ten. Glad there is an agreement to have him return home when he’s pensioned. Hugs, JB

  11. / Reply

    Danedream carrying Frankel foal
    Posted by: AAP Filled in: Australian Horse Racing | 24/3/2013 at 1:06pm
    Danedream, winner of the 2011 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, has been confirmed in foal to Frankel.
    The German filly went on to claim last year’s King George at Royal Ascot but was denied the chance to defend the Arc due to quarantine restrictions at her Cologne training base following an outbreak of swamp fever.
    She was retired at the end of last season with five Group One wins and has been boarding at Newsells Park Stud which confirmed her pregnancy on Twitter.
    “Pleased to report that Danedream was scanned in foal to Frankel this morning,” the stud said.
    Dual world champion Frankel is reported to have taken to his new career well, with 12 of his first 15 mares covered confirmed in foal earlier this month.
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/danedream-carrying-frankel-foal/196648 #ixzz2OQ2tWG87

  12. / Reply

    Sky Kingdom Reigns Supreme in Tokyo City Cup
    By Jack Shinar The Blood-Horse Updated: Saturday, March 23, 2013 8:03 PM
    Sky Kingdom, on the comeback trail for trainer Bob Baffert, spurted away from challenger Oilisblackgold in the stretch to easily record his first stakes victory in the marathon Tokyo City Cup (gr. III) at Santa Anita Park March 23 (VIDEO).
    Westrock Stables’ well-regarded 4-year-old son of Empire Maker was making his first start at the 1 1/2-mile Tokyo City Cup distance. The bay colt had not previously gone longer than 1 1/16 miles.
    He won for the second time in three starts since returning to action after nearly a year off with an allowance victory Jan. 24 at Santa Anita. Martin Garcia was once again aboard 5-1 shot Sky Kingdom, who finished 3 3/4 lengths in front of Oilisblackgold while timed in 2:30.56 over a fast main track.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/77041/sky-kingdom-reigns-supreme-in-tokyo-city-cup#ixzz2OQ7tG8Kd

  17. / Reply

    A Birthday Poem for Sue Fredrick 2013
    (March 24, 2013)

    Our dear Sue Fredrick
    Now dwells
    Just outside
    The Wisconsin Dells–
    No longer does she reside
    In close proximity
    To dear Sally B,
    Her longtime sidekick,
    But they continue each other to see
    And still give thanks
    For mutually played pranks
    As they joust in comedic shtick
    With quick repartee
    Closely related to slapstick.
    In years past, they were by Zenyatta inspired
    To leave their northern bailiwick,
    First to see Z’s eastern races,
    And then again when she retired.
    Zenyatta did in them such a love spawn
    That they rose before the light of dawn
    To journey south to Oaklawn,
    Followed apace by Breeders’ Cup 2010,
    And then
    With rapt faces
    They were there
    In the chill December air
    Midst the battalion
    Of ardent admirers
    On hand
    To welcome Z back to Keeneland
    When her racing was done
    And a slower pace well-earned.
    In coming days, Zenyatta’s innate desires
    Would turn
    To dating noble sires
    And mothering little ones,
    The joys of which she soon would learn.
    In tune with the portent of that day,
    Sue held a sign that did say
    “Zenyatta, God’s Gift to the Stallion!”
    Speaking of such,
    Sue would love very much
    To go again soon
    To see
    Her dear A P Indy
    And his son Malibu Moon.
    Be the weather in Kentucky
    Sultry and hot
    With no breeze
    Or distinctly windy,
    It would to Sue matter not.
    And should she be so lucky
    As to get a soft lick
    From gentleman Indy
    As thanks from him for her proffer
    When she him peppermints does offer,
    You can be sure Sue Fredrick
    Will not mind,
    Nor it find
    The least bit yucky!
    She’ll also ’cross the acres wave
    Towards Z
    In her royal enclave
    With the new offspring
    The coming days to her will bring—
    Sue loves that it
    Will be a baby by Indy grandson Tapit!
    Sue’ll hope to also glimpse Z’s first-born son,
    The one
    Sue lovingly calls EARnie,
    Whose dad is Indy’s son Bernardini.
    And if she should perchance see
    William Farish,
    I know she will on him lavish
    Many a wish
    For God’s blessings and good health
    As just reward for the wealth
    Of happiness he does to the racing world send
    From his Thoroughbred farm, Lane’s End.

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

    And for those who would like to see Sue’s poem from a year ago, here is the link:
    https://staging.zenyatta.com/news/zenyatta-will-be-bred-to-tapit/comment-page-5#comment-145721

  21. / Reply

    Good morning Queen Z from snowy Indy. 8-10 inches on the way. I know you and baby are safe, warm and dry. Have you seen Ann or Jerry hanging around the barn?

    Safe trip to Countess Curlin today.

  22. / Reply

    Good Morning, Zenny! It’s snowing in Va. and I keep checking this site for news about 13Z. I hope you are having a great day and also hoping your Jerry and Ann are there because that means things will happen very soon.

  23. / Reply

    Lol is anyone staking out the airport waiting for Jerry and Ann? I stll say the 27th, but the wait is killing me! I check the site several times a day, a couple of times during the night.

  24. / Reply

    Good Morning Zenyatta,

    Sure hope we do have someone stalking out the airport looking for Jerry and Ann. Hoping your feeling well and I pray for you a very safe delivery. Filly or Colt just pray so hard you both are safe.
    I do believe too you will foal either on the 27th or somewhere very close to that. Well maybe Good Friday or Easter Sunday????????????????? Zenny you just Power Up Too.
    OK Zenny its serious Pacing Time. I’m sitting on Pins and needles.
    Love Ya ,
    Power Up Zenyatta (PUZ)
    So praying for a safe delivery to come your way.
    Love Ya 12Z,

    • / Reply

      sheena,
      Isn’t that great news! Another foal watch months from now.
      I wonder with all the pacing while on Z foal watch if scientists are noticing
      an increase in global warming. : )
      Hope weather is improving–it’s been bad there.
      Here it is a another lovely sunny warm day.
      Hugs, Keta

  26. / Reply

    Dear Ann and Jerry

    OK, now its time to get to Lexington (Lots O Love) I know if your not there you will be soon. Just wishing you all the verybest of wishes.
    Hint, Hint. I have this favorite little restaurant in Lexington close to downtown. It’s Ramsey’s Diner. Very good Southern Cuisine. Just this little Mom and Pop Restaurant, but it was very good to me. If you haven’t been there, just wanted to tell you about it. It’s on a corner and when I was there it was snowing that day just a little, and I was sitting at a table where you could see out. Just beautiful, Just icy looking that day. Just so close to heaven. Well, yeah its Lexington, Horse Country, what else could you say. Just Beautiful.
    Know you all will take good care of our Zenyatta.
    I’m saying many prayers to the good lord for a safe delivery.

    • / Reply

      Peggy, I’ve been to Ramsey’s several times and I love it! They have the best fried okra ever, not to mention their pies. Yummy! Maybe I’ll start hanging out there and see if I see the Mosses…

      • / Reply

        Dear Debbie,

        I loved it. There Meat Loaf is very good too. Just such good food. I so want to go back soon. Every thing I tried was really good. Just like home cooked. And, they were so nice in there. They kept coming back to the table and talking to us. Is there more than one in town. The hotel actually told us how good they were.
        I think I would be hanging out there too.

      • / Reply

        Debbie,
        Do they have sweet potato pie? Can’t get it anywhere in the Indy area. There was a little place in Jamestown close to Lake Cumberland that had absolutely the best.

  27. / Reply

    Everyone, Do you all think Black Caviar will be bred to Frankel. Seems like it depends on if she goes back to Royal Ascott in June. I don’t know, seemslike her trainer doesn’t want to carry her back. Seems like they are saying we will know in a couple of weeks.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy(N): Have just listened to Punterspostmortem which runs every Monday morning on Skysportsradio with their racing experts (Ron Dufficy, ex jockey, Deanne Lester a racing owner and form analyst and adviser to some of the top owners and Terry Kennedy who hosts the show). They all agree that if (and that’s still if at this stage) the decision is made to send Nelly to Ascot again she will be sent to Frankel. Andrew Bensley (Keta’s mate) had a conversation with Peter Moody this morning. Moody confirmed that the mare has been seen by the vet, is 100%, and will next turn up in Sydney for the TJ Smith. He said further that a decision will be made on her future after that race. So I think Ascot is still on the cards (probably over 1000m distance this time) and that the Frankel meeting is very much on the cards. Hugs KathyR.

      • / Reply

        Dear Kathy R.

        Thank you so much. I hope she is bred to Frankel. Wouldn’t that be something. I guess i’ve just been worried about her racing at Ascot again. I was real worried about her after that race last year. Hope they will do what’s best by her.

  28. / Reply

    Dear Sue Fredrick, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I posted your birthday poem just after midnight this morning, but it is “awaiting moderation,” maybe because I included a link. Happy birthday also to OMAHA, and to the darling little colt born this morning to FAITH at Skip Over Trouble Equine Rescue in Florida. Rescuer Penny Crosby says mom (who came in emaciated, injured, and unhandled just three weeks ago) and baby are doing well. Continued special vet care will be needed due to mom’s debilitated state, but she is a lovely paint, and her baby is a handsome sorrel with a big white blaze. They’re on fb http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=174264669392113&set=a.174245482727365.1073741839.167144120104168&type=1&theater .

  30. / Reply

    is anywhere onboard electronic speedometer for racehorses, training, clean racetrack without stones and branches, good weather or quiet rain, juvenile horse after vet seeing runs short behind of still glide racemare, not near fence, without whip, this is max speed of race for this age of juvenile horse, he she, better wait for 3-years-old like zenny, 3 lights in device, red, glide decrease of speed, not prize better healthy legs, yellow, carefully try to race, green, speed is low, for older horses too

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