Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts at Lane’s End

Photo courtesy of Alys Emson/Lane's End

Is there something you’ve always wondered about Zenyatta, Baby Z or Lane’s End?

For the next few weeks we will be collecting questions from Zenyatta’s amazing fans—questions about thoroughbred breeding and life on the farm.

Zenyatta will help us pick some of your questions to use in upcoming features on the the website. We’ll collaborate with the expert staff at Lane’s End to answer your questions.

To send in your question, please fill out the form below.

We look forward to hearing from you!
-Team Z

Edit: We have receieved so many great questions from all of you! Submissions are now closed for the time being. If you didn’t get a chance to ask your question, don’t worry, there will be more opportunities in the future.

Reader Interactions

959 Comments

  1. / Reply

    http://www.drf.com/news/belmont-stakes-2012-i%E2%80%99ll-have-another-avoids-collision-loose-horse

    I think the filly was so darn giddy w/ excitement to be on the same track w/ IHA!!!
    She take fractious filly to an entirely different level!!!!

    director of racing for NYRA, was working out the logistics of such an arrangement late Thursday morning. Such an arrangement is in place at Churchill Downs for Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks horses…..oh brother……

  2. / Reply

    I may have to reload some of my stuff as I am running out of horse jokes. A very slow horse was entered in a race. When the starting gate opened, his trainer left. The trainer returned just before the conclusion of the race. Afterwards, the horse said “Where did you go?” “I went to get a haircut,” the trainer replied. “But,” said the horse, “why didn’t you go before the race?” “Because,” said the trainer, I didn’t need one then.”

    • / Reply

      Terry,

      That one was great!!! I’m going to Arapahoe tomorrow…think I’ll watch the trainers before I place a bet, or don’t place one. That’s probably as good a gague as any guess I would make on how to bet. I’m still laughing.

      • / Reply

        An old handicapping angle that I used in the distant past was to find out if the owners were there.

        • I’ve seen some of the owners at Arapahoe and they blend in with the crowd. They don’t get “decked out ” like Mr. and Mrs. Moss. ( I only knew they were owners because I was eaves dropping…I’ll deny that )

        • If the owners are there, they must think that their horse has a chance. Good luck with that angle.

    • / Reply

      One must read carefully. I missed the “slow” the first time (duh!) Good one Terry. PLEASE don’t run out of material – we need to keep a horse talking around here!

  3. / Reply

    Here are today’s redneck jokes. You might be a redneck if your dog can open a can of beer for you. You might be a redneck if your favorite restaurant has a gas pump in front of it. You might be a redneck if your house plants are not in pots. You might be a redneck if your engine is duct taped to your car. You might be a redneck if your family reunions consist only of ex-husbands. You might be a redneck if there is more carpeting on your toilet than on your floor. You might be a redneck if the last time you saw your dad outside he was picking up trash, chained to three other guys. You might be a redneck if your mailing address includes the word “holler.” You might be a redneck if your dog gets a birthday present and your husband doesn’t.

    • / Reply

      You might be a redneck if your favorite restaurant has a gas pump in front of it.

      I just came back from there!!!!! Best BBQ in town!!! HA!!!
      U R a nut TC!!!

      • / Reply

        I was thinking of Sue’s description of the Marathon station when I came up with that one. Looks like you are living the life.

        • No Marathon,this is country road, look for the smoke drifting up in the air.
          We really savor in the character of the sauce. And I’m trying to get that coke sign off the side of that joint!

    • / Reply

      Terry, you can’t duct tape an engine to a car. The heat would burn it up. You use wire clothes hangers bent to suit!

      • / Reply

        I stand corrected. Your redneck knowledge is obviously superior to mine. Bout time you joined the club.

        • That’s what I get for living in Alabama and Georgia all of my life. I’d love to join up. Do I need to fill out an application?

      • / Reply

        No. Since you have expressed a willingness to join the club, you are in. And, you are hereby designated president of the Georgia chapter. This has been quite a week for the club, having new presidents in Alabama (DMCQ) and Georgia, you. Don’t forget to keep January 27 open as that is our day of celebration. Fellow rednecks-We hereby welcome Sharon into the fold.

        • You’ve done it already. No one is inducted into the club unless they agree to it and you have. Since you are the only member so far from Georgia, you are appointed president of that chapter. There is a lot of prestige involved, but not much work. Watch your mail for special offers.

    • / Reply

      I’ll have to jump in here with one — you might be a redneck if you’ve ever attended a wedding where the bride’s and groom’s families got into a fistfight at the reception. And yes, I have attended such an event.

      • / Reply

        Dee-You definitely qualify. The joke was good and you have actually had the experience. Kentucky-Home of the McCoys. We are always on the lookout for more members. If you agree to join, Debbie G would be your chapter president with Keta also a charter member.

  4. / Reply

    I know that all thorobreds bear a tattoo inside their upper lip for identification purposes (last year a brother of Barbaro who had been abandoned in the desert, as have so many horses with the economy in the tank, was found alive and identified because of the tattoo). Has Baby Z been tattooed?

      • / Reply

        Don’t they do that when the foal is registered with the Jockey Club and the JC issues a registration number? Not sure about that one.

  5. / Reply

    Hi Z Family The children are wild today. We have tomorrow and school is out. I will go through a few days in which I cry and miss the children. We recieved more Hansen bracelets today. I had asked for 20 more and they sent them. These bracelets are all the rage with this age group.
    Good Luck to Pati ( I hope I spelled your name right ). Terry great jokes. Sandy in Ohio Yes I am on the left ( the old lady ) The other young woman was my Student Teacher. I did not want to leave her out on picture day. She was a real sweet girl. I hope everyone has a good night.
    Ann Maree your post is Beautiful. Thank you for writing what is in my heart : ) Your the BEST !!!!

  7. / Reply

    Pati – have the ride of your life! YOU GO GIRL!!! I can not wait to meet you, young lady, at the Breeders’ Cup!! ♥ :))

      • / Reply

        I’m like you Terry! Dottie told us that it is in the works with Z’s connections, Santa Anita Park and the Breeders’s Cup. One note: They are trying for the Z Party at Santa Anita’s Clockers Corner area, where they had the baby shower signing. We just have to be patient for a notice, hopefully soon!

        • Aren’t they unveiling her statue at BC? Maybe they’ll coordinate the party around that.

    • / Reply

      The feeling is mutual!!! I am so excited to meet all of my Z family that are making the trip out there!! I will make sure to post pictures if I figure out how to post them.

    • / Reply

      I don’t often agree with Frank Stronach, but I do here. Of course, the main reason he objects to exchange wagering is that his wagering entities are not prepared to accept the bets and his tracks would lose out initially. Personally, I object to exchange wagering for the same reasons cited by Stronach. It is just not right to bet on a horse to lose and the potential for scandal is enormous. Problem is, the CHRB chairman has a decided English accent when he speaks and Betfair is an English company. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it IS a duck.

  10. / Reply

    To get an idea how close to diaster this was, Look at the photos in the article!
    I’ll Have Another involved in scary incident at Belmont as another horse gets loose and almost barrels over Triple Crown contender
    Trainer Doug O’Neill says I’ll Have Another got lucky
    By Jerry Bossert / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
    Published: Thursday, May 31, 2012, 11:10 AM
    The Triple Crown was in serious jeopardy Thursday morning when a loose horse came barreling down the track toward Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner I’ll Have Another, barely missing the colt.
    As the contender for racing’s biggest honor entered Belmont’s main track with his pony horse, Lava Man, a loose horse came within inches of I’ll Have Another, an accident that could have ended the colt’s career or possibly taken his life.
    “My stomach still gets twisted when I think about it,” trainer Doug O’Neill said.
    I’ll Have Another was getting ready for his morning gallop under exercise rider Jonny Garcia just after 8:30 a.m. when the unidentified horse came flying by along the clubhouse turn.
    “It grazed Jonny’s boot,” the trainer said. “Normally they walk the outside rail, but the racing gods must have been looking out for him because he was about two feet off the rail this morning. The loose horse went between the rail and I’ll Have Another.”
    O’Neill said I’ll Have Another was lucky.
    “Normally, when a horse hears another horse coming up on him, they look over and if he did that he would have been T-boned by that horse.”
    As a result of the near miss, the New York Racing Association will try to give Belmont Stakes runners a 10-minute gap to train by themselves during the morning workouts.

    Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/involved-scary-incident-belmont-horse-loose-barrels-triple-crown-contender-article-1.1087389#ixzz1wTrKXCTz

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta and Z Fans:

      OMG, racing is so unpredictable. Thank God no one was injured. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Keta; Yes, I just this read this through my e-mail & bloodhorse. Oh my gosh!! I have seen a couple horses on the track like this. Fortunately they did not come close to any other horse. I am so thankful I’ll Have Another was not run into. Like the excerciser for I’ll Have Another said, I have seen this happen and it is ugly.
      A real close call!!

  11. / Reply

    Love the idea of Zenny choosing questions from us – hope she picks mine. I’ve been “mouseless” for a week now and am completely incapable of navigating without it. I am totally out of touch with everything that’s been going on. Vic’s mouse died and so she “borrows” mine until she has the money to buy a new one. I think she’s just holding out until I break down and buy a new one for myself.
    Terry GP – I like your question for Karen. I’d love to know if/when there will be a Zenny party. I was afraid that there might have been an announcement while I’ve been mouseless so it’s a relief to learn that I haven’t missed it.

    • / Reply

      Dear JAG:

      He was my choice in an Exacta with IHA. Love Bernie’s boys. Hope he recovers soon. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Alpha out…..oh shoot, he’s a distance horse this could have been his race, now we’ll never know. So many good colts have gone down to illness or injury this year, it’s just too bad. Hope he’s better soon.

    • / Reply

      I am glad he is out. Seems fragile. Glad they are thinking of his well being, maybe better as a handicapper. Go IHA!!!

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the reminder, Marty! (if only there were a few hundred less things in my “bookmarks menu” :-)
      Sandy

  16. / Reply

    Zenny, I love your little Prince’s cuddle face peeking out there! Too cute!!

  17. / Reply

    I am having a “I wonder” moment ….when IHA has to go to “isolation” or whatever it is being called….does lava man get to go too? What would happen if all ten owner/trainer’s said they were happy with their present stabling and did not want to move? Why is this necessary if the whole thing is not completely broken? Seems to me…this is going to upset all ten horses and split the resourses of their teams which is not good for anyone. What do ya’ll think?

    • / Reply

      Sue-Thanks for the link. We discussed this earlier in the year and got some opinions that a simultaneous flush might cause problems. Perhaps we could stagger the flushes with each member of the club assigned a specific time. I’ll give it some thought.

    • / Reply

      I can’t wait. We will be overflowing w/ excitement!!!!!!!
      Can we call it the Royal Flush?

      I’m going to South of the Border in SC and buying my cherry bombs this summer, for the occasion of course.

        • Terry,
          Don’t you think that even if we co-ordinate the flushes at the exact same hour, because of the different time zones, we should be able to do it without draining any of our lakes?

        • With the addition of the Low Flow Flush models, this makes it quite feasible.
          Jump on that Green wagon!!!

        • I am concerned about leaving out all of our friends with outhouses. They are entitled to be a part of the “celebration.”

      • / Reply

        Great outhouse comment, TC !!!!!!

        Especially with the KY factions recently
        Recruited.

      • / Reply

        Sue-Thanks for the link. I am surprised that the site does not have a link to Mr. Crapper. Of course, he supposedly invented the flush toilet so I guess it doesn’t really apply. Mr. Crapper is rumored to have committed suicide on January 27 by jumping into the open hole of an outhouse. Seems strangely appropriate.

  19. / Reply

    @Vicki B-I just got done watching the show you recommended, Swamp People. Noted is the fact that subtitles were needed to ascertain what they were saying. This show is like our redneck jokes coming to life. Unbelievable. Would anybody watch this except those of us who are rednecks?

    • / Reply

      @Terry – I don’t know, it was my younger brother who recommended it, and I doubt he fancies himself a redneck, he’s more into “hip” and “cool” and “lattes”, but we do have all the same relatives, LoL. Maybe “redneck” has become “hip and cool”? He said he picked up on it because it’s one of the most popular of those “real” cable shows, has a serious following. But it IS like our jokes coming to life, that’s why I instantly recommended it to you. I couldn’t believe what a natural it was.

      @DebbieG. – I left one more postal comment in reply to yours at the end of the previous blog, about the nudist who answered the door when you knocked. https://staging.zenyatta.com/news/lanes-end-video-interviews-part-3#comment-154442

      • / Reply

        We are prepping the front porch for some summertime fun. Our neighborhood is overflowing w/ hipsters,the cool crowd. We have set up a new and improved fart machine to say hello to the ones most in need.
        Summer…..here we come…move over hipsters,we are taking the hood back over.

        • Dear Vicki B.:

          Let me know what you think of Duck Dynasty. Hope you find it as funny as I did. Hugs, JB

        • Judy, these people are crazy! That was funny, I especially liked Si’s giant turkey dance, and the real turkey’s approach to the decoy. And the warehouse full of duck calls, I never imagined that many people needing duck calls, in my life — and Si’s pursuit of the “perfect” duck call. And clearly they are ZZTop fans, in more ways than one. But from that one early photo of the 4 guys without beards, I had to wonder if they just all grew their beards for this show, or what, and how long this whole thing has been going on.

        • Thanks, Judy, I am surprised they’ve been doing this so long, and so successfully. What a contrast, between how they looked before, and how they look now! Ya gotta hand it to em.

      • / Reply

        Where do these shows come from? A worthy competitor for Swamp People. Love the rebel flag headbands.

    • / Reply

      Terry and Vicki- I’ve seen the show’s previews and it’s unbelievable! Yes, it’s too bad when English has to be sub-titled!

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Keta, Definitely lots of excitement at Three Chimneys. They are ready for a party. I did enjoy this. Marty R.

    • / Reply

      Judy- Barbara’s photos are just remarkable, aren’t they? The ones of Shack alone and with Caleb’s Posse are stunning!

      • / Reply

        Dear Susan:

        She takes the most beautiful photos of these gorgeous creatures. Love Shack so much. Hugs, JB

  24. / Reply

    @ Terry Crow GP.
    I’ve been thinking about your horse owners angle and decided I need to look for the cleanest cowboy boots and blue jeans then hang close and listen to them talking and maybe I’ll get some good betting ideas. If that doesn’t work, I’ll see what I can figure out from the program. I’m such a dork about betting….usually I don’t. It’s all about the horses, anyway. Marty R.

  25. / Reply

    Goodnight to all! Sweet dreams to Zenny and 12Z with hugs and kisses on your soft noses!
    All the best!

  26. / Reply

    I’ve been trying to find a colt that I helped raise. His name is B.a.Joker. I looked on equibase and the last time he raced was at Sunland 4/16/99. I can’t find anymore information on him and where he is at and if he’s still alive. He was such a sweet boy and a beautiful grey who was born chestnut. If anyone can help locate him, I would appreciate it.
    Here’s his breeding…
    B. a Joker (CA)
    GR/RO, H, foaled April 1, 1997

    ( B. Hoedown – Keyeaster, by Qui Native)

    His damn, Keyster as we all called her.. She was built like a brick house and was a pure sprinter but, had issues with breathing. She would burst out of the gate and have at least 5 jumps on everyone, would take the lead by several lengths and then shut down on the turn. She raced mainly in 5 furlong races. B.Hoedown was a beautiful stallion. He had dapples on a flee bitten grey with a rosey coloring. Very well built and a nice comformation. He was also personable.
    Qui Native on the other hand, well, was not a nice guy to his mares or those handling him.
    If you’re in N.Calif., go check out VictoryRose thoroughbreds. Since I worked there, many things have been changed. On the website, that’s all old stuff and Ellen needs to update the web page. None the less… Go visit and tell Ellen that I sent you!

    • / Reply

      Dear Heidi:

      The last Trainer/Owner listed on Equibase for B A Joker is Brian J. Stivers. According to the latest activity I could find on him through Equibase, he has horses at Ruidoso Downs. Maybe if you would write to him in care of Ruidoso Downs, he might be able to tell you what happened to B A Joker. This is another example of a horse that just disappears without a trace. Very frustrating. Good luck; hope you can get an answer. Mailing address for Ruidoso Downs is: P. O. Box 449, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Judy, thank you so very much. I would love to find any info on Joker that I can. Here’s a little more of Joker’s story.

        Joker once born, belonged to Ellen Jackson. Once weaned, he was taken to her ranch and she was so happy with the big boy. However, he was weaned at 4 months instead of 6 months because he was so big and taking to much out of Keyster. So, once he got to the ranch, he was turned out with a herd of colts. Which he wasn’t used to. He would hang out all by himself and at one point, when I went to visit him, he had a huge gash in his leg. He saw me and came running up to the fence like saying, take me back home. A few months later, Ellen made a deal with a partner that he had his pick of the weanlings. We were hoping that he didn’t pick Joker but, he did. Ellen and I both cried because, we hated to see him go. A couple years later, Ellen presented me with a win pic of Joker. Don’t remember what track he was at and I no longer have the pic. That was the last I have heard anything about him.
        The foaling. Keyster was a maiden so, I was a little bit worried. I slept outside of her stall for a few days then, inside the stall with her. When she went into labor, she came over and put her head on my back like she was saying: Mom, it’s time! She took to him like Zenny did to the Prince. She was so proud of her lil colt. Keyster was a lover and loved to give and get hugs and she passed that onto Joker. He was an April fool’s baby and had a white question mark on his head and that’s how he got his name Joker.

        • Dear Heidi:

          Thank you so much for sharing your story about Joker. I do hope you can contact Mr. Stivers and get some answers. We love these beautiful horses and when you bond with them, as you did with Joker, it’s heartbreaking not to know what happened to them. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Susan:

          Hope it helps get some info on Joker for Heidi. Love and Hugs, JB

  27. / Reply

    Affirmed, the last triple crown winner, now has his own webpage. And it’s a beauty. It’s being managed by his owner-breeder, Mrs. Patrice Jacobs Wolfson. She’s the daughter of the famous California trainer, Hirsch Jacobs. And she is a wonderful horsewoman.

  28. / Reply

    A Birthday Poem for John Shirreffs
    (June 1, 2012)

    Out of the East
    To California came
    A young ex-Marine,
    John Shirreffs by name,
    Who more
    Than enough
    Of war
    Had seen.
    He wanted a life
    Without such strife
    And did search
    For his own path of peace
    On this earth,
    Seeking something more
    Like what he’d known before
    In New England,
    (There he with his family
    Happily
    Horses had raised
    In his boyhood days),
    But where he also could surf.
    ’Twas his love of surfing
    That him westward led—
    He’d had Hawaii in mind,
    But when he stopped in NorCal to visit a friend,
    He a job did find
    Working with Thoroughbreds,
    And so there his travels did end.
    In beautiful Grass Valley
    His spirits did rally
    When on the famed Loma Rica Ranch
    He found his chance
    In a career to advance—
    It was all he was looking for,
    Excepting with turf and not surf.
    He gained a treasured mentor
    From whom he much learned
    Of the horsetraining art,
    And whose love and regard
    He in turn earned
    As he worked in the barns
    And on the training track.
    Here’s the story looking back
    At how that relationship—
    Still so dear to his heart—
    Came to be.
    It’s a really good yarn,
    Which dear Charlotte Farmer
    Found in an interview
    And did to me
    Impart.
    I hope that I justice
    Can do
    To how John Shirreffs did reminisce
    ’Bout when, just out of the service,
    He by good luck became a young apprentice
    Of the famous Henry Freitas.
    John Shirreffs, you see,
    Had aspired
    A professional surfer to be,
    But, perhaps a little down in the dumps
    Due to a post-service slump,
    He did choose
    First to accept a horse training offer
    There in NorCal
    That cattleman Jim Mathews
    Him proffered.
    John was by Jim hired
    To work for room and board
    And five dollars a week;
    For that, Jim him did ask
    To take on the task
    Of training an Appaloosa to jump.
    Then one day it came to pass
    That John was out riding
    From one farm
    To another,
    Perhaps not sufficiently eyeing
    The state of the ground,
    Nor thinking, of course,
    That he and his horse
    Might come to some harm,
    But of a sudden
    He found
    That into deep mud
    He had ridden,
    The depth being from him hidden.
    ’Twas land,
    But quite like quicksand.
    I imagine his heart did thud
    As his horse ever deeper
    Sank in the mud,
    Indeed,
    Up to the knee
    And the hock.
    John, though perhaps somewhat in shock,
    Quickly took stock
    And calmly did begin
    To guide
    His mount out of the muck
    In which it was stuck.
    By chance also out for a ride
    Was a stranger
    Who became aware
    Of the mess
    John was in,
    And at John from a distance
    With growing interest
    Did stare
    As John did begin
    To do his best.
    The stranger
    Admired
    John’s compassion
    And the fashion
    In which John did extricate
    His horse from danger.
    He thought it a good test
    Of John’s competence,
    And then he,
    Who just happened to be
    The renowned Henry Freitas,
    Did the providential step take
    John on the spot
    To hire
    His yearlings to break.
    John later did confess
    Self-deprecatingly
    That Henry
    Most likely
    Did NOT
    See
    How John had ridden
    INTO the mire
    And himself caused that mishap,
    Quite dire;
    Or in the alternative,
    John did quip,
    Perhap
    Henry did like
    His hired hands a little dim
    And not too smart!
    At any rate,
    It was John’s fortunate fate
    That Henry Freitas
    Him hired
    To care for
    Noble Thoroughbreds,
    Among them the champion Noor,
    Then already retired,
    For years the “Senior Senator,”
    As has been said,
    In Loma Rica’s stallion barn.
    John the yearlings did start,
    And also mucked the stalls,
    As did the workers all,
    But only he lived in quarters above.
    To the Freitases, he became like a son,
    And when each day’s work was done,
    John was invited
    To dinner next door,
    And he delighted
    To partake
    Of the delicious home-cooked meals
    That Mrs. Freitas (Edith) did make.
    Before retiring for the night,
    A friendly game of Hearts
    Just might
    Also be in store.
    Henry Freitas was genial
    And to visitors amenable—
    The gate was always open.
    Should those visitors be hopin’
    The great Noor to see,
    Henry personally
    Would bring him out.
    Now doesn’t that ranch hospitality
    Remind you of Barn 55 with Z?
    Loma Rica’s colors were royal blue and white,
    The very same you today can sight
    On the leg wraps of John Shirreffs’s horses—
    Yes, those same hues
    Are John’s too.
    And John always trains
    In accord with the main refrains
    Of Henry Freitas:
    “Put the horse first.”
    And “Take your time, don’t rush.”
    And that is how John Shirreffs did care
    For his “Zenya,” the world’s greatest mare.
    He had no fears
    To wait nearly four years.
    Patient, going slow,
    Letting Zenyatta grow,
    Gentle and kind,
    Letting Z find
    Her balance and gears,
    Building her stamina,
    Nurturing her inner anima
    So she never stopped loving to run
    And finding life—and people—fun.
    John Shirreffs showed all how it’s done!
    Today he remains
    A soft-spoken man
    Who believes in the carrot, not the stick,
    Be it with horse or human.
    His smile is easy and quick,
    And you will spy
    A twinkle in his eye.
    Nowadays he is as at home in the barn
    Above which jets buzz
    As they their approaches to LAX start
    Or therefrom depart
    As once he was
    At rural Loma Rica,
    With its hundreds
    Of rolling green acres
    Crossed by white fences, like lace,
    Where Thoroughbreds
    Were bred
    And trained to race,
    Or on that familial New Hampshire farm
    Where the love of this man
    For the horse first began.
    He’s a quiet guy,
    Not really shy,
    Yet happiest out of the limelight.
    When his entry
    In victory
    To the winner’s circle does go,
    He just might
    From the apron take in that show,
    For what makes his heart sing
    Is witnessing
    The delight
    Those victories bring
    To the horses’ adoring
    Fans and owners.
    Dear Mr. Shirreffs,
    You are the best!
    We wish you great success
    And every happiness!

    Happy birthday, Mr. Shirreffs, and many, many more! Thank you for giving us the great Zenyatta, Horse of Our Lifetime!

    Note: The 2009 interview of John Shirreffs by Frances J Karon can be found in Issue Number 14 of North American Trainer, October 14, 2009.
    http://america.trainermagazine.com/john-shirreffs—a-great-ambassador-for-the-sport-of-horseracing-cms-131

    • / Reply

      Wonderful, Trina! He is a patient and compassionate trainer whom I adore! His work ethics are A+++. He has set the bar high – I wish more trainers followed in his footsteps!

      I also wanted to acknowlege his lovely wife, Dottie! “The Woman Behind the Man”! I think she helps him without a doubt! Good team!! :-)

      JAG

    • / Reply

      Trina – Congratulations. What a wonderful poem for Mr. Shirreffs.

      It was not only a poem but a great short story!! Hugs, Marilu

    • / Reply

      Trina- how wonderful! What a birthday tribute to “our John.” I so hope he and Dottie see it! Thank you for sharing- amazing!

    • / Reply

      Trina,
      Thanks so much for this wonderful John Shirreffs poem. What a fine job! You keep topping yourself!

      HAPPY BIRTHDAY, John Shirreffs!! Best Wishes for many, many more great years!
      You are the BEST!

    • / Reply

      Trina the poem is just wonderful. Thank you so much.
      Happy Birthday John Shirreffs and I wish you many many more.
      Thank You for taking such good care of our (Girl) Zenyatta.

    • / Reply

      Trina,
      Amazing poem about John. Thank you so much. You’re a wonder! God’s many blessings, Trina.

      To John Shirreffs,
      Happy Birthday. Thank you for everything you do and have done for the horse racing community, for all of us Zenyatta fans, and especially for being the best example of how to be a great trainer. You and Dottie are such amazing people and such an inspiration to us all.
      We wish you and Dottie God’s continued blessings

    • / Reply

      Trina-I don’t know how you do it. All of the aspects of John’s career are here. Great stuff.

    • / Reply

      Trina, it’s pretty amazing how you came up with and put together so much info on John, all in a beautiful poem! Thanks.

    • / Reply

      Love this poem Trina
      One of your very best for a very special man.

  29. / Reply

    John
    Happy Happy Birthday and so many more. You are a hero to us for having the kind and gentle soul it takes to nurture such wonderful animals. Giving them the trust and confidence to give their all.
    Wishing you all the best of luck, health and happiness. With great admiration and thankfulness for all you have given us through Zenyatta.
    Love, hugs and kisses

    • / Reply

      To our beloved John,
      Happy Birthday, horse whisperer, and we hope you will be around to give your loving touch to many, many more of our glorious TBS. We thank you every day for giving us the best mare ever to love and follow, hopefully for the rest of her life. You are truly a gentle spirit. Hugs to you on this special day.

      Trina, my gosh what can one say of your magnificent tribute to our John. You have given us another peek into his interesting life. Thank you for expressing to him our love and respect. Hugs to you too.

  30. / Reply

    Kari posted the following comment on the Diary last year, in honor of John Shirreffs’ birthday. As she cannot be with us this year to express her best wishes, I don’t think that she would mind if it be placed here once again. It is as remarkably fitting today as it was then. To her beautiful words and sentiments, I can add nothing, other than to say: ditto, sweet dear good much-loved and much-missed friend. Ditto. Happy birthday, Hero.
    12th ♥

    ♥ June 1, 2011 at 11:17 pm
    To my hero Mr. John Shirreffs may this be a Birthday full of all the joy and love you gave us. You are a great mentor and teacher in your own unique kind, gentle way.You are the man who tirelessly, patiently taught our Queen to rule…and in watching you we all learned so many life lessons. You and the Queen created a magic that will be remebered for all time. I will always be in your corner. I learned so very much from Zenyatta & all of Team Z- I could never thank you enough. May you have nothing but pure Joy Love & Happiness always…..Of all the people on planet earth you are sincerely my hero and the one I most admire. I mean this from the bottom of my heart…..I love you Dottie – Zenny and everyone with a passion….Best of Everything to you always!!
    Zenyatta- Congratulations!!! I am soo happy for you. Stay healthy my precious one…I am beyond thrilled to know you are Happy!!! this video says it best for me….I love you Joy indeed Mr.Shirreffs….Pure JOY!!! ♥

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWaDA1cNK1w

    • / Reply

      Dear Cynthia H.:

      No one was able to express our feelings about Zenyatta, her Dear John, her Team and the magic that is Our Queen better than Kari. Her words will always keep her close. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Cynthia,
      Thank you SO much for posting Kari’s tribute to John as well as the link to the video. Somehow I had missed that one so seeing it was a special treat for me. I also wanted to tell you that the “musical notes” that I was able to add to Trina’s “Birthday song” were shamelessly copied from one of YOUR posts (and I should have give you credit), and I would give a lot to know how you do these creative symbols. I saved the notes into a Word file, but I can’t get it to work again.

      • / Reply

        Sandy, I am the dumbest person on the planet when it comes to computer skills. I give all credit to my Apple! If you happen to own one, look under “Edit” at the top of the page, and then click on “Special Characters” on the menu. You will find enough symbols there to make your ♥ sing! If you don’t have an Apple, maybe there is a similar feature on your computer under “Edit.”

        ♥

        • Woo Hoo!! (who knew???) I DO have an Apple, and I had actually seen that “Special Characters” sub-menu, but when I clicked on it, there wasn’t anything in the box, and I thought I was barking up the wrong tree.
          Today I figured it out! ♫♫♬♬♪♪ ☀☀☀☀☀☀ ✩✩✩✩ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉

          THANK YOU to one of the most creative people on the planet. When one writes the way you do, the computer is reduced to a mere tool of communication!
          ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

        • HURRAY, Sandy! Now go out and embellish your life and words with a flourish!

          ☛ ♫♥♩❤♫♥♪❤♩☚

          ♥

    • / Reply

      Cynthia H,
      How wonderful of you to think of Kari’s post on John’s special day! Her words ring true today as they did a year ago, and it is like having her among us again. Thank you. Hugs

    • / Reply

      Cynthia. Thank you for this, it brought tears to my eyes because, we all Miss Kari so much. Her words are a treasure and ring so true. Happy Birthday John!

    • / Reply

      Cynthia- thank you so much for re-sharing this today. This is a fine example of Kari’s legacy: kind words; wonderful, loving descriptions and passion for all she loved. <3

    • / Reply

      Dear Cynthia H:

      Thank you for sharing this tribute from Kari with us today. I missed this last year.
      What a year it has been for many of us. We lost some of our loves ones and gained new ones. Little Z has brought joy into our lives. Thanks again!!

      Hugs, Marilu

      • / Reply

        Thank you all so much for your beautiful and true comments about Kari.
        Her words are alive with the life which she so generously shared with all of us.
        “Gratitude is the heart’s remembrance.”
        12th ♥

      • / Reply

        Terry, it is 2012 and I’ll Have Another would be the 12th Triple Crown winner. Dare we hope……..

        • Dear Cynthia:

          There you go! He’s got a very special spirit helping him. I think he’s gonna do it. Hugs, JB

        • Let’s hope hard, Judy! It would really be something. Kari always laughed at the odds. Hugs and payers to you. ♥

    • / Reply

      Thanks for that, Cynthia! I too, had never seen that video before. Kari’s Joy at dancing with Zenyatta, comes thru so clearly.

    • / Reply

      Thanks so much, Cynthia for reposting Kari’s
      Lovely comments for John’s birthday 2011.

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