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August 30, 2013

Ask The Experts

Cooper Sawyer Talks Yearling Prep

Cozmic One in the yearling barn. Photo by Kyle Acebo
Cozmic One in the yearling barn. Photo by Kyle Acebo

Cooper Sawyer, Yearling Manager
Cooper Sawyer is the yearling manager at Lane’s End farm, and he is responsible for the daily care of all the yearlings. He came to Lane’s End in 2010 from Mill Ridge Farm, where he also served as yearling manager. Cooper has worked with yearlings since he graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2005. Prior to that he worked with mares and foals.

Keepers vs. Sale Horses
Lane’s End does things a little differently than most other farms. They identify the yearlings as either “keepers” or “sale” horses. Keepers are horses that the owners have decided not to sell but to keep and race, such as Cozmic One. The two groups are separated in May, about two weeks after the Derby. That’s when they start to get “coltish” and play rough.

Behind the scenes
Cooper being interviewed in June.

Turnout
The colts are turned out into individual paddocks, which keeps them from roughhousing. The sale colts are turned out at 7 pm to protect their coats from the sun so that they look their best in the sale ring. The keepers go out after their noon feed, about 2 pm.  This is also the main difference between the keepers and sale horses.  One of the things that separates Lane’s End from other farms is that they do give the keepers this experience and that they turn out our sale horses at all. Many farms like to keep their horses in all the time.

Prep
The prep process is the foundation and education that makes the transition from yearling to 2 year-old to racehorse a little easier, and it begins in May. The yearlings are broke to tack (surcingle and draw cords) and the walking machine. The walker helps get the horses fit. Putting them in a tight space gets them used to going in the starting gate. They are also broke to a hose, as they receive daily baths and rubdowns. For Coz, this whole process will help him when he goes to the Mayberry’s in Flordia. They will put a saddle on him, put him in the starting gate and will help him become a better mover.

Coz and others entering the walking machine.
Coz and others entering the walking machine.
Coz gets a bath.
Coz gets a bath.
Cozmic One, August 2013. Photo by Alys Emson
Cozmic One, August 2013. Photo by Alys Emson
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Reader Interactions

970 Comments

  1. Kathy R.

    September 5, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    / Reply

    Frankel to cover Aussie broodmares:

    Here’s an expansion on Bluegrass Girl’s earlier tweet news:

    http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/superracing/english-champion-frankel-to-cover-aussie-broodmares/story-fnii0nd1-1226712562306

  2. Debbie G/Kentucky

    September 5, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    / Reply

    Marty, I’m so sorry about your beloved husband Pat. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

    Terry Crow, I hate to hear about your friend Ron. I’m sure your reading of that hilarious joke at his funeral will help stifle some of the tears. He was lucky to have a good friend like you.

    Sue, thanks for sharing that beautiful poem. It really makes you think.

  3. sheena.davies(wales)

    September 5, 2013 at 5:12 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Judy Goodnight God bless You, Lola Mae, Charlie and all the Sweeties.Our Andy lost in the US open.Sad!!! Love and hugs SheenaX

    • judy berube from Rhode Island

      September 5, 2013 at 7:26 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC and all the Sweeties

  4. Peggy (N) South Georgia

    September 5, 2013 at 5:45 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Marty

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your husband. You are in my prayers and please know we are here and if there is anything we can do please let us know.

  5. judy berube from Rhode Island

    September 5, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Mama Z, COZ, Prince 2 and Baby Z:

    Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Love you all so much. Hugs, JB

  6. judy berube from Rhode Island

    September 5, 2013 at 7:36 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Marty R:

    Sending my thoughts and prayers for you and your dear Pat. So very sorry for your loss. Love and Hugs, JB

  7. Marshall (NC broad)

    September 5, 2013 at 8:20 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Marty R.,
    Love and comforting thoughts to you and your family. So sorry about your dear Pat. May your warm, lovely memories help to soothe your broken heart.
    Bless you, your family and friends.
    Lots of love and hugs

  8. Bluegrass Girl

    September 5, 2013 at 8:22 pm

    / Reply

    Sweet Success for Street Cry Line
    Porter on Pedigrees By Alan Porter , Pedigree Consultants The Blood-Horse
    For those who like to follow trends in breeding, one of the more interesting features of the last 10 days or so has been the hot streak for young sire sons of Street Cry. The streak began when Capo Bastone upset the King’s Bishop Stakes (gr. I) to become the first graded stakes winner for second-crop sire Street Boss. Then, on the most recent weekend, two more Street Cry stallions, Street Hero and Street Sense, were represented by major winners.
    Street Hero, who did already have a Southern Hemisphere group I winner to his name, recorded his first Northern Hemisphere graded winner when his first crop son Gabriel Charles took a division of the Del Mar Derby (gr. IIT). Just a few hours prior to Gabriel Charles’ win, Sweet Reason, from the third crop of Street Sense, splashed home 5 3/4 lengths clear in the Spinaway Stakes (gr. I).
    http://www.bloodhorse.com/Thoroughbred-Pedigree-Weekly/?&utm_source=PedigreeNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20130905

    • judy berube from Rhode Island

      September 6, 2013 at 12:59 am

      / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Love Street Cry babies. What a terrific bloodline and what exciting possibilities to look forward to in Z’s babies and Z’s full brother. Love and Hugs, JB

  9. Marshall (NC broad)

    September 5, 2013 at 9:09 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Terry Crow,
    I am very sorry about the loss of your friend, Ron. I know you will do a fine job on the joke that he requested. Humor is such good medicine.
    I posted a previous message for you, but it got the designation of “awaiting moderation” so I don’t know if you could see it — this was last night.
    Take care and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lots of Hugs

  10. Max

    September 6, 2013 at 2:09 am

    / Reply

    Hovis has been up to some horsey mischief. He’s in the dog house, but not for long because he’s Hovis. Enjoy your Friday, Sheena, and all Hovis fans.

    http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-diary-in-the-dog-house/

    • shirleeinindy

      September 6, 2013 at 6:35 am

      / Reply

      Poor misunderstood Hovis. Hope he and mother know how much we look forward to Fridays because of him. Thank you Max for the smile on my face.

    • Sandy (Northeast Ohio)

      September 6, 2013 at 6:42 am

      / Reply

      That Hovis – such a way with words!! (“dead from the neck down routine” LOL!) I guess the good news is the appearance of at least two potential “sharers.” Hope he has a better week.

    • Ann NC

      September 6, 2013 at 7:55 am

      / Reply

      Thanks, Max.
      So cute! I love you Hovis. Your perfect friend is right around the corner.

    • Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark

      September 6, 2013 at 1:21 pm

      / Reply

      Hovis,
      I’m still laughing out loud. I love the way your mind works! Too bad we don’t know what all our horses are thinking. I wouldn’t worry about ending up in a roadway somewhere, your mom would have all of us to contend with. hugs and careful kisses on that sunburnt nose.

    • judy berube from Rhode Island

      September 6, 2013 at 7:51 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Max:

      Oh, this is too funny. Poor Hovis; the lady said go, so he went. Thank you so much for sharing Hovis’ Diary with us. I just love him. Hugs, JB

  11. Kathy

    September 6, 2013 at 5:05 am

    / Reply

    Hi Max, thank you for the latest Hovis news. Poor misunderstood Hovis. Some weeks are good, others are not. You’ll be fine in the end, though, with all that charm. Hi Sheena and all other Hovis fans. Happy weekend to all.

  12. Barbara Wood (Texas)

    September 6, 2013 at 6:04 am

    / Reply

    Poor Hovis–life certainly has its rough spots. Hugs from across the pond. Thanks, Max!

  13. sheena.davies(wales)

    September 6, 2013 at 6:13 am

    / Reply

    Hi Kathy Hope you have a great weekend.Poor Hovis is always in trouble with his mum. Hugs Sheena

  14. sheena.davies(wales)

    September 6, 2013 at 6:31 am

    / Reply

    Dear Max Diolch Yn Fawr Poor Hovis , we cant have him buried on a newly constructed motorway!!!!I would love to see him FLY with his feathers blowing in the breeze.Ah, Mr Whippy, memories of childhood sunday afternoons and the “greensleeves” jingle.Lovely icecream!! hugs Sheena

    • Max

      September 6, 2013 at 4:20 pm

      / Reply

      Sheena. My most vivid childhood memory is the day my friend and I brought a horse into our kitchen because we didn’t have anywhere to try her up near the house during the visit. My mother was quite calm all things considered. I did not get any ice cream that day. The horse got an apple.

      • judy berube from Rhode Island

        September 6, 2013 at 7:47 pm

        / Reply

        Dear Max:

        Love it. Hugs, JB

      • Ann NC

        September 7, 2013 at 6:58 am

        / Reply

        Max, thanks for sharing. So very special.

  15. shirleeinindy

    September 6, 2013 at 6:48 am

    / Reply

    Hooray! The stars have aligned. Johnny V is riding Boisterous in the Bowling Green and Elena Strikes in the Pocahontas at Churchill. Don’t know how he is going to do that since one is on the east coast and the other is 4 hours later at Churchill Downs. But, I don’t care. Now he will not beat my favorite!

    • judy berube from Rhode Island

      September 6, 2013 at 7:46 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      Love your on going saga with Johnny V and the name Redheaded Witch. Love and Hugs, JB

      • shirleeinindy

        September 7, 2013 at 6:31 am

        / Reply

        Judy, Of course, Redheaded Witch is a chestnut. Love those red horses. I am glad you are enjoying my battle with Johnny V. If he is at Churchill in November, I hope to get to tell him how he has dashed the hopes of one LOL (Little Old Lady) in so many races.

        Have a good weekend both you and your sweet Lola Mae.

        • Max

          September 7, 2013 at 8:33 am

          You go shirlee. And best of luck to the red horses everywhere.

        • judy berube from Rhode Island

          September 7, 2013 at 11:55 am

          Dear Shirlee:

          Love your posts. How fitting that Redheaded Witch is a Grand Ole Chestnut. Hope you get to meet JV at Churchill so you can tell him “what a dratted rider he is”. Ha, ha! Love and Hugs, JB

  16. shirleeinindy

    September 6, 2013 at 6:49 am

    / Reply

    Forgot to add. I would have to drop a little money in the Pocahontas on a horse named Redheaded Witch. Don’t you just love that name?

  17. Patti

    September 6, 2013 at 8:12 am

    / Reply

    Thanks LE for sharing these pictures, videos and the information with us. Zenyatta has given herself to her boy – he sure looks like he is getting ready for the the world. Will be exciting to watch him in the future.

  18. Bluegrass Girl

    September 6, 2013 at 8:45 am

    / Reply

    Rachel and Brent: A Love Story
    Steve Hskin The Blood-Horse 05 Sep 2013 4:32 PM
    Racing fans over the past several years have held extended vigils, some lasting for months, for stricken horses such as Barbaro, Paynter, and most recently Rachel Alexandra. During those times, the internet was inundated with prayers for these courageous equine heroes who fought for life as hard as they fought for victory on the racetrack.
    This past February, those prayers circulated throughout Facebook and Twitter, as thousands of anguished horse lovers and fans of Rachel Alexandra expressed their heartfelt feelings for the great mare whose life was in danger following surgery to repair her damaged colon suffered after foaling a strapping 140-pound filly.
    As the masses followed the 7-year-old mare’s condition, a relationship was forming that would change the life of Brent Comer, medical technician at Rood & Riddle Veterinary Clinic, and very well may have altered the fate of Rachel Alexandra
    http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/horse-racing-steve-haskin/archive/2013/09/05/rachel-and-brent-a-love-story.aspx

    • Barbara Wood (Texas)

      September 6, 2013 at 9:54 am

      / Reply

      Absolutely fantastic story. Thanks, BGG. Hugs.

      • The Kennedys in San Diego

        September 6, 2013 at 11:06 am

        / Reply

        What a wonderful story from our favorite equine story-teller. Loved her joyous vocalization as she approached Stonestreet.

      • Bluegrass Girl

        September 6, 2013 at 5:42 pm

        / Reply

        When a read this story, I could hear Rachel’s cry “I’m Home!”
        BGG

    • Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark

      September 6, 2013 at 1:24 pm

      / Reply

      What a magical story this is, how lucky they both are to have found each other.

    • judy berube from Rhode Island

      September 6, 2013 at 7:44 pm

      / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      What a wonderful story and how well it is told by SH. Great horse and great people. St. Francis worked a miracle with RA I think and guided the vets to help her get well. Love and Hugs, JB

    • Ann NC

      September 7, 2013 at 7:01 am

      / Reply

      Beautiful story. Thanks BGG.

  19. sheena.davies(wales)

    September 6, 2013 at 11:59 am

    / Reply

    Dear BGG Such a lovely story! .They were meant for each other. Hugs Sheena

  20. Bluegrass Girl

    September 6, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    / Reply

    Looking ahead-interesting article. BGG
    A Date for Delta: Mating Royal Delta
    Written by Alan Porter | Sep 06, 2013 – True Nicks The Blood-Horse
    It goes without saying that it takes an exceptional individual to win Eclipse Awards in three successive years. Among fillies and mares, the feat has only been achieved twice, by Zenyatta (2008-10) and Azeri (2002-04), although Susan’s Girl was champion 3-year-old filly of 1972 and then champion older mare in 1973 and 1975. Looking back to the pre-Eclipse Award era, we find only Cicada in 1961-63.
    So when we note that Royal Delta looks set to join that august group, it gives some perspective on her talent and accomplishments
    : http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/truenicks/archive/2013/09/06/a-date-for-delta-mating-royal-delta.aspx#sthash.WqiqmtYR.dpuf

    • carol in arkansas

      September 6, 2013 at 3:20 pm

      / Reply

      Supposedly leaning toward Europe and G or F….saw this is if she retires…IF…

  21. carol in arkansas

    September 6, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    / Reply

    Hi Zenny….how is your beautiful self today…and the redhead…
    ….
    Hi CAPPERS….made my pick….not happy with it…but no odds on Departing
    ….
    hugs and prayers to all

    • Sue Fl CPRC

      September 7, 2013 at 9:10 am

      / Reply

      Hi
      I am not very sure about this group today. I made a pick and we will see. Good Luck cappers !

  22. sheena.davies(wales)

    September 6, 2013 at 4:46 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Max You deserved a large ice cream for bringing a horse into the kitchen !Good on your Mom for keeping calm.! hugs Sheena

    • Max

      September 7, 2013 at 9:19 am

      / Reply

      Sheena. She was not happy with me, but she kept calm because you cannot yell around a race horse who is standing in your kitchen. We quietly removed the horse who was on a visit from a nearby stable. She was quite happy with her apple treats and didn’t seem to think anything was amiss. My father only smiled when he was later told because he and I used to go the races every Saturday without my mother, who stayed at home, perhaps for a rest.

  23. sheena.davies(wales)

    September 6, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Judy Goodnight God Bless you, Lola Mae,Charlie and all the Sweeties. Forgot to tell you Gwen and Laurence scattered Homer’s ashes at Fort Tryon yesterday. I believe, it’s named after Sir William Tryon, The last british governer of the province of New York. Sad news also, of Tuxedo Stan, the cat from Halifax, Nova Scotia.He’s very sick now, the cancer has spread to his nervous system. Hard decisions will have to be made.Love and hugs SheenaX

    • judy berube from Rhode Island

      September 6, 2013 at 7:22 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      RIP Homer. Prayers to St. Francis for Tuxedo Stan. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC and all the Sweeties

  24. Kathy R.

    September 6, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    / Reply

    Safe journey to all the equine athletes today. Cheers, KathyR.

  25. Bluegrass Girl

    September 6, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    / Reply

    Judy B-just read that Street Sense is coming back to USA. BGG
    Street Sense Returning to U.S. for 2014
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Friday, September 6, 2013 8:14 PM
    After standing the 2013 breeding season in Japan, 2007 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Street Sense will return to the United States to resume stud duties in 2014, Darley America announced Sept. 6.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80524/street-sense-returning-to-us-for-2014?source=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#ixzz2eA9rTeqT

    • judy berube from Rhode Island

      September 6, 2013 at 7:21 pm

      / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thank you for this good news. Happy he is coming home. Hugs, JB

    • Peggy (N) South Georgia

      September 6, 2013 at 7:39 pm

      / Reply

      So happy that Street Sense is coming home.

      • Max

        September 7, 2013 at 8:48 am

        / Reply

        Agree.

  26. Kathy

    September 6, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    / Reply

    Max,

    A horse in the kitchen? That’s funny! When I was a kid one of my pets was a pretty little Alpine goat. I took her to visit one of our elderly neighbors, walked her right into the woman’s living room. She asked “Is she house-trained?!!” lol

    • Ann NC

      September 7, 2013 at 7:03 am

      / Reply

      Cute!!!

    • Max

      September 7, 2013 at 8:31 am

      / Reply

      Kathy. In my opinion, an Alpine goat should be allowed in living rooms. She was probably more interesting company, and nicer, than a lot of humans.

  27. judy berube from Rhode Island

    September 6, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, Red Prince and Baby Z:

    Sweet Dreams. Hugs, JB

  28. Maryp NY

    September 7, 2013 at 5:35 am

    / Reply

    Hope your morning is beautiful Zenyatta, red prince and Cozmic One and that you have a perfect day just being who you are. Love you soooooooo much.

  29. sheena.davies(wales)

    September 7, 2013 at 7:07 am

    / Reply

    Dear Z family I never see posts from the Vampress Queen Sue Colvin these days.Hope she isn’t having health problems. Thinking of her. Hugs Sheena

    • Sue Fl CPRC

      September 7, 2013 at 9:08 am

      / Reply

      Hi VQS last I saw lost her internet and could no longer post. Sue has a face book page and her cell number is listed. Her last facebook post said to text her if you wanted. I did text her then and she responded. I tried again about 3 weeks ago and did not get a response. I will try again today. Let you know if she answers back.
      Sue

  30. sheena.davies(wales)

    September 7, 2013 at 8:01 am

    / Reply

    Dear Max Gordon Lord Bryon and Johnny Murtagh win the Betfred Sprint on rather heavy ground. Only cost 2,000 euros!!! hugs Sheena

    • Max

      September 7, 2013 at 8:47 am

      / Reply

      Sheena. Magnificent win for George. He has such a fine name that I sometimes quickly think that he is owned by Coolmore, but he is not. Very happy to see him doing so well. JudyB will be thrilled too for this Danzig family horse. Danzig was right up there with Big D in the intense department. Frankel traces his line on both sides to two US horses, Danzog and Sadler’s Wells, sons of Northern Dancer.

      • judy berube from Rhode Island

        September 7, 2013 at 11:48 am

        / Reply

        Dear Max and Sheena:

        Wow, impressive pedigree has Gordon Lord Byron. Roberto’s there too on his Dam’s side. Congrats to him and his connections. Love and Hugs, JB

        http://www.equineline.com/Free-5X-Pedigree.cfm?page_state=ORDER_AND_CONFIRM&reference_number=8476263

        • Max

          September 7, 2013 at 1:11 pm

          Check out the shot of Gordon Lord Byron’s ears at the end of the race. He’s got the Roberto ears like Z, Coz and Red.

          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxjoFGroNig&feature=youtube_gdata_player

        • judy berube from Rhode Island

          September 7, 2013 at 5:39 pm

          Dear Max:

          Thank you for this replay of GLB’s win. Without a doubt, he has the Roberto ears. Love and Hugs, JB

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