Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

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

Reader Interactions

970 Comments

  1. / Reply

    What do you all think about Al Kezeem. Do you think he will run in the Arc. I’m trying to size up all of Orfevre’s opponents.

    • / Reply

      Peggy. The odds have drastically changed on Al Kazeem after his recent loss to The Fugue. Juddmonte’s Flintshire is now the favorite followed by Novelist and then the Big O. Both Flintshire and Novelist are very talented horses. The Fugue is a real threat too. You never know with the Arc. Do not give up on the Big O. He wants to win it.

  2. / Reply

    Hi Zenny…
    Sure sign of fall…..the leaves on the trees of Cigar’s pasture have thinned out …making stalking much easier…he can not hide under the trees anymore
    ……
    Look out world ….POE has returned to Shug’s barn…..welcome back big guy!
    …..
    @Sue….I also bet Cameo Appearance because of his pedigree…..and I figured P Val wasn’t going to Louisiana for no reason…
    …..
    @Heidi….if you bet the horse to show….and he placed…you should still get some money…hope wedding plans come together easily
    ….
    sending Marty a hug….
    …..
    Zenny…..eat sleep rest exercise….keep all spa appt’s ….kiss Red for me….Coz’s schooling seems to be coming along….he really reminds me of your mom….a lot…and keep little Warrioress safe and sound
    ….
    Love to all

  4. / Reply

    I posted this on previous page. But all who will let me know what you think about Al Kazeem. I am wondering if you think he will run in the Arc.

    Go Big O……………………………………………………………………
    I have to check out all his opponents

  5. / Reply

    Dear Peggy Al Kazeem is a very good horse has,’nt run so well in his last couple of races (the fugue on Saturday). He should like the ground at Longchamp .maybe it will be the big O’s year!!!hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena,

      I am so nervous and so hope Orfevre can win. I remember when he won that last leg of the Japan triple crown. Wow what a horse. I don’t know he is older now. But look at Wise Dan he got better. So hope the Big O can do it.

      • / Reply

        Peggy. Isn’t the Big O only 5? That is a good age for a race horse because he’s getting more experience with racing. Retiring a horse at 3 or 4 is not the best result for racing unless the horse has health issues. Horses usually only get better with experience. Musketier was still winning at 9. Practice makes perfect. My advice to the Big O is to not let fillies go ahead of him during the races. He’s too much of a gentleman. Run, Big O.

        • Dear Max

          Yes he is only 5. I said last year I had to have a talk with him about those filly’s. That was a heartbreaking loss last year. This year is looking like it is really going to be a strong field. Oh my, but he can do it.

  6. / Reply

    Just checked the Keeneland Sales Catalog. Wow what a lot of horses. You could lose your mind. But, what I was looking for this time was hoping one little filly was not there by Leroidisanimaux/Big Gem. I did not see her there was holding my breath. Just fell in love with her when I met her in Florida. She is something else. She is a yearling.
    I am so hoping Hallmark will keep her.

  7. / Reply

    Hi everyone,

    I first start my update with condolences for Marty R. and Terry. It’s cruel enough that we have such a small amount of time with our loved ones and to lose one must have been a horrible feeling. I’m sorry.

    I did all my homework for this week on Saturday and Sunday so I can do my analysis of the September sale. I’ll do them by Books I think, or I’ll never get them done between that and homework.

    It’s was 31 degrees last night. It’s 77 at night back home in NC. Holy cow, it’s cold.

    I’m working on uploading my Saratoga pictures. I’m going to the American Gold Cup, and I’m so excited to be able to take pictures of so many famous eventing stars! MORE PICTURES! YAY!

    Not doing so well for the fantasy-capping league but I’m doing my best to keep up with the races and such.

    SHERR NEWS:

    Gus has been home and well for the last week. He ran and said hi to everyone. He then ran around and looked for Liddy because he had been at State already when she went off to her new home, so he didn’t know that Liddy was gone.

    Murphy was sent to a trainer to be prepped for his new loving home.

    Oscar, a former SHERR graduate, came back because his owner’s husband got cancer, and she couldn’t support three horses anymore. He was pushy and mean, and he is spoiled!! He tried to attack Ty in the pasture because the mares hang out with Ty and not him. Oscar is a product of his spoiling, but it sure is frustrating regardless when I read how mean he is to everyone. He even head butted a 10 year old volunteer so hard, she fell over! So, he was sent to a foster family ASAP.

    Well, that’s about it. I might have more next week.

    Be well and stay safe everyone; including the Royal family of racing!

  8. / Reply

    Dear Shirlee,

    Yes! I remember Ma & Pa Kettle so well. They were hilarious. And yes, they always had hens on the kitchen table. Thanks for the memories!

    • / Reply

      Always liked Marjorie Main as an actress. If ever a ;person was born to do a role, that one was tailor made for her.

      • / Reply

        Amen, Terry! Marjorie Main was perfect, and Percy Kilbride(?) made a great Pa, too.
        I always loved Marjorie Main in whatever she appeared — wonderful actress!
        Glad to have you back! Hugs

  9. / Reply

    Dear Judy More sad kitty news , Tuxedo Stan, crossed the rainbow bridge at 4 55pm today He was only 3yrs old and fought a long battle with cancer.”The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity”Goodnight God bless You, Lola Mae Charlie and all the Sweeties. Love and hugs SheenaX

  10. / Reply

    RIP Tuxedo Stan. Way too young to go but at least he is out of pain now. There are a lot of wonderful animals up there to show you the way.

  11. / Reply

    Go Groupie Doll……………………………Will see you Monday Night. Go Girl Go
    I’m sure Brass Hat will be cheering you on
    God Speed, to all always come home safely

  12. / Reply

    My dear Z fans,

    You know my mother brooked her shoulder two months ago, and for this reason do to her age she develop few complications, I know your prayers help in her recovery.
    However, in her recuperation she got some infection, for this reason they gave her antibiotics, and because of these antibiotics, and the other medicines combine, she became very constipate, and the stool, damage the wall of the intestine, do to her age was impossible to do surgery.
    Yesterday my adorable mother passed away….
    My dear friends I never felt this terrible pain before, now my life is empty as a desert…
    I think the only think that can help me to heal my pain is these beautiful horses!

    Love you all hugs Ingrid.

    • / Reply

      Dearest Ingrid
      It is a deep loss and you must be grieving.
      Your mother is free of all the pain and discomfort that she has gone through
      over these months.
      It is difficult finding the right words of comfort.
      My deepest sympathy.
      Know that you are loved and in my prayers

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,

      Words cannot ease your pain that comes with the loss of your
      beloved mother. it will be seven years this October that my mom
      passed. An empty aching sensation remains in my heart, but with
      the passage of time, I have been able to feel peace knowing I will
      see her again.
      Lois of prayers being sent your way.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,
      Sincere condolences to you in the loss of your dear mother. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and remember, we are here for you with love and hugs.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,
      I am so sorry for your loss of your dear mother. God Bless you with peace and comfort.
      Love to all.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,
      May God bless you and comfort you now. I hope and pray that in awhile only the good memories will come to you of the special times you had with your Mom. I’m keeping you in my prayers, with love, Elizabeth

    • / Reply

      Ingrid, I am so sorry for your loss. It is devastating to lose our mothers. My heart goes out to you. I am sad to see there have been several losses among our Zenyatta family lately. Hugs to you all.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,
      Prayers of comfort for you and your family on the loss of your dear mom. I lost mine years ago as a young woman and find great comfort from talking to her in troubling times. They always remain close in your heart. God Bless you. Sending warm hugs.

    • / Reply

      Dearest Ingrid–Joining in with all of Dumplinghood to express our sorrow for the loss of your mom. That is truly an awful time in life, and some of us have experienced it at an earlier age than others. We never outgrow the need for our moms! I wish we could make it more bearable for you. Mine has been gone 7 years, and not a day goes by that I don’t think of her. In time, you will have precious memories. We all love you and send prayers for God’s peace to uphold you. Hugs.

      • / Reply

        Ingrid-I would like to ad my voice to the others, but especially that of Barbara. Indeed, you never outgrow the need for your mother. She will always be your best friend and you will see her again.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid, So sorry to hear that your mother has gone. She will always be with you in spirit. Nothing any of us say can ease your pain but know that we are thinking of you and will remember you and all your family in our prayers.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,
      I am sending you lots of hugs today and am sorry about your Mother.
      Keeping you and your loved ones in my prayers.
      Love, Ann

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,
      I am so sorry your loss and can be comforted to know that your mother is suffering no more. Praying for you and all who mourn her loss. God bless.

      • / Reply

        Ingrid, so sorry for your loss. It’s always hard to loose a Mom or Dad. My Dad passed 21 years ago and, every year on the date, I mourn. I don’t know what else to say except, to let yourself go through the grieving process and realize the memories you will recall. Sending virtual hugs your way!

    • / Reply

      My Dear Friend Ingrid:

      So very sorry for the loss of your sweet Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your brother and your family. Your Mom was blessed with wonderful loving children. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid, I am so sorry for your loss. Hold your mom’s loving memory tight in your heart–she will continue to sustain you.

      • / Reply

        According to what I have heard, MMM will run at Santa Anita shortly after the meet opens at the end of September. I have a feeling that he will like it out here. He did run big in the BC Classic.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for these wonderful photos of one of my favorite boys. He is such a handsome one. Rooting for him at SA. Love and Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    Dear Ingrid,

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I know from experience that you’re never the same again after your mom is gone. In time the pain will ease some as you hold on to all your wonderful memories. Honor her memory by being the best person you can be. Show the world what a fine person your mother raised.

  17. / Reply

    Dear Z family Blessings to you for your kind messages a bout Tuxedo Stan,but he wasn’t my cat. I told Judy about him last week, he was from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Tuxedo Party was formed, for a more humane world for all Kitties. He ran for mayor there last year, when he became ill, his brother Earl Grey took over. It was often said they were the cat version of the Kennedy brothers!! Stan was a very brave Kitty undergoing 5 months of the dreaded chemo but the cancer finally attacked his nervous system and he was “put to sleep” yesterday on his favourite rainbow rug. I’ve just left a message on his website and included the Z family. Love you all. Hugs Sheena

  19. / Reply

    Ingrid:
    I was so very sorry to read about the passing of your mother this morning. I lost my dad when I was only 32. My mother, now 94, is failing after having led a very full life. I tell you this to let you know that you are never alone and that it’s wonderful that you shared your grief with us so that we can accompany you with our love, sympathy and warmth. Our Zen family is the kindest I have ever known and you can count on them — and me — to bring bundles of support. Try to be good to yourself at this time and know that those we love never leave us.

    • / Reply

      @ Abigail
      Wow! My mother turned 92 in August. She’s basically in good health but has a pace maker. I cherish every day that I have her! ♥ God bless you mom!
      Auntie Judy

  20. / Reply

    Ingrid, there is nothing I can say to ease your pain. My beloved mother Martha passed on 11/11/11. She was eightyone years old but still young in spirit. I think of her every day. Now I try to just think of the many adventures we shared and do my best to keep the pain away. I don’t think a day will pass that I won’t miss her but I am grateful that her suffering is at an end and she has joined her large and loving family that went before her.

  21. / Reply

    It has been one year since I bought a computer to find out what happened to Zenyatta and I am so impressed with all the Z admirers who comment here – so compassionate and caring and knowledgeable too. You provide such interesting information and make it so easy for me to find. I check on all of you everyday and it is like strolling in Black Beauty’s apple orchard – a wonderful place to be.

    Thank you all and Zenyatta and her people who inspired all this interest and concern for all things “horsey” which has spread to all critters and humans too. May the “apple orchard” remain a wonderful place to come and visit.

    • / Reply

      Nancy,

      How nice to “picture” our Zenyatta nation as the “apple orchard”. It is truly a wonderful place to be. She brought wonderful people together.
      Hugs,
      Maryp

    • / Reply

      Dear Nancy,
      What a beautiful analogy! I love the idea of Black Beauty’s apple orchard. Queen Z’s apple orchard is indeed a wonderful place to be — comfort and welcome hugs abound here. Thank you for posting this and many Hugs to you, too!

  22. / Reply

    Medaglia d’Oro Filly Sells for $1.5 Million Hip 38
    A Medaglia d’Oro filly brought a top bid of $1.5 million from Alan Cooper to top the early portion of the Keeneland September yearling sale Sept. 9 in Lexington.
    A Medaglia d’Oro filly brought a top bid of $1.5 million from Alan Cooper to top the early portion of the Keeneland September yearling sale Sept. 9 in Lexington. Bred in Kentucky by Emory A. Hamilton, the filly was consigned by Gainesway, agent, and was purchased by Cooper on behalf of the Niarchos family
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80571/medaglia-doro-filly-sells-for-15-million#ixzz2eQWPaB1y

  23. / Reply

    War Front Colt Second Seven-Figure Horse Hip 61
    A colt by War Front from the same female family as Departing was sold for $1 million
    as the second seven-figure horse at the first session of the Keeneland September yearling sale.
    Consigned by the Hancock family’s Claiborne Farm, the colt featured in a Bloodhorse.com video was purchased by Coolmore Stud’s M. V. Magnier.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80573/war-front-colt-second-seven-figure-horse#ixzz2eQVWnSks
    Here is the video referenced in the article
    http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/12790/keeneland-september-sale—hip-61-by-war-front?section=sales

  24. / Reply

    Malibu Moon Filly Brings $1.35M at Keeneland Hip 80
    A Malibu Moon–Hollywood Story filly brought a price of $1,350,000 to become the second-highest-priced offering at the midway point of the first session of the Keeneland September yearling sale Sept. 9 in Lexington.
    Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, the filly, named Miss Hollywood, was purchased by Northwest Stud. She is out of Hollywood Story, a daughter of Wild Rush who earned $1.7 million and won two grade I stakes at Hollywood Park in Southern California and is the dam of stakes-placed Hoorayforhollywood.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80575/malibu-moon-filly-brings-135m-at-keeneland#ixzz2eQUrvyoJ

  26. / Reply

    Wise Dan to Depart for Woodbine Sept. 12
    By Blood-Horse Staff Updated: Monday, September 9, 2013 3:40 PM
    Wise Dan, reigning Horse of the Year in the U.S. and winner of the 2012 Ricoh Woodbine Mile (Can-IT), will arrive at Woodbine the morning of Sept. 13 to defend
    his title in the Sept. 15 event.
    “He’ll leave on Thursday evening from Kentucky to be there Friday morning by 11 a.m.,” trainer Charlie LoPresti said from his base at Keeneland.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80577/wise-dan-to-depart-for-woodbine-sept-12?source=rss&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter#ixzz2eQbr2J3r

    • / Reply

      Claire Novak ‏The Blood-Horse tweet
      Wise Dan won the Woodbine MIle in 2012 en route to victory in the Shadwell Turf Mile and Breeders’ Cup Mile and three Eclipse Awards

    • / Reply

      Rule is that all of the horses in the Woodbine Mile have to be their stalls at Woodbine by September 13.

      Sheena. One of the benefits of Dan racing against Euros at Woodbine is that US horses do not need to go into quarantine in Canada. They just have to show their vet papers to get across the border and that is about it. Travelling to the UK is a whole other ball game.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Nick looks rather well in the video considering his ordeal. He’s had a very rough go of it, and probably was in pain for some time. I love the way he calmly chewed his newly cut grass in that video. Good for Coolmore to keep people advised. Is everyone at Coolmore Ireland or working for them called O’Brien? Power up, Nick.

  28. / Reply

    More from Keeneland Sales
    Tom Hall ‏tweet
    Zayat Stables gives $575,000 for handsome Tiznow colt o/o Fusaichi Pegasus mare Ididntmeantoo, a daughter of G2SW Bella Chiarra(Phone Trick)

  29. / Reply

    Hi Zenny….saw picture of you with LIS and her baby….showing them the ropes?
    you are the best friend ever…
    …..
    I have only one thing to say…..Go Doll……Run Like a Girl!

  30. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Was away for the weekend at a family gathering. Catching up on all the wonderful posts. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Barb W.:

        Yes, it was a surprise 40th birthday party for my nephew and then I stayed over the weekend at my sister’s. Was good to get away from routine.

        It’s been a year and four months since my Russ has passed and yes, Marty is in my thoughts and prayers. And now Ingrid and TC’s losses. It’s a difficult time even when they are not well and you’re still never prepared to say goodby. Love and Hugs, JB

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