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

    A wonderful collection of photos of Animal Kingdom-BGG
    “The King” – Animal Kingdom arrives at Arrowfield Stud
    Bronwen Healy 28 August 2013
    He’s here. He likes peppermints. He’s tall. Leggy. Athletic. And he’s my “New Boy”. He’s the American and world champion racehorse, Animal Kingdom. I was so excited to meet him. Is there a little bit of Phar Lap to his looks? I like to think so…. I fed him some peppermints. It’s important for a girl to bond with her horses. And with me, I just can’t help myself…. It was great to see the stallion staff. Joe, the stallion manager, who’s really ace, joked that he’s been practicing “Pinkie’s Song”, to get ready for my arrival!
    http://bronwenhealyphotography.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-king-animal-kingdom-arrives-at.html?m=1

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.:

      Good for Mr. McNair. So glad he puts Hay List’s welfare first. Love this beautiful boy. Hugs, JB

  8. / Reply

    Horse racing: Handsome Jack Flash wins All American Futurity
    Winner breaks at right time to claim $2.6 million All American Futurity
    By Felix Chávez RUIDOSO NEWS Posted: 09/03/2013
    Handsome Jack Flash, left, won the All American Futurity on Monday at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino. (null)
    Trainer Juan Gonzalez felt that if his horse Handsome Jack Flash broke just right, he’d have a great chance to win Monday’s prestigious Grade I, $2.6 million All American Futurity.
    Handsome Jack Flash started just fine and finished even better in winning the 55th running of the nation’s biggest and richest quarter-horse race, covering the 440 yards in 21.166 seconds before a record crowd of 24,588 fans at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.
    The All American Futurity has the largest purse of any race for 2-year-old quarter horses in North America.
    http://www.ruidosonews.com/ci_24003956/horse-racing-handsome-jack-flash-wins-all-american?source=most_emailed

  9. / Reply

    Here is a 2 year old filly that you might want to keep an eye on. BGG
    Horse racing round-up | Sweet Reason takes Spinaway
    Courier-Journal Sep. 1, 2013
    Sweet Reason, with Alex Solis riding, effortlessly swept to the front five-wide on the turn and blew away her eight rivals to win the $300,000, Grade I Spinaway
    for 2-year-old fillies Sunday at Saratoga Race Course.
    Owned by Treadway Racing Stable and trained by Leah Gyarmati, the daughter of 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense completed the seven-furlong Spinaway in 1:23.42 over a sloppy track. Sweet Reason, $7, was 5¾ lengths in front of Stopchargingmaria, who finished 4¾ lengths ahead of Dancing House.
    http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130901/SPORTS08/309010085/Horse-racing-round-up-Sweet-Reason-takes-Spinaway?nclick_check=1

  10. / Reply

    Another version of the story. This one has a photo-BGG
    Sweet Reason wins Spinaway at Saratoga
    The Associated Press Published: September 1, 2013
    SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Sweet Reason romped to a six-length victory Sunday in the $300,000 Spinaway Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Saratoga Race Course.
    Ridden by Alex Solis, the Leah Gyamati-trained Sweet Reason ran 7 furlongs in 1:23.42 .
    Read more here: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/09/01/2662377/sweet-reason-wins-spinaway-at.html#storylink=cpy

    • / Reply

      BGG, Thanks for the post with the picture of Sweet Reason. Of course, we all know Street Sense can get good fillies!

  11. / Reply

    I was fortunate enough to attend the All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs in 2009; Mine that Bird was the reason I was there. He did the post parade ( looked so handsome) along with his exercise rider and the whole team. They had a Mine that Bird Day in New Mexico and open house at his home in Roswell. It was such a great trip. I have to say though, the quarterhorse races go so fast I never could tell without watching it on the television or big screen who won. It’s over in seconds!!!!

    Thanks for the info on the winners. Love their names.

    and Zenny, I watched Coz’s video again and oh yes, we know he is your baby. Look at his ears. What a handsome boy.

    • / Reply

      Delrene
      That must have been a fun day!
      So many in TB racing got their start in QH racing-Mike Smith, Bob Baffert, Jerry Bailey
      and many more.
      Mike has said in interviews those QH races helped him learn how to get out of
      the gate fast.
      BGG

    • / Reply

      Delrene, you are so lucky. I would have loved to have been there. Our Money is a descendant of Timetothinkrich, a winner from years back. MTB is just a plain little brown horse, isn’t he? I just love him. He is a hero for surviving that long trailer ride and then giving us that fantastic run. Hugs.

  15. / Reply

    Coolmore ‏Stud tweets Update on St. Nicholas Abbey
    While still having a guarded prognosis St Nicholas Abbey has had his best week since his initial surgery!
    Since the pin removal his weight bearing on the injured leg has improved gradually and he is walking as well as can be expected with a cast
    St Nicholas Abbey seems more content, lying down several times a night to rest and his appetite is excellent so he is starting to thrive
    His temperature has stabilised and blood work has normalised
    Surgeons Dr Kelly & Dr O‘Brien are more upbeat on his prognosis however there are many weeks to go before St Nicholas Abbey is out of danger
    Pictured this morning at Fethard Equine Hospital
    https://twitter.com/coolmorestud/status/375199114578763776/photo/1

    • / Reply

      So happy to see that his condition is improving. The picture is wonderful although he does look a little thin, but gosh, that’s to be expected after all he’s been through. Power Up, St. Nicholas!

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thank you so much for this good new update on St. Nick. Will continue prayers to St. Francis for him. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Nick is a son of Montjeu. Montjeu was known to be quirky and passed that quality on to his progeny. Let us hope that that same quirkiness results in a full recovery. Show us what you can do, Nick. Please get well.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for this update on St. Nicholas Abbey! Happy to hear that he is doing well and hope that his recovery progresses smoothly from now on. Healing thoughts and prayers for him — Power up St. Nick!!! Hugs

  16. / Reply

    Switch to Australian time for superstar Frankel
    By Katherine Fidler Racingpost.com 9:52AM 4 SEP 2013
    DUAL world champion Frankel remains “very relaxed and in good health” as he undertakes a second stint of covering duties this year, Juddmonte general manager Philip Mitchell has reported.
    The son of Galileo, who retired unbeaten in 14 starts – ten at the highest level – will cover a limited book of mares over the coming weeks to southern hemisphere time
    at Banstead Manor.
    Among those making the 10,000 mile journey are eight-time Group 1 winner
    More Joyous, Jeu De Cartes, a Group 2-winning half-sister to Australian Derby hero Nom De Jeu, and top New Zealand racemare Uberalles, who was third in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby.
    http://bloodstock.racingpost.com/news/bloodstock/switch-to-australian-time-for-frankel/1524138/

    • / Reply

      Interesting that instead of making Frankel shuttle to Australia, the mares are shipping to him. That is definitely sire power! There are probably several of our US stallions who service mares on the southern hemisphere time frame, but this morning my mind is blanking on which ones I have read about. Also noted how it seems there are many who wish to take advantage of the Frankel genes by breeding to Bullet Train. Thanks for sharing the article!

      • / Reply

        Galileo, Frankel’s sire, has shuttled to Australia, but I think that he does not travel anymore. The mares have to travel to him in Ireland. Unlike Frankel, Galileo is silent about his fees and dates. He lets the mares do the talking. Galileo has an air of mystery about him.

        Street Cry, Bernie, Uncle Mo and other US based horses have shuttled to Australia, all of them being owned or affiliated with Darley or Coolmore. Animal Kingdom is supposed to spend time at stud in Australia and the US.

        • Dear Max:

          Galileo is something of a mystery Downunder in that he wasn’t very successful here – and hence the mystery, because he’s so good elsewhere. The new boy of interest at the moment is Bullet Train, who is standing for a fraction of the cost of a date with Frankel (his brother) – not that I think $11,000(Aus) is a small amount, but you know what I mean. Will be interesting to see how his offspring come on in a few years time. Cheers, KathyR.

        • Kathy R. I hope that Bullet Train does well. He’s a very interesting horse with Sadler’s Wells as his sire and no Galileo in the mix. It was unfortunate that as a pacemaker there was a predetermined design for him to lose. Glad that US trainers don’t use that particular tactic. Dan is always a coiled spring and makes the moves with Uncle Johnny along for a hand ride. Just cannot see Dan following a pacemaker. Morton Fink also does not want Successful Dan to run against his brother.

    • / Reply

      Dear Bluegrass Girl:

      The Singleton (Singo to us) mares are already in the UK – they left over a month ago so they could settle into the surrounds before meeting Frankel. Cheers, KathyR.

  18. / Reply

    Just saw on Palace Malice’s facebook that Fiftyshadesofhay had a fractured shin and bone chip in her knee after the Deb. She is recovering at a farm. I had not heard this before. Of course, PM’s facebook page has been know to spread rumors-Blame euthanized-a month or so ago. Anyone else heard about Fiftyshadesofhay?

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Oh, that’s awful. Peggy will be so upset. I am too. Hope he’s OK. It’s just unbelievable how many crazy ways horses can be injured. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Peggy, sheena, Ann, Judy, Max Here’s the story. It has a nice racing photo. BGG

      Orvefre work postponed
      SportingLive Last Updated: September 4 2013, 16:48 BST
      Japan’s big Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe contender Orfevre is now likely to have his first important workout at the weekend.
      Yasutoshi Ikee’s chestnut was agonisingly beaten by Solemia last October, the latest in a string of painful defeats for the nation’s runners in the European finale.
      Orfevre has not appeared on the track since winning at Hanshin in March and is likely to warm up for the Arc in the Prix Foy on September 15, as he did last year.
      He was due to have a spin on Wednesday morning but received a kick from a work companion while they were walking to the starting point of the gallop at Chantilly.
      The injury is not believed to be serious, and Ikee told the Japanese press: “Orfevre’s training schedule has been changed as follows: at this stage serious track work on turf is scheduled to be held on Saturday, September 7, and serious track work with Christophe Soumillon is scheduled for Thursday, September 12.”
      http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/article/465/8906236/orvefre-work-postponed

      • / Reply

        The first thing that the Big O needs to do is find another work mate. Who needs a kick in the nose from a stablemate? Kauto Star used to routinely bite Masterminded and push him around while they were working, but there was no reports of any kicking in the face. Sounds however like the Big O is okay.

  22. / Reply

    An old friend of mine named Ron died yesterday. I had known Ron for about 40 years. He has specifically asked me to tell this joke at his funeral, which I will do. It is the same one I told at his retirement party about 20 tears ago and I think I have posted it here once before. Please indulge me as we all have one last laugh with my friend. His son is named Barry. He would have wanted it this way.–A third grade teacher decided that she would test her class by bringing in various types of meat for them to to see if they could identify it. She brought in beef, turkey, rabbit and veal and, to her surprise, the kids got them all right. She decided to make it really tough the next day and she brought in some venison. None of the kids knew what it was. Smiling, the teacher said “I’ll give you a hint. It’s what your mother sometimes calls your father.” A little kid named Barry jumped up and screamed “Don’t eat it. It’s jackass.” RIP Ron. Till I meet you again.

    • / Reply

      I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend Terry. Many of us are getting to “that age” (similar happening here too this week). Take care and do your best rendition of this at the funeral.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Terry,
      I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Ron
      Great joke to share at the funeral-add a star for the history.
      Hugs, BGG

    • / Reply

      Dear Terry,
      So sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine losing any of my friends but I know they can’t live forever. So great that you will recite that joke at his funeral, maybe the Irish have it right and it should be a sendoff party instead of a solemn occasion. hugs

    • / Reply

      TC GP,
      I am so sorry about your friend. You are a great friend to carry out his wish. The service sounds like it will be a wonderful celebration of his life.
      RIP Ron.
      Hugs- Ann

    • / Reply

      @Sandy, BGG, Barbara Wood and Kathy R-I appreciate your kind words. I guess I feel sorrier for me than I do Ron. We do have a family here.

    • / Reply

      TC. A loss of a friend is hard to take. This guy seems especially fine with good taste in jokes. We’ll all remember this one as Ron’s. It’s a very good joke too. Chin up and keep on going.

    • / Reply

      Dear TC GP:

      So sorry for your loss. How wonderful that you were friends for so many years.

      I do remember that joke from your previous posting. I’m sure Ron is smiling. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Terry,
      So sorry about your longtime friend, Ron. Love the joke that he requested, and am sure you will deliver it well. The smiles will be very welcome to all who loved him and especially to Ron. Lots of Hugs

    • / Reply

      Terry: So very sorry for your loss, even though your post had me smiling — so very you. I have lost 6 really close friends over the last 5 years and it’s so hard, because with the passing of each one goes pieces of my life-story that we shared. I hold them close in my heart, though, and often re-memory the good times. I send you hugs, my friend.

    • / Reply

      So sorry for the loss of your friend, Terry. He must have shared a good sense of humor with you to request that joke. Hugs to you.
      Maryp

  23. / Reply

    Racing Post had a Twitter Q & A with Ed Dulop of Ed Dunlop Racing good questions & interesting answers
    Q Snow Fairy Or Ouija Board?
    A Both! Boring cliché I know, but I never compare them. They were both life changing horses for me
    Q I hope AEGAEUS is going to run well tonight , Ryan Moore up I see
    A Out of desperation we’re back to the AW where he ran well LTO. He’s shown us plenty of ability but his last few runs have been atrocious…Ryan will be riding him how he wants tonight and hopefully he can show his capabilities as he’s not been finishing his races off
    Q Ed, what’s your proudest moment as a trainer?
    A There’s probably not one definable moment, maybe my first Oaks winner. SNOW FAIRY’S two wins in Japan were very special too
    Q Will RED CADEAUX be primed for the Caulfield Cup? Thoughts on the allocated weight?
    A That will be very much based on the horse himself. He will go into quarantine in time to give him the option but we will see how he is…before we make the decision. At his age I’d be concerned about running him in both. He showed on his last start he still has a lot of…capabilities. He’s a very different animal when he travels
    Q Will AMAZING MARIA Maria definitely get a mile? She shows plenty of pace in her races and there’s lots of speed in her pedigree
    A She’s a very relaxed horse at home. She won very impressively from the front at Goodwood but doesn’t need to make the running…If she runs in the Fillies’ Mile it will be handy she can travel so well. She’s only likely to have one more run this season and we’ve…been using Snow Fairy’s lead horse for her at home and she’s shown a high standard
    Q Does Ed have any nice TWO YEAR OLDS who havent run yet that we shoudl look out for, could he suggest a colt and filly
    A I have a few: MAGHAANEM, ZILBER and a filly called CRADLE OF LIFE. Of those that have run RED GALILEO surprised us by how he ran at…Newmarket as ideally he will want further. Another one is GOD WILLING who won nicely first time out for us

  24. / Reply

    On August 26, Carl O’Callaghan was kicked by a horse and injured.
    I tweeted him yesterday
    @carlocallaghan1 How are you doing? Healing going well? Just want you to know that a fan has you in my thoughts & prayers
    Here is his answer this morning
    Thk u so much feeling a little better, went for MRI yesterday so we will see today the results thk u for ur support

  25. / Reply

    Eblouissante (4-Year-Old Filly) Workout
    Date: September 4, 2013
    Track: SARATOGA
    Distance: Four Furlongs
    Time: 48:97 Breezing
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt training
    Rank: 10/36

  26. / Reply

    Mentor Cane (3-Year-Old Colt) Workout
    Date: September 4, 2013
    Track: SARATOGA
    Distance: Four Furlongs
    Time: 46:91 Breezing
    Track Condition: Fast
    Surface: Dirt training
    Rank: 1/36

    • / Reply

      Wow! This sounds really impressive (to me anyway) . . . anyone???

      While I’m asking for input, could someone please explain “honest fractions” (also sometimes called “legitimate fractions”). I know it has to do with the speed of various portions of the race – just don’t understand the descriptive terms. What would be the opposite?

      • / Reply

        Dear Sandy:

        I know TC could answer your question better than I, but Honest Fractions, I believe, means a pace not too fast and not too slow. My guess is Legitimate Fractions means the same. Love and Hugs, JB

  28. / Reply

    Thanks for the update, video and photos of Coz. Look at those nice, even pasterns! Great shoulder, nice hip and I’m betting he has Zenny’s smarts.

  29. / Reply

    Dear Terry, So sorry for the loss of your friend. I was just commenting today how many of my class of 1970 have already gone . I keep the memories of them in my heart when I knew them best. I thought of you just this past weekend while watching a program about the Civil War battle at Cold Harbor. I will be thinking of you and your friend in my prayers tonight.

  30. / Reply

    Dear Max Loved the article about Wiseman’s Ferry, completely forgot he started out at Coolmore. Was concentrating on Galileo and Hawk Wing at that time I see Tiznow on the stallion cam often he’s a feisty stallion! Although Kind has been bred back to Galileo I can never see them breeding another Frankel,same with LD and Wiseman’s Ferry producing another WD. They are both a freak of nature a one-off. Thank God they came along in our lifetimes!! hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. We are indeed lucky to see horses like Frankel and Dan. No offense to Frankel, but both Z and Wise Dan are very exciting runners. Neither Z nor Danny had pacemakers. They won on their own. Dan also is a travelling horse, running and winning on dirt and turf at tracks on both coasts, in Kentucky and in Canada. Frankel never put in those travel miles nor did he met top international competitors like Z and Dan did, other than Cirrus des Aigles in his last race. Z soundly outran Cecil’s favorite horse, Twice Over, at the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2009, a fantastic display of her ability to win against very big odds.

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