Zenyatta

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Ask The Experts: Round Four

Zenyatta, 13Z and paddock mates. Photo by Alys Emson.
Zenyatta, 13Z and paddock mates. Photo by Alys Emson.

Happy Friday!

You may have spotted an additional foal in Alys’ photo above. Zenyatta and 13Z were moved into a larger paddock this week, and they’re now turned out with two other mares.

Our Ask The Experts column has been on hiatus for a few months, and we’re happy to announce its return. The knowledgeable staff at Lane’s End will be answering questions from readers on a variety of topics. If you have been wondering anything about Zenyatta’s life as a broodmare or have a question related to foals, yearlings or Thoroughbred breeding, please send in your questions using the form below.

We have even more in store for you, as we’ll be kicking off the weekend with a Zenyatta Shop update. Look for a blog post tomorrow morning.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Edit: Thank you to everyone who submitted a question. Look for answers in future blog posts!

Reader Interactions

355 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Thanks to Alys and Lane’s End for another beautiful picture. Nothing nicer than happy contented moms and foals enjoying the grass.

  2. / Reply

    King of the Palace
    Sean Clancy THIS IS HORSE RACING Published on Saturday, 27 July 2013
    Mike Smith danced through the crowd after the Jim Dandy. Already late for a plane, the California-based jockey signed autographs on the fly, posed for pictures while trying to keep moving and then stopped.
    “He’s a different horse now,” Smith said. “That was a 24 first quarter and he sat off it. I was well within myself, he was very comfortable, could have went faster if need be, could have went slower if I had to.”
    Amazing what three months will do.
    http://thisishorseracing.com/news/index.php/this-is-horse-racing/2182-king-of-the-palace#.UfVFKmEZ30Q.twitter

    • / Reply

      He must have been in a hurry. Mike is usually one of the most affable and available of all the jockeys, maybe the most affable and available, and always has time for the fans..

    • / Reply

      I would imagine that flights out of the Saratoga area would be limited to say the least, and he had to get back to CA. Sounds like he gave it his best shot.

  3. / Reply

    NYRA ‏ News on Sunday July 28 2013
    Graveyard of Champions victim Kauai Katie, who was heavily favored in yesterday’s Prioress, lost a shoe during the Saratoga race.

    • / Reply

      I heard that the loose shoe was dangling but apparently she wasn’t injured. I would think that could be risky. Better if it just falls off.

  4. / Reply

    Congratulations to Cot Campbell & Dogwood Farm
    Tim Wilkin ‏tweet
    Miss Frost pays $29.20 as jockey Edgar Prado wins his first race of the meet for trainer Tom Albertrani. Owned by Dogwood (PalaceMalice)

    Teresa Genaro ‏@BklynBckstretch
    Miss Frost gets Dogwood a second win in two days with a horse sired by Curlin.

    • / Reply

      So pleased for Curlin. This seems to bode well for his and Rachel’s boy to be able to give some competition to Coz.

      • / Reply

        No need to worry about that meeting. We think it will happen simply because of the interest it’ll get and the crowds that will flock to the track.

        • Hope it happens if it is right for each one. From what people are thinking Coz might be a late bloomer and we know the Mossess will not rush him into something. Since Rachel was such a good 3 year old, her boy might be at the track earlier. I do think that Ms. Banke, like the Mosses, will put his well being first.

  5. / Reply

    So confused about where to post….Take Charge Indy canned off….fracture ….surgery tomorrow …says drf tweet line

    • / Reply

      Dear Carol:

      So sorry about Take Charge Indy. Knew something was wrong at the half. Praying for him. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      carol in Arkansas –confused about posting place–me too!
      Here are updates on TCI
      Danonymous Racing ‏tweet
      Stevens says injury was to TCI’s left front leg.
      Horse pulled up well, splint put on quickly.
      Stevens does not believe TCI life is in danger
      TakeChargeIndy ‏tweet
      So as reported Displaced condor, . he is standing with boot on.
      Going to best surgery vet now . will do surgery in morning.

    • / Reply

      I’m confused too – hate when this happens but I guess we’ll all catch up eventually.

    • / Reply

      I was at the Haskell when that happened. I was so upset . It’s not easy to see them in the paddock and taking pictures and have something happen

      I am happy to hear that he will be okay.

  6. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Very impressive win by Verrazano in the Haskell today. Congrats to him and Johnny V. Hugs, JB

  8. / Reply

    Haskell Coolmore ‏tweet
    Verrazano blows away the competition winning the G1 Haskell Invitational @MonmouthPark #incredibleperformance
    Tim Wilkin ‏tweet
    Power Broker second in Haskell, Micromanage 3rd and Oxbow fourth.
    Verrazano was the even money favorite. Boy did he look good.

    David Grening ‏@DRFGrening
    Stevens said he didn’t like what he felt from Oxbow and wanted to get the weight off him. “He’s walking sound, was not jogging sound”

    Tough day for Gary Stevens-Take Charge Indy injured and then Oxbow.

  9. / Reply

    Dear Sheena:
    Have been asking you about More Joyous/More Strawberries: reading my copy of The Australian this morning discovered (courtesy of Tony Arrold, the racing writer) that the two mares are not due to fly to Frankel until Wednesday 31 July, meaning they will enjoy carrots for their birthday in the air on Thursday. I’m wishing them a safe journey. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      I know Frankel is amazing, but I still have trouble getting my heard around the idea of flying horses half way around the world for breeding (and this goes for U.S. horses as well). I guess most of them do well or it wouldn’t happen, and I should just accept the fact that this is “normal.” Thanks for the updates Kathy R.

      • / Reply

        In my opinion, nothing is normal in the breeding industry. You would think that experts who study bloodlines would be able to guarantee that a champion race horse would be the result of a particular match. Doesn’t work that way,

        • I love studying the breeding world! It’s so much fun for me. Plus, it gives me a reason to write an article for my blog. I found a filly yesterday that is inbred to Secretariat, Buckpasser, Northern Dancer, and Bold Ruler. Secretariat is all over her pedigree, top and bottom.

      • / Reply

        Sandy. Travelling by air is quicker and possibly less stressful on horses than sea voyages. Before flying was widespread, EP Taylor shipped a mare whom he had purchased in England to Canada by sea. She was in foal to Nearco at the time and had her recently born young foal with her during the trip. There was nearly a serious accident when one of the shore crew on landing in Montreal tried to separate Lady Angela from her foal. Lady Angela was highly upset. Fortunately it all turned out well when another hand recognized that you do not separate a mare and her baby in strange surroundings. Lady Angela was safely reunited with her foal and made it to Windfields in Oshawa where she gave birth later that spring to Nearctic, who grew up to be the sire of Northern Dancer.

        • I honestly never thought of sea voyages Max, and I agree that sounds even more stressful. The story about Lady Angela is amazing – and to think that if anything had happened, there would have been no Nearctic or Northern Dancer!! I guess some flights would be no longer than the ones taken by horses who ship from hither and yon to race – for some reason it just feels different when you think of them flying across an ocean.

  10. / Reply

    Dear Sheena: Found another interesting piece in The Australian, again by Tony Arrold. He reports that Snow Fairy, who made $6.4m in stakes winnings, will go to Elusive Pimpernel, a stallion whose stud fee is just $1400. Apparently her owner (Cristina Patino) also raced the stallion, and the matching is described by Tony as “a deliberate inbreeding exercise involving an exceptional middle-distance race mare whose mother Woodland Dream has as her third dam Gay Fantasy, grand-dam also of Elusive Pimpernel.” Just amazing the thought processes these owners go through. Maybe it’s more fun to just sit on the sidelines and watch it all unfold. Hugs, KathyR.

  11. / Reply

    My mind just does not work like it used to. I was listening to Juice Newton sing Old Flame on You Tube when another Elvis story hit me. I was planning to visit Las Vegas while Elvis was there, but only made it one time. I was told by my late sister-in-law to call him at the Las Vegas Hilton and he would make the arrangements. I hit town and called. Now, you couldn’t get through to him unless you knew the code name, which changed all of the time. If you called and asked o speak to Elvis they would just laugh at you, but if you asked for Mr. Smith in the Penthouse Suite the operator would put you through. Smith was Elvis’ mother’s maiden name. Anyway, I was put through and a voice answered. I explained why I was calling and that Elena J had told me that arrangements could be made to see the show that evening. The voice said something to the affect that tell the Maitre D that you were a guest of Mister Aron and you would be taken care of. I said thank you and how much I was looking forward to it and hung up. It did not occur to me until much later that I had been talking to Elvis himself. Aron was his middle name. anyway, we were escorted to a stage side spot with people looking daggers at us. The show was what you would expect, spectacular, and we were escorted backstage afterwards. It was the only time that I actually met Elvis. We talked a little about my sister-in-law and how he had a crush on her in high school. He gave my wife one of those scarves that he gives to the audience, except this one was autographed. He couldn’t have been nice to a person who was a stranger to him. He also told me that he had been a flop when he appeared in Vegas the first time and the only person who was a friend to him was Liberace.

    • / Reply

      What a fun and amazing story TC (except for the part about losing the wife and the scarf :-( Hard to imagine being that close to such a celebrity.

      • / Reply

        Sandy-It was the only time I ever saw or met him in person. Most of the stuff I know about him comes from my nephews.

    • / Reply

      Terry Crow
      Mind seems to be working just fine. Mine takes a little longer to go through the
      mental file cabinet. Think too many files are crammed in it.
      Love the Elvis story. Good to hear about the nice side.
      Keep the redneck & talking horses/animal stories coming & jokes.
      Always laugh. BGG

    • / Reply

      I loved hearing about your meeting with Elvis, Terry. The Colonel put him on such level, even higher than royalty, so anyone who got the chance to meet and speak to him was really lucky. It was a very nice gesture for your late sister in law to do this for you. Quite a memory. Thanks for sharing it.

  12. / Reply

    TC what a great Elvis story. So many people got to see Elvis perform live. My entire family loved Elvis. Hated the movies. Loved Elvis.

    Congrats Mike Smith! A big win at Saratoga. A big win at Del Mar.

    What happened to Mentor Cane?

    • / Reply

      Came in fourth after leading for quite a while. For some reason he took a right turn and wound up way outside after that, but he looked really good.

    • / Reply

      Vicki-Elvis didn’t care for those films, either, after he made King Creole, which was his favorite, with a small shout out to Kid Galahad. He did have a chance to make a comeback of sorts when Barbara Streisand decided to remake A Star Is Born. He was offered the part of her husband. His manager, Colonel Parker, turned it down. The Part went to Kris Kristofferson. Could Elvis act? You be the judge.

        • Kris is a pretty good actor. Didn’t know the part about being a Rhodes scholar. I am impressed with both his knowledge and yours.

        • Kris is also an awesome songwriter. His Why Me is really something and who in our generation can forget Janice Joplin and Bobby McGee?

        • shirleeinIndy-When I was working the people in the office often repeated the first few words of Why Me. “Why me Lord, what have I ever done…” I don’t think it was meant to be taken in that context. I agree with you, Kris was a great songwriter. Elvis never wrote a song. Kris also became a popular singer, although I could never figure that out.

      • / Reply

        TC. I like watching Elvis’ movies. I think that he acted well, maybe not as good as Mr. Ed, but no one could ever top Ed’s acting. Keep these stories coming. They’re refreshing. Still laughing about the horse ventriloquist.

        • Max-You are right about Mr. Ed. Some performers may be equaled, but never exceeded, and he was certainly one of them.

    • / Reply

      So sorry to hear that his career is over, but prayers that he continues to recover nicely and can move on to WinStar. Maybe we’ll watch HIS babies come into the world one of these days.

  15. / Reply

    Jay Privman ‏@DRFPrivman tweet
    Comma to the Top came out of Bing Crosby with “badly bruised foot,”
    trainer Peter Miller said. #delmar

  16. / Reply

    Mike Welsch ‏@DRFWelsch tweet Monday July 29
    Aubby K. fractured a sesamoid pulling up after working this a.m., to be retired.
    Gave trainer Ralph Nicks his 1st G1 winner this spring
    Paul Mazur ‏tweet
    Hit board last out in Chicago Hcp MT “@DRFWelsch: Aubby K. fractured a sesamoid pulling up after working this am, to be retired.”

  17. / Reply

    Lava Man Wins
    “We are very proud to announce that Lava Man won both of the classes that he competed in at the Thoroughbred Classic Show. He won the Heart of a Champion Halter Class and the Showmanship Class. Is there anything that our Lava can’t do?” Doug O’Neill Racing Stable.
    The Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show celebrates “the Athleticism, Versatility, and Spirit of Retired Racing Thoroughbreds. Hunters, Jumpers, Dressage, Combined Training, Western, and Showmanship, something for everyone! Come show your TB! http://www.thoroughbredclassic.org” Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park, San Juan Capistrano, CA
    Doug O’Neill ‏@DougONeill1 1h
    The very handsome and proud Lava Man
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=606938802659858&l=2bf6d8f326

    • / Reply

      BG. I guess that the answer to that question is no. There is nothing that Lava Man cannot do. He looks darn impressive with those braids.

      • / Reply

        Yes, Max! Lava Man is a very exceptional horse, and he certainly does look impressive with the braided mane! Classy!
        Cheers

    • / Reply

      I guess when it’s Lava Man, nothing should be a surprise. Wonder what’s next… dressage, jumping, eventing? He seems to be good at everything just like our Z.

      He looks wonderful in his braids under English tack. Never really noticed before how dished his face is… he’s absolutely gorgeous!

    • / Reply

      Thanks Janet. I think Bloodhorse said the surgery was over very quickly. He will be awesome in the breeding shed.

    • / Reply

      Janet. Glad that he is okay. Between him and Oxbow, it’s been a worry. Cannot forget St Nick. Hope that he’s recovering.

      • / Reply

        Yes, Oxbow appears to have clean x-rays.

        I am concerned that there has not been any further word on St. Nick, but I guess no news is good news in this case.

        Still sending prayers his way.

  19. / Reply

    Justin Zayat ‏tweet on 28 July
    Our tentative plans are to run Paynter in Woodward and Fast Bullet in Forego
    Trying to make a big day at Saratoga fingers crossed
    The Woodward and forego are on Ahmed Zayat’s birthday!!!!
    I will try to give him a GREAT gift!

    2013 Woodward Stakes (G1) 8/31/2013, Saratoga Race Course
    2013 Forego Stakes (G1) 8/31/2013, Saratoga Race Course

  20. / Reply

    Relieved about Oxbow and hope TCI continues to recover without further problems. All the best wishes for complete healing to both.
    I worry about St. Nicholas Abbey, too. Hope things go smoothly for him. Healing thoughts and prayers for SNA and for all injured beauties. Hugs

  21. / Reply

    SARBONNE ALERT UPDATE (also posted on the “newer” Blog entry “Shop Updates”)

    Dear Z-sters,
    You will recall Zenyatta’s stalwart workmate SARBONNE, affectionately known as Bon Bon, who loyally helped her to fulfill her extraordinary potential and become the champion and ruling Queen she was meant to be. Well, as Ann Maree mentioned above, SARBONNE is now also retiring from racing and looking forward to a new home. His devoted guardian angel, Ashton Bussell Montgomery, daughter of our beloved Kari Bussell and the Voice of Sarbonne on Sarbonne’s fb page, has stepped up to purchase Sarbonne and get him to a place where he can “just be a horse,” as John Shirreffs said of Zenyatta’s retirement. Sarbonne will be going to the Tierra Madre Horse Sanctuary in Arizona run by equine advocate Jim Gath. Ann Maree and I will be making a donation to help with Bon Bon’s purchase and transport as a thank you to Sarbonne for his service to Zenyatta and as a tribute to our dear departed Kari, who held Sarbonne close in her heart. I hope you will join us in this. The purchase price is $1500 and transport from Emerald Downs in Washington State may be as much as $1000 or possibly more. Any amount you can contribute will be a big help to Ashton and most gratefully received. Our Dumpling on the spot Sharon Peck has graciously agreed to Ashton’s request that she act as treasurer for Sarbonne’s retirement fund, so if you would be so kind, please send your donation as a check made out to Sharon Peck and addressed to Sharon Peck, P.O. Box 16213, Seattle, WA 98116. The sale is to be completed within a week, so please mail your donation as soon as possible. On behalf of Sarbonne and Ashton Bussell, Ann Maree and I thank you all for helping to give Bon Bon a secure future. Yours in Dumplinghood, Trina Nagele

    • / Reply

      I certainly hope all who bred and owned Sarbonnne along the way will at least be matching the donations. There needs to be a national retirement fund of some sort so that all race horses can be taken care of when it’s time to retire. Many are more than capable of being retrained for a second career, but even a second career can come to an end (studs/ broodmares/hunter jumpers) It would take a lot of planning and over-seeing, but we have to start somewhere. You can’t just breed a creature for 3 years use and then say ‘oh well’ for the other 20+ years. Well done to Ashton for helping Sarbonne and getting the ball rolling.

  22. / Reply

    MESSAGE FROM SALLY B (also posted on the “newer” Blog entry “Shop Updates”)

    Dear Z-sters, I’ve received an e-mail message from Sally B that she would like me to share with you all, so here you go.

    From SallyB:

    “It seems that my email is working but I cannot post or reply on Zenyatta’s blog. It stands still. It will probably take me a bit of time to find someone to take care of my problems. I was able to read some posts, although it moves so slowly.
    Would you post on my behalf, telling all, it is true I have been very busy, but when I have gotten on the blog I cannot respond to anyone.
    I cannot wish Zenyatta sweet dreams and kisses on her soft nose either!!
    I read Kathy R’s question regarding Sir and I thank her for thinking of him. He is still with us and I like that, and the committee has decided that as long as he is with us, we will do whatever he may need. His second chiropractic appointment is this Fri, Aug 2, and I will want to be there like I was the first time. Liz and I kept him calm the last time, so I will want to help out again. I have come to love this horse and he is so sweet with me.
    Could you just relay these things for me?
    I want all the Zsters to know that I really care what happens to all and to our Thoroughbreds on Zenyatta’s blog.”

    To Sally: I’m glad to post this for you, and I hope your computer problems will soon be resolved. Bless you for being there for Sir.—Love in Dumplinghood, Trina

    • / Reply

      Dear Trina (and Sally): So pleased to get the post and the news of Sir: he sounds like a very special bloke. I’ll keep up the prayers that all proceeds well for him, and for you, Sally. Hugs, KathyR. PS: Sally, don’t forget to wish him Happy Birthday, even if it’s a day late on the 2nd August. I’ll be at the racetrack here in Canberra on that Friday, because it’s Jockey Memorial Day – but my thoughts will also be with the two of you. Hugs.

  23. / Reply

    The story of Lady Angela and her foal who became the sire of Northern Dancer reminded me of the story of Palace Rumor, the dam of Palace Malice. Please you guys correct me if I get this wrong. But she was stabled at Ellis Park but was taken to Churchill for a Saturday race. The original plan was to van her back to Ellis that night. Since the trainer thought she seemed tired, he borrowed stall space from a friend and she spent the night in Louisville. That night a tornado hit Ellis and killed 4 of the trainer’s horses and seriously injured his others. If he had not decided to overnight at Churchill with her-no Palace Malice.

    • / Reply

      Sheena-I only met him once but I can tell you from that experience that he is everything you would expect except, perhaps, that he was a very humble person. He loved to hang out with people who knew him when.

  26. / Reply

    Today is Prince of Wales day at the Fort Erie track, the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. Many of you will be aware that the format for the Queen’s Plate and P of W races is different this year, both races being run later than usual and the P of W changed from a Sunday afternoon event to Tuesday evening, the rational being that it would be more convenient for the top jocks from Woodbine to take part and there would be less competition for the bettor’s dollar since more tracks are dark on Tuesday.
    Yesterday the race had eight entries, four of them trained by Mark Casse and the winner of the Queen’s Plate, Midnight Aria, was not one of the entries, so no chance of a Triple Crown winner this year. The Casse horses were the shortest odds on the morning line.
    Today, two of the Casse entries have been scratched so, in my opinion, we are left with a most uninspiring field, and no great turnout by the top jocks. NOT THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE THAT THE FORT ERIE TRACK WILL SURVIVE.
    Nevertheless, we will be there and, at this point, I may just do a $1.00 box on the entire field!!!!
    At least there is no rain forecast.

    • / Reply

      Even to my inexperienced eye, this looked like a less than promising set-up, Brenda, but I was hoping to be wrong. I read that Midnight Aria’s trainer said the Queen’s Plate took too much out of him??? And what about the other horses? I know that this is a big event in Ft. Erie so I hope that the evening is at least somewhat enjoyable (and the weather IS so much better than the past few days). Hoofs (?hooves) crossed that this isn’t the last one.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Pati! Life is Sweet’s baby is gorgeous — a little Tapit girl!!
      Cheers and Hugs

  28. / Reply

    Just for a change of pace, I am going to post one of my afterlife jokes. Hope you like it. Three men died and were taken by God to the top of a cliff. God said to them “You have all been outstanding citizens while you were alive. As a reward, as you run to the edge of the cliff, merely shout out what you would like to be and your wise will be granted.” The first man ran to the edge of the cliff and shouted “I want to be an eagle!” Just before going over the edge, he was transformed and flew off. The second man then ran towards the edge shouting “I want to be a champion race horse!” and disappeared, having been whisked off to Santa Anita. The third man then ran toward the edge of the cliff, tripped on a rock, and shouted “Crap!”

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