The last stop on our December trip to Kentucky was Hidden Brook Farm. We were excited about this visit because Cozmic One had recently arrived, ready to embark on a new career.
Sergio de Sousa, partner and manager of the farm, showed us around. His daughter Isabela is training Coz for Retired Racehorse Project’s 2018 Thoroughbred Makeover and blogging about the process on Chronicle of the Horse. Read her first post here.
Follow De Sousa Stables on facebook for the latest updates.
Judy Berube
Dear Shirlee, Ann, Peggy, Marshall, Sheena and Z Fans:
Congrats to Promises Fulfilled, gorgeous Chestnut son of Shakelford. Went off at 18 to 1. Now that’s the right long shot!
Peggy, Strike ran well. Maybe the wrong distance for him. Magic probably needed a race. Think Marconi finished fifth, not sure. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Great race for Promises. Love those right long shots! He’s a beauty!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Congratulations to Promises Fulfilled and all connections! Shackelford is proud, I’m sure.
Gotta love those chestnuts! Well done.
Marconi did finish 5th, JB. He did come up quite a bit from being last and second from last though. Maybe next time for him.
Hugs and Love
Judy Berube
Dear Ann and Marshall:
Impressive win by Promises as well as Bravazo in the Risen Star. Didn’t realize until our Peggy told me, he’s trained by D Wayne Lucas. This Derby seems to be wide open so far. Will be keen to see how Bolt and Billy go next week.
Godspeed babies; safe and sound all. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Coz having fun in the sunshine today.So good to see him happy.
http://www.facebook.com/desousastablesllc/
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
Looks likes COZ has some new Buds. He’s enjoying life. Thanks for sharing. Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Sheena.
Thank you so much for the up dates on Coz.
I can see he is happy, thank God for that.
Big hug Ingrid.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena,
Thanks for posting this. Looks like a lot of fun — good for Coz!
Hugs and Love
Judy Berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Stay comfy and cozy in your stalls. Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai and Baby Z, will always love you.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Another difficult day weatherwise.We had more snow tonight but thawing in parts of SW England.Towns in Wales and Scotland are still cut off from the outside world.There were rumours about Footpad today but Mullins has stated there is nothing wrong.The Dyfi are preparing for the new season and nestorations begin next week a lot of snow there too.Mei Xiang has been inseminated now we wait and hope an early estrus this year.Stay warm and safe.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
Stay safe and warm. Glad Footpad seems to be OK.
Osprey will be back before we know it and maybe a new baby Panda. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube
Dear Max:
Thinking of you. Hope all is well.
Wonder if the Chestnuts have been in touch recently. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
RIP Sir Roger Bannister the first man in the world to run a sub four minute mile at the Iffley Road track in Oxford on may 6th 1954.He died at home surrounded by his family.To him his life as a leading neurologist was far more important.Such a lovely tribute from his famiy’He banked his treasure in the hearts of friends’Rest well Sir Roger.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Sheena,
It seems that Sir Roger Bannister had a good long productive life. He made a difference!
RIP RB.
Thanks for letting us know.
Hugs and Love
shirleeinindy
Sheena,
Thanks for the update on beautiful Coz.
Judy,
Family made it home to Baltimore with no trouble.
Guess the spotlight is on Bolt and Billy now!
Judy Berube
Dear Shirlee:
Oh, that’s good. Yes, thinking Bolt is going to run a big race. Godspeed to all of them: safe and sound. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.The thaw has set in slowly damp here tonight.Not a good weather forecast for the coming week and heavy ground expected at Cheltenham.There’s a lovely video of Richard Johnson with Menorah and his 3 children on their ponies.I think it is on you tube.Keep warm.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
Hope the weather improves for turf conditions. Will look for the video.
Found BBC America on my local cable is carrying Blue Planet II. Previews look wonderful, as you said. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties
Tracy Edwards
OK “Ann” how about stopping Ziconic from standing in a stall all day and also give him to Isabella and her family to make him a happy horse too? Such a shame!
Marshall (NC Broad)
Ouch!
This is a cutting remark. The owners will do what’s right by Ziconic all in good time. I haven’t a doubt of it.
Meanwhile, heartfelt thanks always to Team Z for allowing us to be part of Zenyatta’s family through this blog.
Hugs and Love
Mary M
Ouch is right. Best let those engaged in daily care of a horse determine what is the best direction. That being said I would love to see Ziconic with Gary Stevens again.
Just saw recent photos of Giacamo and he looks absolutely fabulous!
Pretty sure Ann knows how best to determine what’s best for her horses.
Z13Rulz
You’re assuming Ziconic is her horse.
None of us know the details of the divorce, and Ziconic has always been presented as more Jerry’s horse than Ann’s. I believe Jerry named him and most of the pictures are with Jerry, not Ann.
Becky from Toronto
Tracy Edwards – How rude and insensitive of a comment. You sound like you know what is best for a horse you know so little about and that belongs to a person that has a conglomerate of knowledgable horse people to aide in decision making. Instead you could have reworded into constructive musings. Quotation marks around Annes name. Wow.
You should be thanking Ann for keeping us in the loop as much as she does regarding Zenyetta and her offspring. She certainly doesn’t have to and she certainly doesn’t deserve your negative attack on this site.
Thanks Ann for the updates and pictures and also Team Zenyetta. We all know you go above and beyond supplying us with updates and the gorgeous pictures.
Linda Subias
When is Zenyatta due to foal?
Judy Berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love you. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
Roberta Gonzalez
I’m sure that they will make the right decision with Ziconic. I feel it is harder to make the decision with Ziconic because he always liked training, even way back as a yearling, and when he went to the track, showed the desire to race, and tried to win. What has happened, is what I was afraid of happening, if you try that hard, and never win, it’s not fun anymore, and you lose the desire to even try. He has the ability, we all have seen him close like his mother; the problem is that he can’t make up the distance she could, because he is smaller, very muscular, with a smaller stride. He is built like his father, not like his mother, and needs to run in the style of his father, not his mother. I don’t know, and none of us know, if it was a natural way of him dropping back so far, or if he was trained that way. he gets out the gate fast, with the other horses, and then drops back too far for him to make up the distance for his body type. I hope he wasn’t trained that way because that was how his mother ran, because that would be a terrible disservice to him; I would think that John has been training long enough to know he couldn’t run the same way as his mother because of his built being like his father. That being said, with his pedigree, and his father getting older, I’m sure in their minds, that if he could do good on the track, they could have a great stallion prospect on their hands. The difference between Ziconic and Coz, Coz had his mother’s body type, but never did enjoy training to race, or showed the competitive enjoyment of the race; he is beautiful, but not a race horse. Ziconic has always liked training, and enjoyed the competiveness, up until the last race. If you see pictures of him training up with other horses, or in a race when he is up with other horses, you see him with his ears pinned, and really closing. The next to last race he was in, he got bumped, and really had a hard time, but he pinned his years, and continued to try to win; and was very close. THESE ARE THE REASONS THEY DON’T WANT TO GIVE UP ON HIM. I don’t know if it’s too late, but I wish they would do something to get him into the race earlier, and put him in a race that he can win, even if they have to put him in a claiming race (I have seen races where they can protect the horse so it doesn’t get claimed). If he gets a couple of wins, I’m convinced that he will continue being a winner. I wish they would help him out by trying him with blinkers, and a different jockey, Victor is not a right fit for him; someone gentler, like Gary Stevens, or even a younger jockey with soft hands that is willing to work with a horse is what he needs; it’s clear he doesn’t like the whip.. Sorry this is so long, but I always have loved Ziconic from the time he was born; he always had such a presence about him, even as a little foal. I hope it’s not to late; the last race broke my heart. They either have to do something different to get him back mentally, or do what they did with Coz, but the problem being Ziconic is a race horse, and Coz just didn’t like it. I hope they do what he needs too, but you are talking two different horses.
Z13Rulz
Ziconic likes to ‘train’.
He likes to be engaged and active and has always appeared to enjoy working with people. A very different personality from CoZ who has always come across as a horse who likes things his own way.
Ziconic could be just as successful in another discipline with his good temperament and ‘will do’ attitude. For that matter his temperament, breeding and conformation are such that an argument could be made for a regional stallion career.
Personally, if his connections can’t give him the route to find the winner’s circle this year, I’d rather see him gelded and allowed to pursue a new career if not with the DeSousas then with an equally eager and active RRP training team.
Judy Berube
Dear Roberta:
God bless you for your passionate analysis of our beloved Red Prince. I think we’ll know soon what future plans are in the works for him. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Roberta,
Thank you so much for your post concerning Ziconic. I also hope things can turn around for our favorite “redhead”; however, I trust his connections to make the best decisions for his welfare. We will love him always and cheer for him, too — no matter what the activity/career.
Hugs and Love
Rosemary McCauley
Roberta, your great comments are very common sense. Ziconic is not his mother, and he (or his siblings) shouldn’t be expected to have the same talents and perform the same as she did. I don’t believe however, his problems are rider related and I trust John implicitly to make a change if that were so. They have attempted to get him in the race earlier, as evidenced by Victor’s use of the whip immediately after several starts and you know where those instructions came from – right from the top, John. It obviously didn’t work and most trainers will say that it’s hard to change a horse’s natural style. He makes a good run from behind and makes it exciting, but he doesn’t have the ability or desire to pass horses. Perhaps he, as you suggested, is overmatched and should be lowered in class so that he can find his friends. It is possible that had Ziconic, and maybe even Coz would have benefited by running at an earlier age rather than later as was necessary with Zenyatta. But remember, with Coz, he was put on the shelf for what, almost two years but appeared to have stayed at the barn and have a regular work schedule, while his connections sorted things out. I thought perhaps he had a serious injury necessitating a long layoff, but it doesnt seem that was the case. Whatever the case they say the third time’s the charm -so maybe the next one will be the star.
Ann NC
Thank you, Rosemary.
No doubt, we love this hard headed, beautiful boy very very much!
Love to all.
Barbara Brayton
Thank you Roberta Gonzalez, for the excellent anaylsis. Hope Ziconic finds his footing.
Donna C.
Ziconic has the racing gene, the attitude and desire was there at one time. He clearly doesn’t like the WHIP and Victor has over used it. There needs to be a huge change in his training…he doesn’t want to ride for Victor. Change the jockey and give Gary Stevens or someone new with soft hands the ride. I think he has had to many races without enough rest in between. Perhaps, John has other horses that are doing well and they need most of his attention. That’s a reason to move Ziconic to a smaller barn. Ziconic is a race horse and should be bred…he has the heart and the breading of a champion.
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Donna.
I agree with you, maybe with someone different he start running better.
I wish they did that with Cozmic One.
Hugs Ingrid.
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
Hope the weather there is improving. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties
Judy Berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC;
Have a restful evening and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
sheena.davies(wales)
Treve foaled a beautiful filly at 5.30pm yesterday.Both mother and daughter are doing well.She is by Shalaa.
http://www.facebook.com/alshaqabracing/
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
What a cutie pie; unique markings too. Congrats! Love and Hugs, JB
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Sheena.
Thank thank you for all your great up dates.
She is a cutie. Bless her.
Big hugs Ingrid. I copied the photos.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Weather is improving slowly many burst pipes around the UK but still cold in the north.Gorgeous little filly with Treve Quevega due Wednesday.There are rumours Kate is due around April 23rd St George’s day.Keep safe and warm.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
You keep safe and warm too. Darling Treve baby. Safe foaling and healthy baby for Q.
April Prince or Princess for Kate and William. Love and Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
Changes this week
Derby Dozen – March 6, 2018 –
Presented by Shadwell Farm
Steve Haskin’s Derby Dozen BloodHorse 06 March, 2018
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/kentucky-derby-dozen/archive/2018/03/06/derby-dozen-march-6-2018-presented-by-shadwell-farm.aspx
judy berube
Dear BGG:
Thanks for this. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
Our Marilu sent me this wonderful video of COZ working with Isabella. I think he trusts her already and they are building a strong bond. He did everything she asked him to do. I think he’s the most gorgeous boy ever. Love and Hugs, JB
https://www.facebook.com/desousastablesllc/videos/915288805318501/
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Judy.
I think he likes his new life.
thank you for his up date.
Love and hugs Ingrid.
judy berube
Dear Ingrid:
Yes, he seems to be happy. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC
Thanks, JB.
So pretty. Look at him going in the water…yippee. He is a member of the swim team.
Go, Coz GO!!!!! You and your Isabella make a great TEAM.
Love to all.
Judy Berube
Dear Ann:
COZ is so gorgeous. Love and Hugs, JB
Donna Alsabrook
Coz looks wonderful. So happy for him.
sheena.davies(wales)
Coz looking very handsome in his new gear.
http://www.facebook.com/desousastablesllc
Wishing Gary Stevens a very Happy Birthday.
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Happy Birthday GS. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties
Marshall (NC Broad)
Happy Birthday to Gary Stevens!
All the very Best Wishes for a great year, too.
Hugs and Cheers
Ann NC
Happy Birthday Cary Stevens.
Coz is lookin very stylish. Model worthy.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.The forecast for Cheltenham doesn’t look good.The short guy is back racing this week and the nestorations have been completed!Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube
Dear Sheena:
Oh, do hope things improve. Good for Ruby. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Mama Z, COZ, ZI, BBG and DC:
Z, your First Prince is looking wonderful and happy in his new home. Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, Baby Z, will always love you.
judy berube
Dear Shirlee and Z Fans:
Was just checking SH’s new Derby Dozen. No. 8 is a colt called Vino Rosso (Red Wine), beautiful Chestnut son of Curlin out of Street Cry daughter, Mythical Bride.
Wow, that’s some pedigree. Shirlee, thought you would want to know about him. If you haven’t seen him yet, here’s a photo and article.
https://racingdudes.com/kentucky-derby-contender-vino-rosso/
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Thanks for the info on Vino Rosso. I just got a new cat from the shelter and have been dealing with him so missed the Derby Dozen. Yep, I like him. You know well my love of the Curlins. This guy’s pedigree is impressive.
Judy Berube
Dear Shirlee:
I know how much you love Curlin’s. Like his Z connection too.
Good luck with the new kitty. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy,
Vino Rosso certainly is a handsome chestnut boy. Looks as though he and Johnny V. have a good rapport — great team!
Good Luck and safe racing to them (and to all prospects).
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Marshall:
He is gorgeous. Nice combo of genes, Curlin and Street Cry. Like that JV’s his rider. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Marshall:
Did you see the video of COZ I posted above. He looks to be taking to his training really well. He looks so gorgeous in motion. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Saw the video he seems to be doing so well. Looks like he is enjoying his training and just being out for fun.
Judy Berube
Dear Shirlee:
COZ looks like he enjoys the training. That’s so important. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy,
Yes, I saw that video. Coz looks to be doing just great and enjoying himself, too. He seems to be taking to the jumping, also. Hmmm, cross-country equestrian events maybe? It will be interesting to see what develops.
Thanks for posting!
Hugs and Love
sheena.davies(wales)
Vroum Vroum Mag has been retired and will now be covered by as yet unnamed stallion.Despite up beat reports she has failed to sparkle in her work.Aged 9yrs she won on her first 10 starts for Mullins in cluding the mares hurdle at the festival and the Punchestown champion hurdle in 2016 but she found her former stablemate Apple’s Jade too good for her last year.Now wishing you a great life as a broodmare.We will miss you next weekX
Patti
Great update…have been following Coz. He is a beautiful boy and it’s fun to be able to keep up with him. Always love the blog here on Zenny’s website.
Teresa
Wonder when Zenyatta’s little filly gets named??
sheena.davies(wales)
The Mosses usually name their foals at one year old.
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Sheena,
Yes I think they do it when they’re one year old.
You know what name I will love for her…Zenny d’ Oro !!
I love it i love it….!!
What do you think?
Big hugs Ingrid.
sheena.davies(wales)
Yes,I love it.I cannot to hear what she will be called Love and hugs.
judy berube
Dear Ingrid:
That is too cute! Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Thundersnow in NYC just seen the video.Winter is going on forever!So sad to hear the policeman first on the scene in Salisbury is on the critical list now and the sad part is nothing will be done.
More rumours about Footpad and Top Notch is out but hopefully will race at Aintree.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube
Dear Sheena:
Saw that Thunder Snow video too. Hope Footpad and Top Notch are OK. Prayers for the policeman. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB, LM and all the Sweeties
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Up and Coming Star, “Classic Rock”
Huge Congratulations to Deen & Patty Reeves, Luis Saez, Kathy Ritvo Wow missed it Saturday the Gulf Stream Park Sprint, Race l2 March 3. Just went in and watched it. Judy, Shirlee, all this is such a nice 4 year old. I heard the interview and they have really gone slow with him bringing him along, this is i believe going to be a really nice horse. You guys really need to see this really nice race. I am just not computer savy or I would post it over.
Mr Reeves in the interview I heard this morning he said that Classic is a really really hard working horse he said maybe even harder than Mucho Macho Man and that was such a nice compliment to the horse.
Again huge Congratulations and to the Reeves so appreciate all you are doing to try and bring Horse racing to Ga. Fingers Crossed. I believe it will eventually happen.
Go Classic, Hope to see you at Keeneland.
Judy Berube
Dear Peggy:
Thanks for this info on Classic Rock. I will look for the replay and post it. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube
Dear Peggy, Shirlee and Z Fans:
Here’s Classic’s replay. Impressive, beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nicoYE1KmL4
shirleeinindy
Judy,
Thanks for the video of the race. Nice to see the Reeves colors winning again. Glad for Kathie too.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Judy, Thank You so much. Its on Bloodhorse. Think You Shirlee and everyone will love it.
judy berube
Dear Peggy and Shirlee:
Peggy, you’re so welcome.
Shirlee, yes it’s nice to see Muchie’s colors again. Love and Hugs, JB