Happy Thursday!
We have an exciting post for you today. Dr. Ernie Martinez has written a piece detailing the steps taken at Lane’s End in preparation for foaling. It’s a great example of how Lane’s End leaves nothing to chance. You can follow Dr. Martinez on twitter at @emartinezdvm.
Alys also sent us some great photos of Zenyatta’s first colt playing in the snow.
Enjoy!
-Team Z
Enjoying Late Pregnancy & Preparing for Foaling
By Ernie Martinez II. DVM from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
As Zenyatta approaches the end of her second pregnancy, we begin to prepare for the arrival of Little 13Z. Very little will change from her daily routine. She will continue to be fed and checked by farm staff twice a day. They will begin to closely monitor her for any signs of premature labor. These might include early udder development or an abnormal vaginal discharge. Thankfully, Queen Z has strided through this pregnancy like a champ and everything has been very routine.
In the last trimester we vaccinate her with a three shot series of vaccinations for Rotaviral diarrhea. This can be a very life threatening diarrhea when acquired in the neonatal stage, and we do all we can try to prevent this disease or at best minimize the severity of any clinical signs. All farm mares receive this series of vaccinations, and we have had very healthy newborn foal crops for some time.
When Queen Z has one month to go we will give her annual series of booster vaccinations. This serves two purposes. First, we provide Queen Z with her annual booster of vaccinations for protection against Equine Herpes Virus 4&1, Eastern-Western Encephalitides, West Nile, Influenza, Rabies & Botulism. Second, and most importantly, by vaccinating her one month before to foaling we will booster the volume and quality of antibodies in her colostrum. Newborn foals are born immunologically naive and must consume and absorb the antibodies from colostrum for their initial immune protection. When 13Z is born we will test her colostrum to insure it is of high quality. If it were to be low, we will give the new foal a pint of colostrum from our colostrum bank. When 13Z is between ten to twelve hours old we will test a blood sample to determine the IgG, or antibody, level. We want all our foals to be above 800 mg/dL. Greater than 1200 mg/dL would be off the charts and even better!
As the foaling date draws nearer, Zenyatta will be brought up to the foaling barn where she will stay until she foals. In the foaling barn she will be under 24 hour surveillance as we patiently wait for her to foal. As she gets closer to foaling, or parturition, her udder will start to develop and the teats will fill. The classic sign that foaling is near is the production of wax or “waxing up.” This is a sebaceous-like pre-colostral secretion that in most cases means foaling is imminent.
Two weeks before Queen Z’s due date we will sample and test her blood for neonatal isoerythrolysis, or NI. We call it an NI Screen. NI occurs when the foal ingests colostrum from the mare with antibodies that react with the foals red blood cells (RBCs). The antibodies are produced by the mare due to transplacental hemorrhage in late gestation. The mare’s immune system identifies the RBCs as foreign because they contain stallion DNA. If the foal were to consume NI antibodies in the colostrum the foal’s RBCs would be coated in the maternal antibodies and cleared by the foal’s immune system, causing a hemolytic anemia. The foal would crash in respiratory distress as it would have no RBCs to carry oxygen. Thankfully, the NI screen allows us to detect NI positive mares. In a positive case we would muzzle the foal and supplement it with tested negative colostrum until the antibodies were cleared from the mares milk. This normally takes 10–12 hours.
So when she draws close to foaling time we will have done all we can do to insure that her colostrum will be top quality, we will have screened her colostrum for NI and we’ve made an easier pathway for the birth of 13Z. Now all we can do is wait.
See you at the Foaling Barn!
Lise from Maine
Hi!
I am highly suspicious of vaccines.
If Zenyatta was my horse, I would not allow it.
It is too dangerous.
Equine_Student
Apparently if Zenyatta was your horse she would never leave your property and would never have achieved greatness because you are ‘suspicious’ of vaccines. She would simply be a lawn ornament.
Seriously? Vaccines have been developed to protect the horses from highly communicable and sometimes deadly diseases. Vets have been injecting horses for years and there are rarely any problems.
Keta
Friday March 8 Donald Harris tweet
Not sure what happened but EBLOUISSANTE turned in a poor drill.
Broke 2 off Supreme Commander. Faded further behind by finish.
Disappointed.
Especially Horses / So Cal
Oh, I pray we are not in for some very disappointing news on her racing career.
Keta, who is Donald Harris? (I guess I may be out of the loop and most eveyone else knows who he is).
Keta
Especially Horses / So Cal
Good question.
He is an independent Clocker and a handicapper.
“Clocker Donald Harris is a rising star on the racing scene.
He attends mornings works and major thoroughbred sales to scout
for promising horses”
Does interviews on TVG
Case the Race is his web site and has profile of him
http://www.casetherace.com/store/home.cfm
Hugs, Keta
Max
Keta. E might have been having a bad day. We all have them. She’ll do better the next time.
Keta
Max
It was just a plain bad day period.
It had been raining and track was really sloppy
So, my opinion is that it was not “Fast”
Eblouissante (4-Year-Old Filly) Workout
Date: March 8, 2013
Track: BETFAIR HOLLYWOOD PARK
Distance: Six Furlongs
Time: 1.16:40 Handily
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: All Weather Track
Rank: 5/5 –
E is not a mudder
Hugs, Keta
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max, Keta and Z Fans:
Max, you’re so right; E might just have had a bad day. Also, we all know JS. If he feels he cannot get some good works in for E (track surface or whatever) to get her ready for the March 16th Santa Margarita, he will pass and find another race and get some works in that he’s satisfied with. He will do what he feels is best for Eblouissante. Very patient man. Hugs, JB
Pati-Chilly Feet
http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-eblouissante-has-stakes-debut-pushed-back
I believe your suspicions are correct. She may not like all that wet stuff, and in the article, John says that the track was laboring on her. Oh well, looks like we’ll wait a bit longer, as we have already gotten this far.
Keta
REMEMBERING JOHN HENRY
Kentucky Horse Park tweet
The great Thoroughbred John Henry, long-time resident of the park’s Hall of Champions, was foaled March 9, 1975
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Wonderful, beautiful boy JH. Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
I remember seeing “Bad John” at the Horse Park many times. What a grand old man and what a wonderful way he spent his last years. Loved and feared.
Allen
Happy Birthday to the Little Prince. Anyone have any more info on Ebby?
Jan Overman
Thank you Dr. Martinez…..you have left no stone unturned as the team preps for Lady Z’s big day. Vaccinations are the bullet proof vest for humans and horses. As in sports, preparation dictates outcome. Your article confirms that Z is in the best of hands! Our darling girl is loved by so many….we are grateful for such an auspicious beginning for mom and foal.
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Another tragic loss has hit our Sue in FL following the death of her dad one week ago. Her close friend Jeff Korona was taken yesterday by a heart attack at just 56. Sue and her hubby Brian were best buds with Jeff and his wife Stacy. Sue’s hubby was taken eight years ago, and now Sue’s best friend Stacy has lost Jeff. Jeff also leaves behind a daughter Kara. All are grief-stricken. Sue is asking us to light candles for Jeff at http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=JeffK. Please join me there. Hugz to you, Sue, and may God give you strength.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Trina:
How terribly sad. Will light a candle and pray for Sue and her friend, Stacy. RIP Jeff K. Hugs, JB
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
Sue has posted photos on her fb page and would appreciate visits there.
http://www.facebook.com/sue.robinson.90475?fref=ts (Sue Robinson Hempfield Area High School).
Thank you all.
Hugz,
Trina
Marshall (NC broad)
Oh my, how sad. Thoughts and prayers go out to Sue and her dear friends in their grief. May comfort be theirs as they go through this difficult time. Hugs
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Thank you for these magnificent photos of Octagonal and Lonhro. They’re both gorgeous, but I think Lonhro is totally magnificent. Would love to see a Z/L foal. Hugs, JB
carolinarkansas
I am on that bandwagon….talk about solid….Lonhro “nicks” very well with Z too….but then we do not get to make those choices….but he is in Ky
Louise Castello
Me too! Love him.
Keta
Hey,
In this day of travel, getting to KY should not be an obstacle.
Let’s hope
Hugs, Keta
Lisa B./Escondido, CA
Happy Happy Birthday Baby Z!! Where has the time gone. You were just a little foal not long ago and now look at you… A gorgeous young colt. May God always bless you with all that is good in life. Have an awesome day full of everything you enjoy!!
Love YOU by the way you will always be Baby Z to me
OXOXO
Happy Happy Birthday Stephanie Adamson!! It is so wonderful that you share this special day with Baby Z
Jo
Happy Birthday, Prince Z!
andrej
12z bring jogurt cake to breeders, Zenny and 12z get warm in sun in paddocks, Zenny be safe, Zenny and 12z kiss your noses, love you
Sue/FlCPRC
Thank you all for the candles for my friend Jeff and his family. We have 20 so far. Jeff was 56 I am hoping we get there. You guys are so kindlove Sur
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sue:
So sorry for all the sadness that you and your family and friends are going through. Will keep you all in my prayers. Hugs, JB
Sue Fredrick- Starting to pace
Dear Sue,
I lit a candle and am sending prayers for your family and dear friends. God BLess you.
Hugs
Ann NC (PUR)
Love and hugs to you and your friend,Sue. I am so sorry.
kim
More pictures of Zenyatta PLEASE !! More news about Zenyatta !!
Trina Nagele in So Cal --PUR
http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-eblouissante-has-stakes-debut-pushed-back
ARCADIA, Calif. – Eblouissante, the unbeaten half-sister to 2010 Horse of the Year Zenyatta, will have her stakes debut postponed until the spring….
Shirreffs said Friday he did not have an alternative race in mind for the 4-year-old Eblouissante, pending a conversation with Kronfeld. The first stakes of the Hollywood Park spring-summer meeting is the $150,000 Marjorie Everett Handicap over 1 1/16 miles May 18.
Best wishes to Ebby!
Pati-Chilly Feet
Whoops! I reposted a link you already posted. I’m sorry. I need to look around before I go crazy posting things. Thanks for sharing the article. I hope the next work will be better. I’m ready to see Ebby roll.
tony
Just my thoughts on E. From the first mention of her name, people were trying to get her reincarnated into the next Zenyatta. It won’t happen. Zenny was a once in a lifetime horse who had the very rare qualities of intelligence, talent and tremendous heart (desire to win). She always had her game face on and never looked back. E may have the family good looks and intelligence but may not have that same desire. Every thoroughbred isn’t cut out for racing at the highest levels. We’ll have to wait and see how she progresses and be satisfied for a short career if that’s what her future holds.
Keta
tony
well said!!
Keta
Darlene Daniels
Happy Happy Birthday 12Z!!
Dear 12Z, Prince, 1st born of our beloved Queen Zenyatta, since the moment you were born I have not been able to look at you without smiling and beaming with pride as if you were one of my own. You make my heart and soul so happy. Be happy, strong, and hopefully run like your Mama. I love you forever 12Z.
Keta
Fantastic Frankel off to a flyer at stud
By Bloodstock World Staff 5:51PM 8 MAR 2013
THE unbeaten world champion Frankel has made a blistering start to his stud career, with 12 of his first 15 mares covered already scanned in foal.
The five-year-old son of Galileo is set to cover a stellar book of around 130 mares and has already successfully mated with Chrysanthemum, a daughter of Danehill Dancer who landed a brace of Group 3 races for the Coolmore partners.
Other notable mares covered by the ten-time Group 1 winner include Compelling, a five-year-old Kingmambo mare, who was bought by Reiko and Michael Baum for 325,000gns at last year’s Tattersalls December breeding-stock sale.
Compelling, a winner for David Wachman, is a half-sister to Flying Childers Stakes winner Requinto out of Pheonix Stakes scorer Damson.
The first mare Frankel covered was the six-time Group 1 winner Midday.
http://bloodstock.racingpost.com/news/bloodstock/fantastic-frankel-off-to-a-flyer-at-stud/1217269/top/
Keta Note: This is really good news from Juddmonte.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Thanks for this info on Frankel. The beginning of a legacy. Hugs, JB
S Lee Shea
Gotta love those winter fuzzies!
When 12Z sheds out in a few weeks you could probably almost knit yourself another yearling!
Ashton
Happy Birthday baby Z!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHPiV7eVUxY
Max
Superb
Sue Fredrick- Starting to pace
Ashton,
This is just lovely……I enjoyed it so much. Hugs
Sandy (Northeast Ohio) PUR
Thank you so much Ashton. What a wonderful way to celebrate the birthday of a Prince! Many of my most favorite pictures and video clips and some I’ve never seen before. That one of Zenny and Mario is just priceless! They are all expertly woven together – you Moma would be very proud!
FOLKS – this is MUST SEE!
Louise Castello
Wow Ashton, such a great video. I saw lots of pictures that I haven’t seen before and even some Zenyatta dance moves that were new to me! Thank you so much!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ashton:
Love this video and the music is perfect. You had the best teacher. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann NC (PUR)
Thanks. Wow!
sheena.davies(wales) waiting for Z's big day
dear keta fantastic frankel on the racecourse and the breeding shed hoofray and a double neigh hugs sheena
sheena.davies(wales) waiting for Z's big day
dear sueFL so sorry to hear of your friend jeff’s sudden passing gone too soon you will be in my thoughts and prayers love and hugs sheena
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, Prince and Baby Z:
Goodnight and Sweet Dreams. Love you. Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Carolinarkansas,
There is a nice artice on Purple Egg on Bloodhorse.com. Explains why he was gelded. Must have been as we say in Kentucky “Mean as a snake!” Too bad.
carolinarkansas
Mean….all he did was continually dump jockeys ….bite his ponies and try to eat one…
Reminds me of something …..yes I have it…Kennedy Road was at same stallion farm as Nashua and Sham….hope I have that right….Sham was kind and friendly to all…Nashua was a little aloof but tolerant of all and wise….KR was once reported to have picked up his groom with his teeth and made a break for the barn…everyone was sure the groom was on KR’s menu for the day…
…my mind retains useless info ….I think I got this from the comments made following Steve Haskins article about Sham…I think
Max
carolinarkansas. Very interesting and not at all useless. I love this kind of info. Checked out KR. His grand sire was Chop Chop. Maybe KR was paying homage to his grand daddy with a few karate moves? They described our Big D as mean as a snake too. Gotta love those ornery horses.
shirleeinindy
Carol, Thanks for telling us about KR. And I agree with Max, gotta love the shall we say, spirited ones.
Safe trip to the Egg today.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Carol and Max:
Love your posts. These feisty ones keep you on your toes and guarding them as well. I agree with Max; love to learn about the different personalities.
Max, thanks for the link on Egg. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Carol, Max and Z Fans:
Here’s the photo from Purple Egg’s Maiden Win. Hugs, JB
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.bloodhorse.com/images/content/PurpleEggMaidenWin08232012EP298.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/thoroughbred/purple-egg/2010&h=225&w=298&sz=30&tbnid=x3Jz3lShApnjlM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=121&zoom=1&usg=__C5H4j-7kBLyhRd1cuH6oDe7ZKG0=&docid=7brofs5FaAmiiM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Dbc6UZmIJsHr2QXj7oC4DQ&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQ9QEwAA&dur=437
Max
JudyB. Thanks for this link. The Egg is a good looking horse.
Max
Here is the article about the Egg and his gelding.
His trainer recommended to EP Taylor that Northern Dancer should be gelded because he was always an unruly horse. ND escaped that fate, maybe because his bloodlines were too valuable, but maybe also because he was smart enough to make close friends with Taylor’s wife. It has been reported that ND was very docile and loving around Mrs. Taylor, but immediately reverted to biting and kicking everyone else as soon as she left the barn.
http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/unlocking-winners-handicapping/archive/2013/03/06/return-of-purple-egg.aspx
Deneen in NE
Happy Birthday 12Z! You certainly are growing into quite the beautiful colt, just like your Mama Z and Daddy B. Cannot wait to see 13Z . . . wishing for a safe foaling. Thanks to all of Z’s connections for allowing us to be a part of her life. I am most grateful.
And thanks to Dr. Martinez for this very informative post.
Wishing all of Z’s Dumplings the very best!
Ingrid Arnone
My adorable Z12, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
I love you! The same way I love your mammy, big kisssssssss!
Kathy R.
Peter Moody scratched from Newmarket (he has blood poisoning):
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/superracing/moment-of-change-and-better-than-ready-are-only-two-punters-want-in-newmarket/story-fn67lu29-1226593529811
Max
Kathy R. Very sorry to hear this. Let us know how Peter Moody is doing. This is worrying.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy and Max:
Wishing Mr. Moody well. Will keep him in my prayers. Hugs, JB
Ann NC (PUR)
Hope he gets better. Keep us posted,kathy R.
Kathy R.
Safe journey to all equine athletes for the weekend racing.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy R:
I second your thoughts for safe trips for all. Hugs, JB
Ann NC (PUR)
Yes indeed!
Sherri
Just want to wish baby 12z a HAPPY 1ST BIRHTDAY…HOPE YOU GET SPOILED TODAY…<3
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Something educational to read while you pace! Children4Horses blogs about the new plastic-coated slip-on horseshoes that offer superior cushioning, especially for horses with hoof problems, with photos & a video:
http://children4horses.blogspot.com/2013/03/crocs-for-horses.html
Max
Vicki B. These are really cool.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki B.:
Thanks for this link on the new plastic horseshoes. Anything that is more comfortable for the horses is always a good thing. Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Ms Gigi might like these shoes? If I recall correctly, Mucho Macho Man had some custom shoes something like this fitted for him after he lost his shoes in the KD and Preakness?
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
I’m going to send Angela the article so she can see what they’re like. The might be a good idea for GG and maybe even Charlie and HT.
I do remember MMM had some special shoes that they glued on. Those might have been the ones referenced in the article that were designed by an American. I’ll see if I can find the story on that. Hugs, JB
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Here’s the article on MMM custom shoes. Hugs,JB
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/02/sports/shoes-could-make-the-difference-for-mucho-macho-man-in-the-belmont.html?_r=0
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Max & Judy, I remember the article mentioned a Glue-on shoe that took “more than 15 min.” to set, which “which often means it has to be tranquilised” — I wonder if that was the Burns Polyflex shoe, their site doesn’t say how it’s applied. The GluShu only takes “around three minutes”.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki B.:
I was wondering the same thing; if the US designed “shoe that takes 15 minutes to set” mentioned in the Glu Shu article is the one that was made for MMM. Could be. Hugs, JB
Shannon in Cool, CA
Remember the hurriacane of excitement we were in last year at this time? March 8th should be a National Holiday for Prince 12Z’s birthday.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shannon:
I do remember. Was wonderful. Hugs, JB
Shirley Donoho
I am just getting so anxious to see 13Z, but don’t want a premature birth. I’ll be happy when the delivery is all over!!
Debbie G/Kentucky
Ashton, thank you so much the beautiful video. What a beautiful tribute to Queen Z and Z12. I know your moma would be proud.
Happy Birthday, Z12! It’s hard to believe its been a year since you graced us with your presence. I love you, sweet boy!