John and Dottie sent us these photos of Coz having fun at Belmont. The box he opened was a gift from students at Westgate Middle School. Thank you Homeroom 215!
Here is the message that I just received from the Coolmore Manager…”Sorry Janice I had her mixed up with an other mare she did die from colic in foal to Tapit ….she has a lovely two year old .
DR
From all the information that I have gathered from many different sources, this seems correct. Another source said that she had died of colic some time in the beginning of 2014. I do not have verification on that date, but she sounds in the know.
Thank you for your patience, questions and thoughts.
However we differ on many viewpoints, I’m sure we want to pay tribute to this great mare.
I would really like to see a photo of her Street Cry colt. There were three colts who were born that year who interest me: Ziconic, Frankel’s bro, Proconsul, and V’s son. Two of those guys are chestnuts. As I recall, V’s boy is a bay like his parents and his sister.
This is a photo of Montey and V when he was a little foal. The coat color is right and the white star on his face; can’t see the white sock on his right rear leg. Love and Hugs, JB
JudyB. I’ve seen photos of Proconsul. He’s in training in France with Andre Fabre. The only one that I have not seen is the young V boy. Coolmore takes time to name their horses.
Rachael
Ramiro is a legitimate source. He’s the Florida field rep for Fasig-Tipton (and a great guy!). That’s Z’s brother!
Tizgood
Dear Judy
These are gorgeous photo’s of Monty. I am surprised he is a light bay,
just gorgeous and big like Z. So he did go to Ocala? He is going to be slow
to mature, how he has some of Z’s talent. Thanks for doing such great
research. Beautiful photo of him as a foal with ” V”.
Love and Hugs
So she was in foal after the Street Cry colt, wonder if she delivered the Tapit foal or she
passed from colic in foal. Thanks for doing thos great research. They have a huge broodmare band. What a great mating with Tapit.
I want to correct something I said in an earlier post to you. I said that perhaps if Mr. Kronfeld had lived, maybe V would have been retired sooner to live out her life at Winter Quarter Farm. I was forgetting that Mr. K sold V to Coolmore in 2008 while she was in foal to Bernie with the agreement that he would keep the foal, who was our beloved Eblouissante. So he would not have had any say in the decision to keep breeding her after the birth of E. Mr. K passed away in 2013. I also wonder if there was a clause in the sale to Coolmore that stated V would return to WQF when her breeding days were over. Sadly, if so, that wasn’t to be.
I have been checking since the Spring of 2014 to find something on the birth of V’s Tapit foal and have not found anything. I, too, am wondering if the little one survived. Love and Hugs, JB
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
She did not deliver the Tapit foal. Her 2013 Street Cry colt was her last.
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
I also wonder if Mr Kronfeld had lived he could have contacted Coolmore and asked them to return her to Winter Quarter and I bet they would have done that. I think I remember hearing there was a clause in the contract for
her to return to Winter Quarter, but with her owner Mr. Kronfeld deceased and her family not very involved in the business the outcome was dofferent. I am sure she is buried where all of their other broodmares are buried in a very nice place. I remember when Lure had been bounced around a few times trying to get some foal from him as he was fairly infertile, Claibourne called and asked to have him back when there was nothing more they could do and he was given back to live out his days as a pet teaching the youngsters how to be a race horse.
Would like to add my wishes to John Shirreffs for a very happy birthday and wonderful year ahead. Thanks for all you do for race horses, racing fans and the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing.
Happy Birthday to John Shirreffs and wishing him a healthy, happy, successful year!
Also, Steve Haskin posted photos of “Zenyatta’s boys” at Belmont. First prince is having some exercise in focus and fun and looking handsome as ever. Zi is taking it easy and is a little sleepy in his stall. All nice photos!
Check it out on facebook and maybe someone can post the link here.
Beast fans. Beastie breezed at Fair Hill on dirt today, 10/35. He’s getting ready for a possible race appearance at Belmont in early July. If the Beast is staying on location at Fair Hill, he cannot easily influence either Coz or Ziconic. Those guys need to give all of their attention to John.
Max,
Think Pennmarydel is still at Fair Hill. He is a great big guy like Beastie and is preparing to race for the first time. Tell Beastie to give him some pointers on getting his large rump out of that little gate. Fair Hill appears to be a wonderful places for them to rest and train.
Shirlee. I think that Tony Dutrow has a barn for his horses at Fair Hill. The Beast and his pony are getting ready for a return to the winner’s circle. That pony is the happiest of horses when he gets to go to the winner’s circle with the Beast. The Beast does not seem to mind sharing the glory with Tony’s pony, a very nice chestnut.
Have seen a photo of Penn. He looks like a much bigger version of Barbaro. He’s a wonderful looking colt. Hope that he gets to run soon. It’s also a tight squeeze for the Beast to get into those gates.
Sure wish we could hear from our old dear friend Ensign, with some of his wonderful enlightening information.. Seemed to always know so much informaiton. He sure helped my feeling after the devastation in Japan back a number of years. With all my fears about our horses there. Ensign sure wish you would come back at times.
Dear Peggy,
I so agree with you — wish Ensign would resurface on the blog. Really miss his informative posts and extensive knowledge. Let us hear from you, Ensign, long-time friend!
Thanks, Peggy.
Dear Marshall, Sure miss his posts. I remember being here late one night back when all that happened in Japan. He was right on spot about where our horses were. Calmed our fears. He sure was knowledgeable about horses. Sure wish he would pop in. And seemed to know so much about our famous and not so famous equine friends.
Come back our Friend, Ensign.
Happy Birthday, John.
On another subject, it’s heartbreaking to learn of the passing of Zenny’s mom over a year ago!. My goodness, V was an outstanding broodmare and has left a legacy that will live on for many generations. Why no word when she passed? She was one of the truly great broodmares of all time and seemed to be too easily forgotten. What a shame.
Happy Birthday, John! Thank you for taking such great care of all the horses you train. You are one of my heroes in the racing world because of the care you give your horses. I hope you had a great day today & a wonderful year to follow.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mr. John Shirreffs! Many more healthy, happy years to come, also.
Thanks for all you do and for all your great care of the horses in training.
All the very Best Wishes!
Thank you, Bluegrass Girl, for posting the link to Wise Dan’s 1st gallop. I enjoyed seeing his pictures. I think that his muscling looks wonderful even with all the time he’s had off.
Thank you, Allie for all the effort you put into finding out the facts about Vertigineux. It is a tribute to her that you kept at it so you could let the rest of us know and post our thoughts.
A note on the Belmont: Zenny’s Mike (Smith) will be riding Nick Zito’s entry, Frammento. Nick has been training him at the Saratoga Oklahoma track & says that he is ready for the race. Nick has a good record in the Belmont with longshots & he has entered more horses in it than any other trainer. I hope that “Pharoah” is at his best on Saturday.
I don’t remember where I read it, but Z’s 2-yr. old full brother arrived at the Mayberry’s shortly before Ziconic did last year. I don’t know where he is now or if he has a name yet. I could not find any current information on him. He could race anywhere when he is ready being that he belongs to Coolmore & they race all over the world…
“Monty” Z’s full brother arrived at Mayberry after Ziconic and is still at the farm at this time according to Coolmore. He is a very big boy and is going to need some time like Z did so they let him stay there for now. I spoke to Coolmore in Sept. of 2014 to find out information about “Monty” and they told me that he was going to go to Ocala but they did not have a Farm for him to go to yet. I told them that Ziconic was headed to Mayberry and that Z and her foals had gone there as well. She emailed me back to tell me that “Monty” would be joining Ziconic at Mayberry. I thought it was so cool that Uncle and Nephew would be together. I asked about V. and she said she was doing really well and was in foal to Tapit. I told her that was a great choice because Ziconic was really handsome. She also sent me a spreadsheet showing all of V’s matings and progeny. I sent her a msg. to give me the status of V. but I have not heard from her, another Z fan has an inside link and we should hear from her in the next day or so. She was a beautiful mare with a lot of class, she stamped all her foals with that special something, I really miss her and wish we had known. We should celebrate her life somehow.
Dearest Zenyatta and Friends, What a day this has been. A mixture of smiles and of tears. Today we celebrated the birth of a truly remarkable man, our John Shirreffs. Today we also witnessed the end of a place he loved dearly. A place that has created memories in the minds of thousands through the ages and touched their hearts as well. The names of thoroughbreds which stepped onto that beautiful oval are legendary, the people involved with each horse amazing and the stories they created together are unforgettable. A place where the mist of history hung heavy in the air and if you listened carefully you could still hear the echo of beating hooves and cheers drifting on the breeze. Parents remember summer days with their children at their sides and children remember holding tight to their mom or dad’s hand, sitting in their seats and looking out across a vista like no other. It was the place where Giacomo trained for his Derby triumph. It was your home Zenny. The place were John created his “Michael Jordan.” The home where Team Z cared for many other of your equine friends and where so many fans where warmly welcomed when they stopped by. Along with John and the Barn 55 crew; Jerry, Ann, Mike and Dottie were your family. Together you achieved the unbelievable and transformed us all. Hollywood Park and all that happened there will never be forgotten for once there was a place for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot. Saying a final goodbye is not the end, but as is so often true in life only a beginning. John, Dottie and the whole team are moving forward and I am so excited to continue the journey with them. Happy Birthday, John! Thank you for the memories we have shared together and those that are yet to be. I created a piece previously with my own photos which I would like to share again. It is a special thank you to John and Dottie. Hugs, Dawn http://play.smilebox.com/SpreadMoreHappy/4e4449324d6a55774d5452384e7a51794f4463344d7a493d0d0a
Dawn, what a wonderful story you have told in your photos. Thanks so much for putting that together and sharing. Beautiful, beautiful memories. With love, Elizabeth
Dear Dawn C.,
What a lovely gift to us! Your writing and your photos are just gorgeous. You set the photo montage to one of my very favorite songs, “The Way We Were” (one of my favorite movies, too).
Thank you for this beautiful tribute post to the wonderful Team Z, Barn 55 and to Hollywood Park.
Great to get a post from you — we miss you.
I absolutely adore all of the pictures of Coz. He is just too cute. And how wonderful to have Ziconic with John as well!!! Shari, you are an amazing teacher, always giving your students such fun and special experiences. Throughout history, children and horses have always been a magical combination and they make great role models too!! Hello to all of my other dear Zenyatta friends. I hope you are all well. I know I do not write a great deal, but I think about you all often. Love and Hugs, Dawn
A mother’s love is something that no-one can define.Glesni protected her “bobs” well during some horrendous weather.Sheena. http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject
Sheena, have you been over the to Dyfi project? I looked at their website, it looks as if there is quite a bit to see. Their website is so interesting. I liked reading about all of the small birds (and lizards they said) were there. It sounds beautiful. Thanks so much for getting us interested in the ospreys and their families that are there. So much fun!
with love, Elizabeth
Dear Judy,
I also wonder if Mr Kronfeld had lived he could have contacted Coolmore and asked them to return her to Winter Quarter and I bet they would have done that. I think I remember hearing there was a clause in the contract for
her to return to Winter Quarter, but with her owner Mr. Kronfeld deceased and her family not very involved in the business the outcome was dofferent. I am sure she is buried where all of their other broodmares are buried in a very nice place. I remember when Lure had been bounced around a few times trying to get some foal from him as he was fairly infertile, Claibourne called and asked to have him back when there was nothing more they could do and he was given back to live out his days as a pet teaching the youngsters how to be a race horse.
RIP former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy who has been found dead at his home.Aged 55yrs he lost his seat at Ross Skye and Lochaber to the SNP last month.Sad.Sheena.
Happy Birthday, John! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for all of us, especially for our Queen Z. Love to both you and your beautiful Bride, Dottie. Prayers for many blessings from God for you both. with love, Elizabeth
We can change things around us in a number of ways, but it is change in ourselves that makes the biggest difference. To control the door to our minds and decide clearly and precisely what we let in and what can be put out is the beginning.
When we are tired of the same dumb mistakes, the same worn ideas, the need for change but nothing is done to start it, then the time has come to see if we really have a goal at all. The biggest obstacle is thinking we have gone too far to change. Clearly it is an idea that should be put outside the mind and the door closed firmly.
The path to glory is rough…may the Great Spirit shed light on yours.
Black Hawk
1833
Dear Elizabeth.Yes,I visited the Dyfi last year when the Observatory was finished.It really is a magical place and to actually see the birds so close up and meet the ever-friendly volunteers plus it was sunny day!!!!Love and hugs Sheena.
Dear Kathy.Great devotional.Thank God the bobs survived last night only through the devotion of their exceptional mother and bob 3 is on the way.Very wisely he/she waited for the storm to pass.They have had some floods in Machynlleth.No wonder our weather is a main topic of conversation.Fubu has an Amazon wish list up again no doubt he’ll get a lot of gifts!Able Friend the crack miler is flying over here Saturday for the Queen Anne 21hr journey.On this day in 1953 Her Majesty was crowned and still she reigns!She was out riding in Windsor Great Park yesterday.
I love how the pompals go out in their pushchairs(as we call them).Loki is getting ready for his 3rd birthday on sunday.That was a great story about Poh the dog with his bucket list and getting to see all those cities.Mango is having a wall built to stop the coyotes coming near the house but Abby is annoyed it will stop her going on adventures! Hope you have a great day.The cat was so beautiful so like Katie!Thank you so much.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.XOXO.
Greetings from work. Had breakfast with a friend so was unable to write back earlier. Glesni is such a devoted mom! God bless her! Did you see the video of the pet duck waiting for his young owner to get off the school bus? It was SO adorable. I believe it was on Joey’s page. Have to run for now. Have a fabulous day! Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
So sad to have confirmation of Verti’s passing. She won an Eclipse Award as Broodmare of the Year and deserved some recognition at her loss. Isn’t 20 just too old to be having a foal? I don’t know anything about Coolmore. What matters is how they treat the horses, all the horses. Great to see Wise Dan on the track! He was smiling at the end of that workout. Coz is just a stunning beauty. Ziconic is also stunning in a totally different way. I don’t prefer one to the other. They both have my total heart and I pray for the very best for them. Dearest John, happy belated birthday. Every horse should be lucky enough to be in your stable.
Leaving out of town again for about a week
Thinking of all of you, especially Zenyatta and her sons
I do have a TV where I am going so I will be watching the Belmont for sure
Safe trips to all the horses and jockeys; have a wonderful ride AP and win!!
Hoping for the best outcome for Judy’s Lola Mae!
hugs, Sally B
Sally, Hope you have a good and safe trip. So glad you will be able to watch the race. It’s always exciting, but this year seems especially so. We’re planning to go on a trip also, but not sure yet when – we’re still working out details for it. May God bless you especially on your trip. With love, Elizabeth PS Will put you on my prayer list. I love it when we all keep each other in our prayers.
When I checked in on Glesni & Monty last night, they were both hunkered down in the nest together in that terrible weather getting soaked to the bone. Even with all the wind(25mph) Glesni still looks like she hasn’t dried out. Tomorrow’s weather shows full sun and only 13mph wind. I pray Bob#3 can hold off one more day and none of the babies get blown out of the nest. Thanks Sheena for introducing this special site. I peek in every moment I can daily. They are such wonderful parents.
We should be in for an exciting weekend. I’m on pins & needles.
Dear Dawn,thank-you for the wonderful walk down memory lane, the photos of Zennyatta and her home at Hollywood Park touched my heart and captured that magical time.I loved your words and photos,although I have never been I was transported to that remarkable place and the horses and people that made history there.I am so sorry that it is gone,the memories will be treasured forever.
Dear John, Happy Brithday!! Zenyatta thrived in your care and I am delighted that her boys are with you. Now we look forward to another chapter and I know that Coz and Ziconic are in the best of hands.I hope that you and Dottie enjoy a wonderful birthday celebration and wish you a great year ahead.
“The daughter of Kris S. suffered an acute colic last year and was sent straight to the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute where everything was done to save her, but unfortunately this was not possible,” Coolmore reported on its Facebook page June 2.
Allie
Thanks for sharing the BH link. I was just going to but saw your posting.
Sad news indeed. An obituary would have shown respect for Zenyatta’s mother. Without ♥ Vertigneux there would be NO Queen of Racing! I understand privacy issues, etc. but Zenyatta’s mother was also Broodmare of the Year 2008. Fans should have been told she crossed Rainbow Bridge when she died. Coolmore waited until social media started asking questions. Not good PR in my opinion.
Rest in peace, momma. Thank you for Zenyatta. I know you will watch over Z Princess. Street Cry is there with you, too. Happy and free to run again. God bless.
Auntie Judy XO
Allie in Texas
Here is the message that I just received from the Coolmore Manager…”Sorry Janice I had her mixed up with an other mare she did die from colic in foal to Tapit ….she has a lovely two year old .
DR
From all the information that I have gathered from many different sources, this seems correct. Another source said that she had died of colic some time in the beginning of 2014. I do not have verification on that date, but she sounds in the know.
Thank you for your patience, questions and thoughts.
However we differ on many viewpoints, I’m sure we want to pay tribute to this great mare.
Max
I would really like to see a photo of her Street Cry colt. There were three colts who were born that year who interest me: Ziconic, Frankel’s bro, Proconsul, and V’s son. Two of those guys are chestnuts. As I recall, V’s boy is a bay like his parents and his sister.
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Don’t know if this is authentic, but I found it searching the web for photos of Montey. Love and Hugs, JB
https://twitter.com/RamiroRestrepo/status/579275739133947905/photo/1
judy Berube from Rhode Island
This is a photo of Montey and V when he was a little foal. The coat color is right and the white star on his face; can’t see the white sock on his right rear leg. Love and Hugs, JB
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/1d/c9/2c/1dc92c2cada98025f9b4a617d0fa8156.jpg
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Here’s a photo of Kind and Proconsul as a baby. Still looking for a more recent photo of him. Love and Hugs, JB
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/1d/c9/2c/1dc92c2cada98025f9b4a617d0fa8156.jpg
Max
JudyB. I’ve seen photos of Proconsul. He’s in training in France with Andre Fabre. The only one that I have not seen is the young V boy. Coolmore takes time to name their horses.
Rachael
Ramiro is a legitimate source. He’s the Florida field rep for Fasig-Tipton (and a great guy!). That’s Z’s brother!
Tizgood
Dear Judy
These are gorgeous photo’s of Monty. I am surprised he is a light bay,
just gorgeous and big like Z. So he did go to Ocala? He is going to be slow
to mature, how he has some of Z’s talent. Thanks for doing such great
research. Beautiful photo of him as a foal with ” V”.
Love and Hugs
Tizgood
hope not how
Tizgood
So she was in foal after the Street Cry colt, wonder if she delivered the Tapit foal or she
passed from colic in foal. Thanks for doing thos great research. They have a huge broodmare band. What a great mating with Tapit.
Tizgood
this not thos
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Tizgood:
I want to correct something I said in an earlier post to you. I said that perhaps if Mr. Kronfeld had lived, maybe V would have been retired sooner to live out her life at Winter Quarter Farm. I was forgetting that Mr. K sold V to Coolmore in 2008 while she was in foal to Bernie with the agreement that he would keep the foal, who was our beloved Eblouissante. So he would not have had any say in the decision to keep breeding her after the birth of E. Mr. K passed away in 2013. I also wonder if there was a clause in the sale to Coolmore that stated V would return to WQF when her breeding days were over. Sadly, if so, that wasn’t to be.
I have been checking since the Spring of 2014 to find something on the birth of V’s Tapit foal and have not found anything. I, too, am wondering if the little one survived. Love and Hugs, JB
LauraJ (Cincinnati, OH)
She did not deliver the Tapit foal. Her 2013 Street Cry colt was her last.
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
I also wonder if Mr Kronfeld had lived he could have contacted Coolmore and asked them to return her to Winter Quarter and I bet they would have done that. I think I remember hearing there was a clause in the contract for
her to return to Winter Quarter, but with her owner Mr. Kronfeld deceased and her family not very involved in the business the outcome was dofferent. I am sure she is buried where all of their other broodmares are buried in a very nice place. I remember when Lure had been bounced around a few times trying to get some foal from him as he was fairly infertile, Claibourne called and asked to have him back when there was nothing more they could do and he was given back to live out his days as a pet teaching the youngsters how to be a race horse.
Marty R / Colorado
Would like to add my wishes to John Shirreffs for a very happy birthday and wonderful year ahead. Thanks for all you do for race horses, racing fans and the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing.
marypny
Happy Birthday to John Shirreffs and wishing him a healthy, happy, successful year!
Also, Steve Haskin posted photos of “Zenyatta’s boys” at Belmont. First prince is having some exercise in focus and fun and looking handsome as ever. Zi is taking it easy and is a little sleepy in his stall. All nice photos!
Check it out on facebook and maybe someone can post the link here.
My love to you Zenyatta.
Max
Beast fans. Beastie breezed at Fair Hill on dirt today, 10/35. He’s getting ready for a possible race appearance at Belmont in early July. If the Beast is staying on location at Fair Hill, he cannot easily influence either Coz or Ziconic. Those guys need to give all of their attention to John.
Ann NC
That is a relief. Nice place to be, Beastie Boy! Behave and study hard.
July…..get ready for the fireworks, as in Big Beast!
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Godspeed Beastie. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Max,
Think Pennmarydel is still at Fair Hill. He is a great big guy like Beastie and is preparing to race for the first time. Tell Beastie to give him some pointers on getting his large rump out of that little gate. Fair Hill appears to be a wonderful places for them to rest and train.
Max
Shirlee. I think that Tony Dutrow has a barn for his horses at Fair Hill. The Beast and his pony are getting ready for a return to the winner’s circle. That pony is the happiest of horses when he gets to go to the winner’s circle with the Beast. The Beast does not seem to mind sharing the glory with Tony’s pony, a very nice chestnut.
Have seen a photo of Penn. He looks like a much bigger version of Barbaro. He’s a wonderful looking colt. Hope that he gets to run soon. It’s also a tight squeeze for the Beast to get into those gates.
Linda in NJ
Hi John
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday, and a fantastic year ahead.
All the best!
-Linda in NJ.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Sure wish we could hear from our old dear friend Ensign, with some of his wonderful enlightening information.. Seemed to always know so much informaiton. He sure helped my feeling after the devastation in Japan back a number of years. With all my fears about our horses there. Ensign sure wish you would come back at times.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Ensign, if your out there. I still say you work on one of the farms or you did. Bet I’m right.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Peggy,
I so agree with you — wish Ensign would resurface on the blog. Really miss his informative posts and extensive knowledge. Let us hear from you, Ensign, long-time friend!
Thanks, Peggy.
Hugs and Love
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Marshall, Sure miss his posts. I remember being here late one night back when all that happened in Japan. He was right on spot about where our horses were. Calmed our fears. He sure was knowledgeable about horses. Sure wish he would pop in. And seemed to know so much about our famous and not so famous equine friends.
Come back our Friend, Ensign.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear John, Wish you a wonderful Happy Birthday and many many more. Thanks so much for all you and Dottie do for us. Love You All.
Denise in St. Louis
Happy Birthday John!!! You’re the best!!!! Thank you for taking such GREAT care of the race horses !!! We are so happy Queen Z’s boys are with you !!
sue and tony
Happy Birthday, John.
On another subject, it’s heartbreaking to learn of the passing of Zenny’s mom over a year ago!. My goodness, V was an outstanding broodmare and has left a legacy that will live on for many generations. Why no word when she passed? She was one of the truly great broodmares of all time and seemed to be too easily forgotten. What a shame.
Donna Z
Happy Birthday, John! Thank you for taking such great care of all the horses you train. You are one of my heroes in the racing world because of the care you give your horses. I hope you had a great day today & a wonderful year to follow.
Marshall (NC Broad)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Mr. John Shirreffs! Many more healthy, happy years to come, also.
Thanks for all you do and for all your great care of the horses in training.
All the very Best Wishes!
Hugs
Donna Z
Thank you, Bluegrass Girl, for posting the link to Wise Dan’s 1st gallop. I enjoyed seeing his pictures. I think that his muscling looks wonderful even with all the time he’s had off.
Thank you, Allie for all the effort you put into finding out the facts about Vertigineux. It is a tribute to her that you kept at it so you could let the rest of us know and post our thoughts.
A note on the Belmont: Zenny’s Mike (Smith) will be riding Nick Zito’s entry, Frammento. Nick has been training him at the Saratoga Oklahoma track & says that he is ready for the race. Nick has a good record in the Belmont with longshots & he has entered more horses in it than any other trainer. I hope that “Pharoah” is at his best on Saturday.
I don’t remember where I read it, but Z’s 2-yr. old full brother arrived at the Mayberry’s shortly before Ziconic did last year. I don’t know where he is now or if he has a name yet. I could not find any current information on him. He could race anywhere when he is ready being that he belongs to Coolmore & they race all over the world…
Safe trips to all horses & riders this week…
Deana in Tx
“Monty” Z’s full brother arrived at Mayberry after Ziconic and is still at the farm at this time according to Coolmore. He is a very big boy and is going to need some time like Z did so they let him stay there for now. I spoke to Coolmore in Sept. of 2014 to find out information about “Monty” and they told me that he was going to go to Ocala but they did not have a Farm for him to go to yet. I told them that Ziconic was headed to Mayberry and that Z and her foals had gone there as well. She emailed me back to tell me that “Monty” would be joining Ziconic at Mayberry. I thought it was so cool that Uncle and Nephew would be together. I asked about V. and she said she was doing really well and was in foal to Tapit. I told her that was a great choice because Ziconic was really handsome. She also sent me a spreadsheet showing all of V’s matings and progeny. I sent her a msg. to give me the status of V. but I have not heard from her, another Z fan has an inside link and we should hear from her in the next day or so. She was a beautiful mare with a lot of class, she stamped all her foals with that special something, I really miss her and wish we had known. We should celebrate her life somehow.
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear JS:
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday. Love and Hugs, JB
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB and LM
judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:
Goodnight. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Dawn Conrad
Dearest Zenyatta and Friends, What a day this has been. A mixture of smiles and of tears. Today we celebrated the birth of a truly remarkable man, our John Shirreffs. Today we also witnessed the end of a place he loved dearly. A place that has created memories in the minds of thousands through the ages and touched their hearts as well. The names of thoroughbreds which stepped onto that beautiful oval are legendary, the people involved with each horse amazing and the stories they created together are unforgettable. A place where the mist of history hung heavy in the air and if you listened carefully you could still hear the echo of beating hooves and cheers drifting on the breeze. Parents remember summer days with their children at their sides and children remember holding tight to their mom or dad’s hand, sitting in their seats and looking out across a vista like no other. It was the place where Giacomo trained for his Derby triumph. It was your home Zenny. The place were John created his “Michael Jordan.” The home where Team Z cared for many other of your equine friends and where so many fans where warmly welcomed when they stopped by. Along with John and the Barn 55 crew; Jerry, Ann, Mike and Dottie were your family. Together you achieved the unbelievable and transformed us all. Hollywood Park and all that happened there will never be forgotten for once there was a place for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot. Saying a final goodbye is not the end, but as is so often true in life only a beginning. John, Dottie and the whole team are moving forward and I am so excited to continue the journey with them. Happy Birthday, John! Thank you for the memories we have shared together and those that are yet to be. I created a piece previously with my own photos which I would like to share again. It is a special thank you to John and Dottie. Hugs, Dawn
http://play.smilebox.com/SpreadMoreHappy/4e4449324d6a55774d5452384e7a51794f4463344d7a493d0d0a
Elizabeth in NM
Dawn, what a wonderful story you have told in your photos. Thanks so much for putting that together and sharing. Beautiful, beautiful memories. With love, Elizabeth
Mary Margaret in Georgia
Dawn, love your beautiful tribute photos. So much history @Hollywood Park. Thanks for sharing.
♥Auntie Judy aka JAG So. California
A shout out to Steve, Michelle, Frank, Mario, and Carmen. Thank you for all the love and care you gave John’s “babies”.
Our visits to Barn 55 are in our hearts forever. God bless!
♥ Auntie Judy XO
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Dawn C.,
What a lovely gift to us! Your writing and your photos are just gorgeous. You set the photo montage to one of my very favorite songs, “The Way We Were” (one of my favorite movies, too).
Thank you for this beautiful tribute post to the wonderful Team Z, Barn 55 and to Hollywood Park.
Great to get a post from you — we miss you.
Hugs and Love
Dawn Conrad
I absolutely adore all of the pictures of Coz. He is just too cute. And how wonderful to have Ziconic with John as well!!! Shari, you are an amazing teacher, always giving your students such fun and special experiences. Throughout history, children and horses have always been a magical combination and they make great role models too!! Hello to all of my other dear Zenyatta friends. I hope you are all well. I know I do not write a great deal, but I think about you all often. Love and Hugs, Dawn
Terry Crow
As we do of you. Good to see a post from you.
sheena.davies(wales)
A mother’s love is something that no-one can define.Glesni protected her “bobs” well during some horrendous weather.Sheena.
http://www.facebook.com/dyfiospreyproject
Elizabeth in NM
Sheena, have you been over the to Dyfi project? I looked at their website, it looks as if there is quite a bit to see. Their website is so interesting. I liked reading about all of the small birds (and lizards they said) were there. It sounds beautiful. Thanks so much for getting us interested in the ospreys and their families that are there. So much fun!
with love, Elizabeth
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
I also wonder if Mr Kronfeld had lived he could have contacted Coolmore and asked them to return her to Winter Quarter and I bet they would have done that. I think I remember hearing there was a clause in the contract for
her to return to Winter Quarter, but with her owner Mr. Kronfeld deceased and her family not very involved in the business the outcome was dofferent. I am sure she is buried where all of their other broodmares are buried in a very nice place. I remember when Lure had been bounced around a few times trying to get some foal from him as he was fairly infertile, Claibourne called and asked to have him back when there was nothing more they could do and he was given back to live out his days as a pet teaching the youngsters how to be a race horse.
sheena.davies(wales)
RIP former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy who has been found dead at his home.Aged 55yrs he lost his seat at Ross Skye and Lochaber to the SNP last month.Sad.Sheena.
Elizabeth in NM
Happy Birthday, John! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for all of us, especially for our Queen Z. Love to both you and your beautiful Bride, Dottie. Prayers for many blessings from God for you both. with love, Elizabeth
Kathy
June 2 Cherokee Devotional
We can change things around us in a number of ways, but it is change in ourselves that makes the biggest difference. To control the door to our minds and decide clearly and precisely what we let in and what can be put out is the beginning.
When we are tired of the same dumb mistakes, the same worn ideas, the need for change but nothing is done to start it, then the time has come to see if we really have a goal at all. The biggest obstacle is thinking we have gone too far to change. Clearly it is an idea that should be put outside the mind and the door closed firmly.
The path to glory is rough…may the Great Spirit shed light on yours.
Black Hawk
1833
shirleeinindy
Judy and Lola Mae,
Hope you both had a restful night and are feeling well this morning. You both are in my thoughts and prayers.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Elizabeth.Yes,I visited the Dyfi last year when the Observatory was finished.It really is a magical place and to actually see the birds so close up and meet the ever-friendly volunteers plus it was sunny day!!!!Love and hugs Sheena.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.Great devotional.Thank God the bobs survived last night only through the devotion of their exceptional mother and bob 3 is on the way.Very wisely he/she waited for the storm to pass.They have had some floods in Machynlleth.No wonder our weather is a main topic of conversation.Fubu has an Amazon wish list up again no doubt he’ll get a lot of gifts!Able Friend the crack miler is flying over here Saturday for the Queen Anne 21hr journey.On this day in 1953 Her Majesty was crowned and still she reigns!She was out riding in Windsor Great Park yesterday.
I love how the pompals go out in their pushchairs(as we call them).Loki is getting ready for his 3rd birthday on sunday.That was a great story about Poh the dog with his bucket list and getting to see all those cities.Mango is having a wall built to stop the coyotes coming near the house but Abby is annoyed it will stop her going on adventures! Hope you have a great day.The cat was so beautiful so like Katie!Thank you so much.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.Sheena.XOXO.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Greetings from work. Had breakfast with a friend so was unable to write back earlier. Glesni is such a devoted mom! God bless her! Did you see the video of the pet duck waiting for his young owner to get off the school bus? It was SO adorable. I believe it was on Joey’s page. Have to run for now. Have a fabulous day! Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
vicki
So sad to have confirmation of Verti’s passing. She won an Eclipse Award as Broodmare of the Year and deserved some recognition at her loss. Isn’t 20 just too old to be having a foal? I don’t know anything about Coolmore. What matters is how they treat the horses, all the horses. Great to see Wise Dan on the track! He was smiling at the end of that workout. Coz is just a stunning beauty. Ziconic is also stunning in a totally different way. I don’t prefer one to the other. They both have my total heart and I pray for the very best for them. Dearest John, happy belated birthday. Every horse should be lucky enough to be in your stable.
SallyB.(AuntiecherishesZandheryoung)
Leaving out of town again for about a week
Thinking of all of you, especially Zenyatta and her sons
I do have a TV where I am going so I will be watching the Belmont for sure
Safe trips to all the horses and jockeys; have a wonderful ride AP and win!!
Hoping for the best outcome for Judy’s Lola Mae!
hugs, Sally B
Love You with Kisses Z!!
Auntie Sally B
Elizabeth in NM
Sally, Hope you have a good and safe trip. So glad you will be able to watch the race. It’s always exciting, but this year seems especially so. We’re planning to go on a trip also, but not sure yet when – we’re still working out details for it. May God bless you especially on your trip. With love, Elizabeth PS Will put you on my prayer list. I love it when we all keep each other in our prayers.
Mary Margaret in Georgia
When I checked in on Glesni & Monty last night, they were both hunkered down in the nest together in that terrible weather getting soaked to the bone. Even with all the wind(25mph) Glesni still looks like she hasn’t dried out. Tomorrow’s weather shows full sun and only 13mph wind. I pray Bob#3 can hold off one more day and none of the babies get blown out of the nest. Thanks Sheena for introducing this special site. I peek in every moment I can daily. They are such wonderful parents.
We should be in for an exciting weekend. I’m on pins & needles.
Debbie S.
Dear Dawn,thank-you for the wonderful walk down memory lane, the photos of Zennyatta and her home at Hollywood Park touched my heart and captured that magical time.I loved your words and photos,although I have never been I was transported to that remarkable place and the horses and people that made history there.I am so sorry that it is gone,the memories will be treasured forever.
Dear John, Happy Brithday!! Zenyatta thrived in your care and I am delighted that her boys are with you. Now we look forward to another chapter and I know that Coz and Ziconic are in the best of hands.I hope that you and Dottie enjoy a wonderful birthday celebration and wish you a great year ahead.
Allie in Texas
“The daughter of Kris S. suffered an acute colic last year and was sent straight to the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute where everything was done to save her, but unfortunately this was not possible,” Coolmore reported on its Facebook page June 2.
Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/92331/coolmore-zenyattas-dam-vertigineux-has-died#ixzz3bvwVji7b
♥Auntie Judy aka JAG So. California
Allie
Thanks for sharing the BH link. I was just going to but saw your posting.
Sad news indeed. An obituary would have shown respect for Zenyatta’s mother. Without ♥ Vertigneux there would be NO Queen of Racing! I understand privacy issues, etc. but Zenyatta’s mother was also Broodmare of the Year 2008. Fans should have been told she crossed Rainbow Bridge when she died. Coolmore waited until social media started asking questions. Not good PR in my opinion.
Rest in peace, momma. Thank you for Zenyatta. I know you will watch over Z Princess. Street Cry is there with you, too. Happy and free to run again. God bless.
Auntie Judy XO
sheena.davies(wales)
I had posted a message on their FB over the weekend asking for news and that surely there should be an announcement.RIP sweetheart.Sheena.