Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News

Happy 16th Birthday, Z!

Zenyatta, November 2019. Photo by Kyle Acebo

It’s April 1, and that means Zenyatta and Ziconic both have a reason to celebrate!

Queen Z turns 16 today, and she received a special gift from Ziconic, Linda, and George at Templeton Farms.

Ziconic is now seven years old, and we wish him the happiest birthday!


Lane’s End has been hosting live farm tours for fans around the world who are staying safe inside their homes. Zenyatta will make an appearance on today’s tour with Bill Farish at 12:30 pm ET. He’ll start at the stallion barn before visiting the birthday girl. Watch on Facebook Live or visithorsecountry.com.

Update: if you missed the tour, you can watch it here.

See you there!

Reader Interactions

300 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Here’s a link to an update on Jason Servis and the investigation into Maximum Security’s winning of the Saudi Cup, which could mean he forfeits his $10 million winnings.

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/13/sports/horse-racing/maximum-security-doping-saudi-cup.html

    It is especially heartbreaking because Maximum Security prevented a gutsy Midnight Bisou from winning.

    The Bloodhorse article below gives more details and also mentions the suspensions levied against Irad Ortiz and Mike Smith for excessive use of their whips. We were shocked to read that Mike was sanctioned, but we have complained for years about Irad’s use of the whip. We have witnessed it every season at Saratoga and have been appalled. Thankfully the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia is finally bringing it to everyone’s attention.

    https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/239607/jc-of-saudi-arabia-puts-hold-on-saudi-cup-payments

    • / Reply

      Dear Dee,

      Thanks for the links above. I couldn’t access the NY Times link — not on Facebook and didn’t want to set up another password for Google or Apple. I had no problem with the BH link.

      I am glad that Maximum Security doesn’t know his racing career has a cloud over it. Shame on the greedy humans who did this — I hope they throw the book at them!
      They are beneath contempt, IMO.

      Hope you are doing okay — stay well.
      Hugs and Love

  3. / Reply

    Hi all Zfans,

    NBC is broadcasting a special on American Pharoah at 3PM (EDT) on Saturday, May 2nd. This is before their virtual Derby of TC winners. Sounds interesting — love American Pharoah!

    Now if I can remember to tune in! ?

    Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Marshall,
      I love Pharoah but don’t know if I will watch. It upset me so much to see how Victor used the whip in the stretch. Hope nobody is offended by my saying that but it is how I feel.

      Sandy,
      Who were those crazy people on with Mill Ridge yesterday?? You cannot get away from the nuts no matter where you go. Glad they figured out how to block them. Would hate for Mill Ridge to stop the video tours because of something like that.

      Hope all are doing well. We have sunshine and warmth here in Indy today but after this 3 days of chill, wind and rain.

      • / Reply

        Well I wasn’t sure, but I hope they DID figure out a way to block them!!! Good grief – just when you think you’ve found a peaceful place to be, you realize there are crazies everywhere! Hoping for the best tomorrow ????

        • Dear Sandy and Shirlee,

          I don’t understand why there are so many “trolls” everywhere now.
          My opinion is if you can’t say something nice, keep your mouth shut. However, I guess ugliness is a sign of the times in which we live now. What ever happened to manners?

          I did enjoy the tour though and hope things continue without anymore jerks barging in. Mill Ridge is such a pleasant, peaceful and welcoming place!

          Hugs and Love

        • Dear Sandy and Marshall:

          Mill Ridge found a way to block out comments. The replay of the video is nasty free. Love and Hugs, JB

        • PS: Thing is I believe Pharoah did not like the whip. He ran the Preakness and the Belmont without being whipped and he was brilliant in both of those wins.
          AP was a magnificent, willing and talented race horse and such a gorgeous boy. I can only imagine what a fantastic campaign he would have had as a four and five year old.

          Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Shirlee:

          I think so too. All Victor did in the Preakness and the Belmont was show the whip to Pharoah; never a strike.

          Pharoah was a true warrior; he ran for the love of it. All the great ones do, including our Queen. Love and Hugs, JB

  8. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL and DC:

    Have a peaceful evening and Happy Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB

  9. / Reply

    Happy 17th birthday in Equine Heaven to the great Barbaro. You won every race you were able to finish. We take comfort that you are running free in the heavenly fields, sweetheart…

  10. / Reply

    Kathy,
    Barbaro broke my heart. So sad that he did not get to show how truly talented he was. Bless the Jacksons for the wonderful care they gave him. They spared no expense in their efforts to save him. Mrs. Jackson (I think) is the one who said if you love you are going to have sorrow. Guess that is true for all of us who fall in love with these beautiful animals.

    On a brighter note. It should be getting close to the arrival of Zenny’s baby. Cannot wait to hear about and see her.

    Gotta get myself together for my Wed. morning date with Headly and Price. See y’all there,

  11. / Reply

    Dear Shirlee,

    My heart broke as well. It looked like he was going to make it but then everything fell apart. He was so gorgeous, and the Jackson’s couldn’t have been more proud nor loved him more. Yes, I remember Gretchen’s quote, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” And Dr. Richardson. He took the best possible care of him. And Barbaro himself was such a warrior. We loved him from afar and we still have to pay that price.

    I am so looking forward to Zenny’s baby, too! I’m sue he/she will be a real stunner!

    Enjoy your date!

    Hugs, Kathy

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee and Z Fans:

      How interesting today’s tour from Mill Ridge was. Always fascinated by pedigree selection and also, it was so refreshing to hear Mr. Bell, Sr. reflect on the importance of considering the Dam’s line as well as the Sire’s lineage in selecting a match for breeding. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Thanks for posting the Mill Ridge link. Always such a good visit and informative, too. I don’t know what happened to the sound after Headley went into the room to discuss the breeding though. From about 37 minutes to the end ~58 minutes, I could not hear much. Fortunately, this was not true for a lot of viewers apparently.

      Love these visits.

      Hugs and Love

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall:

        They did have a problem with the sound. I had to crank my speakers way up. If you watch the replay of today’s tour, the volume is very good and clear throughout.

        Wish we could have gone back to the foaling barn to see that gorgeous little filly take her first steps. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Judy,

          I wish we could have revisited the little filly, too. She is a beauty!
          Just think, now she is walking around — actually, right now she is probably asleep in that lovely straw bedding.

          I couldn’t turn my volume up any higher, and I was watching the replay this afternoon. There were several of us who had difficulty, but I did enjoy what I saw.

          Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Enjoyed the Mill Ridge tour very much until the sound went belly-up! Oh my gosh, and what an adorable little filly at the beginning. Such a sweetheart and those BEUATIFUL long legs! Thanks for posting the link!

      Hugs, Kathy

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      How adorable! Thanks so much for posting this. Nice to see Little Silver Charm with Mr. Blowen and to see Mr. Blowen interacting with Patch and Stormy Liberal. Those two really are affectionate — rather like lovable doggies. So Cute! How sweet it is!

      This video is a prescription to cure that “down in the dumps” affliction we get sometimes.
      Feel the happiness!! ?

      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Thanks for sharing.
      Two of my all time favorites.
      Mr. Blowen is the sweetest man ever and a great storyteller.

      Marshall, I agree, good medicine right now. Noticed a new video posted with War Emblem!!! More medicine. Little SC jogging beside the golf cart cracks me up.

      Love to all and stay safe.

      • / Reply

        Dear Marshall and Ann:

        Those two boys have the sweetest personalities. Love how they race Michael B. along the fence. Mr. B is my idea of a living saint. His wife and the staff too. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Michael is nothing short of amazing!! I was a little worried there at the beginning, because he was clearly having trouble getting enough breath to talk his usual “mile a minute.” Hope he doesn’t overdo it racing those horses. Great to see Patch and Stormy and the beautiful scenery!

    • / Reply

      Judy,
      Cannot believe have sweet Patch is. Thank goodness he has always had a loving and caring owner, trainer and team. I do think he did better with Johnny V riding him. He and Stormy are so fortunate to be at Old Friends.

      • / Reply

        Dear Shirlee:

        So happy for these sweet boys. They’re happy just being horses. Love and Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    I am getting excited about Zenyatta’s new foal. Hopefully there will be an announcement soon. Can’t wait!!

  17. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL and DC:

    Hope you’re having a wonderful day.

    Z, getting close now. Lots of Aunties and Uncles anxiously waiting. Love All of you so much. Hugs, JB

  18. / Reply

    Thanks, Judie, for the Mill Ridge and Old Friends videos. They were fun. I love looking at babies. And Patch and Stormy Liberal are living the life.

    • / Reply

      Dear Barbara B:

      You’re so welcome. Uplifting to see those beautiful boys so happy. Love and Hugs, JB

  19. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Please keep Angela in your prayers. Her leg is not healing as it should due to infection. She will need more surgery.

    She is a strong woman and her spirits are good, but the whole procedure has to be done over. Surgery scheduled for middle of May. I feel so sad that she has to go through this all over again.

    The good news is, the farm is off quarantine and all horses are well. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Please give Angela my very best regards and good wishes. Sending positive thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery and speedy (but complete) recovery.

      Glad the farm is off quarantine — that should give some peace of mind to all.

      Thinking of Z and the imminent arrival of another wonderful baby — prayers for a smooth delivery, healthy foal and healthy mama! Happiness all around. :-)

      Hugs and Love

  20. / Reply

    Dear Judy,

    Poor Angela! I can’t imagine having to have that second surgery on the same leg! I will pray for her!

    Hugs, Kathy

  21. / Reply

    Judy,
    Thanks for giving us a heads up about Angela. We all will be thinking of her and keeping her in our prayers. So glad all the horses are okay.

    Getting ready for my date with Headly and Price this morning. Might even comb my hair. Well, maybe not.

    Happy May Day to you all.

    • / Reply

      Hey!!! I WASHED my hair (!!!!!!) and even put in my hearing aids. ? Didn’t help all that much, but it was better than Wednesday. Not sure why he can’t put the camera in front of himself and just turn the lens around (like a selfie). Would be so much easier on the ears.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      Thank you for your prayers for Angela and for bringing me much needed smiles. Love Ya. Hugs, JB

  22. / Reply

    Happy Friday Hovis fans. The link will be posted later today on the new blog page. Don’t want to immediately detract from the message there. Stay tuned!
    Sandy

  23. / Reply

    Haven’t been on website for awhile not sure when Queen Z is due to foal. Went back a few pages and no mention of a problem. Hope our Queen is well.

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