Happy Monday!
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! These photos from Alys show how Zenyatta enjoyed her holiday.
Now that the festivities are over, we have some updates in the works including additions to the shop (sneak peek: we’re launching a new line of greeting cards) and news about Cozmic One and Ziconic. Make sure you’re on our mailing list for early access and December promotions.
Enjoy!
Team Z
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
VERY sad confirmation from Jungle Racing re Shared Belief – this is just too heart breaking for words. RIP Shared Belief :'(
Thoroughbred racing is a sport filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Some of the most thrilling and surreal moments of our entire lives have occurred in this sport. Unfortunately, today we have suffered our most devastating. We have lost Shared Belief. He seemed to display signs of Colic this morning so our vets rushed in to treat him. They immediately sent him to UC Davis so he could get the best medical attention available, as quickly as possible. Emergency Colic surgery was performed, but doctors were unable to save him. We are still awaiting results of an autopsy. We are all absolutely devastated. Shared Belief was a once in a lifetime horse. A champion, fighter and unbelievable talent who impacted and changed all of our lives. The little horse that feared no one and could do anything. He absolutely loved his job and to compete and run. As heartbreaking as this is, we all consider ourselves so fortunate to have been a part of this amazing animal’s life. He was a super horse from day one. He would end up winning 10 of 12 starts, including 5 G1’s and an Eclipse Award. The Big Horse was a champion in every sense of the word. There will never be another like Shared Belief. Our hearts are broken. RIP, Champ.
Bluegrass Girl
Shared Belief Dies of Colic
News Alert The Blood-Horse Dec. 3 2015
Champion Shared Belief died Dec. 3 after a colic episode. He was rushed to UC-Davis but surgery could not fix a rupture.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/96357/shared-belief-dies-after-colic-surgery
Marshall (NC Broad)
Rest in Peace, dear Shared Belief
This is just too sad for words. Condolences to all connections.
That awful colic has stolen another life from us. :-( :-(
Hugs
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Sandy.I have just heard the sad news of Shared Belief’s passing over here in the UK.A devastating blow for fans and connections.RIP beautiful boy May flights of angels sing thee to thy restHugs Sheena
Max
Left work early and learned this terrible news on my arrival at home. I was looking forward to his return to racing. It was always good to see him run with Mike Smith aboard. It’s a sad old world when these magnificent creatures leave us too soon. You are one of the great ones, Shared Belief. RIP.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.This sport we all love brings joy and tears in bucket loads doesn’t it?It can fill your heart with happiness one moment and then…I was looking at the year’s review in H&H today and saw Kauto there.It’s still very hard to believe but sadly we have to accept the heartache for they leave us with precious memories.Hugs Sheena
Max
Yes. It is glorious one moment and horrific the next. We sadly have lost many great and beloved ones. I think that the way in which Hickstead passed away in the show ring a few years ago is symbolic of the heart of all horses, graceful, courageous and above all, honorable and noble, even as death took him away forever. We who are left always remember and cherish the gift of the horse, which is so often all too brief.
Deb E.
Just saw Mike Smith’s FB post on the passing of Shared Belief, and to say he is devastated is an understatement. Rest in Peace, Shared Belief. May you run free and happy in the green fields of the Lord. Say hello to Z Princess for all of us when you see her.
Deb E.
I think the lyrics of the song “Deep in the Meadow” are appropriate in remembering Shared Belief and all our equine friends we have loved and lost this past year, especially Our Z Princess:
Deep in the meadow, under the willow,
A bed of grass, a soft green pillow,
Lay down your head, and close your sleepy eyes,
And again when they open, the sun will rise.
Here where it’s safe,
Here where it’s warm,
Here the daisies guard you from every harm,
Here your dreams are sweet, and tomorrow brings them true,
Here is the place where I love you.
The song is from both The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Very fitting Deb E. Thank you.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Deb E So beautiful.Hugs Sheena
Darlene Daniels
This so beautiful Thank you for sharing with us.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Deb E:
I am crying all over again. I was so worried about Shared Belief when I heard that he had fractured his pelvis. I am so very sad that we have lost another young, brilliant and brave boy. Condolences to his connections. Love and Hugs, JB
Tizgood
Dear Judy,
It is so sad, no one knew how this horse felt, just how many
thrills he gave them. He blew out his colon because he was
so stressed about returning to racing and died. Very sad, and
you are right, the pelvic fracture was the first sign; it was all too
much for him. He had huge huge huge talent, but the body could
not sustain it and no one saw how he really felt- a woman needed
to be involved with this boy. He was a very very sensitive horse.
Love and hugs
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Tiz:
Just devastating. Love and Hugs, JB
Sophia Gates
Oh dear. This is so bad!
So sorry –
:(
Linda in NJ
I just read the very, very sad news about Shared Belief’s passing. I can’t believe it. The world of horse racing just lost one brilliant star.
My condolences to all Shared Belief’s connections. My heart goes out to all of them.
RIP Shared Belief, and thanks for all the memories and thrills you gave us.
Love,
Linda
Tizgood
So sad about Shared Belief – another great horse whose mind was stronger than his body; after a great work this morning- he ruptured his colon, was rushed to the Vet hospital and they were not able to save him.
RIP wonderful boy – your body and mind are one over the rainbow; race with all the greats !!!!
Linda in NJ
I just read Jungle Racing’s post on their FB page. You should give it a read. All of Shared Belief’s connections are completely devastated. So sad.
Tizgood
It is a wonderful tribute – TB are so very fragile; their heart, courage and boldness
are so big, but their fragility is as big.
RIP big boy, so sad.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Judy.Sad news about Shared Belief especially as he was back in training now and Mike was looking forward to riding him again..Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Cap Hercules Frank Bentley and all the sweeties.Love and hugs SheenaX
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
It’s always so devastating to lose one. RIP beautiful, brave boy. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HR, Cap, Herc, Frank, Bentley and all the Sweeties
Ann NC
RIP Shared Belief. What a great Champ.
Alys, thank you for the special photos of Zenny. Love the ones of her walking over to you, her good friend.
Peace and Love
Ingrid Arnone
Sad very sad.
RIP! Shared Belief great great champion!
I will always miss you!
Rosie
I am really sad and now very grateful that I was able to watch most of
his races live. I am going to miss you sweet boy! RIP
Bluegrass Girl
Shared Belief Tribute (seems appropriate to post again)
Ter Spungen Published on Feb 7, 2015
A tribute I made for one of my favorite racehorses of all time, beloved and incredible Shared Belief. Footages used are all from youtube channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qcwd–2lf8&feature=youtu.be
Janet Newman
Bluegrass Girl,
Thanks for sharing. It is hard to see him so vibrant in the video and come to face reality that he is gone now. Brave and powerful in a small package. RIP Shared Belief.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thank you for this link. Can’t stop crying. Love and Hugs, JB
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Beautiful Mama Z, COZ, ZI and Montey:
Goodnight. Stay safe and cozy. Happy Dreams. Sweet Baby Dreams Z. Love You. Hugs, JB
Z Princess, Dubai, will always love you.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Peggy:
Thinking of you. I know how much you loved Shared Belief. Love and Hugs, JB
Kathy
December 4 Cherokee Devotional
Early December has rich earthy color that stands for strength and durability. Hundred-year-old oaks stand guard over a multitude of younger growth and bear the brunt of cold winds and heavy snows. The little creeks hollow out from rushing waters and refill with sand and stones washed down from the hills.
Everywhere are signs of longevity and power. Huge boulders tilted on end or covered by moss and lichen harbor the fox and possum. Regardless of how cultivated the land may be in one season, it returns to nature in another. No time shows nature’s raw strength like winter-and few things have to be hardier than people.
The Great Spirit and giver of light…has made the earth and everything in it…
Pontiac
Delaware
Kathy
So sorry over the loss of beautiful Shared Belief. A true champion, RIP. Prayers for everyone who is hurting.
sheena.davies(wales)
Late again!!!Hovis has been made to work hard this week by the women in hsi life and it’s that dreaded time of year again.TINSELTIME!!!Our big boy hates Christmas Michael Buble is on the airways and the Antlers will be out soon.Safe trips to all horses and jockeys this weekend.sheena
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-i
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
Hovis looks really adorable in the antler Christmas hat. I hope the month goes by fast for him! Safe trips for all horses and jockeys this weekend.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Thank you for posting our weekly Hovis update. Love, love the photo. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
He looks pretty good in that Christmas hat. Everyone has to wear funny hats at Christmas at one party or another. It’s part of the season. We actually have Christmas antlers with tinsel and wear them. Deck the halls, Hovis.
Allen
My Heart goes out to all the connections of Shared Belief. RIP Big boy, now you can run with the angels.
shirleeinindy
Such bad news about Shared Belief. The price we pay for loving them is the tears we shed when we lose them. Nothing more to say.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
TGIF! I hope you have a good weekend. The FB furbabies I’ve visited are okay. Love and hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy XOXO
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Kathy.There is a beauty in ALL seasons if we care to look.We did see a little blue sky hooray!But it quickly disappeared and now it’s raining again.So sad for you to lose such a great champion yesterday.I can sympathize and so young too.There seems to be no motive yet for the shootings in San Bernardino but an arsenal of weapons were found in their home so there was some degree of planning involved.
All the furbabies I have visited are well too..Poor Hovis it’s just not his time of year.I believe Treve will visit Dubawi as planned.Have a great Friday.Love and hugs to you,Kisses for Holly,Nikko and Sugar.SheenaXOXO
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.Thought you’d be interested to know Toast of New York has been retired to stud in Qatar.I will never forget his great run in the Breeders Cup last year.Hugs Sheena
Max
Thanks for this news. I always thought it was a mistake to pass on the KD for that horse. Nevertheless, he did well in his career. How’s his trainer doing?
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena and Max:
Wish TONY a happy retirement. Love and Hugs, JB
Vampressqueen Sue Colvin
Morn Zsters☺
So sad about shared belief? may he RIP over the ? bridge.
Thx for hovis sheena. ?He’s good to wake up to?
Today’s devo:
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. (Luke 2:1–5)
Have you ever thought what an amazing thing it is that God ordained beforehand that the Messiah be born in Bethlehem (as the prophecy in Micah 5 shows); and that he so ordained things that when the time came, the Messiah’s mother and legal father were living in Nazareth; and that in order to fulfill his word and bring two little people to Bethlehem that first Christmas, God put it in the heart of Caesar Augustus that all the Roman world should be enrolled each in his own town?
Have you ever felt, like me, little and insignificant in a world of seven billion people, where all the news is of big political and economic and social movements and of outstanding people with lots of power and prestige?
If you have, don’t let that make you disheartened or unhappy. For it is implicit in Scripture that all the mammoth political forces and all the giant industrial complexes, without their even knowing it, are being guided by God, not for their own sake but for the sake of God’s little people — the little Mary and the little Joseph who have to be got from Nazareth to Bethlehem. God wields an empire to bless his children.
Do not think, because you experience adversity, that the hand of the Lord is shortened. It is not our prosperity but our holiness that he seeks with all his heart. And to that end, he rules the whole world. As Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”
He is a big God for little people, and we have great cause to rejoice that, unbeknownst to them, all the kings and presidents and premiers and chancellors of the world follow the sovereign decrees of our Father in heaven, that we, the children, might be conformed to the image of his Son, Jesus Christ.
HugZ❤ prayerZ, vamp
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Vamp Sue.Inspiring devotional.And He said”the meek shall inherit the earth”Hugs Sheena.
sheena.davies(wales)
Great news the Fly is to be immortalized in bronze at Leopardstown racecourse where this amazing horse was never beaten.Woo-Hoo!Hugs Sheena
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Congrats Fly. Love and Hugs, JB
Bluegrass Girl
Creme De La Creme: Grade 1 Winners, Blue Hen Producers Lining Up For A Date
With Pharoah
by Paulick Report Staff | 12.04.2015
From article: “Bob Ehalt writes in Thoroughbred Racing Commentary that over 200 applications have been submitted by interested breeders for the colt’s first season at stud in 2016”
http://www.paulickreport.com/news/bloodstock/creme-dela-creme-grade-1-winners-blue-hen-producers-lining-up-for-a-date-with-pharoah/
Bluegrass Girl
Sheena & Max, here’s the Toast of New York article-BGG
Toast of New York Retired to Stud in Qatar
By Blood-Horse Staff December 4, 2015
Al Shaqab Racing’s group II winner Toast of New York, who finished second in the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), will enter stud in Qatar in 2016.
The son of Thewayyouare was bred in Kentucky by Ashleigh Stud Farm and Frank and Jackie Ramos. Purchased by Timmy Hyde for $35,000 from the Hunter Valley Farm consignment at the 2012 Keeneland January sale, Toast of New York was trained by Jamie Osborne for Michael Buckley, winning the 2014 United Arab Emirates Derby (UAE-II). Second to Shared Belief in the TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I), Toast of New York chased front-runner Bayern to the wire to finish a nose back in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/96369/toast-of-new-york-retired-to-stud-in-qatar
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Thanks for this info. Wishing TONY a happy, healthy life. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
Nice little story. Thank you, Blue. He finished second to Shared Belief in the Pacific Classic.
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear BGG.Thank you for sharing.Jamie has been paying tribute on twitter today.Hugs Sheena
Tizgood
Hope this link comes out:
AP McCoy at Cheltenham with Charlotte riding dressage – a great try – love the bouncing
trot – but he did a great job – what a great sport – a couple of days before he could not even turn a horse and he looks pretty good.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/horse-racing/34815472
Tizgood
There are some slides also and you can see Charlotte is having fun and laughing – AP is such a great sport and he is really concentrating – he spent all of his career out of saddle.
Now he is sitting down in the saddle; with long leg stirrups; and holding the reins like a
pro – lots of work to make Rio in 2016 though.
What a really great guy and a real role model for racing !!!
sheena.davies(wales)
More bad news about the Tingle Creek Simonsig is lame in his off-fore and looks like another long lay-off.It’s taken Nicky 2 years to get him back on the racecourse.and he is very disappointed.I’m hoping Sire will turn up firing.Sheena
Bluegrass Girl
TREVOR DENMAN, THE VOICE OF SANTA ANITA SINCE 1983, ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM ‘THE GREAT RACE PLACE’
Santa Anita Press Release December 4, 2015
Arcadia, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2015) — Trevor Denman, the voice of Santa Anita since 1983, has announced his retirement from The Great Race Place and will not return for the 2015-16 race meet which begins on December 26.
http://www.santaanita.com/press-releases/trevor-denman-the-voice-of-santa-anita-since-1983-announces-retirement-from-the-great-race-place/#.VmH-G3mFPtR
Bluegrass Girl
From Press Release
In addition to being a world-class race caller, Denman is also known as a world-class student of great authors and philosophers.
“I want to quote one of my heroes, Epicurus, for this most appropriate saying at this time of my life,” Denman said in making the announcement. “‘Man should avoid the fevered competition of the city. Only with leisure can life flow in a single gentle stream. He should seek the calm of the countryside to find his deepest happiness and tranquility of body and mind. There he will find the greatest of all goods, which is peace.”
Max
Will always remember his best race call ever, Zenyatta’s win in the BCC. Never will forget the excitement of that race. I remember every single detail and I have never before or since experienced the thrill of what she did in that race.
Judy Berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG, Max and Z Fans:
Happy Retirement Trevor Denman.
Max, that was one of the most emotional and best race calls ever and the most exciting race I ever witnessed. Z truly was UN-BE-LIEV-A-BLE!
I’ll never forget it either. I’ll never forget what Z did in the 2010 BCC. TD’s call in that one was heart wrenching. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
Dear Max.You will have to encourage Hovis to get into the Christmas spirit!.I was skipping through.Racing Post last week and saw Jamie Osbourne was fined for failing to give his jockey proper instructions and the jockey was banned under the”non-triers”rules.I was in a hurry that day and cannot remember the names.His twitter account is full of praise for Toast.I am sure he will make a fine stallion.
Did you hear Nigel TD has been ill.He had his appendix removed seems the surgeons took a while to find it and he sort of recovered but complications arose and more surgery was required.He has lost a lot of weight(I have yet to see the slimline version) but looks well on the way to recovery now.I am surprised Moosie hasn’t wished him well. Delighted the Fly is getting a statue.Hugs Sheena
Max
I also read that Osborne has been training some of Rich Ricci’s flat racing horses. Not sure how that is working out. Sorry to hear about Nigel. I hope that he is well soon. He is one of the good guys, even if he every so often had to threaten the Moose with a whip. The Moose might recall that. Also the Moose is now under the care of a woman. You know how he loves the ladies. Moosie might be just too busy to comment.
sheena.davies(wales)
An extra tweat from Batch this week.Pony racing.Sheena
http://www.facebook.com/WocketWoy/