Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News, Z Princess

Princess Z’s First Days

The first print released of Zenyatta and her filly. Photo by Kyle Acebo
The first print released of Zenyatta and her filly. Photo by Kyle Acebo

Happy Friday!

As you all know, Zenyatta delivered her first filly on Easter Sunday. She was born at 12:03 am, weighing in at 151 lbs! Zenyatta’s lifetime friend and current paddock mate, Life Is Sweet, delivered an adorable colt not an hour before, just as across the aisle from Zenyatta.

Earlier this month we held a contest asking fans to guess 14Z’s birthday, and we received over 2,500 entries. As usual, we couldn’t pick just one winner! Serena Riecken of Ashland, Nebraska is the official winner, guessing April 19 at 11:53 pm. Don Krueger entered April 20 at 12:04 am. He went over by just one minute, so we think he’s a winner too.

Serena and Don will each receive an 11″ x 14″ print of the above photo signed by the photographer and Zenyatta’s owners, Jerry and Ann Moss. If you would like to order a print of this image for yourself, it is now available here at the Zenyatta Shop.

In the coming days we will share more images from the night of the foaling, our trip, and Zenyatta with her darling filly. For now, we’ll leave you with just a few new photos.

Enjoy!
-Team Z

Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Reader Interactions

751 Comments

  2. / Reply

    Dear Max.Emotional scenes at Punchestown today when Sizing Europe won the Champion Chase at 12yrs old!I love these older boys winning top class races.There had been talk of retirement but….The short jockey won easily on Faugheen for Mullins,he had thought of sending him and Vautour chasing next season,he may change his mind now.Free the Moose!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. Fantastic news! 13 years and he wins the Chase. Bravo. Heard about Faugheen and wondered about shorty. Still cannot believe that he’s riding. Bookies think that The Fly will win on a Friday. Hope so. Go Fly!
      Forgot to mention that I hope that Sammy does well with Paul Nicholls. Heard that he will have the pick of the yard, except for Silvio. Lots of pressure. AP is not done yet. AP is always a threat to win.
      Free the Moose! Neigh x 9.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      My gosh Rainaway is a double for Charlie and Moosie. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Ruby, Diamond and all the Sweeties

  5. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta family.

    Have just been looking at the storm damage via the New York Times. The power of nature is just extraordinary. But I’m just so impressed with the way you folk just take this kind of thing in your stride, and dust off and rebuild. I know we have probably the worst record on the planet for bush fires, but the filthy stuff you endure is rather terrifying. Just know you’re all in my prayers. Hugs KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R:

      Prayers for all the victims and their families. Good to see a post from you. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.,
      It is so good to hear from you — we have certainly missed your posts!
      Thank you for the prayers. Hope all is well with you! Hugs and Love

  9. / Reply

    KathyR
    Welcome home!
    Another prince or princess will arrive in October!
    Hugs, BGG

    Black Caviar thriving as an expectant mother
    By Racing and Sports 15 FEB 2014
    WITH a race named in her honour at Flemington in Australia on Saturday, Black Caviar’s managing part-owner Neil Werrett has reported that the champion mare has taken to pregnancy the same way she took to her racing career.
    Black Caviar is in foal to Exceed And Excel and is thriving, according to Werrett, with the only problem being keeping the unbeaten mare’s voracious appetite under control.
    “She’s going really well,” Werrett said. “All the scans are very clear and she’s due in early October.
    http://bloodstock.racingpost.com/news/bloodstock/black-caviar-thriving-as-an-expectant-mother/1607096/

    • / Reply

      Dear Bluegrass Girl:

      Thank you – must admit I don’t care what Nelly has – old story just want a healthy foal and a safe delivery for mum. Maybe she’ll oblige me with a foal for my birthday that month! Hugs, KathyR

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thanks for this info on BC. Agree with Kathy R; safe delivery and healthy foal. Love and Hugs, JB

  10. / Reply

    KY Tbred Assoc.tweet Tuesday April 29 2014
    “Thoroughbreds are part of the blood that runs through every Kentuckian’s veins”
    Gov. Steve Beshear
    Well said, Governor!

  11. / Reply

    A little Derby humor!
    Kentucky Derby tweet Tuesday April 29 2014
    Uncle Sigh’s trainer Gary Contessa jokingly says he was tired of getting beat
    by Jose Ortiz so he went out & got his brother Irad Ortiz Jr.

    Mike Maker talking about Harry’s Holiday’s size,
    “Tough little guy. Wouldn’t stand up to that podium but he sure does have a big heart.”

  12. / Reply

    Terry Crow, think that you will enjoy reading this article about Art Sherman and Junior settling in at Churchill Downs-BGG
    California Chrome jogs, ready to do more at Churchill Downs
    Trainer Art Sherman, coming on strong despite running on very little sleep, and California Chrome, coming on strong, too, despite not being allowed to do much running, made the Churchill Downs scene Tuesday morning and proved big hits.
    Both trainer and horse had jetted in from their Southern California headquarters Monday and both were ready to get on about the business of showing what the likely Kentucky Derby favorite does five days in front of America’s foremost horse race. Wearing a simple green saddle cloth (his Derby cloth was misspelled and had to be redone) and with regular exercise rider Willy Delgado aboard, the chestnut colt started trackside from Barn 20 at approximately 6:45 a.m. (EDT) with Art’s son and assistant — Alan Sherman — guiding him on a shank through traffic and the five-furlong gap.
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/article.cgi?id=44146

    • / Reply

      I can’t imagine anything more entertaining than being on that flight with Sherman, Smith and Stevens. The story didn’t mention it, but Art and Victor Espinoza were at Los Alamitos Saturday night signing some posters.

      • / Reply

        Team California Chrome- could not ask for better ambassadors for the sport of horse racing. Right up there with, Team Z.

        • Yes, Ann, It strikes me that way too. Art Sherman comes across as a very likeable, sincere man. Nothing not to like about Team Cali Chrome.

        • Dear Ann, TC and Mary:

          As another Z’ster said; the more I learn about Mr. Sherman, the more I like him. Love and Hugs, JB

  13. / Reply

    Dear Bluegrass Girl: Just a thought – is that filly with the terrific name – something like Purple Egg still racing, or has she been retired? Hugs KathyR.

    • / Reply

      KathyR, Egg Drop has been retired just recently. Haven’t heard anything about Purple Egg in some time.

    • / Reply

      Undefeated Purple Egg eyeing Gulfstream Park Derby
      When Purple Egg couldn’t even handle participating in the post parade and was scratched twice at Monmouth Park last summer, it would have been difficult to believe that he would go on to become a major contender for the $100,000 Gulfstream Park Derby on January 1.
      http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/news/article.cgi?id=33584
      His last start was on 2/08/2014 in Gulstream Park Sprint Stakes. He finished 11.

      KathyR,
      Purple Egg must drive his connections crazy. Very talented and very erratic.
      Will run a great race and then a bad one. If I see more on him, I will share.
      Hugs, BGG

  14. / Reply

    Thoughts and prayers to all who have suffered devastation from the terrible tornadoes and storms. Condolences to those who have lost family and friends, also.
    Please stay strong and safe. Comforting Hugs

    • / Reply

      Been hearing all about the flooding in Florida. Is Coz anywhere close to that? I can never remember where he is in Florida.

  16. / Reply

    Ok you all, I am going out on the limb with my Derby picks. I will be off line until next week so am going to jump in before the post positions. Can’t narrow down to just one but money is going on Vicar, General a Rod and Wicked Strong. As an old friend from Georgetown Ky told me, I will know I am in trouble when they put the jock up and hand him a flashlight!

    Happy Derby to all and special good wishes to our Zenny and her little girl.

    • / Reply

      Dear Shirlee:

      I think that’s one of TC GP’s old chestnuts. Although this is not the point of the joke; even with the track lights, it may be that by the time the Derby goes off at Churchill, all the jockeys will need a flashlight just to see where they’re going. Derby post time is 6:24 ET. Remember how dark it was when Z made her spectacular run in the 2010 BCC? I like your choices; all good value there. I’m trying to decide on a long shot too. Love and Hugs, JB

  17. / Reply

    April 30 Cherokee Devotional

    Those of us who have ever seen a grass fire know that when one flame is smothered, another can break out in a different place. It takes trained minds to perceive where the next will happen-not so different from our daily lives. Sometimes it is hard to do anything new because of the emergency work. This is all a part of the business of living. We never quite reach perfection-not all at once. Even if we do, we are off to something else that needs more help, more work. If it were not for the moving and stretching of time, perfection might become a dead nothing. The Cherokee would tell you not to build your campfire near loose tinder. What earthly purpose is there in starting a fire with a match or a tongue, in places and in ways where we have no business?

    No one ever saw an Indian destroy something the great Creator gave to man for his needs.
    Red Fox

  18. / Reply

    Dear Sheena,

    I probably won’t be on later so I’ll say hi now. Boo and Buddy,,,the monsters ON the bed. Such an adorable pic. We want to see them out and about in Vegas! Other FB furbabies are doing well. Have a great day! Hugs from me, kisses from Holly, Nikko and Sugar. Kathy.

  19. / Reply

    Good morning, all–

    @Marshall in NC–echoing your prayers for those who have endured/are enduring the storms.

    @Judy Berube–your mentioning Big Red looking like he was ready to go around again reminds me of someone else we all know and love. Her name starts with Z…….hugs to all.

    • / Reply

      Yeah, it sure looks like Cigar. Alysheba was one of my favorites. So glad he came home before passing. Just wish he had lived longer.

      Beautiful post. Homesick for Kentucky.

    • / Reply

      Thanks, BGG.
      Gorgeous! Two champs.
      Our dogwoods have finished with blossoms, so it is nice having another showing and love that color! Love the KY Park.

      • / Reply

        Dear BGG, Shirlee and Ann:

        Does look like Cigar. Love those Dogwoods too. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the beautiful picture BGG. Next to nothing is flowering here yet – in fact, my forsythia is apparently passing on the flower stage and going right to the green leaves! DRAT!

  25. / Reply

    Kentucky Oaks race honors forgotten war horse (Sgt. Reckless)
    By Susan Salk on April 30, 2014 Off Track Thoroughbreds
    Horseracing’s legendary Kentucky Derby weekend, so steeped with tall tales of fabled Thoroughbreds and the glory they brought, will pause for a moment during the Kentucky Oaks Friday to pay tribute to a race-trained mare, so famous in her day, so forgotten by history.
    Reckless, a race-trained Korean filly who earned two Purple Hearts and was officially granted the rank of staff sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps will have a race named and run in her honor during the 8th race of the Kentucky Oaks.
    http://offtrackthoroughbreds.com/2014/04/30/kentucky-oaks-race-honors-forgotten-war-horse/

  26. / Reply

    Hi Zenny….all the best to you and yours…
    ……
    Once again I thank all of you for your well wishes for my Roxy…..
    The word on her lab done yesterday is encouraging ….
    the “last ditch” med we added just over a week ago is working…
    white cells down to 50+ thousand and hematocrit up to 34
    She is not out of the woods….but moving in the right direction …
    Her vet is beginning to think she may beat the odds…YEAH!
    Thank you all again…I read your words to her each day…

  27. / Reply

    Turcotte Issues Statement Against Churchill
    By Claire Novak The Blood-Horse April 30, 2014 11:12 AM
    Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, a two-time winner of the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) aboard the legendary Secretariat in 1973 and on his stablemate Riva Ridge in 1972, issued a statement April 30 regarding his struggles with access to Churchill Downs despite his role in helping shape history at the Louisville track.
    Turcotte, who has been confined to a wheelchair since a racing accident in 1978, described recent experiences attempting to gain handicapped parking and other accomodations from the track.
    Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/84712/turcotte-issues-statement-against-churchill#ixzz30OAvZeJv

    • / Reply

      Well, I must admit I am speechless after reading this article, and that doesn’t happen often. To treat any handicapped person in this manner is outrageous, much less one of the heroes of the sport. I have suspected that this type of stuff is going on with Churchill Downs management ever since the tie-in with Yum, I refuse to use the exclamation point, and the ridiculous systems they have used to determine who gets to start in the race. Since the track management is apparently unwilling to cooperate with Mister Turcotte, I suggest a boycott of Yum brands and to publicize the reason. Apparently the only thing that means anything to these people is money. This is disgusting beyond words.

      • / Reply

        Dear BGG, TC GP, Mary, Deb and Z Fans:

        I am saddened and astounded that this is happening to RT. Unbelievable. Hope the management at Churchill Downs does what is necessary to right this wrong. TC, your idea of a boycott is a good one. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      I can’t describe all of the various feelings and emotions that article raised in me.

      @TC, I agree wholly with you and I, for one, will gladly boycott Yum brands. As word spreads across the country more and more people will express their disgust at CDI’s actions or better stated, inaction. Makes me sick.

    • / Reply

      Mr. Turcotte is a legend…A LEGEND…in the sport of horse racing. He was a partner with Big Red in the single greatest athletic moment in the entire history of sport. For him or any person with handicaps to be treated in this way is not only disgusting it’s CRIMINAL! BOYCOTT YUM!

      • / Reply

        I have done some research into Yum Brands and have made the following discoveries. Yum is actually owned by Pepsi, they can put whatever spin on it that they want but it is true. This portion of the company was spun off to form a subsidiary, a typical move for a money hungry outfit. Yum now consists of Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut and a company which supplies chicken wings, I can’t recall the name right now. Think of the weight I could lose if I boycotted them. But, I digress. This company also owns stores and does business on the Chinese mainland, as well as the west bank city of Ramallah. Draw your own conclusions as to whether this company should be affiliated with an American tradition such as the Derby. A pox on Churchill Downs for ever getting involved with them.

        • I have been in touch with Bill Dwyre, former sports editor of the LA Times, who still writes a column for it. Apparently, CD is going to issue a statement about this situation and Bill will comment about it in his column.

        • TC. I don’t have to boycott. I do not eat or drink any of that stuff. Veggies and Fiji water are the way to go, plus a Guinness on April 1 or maybe two for the dual birthday.

        • Shame on CD! They should do an about-face on this pronto. If not, boycott!

  28. / Reply

    I have seen the HRTV episode, many times, of Reckless and fell in love with her. Please let us know when the book is available. It is definitely a must have. She deserves all the recognition bestowed upon her. Looking forward to the Oaks Day, as well as, Derby Day.

  30. / Reply

    I found the book>Sgt. Reckless by Regency Publishing, Inc., hardcover $27.99. Also, available on Amazon at a cheaper price.

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