Zenyatta

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Zenyatta News

Trevor Denman “One We Will Never Forget!”

Photo by Benoit Photography

Dear Friends,

Earlier this month, an ICON in our Industry, Trevor Denman, announced his retirement. For decades, his was the VOICE of thoroughbred racing in Southern California and countless Classic Races in our sport. Signature phrases defined his race calls. He’d begin a race saying, “The field is sent on their way” or “away they go.” As horses were running down the stretch, he’d add expressions as ?” Looks like she jumped in at the quarter pole”…” They would need to sprout wings to catch (horse’s name)”…” He’s out there moving like a winner” or “is coming like an express train” to name a few. Trevor’s ability to craft each race as an intriguing story sharing his knowledge of racing strategies, a jockey’s style, and his love for the thoroughbred became treasured by all.

On March 9th, Trevor did a wonderful interview with Mike Willman on KLAA830 Radio. He recounted the many spectacular races he called and the magnificence of the horses he watched race and thrill the fans. When Mike asked him which race call was his favorite, Trevor responded…” for years, it was the 1989 Preakness with Sunday Silence and Easy Goer going stride to stride, head-to-head, nose to nose as they came down the stretch.”

Then on November 7, 2009, the day Zenyatta won the Breeders’ Cup Classic, this changed. Her Classic WIN became his #1. Trevor commented he had called so many of her races and knew her running style so well. In preparing for the race, he tried to keep an open mind, not plan on any script, just let the race and the way it unfolded create the emotion for him to share with the fans. Going into the Classic, in his mind, she was the horse in the turquoise silks. Throughout the body of the race, he kept the fans aware of her position as she was such a fan favorite. “Zenyatta has a lot, a lot of ground to make up”…. was his one statement. As the race progressed, she was still far back, and he added…” If she wins this, she will be a super horse.” Once in the stretch, Zenyatta moved to the outside making up ground. He announced this to the crowd, and added…” Zenyatta is coming, flying on the grandstand side.” In this interview with Mike, Trevor explained he was watching her making this move and wanted his call to be in cadence with her strides. At that moment, his race call became one which echoed through the entire grandstand at Santa Anita: “THIS IS UN-BELIEVABLE! WHAT A PERFORMANCE, ONE WE WILL NEVER FORGET. ONE OF THE MOST SENSATIONAL EVER!”

Photo by Benoit Photography

Dear Trevor, Happy Retirement! We want you to know…YOU ARE ONE WE WILL NEVER FORGET!

With Love,
Hugs to all
Zenyatta, Her Fans and Family

Reader Interactions

859 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Shuggy & Nymue have not worked in a long time.
    Shuggy turned in one work (July 29) since his July 15 start.
    Nymue now has not worked in four months (April 24).
    Both have their digital certificates assigned to Kentucky Downs, but that just means that Cherie has horses there. I have former My Racehorses who still have their digital certs migrate around the country with their former trainers while the physical animal is with their adopters.

    • / Reply

      Won’t it be something if none of Zenyatta’s fillies race? I know that Zeny didn’t race until November of her 3 yr-old year, but I don’t see any possible way that Nymue is ready to race sometime in the next four months (unless she has had secret workouts off track, lol). Hopefully, since she really doesn’t turn four until June 2027, maybe there is a chance we will see her start sometime in the Spring of 2027. If not, I suppose they could bred her in 2027 if they conclude early enough next year that she is not going to race.

      • / Reply

        That would be wildly disappointing but looks likely at this point.
        They did keep Zilkha and Zellda in training through their four-year-old years, so it is possible they wait that long and Nymue is given a whole year/eighteen months still and manages to slow down/stop growing long enough to get to the starting gate.

  2. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:

    Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love You. Big Hugs, JB🐎❤️🐎❤️🐎❤️🐎❤️🐎❤️🐎

  3. / Reply

    Rebecca,
    I saw the latest pics of Woodburn “relaxing” at Resolute Farm. Someone in the comments mentioned “he needs to heal up.” What’s that about?

    • / Reply

      MRH was very clear on “confidential, tell no one”….. but he had a chip removed from an ankle a while back and should be back on the track in another month. Nothing serious. Hopefully we get a December or January debut.

  4. / Reply

    I am tentatively scheduled to try an OTTB on Tuesday. Fingers crossed it goes well and I can have him brought home soon.

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the info on the Practical Joke x Zellda colt, Rebecca!
      I agree that he is marked like Z — as Judy said, he is very handsome.

      Hope we will hear (or see) some news about Shuggy and Nymue soon from
      someone.

      Exciting news about your OTTB coming to you next week!! Keep us posted.
      Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Where do you see “gelding prospect”? That’s the strangest comment for a Keeneland Yearling.

      Congrats on your new OTTB. Can’t wait for you to share photos.

  7. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    SHUGGY had a 3 furlong work yesterday at Churchill:

    Churchill Downs 9/13/2026 Dirt 3F 36.40 Breezing 1/17

    Love and Hugs, JB

  8. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:

    Have a wonderful day. Love and Hugs to all of you, JB🐎🥰🐎🥰🐎🥰🐎🥰🐎🥰🐎🥰🐎

    • / Reply

      Thanks for the update on Zellda’s colt (Practical Joke).
      Wonder why he isn’t in the Keeneland Sept. sale.

      Hugs

  10. / Reply

    Shuggy had his second work back off the break this morning, four furlongs in 49.20 at Churchill (49/100). Hopefully we get a work video this time!
    —
    As Churchill closes on Sunday, he is probably targeting a 1 1/16 mile turf maiden on October 16. Entries close October 9. It is the ONLY turf MSW for 3yos (and up) at Keeneland for the fall meet. The fillies/mares have one the day before.
    —
    Nymue is assigned to Churchill which just means her digital certificate is with the DeVaux barn.

  11. / Reply

    Just Sayin watch: he has not posted a workout to date, although he is assigned to Churchill Downs.
    For reference, Nymue/Shuggy’s first work was July 5 of their two-year-old year. Shuggy debuted after 13 works.
    —
    No work video for any of the nine Cherie DeVaux horses that worked on Sunday.

    • / Reply

      Dear Rebecca:

      Thanks for this news on ZEL’s Practical Joke colt. Do you think Ann will have him schooled to race?

      Also, thanks for news on SHUGS, NYMUE and JUST SAYIN’.

      How is your new boy doing? What’s his name?

      Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        He was finally delivered this morning, and if my comment below gets moderation approval, then there will be a picture of him! His name is Shooter – Jockey Club name Rithmicallea.

  12. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:

    Have a peaceful evening; comfy and cozy. Love You. Big Hugs, JB❤️🥰🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️

    • / Reply

      Dear Rebecca:

      He’s a beautiful Bay. He last raced in July 2023. Looks like he’s been well cared for since then. He’s found his forever home now. Wish they all could be so lucky.

      One of our Z’sters loves Lea; was one of her favorites. Lea is 17 years old now and has been retired from stud duty and resides at Claiborne as a pensioner.

      All the best of luck with Shooter. Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        He went straight from the track to the people we got him from, and he was their son’s horse – he restarted him – his only flaw being that he has a visible hip injury that happened during the break between his last two races his race owner never had looked at… It has been rehabbed since they’ve had him, he just needs some muscle and fitness built back and he’s going to be so much fun. His papers are listed as retired from racing and held by the Jockey Club. He had one brother rehomed from Rerun in NY this summer and the other one is still racing; he last started at Saratoga and worked at Belmont yesterday.

        • Dear Rebecca:

          Well, he’s a lucky boy. He’s found a caring, loving home. Hopefully, he will build up muscle and strength and be just fine. He’s only 7 years old and has a chance at a wonderful life with you and the family.

          I think his race name is so clever. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Dear Rebecca:

          Just checked on Shooter’s brother. His name is Sharp Spark. He finished second in his race at Saratoga in August. I remember seeing his name. I am always drawn to pedigrees with Bernardini’s lineage. Just loved Bernie, along with Secretariat and my Papa Charlie.

          Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Congrats to Shooter and you. He’s a very fortunate boy and I know you are going to love on him and enjoy him. We will be looking forward to updates.

      • / Reply

        Dear Rebecca,

        Echoing what Judy B. and Especially Horses wrote.
        Shooter has landed in the very best place — he will have lots of love!

        Hugs and Love

    • / Reply

      Have you completed the Jockey Club Thoroughbred Traceability Survey for Shooter ? (registry.jockeyclub.com). I completed it for Not A Kitten.

      • / Reply

        I have now! I forgot that existed lol. I spent Friday untangling and trimming his mane and tail, giving him a bath, and cleaning up his feet – he actually keeps them worn down pretty nicely and they look really good. He’s been barefoot for a long time at this point, and it looks like he thrives that way. The plan is to start riding him tomorrow now that he’s had a few days to settle in. He’s already so much fun and I am hoping we get 20+ years with him.

  14. / Reply

    Keeneland September updates:
    Beholder and Elate had grandcolts hit the ring today and yesterday.
    The Authentic – Teena Ella colt sold for $60,000, and the Blame – Exhilarate colt sold for only $4,000!!!
    —
    Mija, a winning daughter of Rachel’s Valentina, had her first foal (by Nyquist) sell during Book 2 and his price was $200,000.

    • / Reply

      Dear Rebecca:

      Thanks for these updates on the Keeneland Sales. Wow, $4,000; don’t recall ever seeing a sale price that low.

      Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy,

        Me either — that’s an ultra bargain, I think.
        Wow, $4,000!

        Thanks for the updates, Rebecca!

        Hugs and Love

        • He looks like a Blame for sure and he is not the prettiest horse, but he walks well, and I expect him to thrive going a distance of ground – possibly on grass, as Exhilarate is by War Front.
          —
          The sale-topper was a $3.7 million Into Mischief-Grazie Millie colt bought by M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm, while three yearlings sold for only $1,000 at the end of the sale. If you wait until late in Keeneland September, you can get nice yearlings for cheap it looks like.

        • Dear Marshall and Rebecca:

          Holy Moly, $1,000. That’s incredible.

          Rebecca, thanks for the work news on SUGGY.

          Love and Hugs, JB

  15. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:

    Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love and Big Hugs, JB🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎

  16. / Reply

    Shuggy had his third work back yesterday, September 26, going 4 furlongs at Churchill in 48.60, ranked 45/145. Bullfight, Shock Value, and Honest Truth are his possible workmates. There are currently no work videos from yesterday.

      • / Reply

        Boy, would I like to know the rationale behind that…gelding him as a yearling. Was he difficult to handle, does he have physical issues and is unlikely to race, etc? I think it’s time to geld Shuggy. I remember, the backlash I got, way back, when Beholder’s first foal Q B One was struggling as a racehorse and I suggested on the Forum that they geld him. I was told that would Never Happen…. a very short time after I made that comment he was gelded, lol. It didn’t help him as a racehorse. I wonder what’s become of him.

        • He toes out on his right hind, and his front legs don’t travel straight. I wish they left his walking video up on the Keeneland September results.
          —
          I do agree about Shuggy, because he does not seem to be staying sound enough to have a full campaign. I think his last-out runner-up finish is the only reason he is still intact at this point; he has enough talent to maybe be marketable at stud if he is a late-bloomer, but he is running out of time.

  17. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:

    Have a lovely evening; comfy and cozy. Love All of you so much. Hugs, JB

  18. / Reply

    Looks like Coolmore is getting out of the Rags to Riches family at Keeneland November, which makes sense based on the produce history for them.
    They are selling both her daughters they still had, Dame Vivienne (2023, Munnings, i/f/t Fierceness) and Rather Special (2014, Galileo, i/f/t Fierceness), and Rather Special’s daughters, Rather Distinct (2022, Justify, i/f/t Muth) and Portrait of Adele (2023, Munnings, i/f/t Fierceness).
    —
    The only horses Coolmore seems to be retaining right now are Rather Special’s 2026 Munnings filly and Rags to Riches’s final foal, a 2024 Uncle Mo colt – although it is quite likely that they have rehomed him privately as they have with other sons of hers. Her unnamed Tapit foal was in a show home doing show jumping last I heard.
    —
    Champions Super Corredera and Elysian Field (Canadian) are among the highlighting entries for Keeneland November, which runs November 3-11.
    Irish War Cry, who was one of my personal favorites during his time on the track, is hip 3162. He is one of five stallion/prospects in the sale.
    https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/294893/super-corredora-among-entries-for-keeneland-nov-sale

    • / Reply

      Dear Rebecca:

      Thanks for this news on the upcoming Keeneland sale in November.

      I always liked Irish War Cry too; beautiful Curlin boy.

      Rebecca, you noted Super Corredora is in the Keeneland Sale. That’s the filly that won the Zenyatta Stakes last Sunday at SA? Surprised they are selling her. She earned a place in the Breeders Cup.

      Love and Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        The sale entry deadline was August 3, so she was entered before competing in the Zenyatta. If she backs up her Zenyatta win with a Distaff win, she will be the sale-topper most likely – if they keep her in the sale, as she very likely could be withdrawn to race again next year. Due to the location of the Breeders’ Cup – Keeneland – she can very easily race and sell without much difficulty, unlike when the Breeders’ Cup is nowhere near Kentucky.
        —
        The sale I am keeping an eye on is the Championship Sale on October 28. Castleton is the location and is the final lot to be offered; the equine field for the sale is not lined up yet, as the nomination deadline is October 8. Seems like a unique auction that would be fascinating just to experience. Apparently, it is an “Official Breeders’ Cup Event”.

  20. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:

    Love and Hugs to all of you, JB🥰💕🥰💕🥰💕🥰💕🥰💕🥰💕🥰💕🥰💕🥰💕🥰💕🥰

  21. / Reply

    Shooter update:
    He is doing well. Unfortunately, he also has a tendency to choke if I don’t soak his alfalfa pellets (which would make sense if they were huge pellets but they’re not), so we are switching to alfalfa hay because he does not like soaked feed very much. He is also getting his teeth done ASAP.
    He rides very well, he’s smart and genuine and a dream to own.
    Looking more into his pedigree – which I love, by the way, as Bernardini and Giant’s Causeway are probably my favorite sons of A.P. Indy and Storm Cat – I found his dam is an older full sister to multiple stakes winner Taylor’s Spirit, and I found both Sharp Spark and Raise the Rithm’s Keeneland sales sheets. Raise the Rithm was an RNA at Keeneland November 2018 while carrying Shooter.
    Sharp Spark — 2022 KeeSept. http://apps.keeneland.com/sales/Sep22/pdfs/1984.pdf
    Raise the Rithm — 2015 KeeSept.
    http://apps.keeneland.com/sales/Sep15/pdfs/3495.pdf
    Raise the Rithm — 2018 KeeNov.
    http://apps.keeneland.com/sales/Nov18/pdfs/1349.pdf

    • / Reply

      It’s fun digging into their pedigrees. I love Bernardini too. He’s a phenomenal Broodmare sire. When I was looking for a mare I told the agent helping me I wanted a Bernardini or Tiznow mare. When she found me Not A Kitten, I was intrigued because while not by Tiznow she is out of a full sister to Tiznow. Tiznow had a great day yesterday as a Broodmare Sire…Grade 1 winner Emphatic and Grade 2 winner Serenas Ghost are both out of Tiznow mares. SG is by Girvin. My Girvin filly and SG are bred very similar on the bottom. Speaking of my filly, she is back in training this month. She had a couple of months just being a horse…turned out during the day and brought up at night to a stall. I can’t wait until I can share she is finally at a track with a trainer.

      Give Shooter a rub behind the ears for me.

      • / Reply

        I thought of you when I saw Serenas Ghost won the Jessamine. Hopefully her success bodes well for your filly! Glad to hear she is back in training; hopefully she is at a track before long.
        —
        I have no news on Woodburn. They have not given a timeline on when he goes to Chad Brown’s barn again from Fair Hill or updated as to how he is doing besides a tour there a couple weeks ago. He has been there for a month now, so hopefully he is track bound soon.
        —
        Shooter is having fun romping in the pasture 24/7 and pestering our heifer. The weather has finally decided it is fall and he’s feeling good.

  22. / Reply

    Breeders’ Cup 2026: Keeneland, October 30 & 31.
    The tentative schedule was released September 22, with the Classic finally back in its anchor spot Saturday night instead of mid-card Saturday afternoon. FanDuel TV will broadcast all of it, for what appears to be the final time. USA Network, Peacock, and NBC Sports are the other networks broadcasting.
    https://www.breederscup.com/news/2026/broadcast-schedule-post-times-announced-for-2026-world-championships
    Breeders’ Cup Races, in order:
    Juvenile Turf Sprint
    Juvenile Fillies
    Juvenile Fillies Turf
    Juvenile
    Juvenile Turf
    —
    Dirt Mile
    Turf Sprint
    Sprint
    Filly & Mare Turf
    Filly & Mare Sprint
    Mile
    Distaff
    Turf
    Classic
    —
    The pre-entry deadline is noon Eastern on the 19th. Entry day is the 26th.
    The Classic looks like it could have Napoleon Solo and Golden Tempo facing off against Forever Young. Sovereignty is still possible, and Knightsbridge depends on Sovereignty’s status (the Dirt Mile is his alternate). Magnitude is already at Keeneland. What race are y’all looking forward to the most?

  25. / Reply

    The Practical Joke x Zellda yearling gelding has been re-assigned to Lane’s End. Just Sayin, Shuggy, and Nymue are assigned to Keeneland, although Shuggy has been working at Churchill. Zilkha, who HAD A FOAL this year and is in foal to Flightline, is assigned to Santa Anita; that never changed when she was retired. Zellda is too old for digital registration.
    Entries for the sole turf maiden special for three-year-olds and older at Keeneland close tomorrow.
    Deerfield, who won Shuggy’s last outing, was involved in a three-horse spill at Horseshoe Indianapolis on Tuesday and walked off.
    Horseshoe does have a turf route maiden special on the 19th, with entries closing the 13th.
    —
    Sharp Spark, Shooter’s Classic Empire half-brother, worked a half-mile in 50.40 at Belmont on the dirt yesterday. He was a voided claim from his August 14 start (runner-up, $16,000 claimer at Saratoga), and has worked three times since then. He is currently owned and trained by Ilkay Kantarmaci, who claimed him out of a winning effort at Aqueduct in April.

    • / Reply

      Dear Rebecca:

      Thanks for all of these updates. Hope Deerfield is OK and all of the horses and riders involved in the spill are OK as well.

      Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Rebecca:

      From the list of steady works, looks like SHUGS is gearing up for another start. Godspeed beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB

  27. / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:

    Thinking of all of you and sending Love and Hugs, JB💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛

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