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!”
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
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB❤️🖤💛❤️🖤💛❤️🖤💛❤️
Rebecca
Journalism back at four! Yay!!!!
—
Simply Enchanting hammered for $450,000 to PMP Mares, a Taylor Made mare partnership program. She was their only purchase that night at Fasig-Tipton. Hopefully her foal, due in April, starts her off on a solid broodmare career.
—
Puca, dam of a yearling colt I am in on, hammered for $5m to be the third highest price of the night at Fasig-Tipton. Puca ’24 is at Stonestreet Training Center as of two weeks ago to begin pre-training.
judy berube
Dear Rebecca:
Hoping Sovereignty and Baeza race next year too.
All the best to Simply Enchanting in her life as a Mama.
Wow, huge sale price on your colt. Godspeed to him.
Love and Hugs to You and Jane, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Judy,
I agree and echo your hopes for Sovereignty and Baeza. Best wishes to Simply Enchanting and to the Puca ’24 colt in training! Safe and healthy always!
Hugs and Love 💕
judy berube
Dear Marshall:
Love and Hugs, JB
Especially Horses
Is My Racehorse going to ask the owners for name suggestions for the Puca 24 colt? I believe his barn name is Preaky or something like that. Glad you were able to be part of the owners group. I’ll add him to my Virtual Stable January 1, 2026. Best of Luck.
Rebecca
I have no news on names for him – nothing has been mentioned. MRH does own 51% of him so I hope they do a naming contest! Yes, his barn name is Preaky, has been since he was born. We shall see what they decide to do in the New Year for him.
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Love and Big Hugs to all of you, JB
Rebecca
Jane update: she is doing very well these days and is FINALLY leaning towards fat – I will be measuring her on Sunday for weight. She’s been on the liver flush for a week and a half, and the recommended method is on for two weeks, off for one, and back on for one. So, I will be doing that. Rice bran has been added to her diet and that seems to be what she was looking for as far as putting on pounds. We are looking at our first major freeze in the next few days, and she actually looks like she will thrive through it. She will be blanketed a fair amount this winter though as she does not grow a proper winter coat.
—
The letter I mailed off to Kitty Wayne (her owner of record) in mid-September came back last week, unable to be delivered and no forwarding address. Sigh. I am not sure where to go from here. I guess just leave it be.
judy berube
Dear Rebecca:
Good report on Jane. Regardless of whether or not you can find any additional history on her, Jane is no doubt living her best life right now because of you and your family’s love and care. That’s a wonderful thing.
Love and Hugs, JB
Rebecca
McPeek Breeders’ Cup update:
https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/288511/mcpeek-blackout-time-remains-on-kentucky-derby-trail
—
Bone remodeling in ALL FOUR of Blackout Time’s ankles (supposedly normal), and Mystik Dan had a rough front ankle on X-rays.
—
White Abarrio’s connections have not mentioned anything about any tests on him, only retaining counsel to dig into the scratch.
—
Tamara is being tested and examined all over before her career proceeds. While Mandella says she is fine to his eyes, I appreciate that he is wise enough to go over his horse with a fine-tooth comb after a vet scratch, and that he is not throwing a public tantrum over it.
Sweet Azteca has no news after her scratch.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Rebecca,
Thanks for these updates. Hope they all will be healthy and sound again soon.
Sorry you have reached a dead-end with Jane’s previous owners. She is one lucky girl though to have landed with you! Bless you for loving her and giving her a happy life.
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Rebecca and Marshall:
Hoping all of them prove to be fine and completely well.
Trainers like Mr. Mandella are. exactly what racing needs; thorough in assuring the wellbeing of the horse.
Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Have a peaceful evening. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Hope you’re all having a wonderful day. Love You. Big Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
RIP Touch Gold, 31 years old. 😔
Condolences to all who knew and loved this handsome warrior. I know the
Old Friends staff will miss him greatly.
Hugs and Love 🫶
judy berube
Dear Marshall and Z Fans:
So sad to lose them. He was Silver Charm’s nemesis in the ‘97 Belmont Stakes. Two of the best in their crop.
RIP Champ. Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Love and Big Hugs to all of you, JB🏇🏻💛🖤🏇🏻💛🖤🏇🏻💛🖤🏇🏻💛🖤🏇🏻
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs to all of you, JB🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎
Rebecca
Shuggy had his first work back since his debut on November 14 at Fair Grounds. 4f, 49.40 on fast dirt, breezing. 39/77. Cherie DeVaux had two other horses, Roguishness and Savion, do the same.
—
Nymue has no works, yet.
judy berube
Dear Rebecca:
Thanks for the update on SHUGS. Will be watching for his next start.
Any thoughts on why NYMUE hasn’t had any works since August?
Hoping it’s not a health or injury issue.😟
Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Rebecca,
Thanks for the Shuggy update!! I hope he continues to improve and that he learned something in that first run.
I hope Nymue is doing well, also. I think Cherie takes excellent care of them however. Good health and happy running to both, always!
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Have a restful night. Love and Big Hugs, JB
Rebecca
SHUGGY – Fair Grounds, Nov 21: 4f, 50.40, breezing, fast dirt; 54/83, in company with Roguishness (three-start maiden 2yo colt). Second work back, now on a seven-day schedule. There are no races for him in the current Fair Grounds condition book, which runs through December 7. Last entry day is Nov 30 so hopefully the next condition book is out next week.
—
If I had to guess about Nymue, she is just growing way too much right now. She is a very large filly like her mama and probably just needs all the extra time. Her digital certificate is assigned to Fair Grounds.
—
I do hope that the EHV-1 stuff does not hit Fair Grounds and the Thoroughbred population. I am glad that we have not been to any rodeos or barrel races and that Jane lives essentially in quarantine right now. I hope her baby girl stays safe, as I know that one’s owner is going to Vegas soon for the All In – whether or not Fireball (Easy Jets On Fire) is part of the string that’s going isn’t clear.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Thanks for keeping us informed, Rebecca!
Oh dear, fingers crossed and sending prayers that EHV-1 doesn’t show up at
Fairgrounds, or any other places for that matter. 🤞 🙏 🤞
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Rebecca:
Thanks for this news on SHUGS. Will be watching for his next start.
Praying the EHV-1 virus is resolved and does not spread. Hope Jane’s baby girl stays safe too.
Love and Hugs, JB
Especially Horses
Rebecca,
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Rags To Riches. I know she was special to you.
https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/belmont-stakes-winning-filly-rags-to-riches-passes-away/
Rebecca
Thank you. Particularly appreciating her Breyer model on my windowsill today. I loved her.
judy berube
Dear Especially Horses:
Didn’t see your post until after I posted. RIP Rags to Riches. Love and Hugs, JB
Rebecca
NYMUE news! She is in Kentucky getting some downtime to catch up to her growth spurt. She is now beyond 16.3 hands – might even be taller than her mama?!
https://x.com/reredevaux/status/1993043592982487050?s=20
Especially Horses
If she makes it to the races, (crossing my fingers big time), I won’t be surprised if her first start is in the Fall of 2026.
judy berube
Dear Rebecca, Especially Horses and Z Fans:
Rebecca, thanks for this update. Glad to know she’s fine; just growing into that beautiful conformation.
Especially Horses, if NYMUE does start in the Fall of 2026, she will truly be following in Mama’s footsteps. Z debuted at 3 years old on November 22, 2007.
Love and Hugs, JB
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Thinking of all of you and sending Love and Big Hugs, JB❤️❤️🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎🐎❤️❤️
judy berube
Dear Z Fans:
We’ve lost another Great One. Run free in God’s Heaven Beautiful Girl! We’ll miss you.
https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/belmont-stakes-winning-filly-rags-to-riches-passes-away/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xhrOk7jjTI
Love and Hugs, JB
Rebecca
Jane got chiropractic and PEMF treatment yesterday. She is SIGNIFICANTLY better than she was in August, and chiro is of the opinion she has a long life ahead of her still! Woohoo!! Her notes included peptide recommendations (at my request) for when I start getting her back in work and otherwise to just keep doing what I’m doing! Her opinion is that she’s not going to be a 1D horse anymore (I mean, she’s 26, that would be wildly unrealistic anyway) but she could definitely still win some local playdays and small barrel races if we decided to do that. Her master registration report still lists her dam (30) as alive, so I am hoping that is a good indicator of how long Jane has left.
—
The All In barrel and breakaway stuff has been cancelled so the concern for her baby girl is relieved. So excited to watch her career as a barrel horse.
Rebecca
SHUGGY is entered for his second start!
Thursday, December 4, Fair Grounds. Race 8, post time 4:15 Central. Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/16 miles turf. Post 8 of 12 (one MTO). Adds Lasix; Declan Cannon to ride. Cherie DeVaux also has Prepped (post 2) entered, with Jose Ortiz scheduled to ride him.
judy berube
Dear Rebecca
Splendid news on Jane and glad her baby’s safe.
Thanks for the update on SHUGS. Godspeed baby boy.
Love and Hugs, JB
:
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Rebecca,
Thanks so much for keeping us updated on Shuggy, Nymue, Jane and all horses that are so loved by us.
Hoping Shuggy does well from that post position. 🤞
Nymue is thriving and growing into her frame — all good. ❤️
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC, Grandsons, Team Z, Lane’s End Staff and Z Fans:
Wishing all of you a Happy, Blessed Thanksgiving. Love and Big Hugs, JB❤️🦃❤️❤️❤️🦃❤️❤️❤️🦃❤️
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Love and Big Hugs to all of you. Have a restful night, JB
Rebecca
Shuggy’s second start is tomorrow, but he did turn in one final work on the 28th at Fair Grounds: 4f on fast dirt, 49.20, I am going to assume in company with the unraced 2yo filly Veracious. Ranked 17/69. Shuggy is 9-2 on the morning line for tomorrow’s eighth race, good enough for third choice in the main field; would be fourth choice if including the MTO entrant. There is a lot of rain in the forecast tonight and tomorrow, so it is very possible – even likely – that the race comes off the turf. Yay.
Rebecca
The race was taken off turf and Shuggy was scratched. The race was won by the MTO entrant, Carson Street, with a total of six starters.
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Stay safe and warm. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB
Rebecca
Nymue is at Fair Grounds and back in training!! https://x.com/reredevaux/status/1997322457548501091?s=20
Rebecca
And here’s a picture of her when she arrived on Dec 4 wearing her dam’s halter (WOW). https://x.com/reredevaux/status/1996564777322070405?s=20
judy berube
Dear Rebecca:
Thanks so much for this news on NYM. She is just gorgeous. God Bless her.
Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC Broad)
Best of Luck to Shuggy and Nymue at Fairgrounds!
Successful training, safe and sound always.
Hugs and Love
Rebecca
SHUGGY breezed 4 furlongs in 50.00 at Fair Grounds THIS MORNING, on a fast dirt track. Unclear who he worked with as there were several Cherie DeVaux horses who turned in that time. Nymue has not worked yet.
Rebecca
Shuggy has been entered for Saturday, December 20, at Fair Grounds. Race 7, post time 3:45pm Central. It is a one-mile turf Maiden Special Weight, and he is #13, on the two-horse also-eligible list (he only needs one scratch to run). Axel Concepcion, named on #9 Road Trippin, is his listed potential rider. Once again, he is adding Lasix, and he will carry 120 pounds. Stablemate Prepped (post 3) did get into the race.
Marshall (NC Broad)
Dear Rebecca,
Thanks for the updates on Shuggy. Hope he gets to run this time. 🤞
Glad Cherie is taking her time with him though.
All the best to Z’s baby boy!
Hugs and Love
Marshall (NC Broad)
Oops, make that Z’s baby grandson!!
Please excuse. 🫢
Hugs and Love
judy berube
Dear Rebecca:
Thanks for this update on SHUGGY and NYM. Godspeed to SHUGS on the 20th. Safe and sound always.
love and Hugs, JB💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛🖤💛
judy berube
Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL, NYM, DC and Grandsons:
Love and Big Hugs to all of you, JB❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️