Happy Friday!
A big stack of Zenyatta Stickers are in the mail and on their way to you! We’d like to thank all of the fans who continue to support Zenyatta and this site by visiting, taking part in the discussion, and shopping with us.
We’d love to see how you are using your stickers. Send photos of Celebration Stickers and Zenyatta Stickers in action to fans@zenyatta.com. We’ll feature our favorites in a blog post.
A note on holiday orders from the Zenyatta Shop:
Orders must by placed by December 18 in order to qualify for holiday delivery. Orders placed after this date will ship after January 1st.
Here are a few new photos of Zenyatta and 13Z to finish off the week.
Enjoy!
-Team Z
Photos by Kyle Acebo.
Denise in St. Louis
Happy New Year to Queen Z, COZ, Z13, & Team Z!!!!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks to Karen G. for posting on Facebook “The American Association of Equine Sports Preservation Makes Continued Push to Save Hollywood Park Racetrack”
http://www.kgwn.tv/story/24357079/the-american-association-of-equine-sports-preservation-makes-continued-push-to-save-hollywood-park-racetrack
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
And here is the AAESP Press Release, a link to the same article, in an easier-to-read font:
http://aaesp.org/american-association-equine-sports-preservation-makes-continued-push-save-hollywood-park-racetrack/
Celeste_in_TX
It would be so awesome if they are able to accomplish this. Preserving Hollywood Park would be beneficial to so many. I wish them luck, but seems like it will be an uphill battle.
Terry Crow
I wish them luck and there are a lot of prominent people involved. But, we are talking Jerry Brown here. The facts being presented are the ones I am sure he was cognizant of before when he let this happen.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
You may be right, Terry. He has acknowledged some past mistakes — issues he did not like the results of, and now would handle differently. But I don’t know if problems with how the Bay Meadows “development” has played out, can be brought into consideration for Hollywood Park.
Terry Crow
Thanks, Vicki, but Brown admitting some past mistakes is like John Wilkes Booth saying oops. Maybe medflies will invade Hollywood Park and Jerry can save us all from them.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
More posted via Karen on FB: “A new law went into effect Jan 1 2014 that is giving Hollywood Park Casino a 3 year extension to find a new owner as it is illegal to own two casinos in CA.” And also that “one of the two flamingos that escaped capture last month was killed this week!” I can’t verify that, and am hoping it’s not true.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Apparently it’s true that one of the two remaining Hollywood Park flamingos is dead. Saw photo on FB. And then speculation on the remaining one, since they mate for life.
sheena.davies(wales)
RIP Phil Everly Part of my childhood and youth Hugs Sheena
Kathy
January 4 Cherokee Devotional
To the Cherokee, worry is the dalala, the woodpecker, pecking away on the roof. It is easy to understand that even new wood cannot bear such hammering without giving way. Imagine what would happen to a roof which has already been through storms and many hot summers. But how do we handle this woodpecker called worry? By seeing it for what it is-a bird that causes damage. We can shout and scare it away for awhile, but as soon as we drop our guard it is back again. Worry did not crash in suddenly. It entered our lives little by little, so that we did not notice. Surely it will go away, but it takes its toll so gradually that we grow accustomed to it-thinking it is just a normal part of living. When we hear worry rapping on the roof, we can ask ourselves what have we talked about? What have we heard or dwelled on that distresses us?
Udadolisdi nuwhtohiyada Jalagi. Cherokee pray for peace.
shirleeinindy
Laria ran 3rd. From the video it appeared that she might want more ground. She seemed to be closing at the end. Gary rode the winner.
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Kathy I think I was born worrying, am awful.The weather has affected our race meetings,is quieter in Wales today but more storms tomorrow.Saw the dreadful conditions in the NE of the US on our news channels,am sure you are happy to be in California!They filmed the examination of Sprinter Sacre ,have just been watching he was as good as gold ,is doing some easy work now and Celia Marr will see him again when he starts his serious work.Poor Ray and Daddy are tired today was sad to see all the abandoned animals on Joey’s facebook they could have frozen to death.Humans Yuk!!!Zeus and Zoey will be celebrating their birthdays soon.enjoy your balmy weather!!Hugs to you,Kisses for the Puppies Sheena
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
So sorry for all those suffering in extreme winter weather conditions right now. Where I live the coldest weather we see is in the 30s. Heartbreaking to see that news item on the homeless and abandoned animals in Arkansas. I think of my own animals, so loved and so well cared for. All animals have that right. That’s great that Sprinter Sacre is doing so well. May it continue! Ray is so adorable snuggling with his Daddy. An early happy birthday to Zeus and Zoey. Such cutie pies!
Have a great Saturday. Enjoy your weekend. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy
Bluegrass Girl
Darby Dan tweet Sat. Jan. 4 2014 with PHOTO
Shacks a daddy!!! This little cutie was born at Alastar Thoroughbreds.
Love that face!
J.J. Hysell tweet Shackleford foal MT @darbydanfarm Shacks a daddy!!!
This little cutie was born at Alastar Thoroughbreds
https://twitter.com/darbydanfarm/status/419491131492020224/photo/1
Max
BGG. You can tell from that little face that he’s a chip off the old block. Congrats to Shack and the new momma.
Ann NC
Beautiful!
Congrats, Shack and Mom.
Terry Crow
The timing certainly was right. This little lady will be more mature than almost all of her peers.
Ann NC
I’ve noticed this with my rugrats and their friends. : ) Fillies rule!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Thank you, BGG! Hugs.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks BGG!! Can’t believe that foals are already starting to arrive. She sure is a cute one.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Love and Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
Thanks BGG. Inherited that big white blaze from daddy.
Bluegrass Girl
David Grening @DRFGrening tweet Sat. Jan 4 2014
Caixa Eletronica and Six Drivers suffered fatal injuries in a head-on collision on Belmont training track this morning
Carlos Castro, rider of Caixa, taken to local hospital was conscious complaining of leg pain. Julio Pezua, rider of Six Drivers, is fine
Six Drivers,4yo Sunriver gelding, entered tomorrow in maiden special at Aqueduct, had 4 starts, making 1st start for Chris Englehart
Racingwithbruno tweets
Details on the incident at Belmont according to Racingwithbruno sources two horses collided violently on the track, more details coming soon
Sources tell me from NY that a loose horse was cause of incident, will not identify barn on twitter, collided with Caixa near starting gate
a loose horse situation is extr. dangerous in dark you can’t see the horse, you hear screaming, but don’t know where coming from
Just the other morning Dec 26 when Juba got loose in dark at 6:30 am he came out of darkness like a blur we were very lucky that day
Max
BGG. This news is extremely sad. Caixa was a real old warrior. I followed his career for years and I am sorry that this happened to him before he had a chance at a good retirement. RIP Caixa and Six Drivers.
Ingrid Arnone
Yes Max, I did too, sad very sad.
RIP! dear great horse, will miss you!
Ann NC
RIP sweet babies.
Prayers to all involved and all on the track.
Keep them safe DEAR LORD.
Terry Crow
Ann-I certainly agree with your sentiments. Anyone who has been at the track for a morning workout session probably wonders why this doesn’t happen more often. Than God it doesn’t.
Terry Crow
That should be thank, not than.
Janet Newman
I loved Caixa, he always gave his best. This is very sad news.
Marshall (NC broad)
So terribly sorry to learn of this awful accident.
RIP Caixa Eletronica and Six Drivers
sheena davies(wales)
RIP Phil Everly.Part of my childhood and youth.Hugs Sheena
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Me too.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Some of my favorites songs are by these brothers. RIP Phil Everly. Love and Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Me three!! (My twin sister & I used to harmonize to the songs of the Everly Bros)
hugs Sally
vicki
Loved the Everly Brothers.
suewVa
Me, too.
vicki
Has something happened to the Hovis postings? I love Hovis and can’t seem to find anything.
Max
Hovis is celebrating the 12 days of Kissmus. He should be back to writing his diary this coming week.
Ann NC
Yippee!
carol in arkansas
I think Hovis took the holidays off….hope he is back soon!
Janet Newman
This more info on the accident that took Caixa Electronica and Six Divers lives. As horrible as it was they did died instantly. Caixa fractured his skull and Six Diver a broken neck.
RIP sweet boys.
http://www.drf.com/news/belmont-park-caixa-eletronica-killed-training-accident
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Seems so senseless, I have to wonder what was going on with gelding ‘Six Drivers’ that he spooked at the gate & unseated his rider. Without knowing what I’m talking about, I still have to wonder if there is not enough ‘feel’ between riders and horses, that the riders don’t sense enough of what’s going on with the horses, or even that something is “off” or “unsettled” about their mood. Or that the gelding perhaps needed more schooling, and wasn’t really ready for what he was asked to do that day — but unfortunately 9 y.o. graded stakes winner ‘Caixa Eletronica’ paid the price.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
I know what you mean. It all brings back Jackson Bend’s close call.
Z13Rulz
A gate accident doesn’t have to be because of lack of schooling or not knowing the horse. The gate is probably the most dangerous spot on any track, and there are a lot of factors going on.
1. When you’re bugged up in the saddle, you’re effectively perched on a stick of dynamite. This is why you usually see jockey’s pop off at the least provecation, there is simply nothing to secure you to the saddle so to speak. It’s not a question of not having a ‘feel’ between horse and rider but rather being like a cork right on the edge of popping off. You’re actually more secure and balanced when standing up in the stirrups, making a triangle between feet, shoulders and reins.
2. The gate crew DOES NOT WANT YOUR HELP. When you come up to the gate you effectively hand all control over to the gate crew. They take their job seriously don’t ever doubt that but accidents still happen and by the time a rider can react, it can be too late and you’er on the ground praying that gate man holds on to your horse.
3. However, a bridle can slip, a rein can snap or 1100lbs of thoroughbred decides he’s getting the hell out of dodge, there isn’t a damn thing anyone can do about it.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks, Z13Rulz. I also found this explanation posted on FB by Karen G. from retired jockey Frankie Lovato: “Yes, prayers to everyone involved. I just wanted to chime in a bit as hearing from some, it can be hard to understand how this can happen. I have seen happen too many times. When a horse get’s loose on the track, they basically are running wild, out of control in flight mode. They are quite capable of running into, through or over any obstacles including other horses. Most tracks have a loud buzzer/siren and sometimes warning lights posted in certain areas of the track for the other riders to hear and see. Though sometimes hard to hear with the wind whistling through your helmet. If a riders is jogging or galloping, and know there is a lose horse on a track, they have some time to slow down or even pull up and look for the lose horse. If the loose horse is coming at you, and you are able, turn around and try and go into the same direction to reduce the chance of a collision. If you are working (breezing), you cant just stop your horse, some horses when working can take a quarter of a mile to stop. Also, if you are working and a horse is head right at you, becomes a game of chicken, best to stay straight as long as you can hoping the lose horse will veer into another direction as if you veer and the lose horse veers, it’s trouble. Lastly when working traveling at 30-40 mph, the wind whistling threw your helmet and beeing in the crouched position, you can not hear or see much other than if it’s right near you. There’s no one I can see to blame here, lose horses on the track are very dangerous.. the outriders, if they are not able to catch them, will actually run them off the gap and track. Temperature also had nothing to do with it. Morning training in the winter is cold, but you train when you need to. Conditions are typically not any more dangerous. My father’s, (also Leiann Lovato Beck my sister) riding career ended from a lose horse colliding into him. I rode 18 winters at Aqueduct so know the environment very well. This is a very sad thing, not fault, just terrible circumstances. Prayers to all connections. I hope this helps understand how this can happen. Blessings to all!”
judy berube from Rhode Island
RIP CE and SD. Hugs, JB
shirleeinindy
So sad. From all I have read, Mike Repole is a good owner and his sorrow over losing this animal is real. RIP CE.
Max
Here is some good news. Nick is growing back his hoof! Let’s hope for a complete recovery for his son of Montjeu. Nick is the perfect patient. Power up Nick.
http://www.racingpost.com/news/live.sd?event_id=1124367&category=0
Janet Newman
So glad to hear this. This is good news.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Great news – thanks Max for a bright spot in the day.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Thanks for this update on St. Nick. Power Up beautiful boy. Love and Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC broad)
Thanks, Max!
Nice to get some good news on St. Nick! Will continue the prayers for healing.
St. Francis, keep watch over him. Hugs
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
As people on Facebook said about the maggot therapy for laminitis, “We never thought we’d be cheering for maggots!”, and “Go maggots go!”
Sue Fl CPRC
Very Very good news
Alex Bowdoin
Below is the link again to light the “Healing Zenny Candles” for Nic!! LOTS OF HUGS TO ALL.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=stnic
Janet Newman
Shackelford is a Daddy. Filly born at Darby Dan and has her Daddy’s blaze
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=701397673227720&set=a.116167925084034.10298.106598362707657&type=1&theater
Janet Newman
Oops, Darby Dan posted she was born at another farm, just got excited,
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Papa Shack. What a guy. Love him.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Janet:
Thanks for this great photo. She’s a red head with a blaze just like Dad’s. Love and Hugs, JB
Especially Horses / So Cal
Hmmmm. 1,805 comments on this one thread. Time for new News. LOL
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Max We got news of St Nick on our racing channel today.So happy for him,still needs our prayers though.Will be glad to see Hovis back,was reading some of his book this week.Hope you are coping with the cold weather, Dave is still in charge over here!. Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. Very glad about Nick. He has been very ill for a long time, but he is tough and smart like his father. Here is hoping that it’s all good from here on. The Fly and Nick share the same daddy, as you know.
No doubt Hovis will have interesting stories to tell about his Kissmus.
Staying alive in the ROTW is a full time job these days. If you are outside for longer than a few minutes, your skin freezes. In some parts of the northeast, its colder than the South Pole. More snow tomorrow, but who can trust forecasts? I’m holed up watching old Avenger DVDs. There are nice horses in some of the episodes. Waiting for Kauto’s DVD or one from Z.
Terry Crow
OK, here is a harmless little joke, one of my daughter’s favorites. You’re riding a horse full speed, there is a giraffe beside you and you are being chased by a lion. What do you do? Answer-Get off the carousel.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Hubby loved this one!
carol in arkansas
Mine liked it too….Thx TC…
Max
TC. I like to think that the horse said that.
Terry Crow
Only if I was riding. My being on any type of equine is cruelty to animals.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Good one TC – thanks :-)
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear TC GP:
Too cute. Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Thanks Terry! Good one
Bluegrass Girl
Terry
I can depend on you for that end-of-a-bad-day lift!
Thanks for the chuckle!!
BGG
shirleeinindy
Good one, Terry. Thanks for sending some humor. We need it here in Indy today as we have 8-12″ of snow forecast and a low of -15 with wind chill of -39 tonight and early in the morning. At least our Colts pulled off a miracle win yesterday!
Terry Crow
That certainly was an unusual game. Good for the Colts. Unfortunately for me, I used to live in the Kansas City area
Ann NC
So cute. Thanks, TC GP!!
carol in arkansas
This is the second time I have heard about a collision during training ….was not Jackson Bend knocked unconscious in a similar accident…I believe a loose horse hit him also…does this happen a lot?
HeidiK, Vallejo,Ca
Yes, Jackson Bend got knocked out by a loose horse, thankfully it wasn’t worst for him. Also, remember, I’ll Have Another almost got hit by a loose horse too. Just inches.
carol in arkansas
Thx Heidi ….I had forgotten about IHA’s narrow escape…
HeidiK, Vallejo,Ca
So so very sad about the collision and the two loosing their lives. Loved CE, he was a true warrior. RIP pretty boy, Rip Six Drivers and another one, a filly Side Street. Just a very sad day for our athletes.
Good news about Nickie. Shacks filly is a doll. She’s her daddies girl.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
How very sad. I was down last year in Fl watching races in Ocala, there were two horses at different times that threw the rider and ran the opposite way and thank goodness it was early and they were able to get the horses. They sure are born to run and I guess there is always a reason why suddenly a horse reacts this way.
I think of their safety and all on the track.
Sally B
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Max I loved the Avengers especially Diana Rigg as Emma Peel.The old shows are always the best.Have seen reports of your weather on our news over here,with us the rain is never ending.Have you heard a new eventer has moved into Philip Walker’s place (Laura’s old boss) her name is Flora Harries she may get to ride Supersteve.Good news so far about SS will have more tests when he begins serious work in about a fortnight.Was so sorry to hear about the horses that died in the collision,often wonder how we don’t get more accidents with loose horses in the Grand National. Keep warm. Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. If you notice those loose horses in jump races, they often continue to race rather well without their riders along with the others. They seldom put a hoof wrong, largely the result of intense training, before they wander off to the side or just finish the race. The incident today seemed to be the result of a freak accident maybe because of traffic with tragic conseqences. The loss of those horses especially Caixa is quite terrible. Caixa only came into his own at 6 and he won his first stakes race at 7. I will miss him, a real warrior.
Max
Sheena. A loose horse can cause a lot of problems in any race. Forgot to mention that I read that the Grand National had a better record in 2013 because officials improved the safety conditions for loose horses in the race with more run offs. If there are run offs on the course, most riderless horses will use them to leave the race. They just want to go back to their barns and see their buddies. I think that they also used more outriders last year in the Grand National to round up the runaway horses. This is what makes Moosie unique. He just digs his heels in and remains motionless until the other horses are away. Then he slowly walks back to the barn with his rider. Brilliant in his own way. Also safety conscious.
Terry Crow
Some very big races have been influenced by loose horses. In Native Diver’s third straight win in the Hollywood Gold Cup, a horse by the name of O’Hara lost his rider at the start and literally ran interference for the Diver. ND was a front runner and wasn’t bothered.
Max
TC. A great comment. I looked up O’Hara. He was a nice horse, maybe a friend of ND, to help him to win?
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Max You are right ,I often they do far better without the jockeys sometimes!!.Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. Handicappers are advising against backing Sprinter Sacre because they think that the heart problem could arise again. Very troubling if it did. I like to think that it was only a one time thing from his breathing issue, and he’s now completely cured of it. Others say that the incident shows just how good Paul Nicholls was at keeping Kauto healthy so that he retired sound. Heard that the K man starts stressage competition this year. He looks fantastic. He’s mastered the high kick for sure.
Max
Sheena. Here is your Kauto Star channelling Zenyatta. If this is what England looks like now, I’m buying a ticket to fly. Triple Neigh!
https://mobile.twitter.com/KingKautoV/status/419181689311870976/photo/1
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Max I will be a nervous wreck watching him race again of course Denman did come back after his heart problem and won a Hennessy. Kauto was a once-in-a-lifetime horse always very healthy except for a few falls and now loving retirement and dressage and looking forward to summer on his twitter!!He’s not the only one!Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. Summer is looking mighty good to me too. Kauto is unique. He actually looks better than ever, and he’s very good at stressage which requires a whole new skill set and muscle development. He is a very intelligent horse, cheeky too which makes him even more attractive.
BTW I did read about Fiona going to Walker. I hope that we hear soon about Steve.
Any word on Denman’s progress?
ZFANSANDY
Love you Z-queen, it’s been almost a month since news. Begging for ANY update. Thx so much in advance.
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Max Thanks For Kauto.He does look in superb condition doesn’t he?The western half of the UK has been hit the worse by the flooding although Sandown park was abandoned today,at least the rain is warm!!Last I heard of Denman he’s recovering well they were weaning him off his meds and he’s settled back with Charlotte. Am hearing on the news it’s going to get colder with you, may be -40 degrees God keep you safe.Hugs Sheena
Max
Sheena. Thank you for the news of Denman. You stay safe too. As to -40, we’re Highlanders. It’s going to take more than cold and snow to take us out.
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Judy Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT little Captain and all the Sweeties.Keep warm and sleep well.Love and hugs SheenaX
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap and all the Sweeties
Max
JudyB. How are Charlie and the girls handling this bad weather?
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
I haven ‘t been to see them yet since the storm, but I keep in touch with Angela and she says they love running in the snow.
It’s been so cold here, though, that they are not out in the paddocks as long as usual. They go out in the morning after breakfast and they’re back in their stalls by around 3:00 PM. We’re supposed to have a warm up tomorrow, so I’m going to try to get to see them. Love and hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. Let us know how Charlie deals with rearranging the blankets in this cold weather. Hope that your visit goes well. Stay safe. These are tough times with cold and snow.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mama Z, COZ, Red Prince and Baby Z:
Sweet Dreams. Stay cozy and warm. Love you. Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Sweet Zenyatta, Goodnight, sweet dreams and stay warm!
lovenkisses and tummy rubs and kisses to Coz and 13z
love, Auntie Sally B