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.
Bluegrass Girl
“OTHER BAFFERT” AWESOME BABY UPSETS TO WIN GRADE II SANTA YNEZ, FAVORED CRUSHED VELVET RUNS THIRD IN 6 ½ FURLONG SPRINT
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2014)—Off at 5-1, Awesome Baby entered Saturday’s four-horse, Grade II, $200,000 Santa Ynez Stakes in the shadow of her stablemate, 4-5 favorite Crushed Velvet, but it was Awesome Baby that posed for pictures, winning the prestigious event for 3-year-old fillies by a half length in gate to wire fashion under Mike Smith, covering six furlongs in 1:16.62.
Santa Anita Park – Press Releases
Bluegrass Girl
HEADLEY’S CAL-BRED CYCLOMETER OVERCOMES SLOW START TO WIN
$75,000 MIDNIGHT LUTE STAKES BY THREE QUARTERS OF A LENGTH
WITH RED-HOT SMITH UP
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2014)—The Bruce Headley trained, owned and bred Cyclometer broke slowly but proved best in Saturday’s $75,000 Midnight Lute Stakes at Santa Anita, rallying to win by three quarters of a length under Mike Smith while getting six furlongs in a rapid 1:08.95.
Santa Anita Park – Press Releases
Bluegrass Girl
G@LongBallToNoOne tweet with PHOTO Sat. Jan. 4 2014
ORFEVRE ↓ playing in the snow, looks keen to get on with his new career #wildthing (not my pic)
https://twitter.com/LongBallToNoOne/status/419669596795195392/photo/1
Janet Newman
Certainly like he is enjoying his retirement
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Bluegrass Girl
Thank you so much. Looks like he’s having a wonderful time. Please post any news you see on him always.
carol in arkansas
he looks awesome….and beyond happy….filled with JOY….grandpa Sunday would be very proud
Ann NC
Thanks, BGG.
What a beautiful sight.
O, enjoy that snow! Love ya.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Looks like Orfevre’s enjoying Freedom! Thanks, BGG.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
What a fantastic photo of O. I have to forward it to Peggy. Will tell her you found it and posted on Z’s Blog. Thank you. Love and Hugs, JB
Alex Bowdoin
That is just FABULOUS!! He looks very pleased to be out in the snow!!
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Thanks Bluegrass. So happy to see this of him and know he is having fun!
sheena davies(wales)
Congratulations to the Aussie cricket team! A 5-0 whitewash methinks another cremation for English cricket!!!one for you KathyR Hugs Sheena
Kathy
January 5 Cherokee Devotional
Nothing is so bedraggled and beaten down as a garden in winter. It promises nothing, and shows only wilted, gray and soggy leaves. There are no straight defined rows, no hint of green to show that it will ever be any different. But the Cherokee knows the difference. Long before winter-in the season of planting, we sowed the best seeds we could. As tiny and insignificant as they look, they will produce. When the best is planted and watered and cared for, the time will come to see the increase-to see a miracle. Life can be renewed and restored. Bedraggled and ridden down as life can be, don’t despair. Plant good words, plant good seed. Nurture them with warm attention and care. Be a perennial believer and watch those first warm rays of sunlight awaken your garden to the Season of the Green Corn.
Sweet grasses and seeds serve as perfume for body and spirit.
Indian Imprints
Sue Fl CPRC
Really a good way to start today and the year. Thank you Kathy God Bless
Sue
Barb G/Skip
This is beautiful. Thank you.
Kathy
You’re welcome Sue! Have a marvelous day. Hugs, Kathy.
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Kathy The spring has always been my favourite time of year.A lot of gardens are underwater over in the UK and the rain is back today!Ray looked so cute in his coat and hat and enjoyed his wun around in the snow ,it’s been particularly cold and snowy in Boston.Have your 3 pups ever seen snow?Lovely story about Mr Wiggles on Joey’s page,I love happy endings.Am sure Zeus is looking forward to the Pawrty,Zoey is already dressing up theyare so sweet.Enjoy your Sunday.Hugs to you ,kisses for the Puppy Pack.Sheena.
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
I love the spring, too. My birthday is in April. Everything is in bloom, the temps are still mild. Wonderful season. Ray is very cute in his coat and hat. Also loved the angelic head shot of him sleeping. What a doll!~ Will check out the Mr. Wiggles story. Zeus is so beautiful. Can’t wait for the birthday celebration. Check out Paxilicious Cat in Hat. There is a collage of him in several fun animal hats. Too cute! Enjoy your Sabbath. Hugs from me, kisses from The Pack. Kathy
Kathy
Sheena,
Awww…Mr. Wiggles is a darling dog. Prayers that he will have a full recovery. Heartwarming story! How could anyone be so cold as to dump him???
Hugs, Kathy
sheena davies(wales)
Sad news from the UK the death has been announced of former champion jumps jockey Terry Biddlecombe at the age of 72. Well known for his partnership with his wife Henrietta Knight he died peacefully this morning with Hen at his side.Often called the”odd couple” they trained the magnificent Best Mate to his 3 Cheltenham gold cup victories.RIP Terry you’ll never be forgotten.Hugs Sheena
Jan D/ Texas
RIP Caixa Eletronica Loved you so much You will be missed.
Abigail_1849
Just devastating. I loved him too.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Yes, very sad Jan (but nice to see you here).
Maryp NY
Hi Zsters,
I haven’t checked back too far to see if anyone posted that Backside 55 is no more on facebook. I found that page to be of great info on all of John’s stable, more informative than Equibase since she had a more personal attachment to them.
My question: Is there anywhere that lists the horses in training with John Shirreffs?
I sure would appreciate any help.
Maryp
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Backside 55 is not quite gone yet from FB, The moderator had posted that she “will leave the page up until Jan. 10”. But sorry, I don’t know of a list of John’s horses. Hollywood Park still has a site with links to all the workouts at both HP & SA, if that helps. SA’s site only has the SA workouts.
http://betfairhollywoodpark.com/racing-workouts
And a page with a profile on John with Race Results:
http://www.horseracingnation.com/person/John_Shirreffs
Celeste_in_TX
If you have a Virtual Stable with Equibase, you can follow horses, jockeys and trainers. You will receive email notifications of when your horses work, when they are entered to race and then a results email. By following trainers you can keep track of when they have horses running and then also their results. It is the only way that I have learned about. It is easy to sign up at Equibase if you don’t already have a VS. Hope that helps, but yes – Backside 55 will be missed.
Maryp NY
Thanks Vicki B and Celeste for your responses. I guess following a specific trainer like John at Equibase will be the way to know ahead of time what races his horses are entered in.
I will miss Backside 55 big time.
hugs,
Maryp
Abigail_1849
HAPPY NEW YEAR ZEN FAMILY! May your year be filled with all that your heart desires — and many conversations on Zenny’s site! As I said earlier, I have a very ill mother and it’s been quite hard to do anything much since before Christmas. But yesterday I got a “bee in my bonnet” and decided that I needed to write something to get back in-touch with my own life. The result is this new article on THE VAULT:
http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2014/01/05/bathed-in-glory-coolmores-giants-causeway/
Rushing off to Mum’s but I do hope you enjoy it! Love & hugs to Zenny, the boys and my Zen family
Ann NC
Thank you, Abigail.
I am sorry your Mother is very ill. Love and hugs to you.
Love that crooked blaze, is this the daddy of our Crescent Moon Kids?
Anyway, always great reading your Vault.
Thank You very much.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Abigail–prayers for you and your Mum. Hugs to you both.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Abigail:
Thank you so much for this excellent and informative article on GC and his lineage. I did not know the story of his Dam. What a fabulous family.
Prayers for your Mom. Love and Hugs, JB
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Abigail, just finished enjoying your latest post about Giant’s Causeway! Awesome as always, and your articles are always entertaining as well as informative. God bless you and your Mum… Hugs!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Thanks, Abigail — so much history in each horse!
shirleeinindy
Abigail, Thanks for the post on Giants Causway. Now I know where the beautiful Lea gets his marvelous red coat. Lea’s sire, First Samurai, is a great looking chestnut too.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Looking forward to reading the article Abigail, but in the meantime, sending thoughts and prayers for you and your Mum. I know this has been a very difficult time for you both.
carol in arkansas
Abigail…..
hope mom is better soon
Love the article
Mariah’s Storm story one of my favorites….one very determined lady
Everybody….stay warm and out of harms way
5 days til Oaklawn…..will need insulated undies but will be there
Zenny …take special care…
love to all
Ingrid Arnone
Dear Abigail,
My prayers are for your dear mother,
I know how you are filling, because I loss my mother last year on Sept 7.
Hugs Ingrid.
Max
Abigail. Loved your article. GC is a handsome fellow. Reminded me of the 2000 BCC when GC would have won but for Tiznow. Tiz is the male version of Z. They could be twins.
Abigail_1849
Thank you so much for the support & loving thoughts. It’s a very hard time right now, as I know you understand. But knowing that each of you is here for me makes a world of difference.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
It is wonderful of you to be there for your mom during her illness. I pray she gets better soon.
I will be reading your vault posted. I am glad that you thought to write some pages for yourself, your emotional health, and am happy to be able to read it.
hugs, Sally B
Marshall (NC broad)
Thanks, Abigail!
This is a great article — what a champion! A beautiful “grand ole chestnut” with an absolutely flawless pedigree. So glad that he is doing well. Love your writings!
All the best wishes to you and your mother. Lots of Hugs
Celeste_in_TX
Hope your mother is doing better, Abigail. Your blog post on Giant’s Causeway is wonderful. Thank you for sharing!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Team and Lane’s End:
Happy New Year to all of you and thank you for keeping us, Z’s fans, a part of her life. Hugs, JB
Debbie G/Kentucky
@Terry Crow – I love the carousel joke! I haven’t been on one since riding Zenny at the LA zoo last year.
I’m getting braced for the cold weather that’s on the way. They’re calling for a high of 0 tomorrow with a -30 windchill. I just can’t stop thinking about all the poor animals that have to be outside. I hope Z has an extra blanket! Good luck to everyone. At least it should be over by Wednesday.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
I found it on page 23 — I like that, Terry! Crazy, crazy jokes.
Terry Crow
Debbie and Vicki–Glad you liked the silly joke. Debbie-Remember, the mail must go through.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Debbie, You are getting what we are getting up in Wi.!! This has been a early winter and a much colder one for sure!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Mama Z, COZ, Prince 2 and Baby Z:
Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Love Ya. Hugs, JB
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
With regard to the discussion some of us had about the collision between Caixa Eletronica and Six Drivers, I have added a long explanation from retired jockey Frankie Lovato, that Karen G, posted on Facebook.
https://staging.zenyatta.com/news/we-love-z-fans/comment-page-23#comment-277208
Max
Vicki B. Thanks for posting this information. It’s very hard to accept that Caixa is gone. I loved reading about him for years, and I miss him so much already.
Ann NC
Thanks, Vicki for sharing this from Frankie L. It was kind of him to add his perspective.
Celeste_in_TX
Thanks for posting his message. Although it is explaining things from another perspective it doesn’t reduce the sadness everyone feels from these losses. Thanks to Mr. Lovato for sharing his view and thank you for posting here.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks Vicki – this explains a lot of things I never knew or thought about (it was easy to just wonder why CE’s jockey didn’t see the other horse coming).
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki B:
Mr. Lovato explains how unpredictable, dangerous and tragic racing can be from first hand experience. So sad. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Judy Goodnight God bless you Lola Mae, Charlie,Hudson Captain and all the Sweeties.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
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Abigail Loved reading about the Giant a great favourite of mine during his racing years. His courage and will to win were second to none and of course he was a handsome boy!!So sorry to hear about your Mum will keep her in my prayers.Hugs Sheena
Peggy (N) South Georgia
So Saddened by the loss of Caixa Electronica, whom I had followed for years and Six Drivers Just heart breaking. As I cry for these losses, I know that the lord has to be saddened by these horrific accidents too. But I know too well that this is far from a perfect place and never will be perfect.
I know for the family and friends and pets that I’ve lost and so many horses in the last few year famous one’s and not so famous. For many horsemen and horsewomen, Eric kronfield, Jess Jackson so many in the last few years and our dear Kari from here.
I like to take this time at the new year to lift them up. We miss you dearly. So many can’t even mention them all. But, we know who they are. I am reminded last night as I am heartbroken with more losses to leave it with God. It will be OK.
In Church this morning we had Holy Communion and at the Alter I prayed so hard for the good lord to have Caixa Electronica and our beloved loved one’s that have passed with him. At no place do I feel their presence stronger. I know its Ok for they have taken their place in heaven. And one day I will too. And I will see the Lamb and the Lion lie down together. One day there will be no more of these tragedies, And God comes in final victory. Heaven Indeed
Janet Newman
Well said Peggy.
I always remember that all things on earth belong to the Heavenly Father and we are just privileged to have them in our lives for the time they are given to us.
This was sent to me and I do not know the author, but I look at this when I miss all those both human and animal that left us.
As I sit in Heaven and watch you everyday
I try to let you know with signs
I never went away
I hear you when your laughing and watch you as you sleep
I even place my arms around you to calm you while you weep
I see you wish the days away
Begging to have me home
So I try and send you signs
So you know you are not alone
Don’t feel guilty that you have
life that was denied to me
Heaven is truly beautiful
Just you wait and see
So live your life, laugh again. Enjoy yourself, be free
Then I know with every breath you take
You’ll be taking one for me.
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Dear Janet
That is just beautiful and so true. We get signs all the time. And it is wonderful.
It just hit me hard yesterday with just the loss of Summer Bird too.
It will be OK.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Dear Janet, I absolutely loved the poem and wish I could save it somehow!
Terry Crow
Thank you, Janet. I find this message most comforting.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Thanks Janet for the beautiful words. Didn’t expect to start today with tears in my eyes, but it’s OK.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Janet:
Beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Thank you for your heartfelt message. There are just so many sad things in life and yes, if we can do it, it is much better to leave it in Gods hands.
hugs, Sally B
Kathy
Dear Janet,
Thank you for such a beautiful poem. It’s definitely a keeper.
Sally Blank (cherish Z for my lifetime)
Sweet Zenyatta, goodnight and stay cozy warm
lovenkisses on your soft nose and tummy rubs
kisses to Coz and 13z
Auntie Sally B
suewVa
Zenny…we are so anxious for the next post from you and your folks at LE.
Stay warm and enjoy all the treats coming your way.
Barbara Wood (Texas)
@Janet Newman–thank you for the beautiful post.
@marypNY–you can always set up a virtual stable on http://www.equibase.com. You can list John on your list as a trainer and select to be notified when he has a race or a workout, etc.
Just got word that there are 40+ starving horses on a farm near here. Please say prayers, as the sheriff of that country doesn’t seem interested in doing anything. It will be in the teens tonight here with a fierce north wind.
Love and hugs to all.
Elizabeth in NM
Hi Barbara, Can you give the county or near town for those horses? Wondered if I might be able to contact a feed store near them to have grain/ hay delivered. What do you think about that? Will keep praying for those poor horses also. Thanks and many blessings, Love, Elizabeth
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Elizabeth – Barbara Wood’s Facebook post indicates that the horses are on highway 320 in Lott TX (Falls County). So nice of you to want to help them out.
Ann NC
I hope those horses get help from someone, somewhere.
Come election time, Mr. Sheriff should be voted out of office.
Maryp NY
Thank you Barbara.
Kathy
January 6 Cherokee Devotional
Dare to believe in miracles. Look beyond the mud on the windshield, beyond the impossible, and know life is more than anguish and stress. Reach out to someone, when your heart is too heavy to feel the sunlight or to taste the rain. Rid yourself of dark thought and melancholy. Open your mind to fresh air, to the unlimited music in your soul. Thoreau wrote of waking in the night to hear a strain of music dying away-travelers singing. He said his whole being was so expanded and infinitely and divinely related that he knew how narrow his own thinking had been. The Cherokee always teach their young to listen. We hear not the crash of cymbals or the noise that rides the airwaves-but the sweet song of the meadow, the even rhythmic sounds of nature. It is here where the dikanowadidohi angel sings.
Speak to yourself in spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Kathy:
Just beautiful. Thank you. Love and Hugs, JB
sheena davies(wales)
Dear Kathy Beautiful post.I could never imagine a world without the sounds of nature especially birdsong.I am a spring baby too if the weather is good May is one of our most glorious months in the UK.At last there is a light at the end of the wet windy tunnel for us, things are meant to settle down for us this week have heard the cold has reached the mid-west with you.Ray and his bruddas are loving the snow!dont think Joey is so fond, like all cats loves his creature comforts,Dont know if you’ve heard of Justin the fire survivor very,very sad start in life but things are going well for him now ,got a happy home.Hugs to you Kisses for the Puppy Pack. Sheena
Kathy
Dear Sheena,
I’m glad this week is supposed to be better for you. The Midwest and the East are in a deep freeze right now. I feel so bad for them. Lots of suffering. You’re right, Ray and his bruddahs sure love the snow…playing in it and eating it. They’re so much fun to watch. Love them! I’m not acquainted with Justin. I’ll look him up. So glad he has a happy ending.
Have a good day. Hugs from me, kisses from TGhe Pack. Kathy
shirleeinindy
Rail Trip is being retired to Old Friends. Another caring owner seeing to the retirement of her horse!
Marshall (NC broad)
Have a lovely retirement, Rail Trip! Lots of thanks to the owner for caring for her wonderful horse.
All the Best to this beautiful horse! Hugs
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Shirlee, Marshall and Z Fans:
Thank you for this wonderful news. So happy for him. He’s been one of the horses our group has been hoping would be happily retired sound and healthy. RT earned over one and a half million dollars in his career. He’s eight years old now and will have a well deserved rest at Old Friends. Love and Hugs, JB
Terry Crow
Rail Trip is a rather unusual story in himself. Showed much promise while originally being trained by Ron Ellis. The horse got beat in a big race due to a bad ride by the jockey and the then owner had him removed from Ellis’ barn literally in the middle of the night. The horse was then shipped to a NY trainer and never raised a gallop. The original owner died and the horse was returned to Ellis by his daughter where he did a 360 and returned to stardom.
Kathy
Sheena,
I found Justin. Oh, he’s such a beautiful cat. How could anyone be so heartless as to harm him? I’m so thankful he got his happy ending.
Hugs, Kathy
Bluegrass Girl
Zenyatta baby is growing up fast
By Eric Sondheimer Los Angeles Times January 6, 2014,
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of horse racing fans who still love Zenyatta, the 2010 Horse of the Year who won 19 of 20 races and is now living the good life as a broodmare at Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Ky. And 2014 could be an intriguing year for Zenyatta fans.
First, Zenyatta is six months in foal with her third baby. She was bred to the Claiborne Farm stallion War Front.
But even more exciting is that her firstborn has a name, Cozmic One, and he just turned 2 and is beginning early training in Florida. A son of Preakness winner Bernardini, Cozmic One looks like his mother.
“I’m very excited,” trainer John Shirreffs said. “He looks very good and the farm has gotten very good reports.”
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-zenyatta-baby-is-growing-up-fast-20140106,0,160748.story#ixzz2pdG9alEU
Bluegrass Girl
FYI There is an excellent video of Coz in the LA Times article. BGG
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear BGG:
Great article and video of COZ. Thanks. Love and Hugs, JB