Zenyatta

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Zenyatta News

Weaning, Before and After

Zenyatta and 13Z, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta and 13Z, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Happy Tuesday!

Zenyatta’s youngest boy was weaned last week, and it all went very well. Alys sent us some photos before and after, and as you can see the boys are quite large and independent at this time. Z is happy to be back with her old friend Life Is Sweet and they definitely seem to share a bond. We’ll have more photos to share with you soon.

-Team Z

Before:

Before weaning, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Before weaning, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Before weaning, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Before weaning, August. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

After:

13Z with fellow weanlings this week. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
13Z with fellow weanlings this week. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End


Zenyatta and paddock mates, including Life Is Sweet, post weaning. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane's End
Zenyatta and paddock mates, including Life Is Sweet, post weaning. Photo by Alys Emson/Lane’s End

Reader Interactions

1,196 Comments

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R:

      My gosh with all the tragic deaths of horses and injuries to jockeys that are just bad luck accidents, this young lady is courting disaster. Hope she reconsiders her actions and works though her disagreements in the jockeys’ room and not in the saddle. Over and over again we see how dangerous the sport can be. Really upsets me to see riders put themselves, their horses and other riders and horses at risk. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy:

        So true – hopefully the suspension – and criticism from fellow jockeys will teach her a very valuable lesson – playing games with her own life is one thing, but to risk other riders (and worse, to me) the equine athletes who place their trust in them is just criminal. Hugs KathyR.

        • Kathy R,

          I agree. I would not want her on my horse with
          behavior like that. That makes me think she does not care
          about her mount, or the other horse. Settle your problem off
          the track please.

    • / Reply

      Happens all the time in racing, just not reported in a publication like it was here. Athletes in all sports practice revenge. If you think an opposing cornerback is playing unnecessarily dirty, you run a sweep to his side. Also. more injuries occur in the pileup after a tackle than anywhere else. Players do not care for other players who are trying to injure.

  4. / Reply

    Dear Zenny,
    I always love all your photos, you look so beautiful, and z13 is getting so big and handsome.
    Love you! xoxoxoxo!!!!!!!

  5. / Reply

    RIP, Mentor Cane. You were very special. My heart is aching for, Ann and Jerry, John and Dottie and all who cared and touched this handsome boy.

  6. / Reply

    RIP Mentor Cane and Skittles N Bob — what an awful deadly day. Sincere condolences to the connections of both. So sorry. Thinking of Ann, Jerry, John and all those who loved and cared for MC.

    Prayers for strength and healing sent to Capona — St. Francis please watch over her and help her on the road to health. Hugs

    Continued prayers for healing to St. Nicholas Abbey, also. Stay strong, Nick!

  7. / Reply

    I am so saddened to read about the loss of Mentor Cane. My condolences to all who loved and cared for him. Thank you Karen for that beautiful video. His life was cut short by a bad step. So very fragile. Run with Cloudman , Monzante and all the others.
    A sad day for racing. These gorgeous fragile animals under the very best of care are taken from us all too soon. Dear beautiful boy, we will not forget you.

  8. / Reply

    So sorry to hear the sad news about Mentor Cane. It breaks my heart every time an equine prince or princess goes down, never to get back up. Both of Zenyatta’a colts are wonderful, but this one has “winner” written all over him. Call me crazy, but I have a hunch about little “Red”. He has the look of eagles and we all know who his mama is, so count nothing out. Anything is possible.

    • / Reply

      Karen, I have the same feeling about him.
      We shall see. I feel that he is going to be an extra special horse.
      And not only that, by having boys she’s passed down the genes for a large heart.
      Her legacy as a broodmare is just beginning.

  9. / Reply

    I am heartbroken to hear the news about the loss of Mentor Cane. What a lovely boy he was. My heart goes out to John, Dottie, Ann, Jerry and everyone who cared for this remarkable horse. Also sending condolences to all of Skittles N Bob’s connections.

    Auntie Judy, thank you so much for sharing the video Karen put together. It was very special. Hugs, to you both.

    Barbara Wood, I will be praying for sweet Capona.

    Trina, thank you for the update on Betsy Rose.

    Terry Crow, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your friend Ron. Condolences to you and his family. It sounds like you shared many things, including a since of humor.

    Brenda, HI!! It was wonderful reading your post. Can’t wait to hear about your fantastic time at Woodbine with Dan. Loved hearing you were getting up close and personal with the horses Vic is involved with. Better late than never. I know being around these amazing gifts from God will continue to add much to you and Vic’s life. Hugs and love.

    Sis Peggy, Casey and Janet Newman, thank you for your wonderful and touching posts concerning 9/11. We will never forget all of those who lost their lives on that fateful day along with the brave first responders, passengers of Flight 93 and friends and family who were left to grieve along with the nation. We celebrate our outstanding military and thank them for their sacrifice on our behalf.

    hairdoctor 90277, I love that video of John and Life is Sweet. It exemplifies her name perfectly.

    Dear Shari, I hope the school year is going great so far. I know your kids have to be loving it with you as their teacher and all the horses, horses, horses. How fun and what great role models! Talk to you soon.

    My dear Zenyatta. The pictures Alys shared of you and your baby boy along with Life is Sweet are wonderful. Happy to see you back with your old friend. Thank you to everyone involved with this site and especially Ann and Jerry for continuing to share Zenny with us all. Cutie 13Z has taken his next step forward in life and Cozmic One is getting more gorgeous everyday. They will have our love and support always because they are part of you, our beloved Zenyatta. Sweet dreams beautiful girl. Love and hugs to everyone!

    Dawn

    • / Reply

      Thanks, JB. Nice that, BL could capture this handsome boy. He meant business.
      Hugs! We had Thunder last night. I’m guessing he and Big D, were racing around in the skies last night.

      • / Reply

        Dear Ann,
        I think you’re right! What a beauty he was. I am sure that he is racing around with Big D and all those other angel horses. Hugs

      • / Reply

        Dear Max, Ann and Janet:

        My gosh, Mentor Cane was so beautiful. Losing him was a shock; very sad for JS, the Moss’ and all who cared for him.

        Ann, hope MC, Big D and all the Sweeties in Heaven are happy and running free. Love and Hugs, JB

        • JudyB. What was even more depressing about hearing this about MC was that he was just coming into his own and was so good so recently at Saratoga. When I read that news, I was really shocked, and then very sad. We forget that there is nothing certain in racing or in life. These events are nevertheless tough to endure. My sympathy to those who were close to him as it must be very hard for them to accept this and go on with that empty stall.

    • / Reply

      JudyB. Thanks for this. Casse is also the trainer of Little Zenyatta, Spring in the Air, as well as Pool Play. Bill Farish owns Pool Play, a fine warrior. Roger Attfield is another great trainer in Canada at Woodbine. He was inducted into the US Hall of Fame last year along with Uncle Johnny and others. He trained Musketier. Tasty, we are thinking of you.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max:

        You’re so welcome. Two very good trainers and fine horses. It’s true, we think of TT often. Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Hovis is far from pleased to have missed an invitation to Burghley. However he follows the principle of never giving up and is already plotting for next year. He’s also writing sharing contracts. Enjoy your Friday, Sheena and all loyal Hovis. It’s been a very sad week, but remember Mentor Cane with a smile for a wonderful young horse, gone too soon. It was thrilling to see him race however briefly. Good luck as well on Sunday to Wise Dan at Woodbine. Go Danny.

    http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-diary-reflecting-on-burghley-and-why-he-believes-he-is-the-horse-for-the-job/

    • / Reply

      Dear Max:

      Thank you for once again lifting our spirits with wonderful Hovis. Godspeed to Danny Boy on Sunday. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Max,
      Thank you so much for the much needed laughs from our dear Hovis. He definitely should be on a stage…….yes you heard me right I said “on” not “pulling” one. Ha, ha. Hovis you are truly a ” tonic for the soul.” hugs

    • / Reply

      Good boy, Hovis, keeping your Mum in the saddle, ha!
      Go, Dan, Go! Hope you like your stall? Are you in your stall it’s 9:18??
      As always Max, thank you! Safe trips for all jockeys,riders and horses everywhere.

    • / Reply

      Hovis is in good form today – when will they ever listen to him?? His sharing contract “terms” seem quite reasonable to me :-) Thanks as always to Sheena and Max for providing our Friday smile (lots of reasons to need one today).

      • / Reply

        I read Hovis for the first time today. I really like him he is quite a unique horse. He is so cute. I am not sure I was following everything but I am sure he is much more handsome that the Kiwi. I look forward to reading this now. Thanks for sharing Sheena and Max.
        TC GP
        I like number 4 and 6.

    • / Reply

      Dear Max,

      Sure was good to hear from Hovis today. Thank You so much. Our hearts sure did need the uplifting this week..

      Dan should be at Woodbine by now. Hope he can get a little bit of rest tonight. Go Dan……………………………..

    • / Reply

      Thanks, Max!
      Love you, Hovis! Get that contract straightened out, you handsome fellow.
      This diary is much anticipated each week, and this week, it is much needed to lift our spirits. Thank you for the smiles. Hugs

  14. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    It must be right because I checked the Jockey Club Name Registry and it’s listed as of 2011. Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    Thank you Hovis for the smiles to our faces after such devastating loss yesterday. Condolences to the Mosses, John and Dottie and everyone who cared for Mentor Cane. Thank you Max, as always. Hi Sheena.

  18. / Reply

    So sad to read about Mentor Cane last night. He was so beautiful and I felt like he had so much potential and I knew his team was being patient and doing the best for him. Very often we tend to get outraged and upset when horses break down, blaming the trainers for some unsavory acts of cruelty leading to the event. But Mentor Cane!! We knew he was in the very best hands, was given the very best care and had the most wonderful connections and still it did not prevent his horrifying injury while trying to do his job, the thing he was bred for. Some times this sport, these horses that I love to watch, just breaks my heart. Some times I think I will just leave it, quit reading, quit watching…..but then there is Zenyatta. Cozmic One. Little just weaned Z13 and my heart pulls me back in. With such sadness I send my condolences to all involved – the Mosses, the Shirreffs, the barn – all who really knew and loved this boy. May he rest in peace and run in green pastures.

  19. / Reply

    Dear Max Diolch yn Fawr Our hovis should be a prescription on the NHS!!!no need for happy pills!!! Thought there’d be a mention of the Burghley party and Mr Fox-in-a-hole William is never going to learn there’s a super-steed all ready and waiting for him.We’ll all have to hope Mr Beauty Pageant gets in touch .Loved the clauses in his contract especially mares with low morals! After, what has been a sad week, I wish safe travels to all horses and jockeys everywhere .hugs Sheena

    • / Reply

      Sheena. The carrot clause is also typical of him. Treats are important. I also like his reference to himself in the third person as the Horse, very legal.
      Have been thinking of Dan all day. Hope that he made it safely to his stall at Woodbine and he’s had a good seista this afternoon. Apparently the weather in Toronto is cool and dry for the weekend, which will be good for racing. There’s another Wiseman’s Ferry son in that race, Riding the River. Gary Stevens is riding a Euro horse. Like Gary, but I’m definitely cheering for Uncle Johnny and Dan.

  21. / Reply

    I feel so bad at the sudden death of Mentor Cane and my sympathy to all who loved and cared for him. My only consolation is that he was doing what he was born to do and hopefully enjoyed everyday of his life – at least he did not suffer very long and he was not abandoned or mistreated. He was such a beautiful horse.

  22. / Reply

    “The Horse” has spoken and I agree that he should be allowed to write up his own contract.

    Hovis you’re like a breath of fresh air, and you look so handsome in your blanket… it must be getting chilly over there.

  24. / Reply

    Another visit to zenyatta.com, another reason to smile! Thanks as always to all of you…Last month at Saratoga, John Shirreffs was kind enough to stop and autograph my Zenny Breeders Cup cap… when asked if he would, he flashed a huge smile and said, almost wistfully, “Ah, the Big Girl!”

  26. / Reply

    Dear Ingrid,
    Today will not be the happiest of birthdays for you as you grieve the recent loss of the very one who gave birth to you and loved you from even before you drew your first breath until she herself breathed her last. As you reflect back on a lifetime of love with your mom, your sadness at the loss of her physical presence will mix with remembered joy from your years together. May this remembering be cathartic in this time of grief. Your mom will always be with you, physically in the very marrow of your bones and spiritually in your mind and heart. As you move ahead into the future, may her enduring presence continue to guide and support you, until you reunite in heaven. Wishing you this comfort, today and always, and special blessings on your birthday.
    Love, Trina

    • / Reply

      Trina,
      Truly lovely post, as usual you are so beautifully descriptive. I warmed my heart and I hope Ingrids too., hugs

    • / Reply

      Trina,
      So beautifully said,

      Dear Ingrid,
      Warm birthday wishes to you and hoping that it was
      at least a pleasant, if not the happiest of days for you.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,
      Warm wishes for your birthday today and may you have good health and happiness for many more. Hugs, Maryp

      Dear Trina,
      You said it beautifully.

    • / Reply

      Thank you, Trina, what so many feel but cannot express in your way – thank you. Happy Birthday wishes to you, Ingrid, celebrate this day in your mother’s honor.

    • / Reply

      Best wishes for a good year ahead with hopes that next year at this time, you will feel like really celebrating your natal day. Sending good thoughts your way. Trina has said so well what most of us cannot put into words. Hugs, Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Trina,
      This post is just lovely. You have expressed succinctly the feelings we have for our mothers and those of mothers for their offspring. Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Hugs

  27. / Reply

    Thank you for the lovely pics! I’m so happy to hear that Z13 went through the weaning process without any major problems. He looks absolutely gorgeous and definitely a big guy. He ought to have a long, ground eating stride by the time he gets on the track!

    And how wonderful to hear that Zenyatta gets to be with her old friend, Life is Sweet. Two beautiful mothers together–I’m sure they have lots to talk about.

    Hope everyone is enjoying the last weeks of summer and looking forward to Breeder’s Cup!

    Love,
    Stel

  28. / Reply

    For once I feel quite lucky to be living in in the northern neighborhood, after so many comments about my luck in being able to see Mr. WD on Sunday. Usually I’m envying all of you who live south of the border – you get much better TV coverage and have so many tracks. I will certainly pass on all your greetings to Dan.
    Devastating news about Mentor Cane, I have sent our condolences to Barns 41 and 55. I had considered going to Saratoga again on King’s Bishop day and am now so sorry that I didn’t go, at least I would have seen him, but Karen’s video is so good it helps make up for missing the race.
    Yesterday I had my lesson on safe leg lifting, hoof picking and recognizing a healthy clean foot. I also learned that I cannot allow Sox to graze, no matter how much clover there is, when turning in and out so I don’t think he was totally happy with me this morning when I wouldn’t let him munch his way along the path.
    Thanks to Sandy I am now following Hovis and his antics. His book is hilarious, a real “laugh out loud” read. Vic is a little put out at his description of dressage as poncing around in circles but I think she will forgive him when she reads the book that Sandy so generously passed on to me before she had finished it herself.
    Dear Dawn, I hope that you and Mom are safe and dry. The TV film of the flooding is scarey and it seems that all of Colorado is affected. Take care and be safe.

    • / Reply

      Dear Brenda:

      It great that you are now working hands on with the horses. Hope to do that myself some day soon. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Brenda, I know what you mean about the lesson on leg lifting. I can do the front quite well now, but the hind legs are a killer on my “old” back. I usually don;t do the hind legs and note that for the next volunteer who more than likely is younger, because at my age most are!! ha ha I just love to groom, touching them! Sally B

    • / Reply

      Glad to hear the hoof lesson went well. Haven’t had a chance yet (due to the sad circumstances of yesterday) to tell our friends about the super treat of having Brenda visit me and another friend during a brief stay at Bemus Pt, New York. The village is on the southeastern shore of Lake Chautauqua in western NY – very near the PA border.

      We explored the village and another lake town (Findley Lake) and spent Sunday evening at Presque Isle Downs near Erie, PA. They were featuring a couple of bigger races for them (even had a couple of the TVG personalities on-site!). Interesting track – no grandstands at all – so finding a place to sit was not easy. They do have a glass-enclosed club house, and had I gotten organized a bit sooner, we might have been able to have dinner there while watching the races (“might have” being the operative term).

      It was a VERY cool evening so we all kept warm by trotting back and forth from the paddock area to the betting window to the rail by the finish line and the winner’s circle. I must say that we got a a very “up close” look at all of the goings on. My friend (who pretty much goes by whether or not a horse’s name “speaks to her”) did quite well – Brenda and I . . .well, not so much. At any rate it was a fun time (it’s always fun when Brenda is along :-)

  29. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Look for possible scratches in the Summer Stakes (9th race) “capping” contest tomorrow. Spanish Flower and My Conquestadory are both entered in the 7th and 9th races at Woodbine.

    School On A Hill is entered in the 9th at Woodbine and the 6th at Kentucky Downs.

    Scratches should be up in the AM. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      hi judy…made my choice…went with my heart….probably not a good choice…they are expecting at least one of the fillies possibly both to scratch….how can we find out where the colt cross-entered at KD is? would he not have to be on grounds for whatever race his connections choose? so for me….it was easier….Big D or Sunday Silence….a toss up

      • / Reply

        Dear Carol:

        Yes, he no doubt is at the track he’s running at now. Will check the Scratches and Changes on Equibase in the morning. Don’t know how we can find out before then. I chose him in my Exacta Box, so if he goes at Kentucky Downs, I have to change my bet. Good luck with your pick. I very often bet with my heart too. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Yes (groan). Very difficult to think this through. Does anyone know if there is a “standard time” at which the trainer must decide? (i.e., so many hours before the race or something like that). As you said, the decision would have to be made earlier for School than the fillies.

  30. / Reply

    Mom update

    My Mom had her surgery Wednesday and the Doc removed the small lump and 2 bad lymph nods. They did a new procedure called mapping prior to the surgery. This mapping is a dye they shoot in to the hand and it shows the Doc if the cancer has moved to other lymph nods. My Moms test was good as it had not traveled to any other area. Yesterday she was felling really good. Today she is in some pain as the pain meds tend to ware off and you can’t sleep if you take to much. Mom did sleep last night but sounded a little worse today when I called. My 2 sisters have been taking care of her so far. Tomorrow is my turn and Sunday. I would just like to bring her to my house but she is not fond of my small furry animals. Plus she would have to stay in what has become Larry’s room. Not sure what Larry would do. He is quite a hand full and I don’t think Mom would appreciate him waking her up at 3am meowing in her face. Next comes radiation and that is no picnic. I know from my husband. I am so thankful that my Mom has had such great Docs and care. Not much more today.
    I will update again as mom gets better.
    I love all of you and am glad to be in the Zenny family.
    Sue

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue:

      So glad to know your Mom has gotten through the surgery and has a good report. Wishing you and her all the best. God Bless. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue, thanks for this update. It is good to hear only a couple lymph nodes were affected. Best wishes and prayers for your mom as she recovers from the surgery and goes on to radiation. Hugz.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,

      Glad your Mom’s surgery went well.
      Will pray for the upcoming radiation treatment phase.
      May she kick cancer’s A_ _ !

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,

      Very happy that your mom is doing well and will be going on to the next phase of treatment. I will keep her in my prayers.
      Hugs,
      Maryp

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue FL, I am so happy to know cancer has not spread to other lympth nodes!! I guess it is not quite celebration time for sure, but now both you, family and your mom can have a real positive outlook!!! Prayers for her going through all the treatment. Perhaps your cat may surprise her but after a while she would get to like this furry animal; of course if she is not allergic to cats! Will continue to think & pray for all of you and keep us posted. Sally B

    • / Reply

      Very good news about the results of the mapping Sue (and also that the surgery is over and done with). Sending good wishes to both of you.
      Sandy

    • / Reply

      Dear Sue,
      Glad to hear good news about your mother.
      Sending you all the very best wishes and prayers for healing and smooth recovery for your dear mother. Hugs

    • / Reply

      Sue,
      That sounds exactly what my girlfriend went through and she is 6 years out and cancer free……yippee. They have learned so much about different treatments now so I’m sure she will do just great. Hang in there kiddo. Sending prayers and hugs

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