Happy Friday!
We are proud to announce that, as of today, Zenyatta is confirmed thirty-seven days in foal.
She was bred earlier this year to the Claiborne Farm stallion War Front. Zenyatta was examined by Dr. Holder this week, and checks out to be happily in foal and in excellent health!
Wishing sunny weather and a happy Father’s Day everyone this weekend!
-Team Z
Kelli
There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a broodmare! Zenyatta is dearly loved, and has wonderful care and obviously loves her new life. And deserves it too. She is giving the world her legacy.
candi carter
ohh Zenny just be healthy, take care yourself. Love ya!!!.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
Nice article about the nearly-extinct prehistoric-looking horse race: “Przewalski’s horses roaming China’s plains again”, as China is working to build up their wild population.
http://www.france24.com/en/20130614-przewalskis-horses-roaming-chinas-plains-again
Ann NC
Thank you,Vicki B. Great article. They are beautiful.
Also, I appreciate your posting the race of P&J. He had a great race and was so very proud.
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
You’re welcome for them both, Ann NC. I don’t get to roam online as much as I’d like, just not enough time, but some of these I pick up from postings on FB by Karen G. and others. Nice that P&J is connected to War Front, now that WF is on our radar, too.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki B.:
Thanks. Very interesting article. Hope these beauties can survive. Hugs, JB
Casey
Congratulations to our Queen and War Front! Looking forward to 14Z. Thank you Team Z for always keeping us informed about our favorite girl and her babies!
Donna
Truenicks.
War Front X Zenyatta is A++.
Nijinsky my all time favorite is in his pedigree and Roberto in Z’s must be good.
old gray mare
If my calculations are correct she will have a St. Patrick’s Day foal. Won’t that open up a selection of name choices!
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Actually her calculated foaling date will likely be 4/14/14! Should be easy to remember. She had Coz within 1 day of the average gestation period, which is 340 days from her breed date, and as usual, Zenny does everything perfectly, on time and always does what is expected! Calculating back to her breed date (37 days from yesterday, Friday, 6-14-13), then adding 340 days from that date, you come up with April 14, 2014. Of course, in estimating these things, Mother Nature will have the final say, so it could be within a few days either side of the “average” date. It seems like time has flown since she went to Lane’s End. Cannot believe we now have two of her foals and another one on the way. What is so special about all of this is Zenny seems so happy and content, and she is absolutely the most natural and loving mother any young foal could hope for.
SusanL
Ann Maree and Old Gray Mare
http://duncity.net/horses/foalingcalc.htm
Using this foal calculator her breeding date was May 9, 2013
and her due date is April 16, 2014.
pam homeier
OMG!!! My birthday! So excited!
Roberta
I agree whole heartily with Ann Maree! At first I was worried too, but by learning more about broodmares, seeing how much she loves it (she looks so lonely without a foal by her side, and when she has one beside her, she just glows), and last of all, the Mosses love her so much, and have always protected her; all of this has changed my mind. As I tried to express earlier, but not as well as Ann Maree, I feel she is not through making her mark on the horse racing industry and history; while she was racing, she brought people to the races like in years past; now she is producing well put together individuals, infusing them with her personality, and even training them to run (any doubt of that, see the video of our little red prince keeping up with his mom, look at his muscles). She is not done, or just another broodmare; she is Zenyatta, and she is not through with history. Remember in her races, and sometimes we said, “She can’t possibly make it this time”, and she did? For those that think she has been reduced to just a broodmare, watch what she can do!!!!
I want to congratulate Paynter and his wonderful owners, and trainer. I was in my livingroom, screaming at the TV, and praying all at the same time; willing him to win. I was so afraid when the other horse was putting pressure on him; I kept yelling for him to get back; I was afraid that if Paynter had no time to rest, it would be too much for him. What a brave wonderful horse. That’s a horse I’d like to see Zenyatta bred to when he goes to stud; can you imagine the gutsy offspring they would produce. What a wonderful horse!!!!
Barbara Wood (Texas)
Roberta, you are so right. We must trust the Mosses. They have done everything perfectly so far, just like Z. herself. Hugs.
♥ Auntie Judy aka JAG - So Calif ♥
Amen!!
shirleeinindy
The miracle of Paynter just keeps going. Thank goodness for owners like the Zayats. Many would not have spent the time and money it took to heal him. They will always have a special place in my heart-Paynter and Mr. Zayat.
Keta
Brian Zipse (Zipse at the track)
Paynter’s performance yesterday earned a big 114 Beyer.
Keta Note: Incredible!!
Ann NC
Keta, it sure is.
It’s all yours big guy! You earned it!
Ann Maree / Tennessee
That is super, Keta! I felt like it would be a good number, but that is just terrific!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Wow, welcome back beautiful boy. Hugs, JB
Marshall (NC broad)
Well said, Shirlee, and Amen!
The Zayats are very special horse people, indeed.
Oh my, a 114 Beyer, too! Paynter, you are incredible!!
Cheers and hugs
shirleeinindy
Happy Birthday to the beautiful Mucho Macho Man. Even if he didn’t win yesterday he did well after that long layoff and against the two who finished in front of him. His story and Kathy’s are an inspiration to all who face illness and adversity. Just think what she does for people who have to undergo organ transplants especially hearts.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
Well said, Shirlee! Happy birthday, MMM, and here’s to you and your trainer Kathy Ritvo! High hoof!
Marshall (NC broad)
Ditto that, Trina!!
Happy Birthday MMM!
Hugs
zfansandy
I am thrilled for Zenny and I know she’ll be so proud to have another babe. Yes, a foal every year is how the animal world works. It ‘completes’ them. And I’m just as excited as I was for her foal #1.
I BET THIS UPCOMING FOAL WILL BE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ONE OF ALL and will prob look just like her and Coz–my little love. War Front is a handsome horse and I’m glad not white or gray. Just sayin’.
Speaking of Coz, where are you little guy????? Oh, nevermind, I know you’re busy playing jolly ball.
sheena.davies(wales)
dear keta so happy to hear of paynter’s winning comeback!!!hugs sheena
Keta
sheena
Today- really good news from his trainer
Bob Baffert tweet on Sat. June 15
Paynter came out of race a very happy horse today
Hugs, Keta.
shirleeinindy
Thanks you Keta.
Trisha Veazey
Best wished for a healthy and safe pregnancy for our girl . Zenyatta we love you so much and wish you only the best that life has to offer. You and your foals will go down in the history books.
Love hugs and kisses
olim
When will Zenyatta be sent to the only one worthy of her…Galileo
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Yes! That’s great hope I can see him win. thanks hugs
Sue Fredrick Happy as a lark
Olim,
Maybe you should look at the pedigrees of Bernardini, and Tapit again. There are a few outstanding horses there whose blood now runs in her first two babies.
SusanL
It would be great if Lanes End had Galileo or Sea the Stars (JS choice for
a mate for Zenny in 2009) shuttle to KY for a season to bred with
her a so many of our other worthy ladies !!!
patricia in far northern California
Galileo is owned by Coolmore so IF he were to come to the US (highly unlikely) he’d be at Ashford Stud, home also of Giants Causeway and a battery of nice stallions. I seem to recall Sea the Stars is at the Irish National Stud so he’s also highly unlikely to come to the US.
Rags to Riches now lives in Ireland as I understand…
As I see it the ONLY way or Z would go to Frankel or STS or Galileo would be if she had no foal at side, in other words was open for that year. But realistically, there are so many wonderful stallions here in the US, she doesn’t need to go over there, much as I’d LOVE to see her have foals by any of them.
Another thought is that the Mosses and Team Z can pretty well choose any stallion they want for Z — being Z they would all love to see her in their breeding sheds. But Team Z most likely has a goodly list of potential mates for her, with arrangements made well in advance. Team Z does not do anything haphazardly. They are very thoughtful in their choices and we should all sit back and applaud them.
ANIMAL KINGDOM Tuesday morning US time— everyone watch if you possibly can!!
Eileen
Wonderful news. She is a great mother and produces wonderful foals.
vicki
Oh, what happy news when I turned on the computer and there was the confirmation we were all waiting to hear. Our beloved Zenyatta will present the racing world with another grand thoroughbred! Our hopes and prayers go out to her! And if that wasn’t enough happiness for one weekend there was Paynter!!! I held my breath and peeked through my fingers. As he pulled away I began to scream and my cats hid under the kitchen table and my two dogs ran for the door. Forever, POWER UP PAYNTER.
Karla
Can someone with perspective please comment on the cross of War Front to Zenyatta? I have never heard of him – what are his credentials for crossing with a superstar mare? What races has he won? How many G1’s? Please, someone with knowledge respond in a respectful manner about why Z was bred to War Front when there are so many other incredible stallions available.
Thanks – greatly appreciated.
Ann NC
Thanks to, Especially Horses for these great links.
The first link gives all his credentials.
Enjoy.
https://staging.zenyatta.com/news/zenyatta-in-foal-to-war-front/comment-page-4#comment-247184
Keta
Karla,
Claiborne Farm has a web site with a section devoted to War Front.
The link below goes to the War Front “Stallion Home Page”
On this page in the left hand column, you can look at other pages about War Front:
Pedigree/Race Record, Stallion Register, Statistics, News,
Progeny Reports, Video Clips, Hyponating/E-Nicks
So, lots of good information
http://www.claibornefarm.com/stallions/war-front.shtml
My thoughts on War Front as a choice This was based not so much on his wins/earnings but on his pedigree and offspring. He has been a successful
sire.
David Ingordo is a Bloodstock agent. And, it would not surprise me if
Ann & Jerry Moss consulted him in this decision along with Dottie.
Hope this helps
Keta
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Karla, I’m no expert, but I know others who are. Here is a link to Brian Zipse’s analysis of the progeny from Zenyatta and War Front. http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/pedigree_power/Zenyatta_in_Foal_to_War_Front_What_Can_We_Expect_123
Also, I’m including a link to look at the pedigree of what a Z14 foal with War Front looks like: https://www.box.com/s/ahd4s085gxgj0lorrom5
It’s not always the case that a sire or even a sire of sires was successful himself. Same goes for broodmares. Danzig, War Front’s sire, is the leading sire by stakes wins in N. American history. Sire of 200 Stakes winners, including four Breeders’ Cup winners. Pensioned July 2004, and died Jan 2006. However, he himself didn’t get a chance at much of a career: Winnings: 3 Starts: 3 – 0 – 0, $32,400 Danzig retired undefeated with knee problems after three wins.
Foaled Feb 12, 1977.
Buried at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky, where he had stood his entire career.
Hope this helps.
Sandy (Northeast Ohio)
Interesting articles – thanks Ann Maree.
AmandaF
Mr Besilu drew in so he will be making his debut today!!!!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z Fans:
Mikey’s riding Mr. Besilu in the 4th race at Churchill Downs tonight. They are racing under the lights and the 4th goes off at 7:26 PM. Good luck Mr. B and Mikey. Hugs, JB
Brenda S. Fort Erie, Canada
Just in case it hasn’t been mentioned yet, Danzig is the sire of that outstanding Canadian Triple Crown winner and Hall of Fame mare Dance Smartly. I saw her win the Queen’s Plate in 1991 and had the pleasure of meeting Danzig when visiting Claiborne. He still influences my betting selections at the track.
It’s very early days yet but I’m already crossing hooves for a 14Z filly.
shirleeinindy
I believe that Danzig shows up in the pedigrees of some of the outstanding European horses.
shirleeinindy
Also, Danzig is in the pedigree of Frankel’s dam. Can’t beat him for a distant cousin of little Z14.
Ann Maree / Tennessee
Brenda, have you read Abigail Anderson’s article about Dance Smartly? DS is one of Abigail’s all time favorites. In case you may not have read it, here is a link: http://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2012/12/29/beloved-dance-smartly/
Enjoy!
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Ann Maree:
Thanks for this link on Dancing Smartly. Hugs, JB
Max
Ann Maree. A great link and a wonderful story. The photos of Daisy in the snow are excellent. Abigail always adds such good photos and videos. Her writing is deep and inspiring about these magical creatures.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Brenda:
Danzig was an outstanding horse. Ran only three times winning all three races. Retired due to knee problems. Quite a legacy as a sire. Hoping for a little girl this time too. Best to Vic. Love and Hugs, JB
Max
JudyB. As you know, Danzig was an intense horse along the lines of Big D. Any bird unlucky enough to land in his stall was usually a goner. Wonderful horse. His son Danehill was also a notable sire, but died too young from a terrible accident. They live on however in the sons and daughters of Kind and others. Looking forward to 14Z, who will inherit that Danzig legacy too.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Max:
Yes, attitude like Big D. Both of them very successful sires. So sad Danehill gone too soon. Here is an excerpt from WIki about the accident. Hugs,JB
On 13 May 2003, Danehill died in a paddock accident at Coolmore Stud. He was being hand-led in his paddock when he reared playfully and landed awkwardly, breaking a hip. Even with some of the world’s best veterinary practitioners on hand, it was decided there was no alternative but to put the horse down. Coolmore received £36 million from their insurance upon his death.
Max
JudyB. Yes, it was an awful accident. Danehill was a handsome horse, very refined looking. You can see him in Frankel, although I think that Frankel looks most like Nijinsky.
Trina Nagele in So Cal
With a nod to our Pati Szpyra, it may be of interest to note that “Danzig” is the German version of the Polish city Gdańsk, Poland’s principal seaport.
Max
Trina. Danzig’s owner was originally from Poland. He made his fortune in Canada. He also owned Calumet for a time.
Keta
2013 Breeders’ Cup contender: Paynter blitzes Hollywood allowance in return
VIDEO INCLUDES INTERVIEWS PRE-RACE & POST-RACE & CELEBRATION
Marc Doche Published on Jun 14, 2013
The nervous excitement ahead of Paynter’s miraculous return to the races turned into jubilant euphoria after the horse that was on the verge of death due to bouts with colitis and laminitis at the end of last year returned to dazzle on a Friday afternoon at Hollywood Park.
“It’s an amazing story. He went from 99-to-1 to survive to 1-to-9. I can’t believe we’re standing here in the winner’s circle with him,” trainer Bob Baffert said after the race while choking back tears.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtWVCoW0YaY
From story:
Majestic City ran second as the 7-to-1 third choice, 6 ¼-lengths in front of
8-to-1 fourth choice Fly Lexis Fly, who got his nose down in front of
4-to-1 second choice Kate’s Event.
AJ from CA
OMG – seeing this video brought tears knowing all Paynter and his connections have been through – truly remarkable victory. Hope they keep him on the west coast where he seems to be thriving. His story has to be made into a Hollywood movie for sure.
shirleeinindy
Keta, Thank you so much for posting the video. He looked wonderful and still full of energy after the race. What a good story.
Max
Keta. Superb find. Paynter proves all of the doubters and naysayers wrong in a very big way. He’s a special horse. He did it all on a hand ride too. Power up Paynter.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Keta:
Wonderful video. Thanks. Hugs, JB
Nancy Guthrie
Wow, I though she needed a break personally.. Hate to see the Queen a baby machine. She is too special for that !! We know Ann and Jerry love her . Just saying.
rachel
3 foals in 3 years is not being overbred
Keta
Mike Smith rides
June 15 – Churchill Downs
Mr. Besilu Wgt-123 Race 4 Maiden Special Weight
Royal Delta Wgt-125 Race 6 Fleur de Lis H.
Dewey Square Wgt-118 Race 7 Matt Winn S.
To My Valentine (FR) Wgt-116 Race 11 Allowance
June 16 – Monmouth Park
Katz My Song Wgt-121 Race 6 Claiming $40,000
Itsmyluckyday Wgt-123 Race 11 Pegasus S.
Amanda
More about War Front and the match up of he and Z. VERY good information.
http://www.horseracingnation.com/blogs/pedigree_power/Zenyatta_in_Foal_to_War_Front_What_Can_We_Expect_123
Melissa Decker
YAY!!! Can’t wait!!!! Also can’t wait for Coz to start training and little 13Z to be named! 14Z, i love you already! Queen Zennie, I’m soooo glad for you!
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
With Sir Henry Cecil’s recent death, a friend sent me two fine links.
Frankel’s 2000 Guinea’s win for the ages:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JX54s6b1Pk
And the BBC tribute article on Sir Henry:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/horse-racing/22856999
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Vicki B.:
Thank you for the links on Frankel and Sir Henry. Hugs, JB
Cynthia H.
♥ Belated birthday thanks! I would like to thank Sandy Wyper for alerting me that there were happy birthday wishes which had gone unacknowledged on the blog, because I didnt expect any to be there. Trina—you are SO BAD! However, you were a good bad, because you posted the link to your beautiful poem honoring Anne Frank, my heroine, which I requested last year. I have had the gift of so many more birthdays than she ever did, and deserved. For all of you who so kindly wished me well, THANK YOU. Pati, my birthday twin, I wish that it were only my 18th, too! I hope that your life will be the stuff of your dreams. And my one and only brithday wish was granted, when Barn 41 got its first-ever Belmont win on June 12th. Blessings. ♥
Trina Nagele in So Cal
So glad to see your post, Roberta! High hoof!
Trina Nagele in So Cal
OOPS, this comment is obviously misplaced! The comment to Roberta was meant to be further up!
HERE I want to say, thank you, Cynthia, for checking in and for your kind and beautiful words. How sweet that you got your birthday wish: John Shirreffs’s historic first win at Belmont! High hoof! Dear Cynthia, it is always delightful to hear from you–I hope you’ll post more often. Love and hugz in Dumplinghood, Trina
Peggy (N) South Georgia
Casey
I read your post on the other page. I have never seen Paynter in person either. But have fallen in love with him from following his career through media. You know I just wanted to say more so bad about this as I think it is so important. I heard it believe it was the spinners who sing “One Of A Kind Love Affair”, I think me and a lot of others have a one of a kind of love for the horse. I have been a horse and animal lover since I was about 5 or 6 years old. Have had horses and animals all my life.
I surely know horses love to run and they are trained to run. Trained for years. They learn the procedure and what is expected.
Have you heard the statement “Weigh It Up” I don’t have any children but sometimes I think of horses as children that need to be cared for and looked after. You can’t take away all accidents or tragedy’s that could happen. But, we as humans can “Weigh It Up” and maybe take away one bad element for a horse and put him in a better place.. Not free from all danger but just maybe a better place.
All the horses we’ve lost on race tracks and illneses just makes me want to care for them more. I remember Penny Chenery say she was Secretariat’s voice. I hope that I can always be a good voice for them and pushing for good health and long life for them. With Paynter’s near deathl last year I will be strongly lifting him up in prayer that he can withstand the race track and hopefull one day get to a better place.
And Yes Yes I do know that horses just like to run run on their own. But we can always if we’re fortunate enough to see it , take away bad elements from them.
Casey
Peggy, I respect your position, but you have to remember- a retired horse, especially one that still wants to run, can hurt themselves in the pasture just as easily as on the track. And a stallion’s life is a fairly solitary one…
AzariaC
Congrats Zenyatta and team! Wonderful news! Another precious baby from our Queen. I love War Front with Northern Dancer in his bloodlines (Canadian pride here!) :) While I know the foal will be gorgeous like both it’s parents and I don’t care what it is, I would love a filly so I’m thinking pink! Best wishes for a happy and healthy pregnancy Queen Z. Thanks Team Z and Lane’s End for always keeping us updated!
Love you always Zenyatta! <3
sheena.davies(wales)
dear Vicki B thanks so much for your links to sir henry cecil especially frankel in 2011 this is one horse I wished could have done the impossible just carrying on racing forever when I think of ascot coming up next week with no frankel or sir henry it’s just too sad maybe moosie will be up to his old tricks and cheer me up!! hugs sheena
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Hope Moosie makes you smile. Love and Hugs, JB
Vicki B. near Hollywood Park
You’re welcome, Sheena. I hope Moosie gives you a good turn, and I’d bet that Ascot will remember and honor Sir Henry well next week.
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Z, COZ, Prince 2 and Baby Z:
Goodnight. Sweet Dreams. Love Ya. Hugs, JB
sheena.davies(wales)
dear judy have a peaceful night sweet dreams God bless am sure moosie will bring a smile especially when he digs his hooves in!! love and hugs sheena
Max
Sheena. Know only too well how you feel about the loss of Henry Cecil. Having a rather tough time with it myself. He was such a presence at Ascot. Please however pray for Moosie to run there. Wouldn’t it be great if the Moose won at Ascot? That would bring a smile to your face?
judy berube from Rhode Island
Dear Sheena:
Hope Moosie does well. Love and Hugs, JB