Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Zenyatta News, Z Princess

Zenyatta’s Filly is Weaned

Z Princess and paddock mates lounge in the sun together. Photo by Alys Emson.
Z Princess and paddock mates lounge in the sun together. Photo by Alys Emson.

Happy Friday!

Zenyatta’s first filly was weaned last week. Everything went well, and they are both happily adjusting to independence. Z Princess, now in a new barn and paddock, is quite at home with her familiar group of foals. We’re excited to see this little one grow up!

Meanwhile, Zenyatta has been relaxing with her fellow mares and even hosting some special guests. A crew from NBC came to visit The Queen yesterday. We don’t want to give away any secrets, but we can share this cute shot of Zenyatta giving them some help!

Queen Z loves those cameras! Photo courtesy of Lane's End
Queen Z loves those cameras! Photo courtesy of Lane’s End


Enjoy!
-Team Z

Reader Interactions

557 Comments

  1. / Reply

    -a correcton from earlier post
    I just read that Cigar was retired to Kentucky Horse Park in /99 (was mistaken thinking that he came to them later in life) That is good news and know how they adored him.

    I am so sad to learn that Cigar suffered with severe compresson in his neck from osteoarthritis and that he was in so much pain. He has made the final turn for home and is running wild and free and young again.Much loved,forever missed.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG:

      Thank you so much for sharing this very poignant article by SH and his memories of Cigar. Love and Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Loved reading these details of a great champion. Fate decided that Cigar could never reproduce himself because he was one of a kind.

    • / Reply

      Dear Blue,
      Like always your links are the best, thank you for the up date.
      RIP! Great great champion! Our beloved Cigar.
      I will always love you!
      Ingrid.

    • / Reply

      Dear BGG,
      Thank you so much for posting this tribute to Cigar from Steve Haskin — absolutely beautiful. Cigar was truly magnificent in form and heart, as well as personality. An exceedingly intelligent horse, too. I am so sad about his passing.
      Rest in Peace, dear Cigar. You will be missed and never forgotten.
      Love and Hugs

  4. / Reply

    I am one of the fortunate ones to have seen Cigar this past March at the Kentucky Horse Park. He was a magnificent fellow, still full of attitude even while basking in the rays of sunlight shining upon him as he lay in his stall. A vision I will never forget.

    We have lost one of the “great” ones.

  5. / Reply

    On another….3 other notes….
    Margano is running tomorrow
    Pennmarydel is scheduled to debut next week…
    …
    And my boy Rivers is running saturday at Belterra….
    ….

    • / Reply

      Carol,
      So excited for Penn. He is a great big guy and his team have taken their time with him. Looks like a giant Barbaro. Godspeed to him.

      Also, good to hear news of Rivers. Safe trip to him too.

    • / Reply

      Max,
      Love it. So nice to have this on the blog after the sad news about Cigar.
      After the retirement of Muchie, I have been converted to a Dan worshiper!

      • / Reply

        shirlee. You fit right in with Dan. He tossed Uncle Johnny at the beginning of the Bernard Baruch, and it looked like he might had the same thing in store at the end of the Shadwell. Danny, you’re the most interesting horse in the world!

  8. / Reply

    Dear Max.You must be very sad about Cigar,I remember how you used to love watching him on his web-cam.Like Wise Dan I have a Cashmere coat I like to wear and I also enjoy tea!I expect we will hear where Australia will stand at stud after Champions day.Free Eagle has ousted him as favourite for the race.I’m hoping CDA can win it.Did I tell you I’d received my Hovis book?It’s soo funny as you’d expect!Poor Nissy lost his Auntie Blossom today,she was 17 and 1/2 had a good long life but the peeps are devastated they’d known her since she was born only Auntie Primrose left now.Anderson seemed to realize the right time to move in.It’s time the Moose was free!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. I am sad. I watched Cigar everyday for as long as his video cam was in operation. Carol and others, we used to post our sightings so that we could see if there were patterns to his appearances. It was like a game stalking him. You had to be quick because he was a real mover. He always kept us guessing. Will miss him like Big D.
      Glad that you got the book. I’m sure that Hovis will have some choice words about his outing. For all that we know, he might have enjoyed it. Some horses like riding in a van. Hickstead did and always performed better after a ride around.
      Don’t give up on Australia. If he’s retiring, he needs a win to attract mares. CDA just doesn’t care. If he loses, he comes back the next time. A true warrior.
      Sorry to hear about Blossom. Isn’t Primrose the real firecracker of the two?
      Let the Moose out of jail.

  9. / Reply

    I have read every article and watched every video on posts today remembering Cigar,thank you to all for sharing the life of this courageous,talented, big-hearted horse who made everyone’s life better and who will be remembered for all time.

    Dear Judy
    The TDN article and videos on Cigar gave me a wonderful picture of his life and the video from Ashton was so touching.It was lovely to spot him in the /96 National Horse Show link you shared-he looked amazing and Jerry couldn’t have been prouder.

    Dear BGG,I missed a post earlier. I am sorry to hear about the damage from tornados in your part of the country- thank goodness the people and horses at Claiborne farms are safe.Thank-you for keeping us informed and for all the posts on Cigar today,it was a tough day.I just finished the tribute by Steve Haskin you shared and the highlights mentioned by him captured some wonderful moments.” Garden Party” was a great send off to a champion and there was not a dry eye in the house. Cigar knew-and put on a great show as he cantered around “and the crowd went wild”. My favourite was “Back Home” where Cigar left the quarantine barn(after Dubai) and was so pumped to be home and to feel the cool air again. Although he would have preferred a field,once in his stall he rolled three times,grunted,squealed and charged and popped his head through the stall door sending people scattering. Misson accomplished,he dug deep and was happy to be home. Thank-you for sharing so much about this hero and champion.

    The race today with the offspring of Dynaformer was terrific.I smiled as I watched him come from last to first,what a move!! Reminded me of Zenyatta days.

  10. / Reply

    So very saddened by the passing of Cigar. So glad I got to see you and John Henry.
    Love you both forever. Be with the Good Lord now.

    • / Reply

      Dear Peggy:

      It’s wonderful that you got to see both of them up close. A memory to treasure. Love and Hugs, JB

  11. / Reply

    Dan’s little sister Enchanting Lisa won the night cap today at Keeneland. Reporters were all saying how the Dan Family loves Keeneland.

    Way to go Lisa. You looked wonderful.

    • / Reply

      Peggy. She sure did. Her grand daddy is Danzig. I’ll bet that she is a feisty filly. There’s another filly coming up. Think that the younger one has been staying at LoPresti’s farm. Last I heard he might have had some problems getting her to do any work. She liked running around the back pastures at the farm. Good life.

      • / Reply

        Max, she was just terrific today. Such a nice surprise to see her today. She sure looked like she was relishing that victory.

        Max, I just loved the way Mr Fink spoke up about the surface Dan would run on if he went to the Breeders Cup. I think he let us know. Loved his candor. I agree with him.

      • / Reply

        Peggy and Judy. Just read that LoPresti ran her on dirt for the first time in that race and she excelled. He got the idea from Jose Leszcano, who noticed at Saratoga this summer that Lisa did not like turf and should probably run shorter distances in the dirt mile. Rosie said that Lisa instantly knew what to do in her first trip out on the dirt. Bravo Jose. Dan seems to like Jose too.
        In other news, the king of the chestnuts was out practising at Keeneland today for his next appearance. Go Danny!

        • Dear Max:

          Isn’t it something how unique they can be as individuals. Very astute of Jose L. to suggest a dirt race for Lisa to Mr. Lopresti. Go Danny. Power Up all who are ill or injured. Beast, get well, Snake, train well. TT, love you forever. Street Cry, gone to soon. Love and Hugs, JB

  12. / Reply

    Amidst the swirling sadness of Cigar’s loss, and the anniversary of John Henry’s passing, I want to wish our dear Auntie Judy aka JAG a happy birthday today. Happier times are coming, GF. See you soon at the BC!

    • / Reply

      Dear Diana (diastu in tempe),
      Thank you for this reminder about JAG’s birthday.
      Hugs

      Dear JAG,
      HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you! Hope you have had a good day and will enjoy many more healthy, happy ones to come. John Henry has been reunited with his old friend, Cigar, and I am sure they are running joyously beyond The Bridge.
      Big Hugs and Best Wishes

    • / Reply

      I will attempt a comment (I’ve been told by adm that my postings were going to spam – trying to resolve). Anyway, thanks for the birthday wishes! Older and wiser LOL

      Bitter sweet day with the death of CIGAR the day before. However, I see things in a different light… JOHN HENRY and CIGAR are being cared for once again by Cathy Roby. Happy campers together for Eternity!

      John and Cigar are doing their smack talk once again… then racing each other in Heaven’s beautiful pastures. No more pain and suffering!

      XO Auntie Judy aka JAG

  14. / Reply

    Dear Judy.Hopefully Dubai is improving.Thanks for the link to Treve,I think I had put a post up about the choice of stallion last night.Very stormy over here tonight thunder,lightning and gales!Poor Nissy and peeps are sad.Goodnight God bless you LM PC HT Little Cap Hercules Frank Dubai Boo and all the Sweeties.SheenaX

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena:

      Yes, I saw your post after I emailed you the article on Treve. Love and Hugs, JB, LM, PC, HT, Cap, Herc, Frank, Dubai, Boo and all the Sweeties

      • / Reply

        Dear Sheena:

        Just read your post and the sad news about Auntie Blossom. RIP beautiful girl. Sad for Nissy, Auntie Primrose, Savvy and the Peeps. Love and Hugs, JB

  16. / Reply

    Dear Max.All Nissy’s Aunties were firecrackers Primrose,Blossom and Snowdrop.Vets were known to move surgery after treating them!Free the Moose.I haven’t lost faith in Australia only his jockey!!!Sheena.

    • / Reply

      Sheena. So true! Heard Brown Panther may be heading to Woodbine instead of Champions. Also read that Australua may switch races, depending on the ground. No Joshua Tree in Toronto this year so far.
      Free the Moose!

  18. / Reply

    Dear Giants Causeway

    Thank You so much for your baby boy. Night Prowler. I’m always praying for their safety
    Love this baby boy.

  21. / Reply

    Here is another wonderful tribute to Cigar – Barbara Livingston’s pictorial recollections. I don’t think it’s been posted yet (please forgive if I missed it). I’ve learned so much about Cigar today. I knew him only through the posts of the “Cigar stalkers” I wish I had gone to visit him at KHP. An incredible horse for sure. For those of you who knew and loved him, my sincere sympathy.

    http://www.drf.com/blogs/unconquerable-invincible-unbeatable-cigar

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy,
      The photos from one of the best champion ever the great Cigar!
      They are so beautiful, thank you for the link!
      RIP!
      Hugs Ingrid.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sandy:

      Thank you so much for posting this wonderful photo tribute to Cigar by the best, Barbara Livingston. Just wonderful. Love and Hugs, JB

  22. / Reply

    Dear Sandy
    Thank-you for the beautiful photo commemorative of Cigar by Barbara Livingston.As Max said,he is one of a kind.

    Dear JAG
    Hope you have had a Happy Birthday and your coming year is wonderful!

    Dear Max
    Loved #4 of he Wise Dan Ads,lifted my spirits today.
    Nice to see his little sis Enchanting Lisa win at Keeneland-sounds like a family tradition.

  23. / Reply

    Congratulations to Enchanting Lisa, Wise Dan’s little sister, who won race 9 today at Keeneland (Wednesday). She was ridden by Rosie Napravnik — good job, Rosie and Lisa!
    I am sure that WD gave her some big brother pointers, too.

    Goodnight All!

  24. / Reply

    Dear Max

    I apologise for my post regarding Australia: I’m afraid my quirky Aussie sense of humour has let me down again. Maybe Sheena can translate. I do know the details of Frankel’s name and ownership thanks to Skysportsradio. The racing industry is beginning to depress me. I attribute this to the circumstances surrounding ownership of my little girl, but I also think of the story of Sir, Ferdinand and Dubai. All discards when they’ve done nothing but give of their best. As far as the big studs are concerned I think William Tecumseh Sherman expressed it well with the remark “its glory is all moonshine”. I look into my little girl’s eyes and know she deserved more. And the good folk on this blog deserve more than an outsider with clumsy English expression taking up space. Goodbye KathyR

    • / Reply

      KathyR. Nothing to apologize for because it is a big name for a horse. Not certain how it connects to Ouiji or the dad. Know exactly what you mean about horses being seen as commodities. As to Tiny, be happy that she’s in a good place now. One day at a time.
      Freedom for the happy Moose.

    • / Reply

      KathyR – I have no idea what this is all about, but I am confident that NO ONE wants you (and your little girl) to leave the blog. Life is too short to get side tracked by misunderstandings of the semantic nature.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R:

      Would love to have an update on Tiny T and General, with photos. Love and Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    I am devastated. I arrived back home to learn of his passing. It’s taken half the day for me to attempt to compose myself and share this…
    My family and I were literally the last fans to see him. On Monday the 2nd, we (as always) went to Lexington for Keeneland opening and made a bee-line to see the one and only GREAT CIGAR as we do every October and April. When we arrived he was in his paddock grazing looking as regal as always, but clearly ( as was heartbreakingly, painfully obvious) the great one was aging and ailing.
    Within moments he went to his stall. We watched the last show of the day. After it was over, the kind gentlemen ask if we wanted him to open Cigar’s stall door. Naturally I said yes, he promptly turned his back to us. I ask if I could reach down and take some of his straw. The gentlemen then pulled several tail hairs from Cigar and handed them to me. I burst into tears and tried to assure him I’m not nuts. He took my straw and tail hairs, walked away a few moments and came back with it in a zip-lock bag where he wrote on the label “No Nuts.” He then closed the stall.
    Let me state that for a number of years twice a year I go straight to see Cigar and stop back by to tell him I’ll see him next year on our way back home. He always makes me wait hours before making eye contact, or acknowledging me. This past Monday for the first time ever he walked up to the front of his stall and stared at me for a full minute. He breathed all over my hands. ( I love to feel their breath).
    Two years ago they were bringing him out of his stall for the show. I was standing beside him and ask if I could touch him. They said yes, as I did he reared up, and for a brief moment I thought I would go meet the lord compliments of the amazing Cigar. Those of you who know me well have heard me tale this many times because I honestly thought what a great way to go……….
    As we watched them struggle to get him in the van to leave his home at the KHP forever he turned and gave me what for years he always made me wait for……the honor of having one of the GREATEST LIVING BEINGS ON EARTH……..look me in the eye.

    I will always remember him the way he looked on our visit in April 2013……before time and age started to take its toll….
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5H4jNKPlqE&index=19&list=UU-zp455aqQujf4T5kmwPLBQ
    Video of his last day at the KHP Monday Oct.2
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVMmIDg9Eec&list=UU-zp455aqQujf4T5kmwPLBQ

    • / Reply

      I wrote Monday and it was Thursday Oct 2. Go For Gin and Da Hoss were also out of the show…It hurts so bad to lose them and watch them grow old before your eyes.

    • / Reply

      Dear Ashton,
      Thank you so much for posting this account of your last visit with Cigar. Your words are so poignantly beautiful. He was a priceless treasure, and we will always remember him. I am glad that you had that last visit and that he gave you the special look. Bless Cigar and Bless you, too.
      Hugs

  26. / Reply

    PS- We somehow didn’t make it home with the battery to the good camera. As soon as I get a new battery, I’ll share the better quality photos and video. This one really, REALLY breaks my heart.His final gift to me, letting me see him one last time. RIP GREAT ONE. You have a piece of my heart no one can ever fill.
    This is a picture of the “No Nuts” bag with his tail hair and straw.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=576807009112622&set=a.124606204332707.19373.100003499857762&type=1&theater

  27. / Reply

    October 9 Cherokee Devotional

    Hope is our most constant companion. We hope the pattern of things will change for the better. Even in dire circumstances hope remains when all else seems to abandon us. But even then it is a thread strong enough to hold life together. Like a cork on a net, hope keeps us from sinking in our own fears. It helps us picture the way things ought to be so we can bring them about. We cannot say anything is hopeless when so much depends on our seeing beyond barriers. Hope is a part of our natural existence. With it the door is always open. Without it, even dreams tend to perish.

    Now I can eat well, sleep well, and be glad. I can go everywhere with good feeling.
    Geronimo

  28. / Reply

    Dear Ashton,

    The loss you feel is so great. You have some wonderful memories to hopefully comfort you in the future, however. You were blessed to get to visit him in person.

    Hugs, Kathy

  30. / Reply

    Dear Max&Kathy R.Sue Magnier always choses the names for the Coolmore horses.I have no idea why she picked Australia for a foal of Ouija Board but,as you said,it certainly gave us poms a chance to cheer on something Australian!!!Life is far too short and precious for disagreements.We all have our own opinions on this blog but the love of the horse keeps this international family together.Don’t leave us again!Love and hugs Sheena.

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