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May 17, 2022

Zilkha

Happy Birthday Zilkha!

Zilkha at Santa Anita Park. Photo by John Shirreffs.

Today is Zilkha’s “official” birthday and she is beginning her new year in John Shirreffs’s barn as she moves from the Mayberry’s farm into the next phase of her life. Welcomed and already adored by John, Mario and Carmen who were also her Mama’s trainer, groom and hot walker.  In John’s words “She is a perfect height, well proportioned and extremely athletic” May all the stars align for her and that she enjoys many celebrations!!!

Zilkha at Santa Anita Park. Photo by John Shirreffs.
Zilkha at Santa Anita Park. Photo by John Shirreffs.
Zilkha at Santa Anita Park. Photo by John Shirreffs.
Zilkha at Santa Anita Park. Video by John Shirreffs.
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Reader Interactions

381 Comments

  1. Kathy

    May 22, 2022 at 12:35 pm

    / Reply

    Belated congratulations to Early Voting on his surprise win! Just goes to show that we may “think” we know how things will go, buy hey…it’s a horse race! I pray all the horses who participated a re feeling fine today.

    Hugs,
    Kathy

  2. Kathy

    May 22, 2022 at 12:36 pm

    / Reply

    Belated congratulations to Early Voting on his surprise win! Just goes to show that we may “think” we know how things will go, buy hey…it’s a horse race! I pray all the horses who participated are feeling fine today.

    Hugs,
    Kathy

  3. Barbara Brayton

    May 22, 2022 at 1:58 pm

    / Reply

    Yey! Tap the Gavel broke his maiden. Congratulations Tappy!

    • judy berube

      May 22, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Barbara:

      Congrats to Tap and to you and all the Partners. Well done Good Boy.

      Love and Hugs, JB

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 22, 2022 at 9:25 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Barbara and Sandy,
      Big Congrats to Tap the Gavel, Paco Lopez and all connections on their win in Race 3 at Monmouth today!!
      Here is a link to the replay:
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8jN2e1QzB8

      Hope you can see this!
      Hugs and Love

      • judy berube

        May 23, 2022 at 11:43 am

        / Reply

        Dear Barbara, Sandy, Marshall, Ann and Z Fans:

        Wow, impressive win by Tap and nice ride by Paco L. too.

        Thanks for posting the replay Marshall. Love and Hugs, JB

    • Ann NC

      May 23, 2022 at 5:40 am

      / Reply

      Great news!
      Congrats! Yeah, Tappy.
      He was waiting for the salty air.
      Thanks for the replay, Marshall.

  4. judy berube

    May 22, 2022 at 4:10 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL and DC:

    Goodnight and Happy Dreams. Love all of you so much. Hugs, JB❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  5. judy berube

    May 23, 2022 at 11:45 am

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL and DC:

    Hope you’re all having a wonderful day. Love and Hugs, JB

  6. judy berube

    May 23, 2022 at 1:59 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Nice article from BloodHorse on Chad Brown and what’s next for Early Voting and his other 3 year old stars, with comments from him on his mentor, the great Bobby Frankel.

    Love and Hugs, JB

    https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/259014/brown-casts-vote-against-belmont-stakes

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 23, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      Thanks for this link. Chad is a very nice guy with excellent abilities and a good bit of humility thrown in. He knows his horses. Great article!
      Hugs and Love 🥰

      • judy berube

        May 23, 2022 at 9:31 pm

        / Reply

        Dear Marshall:

        CB learned from the best and it shows. Love and Hugs, JB

  7. judy berube

    May 23, 2022 at 3:01 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Nice article on Rich Strike’s exercise rider, Gabriel Lagunes, who is also a jockey, with insightful comments on his faith in Richie. Some beautiful photos too. Love and Hugs, JB

    https://paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/saint-gabriel-rich-strikes-exercise-rider-known-for-so-much-more-than-his-skill-with-horses/

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 23, 2022 at 4:06 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      What an outstanding young man!! Thank you for this article on Rich Strike’s exercise rider, Gabriel Lagunes. He certainly does have a heart of gold, as Mr. Drury observed in the article. I really enjoyed this, JB!!
      This old world would be a much better, much happier, much healthier place if more were like Gabriel Lagunes. Best Wishes to him in all he does!
      Love that he understands Rich Strike, and horses in general. 🏇 💕
      Hugs and Love ❤️

      • judy berube

        May 23, 2022 at 9:29 pm

        / Reply

        Dear Marshall;

        He’s quite a caring guy. God Bless him.

        Love and Hugs, JB

  8. Barbara Brayton

    May 23, 2022 at 4:22 pm

    / Reply

    Thanks for the replay, Marshall. I was unable to pull it up on the e mail I received.

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 25, 2022 at 7:36 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Barbara,
      You are most welcome! That was a great race. Congrats❣️
      Hugs and Cheers 🏇

  9. judy berube

    May 24, 2022 at 12:54 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Interesting and insightful article from Paulic Report on Early Voting and on the importance of trainers getting to know their individual horses’ styles and temperaments. John must be doing that right now with Zilkha!

    Love and Hugs, JB

    https://paulickreport.com/news/triple-crown/preakness-winner-early-voting-was-a-late-bloomer-in-early-training-for-brennan-team/

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 24, 2022 at 5:58 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      Thanks for another informative and very interesting article!
      Love that these guys take the time to “learn” their charges.
      Hugs and Love ❤️

  10. judy berube

    May 24, 2022 at 12:57 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL ZIL and DC:

    Have a peaceful night and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, HB🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

  11. Ingrid Arnone

    May 24, 2022 at 2:55 pm

    / Reply

    Hi to all Z fans, I miss you all, big hugs Ingrid❤

    • judy berube

      May 24, 2022 at 4:28 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Ingrid:

      Love and Hugs to you, JB

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 24, 2022 at 5:43 pm

      / Reply

      Ahhh, Ingrid!!!

      So great to see a post from you. Hope all is well in your world!
      Thanks so much for checking in with us.
      Hugs and Love 🥰

    • Kathy

      May 24, 2022 at 5:56 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Ingrid,

      Hi! I remember you! So nice to hear from you!

      Hugs, Kathy

  12. judy berube

    May 24, 2022 at 6:47 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    This gorgeous Bernie baby sold for $3.55M. His mama, G Note, is by Medaglia d’Oro.

    Have to check if he’s been named yet. Love and Hugs, JB

    https://paulickreport.com/news/bloodstock/records-fall-bernardini-colt-stars-at-fasig-tipton-midlantic-2-year-olds-in-training-sale/

    Here’s a close up photo of him; GORGEOUS! He looks like his beautiful Daddy.

    https://share.icloud.com/photos/06b6yp6ORudnRD91rbm_qFfxw

    Love and Hugs, JB

    • Kathy

      May 25, 2022 at 1:07 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      That’s a HEFTY price! He sure is a beautiful horse.

      Hugs,
      Kathy

      • judy berube

        May 25, 2022 at 6:35 pm

        / Reply

        Dear Kathy:

        Wishing him a long, healthy and successful life. Catchy name too. Love and Hugs, JB

        • Kathy

          May 26, 2022 at 6:56 am

          Dear Judy,

          YES! LOVE his name!

          Hugs, Kathy

  13. judy berube

    May 24, 2022 at 6:51 pm

    / Reply

    PS: Just found his Equibase chart. His name is Berning Remarks.

    https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse&refno=10787079&registry=T

    Love and Hugs, JB

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 25, 2022 at 7:44 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      Thanks for the links! BR is quite the handsome fellow.
      Best of luck and life to him!
      Hugs and Love ❤️

      • judy berube

        May 27, 2022 at 6:19 pm

        / Reply

        Dear Marshall:

        Love and Hugs, JB

  14. judy berube

    May 25, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL and DC:

    Happy Dreams. Goodnight. Hugs, JB

  15. judy berube

    May 26, 2022 at 9:38 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL and DC:

    Love and Hugs, JB💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

  16. judy berube

    May 26, 2022 at 9:47 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    This is an incredible story I just found in BloodHorse. Love and Hugs, JB

    https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/259101/stakes-winning-kept-true-living-happily-in-retirement

    • judy berube

      May 26, 2022 at 10:01 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Z Fans:

      Another article on Kept True.

      https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/259056/suit-alleges-stakes-winning-broodmare-prospect-is-male

      Love and Hugs, JB

      • shirlee c cook

        May 27, 2022 at 8:52 am

        / Reply

        What a story. I have never heard of this before. Sounds like he/she is being well cared for. Guess it is a new career in store for her.

        • judy berube

          May 27, 2022 at 6:04 pm

          Dear Shirlee:

          I have never read anything like this before either. As with humans, things can happen in in vitro development in animals too. Glad this Beauty is being well cared for.

          Love and Hugs, JB

      • Marshall (NC Broad)

        May 28, 2022 at 2:01 pm

        / Reply

        Dear Judy,
        This is indeed bizarre. There are lots of strange developments in biology — this almost sounds like some type of genetic chimerism. This doesn’t say anything about any other female organs — she obviously has female plumbing, right? Perhaps there was a male twin embryo that merged with a female embryo but didn’t develop the full set of organs. I think I still consider her female though — just sterile for breeding purposes. Wonder is there a uterus.
        Her name is ironic, but not her fault. Guess the veterinarians will have to perform more thorough testing in future.
        Very interesting. Thanks for posting, JB!
        Hugs and Love

        • judy berube

          May 28, 2022 at 7:08 pm

          Dear Marshall:

          Article just said she has no ovaries; no more details. But that would leave her unable to conceive. So glad to know she’s being cared for. She could easily have become one of the sad statistics.

          Love and Hugs, JB

        • Marshall (NC Broad)

          May 28, 2022 at 7:25 pm

          Dear Judy,
          Yes, I understand that there are no ovaries, but apparently her urinary tract is like a female. It is very puzzling — I am certainly ignorant of these things.
          I hope she will be someone’s beloved horse for the rest of her life. She deserves that.
          Hugs and Love ❤️

        • judy berube

          May 29, 2022 at 3:49 pm

          Dear Marshall:

          Yes, I hope she has a long, happy life in a caring home. Love and Hugs, JB

  17. judy berube

    May 26, 2022 at 10:04 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Nice video from Blood Horse on the family of Early Voting. Love and Hugs, JB

    https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/videos/259053/meet-the-family-of-preakness-winner-early-voting

  18. Sandy (Northeast Ohio)

    May 27, 2022 at 8:21 am

    / Reply

    Happy Friday everyone! Despite the sounds of the title, our boy Hovey had a pretty nice week and only one minor skirmish with the Mothership!
    https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hovis-friday-diary-mothers-growl-would-have-frozen-the-blood-of-the-grouchiest-of-grizzly-bears-789792
    Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend. My “other horse,” Frosted Oats is running at Belmont today (MSW race 3). This will be her first race after a long lay off to recover from surgery. She looks as good as anybody else in the field so 🤞🤞🤞🙏🏻
    Thinking of all of the soldiers and animals lost in war, Judy’s Russ, and all of our other veterans

    • shirlee c cook

      May 27, 2022 at 8:59 am

      / Reply

      Sandy,
      I really need Hovis today. It has been raining for 3 straight days in Indy. Poor mother. The pictures of her he puts in our minds!
      Godspeed to Frosted Oats. I remember you telling us about her last year. Thinking of my 2 uncles who came back from WWII with PTSD and no one knew what it was. Neither had very happy lives. Thank goodness we now at least know about PTSD and don’t just tell them to “get a grip” and be good.

    • judy berube

      May 27, 2022 at 6:14 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Sandy:

      Thanks for our Friday Hovis update.
      Thanks also for remembering my Russ.
      I echo your remembrance of all lost in the wars, human and animal.

      Congrats to your Frosted Oats. She ran a gallant second today, especially after a long lay off. She should be a force to be reckoned with next time. Godspeed. Love and Hugs, JB

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 28, 2022 at 7:14 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Sandy,
      Thanks for our Hovis “infusion”! My, my what a handsome photo of our hero. Whatever would we do without the Hovis-humor?
      Glad Aunty Emily is so understanding and forgave the big boy.
      Hugs and Love

  19. judy berube

    May 27, 2022 at 6:16 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL and DC:

    Stay comfy and cool and Happy Dreams. Love You. Hugs, JB🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

  20. Marshall (NC Broad)

    May 28, 2022 at 7:07 pm

    / Reply

    Memorial Day 2022
    May we always be grateful and never ever forget those who fought for us and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for freedom and safety.
    🇺🇸 🌺 🇺🇸 🌺 🇺🇸
    “In Flanders Fields the poppies grow . . . ”
    Have a safe peaceful weekend my friends and remember.
    Hugs and Love 💕

  21. judy berube

    May 28, 2022 at 7:10 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL and DC:

    Happy Dreams. Goodnight. Love and Hugs, JB🏇🏻🏇🏻🏇🏻🏇🏻🏇🏻🏇🏻

  22. Lindal

    May 29, 2022 at 1:38 pm

    / Reply

    Songbird’s 2020 filly now has a name, Magical Song.

    • Kathy

      May 29, 2022 at 3:46 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Lindal,

      Fabulous name!

      • judy berube

        May 29, 2022 at 3:47 pm

        / Reply

        Dear Lindal and Kathy:

        Love the name. Beautiful. Love and Hugs, JB

  23. Especially Horses

    May 29, 2022 at 2:33 pm

    / Reply

    Could Zilkha Be the One? Zenyatta’s Youngest Daughter Shows Promise at Shirreffs Barn
    https://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/could-zilkha-be-the-one-zenyattas-youngest-daughter-shows-promise-at-shirreffs-barn/

    • judy berube

      May 29, 2022 at 3:47 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Especially Horses:

      I started from the bottom up and didn’t see your post. We were on the same wavelength. Love and Hugs, JB

    • Kathy

      May 29, 2022 at 3:48 pm

      / Reply

      Wonderful article! She certainly has TONS of promise!

  24. judy berube

    May 29, 2022 at 3:46 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Ann, Marshall, Sandy, Kathy, Shirlee and Z Fans:

    Aunie Judy sent me this today and in case you all haven’t seen it, I’m posting it here. Wonderful video of John and Zilkha. Love and Hugs, JB

    https://vimeo.com/714167709

    • Kathy

      May 29, 2022 at 3:50 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Judy,

      Wonderful, indeed! We are all breathless with anticipation!

      Hugs,
      Kathy

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 29, 2022 at 8:58 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      Thanks a million — great to see JS with Zilkha! Hope she does well.
      I think Ziconic did place at least once and maybe a third. Maybe he was too much of a handful. I’ll always have a soft spot for Little Red and for Zellda, too. Who am I kidding — I love all of Z’s offspring!
      Hugs and Love 💕

      • Marshall (NC Broad)

        May 29, 2022 at 9:09 pm

        / Reply

        Correction:
        Ziconic had 4 third place finishes, 2 seconds, 2 fourths and a fifth.
        —
        Hugs and Love

    • Ann NC

      May 29, 2022 at 10:16 pm

      / Reply

      Thanks, JB.
      Looks like those two are hitting it off with each other.
      Too cute.
      You can see her thinking!

      • judy berube

        May 29, 2022 at 10:21 pm

        / Reply

        Dear Kathy, Marshall and Ann:

        Godspeed gorgeous Zilkha. Love and Hugs, JB

  25. judy berube

    May 29, 2022 at 3:50 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL and DC:

    Have a restful night and Happy Dreams. Love and Hugs, JB

  26. judy berube

    May 29, 2022 at 10:01 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    British legend, Jockey Lester
    Piggott, has passed away at 86. RIP.

    https://paulickreport.com/news/people/he-was-a-legend-british-champion-jockey-lester-piggott-86-passes/

    Love and Hugs, JB

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 30, 2022 at 1:24 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      Thanks for posting this news and the article. Mr. Piggott was definitely legendary. Brilliant jockey and quite a character. RIP Lester Piggott.
      ——
      Hugs and Love

  27. Lindal

    May 30, 2022 at 1:01 pm

    / Reply

    Queen Z fans, was Zilkha the one born in the pasture; early in the AM?

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 30, 2022 at 2:17 pm

      / Reply

      Zilkha was born early AM (5:40AM, EDT) and weighed 148lbs. I don’t know about the pasture setting — rather think the birth was in a stall since they keep close watch over the mares. Z and Zilkha(then 20Z) were out enjoying the paddock later that day.
      You can look at the Categories List in the right margin at the top of this page and click on “Zilkha” to return to the article announcing her birth and photos — have to click again on the title to see the full story.

      Hope this helps!

    • Z13Rulz

      May 31, 2022 at 11:47 am

      / Reply

      Yes. She was a pasture birth.

  28. Donna Heim

    May 30, 2022 at 7:38 pm

    / Reply

    Zilka is just beautiful and full of vinegar! With that determination she seems destined for something exciting. She doesn’t want to take no for an answer when it comes to the carrot in John’s back pocket. What a love!

    • Ann NC

      May 31, 2022 at 2:22 pm

      / Reply

      When it comes to potato chips, fries and horses, a dash of vinegar works just fine!
      Love her!

      • judy berube

        May 31, 2022 at 2:48 pm

        / Reply

        Dear Donna and Ann:

        Love both of your posts. Too cute! Love and Hugs, JB

      • Marshall (NC Broad)

        May 31, 2022 at 7:06 pm

        / Reply

        Neighbor,
        Love it❣️ Too much sugar is not good for you, they say. 🥰

        Hugs with a dash of vinegar! 🤪

  29. judy berube

    May 31, 2022 at 2:49 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z, COZ, ZI, ZEL, ZIL and DC:

    Hope you’re having a wonderful day today. Love You. Hugs, JB

  30. judy berube

    May 31, 2022 at 4:31 pm

    / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Mrs Ramsey, owner of one of my favorite Turf Sires, Kitten’s Joy, has passed away. KJ was named for her nickname Kitten. She and her husband have bred and owned some wonderful horses over the years. RIP. Love and Hugs, JB

    https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/259175/owner-breeder-sarah-ramsey-dies-at-83

    • Marshall (NC Broad)

      May 31, 2022 at 7:10 pm

      / Reply

      Dear Judy,
      I saw that sad news this afternoon. Thanks for posting the article.
      They made a remarkable couple and an amazing life together.
      RIP Mrs. Sarah Ramsey, thanks for the wonderful racing memories.
      Hugs and Love, MP

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