The Art of Zen

re: The Art of Zen

kentuckydeb55 — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 20:39:36 GMT

I remain...totally smitten! See you in November, Zenyatta!

re: The Art of Zen

TorianoMan — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:52:35 GMT

In my life I never thought I would see a horse who captured my imagination the way this horse has. I love Secretariat, still do but I was too young to appreciate him. This horse will go down in the annals of the sport as one of the greatest that ever lived, and to all the naysayers out there who complain that she hasn't done this or that I say appreciate perfection because you won't see it again in your lifetime. 18 in a row speaks for itself.

re: The Art of Zen

txhorsefan — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:55:44 GMT

It's been several days since I've checked this blog and now after catching up on all the comments - wow! David in Ark - how wonderful!!! That is just so thrilling to hear (read) about your trip to the AB. We made the trek from TX to AR, but wound up in the infield and could barely see any horses. Made it to the fence to catch glimpses of Zenyatta and that is truly all that mattered, so I'm still tickled that I was able to get as close as I did. If I had been able to have your experience, I'd probably still be somewhere floating over the town of Hot Springs - lol! Wow. I knew the Shirreffs and Mosses were incredible people, but as more of you detail your experiences with them, it makes me love Zenyatta even more, if that could be possible. Thank you all for sharing! Thank you, Steve, for getting this all going - you're the best!

re: The Art of Zen

Betsy — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:51:28 GMT

I've always been obsessed with the Triple Crown races from January-June, but this year I'm so much more interested in RA and Zenyatta. Maybe I've lost some hope of seeing a TC winner; these two are simply faster and more interesting than any 3yo colts in recent years. It's such a thrill to see those two racing still; despite RA's losses Jackson did a great thing in not retiring her (just as long as she's healthy and happy). Those two have done so much for racing, dare I say more than a TC winner could? Just the little things, like David in Ark.'s story, endears Zenyatta, at least, to the public. Her connections seem to have set the standard for how to act with a champion horse.

re: The Art of Zen

david in arkansas — Tue, 04 May 2010 12:46:37 GMT

Thanks for all the nice comments. Here is a follow up from this weekend at the Oaks & Derby.

Got to meet Jeff Richards who is a 1/8 owner of Mission Impazible, he stayed at the same hotel. We visited with his mom for hours on Thursday night. The Oaks was incredible to watch with the Fantasy winner from Oaklawn Blind Luck ran a great race. The La Troienne was very exciting but I hated to see Rachel go down for a second time. I think last years campaign has really taken a toll on her.

Derby Day was great as we were treated to a Chalet that's in the middle of the first turn. So we were dry. The worst part about it was John Calipari was in our same chalet. J/K. I told him to take it easy on my Razorbacks next year.

The highlight of the trip for me though was right before the La Troienne I went to the paddock and people were nice enough to let me get on the fence as I told them I just wanted to yell at John Shirreffs as he went by to saddle up Zardana. I knew he would be busy and focused but as he walked by I called him by name and yelled out hi! He responded with a thumbs up and once again called me by name saying hi back. Unbelievable!

The weekend was awesome but once again, I'm not sure if I could ever top the experience of the Apple Blossom.

If all goes well and Zen runs in the Breeder's Cup I think a return to Louisville is in order.

re: The Art of Zen

sweet terchi — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:24:40 GMT

Paula Higgins & Zookeeper, I agree with you. That is why Zen is the fantastic mare she is today, her well being has always been first and foremost in any decisions made.

re: The Art of Zen

markinsac — Sun, 02 May 2010 17:21:14 GMT

Last year at Hollywood Park, for the Milady Handicap, people started showing up with signs. On the way to the winners' circle, Mrs. Moss grabbed one of the sign carriers and dragged her into the circle with her. Zen's connections are wonderful people, unlike the villan who owns Rachel. Despite all the naysayers, Zen has been handled with care and because of that, she's still undefeated. Thank you Arkansas fans for showing up and supporting a legend. For you California fans, see you at Hollywood Park for the Vanity, this is soo much fun!

re: The Art of Zen

Bob Z — Sun, 02 May 2010 13:58:44 GMT

So now there is talk about Calvin being replaced as Rachels jockey?

Thats right ... the jockey must be the problem... this years Kentucky Derby winning jockey... its his fault...

Never mind that Rachel was forced into an accelerated training regimen that she wasn't used to because the owner got out negotiated and committed to the Apple Blossom...

Never mind that that she wasn't as fit as last year when she ran in the New Orleans Ladies...

This week according to the principles she was still only at 90%... which makes sense.. that last 10% is what gave her her breakaway acceleration last year...

So if you throw out the New Orleans Ladies because she clearly wasn't ready and look at the La Troienne ... she was only at 90% and just got nipped at the wire by a horse that ran a great race...

There were only 5 horses in the field.. and the talk is that Calvin went too wide on the first turn and that is what caused her to lose.. this wasn't the Derby with 20 horses in it... How far wide could she get on the first turn...?

The Stephen Foster is in 6 weeks... plenty of time to go back to training and try it again... 6 weeks should be enough time to get that last 10% of performance...

I saw that John Sheriffs was quoted last week that they would probably go to the Vanity... because "its tough flying over the Rocky Mountains" ... meaning cross country traveling with a horse is tough... understandably...

At Churchill this weed he was quoted as saying that no decision has been made as to where to run next... opening the door for Zenyatta to run in the Stephen Foster...

Team Z has said all along that they wanted to come East and run this year so her coming to the Stephen Foster stays within that plan...

Let's see how this plays out... Does Team Z keep things close to the vest and not commit to a race until we get closer...

What does Team Rachel do if Team Z comes out tomorrow and commits to going to the Foster?

What will they do if Team Z doesn't commit ... will they point to the Foster?

Its going to be hard to not run Rachel in the Foster... its the obvious next race... right time, right track, 5 more weeks of training.... Grade 1

The only reason to not run is if Rachel still isn't ready to run against Zenyatta...

If they don't meet in the Foster the idea of meeting 3 times this year starts to look a whole lot less likely...

sports.espn.go.com/.../story

"Asmussen also declined to discuss an issue brought up at owner Jess Jackson's informal press conference the previous afternoon regarding Calvin Borel's ride in the La Troienne.

As was the case in her first setback this year in the New Orleans Ladies, Borel kept Rachel Alexandra under a snug hold during the early stages of the La Troienne, after which she did not have enough punch to withstand winner Unrivaled Belle in late stretch. Borel guided Rachel Alexandra to all eight of her victories during her Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old campaign.

"She finished second and the excuses are obvious when you go to searching," was Asmussen's only comment.

re: The Art of Zen

kathleen — Sat, 01 May 2010 22:24:11 GMT

JJ said he wasn't going to retire RA yet. Anyone want to make a bet that he goes back on that statement?

re: The Art of Zen

racyrobyn — Sat, 01 May 2010 05:07:20 GMT

David in arkansas,

You're story is a testament to how wonderful Team Zen is. I am one of the "strangers" that has been brought into the winner's circle and I can't even explain what a thrill it was to be that close to the Queen and feel like part of the family! My husband and I were in the winner's circle for the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic and the following year for the Classic. My husband and eldest daughter were there in the winner's circle for the Santa Margarita. Mr Sherrifs even remembered him from the BCC and asked him why he wasn't in the front row. As a racing fan, to have that kind of connection is priceless! A chance of a lifetime! Now my two young daughters are also fans and are always asking when Zenny is racing next. They can't wait to see her again! We have seen every race that she's run in Cali and are exstatic that she might run out here again. One more chance to witness greatness!

Thank you Team Zen!! You are all wonderful, warm people and thank you sooooooo much for sharing your beloved mare with us all!

Long live the Queen!!!!

re: The Art of Zen

Paula Higgins — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:52:44 GMT

Monica, hmmm.... Interesting. Wonder what will happen now that Rachel came in second in the La Troienne.

re: The Art of Zen

Zookeeper — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:47:09 GMT

MonicaV,

After today, I don't think that Rachel will be going to the Stephen Foster and I hope that Zen's connections aren't influenced by people who are clamoring for her to race every race out of California this year. There's a reason why she is still undefeated and it's because they have always done what was right for her. I have enough faith in them to continue to do the same.

They'll go to the Stephen Foster IF they feel it is the right race for her at the time.

The problem with the Vanity is the weight assignment. A race against males would not require her to carry that much weight against her competition. Food for thought...

re: The Art of Zen

MonicaV — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:07:26 GMT

Paula,

I watched Lenny Shulman's Derby Minute yesterday and he said Zen is not set for the Vanity and that she may run in the Stephen Foster. I think that if Rachel goes to the Stephen Foster, Zenyatta will too.

re: The Art of Zen

kyoaks09 — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:38:26 GMT

david in arkansas,

What an absolutely wonderful story to share. The experiences you and your wife had Apple Blossom weekend will be some that you will never forget. It warms your heart to think your generosity was so graciously repaid. After having made the walkover with the "other filly" before last year's Kentucky Oaks, I can definitely understand how you feel about getting to participate in something you love so much with a mare that you obviously care so much about. I wish you and your wife the very best of luck.

re: The Art of Zen

Judy G ~ California — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:51:36 GMT

Steve~

There was one more other thing I have to post about ZEN.

My co-workers are not horse racing fans by any means! Well, the day of the Apple Blossom, I had 5 of them standing over my computer as I streamed ZEN's race... you never saw so many smiles as they watched The Queen come down the stretch to the wire!! :-) It was great!!

Zennie has touched the lives of 5 more people. I LOVE IT!

TO DAVID IN ARKANSAS: You've had the pleasure of meeting Team Zenyatta! Congraulations! Now you know why so many of us like them.

re: The Art of Zen

Matthew W — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 04:41:31 GMT

David--WOW! Sounds like class acts all around! As for them staying home for the Vanity/Hol Gold Cup--I don't think they want to ship her for another 6K round trip--before Summer---remember what happened to Rachel Alexander last year--she wasn't around for the Fall at all--not the Breeders Cup, of corse, but not Belmont, either--they are going East--probably Saratoga--and, finally, to Churchill for the Classic---But she's a West Coast Gal, that's where she lives--I think they have done allright by her, and she by them!

re: The Art of Zen

Zookeeper — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 03:18:31 GMT

david in arkansas,

What an experience that must have been! It doesn't surprise me in the least. Zenyatta's connections have been known to drag pure strangers out of the crowd to join them in the winner circle. Zenyatta (as Ann Moss likes to say) is a gift that they love to share. How grateful we are for her and for them! Thank you so much for telling us about your fantastic experience. What a great story!

re: The Art of Zen

Willie — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:31:35 GMT

Someone previously mentioned that Zenyatta beat "the winners of 25 Grade 1 races".

Sorry. That's not true.

It's actually over 30.

That is when you count in Ginger Punch, Life Is Sweet, Cocoa Beach, Hystericallady, Music Note, and maybe one or two others beside the BCC field.

re: The Art of Zen

Paula Higgins — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:37:42 GMT

John Shirreffs and Jerry and Ann Moss did exactly the right thing by picking the Vanity over the Stephen Foster. Why ship her for a HANDICAP across country? That makes no sense when she JUST shipped for her last race. There is always time to ship her for another run against the boys. I would not ship for a handicap, period, if it were me. They know what they are doing. For goodness sakes she is 6 years old and the number 1 horse in the world. I will NEVER second guess her connections.

re: The Art of Zen

Paula Higgins — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 22:31:56 GMT

WOW DAVID!!!! What a great story!!!!!!!!!!! I am so glad you had a chance to meet them and the Her Majesty, The Queen of Racing. They really do seem like lovely people and that was so kind of you to pay for their dinners. It really sends home to them what a great thing they have done when they meet people like you. Thanks for sharing that with us. Enjoyed reading it very much.

re: The Art of Zen

david in arkansas — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:25:39 GMT

Growing up near Oaklawn Park all my life which is now a young 51 I can say I've seen some of the best jockeys, trainers, owners & horses in the world. I even went to the Ky. Derby for the first time and watched Smarty Jones in which I thought nothing in racing could ever top that experience for me.

Was I ever wrong. On Thursday April 8th my wife and I drove to Hot Springs and caught the last few races of the day in order to get a program and form for the next day. We were there for the Apple Blossom and Ark. Derby. That night we went to a new little restaurant in Hot Springs to meet some old friends for dinner. While we were there I discovered Jerry & Ann Moss with John & Dottie Shirreffs and I finally got up to introduce myself and to mainly thank them for bringing Zenyatta to Oaklawn. They were the nicest people I've ever met and I chatted a little bit more and went back over to my table

Later I nodded for their waitress to come over and I told her I wanted to pick up their tab. We took of it and before they left they came over to thank us and John asked me for my e-mail address and name. They sat down and visited with us for another 10 mins and before I knew it we had an invitation to get our picture made with them in the winner's circle if all went well. I don't think I slept the whole night I was so excited.

We were already going to the backside in the morning because we knew an owner who got us in there. We went by Zenyatta's barn and photographers were everywhere but they did have a screen in front of her but you could see her from the side. She was so perky. We were starting to leave and Mr. Shirreffs saw me and called out to me by name. Wow! I went over and he autographed my program and thanked me again for dinner and said see ya in the winner's circle later I had to look for the nearest bathroom. J/K.

It was a dream come true, we actually watched the race in the owners box that Oaklawn provides outside with the Moss's and the rest was history.

Zenyatta and her connections are some of the greatest in THR history.

Just had to share.

P.S. I am going to the Oaks and the Derby this weekend but I can't imagine anything topping the Apple Blossom experience!

re: The Art of Zen

Zenyatta - Moving A Nation — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:05:45 GMT

Zenyatta shakes the grandstand:

www.youtube.com/watch

re: The Art of Zen

Julie L. — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:05:40 GMT

I think that it is foolish for everyone to try and second guess the training of Zenyatta because obviously her trainer knows exactly what he is doing and is doing it very well...16 straight wins...how could anyone argue that...oh I forgot Draynay can. I have seen the grand girl in person and whether dancing for the crowd or winning for the crowd everything Zenyatta does is phenomenal. She is 6 years old and still loves to race and is sound and in excellent condition so we all should be very thankful for that fact. Perhaps the way her trainer and owners handle her career is the reason she is still going strong. My hat is off to the Mosses and Sherriffs for the wonderful jobs that they have done. Please keep up the good work and thank you for allowing we fans to continue to watch and celebrate Zenyatta.

re: The Art of Zen

CV — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 04:38:10 GMT

For what it's worth, someone posted on Zenyatta's Facebook page that TVG reported she was running in the the Vanity Handicap, based on today's DRF article. However, this poster said the TVG hosts reported later in the show that John Shirreffs had called them and said it still isn't certain that the Vanity is next for Zen.

I recall Shirreffs saying previously he had to find out first how much weight Zen would have to carry in the Vanity before committing to that race or another.

So when I read the DRF report, I wondered about it myself.

re: The Art of Zen

moodygirl — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:44:35 GMT

Steve, have you heard anymore about where Zenyatta's next race might be? At first I read they were considering the Stephen Foster and then somewhere in the last week I heard it was another race in California (say it ain't so!). I have my tickets to the S.F and lots of good advice about Churchill Downs.