A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

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re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

MonicaV — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:11:37 GMT

Steve,

Thank you so much for this article and the pictures. These two mares are so beautiful and such great racehorses. What is really so wonderful is normally, when mares are retired from racing, you never hear about them again. They go off to a farm and breed. When they have a successful offspring, you will hear their name again. With Rachel and Zenyatta we had two of the most amazing females ever. They were like shooting stars, brightening up the whole sport amd made it so exciting for us mere mortals who were so lucky to see them dominate the sport and give us thrills that will live with us in memory for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much for including Rachel in this article and publishing pictures. Rachel had my heart, she touched me at a time when I needed to leave the darkness in my life behind and she brought me back toward the light. That may seem like an odd thing to say but Rachel burst on the scene when I was at my lowest and that beautiful animal gave me more than anyone will ever know. Thanks for honoring her along with Zenyatta. I owe her my life.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Tiz Herself — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:25:02 GMT

Thank you Steve for sharing this gift with us. At the end of a long day or at the beginning of what promises to be a long day, I only need to read one of your blogs and then I am revitalized.

You said it best in a previous blog on Zenyatta titled I Lied...

For many of us, horses are a way of life. It is not something that was forced upon us. We have chosen to allow these magnificent creatures to infiltrate our very being and touch our souls in a way that bonds us to them – yes, at rare times spiritually. The foundation between humans and horses was built centuries ago. Whether it is a racehorse, a riding horse, a show horse, or any horse that becomes a part of our life, there is always going to be that rare one who comes along and enters some hallowed sphere deep within us.

Both Rachel and Zenyatta both came at a time when horse racing needed a star. I only dream that someday I might be able to meet both of them. I would probably hyperventilate if it were on the same day... in the good way. There is no human celebrity that could make me swoon like a fan girl, but these two and any of the other horses that I have followed in my life certainly could.

Being in Alberta, there was nothing more special than the trip to Kentucky last year for the Breeders Cup. Although through the crowd of people, I saw Zenyatta's ears going by, it was enough to feel the energy from her fueling that crowd. I wish I hadn't had to fly out as early as I did Sunday because I would have been right there to see her. And Rachel, too... as both of them never failed to give me goosebumps during their most prestigeous wins... Rachel's Preakness, Haskell, and Woodward and Zenyatta's 19 wins in a row that included two Breeders Cup races and she remains the alltime female earner for North America.. both Horse of the Years and Horses of a lifetime. I am one of those that is proud to appreciate both for their accomplishments and as individuals.

Thanks again Steve, I read this daily.

PS I also love that Zenyatta's paddock buddy was a Canadian star Tasty Temptation. Who would have thought?

I hope the two mares both have colts or fillies that would be able to face each other some day... could you imagine?

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:52:50 GMT

" Well Hello Zenyatta, hello Zenyatta, it's so nice to have you back where you belong. You're lookin' swell Zenyatta. Hello Zenyatta, it will be so nice to see the foal we've all been waiting for. Hello Zenyatta, hello Zenyatta." All together now- Well Hello Zenyatta, hello Zenyatta...

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 01:39:40 GMT

At the time I was glad she wasn't DQ'd eventhough she should have been. Now I wish they would have DQ'd her. Humans know that Goldi was last because of a DQ and actually finished 3rd and Goldi doesn't care. She knows she didn't win and if she was placed last she would never know, I think. Looking forward to Ruler On Ice in the Clark although I'm fine with Flat Out winning too, and Empire Way(who I have on top in my Derby Dozen) in the Prevue Thursday at HP.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

gobabygo — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 18:12:43 GMT

I had the opportunity to meet Zenyatta for the first time a few weeks ago. I was remiss in following her career. I have worked with Thoroughbreds most of my life and more recently working with mares. So to me this visit was just like going to see any other mare... No, it was not. There she was on a gloomy day, standing there in her paddock. As I got out of the car, I was overcome with the sensation of what felt like a little bird flying through my heart and out my back. I felt a big tear form in my left eye and knew I was in the company of greatness. Believe me, this is not a normal reaction me at all. This Thoroughbred mare is one in a million. I spent the next hour appreciating her beauty and personality. I am so happy to read the experience that you and your comrades shared Steve. An experience I am sure we will all treasure.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

trackjack — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:56:11 GMT

Thanks Steve for another insightfull article about these two great ladies. I agree with some others that both of these moms-to-be look very relaxed and content.

I was blessed to see Rachel live win the Preakness. We made our way over to the gap where they would come out on the track from the barns expecting a large crowd, but hardly anyone was there. A few people gathered but we had an unobstructed view as the Preakness horses came past us. I was able to get some good shots of Rachel. Sitting up in the last row of that old metal-roofed grandstand, I can still feel my ears ringing as she came down the stretch and held off Mine That Bird.

I was in the paddock at last year's BC, had worked my way up to the rail in the paddock as everyone had their eyes glued to the big screen as the cameras followed Zenyatta on the walkover. When she finally came out of the tunnel into the paddock, it was electric as she did her dancin' and prancin' to the delight of the paddock crowd. Was able to get two pictures as she and Mike went by then raced to my seat to witness one of the greatest races ever.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and reminding us that these beautiful creatures are more than just winners or losers.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Freetex — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:55:31 GMT

It's Christmas a little early this year. Thank you Steve for a wonderful gift.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Mike Relva — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:05 GMT

CASSANDRA.SAYS

This blog isn't about what Zenyatta accomplished. Obviously she did something right,cause if you've noticed, ratings for this yrs Classic were way down. Hmmmm.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Jockeykid — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 02:43:54 GMT

For as much as I love both mares, I do not have hatred for either one of these beautiful mares. But, the one horse that really got my attention was Rachel Alexandra. I was always interested in watching her race. I never really got that much into Zenyatta, but I always anticipated watching races like the Preakness Stakes, and the Mother Goose Stakes, and the Kentucky Oaks, and the Haskell Inivational and the Woodward Stakes, all because of Rachel Alexandra. I wanted to see my favorite girl race, and win. Rachel Alexandra will always be a part of my heart.I am very excited about seeing her first foal race in a few years, just the same as I am very excited about seeing Zenyatta's first foal race in a few years. I don't care about which foal comes first, just hopefully both of them will be healthy and happy and safe, and have a good career ahead of them.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Linda in Texas — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:33:32 GMT

Zen's Auntie - your comment that you wished Mr. Jackson could be here to see Rachel's first foal begged mention of a thought that came to my mind. What i say may offend someone who thinks differently but i would like to think that Mr. Jackson is close by the green pastures in that other place sitting on his porch with one of his favorite labs from the past just counting the days til Rachel foals and making sure she stays well. His hand in her foal will be apparent.

Thanks Steve. I nominate you WOW!!

(Writer of the Week) every single week.

P.S. Zookeeper - i hope you are okay. I have really missed your posts.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Cassandra.Says — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:40:40 GMT

BTW, Northern Dancer had more of IT than any horse since. He could knock you off a fence with the force of a look -- he did it to me in the walking ring at Woodbine.

Nijinsky and a couple of other Dancers had it too, but it was HIS look they had.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Cassandra.Says — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 06:37:17 GMT

Blame beat Z fair and square, but she got horse of the year fair and square.

Z had no performances like Blame trying to run at Haynesfield and losing ground in the stretch.

Z was always vulnerable to losing by closing late to a very good horse who was waiting on her with something in reserve.

Steve, do you understand why they ran Zenyatta that way? You see trainers do that with a horse with suspect stamina, trying to shorten the race into a hand gallop plus a sprint, but Z never looked as though she lacked stamina.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Gae Seal — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:50:22 GMT

Thanks you for your heartfelt, poetic, NOT maudlin words. In the presence of greatness, we are reduced to superlatives or poetry. God bless both ladies and their offspring which I hope to watch in a MATCH RACE some five years from now.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Stevebiscuit — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:25:45 GMT

WinnahPickah,

Anyone who detests Zenyatta detests the very idea of greatness.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Zen's Auntie — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 19:13:35 GMT

Steve Haskin thanks for the pictures and LOVE. what a day brightener this blog is. Can you belive it? I didnt even ball at all just smiled and nodded - I got throught the whole thing and the pics and THEN this time it was...

Stevebiscuit that has me all teared up - even though I have never been in her presence or gotten to smootch her (I'm so jealous of both you Steves') I can tell you she affects me the same way.

Both Mares look great! So sad we lost Jess before Rachels first was born. Thats life I guess.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

WinnahPickah — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:39:15 GMT

It's good to see that not everyone at the Bloodhorse detests Zenyatta for no apparent reason.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Steve Haskin — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 06:29:46 GMT

Dadofrachelalexandra, I sent you an e-mail.

Singer, Dr. D. and Storm Catwoman, thank you very much for the kind words. They are greatly appreciated.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Ellie — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:49:03 GMT

Yes, things at the races seem almost simply mundane since these ladies went off to their well deserved retirements. Being a Californian on a budget, I never got to see Rachel A. before my own eyes. But Zenyattas' energy stopped me in my tracks at the Breeders' Cup in '09. She stunned me the second she came into view. I will NEVER forget the absolute frenzy of the crowd the moment Mike took her through the hole on the inside- the place just went nuts! I don't believe I will ever hear such a roar of the crowd at the track ever again. I cherish that memory:)

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Alex'sBigFan — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:30:58 GMT

Sitting here pondering the life of a broodmare. Yikes. Pregnant, alone, adoring fans nowhere in sight, "husband" off running around with tons of women, go through the pain of birth, and then the foal gets weaned off in about a year never to be seen or heard of again. By our standards it is such a sad life of misery, hopefully for the equines they like it. Poor broodmares, they deserve all the love and attention they can get. I have a newfound respect for all the broodmares that give us these magnificent runners. I am thankful too that we are furtunate to have Zenyatta's life and pregnancy chronicled for us by Steve and the Mosses. There is still something magical in Zenyatta no matter what anyone says.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Paula Higgins — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:47:43 GMT

Mike Relva, it is his loss. I am bemused by it at this point because he is being ridiculous.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Storm Catwoman — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:46:30 GMT

Thanks for this Steve! As always, you handled the subject perfectly, just showing us two great champions as they are now. Your Solomon-like wisdom is admirable, presenting them in an even-handed, calm way so as not to raise any hackles and restart any feuds. It just shows that, like Rachel and Zenyatta, you are in a class by yourself.

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

Dr Drunkinbum — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:13:52 GMT

Steve

There are only a limited number of spaces available for great writers but your place is secure even if all you write in the future is "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" over and over. "Zenyatta, I've just met a girl named Zenyatta and suddenly the races will never be the same to me againnnnnnnnnn."

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

singer — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:01:05 GMT

Steve: I've been a horseowner and fan for something longer (55 years) than I've been fan of yours. But your stuff is as good as it gets with observations, feelings and sheer knowledge. You sir, are a poet. Thanks. Singer

re: A Day with Zenyatta and Rachel

dadofrachelalexandra — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:10:29 GMT

Rachel Alexandra's 2009 season was as exciting a season I have experienced in sport period, no exceptions. The dad of two beautiful daughters Rachel (20) and Alexandra (18) you can imagine my delight when I stumbled upon the great filly that year in the Martha Washington. I followed with great interest and anticipation for each race that year. The spectacular animal has made me a fan for life. Looking forward to following her foal. Thank you Steve for your excellent coverage of thoroughbred horse racing for novice fans like myself to gain an understanding of this sport of Kings. Or shall I say QUEENS!