Giving Thanks

re: Giving Thanks

breeze 10 — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:11:27 GMT

Convene: As an added comment to the wealthy owners: I, being an equine artist, have gladly donated my works to silent auctions on many occasions (to benefit the retirement organizations). This is never done because I can afford it (I'm a "starving artist"), but, because I have a love for the horses and a deep concern that their lives continue as the Good Lord intended, long after their retirement from racing. If I can spend countless hours of my time; overlook MY financial gain; and donate toward the horses well being then I of course find it disgusting that the wealthy (many are multi-millionaires) owners can not assume some responsibility and committment. My point...RICH BOYS..TAKE YOUR PART IN THIS!!!!!

re: Giving Thanks

breeze10 — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:03:40 GMT

Convene: You have made a very good point and yes, the answer is probably to make a percentage of winnings mandatory. My point, overall, is the owners of stakes winners are more able to donate...they are pulling in much higher earnings than the owners of claimers. Also, the stake horse is going to be sought for breeding purposes after retirement, where as we all know, the unfortunate claimer is more likely to be sent on the trip over the border. It's sad...but reality. (I in know way endorse such a tragic end). I do believe, the Sheik's brother was right a few years ago when he stated it is time that the Americans put the horse first and not their pocketbooks. I personally think that it is disgraceful that the wealthy owners do not take a more responsible stance on the retirement of ALL racehorses. It is the wealthy who can realistically afford to do so. Again...I am thankful for Mike Repole and I think the media should be giving him more attention and deserving credit.

re: Giving Thanks

wildblueroan — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:09:36 GMT

ranking gamblers first and horses next to last says a lot about the state of racing.

re: Giving Thanks

Convene — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 04:48:18 GMT

Breeze10 - I think it should be mandated, maybe at a descending percentage rate, for every winner of every race because, when the racing's done, every horse will need somewhere to go. Yes, claimers too. When it's people, it's called a pension and we all pay for our own throughout our working lives. Should it be any different for horses? A small percentage of winnings would be a drop in the ocean but maybe enough to fund their future years ...

re: Giving Thanks

breeze10 — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 11:45:52 GMT

As I thought back over my recent review/reading of articles and blogs in Bloodhorse, I remembered an article posted 11/22 about UNCLE MO AND MIKE REPOLE. If you didn't read it....you should! What a great thing for an owner to do! - donate part of UNCLE MO's earnings to retirement organizations! More and owners of stakes winners (at the least) should be doing the same. THANK YOU MIKE REPOLE FOR YOUR UNSELFISHNESS AND CARING...you, obviously, are ONE IN A MILLION!

re: Giving Thanks

Cheap Claimer — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:58:35 GMT

When we eventually gather and that big racetrack in the sky and start talking about the truly great ones, Zenyatta will not be limited to the filly and mare category. She will have to be considered among the greatest horses of all time, regardless of sex or testicle position. Thanks to Anne, Jerry and John for a fabulous ride.

re: Giving Thanks

Convene — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:21:01 GMT

All of that and more - most of all the horses who give us their all simply because we ask it of them. Winners, losers, claimers, Grade I winners - no matter where you fit in the hierarchy, you are all winners.

I give thanks too for more than half a century of horse-heroes to cheer for and the good, healthy mind to remember all of them, for God's beautiful little green earth and the diversity of life that shares it with me, for a roof over my head and a door that locks and supper, no matter how humble, for health and strength and friendships; for too many people, those things are all just distant dreams.

To everyone who shares this love of horses and racing, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving. Remember - altho it's great to be first under the wire, finishing the race is what matters most of all.

re: Giving Thanks

Lucy — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:26:46 GMT

This was a lovely column. We should all be greatful for Zenyatta and her wonderful connections, and as someone else noted, for the news that Gio Ponti will continue racing next year. Maybe this is the beginning of a new trend that could lead to more fans and sounder horses. I worry about the progeny of a stallion who was retired at three with soundness issues...some of these weaknesses can be genetic.

I am also greatful for the incomprable Goldikova and HER terrific connections. How could we have ever imagined that two such magnificent mares as Zenyatta and Goldikova could be around at the same time.

Finally, I am greatful for all the people who take care of these wonderful horses when their careers are over and hope that someday ALL horses will have great "second lives."

re: Giving Thanks

Lonnie — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:14:02 GMT

I am thankful that I had the opportunity to see Zenyatta race for the past three years. I didn't know the thrill of following a horse's career for 19 straight victories and 1 close call. She has given us the greatest experience that I don't expect to have happen again in my lifetime. The void is so big that I'm not sure it can be filled. Thank you to all of the Zenyatta team for taking us along on that "ride". You have no idea how thankful we all are.

Happy Thanksgiving.

re: Giving Thanks

Teresa — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:06:38 GMT

I am thankful for: Zenyatta,because she gave us the thrill of a lifetime

Mike SMith,because he held us through the ups and the downs,the petal throwing and the crying

re: Giving Thanks

robin from michigan — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 16:26:32 GMT

What I'm thankful about when it comes to horse racing, is horses like Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Quality Road, Blame. Those ones that showed that they can run and race. To bad, their retired, but still, more horses are going to come, and take our hearts away. But, I'll just be thankful for what we get. Fair well to Rachel Alexandra, fair well to Zenyatta, fair well to Blame, fair well to Quality Road, fair well to Lookin at Lucky. And I am also thankful for Life At Ten being okay, and not having a breakdown in the Breeders Cup Ladies Classic.

re: Giving Thanks

Shelby's Best Pal — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:59:51 GMT

I am thankful I got to see Zenyatta race. I am thankful I got to spend a week at Del Mar. I am thankful I was able to go to the Arkansas Derby. I am thankful for Memorial Day racing at Lone Star Park. Great days all!

re: Giving Thanks

BREEZE10 — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:36:45 GMT

Fuzzy Corgi: WELL SAID.. NO ONE COULD DO WITHOUT THEM! God Bless them all...they are the workers who are there out of the true love of the horses.

I am also thankful for: the announcement that GIO PONTI will be returning for another year of racing (at least one of the greats is coming back)...I love him! Also, we in Pennsylvania, are most happy and thankful to Ghost Ridge and Mrs. Chapman that our beloved SMARTY has come home! Bless him in York, PA!.....In fact, ....BLESS THEM ALL NO MATTER WHERE THEY ARE...THE HORSES GIVE US THEIR ALL WHETHER A $3000. claimer or a multi-million $ champ! May we all be most thankful for them ALL !

re: Giving Thanks

Wonder? — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 13:08:07 GMT

I sincerely hope I can be thankful when the torture of our beautiful horses will end in the slaughterhouses -----you know where...

in the near future. Horses are soooo magnificane and deserve better. thank you for your dedication.....

re: Giving Thanks

Lindsey S — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:04:43 GMT

Well said! I am thankful I can say I saw perhaps the greatest female racehorse of all time race in person, on the world's biggest stage, at the world's most well-known track. Thank you to Zenyatta and all those who love her! I'm also thankful for the owners that keep our stars in training long enough for fans to develop a deep connection to them. Thank you Jerry & Ann Moss, Jess Jackson, Donegal Racing (Paddy O'Prado) and most recently Castleton Lyons, for keeping Gio Ponti around another year! We as fans appreciate it more than you could ever know!

re: Giving Thanks

BMCracing — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 06:02:22 GMT

It really doesn’t matter what is written and or said about 2010. Now that Zenyatta is retired, horse racing is again on life support and will never reach the heights she brought America. Sadly, it’s over...

re: Giving Thanks

Lorri S — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:00:47 GMT

I'm thankful I got to see Zenyatta race and retire in good health and spirits.

I'm thankful that there are owners like Mike Repole coming up in the ranks. Racing needs passionate owners who are in it for the love and not the just the money.

I'm thankful that Jerry Moss married Anne. She treats Lady Z like a member of the family. As only a woman could.

I'm thankful for trainers like John Shirreffs who realize that the way to attract the ordinary Joe to the track is to make the horses more available to fans.

I will be forever grateful if one day we have a single horse racing body that will oversee the whole racing industry.

To the jockeys who love what they do and face death every day to do it I give thanks.

To the horses, thanks just doesn't seem enough for all the fun and excitement you give us all, every time you unleash your power.

Racing is not just about Zenyatta, Rachel, Blame etc. It's about all those who participate and those that enjoy. Here's to much more in the future.

re: Giving Thanks

Paula Higgins — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 01:09:27 GMT

Freetex, I can't beat that, so I will second everything you said. I am also thankful for writers who appreciate fans of the sport, unlike writers on other sites, who I will leave nameless.

re: Giving Thanks

Fuzzy Corgi — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:16:03 GMT

Let's not forget the grooms! They are usually the first to the barn in the morning and the last to go home and they have a 7 day work week and long days, especially race days. They know every inch of the horse. Grooms are like nurses at a hospital. The grooms are usually the first to tell the trainer when something is amiss with their horses. By far they spend the most time with the horses than anyone else in the barn. A good groom can even help improve a horse; John Henry's groom is a perfect example.

Every person in the barn is vital but the grooms are often the unsung heros.

re: Giving Thanks

Sue — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:56:29 GMT

What am I thankful for this year? I think Trevor Denman said it best:

"Zenyatta, Zenyatta, Zenyatta!"

And I am thankful to Ann and Jerry Moss, and her brilliant trainer John Shirreffs for sharing their treasured mare with us. And I am SO thankful for the opportunity I had to meet Queen Z up close and personal. It's a day I will never forget! I'll love you forever Zenyatta!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

re: Giving Thanks

Freetex — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:04:42 GMT

A special thanks to the owner Mike Repole for his donation of $50,000 to Old Friends and other horse charities.

A heartfelt thanks to Jerry and Ann Moss for sharing the horse of the decade, Zenyatta, with her fans. Also, thanks for helping to supporting "Old Friends", from its inception.

A tribute of thanks to Mike Smith for unabashedly showing his love for Queen Zenyatta throughout his partnership with her. I know she will miss his singing to her.

A final thank you to all the people who care about our sport's tremendous thoroughbreds. Please continue to speak up for their safety on and off the track.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

re: Giving Thanks

GJU — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 19:31:41 GMT

This year, horse racing wise, I am definately thankful for Zenyatta! Now that she's retiring, it's such a letdown. I don't think I've ever felt this way about a horse, ever! I've followed certain horses, but I feel like Zenyatta is family! Also, high up there on my horse racing list are riders. They are the best atheletes in the world, bar none! And, I'm thankful for Santa Anita race track, the most beautiful place to go and take pictures of everything that makes up my favorite sport. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

re: Giving Thanks

Dave — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 18:23:41 GMT

Thank you Jerry and Ann Moss for racing your mare on the world stage.

There are very few owners that will race their female (filly or mare) against the best males in the Breeders Cup.

We won't see another female enter the Breeders Cup Classic for years. It's too damn hard to win it and owners know that.

Zenyatta - An equine phenom!

re: Giving Thanks

amo5609 — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:29:14 GMT

I'm thankful that I can say that I got to follow the career of one of the greatest horses ever. Thanks Zenyatta, and your connections, for an unbelievable ride!

re: Giving Thanks

Karen in Indiana — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:49:46 GMT

Wonderful! Happy Thanksgiving! With all the troubles this year - financial, political, etc. - we still have a lot to be thankful for.