Through the Lens

Mares in Japan Part 3: American Royalty, with Kate Hunter

TakeChargeLady — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 19:07:00 GMT

Journalist Kate Hunter continues her visit with mares in Japan.

Like any big breeding operation, the Yoshida brothers are looking for mares who have performed at the highest level and impressively so. Turf has always been the most important surface in Japan, but they know, better than most, that a dirt horse can rule the turf. Case and point: Sunday Silence. So top level dirt mares are not excluded when the Yoshida brothers go shopping.

These American mares were treated with the utmost love and kindness while I was there. There were always 3 or 4 people working consistently throughout the day at each of the dozens of broodmare barns owned by the Yoshidas. Few of the 15 horses I saw were kept in the same barn. Combined the brothers have over 1300 broodmares, but each barn of 10 to 20 broodmares was pristine with handlers that cooed at and loved all over them.

Stardom Bound (2006, Tapit x My White Corvette, Tarr Road) was 2008 Eclipse Award Champion 2 Year Old Filly after scoring three G1 wins that year including the Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. She won two more G1s during her career and was bought privately by Katsumi Yoshida's Northern Farm in 2010 while in foal to Big Brown, and produced a colt last year. She gave birth to a King Kamehameha colt this spring before being bred to Deep Impact. Unfortunately she is not in foal this year. Her sale price was never disclosed to the public and when I asked what it was, my response was a big smile and a shake of the head. I guess we will never know!

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Ginger Punch (2003, Awesome Again (CAN) x Nappelon (CAN), Bole Revenue (CAN)) who won five G1 races including the 2007 Breeders' Cup Distaff, which led to her being named the 2007 Eclipse Award Champion Older Female. Northern Farm bought her for $1.6 million at the 2009 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November sale while in foal to Bernardini. The resulting foal, was the filly Ginger Mist, who raced for the first time on September 17th. Her second foal is a Zenno Rob Roy filly and her 2011 foal is a Manhattan Cafe filly. She is currently in foal to Deep Impact. You can be sure I'll visit her next year too. I was a big fan and really want to see a little Ginger Impact!

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Azeri (1998, Jade Robbery x Zodiac Miss (AUS), Ahonoora (GB)) is known by all in the US as the 2002 Horse of the Year, a rare honor for a female. She was an Eclipse Award Champion Older Female for three consecutive years from 2002 to 2004. She produced 3 foals in the US before being bought by Northern Farm at the 2009 Keeneland November sale for $2.25 million while in foal to Distorted Humor. Her Distorted Humor filly is preparing for her debut later this year and is rumored, she still isn't registered, to be named Amelie. Azeri has a 2011 Zenno Rob Roy colt that sold for 84 million yen (over $1 million) at the 2012 JRHA Select Sale. She was not bred in 2012 because she foaled in May. They put her under light therapy and gave her the year off. She was bred to Deep Impact this season and has been confirmed in foal. That is another baby I absolutely want to see next spring! I was allowed to give her a good scratch and made sure to tell her it was from all of her fans back in the US.

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Mares in Japan: California Girls

TakeChargeLady — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:12:00 GMT

Mares in Japan Part 2: California Girls, with Kate Hunter

The Yoshidas are looking for all sorts of top horses, not just Kentucky blue bloods. One state that they have been interested in has been California. They have purchased six state-breds since 2006, including three by soon to be five time leading California sire Unusual Heat.

Moscow Burning (2000, Moscow Ballet x Burning Desire, Mr. Leader) was the 2004 California Horse of the Year before she was bought by Teruya Yoshida's Shadai Farm at the 2006 Keeneland November sale for $1 million. Her first foal was born in 2009, a colt by Heart's Cry named Burning Zeal. In 2010 she had a filly by Heart's Cry and a Daiwa Major colt in 2011. This year she foaled a Heart's Cry colt before being bred back to Daiwa Major.

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Dancing Edie (2002, Moscow Ballet x Duchess of Ack, Slewpy) won the G1 John C. Mabee Handicap in 2006 before she was bought privately by Shadai Farm in late 2007. Her first foal, born in 2009 was a Fuji Kiseki filly named Kochi Bijin. In 2010 she had a filly by the late Agnes Tachyon and then a Zenno Rob Roy filly in both 2011 and 2012. She is not currently in foal.

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Bel Air Sizzle (2005, Unusual Heat x Bel Air Belle, Runaway Groom) was a multiple stakes winner and multiple graded stakes placed during her career before being bought by the Yoshida brothers' jointly owned Shiraoi Farm. She was brought to Japan in foal to Awesome Again(CAN) and gave birth to a colt in 2011. She has not had a foal since.

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Lethal Heat (2005, Unusual Heat x Lethal Leta, Synastry) was a multiple graded stakes winner who was bought privately by the Yoshida brothers' jointly owned Shiraoi Farm in late 2009. She was kept in the US for two breeding seasons. She produced a Street Cry(IRE) filly in 2011, who was later imported to Japan. After Lethal Heat was bred to Smart Strike(CAN) that year, she was finally flown to Japan, where she dropped a filly this spring before being bred to Stay Gold, Orfevre's sire.

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Golden Doc A (2005, Unusual Heat x Penpont(NZ), Crested Wave) is a G1 winning full sister to G1 winner Unusual Suspect. She was bought by Shiraoi Farm in 2010 while in foal to Smart Strike(CAN) and had a filly in 2011. She had a Deep Impact colt in 2012 and is back in foal to him now.

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Ultra Blend (2006 x Richly Blended x Ankha, Desert Classic) won the G1 2011 Clement L Hirsch Stakes and was 4th in that year's Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic before being bought by Katsumi Yoshida's Northern Farm for $700,000 at the 2011 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November Sale. She was bred to Deep Impact.

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Mares in Japan 2012

TakeChargeLady — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 19:51:00 GMT

Fellow racing photographer and journalist, Kate Hunter has the rare privilege of seeing some of the best horses, including mares and foals, from around the world. Kate will share her photos with you in several blog entries. To see Kate’s racing images go to http://photos.bloodhorse.com/Photographers/Kate-Hunter

From Kate: The Yoshida brothers' Shadai and Northern Farms have been on a quest to make a world class racehorse. To do that they have been buying up some of the best bloodstock from around the world, which of course includes the United States. This summer I spent time with some of my fellow Americans as they get used to their new lives in Japan.

Part 1:

Gabby's Golden Gal (2006, Medaglia d'Oro x Gabriellina Giof, by Ashkalani) Gabby won the G1 Acorn Stakes and the G1 Santa Monica Handicap, then was bought by Teruya Yoshida's Shadai Farm for $1.25 million at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November sale in 2010. She had her first foal this spring, a colt by G1 Dubai Duty Free winner, and the only Japanese horse to beat Deep Impact, Heart's Cry. She is not in foal this year.

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Gozzip Girl (2006, Dynaformer x Temperence Gift, by Kingmambo) The winner of the G1 American Oaks Invitational Stakes was bought by Shadai Farm privately in 2010. Her first foal is a colt by Triple Crown champion Deep Impact. She is not in foal this year.

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Dubawi Heights(GB) (2007, Dubawi, IRE, x Rosie's Posy, IRE, by Suave Dancer) Winner of the G1 Gamely Stakes and the G1 Yellow Ribbon Stakes was bought by Shadai Farm for $1.6 million at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November sale in 2011. She was bred to Deep Impact this spring and has been confirmed in foal.

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Laragh (2006, Tapit x Rose of Summer, by El Prado, IRE)) The G1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes winner was bought by Shadai Farm for $850,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November Sale in 2009. She has a yearling chestnut filly by multiple G1 winner Zenno Rob Roy (Sire of Trailblazer, who will run in the 2012 Breeders' Cup Turf) and had a bay Deep Impact filly this spring. She has been confirmed back in foal to Deep Impact.

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Wickedly Perfect (2008, Congrats x Wickedly Wise, by Tactical Cat) Wickedly Perfect had a short career on the track. She won the G1 Darley Alcibiades Stakes and placed in the G1 Darley Debutante Stakes. She was bought by Katsumi Yoshida for his Northern Farm at the Keeneland January sale in 2008 for $800,000 as a broodmare prospect. Her first foal is a filly by top stallion King Kamehameha (Kingmambo) and she has been confirmed in foal to Deep Impact.

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Twilight Ridge at Manchester Farm

TakeChargeLady — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:03:00 GMT

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Dappled out and looking good, 1985 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Twilight Ridge still commands respect from the other horses at Manchester Farm near Lexington, Ky. Mares and yearlings in nearby paddocks raced to the fence as Twilight Ridge walked by.

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At the age of 29, the pensioner by Cox’s Ridge is part of the “senior group” of Manchester mares yet maintains a youthful personality and maneuvers easily through her daily routine. While getting a bath, she will drink from the hose. She likes to scrunch up her nose and move it side to side.

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Manchester managers Bobby Powell and John Gray enjoy a moment with the mare.

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Twilight Ridge was then returned to the field she shares with Lakeway and Lake Travis.

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Look for the editorial feature “Catching Up” on Twilight Ridge in an upcoming issue of The Blood-Horse. Written by Claire Novak, the feature will highlight some of the wonderful stories shared by the farm staff at Mike Rutherford’s Manchester Farm.

Rachel Alexandra and Her Foal

Bret Walker — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:12:00 GMT

Rachel Alexandra and her first foal, a Curlin colt born on Jan. 22, 2012, live on Stonestreet Farm.

They went out in their paddock on a beautiful and sunny day in Lexington, Ky.

The foal took his lead from Rachel Alexandra, running some, resting some and repeating the routine. The foal is growing fast and now weighs 175 pounds. Friendly and inquisitive, the foal goes right up to visitors and likes having his forehead rubbed.

“Rachel is doing great,” said farm manager Garry Megibben, “and the foal is full of himself. He’s been a great addition.”
Hot Dixie Chick (Rachel’s paddock buddy) had her first foal on Feb. 7 when she delivered a Curlin colt. In about a week’s time, Rachel Alexandra and Hot Dixie Chick will once again share a paddock with the addition of their Curlin foals.

Special thanks to Stonestreet for this wonderful opportunity! Hope you enjoy the photos. I have included a couple of snapshots below but make sure you view the entire slideshow. Then, come back and let me know which one is your favorite in the comments section below. Thanks everybody!

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How Intriguing!

Bret Walker — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:44:00 GMT

UPDATE
Rachel Alexandra delivered early! On Jan. 22, Rachel Alexandra gave birth to a 125-pound colt by two-time Horse of the Curlin. With a white star, the colt is reported to have a striking resemblance to his mother. Farm manager Gary Megibben reported that the mare and foal are doing well.
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I was recently sent out on assignment to capture photos of Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta on the farm for a feature in the special issue, The Blood-Horse's 25 Most Intriguing Horses & People of 2011. The winners have been announced and the magazine is now available for only $7.95 plus free shipping. You can order your copy today at BloodHorse.com/Top25.

With that being said, I'd like to share a few of the photos I captured of these beautiful mares.

I can't share all of the photos that were taken so to see which photos were selected for the magazine and to read the magnificent features on Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra by Lenny Shulman and Deirdre Biles, be sure to order your copy of The Blood-Horse's 25 Most Intriguing Horses & People of 2011 today. Plus, I really think you will like the winners of each category which were selected by fans on BloodHorse.com.

All of the photos below are available for purchase on The Blood-Horse Photo Store.

Let me know what you guys think and who you'd like to see featured next on ThroughTheLensBlog.com.

-Anne M. Eberhardt

Rachel Alexandra

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Zenyatta

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Zenyatta Tidbits and Pics

Bret Walker — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:33:00 GMT

As December comes to a close, guest blogger/photographer Mathea Kelley had a chance to sit down with Zenyatta's barn foreman Matt Martinez, to get some inside scoop on some Zenyatta “factoids”. Here are his answers and a bit about Matt too....

Zenyatta comes in every morning with Tasty to have breakfast and a look over to make sure she is sound and happy. After she is done with her oats and given a little TLC she is turned back out to her paddock to graze and enjoy the rest of her day outside. It is simple and routine which is just what a broodmare needs.

Zenny loves food and will eat just about anything you put in front of her! She very much enjoys bananas and carrots of course.

Her favorite people are Mr. and Mrs. Moss.

She has no dislikes. She loves everything.

I would say that Zenyatta is loving every minute of retirement! Coming from the race track and transitioning to life on the farm is a very important process for a broodmare and she has been just wonderful. Throughout the day you can find her gazing off into the distance, taking it all in, happy to be where she is. She loves grazing outside with her pal Tasty Temptation. The two of them are the best of friends and spend a lot of time grooming each other. Zenny is also always happy to come to the fence to say "hello" to anyone who stops by.

People always ask if she still "dances". The answer is yes, she still loves to dance.

Matt was born and raised in Texas and moved to Kentucky 6 years ago and instantly fell in love with horses. He has been surrounded by horses ever since...

I was recently at Lanes End and took some new photos of Zenyatta enjoying a warm sunny fall day. She looks great don’t you think? Perhaps the next photos will be in the snow! Stay tuned to www.ThroughTheLensBlog.com for updates.

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A Visit With Havre de Grace

Blood-Horse Staff — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 22:46:00 GMT

Owner Rick Porter offered fans a special opportunity to visit with his filly Havre de Grace at Vinery near Lexington, Ky., on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011.

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Vinery opened up their farm to fans for two hours on a beautiful, breezy afternoon in Central Kentucky. A Vinery spokesperson said the 4-year-old Saint Liam filly stopped over in Lexington for the fan visit at Mr. Porter’s request. Among those who came out for the filly viewing were local fans and media, some visitors in town for the Keeneland November sales and others from out of town, including a couple who drove in from New Jersey just to see the filly.

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Havre de Grace will travel on to Vinery Florida soon where she will have a break before resuming training with Larry Jones in the new year.

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While in her stall at Vinery fans took photos and petted the racing star. Havre de Grace then was paraded outside in front of fans, and stopped to graze every so often. Fans received Havre de Grace souvenirs and refreshments complimentary of Porter and Vinery.

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Shooting for Four

Bret Walker — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:28:00 GMT

GOLDIKOVA has arrived at Churchill Downs. Scroll down for new photos of her on the grounds! - Anne

Goldikova will soon be arriving at Churchill Downs to defend her crown in the TVG Mile Division. She will be shooting for her fourth Mile victory, which would set the bar to an almost unreachable level. Bred and owned by Gerard and Alain Wertheimer and trained by Freddy Head, Goldikova has won 17 of 26 starts and $6,978,551, finishing worse than third once. I know everyone headed to Churchill Downs next weekend is looking forward to seeing the superstar run and according to Head, she is doing better than ever. Read more in this article from Steve Haskin. Since we are talking about her I figured I would share some more Goldikova related photos that "Through the Lens" guest photographer and blogger John Gilmore sent in. Hope you enjoy! Come back next week to see more photos of the superstar at Churchill Downs as she prepares to defend her title.

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Additional Goldikova photos from November 1, 2011 at Churchill Downs. Anne M. Enerhardt was the photographer.

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The Lovely Lotka

Bret Walker — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 14:20:00 GMT

The star of Breakfast with the Works at Keeneland on October 15, 2011, was Lotka, a 28-year-old daughter of Danzig who raced for Henryk de Kwiatkowski and was trained by Woody Stephens. In honor of her 1986 triumph in the now grade I Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, Lotka was the featured live demonstration on the 25th anniversary of winning the race. She was paraded in front of crowd. Relaxed and friendly with the fans, she looked great for all her years.

Lotka produced 14 foals including multiple group winner Mambo Twist who earned more than $2.5 million. Lotka resides at Our Mims Retirement Haven near Paris, Ky. Visit www.OurMims.org and www.facebook.com/MimsRetirement for more information.

Thought I would share with you guys some of the images of her I captured during her demonstration. Let me know what you think of her.

Breeders' Cup is right around the corner and I will be there! Let me know who you would like to see photos of and I will do my best to get as many images as possible. Thanks everyone!

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Zenyatta's New Friends

Bret Walker — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:48:00 GMT

Guest blogger/photographer Mathea Kelley is back with another update on Zenyatta. She appears to be doing great at Lanes End Farm.

August at Lanes End is a busy time, between weaning the foals, getting ready for the sales, and the day-to-day farm activities. However, the maiden mares get to chill out and enjoy the late summer days. Zenyatta is turned out most of the day with her buddy Tasty Temptation. They seem to be perfectly content to laze in the sunshine eating grass and giving each other the occasional scratch.

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Zenyatta's main man these days is her barn foreman, Matt; you can really see that they have a special bond. When things slow down a bit at the farm I am going to sit down with Matt and have a chat about what a typical day is like for Zenyatta. Are there any questions you would like me to ask Matt?

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I thought I would go ahead and share some other shots I captured while I was out on the farm. Which one is your favorite?

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She's Still A Star

Bret Walker — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:42:00 GMT

Another Goldikova update from our guest blogger/photographer John Gilmore. Enjoy!

The stage was set, with a large crowd hoping to witness another memorable performance from Goldikova and jockey Olivier Peslier, in the Prix Jacques Le Marois at the picturesque La Touques Deauville track on August 15. It seemed nearly everybody at the track was willing Goldikova to win.

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I spoke to some of the Goldikova fan club- identically dressed in dark blue outfits, with baseball caps to match. who work at the Wertheimer et Frere Haras (stud) de Saint Leonard in Normandy. One girl summed it up, "we all love her, she's a real star and always gives her best" The racecourse joined in the fun by giving out "Allez Goldikova" posters.

But sadly it wasn't meant to be and despite Olivier Peslier entering the race on a hot streak after winning the first four races, including a Group 11 on Goldikova's half sister Galikova, we didn't have a fairy tale ending. Drawn 11 of the 12 runners wasn't considered an inconvenience, though low numbers are normally favoured, nor the ground, which was on the soft side of good. In the race everyone was anxiously waiting with baited breath for Goldikova's customary birst of speed in the last furlong, bot on this occasion it just wasn't forthcoming. The mare being upstaged by a brillant acceleration from the 3 year old upstart Immortal Verse, with Goldikova still running on gamely for second place, without her usual sparkle, but losing nothing in defeat.

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As Goldikova was brought back into the unsaddling enclosure, she still received a fantastic applause from the appreciative spectators. Perhaps in Hindsight, to win two top class races in the space of 14 days is asking a lot. But some of the fans I spoke to after the race were not too disappointed, including a couple from Paris who are going to the Breeders Cup and expect after a rest," "Goldie" will be back with a bang in the Autumn".
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So, even though she didn't win the Prix Jacques Le Marois, do you still like her chances for a repeat victory in the Breeders' Cup Championships this year?

Goldikova's 2011 racing campaign

Bret Walker — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 19:49:00 GMT

We have another guest blogger here at Through the Lens. John Gilmore is going to keep us updated on racing superstar Goldikova. A journalist and horse racing photographer based in France, John Gilmore attends major race meetings in the Parisian area and in Deauville during the summer. John looks forward to sharing his observations and images with us as he follows the great mare. Goldikova’s training plan includes a return to Churchill Downs where she will defend her Breeders’ Cup championship.

From John Gilmore:

Sensing Deauville was her favourite track and she was the star of the show ready to perform, Goldie entered the parade ring on her toes, ears pricked and looking round as she prepared for the Prix Rothschild on July 31, 2011.

When Olivier Peslier mounted Goldie, the mare instantly nodded her head in approval realising it was a friend, though the handler had to straighten her up leading to the track. Excitement for the race was building up.. Once on the track the pair quickly got into an even stride down to the start, passing the stands to loud applause, including from around 100 "Goldie" fans waving banners.

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Never giving her fans an anxious moment in the race - Goldikova always looked the winner and it's a long time on a French race track since I heard such an applause. This went on for ages after she calmly entered the winners enclosure, hardly blowing at all posing for a picture and probably wondering what all the fuss was about.

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Trainer Freddie Head and jockey Olivier Peslier were overjoyed, passing a very emotional moment with the journalists, who crowded round listening intently to every word they said. The most telling thing Olivier mentioned; “I never had to use the whip and she won as she pleased,” while Freddie Head planned the same programme as last year with all roads leading to the Breeders’ Cup.

Goldie truly is a racing legend in our time. Thanks for visiting www.ThroughTheLensBlog.com and thank you to Anne Eberhardt for letting me join in on the fun. If you’d like to see images of Goldikova training and at the barn with her lads let us know! We would also like to hear which race of Goldikova's was your favorite?

Read the full BloodHorse.com story on the Prix Rothschild.

View more Goldikova photos at The Blood-Horse Photo Store.

Spring at Lane's End Farm

Bret Walker — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:56:00 GMT

Guest blogger/photographer Mathea Kelley is back to share her latest update on our good friend Zenyatta. Thanks Mathea! Hope you guys enjoy!

Spring at Lane's End Farm is paradise for horses and people alike. It seems like overnight the gray of the long winter is gone and there are new foals, green grass, trees and flowers blossoming everywhere. One of the happiest horses on the farm is the queen herself, Zenyatta. She has settled well into the routine of farm life and is the picture of health with her dapples glistening in the sunshine. She spends most of her days grazing in the lush green paddock with her friends. I wonder if the girls are contemplating motherhood as they will have foals by their sides at this time next year? I'll post a few of my favorties below, but click here to view the entire slideshow.

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Mathea will continue to keep us updated on Zenyatta throughout the year. Please let her know how much we appreciate her keeping us up-to-date on Queen Z.
Now that the Triple Crown has wrapped up I will be lining up more visits with some of our favorite mares. Stay tuned to www.ThroughTheLensBlog.com to see who gets the next visit.

Ruling the Broodmare Band

Bret Walker — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:36:00 GMT

Champagne Glow, dam of Belmont Stakes winner Ruler On Ice, was in her stall when I arrived at Jim and Pam Robinson’s Brandywine Farm near Paris, Ky. I took their portrait with their dogs Tyler and Einstein. Then Pam and I walked to the barn and the afternoon light was shining through on Champagne Glow, highlighting her beautiful coat. Pam mentioned that Champagne Glow was 23 years old. She looked fantastic.

Pam lead her out to a grassy area by a barn where we took photos-- head shots, conformation, grazing. Then as we walked back to the barn, Champagne Glow stopped and posed, head high as she took it all in.

“That’s the look,” Pam said. “She knows she’s special. And she’s opinionated. All the good ones are.”

Ruler On Ice was bred by the Robinsons and their Brandywine Farm in partnership with Rob Whiteley and his Liberation Farm. Smart and easy to work with, Champagne Glow was represented on last year’s 2010 Belmont Stakes day when Champagne d’Oro won the Acorn Stakes on the Belmont undercard.

Champagne Glow was bred back this year to Roman Ruler, sire of Ruler On Ice. She did not have a foal this year. Her yearling, a 2010 A.P.Warrior filly, was purchased by Bill Casner as a present for his wife Susan.

“She has big, strong attractive horses,” said Pam. “There is no reason older mares can’t give you a nice foal.”

The June 18th issue of The Blood-Horse featuring Ruler On Ice on the cover has a great piece on Ruler On Ice's pedigree written by David Schmitz if you are interested in learning more.

Jim and Pam Robinson with Tyler and Einstein.

Champagne Glow conformation pose. Order this Photo.

Champagne Glow enjoying some delicious green grass. Order this Photo.

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War Horse won Best Broadway Play at the Tony Awards this week. Friends and reviews say it is fantastic. Check out the life-size horse puppets!

The Dam and her International Kingdom

Bret Walker — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:04:00 GMT

Dalicia, dam of Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, has travelled the world. She raced for five years in Germany, France, and North America. Dalicia now resides at the Yoshida family’s Shadai Farm on the island of Hokkaido in Northern Japan. She presently has a bay colt born on March, 17, 2011. The colt is sired by Neo Universe, who also sired Dubai World Cup winner Victoire Pisa.

(Photo Caption: Dalicia with her 2011 Neo Universe foal. Photo by JUNJI FUKUDA)

Barry Irwin, breeder of Animal Kingdom, bought German-bred and German group winner Dalicia (by Acatenango) at a German Sale. Dalicia’s 2009 foal, a Mr. Greeley colt named Thursby, also is in training with Graham Motion, trainer of Animal Kingdom. Carrying her 2010 foal, a full brother to Thursby, Dalicia was sold in the 2009 December Tattersalls sale and purchased by Shadai Farm. This spring Dalicia was bred to Heart’s Cry, a son of Sunday Silence that stands at Shadai Farm.

Thought you guys might enjoy these tidbits. Do you think Animal Kingdom can win the Preakness on Saturday? I'll be there shooting, so be sure to come back when I share some of my favorite shots from this year's Triple Crown. Thanks everybody!

*Reminder: In order to leave comments now you must register an account on BloodHorse.com.

Charging to the Kentucky Derby

Bret Walker — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:03:00 GMT

Supercharger, dam of 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver, has a 2011 Tiznow colt born on March 30, at WinStar Farm near Versailles, Ky.
The mare has been bred to Medaglia d’Oro.

With her current foal, Supercharger walks to her field. Order this Photo.

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Super Saver, by Maria’s Mon, is finishing his first season as a stallion at WinStar. He will have his first crop of foals in 2012. Brethren, Supercharger’s 2008 foal by Distorted Humor, was impressive as a stakes winner earlier this year on the Derby trail when he won the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa. After an 11th place finish in the Arkansas Derby, Brethren was returned to Kentucky for a rest and training at the WinStar training facility.

Other broodmare updates:
Stardom Bound had her first foal on April 18, 2011 at Katsumi Yoshida’s Northern Farm in Hokkaido, Japan. The grey colt is by champion Big Brown, who won the Kentucky Derby and stands at Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky. A Northern Farm representative said Stardom Bound is doing well as a first-time mother!

Rags to Riches has a 2011 Galileo colt in Ireland and has been bred back to Galileo. Her first foal, an unnamed 2-year-old filly by Giant’s Causeway, now is with JJ Pletcher at his Payton Training Center in Ocala, Florida. The filly likely will move into training at the track with Todd Pletcher in July or August of this year.

Playa Maya had a Broken Vow colt on Feb. 1, 2011, at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky. The dam of champion 2-year-old Uncle Mo, Playa Maya is back in foal to Indian Charlie. Uncle Mo will be one of the favorites at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 7.

Uncle Mo prepares for Kentucky Derby 137 at Churchill Downs. Order this Photo.

More notes:
We will have lots of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby photos available after the race at The Blood-Horse Photo Store. Be sure to check them out. Our photographers will be out at the track working hard.

Also, I will post some of my favorite images to my Facebook Fan Page, so be sure you are following.

I am once again looking for suggestions for broodmare's you would like for me to pay a visit to or get updates on.....so let me know in the comments below. (Note: You must now register an account on BloodHorse.com in order to leave comments.) Thanks everybody and best of luck this weekend.

Catching up with Silverbulletday and Vertigineux

Bret Walker — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:43:00 GMT

Several Blood-Horse projects have kept me on the go recently, including photo shoots with mares Silverbulletday and Vertigineux and a handicapping webinar called How to Bet: A Beginner’s Guide for Thoroughbred Racing. If you are new to betting or just need a refresher check this out.

Busy times as we approach the Triple Crown. Similar to their male counterparts and the Kentucky Derby, the 3-year-old fillies are prepping for the Kentucky Oaks on May 6, 2011, at Churchill Downs.

I went to visit Kentucky Oaks winner and champion Silverbulletday, now in retirement at John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm near Lexington, Ky., where she arrived in September 2000. During her career, the champion race filly had 15 wins from 23 starts, all stakes except for her maiden triumph.

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Looking radiant with a dappled coat, Silverbulletday shares a field with Teeming as she waits to foal. “She hardly gets wound up,” said Joe Ramsey, farm manager. “She’s an alpha-type but not aggressive, just very smart.”

In foal to Midnight Lute, Silverbulletday is due to foal a filly on May 12.
Her current field mate, Teeming, is in foal to Smart Strike and is due to foal a filly on April 20.

Read more on Silverbulletday in the April 23, 2011 issue of The Blood-Horse. A great Triple Crown offer for the magazine is available.

Vertigineux was named the 2011MarketWatch Broodmare of the Year. She now resides at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky. I photographed the great mare nearly three years ago at Winter Quarter Farm. She then was sold and moved to Ashford Stud, where broodmare manager Bob Davis oversees her daily care.

“She’s an easy mare to work with,” said Davis, who noted that even as a 16-year-old she is fit and strong. Vertigineux’s 2011 foal is a Henrythenavigator filly born on April 2. The mare produced a full sister, now a yearling, in 2010.

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With her majestic look, holding her head high and posing, you can see the resemblance in her offspring. Included in the slideshow below are images of some of Vertigineux’s daughters. Among her eight foals is current 2-year-old Eblouissante, by Bernardini, who now is in training with John Shirreffs.

Enjoy the slideshow! I’ll be back soon with more photos of wonderful mares.

Click here to view the full slideshow.

Happy Birthday Queen Z!

Bret Walker — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:08:00 GMT

Guest blogger/photographer Mathea Kelley is back to share her latest update on our good friend Zenyatta. Thanks Mathea! Hope you guys enjoy!

In the world of the Thoroughbred industry a birth at Winter Quarter Farm in Lexington, Kentucky on April Fools Day 2004 would prove to be anything but a joke. That is the day that the sensational mare Zenyatta was born. Little did the crew that watched the wobbly legged dark bay foal take her first steps know that they were witnessing the arrival of one of the greatest racehorses in the world. The hopes and dreams of owners, trainers, caretakers, fans and so many other people involved in Zenyatta's world would be rewarded untold times as they all watched her grow.

Last week I had the honor of being invited to Zenyatta's seventh birthday party. Zenyatta spent the morning of her birthday relaxing in the paddock with her gal pals. She came in for a late lunch and had a bath and shine in preparation for the festivities later that afternoon. Zenyatta had received baskets of fruits, peppermints and countless cards from her adoring fans nationwide. A kindergarten class made a life-size card of Zenyatta complete with cotton balls to represent her white markings and black yarn for her mane and tail. The entire class signed the card. A special group of fifth graders from Ohio sent Zenyatta a basket filled with some of her favorite things. The outpouring of love for Zenyatta is amazing to witness. After "she" made some thank you calls, it was time to party. Owner Ann Moss and the crew from Barn 55 flew in from California to celebrate with Zenyatta. On the lawn in front of her barn, Zenyatta enjoyed kisses & cuddles and many fresh carrots presented to her by the party goers. The staff at Lane's End also received some treats, cupcakes decorated with crowns and buttercream icing in the Moss' racing colors. After her party Zenyatta went back to her stall for an afternoon nap.

While Zenyatta rested, the crew from Barn 55 went to say hello to another Lane's End resident, Life is Sweet and see her new foal. Life is Sweet was more than happy to show off her new foal for the guests and allow pictures to be taken of her foal's antics.

The remainder of the day was spent reminiscing and relaxing with Zenyatta. The California connections returned home later that evening with their many memories and pictures from a fun filled day. Enjoy the pictures below from a wonderful day on the farm.

Zenyatta before getting cleaned up for her big party.

Heading to the barn for bath time.

Ready for company.

Zenyatta's card from her kindergarten friends.

Who's here?

Zenyatta gets a treat from one of her party guest, owner Ann Moss.

Everyone eats lots of treats on their birthday.

She enjoyed every one too.

Picture time. Say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Where's everybody going? I'm still eating.

Life Is Sweet's new foal at Lane's End Farm.

Keep visiting www.ThroughTheLensBlog.com for updates on Zenyatta and other great mares.

Rachel Alexandra Fan Day

Bret Walker — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 22:55:00 GMT

Rachel Alexandra fan day finally arrived! Fans like me had signed up on Facebook in February to visit the Horse of the Year during one of four sessions planned for March 25, 2011. Rachel Alexandra, owned by Jess Jackson and Barbara Banke, now resides on their Stonestreet Farm near Lexington, Ky.

The Stonestreet staff was organized, friendly and accommodating—answering questions and welcoming everyone on this special day. Upon arrival we went to the office where photos and magazine covers of Rachel hang on the walls. Her trophies were on display with continuous video of her races. Fans signed their names on a board surrounding her photo.

Next, shuttles took fans to Rachel’s barn where she stood for us to pet and take photos. She was relaxed and moving her ears, alert to all of the 25 visitors around her. We passed our cameras to each other so all could have a photo taken with the champion.

Her handler let a fan give Rachel a treat and he mentioned that Rachel and her paddock buddy, Hot Dixie Chick, always are together as they graze in their field.

Back at the office, fans were treated to drinks and food and presented with chocolate horse head cookies with Rachel’s signature blaze in white cream, plus a photo of Rachel.

Fans had been waiting to see Rachel since her retirement and the wait was well worth it.

View the full slideshow to see more images from my trip to the Rachel Alexandra Fan Day.

Be sure you take a minute to check out this video too.

Also, if you haven't had the chance yet, make sure you check out the images of Rachel’s full sister that I posted last week. She lives just down the road from Rachel at Dede McGehee’s Heaven Trees Farm. View images of Rachel Alexandra's full sister.

Plus, I will soon be planning my next few visits for the blog. You guys let me know who you would like to see next and I will see what I can do. Thanks everybody!

Lotta To Live Up To

Bret Walker — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:03:00 GMT

Lotta Kim produced a full sister to Rachel Alexandra on Feb. 27, 2011, at Dr. Dede McGehee's Heaven Trees Farm near Lexington, Ky. Photographed on March 12, 2011, the Medaglia d'Oro filly is owned by Dolph Morrison. A decision has not been made on whom Lotta Kim will be bred to this season.

"The mare is a good mom,” said Dr. McGehee. “She’s matured into a fine mother. And the foal is smart, just like Rachel Alexandra was as a foal.”
The filly was born at one a.m. on a Sunday morning and was a normal foaling. The mare and foal go out for two to three hours a day and that increases weekly.

Lotta Kim and her filly now have company in their paddock. Miss Abbott, a 19-year-old mare owned by Dr. McGehee, shares the field with her El Corredor colt. The two mares shared a field before foaling.
“This foal is good size,” said Donnie Barcus, Heaven Trees’ farm manager. “She’s a similar type to Rachel Alexandra,” said Barcus. “She’s tall with long legs. She bucks and kicks and plays hard. She’s very active.”

I will be visiting with Rachel Alexandra on March 25 at Stonestreet Farm and I will be posting my images here at Through the Lens soon after, so be sure to keep your eyes open for those.

I will also post updates to my new Facebook fan page. I hope you enjoy the photos below. I would love to hear your name suggestions for this beautiful new foal. Let's see how creative you guys can get.

Lotta Kim watches barn activity while her foal sleeps. Order this Photo.

Stepping out for some fresh air. Order this Photo.

Paddock time. Order this Photo.

Running by Heaven Tree’s yearling barn. Order this Photo.

Feeling a little independent. Order this Photo.

Time to slow the pace. Order this Photo.

Grazing side by side. Order this Photo.

Check out my facial markings. Order this Photo.

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Feeling good on a pleasant sunny day in Kentucky. Order this Photo.

Back with mom for another romp. Order this Photo.

I have added a few additional photos to the full slideshow. Click here to view the slideshow.

Zenyatta Is Looking Good

Bret Walker — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 16:49:00 GMT

Mathea Kelley is our next guest blogger/photographer here at Through the Lens.

BIO: Mathea is originally from New York and a graduate of Cornell University. She loves horses and the Bluegrass state which she now calls home. Part of the Lane’s End Farm photography and video team, Mathea regularly takes photos of foals and broodmares at the farm. Mathea plans to share her Zenyatta sessions with fans right here at ThroughTheLensBlog.com. Special thanks to Zenyatta’s connections and the Lane’s End Farm team for this opportunity.

Winter in Kentucky can be tough; ice, snow, rain, mud, and a few sunny days, make the arrival of warmer weather much anticipated. March came in like a lamb with a few warm sunny days and I was able to spend some time photographing Zenyatta at Lane’s End Farm. The last time I took pictures of Zenyatta it was so cold her whiskers were frozen!!

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I am still awed by her physical presence every time I see her; she towers over her pasture mates. Zenyatta is more like the gentle giant than the dominate bully, happy and content to "be a horse" hanging out with her pasture buddies, rolling in the mud and munching on the new shoots of grass.

My visit happened to occur on a day when Zenyatta was getting a special guest later that afternoon. Mrs. Moss was going to stop by, so it was time for a bath and shine. She wasn’t really that muddy, as she had the full spa treatment last week when she went to visit Bernardini. Some of her buddies, especially PQ, looked like they had a lot of fun in the mud! Zenyatta came in for a dinner of sweetfeed and aloe vera gel at 3 pm. Her stash of peppermints were right by her stall for when she finished her grain.

About 3:30 pm she had a bath in preparation for a special visit.
Thankfully the afternoon sun was warm! Zenyatta didn’t seem too bothered by the bath. Matt Martinez, Guillermo Escalera and Lorna Poole worked quickly, they even got out the Ivory soap to clean her white socks. After her bath it was time for some hand grazing in the sunshine. Charles Campbell and Sarah Campion brought the barn crew some ice cream and everyone took a break for a few minutes. All in a days work. Hope you enjoy my images below. Stay tuned to ThroughTheLensBlog.com for future updates on Zenyatta and her friends at Lane's End Farm. Let me know which image you guys liked the best!

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Dreaming of Anna's New Colt

Bret Walker — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:28:00 GMT

Champion Dreaming of Anna gave birth to a Medaglia d’Oro colt on Feb. 21, 2011, at Dr. and Mrs. Gary Priest’s Woodspring Farm near Versailles, Ky., in Woodford County.

“She is so kind, and a good mother,” said Woodspring Farm manager Guy Mogge. Easy to care for, Dreaming of Anna is just one of the girls. “She goes through her daily routine like a pro. It’s great to have her.”

Dreaming of Anna is owned by Frank Calabrese, who bred and raced the undefeated champion 2-year-old. Calabrese named Dreaming of Anna for his deceased sister Anna Anderson. Dreaming of Anna was born on Feb. 4, 2004, at Lantern Hill Farm near Midway, Ky., also in Woodford County.

“She does get lonely and likes to have her buddies around when she doesn’t have a foal by her side,” added Mogge.
A full sister to graded stakes winner Lewis Michael, Dreaming of Anna (Rahy—Justenuffheart, by Broad Brush) has a yearling filly by Street Cry, also at Woodspring. The mare will be bred back to Tapit.

If you "like" what you see here, you should also "like" my new Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/AnneEberhardtPhotos. Feel free to share it with your friends as well if you think they might be interested.

Hope you enjoy the photos! I will have more great content to share with you soon. Add to the comments below who you would like to see me catch up with next. Thanks everybody!

With her foal close behind, Dreaming of Anna is lead to her paddock. Order this Photo.

Walking on their own in their paddock. Order this Photo.

Coming back to check out the photographer. Order this Photo.

Stopping to smell some grass before moving on. Order this Photo.

Stopping by the fenceline to see her buddies with her foal nursing. Order this Photo.

Enjoying a sunny, brisk day for a few hours. Order this Photo.

New Friends

Bret Walker — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:16:00 GMT

I arrived at Old Friends equine retirement home near Georgetown, Ky., on a cold and windy morning in early February. Michael Blowen, the enthusiastic president of Old Friends, said his favorite time of day is early morning when he makes the rounds feeding the horses.

“It’s a quiet time of day before the phones start ringing and email alerts pop up,” said Blowen. “I can check on each horse and spend time with them.”

Each horse has a story and personality to go with it. “I love horse racing and to have some of these great horses retired here where I can look after them is wonderful,” said Blowen.

Here are a few of the retirees followed by a more in-depth slideshow of my Old Friends experience. Look for Esther Marr’s feature story on Old Friends in the Feb. 19, 2011, issue of The Blood-Horse magazine.

“Sunshine Forever is one of my favorites,” said Blowen. “I say to him, Are you the greatest horse? And he shakes his head up and down.” And sure enough, Sunshine Forever walked over to the fence line when Blowen arrived and shook his head “yes” when asked. Then he ate his carrots and feed.

Known as Tator, Commentator loves visitors. “His groom Gus comes to see him all the time,” said Blowen.

The Wicked North, also used to the cameras and winners circle, runs over when visitors arrive. “His regular rider Kent Desormeaux comes to see him often,” said Blowen. “He’ll give him a bath and he rode him bareback once.”

Blowen has a special bond with Hidden Lake. “She’s a sweet one,” said Blowen. Hidden Lake, one of several retired mares, shares a paddock with Personalized and Cozy Miss.

Blowen gets into Marquetry’s paddock and they race each other! The flashy chestnut seems to give Blowen a head start before catching up and passing him.

Even on this overcast and cold day visitors arrived and took a tour to see the horses. Check out the Old Friends website where you can set up a tour on your next visit to the area.

Want to see more? View the entire slideshow.

A Fan's Favorites

Bret Walker — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Penny Chenery recently announced that Horse of the Year Zenyatta will be the recipient of the inaugural Secretariat Vox Populi ("Voice of the People") Award. Chenery and her family raced the great Secretariat, a two-time Horse of the Year and a major fan favorite.

A release from Secretariat.com, stated that the award will "recognize a horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public."

Mike Sekulic, a self-described "major racing fan," started going to the races in 1972, when he was 9 years old. His first favorite racehorse was Cougar II, a flashy and brilliant competitor.

Mike also started taking photos at a young age and uses a 35mm film camera for his racing photos. "I like photographing horses," said Sekulic. "It’s a hobby for me."

Sekulic has excelled as a photographer while following his favorite racehorses. Here is a look back at Zenyatta during her training days. Text and images by racing Mike Sekulic.

Caption: With groom Mario Espinoza, Zenyatta looks back toward the camera.

There's something about the star of the show that tends to captivate an audience. In the world of horse racing fans are often enthralled by horses who come from behind and finish in a dazzling fury. That running style seems to lend itself to the most exciting scenario, creating anticipation and knots in the stomach! Zenyatta's fans always found themselves wondering "Will she get there?!"

Caption: Taking over the leaders on her way to victory.

Many of the greatest horses tend to start on or near the pace. As a lifelong racing fan I remember Cougar II, a crowd favorite, being such an exciting performer because of his come from behind running style. Zenyatta, our newly crowned Horse of the Year, displayed a thrilling running style, starting dead last most of the time, only to come running at the end, finishing like a locomotive, and treating her adoring fans to a show that only racing's biggest stars are capable of delivering.

Caption: Morning at the track.

I had the fortunate opportunity to visit Zenyatta on many occasions, and I seized each of those moments because, the way I looked at it, spending time with Zenyatta was like spending it with an immortal super star of racing. Horses like Man O' War, Secretariat, Dr. Fager, Spectacular Bid and Citation don't come along very often.

I always made the effort to not only go see Zenyatta, but to bring along friends who otherwise may not have had the opportunity. Most of them looked upon their visits with Zenyatta as one of the biggest thrills of their lives. That's the effect this miraculous horse has on people.

Caption: Fans and media photographing Zenyatta on race day.

The star of the show becomes larger than life. So, too, did Zenyatta become larger than life in some sense. With each win on the racetrack her legend grew and she became more adored. The ovations became louder and louder. People would see her and cry. Those of us who got to visit her in person were awe struck by her beauty, personality and sweet spirit.

Caption: Doing her special strut in the paddock.

I boldly shouted "Yes!" and threw my fist in the air when Zenyatta's name was read for Horse of the Year, only to give in to tears when I saw Mrs. Moss crying and so overwhelmed. I've never been so satisfied and felt so justified upon hearing the result of any award. I also know, firsthand, how much the Mosses love their "Zennie."

Caption: Zenyatta.

Upon her retirement a friend asked, "Who do you think is the next Zenyatta?" I said, "Horse racing is exciting, and there will be many more good and even great horses coming along. You can't expect this kind of magic to happen more than once in a lifetime. Let's just appreciate the fact we were here to see it at all. There isn't going to be a next Zenyatta...there is only one."

View more Zenyatta photos by Mike Sekulic.

More Zenyatta Photo Slideshows: Zenyatta, Zenyatta has Visitors, Zenyatta at Lane's End, Farewell Zenyatta, A Day with Zenyatta.

View video of Zenyatta at Lane's End Farm.

Limited-Edition Zenyatta Horse of the Year Print from The Blood-Horse Photo Store.

More Zenyatta photos at The Blood-Horse Photo Store.