Regarding "Zenyata" and horses...

One thing I found neat when watching the Zenyata piece on 60 Minutes was that the "thing" she is known for is holding back and remaining in last place until the last minute- then, completely out of nowhere she kicks it up a notch and ZOOMS past all those other horses who've been fighting like hell to remain as close to the front for the enitre race. I love that strategy!

Also, when interviewing her jockey you could tell he just loved her. He said that for her outstanding record and reputation he doesn't feel she's ever even ran her fastest yet. He remarked that as many races as she has one he has always felt while riding her that if necessary, there was always another gear she could be motivated to kick herself up into. Is that remarkable, or what?

Jon's brother has a little mini mare that had a little colt about a month ago. I have been meaning to get Jon to their house to see it but that place kills his allergies. Id love for him to get to see it while it is still a baby. They said it just races all around the pasture and is super tame. If I get to see it I will take a pic so you guys can see it. They named the baby pony Velvet.

Awww... cool name, Janie. Especially given the recent passing of Miss ("National Velvet" herself) Elizabeth Taylor.

Their little 2 1/2 year old daughter Angel named the colt. She is to funny with the names. They got her one of the little baby mini goats and she named it Cry Baby because she says it cries all the time lol. You have to hear a little kid with a hillbilly twang say Cry Baby. It is hilarious.

Shortly after we immigrated to this country my father became associated as a trainer with the Hanover Stables - these are trotters, sulky racing, not saddle racing. But we were all always intrigued by the Derby and all the hoopla that goes with it and I had an uncle who lived in Louisville and attended the great race every season. It is wonderful, exciting, romantic and occasionally bare-knuckled! As was the sulky racing my father worked with and loved dearly for so many years. There was nothing in the world I loved quite so much as sitting behind a bang-tail on a misty early morning, swinging around the oval, breezing a horse in a training sulky. It was pure magic!! As CF says, we can learn so much from animals! Hope everyone enjoys Derby Day this Saturday and hopefully, your horse will win the run for the roses!! katie