Taking Zenny Home #horseracing

Being a small breeder with five broodmares, it is easy to become attached and well acquainted with the mares and their progeny. Spring is my favourite time of the year as I have the opportunity to spend more time with the horses at Princes Farm, often watching a mare or two of mine foal.

I missed out on Golden Zen foaling her 09 God’s Own filly (nicknamed Zenny) , but I arrived at the farm a few weeks after and one of my first memories of her as a curious foal always sticking her nose in my hand! Her mum Golden Zen enjoys a good scratch and pat, over the years she’s come out of her shell and it’s great to see her grow into a confident mare.

Zenny’s developed into a cheeky filly, in Autumn I visited her at the farm and she walked over to the gate to say bye. I patted her and she stole my hat! I tried to reach over to grab it back and she took two steps back before waving it at me (you could almost hear her say “nyeh nyeh nyeh nyeh nyeh” in a mocking tone) and dropping it on the ground, sauntering away. Yes, it would have to be one of my own to do that to me!

Zenny had been nominated in the last yearling sale (Magic Millions National Yearling Sale) of the year as the decision came about to dissolve the partnership in the filly. As I arrived at the yearling sale to say hi to Zenny, I felt a pang of worry knowing it would be difficult to sell her with the market being down and being a filly by God’s Own (unfashionable sire of the moment), a little upright and offset – it wouldn’t help her cause at all.

So, the stress kicked in. If she doesn’t sell, we’d be back to square one. If she sells for too little, what will happen to her? If I retain her, how am I going to race/maintain another racehorse and who will train her? All these questions flooded my head over the past few days and even more so when I was told she wasn’t getting any second looks.

She went through the ring on Monday and I walked over to her box to take another look at her. Her usual curious and friendly self came over after I called out her nickname. Looking at her “take me home to my paddock please” face I knew that if I didn’t buy her back, what would happen to her? She didn’t ask to be foaled and as a part-owner, I’m partially responsible for the mating done and I should ensure she goes to a good home.

As she paraded through the ring and I knew she would probably end up with me, as the hammer fell at $2000 I knew I had her. It’s not a desirable price for the filly to go through the sale at, it felt awful to have that price-tag attached to her, but the market dictates the price and as many breeders have suffered due to the circumstances of the market. Far from pleasant and as this is a year of many firsts for me, this experience being another addition to the list.

After organising for her to be brought back to NSW (to be broken-in) via Goldners, I started to worry of what to do with her and where to stable her. Maintaining a cheap (by comparison) racehorse costs as much as an expensive one (excluding insurance). Daily expenses and ensuring the horse goes to a stable that will give her the best chance at a successful career and cared for in a loving home too.

After speaking to Michelle Payne (Allez Wonder’s jockey in the G1 Toorak Hcp and friend) about Zenny and wanting to send her to a Country Trainer, a decision had been made that Zenny will go to Andrew Payne at Ballarat. I’m very much pleased to send Zenny to the Payne family as their passion and love for horses is the perfect environment for the filly.

We have spoken of naming her in honour of Allez Wonder as the proceeds of her sale that I received from Suez Thoroughbreds, will help pay for Zenny’s training fees, agistment, etc. I still speak of this beautiful mare Allez Wonder all the time because even though I don’t own her anymore, she continues to give so much in fond memories and I will always be grateful for being a part of her racing career.

 Zenny will be my first racehorse owned outside of Suez Thoroughbreds, and holds a strong connection to our family with her dam Golden Zen being a close relation to G1 Epsom Hcp winner Allez Suez – Dad’s first G1 winner. I hope she will bring connections much success, as in my humble opinion I always believe in racing/breeding place 100% of hope/faith and 0% expectations to enjoy the best of the sport.

Zenny getting her feet done – Spring 2010