After 100 starts and a life spanning more than three decades, the famous perennial maiden Zippy Chippy will be posthumously honored in Saratoga Race Course's winner's circle after Race 6 on Thursday's Opening Day card at the Spa, named “In Memory of Zippy Chippy” by those that cared for him during his retirement at Old Friends at Cabin Creek.
Zippy Chippy, who passed away on April 15 at the age of 31, was well-known for his 0-for-100 record and frequent racetrack antics, often standing at the start and refusing to leave the gate. The son of Compliance's career began with a debut eighth-place finish in September of 1994 at Belmont Park and concluded 10 years later when posting the same result in a maiden special weight at the Northampton Fair in Massachusetts in 2004.
Trained and owned by Felix Monseratte for the bulk of his career, Zippy Chippy's closest finish was a runner-up effort in a Northampton maiden in 2000 where he was defeated a head in his 87th outing. He retired from racing with earnings of just over $30,000 and 20 on-the-board finishes and spent the first part of his retirement at a private farm until he moved to Old Friends at Cabin Creek in April 2010.
Old Friends at Cabin Creek, which is located in Greenfield Center, N.Y., is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization accredited by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). Founded in 2009 by JoAnn and Mark Pepper, Old Friends at Cabin Creek is a satellite farm of Old Friends in Georgetown, K.Y. and seeks to provide a dignified retirement for racehorses.
JoAnn Pepper, who managed Zippy Chippy's care for his 12 years at Old Friends at Cabin Creek, said she is honored to celebrate the spirited gelding at Saratoga.
“It's so fitting that Zippy will be honored in the winner's circle. He probably wouldn't have liked it, but we do,” said Pepper, with a laugh. “It's a great way to bring attention to aftercare.”
During his tenure at Old Friends at Cabin Creek, Zippy Chippy attracted the attention of fans from far and wide, frequently overshadowing some of the more accomplished retirees at the farm, like two-time Grade 1 Whitney winner Commentator and the late dual Grade 1-winner Will's Way. His paddock was adjacent to Be Bullish, a multiple stakes-winning millionaire – but it was the 0-for-100 maiden that visitors flocked by the hundreds to see.
One of those fans was Rosanne Frieri, a native of Richmond, Massachusetts who first visited with Zippy Chippy four years ago and frequently made the trip to see him until his death. Frieri, a donor and supporter of Old Friends at Cabin Creek, was behind the naming of Race 6 on Thursday.
“I picked Opening Day because a lot of people will be there and we'll start the meet with a big bang. I figured this is the only way he would get in the winner's circle,” Frieri said, with a laugh.
“I can honestly say he was the love of my life and he made me happy,” Frieri added. “He was so well taken care of and the volunteers loved him so much. Everybody loved him and wanted to see him. What a legacy, and what a life.”
Frieri noted that Zippy Chippy is a great example of the promise of aftercare for all racehorses, even those that did not post major accomplishments on the racetrack.
“There's no discrimination at Cabin Creek,” Frieri said. “It's the same love and care for every horse. I loved the horse so much, and he stole my heart. During his life and in his death, he still is the ambassador of never quitting.”
Old Friends at Cabin Creek, which is home to famous retirees such as millionaires Commentator, Naughty New Yorker and Be Bullish, will be open for public tours throughout the summer on Tuesdays, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours are free of charge and donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, visit www.oldfriendsatcabincreek.com.
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