Zippy Chippy Dead at 31

Edited Press Release

Zippy Chippy, horse racing's most loveable loser, has died.

A retiree at Old Friends at Cabin Creek in Greenfield Center, NY., a satellite of Kentucky's Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement, the son of Compliance was 31.

Campaigned by owner-trainer Felix Montserrate–who acquired the horse in 1995 by trading a Ford Truck–Zippy is known more for losing races than winning them. In 100 starts, he never crossed the finish line first. But he earned fame in other ways–for being cantankerous and for putting on carnival exhibitions where he once raced against a baseball player.

In 2000, People Magazine even voted Zippy Chippy one of the year's “Most Intriguing Characters.”

Banned from numerous track due to such antics as refusing to break from the gate, Zippy finally retired from racing in 2004 and had a brief second career as an outrider's pony at his home track, Finger Lakes in New York.

In April 2010, the aging campaigner found a home at Old Friends at Cabin Creek. Under the guidance of Cabin Creek owner and manager JoAnn Pepper, Zippy finally found solace with a paddock mate, Red Down South, a chestnut New York-bred gelding.

In recent years, they were the stars of Cabin Creek.

“Zippy was our main character here, and he lived his life his way,” said Cabin Creek's Pepper. “He was so content, and would not do anything he wasn't in the mood for. He taught me so much about life, and I'll miss him forever.”

“Zippy found his greatest success as a retiree,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “Joann and all of the volunteers at Cabin Creek adored him, and he attracted hundreds of fans to the farm each year. He was finally a star. Our thanks to Joann and Mark Pepper and everyone at Cabin Creek for the wonderful care they gave Zippy,” Blowen continued. “I know he will be deeply missed by all.”

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‘Today Was His Day’: Hong Kong’s Loveable Loser Travel Datuk Ends 48-Start Slump By A Nose

Almost five years after debuting at Happy Valley, Irish import Travel Datuk shed unwanted status as Hong Kong's most celebrated maiden by successfully snapping a 48-start losing streak to the bemusement and delight of trainer Richard Gibson and jockey Matthew Poon.

Feted as a cult horse – and Facebook hero – after 17 minor placings (11 seconds and six thirds) from his previous 48 outings in Hong Kong, Travel Datuk narrowly claimed the Class 4 Chatham Handicap after a promising career opening in Ireland, where he raced as Rockaway Valley for John Harrington. Sold to Hong Kong after placing at G3 level and running fifth in the G1 Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh in 2015, Travel Datuk took his earnings to HK$4.27 million long after being decried as a non-winner.

Travel Datuk actually won a Maiden as a 2-year-old in Ireland in 2015, but had proved eternally frustrating in his new surroundings – albeit with a growing profile.

“Actually, he became a very popular horse this season. Many fans contacted us on Facebook, he's a brave, very consistent horse, always tries his best – and for some reason, today was his day,” Gibson said of the 8-year-old.

“I do not know why he chose today, but congratulations to Matthew (Poon). He made the difference.

“He always tries his best, but not used to winning. He's been very consistent and sometimes that's how it goes in racing – it's a great credit to the horse, he kept himself in good shape and today was the day.”

Gibson indicated the 8-year-old's competitive limitations did not detract from the horse's generous nature and popularity.

“I think I will remember him for his defeats and these are not things for a trainer that you are proud of – the defeats. You are more celebrating of the wins.

“So, we'll take today. You never know. Now he's won once, who knows next time?

“I didn't think he was going to make it (win), actually. It's not a record a trainer is very proud of but he's been very consistent this year and a lot of fun.

“It's funny – these horses, once they get their nose in front, they tend to do it another time.”

The post ‘Today Was His Day’: Hong Kong’s Loveable Loser Travel Datuk Ends 48-Start Slump By A Nose appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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