A HORSE named ‘racing’s most loveable loser’ for failing to win in 100 attempts has sadly died aged 30.
Zippy Chippy was anything but nippy on the track and even got banned from some after stopping mid-race.
A fan favourite for his unpredictable personality but ultimately hopeless ability, Zippy Chippy was voted one of People magazine’s ‘most intriguing characters’ in 2000.
He once raced against a baseball player in front of 10,000 fans, refused to leave the stalls on numerous occasions and became known as the ‘world’s worst racehorse’.
Although that was probably a little harsh, as his tally of 100 races without a win was some 35 behind the official record held by Puerto Rican mare Dona Chepa.
Zippy Chippy’s owner Felix Montserrate, who got the horse in 1995 after trading a Ford truck, finally retired his stable ‘star’ in 2004.
By that time he had earned his boss £23,681 thanks to eight runner-up finishes and 12 third places.
He should have been a lot better given he was a distant relative to superstars such as Man O’ War and Northern Dancer.
But it was clear that unlike the champions in his bloodline, losing didn’t bother him much at all, which might explain why he was so good at it.
While there were no victories on the track, there was definitely one off it in later life.
In April 2010 he was sent to Old Friends at Cabin Creek, a retirement home for racehorses in New York.
There, he became best mates with Red Down South, a gelding who, unlike Zippy Chippy, managed to win two of his 32 starts.
A Twitter post announcing Zippy Chippy’s passing last Saturday read: “Zippy Chippy passed away this morning a few days before his 31st birthday.
“What a life he lived and what wonderful friends he made.
‘I’LL MISS HIM FOREVER’
“He was a shining star for aftercare. He ran his own show and bossed us around with no regrets, and we listened.
“Run free Zipster, til we meet again.”
Cabin Creek owner JoAnn Pepper told the Racing Post: “Zippy was our main character here, and he lived his life his way.
“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.”
Fans paid tribute to the legendary runner on social media.
One said: “A good long life at 31. Gallop the clouds forever.”
Another commented: “When you look up perseverance in the dictionary, this face should be there. RIP Chippy!”
While a fellow Twitter user wrote: “Thoughts and prayers with all who cared for him and many fans who loved this guy.”
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.sportingexcitement.com/horse-racing/trainer-roger-varian-opens-up-on-brothers-brutal-murder-and-how-he-found-strength-from-horrific-emotional-trauma/
