"Winners Don't Always Finish First."
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — A horse that never posed in the winner's circle is living the good life this summer on a scenic Kentucky farm, and his losses could mean a big win for retired thoroughbreds.
Zippy Chippy belied his name during a remarkable winless streak, failing to win even any of his 100 starts during a career at track in the Northeast. His futility earned the hapless loser a spot on People magazine's list of the most interesting personalities.
Now, the 21-year-old dark brown gelding who last raced in 2004 has emerged from the pack as a lovable ambassador for the humane treatment of old horses no longer able to bring in money from racing or breeding to pay their feed and veterinarian bills.
Nicknamed Zippy, the horse is spending a few weeks lolling in a paddock and munching carrots and grass at Old Friends, a central Kentucky farm for retired thoroughbreds. He's due to return in September to his permanent home - another Old Friends retirement farm at Greenfield Center, N.Y.
Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/07/24/4126412/whos-the-winner-now.html#storylink=cpy
This July 20, 2012 photo shows Zippy Chippy, front, sharing a paddock with his pal and fellow gelding Red Down South, at Old Friends farm near Georgetown, Ky. Zippy Chippy failed to win one of his 100 start. Now the 21-year-old is emerging as a lovable ambassador for the humane treatment of horses no longer able to bring in money to pay their feed and veterinarian bills.
