Zippy Chippy, the gelding who became a fan favorite when compiling a record of 0-for-100 in 11 seasons of racing in the 1990s and early 2000s, died Friday morning just days before his 31st birthday.
Zippy Chippy's passing was announced by retirement facility Old Friends at Cabin Creek in New York, where he had resided.
Zippy Chippy passed away this morning a few days before his 31st birthday. What a life he lived + what wonderful friends he made. He was a shining star for aftercare. He ran his own show + bossed us around with no regrets, + we listened. Run free Zipster, til we meet again :racehorse::broken_heart: pic.twitter.com/MkZmN9id9O
— Old Friends at Cabin Creek (@OldFriendsCC) April 16, 2022
Owned and trained by Felix O. Monserrate, New York-bred Zippy Chippy started his career in September 1994 at Belmont Park. He made seven starts at NYRA tracks without a win before moving on to smaller venues like Finger Lakes and Suffolk Downs, where the losing streak continued.
Monserrate boarded and then acquired Zippy Chippy in 1995. By the early 2000s, Zippy Chippy had been banned from racing at many tracks, but among the exceptions was Northhampton Fair in Massachusetts. The son of Compliance would lose his 100th and final race there on Sept. 4, 2004 when finishing last at 7-2. He retired with earnings of $30,834.
Zippy Chippy remained with Monserrate for a few years following his retirement before being sent to Old Friends at Cabin Creek.
