The equestrian sports have many legendary trainers in its history who were successful in imprinting their name on the game. One such name is Nicholas P. Zito the Hall of Fame trainer. Zito came from a humble background but managed to reach the epitome of the equestrian industry with dedication and perseverance.
In his illustrious career, Zito has won 18 grade-one stakes including all three Triple Crown races. Now after contributing to the sport as a trainer for over four decades, he has decided to shift to a new adventure. This shift is not taking him away from the sport but just moving to the other side of it.
Equestrian trainer taking a new role
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The legendary equestrian trainer had seen all the equestrian sports. Over these years he has trained many horses who have won races in the games. Giving his thought about horse racing the $112,392,864 worth trainer said, “Racing is different“. He further says, “This game will humble kings“. Reflecting on his career and achievement the legend has nothing but praise and gratefulness. Now, Zito is ready to change his role in the equestrian industry from trainer to management.
Zito has formed ZD Horse Racing & Management this summer with businessman Robert DiPippo. This new venture will aim to bring new horses to the game. Speaking on the venture Zito said, “That will consist of maybe buying some horses, doing some bloodstock work, putting them with different trainers besides myself“. The venture will buy new horses, breed them, and train them for the races. The idea of the business developed a few years back when the duo met at a restaurant downtown. DiPippo says Zito is a brand in himself and what he needs is to bring investors into the business. Zito despite moving into the new role, still training horses this season. According to him, this new venture shall keep him attached to the equestrian sport after all that’s what he knew all his life.
Nicholas P. Zito in brief
Zito’s childhood was spent near Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, New York. At the age of nine, he started accompanying his father to equestrian races. Due to his young age, he would spend the entire day seated with the security guard. During his teenage years, his first job was as a hotwalker on the racetrack. Later, he advanced to work as a groom for Buddy Jacobson, a prominent New York trainer of that era.
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He transitioned to an assisting role alongside Hall of Famer Leroy Jolley and John Campo, from whom he gained invaluable insights about both horses and the sport. In 1972, at the age of 24, Zito embarked on his own training career, achieving his initial victory at the old Liberty Bell Park in Philadelphia with Palais. The horse that truly brought him recognition as a top stakes trainer was Thirty-Six Red. Over the course of his career, Zito amassed 16,280 starts, securing the first position 2060 times, the second position 1967 times, and the third position 1921 times.
The new venture of Hall of Fame trainer Nicholas Zito is a new beginning in his equestrian journey and all he aims is to provide better horses to the game he love and knew nothing after it.
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