Zippy Chippy's 'dad' still keeps tabs on his struggling 'kid' from MV Race Course

If you run into Felix Monserrate in the barn area or the grandstand at Mahoning Valley Race Course, by all means say hello. The 61-year-old native of Puerto Rico is a likeable guy.

And wish him good luck. He could use a little. Actually, he could use a lot.

Monserrate, for those who have been following racing for the past couple of decades, is the guy who used to own and train Zippy Chippy, American’s most famous loveable loser.

For 11 years, Zippy Chippy tried to win a horse race. He failed to ever enter the winner’s circle. In fact, he failed 100 times, exactly.

And, unfortunately, Monserrate, who recently took out his Ohio owner-trainer license at MVRC and has bedded down six horses in Barn 12, has picked up Zippy Chippy’s losing streak.

Zippy Chippy retired in 2010, the last year Monserrate was in the winner’s circle with another of his pupils. Since then, he has saddled 53 straight losers. He ran just one horse last year, was away from the game in 2012-2013 and was winless in 52 tries in 2011.

“We’ll get going soon,” said Monserratte. “I didn’t ship here not to win some races.”

As for Zippy Chippy, who is now 24, Monserrate said, “He is still alive, living six months at a farm in Kentucky and the other six months at a farm in Saratoga Springs. I see him once in a while. He’s doing good.”

Monserrate was once asked by a reporter why he continued to train a horse of such limited ability.

“If you have three kids and one is a lawyer and one is a doctor and one doesn’t make enough money, you’re not going to kick him out of your house,” he said. “You have to support him and try to get him better and better. He’s like my kid. I know he doesn’t run fast now, but I have to encourage him.”

In 2000, Zippy Chippy was included in People magazine’s “Most Interesting Personalities.” Monserrate acquired the horse in 1995 in a trade for an 1988 Ford truck.

When he wasn’t losing thoroughbred races, Monserrate had Zippy racing humans. Reports credit him with a split decision, beating a minor league baseball player in Syracuse but losing to one in Rochester.

SEMINAR REMINDER

Mahoning Valley Race Course is offering a handicapping seminar Saturday morning near the simulcast area on the second fan level. It starts at 11:30 a.m. and will be conducted by myself and track announcer John McGary. Special guests will be jockeys Megan Faldovich and Jane Magrell.

FEEDBAG

Magrell and Tracy Hebert made their MVRC debuts Tuesday in the seventh race. Magrell finished second aboard Forest Signet. Hebert was third on Enlisted Man.

TODAY’S BANKROLL

One dash for all the cash. Try $20 to win on Darwin’s Dream in the fifth race. Total wagered: $20. Update: The Railbird bet $20 yesterday and went home without cashing a ticket. “I had a $10 win bet scratched in the eighth race when the horse I was backing ran off in the post parade. Think he knew something?”

Bob ‘Railbird’ Roberts is a horse racing writer/former racing publicity man, who has covered racing for nearly 50 years.