New York-bred millionaire Zivo to lead post parade for Rick Violette Stakes

NYRA Press Release

Retired New York-bred graded stakes millionaire Zivo will lead the post parade for Wednesday’s Rick Violette Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. The event is one of many activities set for the inaugural New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Wednesday, July 21 at the Spa.

Presented by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, (NYRA) and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB), New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day will highlight the work of a variety of organizations committed to aftercare initiatives.

The 12-year-old son of True Direction, who accumulated $1,017,300 in earnings with nine victories from 19 starts for owner and breeder Thomas Coleman and conditioner Chad Brown, initially retired to stud in 2016 at Irish Hill Century Farm in Stillwater, New York before being pensioned.

Currently, he is the stable pony for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who initially worked with Zivo when she was as an assistant for Brown. Since first meeting their bond has been inseparable.

“Zivo has always been special to me. I think he came into the barn during my second winter working with Chad [Brown],” said DeVaux. “He was always one of my favorites. From the start it was a love affair. Just to see him being able to develop from a young colt to an accomplished runner was something special. The highlight winning the Grade 2 Suburban at Belmont [2014] to competing in the Breeders’ Cup [eighth-place finish in 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic]. He not only gained my heart but the affection of many New Yorkers.”

Although Zivo made the majority of his starts between Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack with 13 starts, he also ran five times at Saratoga, highlighted by an allowance victory and second-place finish in the Albany stakes in 2012. DeVaux is happy racing fans will once again have the chance to see him on track on a day in celebration of one the many careers retired racehorses can go on to successfully do.

“He is a really personable horse,” said DeVaux. “When I found out he was being pensioned there was no other option as to where he was going. It was just a matter of what capacity with me and my family. I’m really excited the fans will get to see him once again. It’s really neat when you get to see a retired racehorse, and one as accomplished as him back on the track after a couple of seasons of breeding in a whole another role. Watching him at the barn and performing his new duties day to day, you would never know he was any of that. He’s taken onto his new career in a great way and he’s another great example of how we care for our horses and their capabilities in being able to  perform one of many duties once leaving the track.”

The Rick Violette Stakes, named in honor of the late NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, and was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) is carded as Race 4 on Wednesday with a post time of 2:49 p.m. ET.

Additional off-track Thoroughbreds will be showcased on the main track from 11:45 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., performing demonstrations of a variety of disciplines. Learn more about New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day here[2] and a special appearance by fellow New York-bred standout Uncle Sigh here[3].

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2021/07/18/new-york-bred-millionaire-zivo-to-lead-post-parade-for-rick-violette-stakes/

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