“Linda” found herself in an all too familiar scenario for many off the track Thoroughbreds. Years following her racing career, after changing hands numerous times and no longer viable as a broodmare, this Go for Gin daughter was facing the very real possibility of heading to the local livestock auction where many horses find themselves on a truck bound for slaughter.
It was not luck that saved the 17 year old Thoroughbred, but rather a simple sticker that had been placed on her registration papers fourteen years earlier by Kim Zito while “Linda” was in the barn of her husband, trainer Nick Zito. The Zitos have always been extremely passionate about the horses and do their very best to ensure that they not only thrive while under their care, but for the rest of their lives. The sticker reads “If this horse needs a home when retired call Kim,” along with a contact phone number.
“This mare’s career didwar not end when she left the track,” commented Nicole Smith, Executive Director for The Exceller Fund, “and she has more than fulfilled her duties.”
Linda will also spend the rest of her days with TEF as a part of the Golden Years Program enjoying a peaceful retirement; all because of a sticker and phone call.
