Keep at it, Zippy, Penn says as gelding loses yet again

Zippy Chippy, the winless 11-year-old gelding who has what is believed to be the North American record for utter futility, will be allowed to continue running at Penn National despite his losing ways, track officials said Friday, one night after the horse ran his infamous losing streak to 92.

"I haven't won the lottery yet, but they keep allowing me to play," Richard Schnaars, the track's general manager, said Friday morning. "And as long as the horse is sound, he will be allowed to run. We're an equal opportunity racetrack."

Zippy Chippy lost once again on Thursday night, finishing last, 32 3/4 lengths behind the winner, in a $10,100 maiden special weight race at Penn National. Official charts said the horse, the longest shot on the board at 14-1, dropped back early and was outrun while staying on the rail.

Zippy Chippy, owned and trained by Felix Monserrate, has been barred from several racetracks for dwelling in the gate.

Zippy Chippy has failed to register a Beyer Speed Figure in his last four starts. During his long and fruitless career, the horse has compiled a record of 92-0-7-12, with career earnings of $26,266.

In August 2000, Zippy Chippy lost a 40-yard match race to Jose Herrera, a center fielder for the Rochester Red Wings. Eight months later, Zippy Chippy recorded his first win, beating a Standardbred in a one-mile race. Because that race was an exhibition, however, the horse remains an official oh-for-anything.