Carolyn Conley

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast Celebrating Horsemanship

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast

7: Nick Zito on Training Race Horses

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
7: Nick Zito on Training Race Horses
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“You Take the Chances and Don’t Worry About Your Win Percentage”

In this episode of “Race Horses, etc.” Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito regales us with stories of training race horses in the glory-days of New York, and credits a trio of African-American grooms for teaching him the basics.

Nick Zito is New York born and raised and the quintessential horse trainer. At the age of 72, he has been training race horses for most of his life. And Nick has never been afraid to take chances when it comes to entering horses. And his daring has paid off in spades. In 2004 Birdstone paid $74 to win the Belmont Stakes, and in 2008 Da’Tara’s Belmont win paid $79!

Nick Zito and Ron McAnally at Keeneland Sale, two of the all-time best at training race horses
Hall of Fame Trainers Nick Zito and Ron McAnally at The Keeneland Sale

The Zito Resume:

  • Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2005
  • 2 Kentucky Derby wins (Strike the Gold – 1991, Go For Gin – 1994)
  • 1 Preakness win (Louis Quatorze – 1996)
  • 2 Belmont Stakes wins (Birdstone – 1994, Da’Tara – 1998)
  • 70 starters in Triple Crown Races
  • 2 Breeders’ Cup victories (Storm Song – 1996, War Pass – 2007)
  • Won the Gr. 1 Whitney Stakes in 2005 and 2008 with New York-bred Commentator
  • Earnings (by Zito trained horses) over $111 million
  • Selected 18 Grade 1 winners at auction with average purchase price of $178k

How Horses Learn – Hall of Fame Jockey Julie Krone

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
How Horses Learn - Hall of Fame Jockey Julie Krone
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Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone knows how horses learn

Have you ever wondered how smart horses are? 

In this episode of Race Horses, etc. we will hear from one of the greatest riders and horse communicators of all time – Hall of Fame jockey Julie Krone!  Julie explains in step by step fashion just how horses learn.

First of all, Julie loves horses more than almost anyone I know! That’s part of the magic of watching her ride.  For instance, during morning workouts Julie would often be found letting her elite mounts drop their heads and graze while walking to and from the track. Or talking and playing with the horses while chatting away with friends.

But she was tough as nails in the jocks room and on the racetrack. And she often took home the biggest prizes.

Julie Krone: Elite Athlete and a Trailblazer For Women in Sports knew exactly how horses learn to run!

  • won 3704 races
  • First woman to win The Belmont Stakes – 1993 aboard Colonial Affair
  • Featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated
  • Won riding titles and dominated the jockey standings at major race tracks like Belmont Park, Gulfstream Park, Monmouth Park, The Meadowlands, and Atlantic City Race Course
  • First woman inducted in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

Julie was in it for all the right reasons. She still basks in the joy of relating to horses and bringing out the best in them. And throughout her illustrious career she did just that!

While Julie has hung up the racing tack and focused on raising her creative and dynamic daughter Lorelei, Julie is finding her way back to racing in an entirely new way!

In her new career Julie will represent Ferrin Peterson, a 7-pound apprentice, as her coach and jockey agent.  We will hear more about Ferrin in the podcast, including the fact that the dedicated 7-pound apprentice just happens to be a veterinarian!

And Julie will share more of her favorite memories from her illustrious career including a pow wow with Allen Jerkens over riding strategy, and how she taught an extremely playful horse to be a race horse in the post parade, showing just how quickly horses can learn.

Thanks for tuning in! And please leave a comment. I am so happy to share this fun conversation with you!

All the best,

Carolyn

Advice for Young Horse Trainers from Dale Romans

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Advice for Young Horse Trainers from Dale Romans
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Winningest trainer in Churchill Downs history reminds young horse trainers to keep the faith.

Trainer Dale Romans, advice for young horse trainers

In this episode of “Race Horses, etc.” trainer Dale Romans shares advice for young horse trainers. Romans recalls the early lessons he learned from legendary trainers Woody Stephens, Leroy Jolley, and Allen Jerkens. For example, an age-old remedy for feet.

First, he takes us down memory lane with D. Wayne Lukas wearing a five thousand dollar suit in a cornfield. Indirectly, “The Coach” gives advice to young horse trainers on one of the most basic rules of horsemanship. Next, he relives some of his best decisions when it came to entering horses. Finally, he shares some sage advice for young horse trainers and experienced trainers alike.

Dale Romans was introduced to horses as an infant in his father’s racing stable, Barn 4, at Churchill Downs. That is to say he was born and raised in a barn. Since, Romans absorbed the business knowledge of his late father and the horsemanship of his father’s top men. As a result, he has established a world class racing operation of his own, in that very same stable.

The Romans Resume:

  • Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer in 2012
  • Earnings (by Romans trained horses) over $110 million
  • 2,045 wins and counting
  • 3 Breeders’ Cup victories – Tapitsfly, Court Vision, Little Mike
  • 10 top-three finishes in Triple Crown races
  • Preakness win – Shakleford in 2011
  • Dubai World Cup victory in 2005 with Roses In May

How horses make great dance partners, and the power of intention: The horsemanship of trainer Ron Moquett.

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
How horses make great dance partners, and the power of intention: The horsemanship of trainer Ron Moquett.
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Race Horse trainer Ron Moquett

His horses have earned over $29 million dollars and he is one of the top trainers at Oaklawn Park and Churchill Downs. But for trainer Ron Moquett a great deal of the satisfaction of training race horses comes from the one on one time he spends with each horse. In this episode we learn more about how Ron greets his horses, and how his unbelievably early start to the day keeps him safe during the pandemic.

Welcome to “Race Horses, etc.” The Podcast Celebrating Horsemanship

Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Race Horses, etc. - The Podcast
Welcome to "Race Horses, etc." The Podcast Celebrating Horsemanship
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Join us each week as we explore the timeless relationship between people and horses.  In these episodes we will talk to the best horsemen and women in today’s Thoroughbred Racing.  First we will learn about the methods they use to communicate with and care for their horses.  Second, we will uncover the knowledge and ways of the legendary trainers, jockeys and horse people of the past. Finally, we will celebrate what it is to love race horses and the sport of Thoroughbred Racing!