At Least Zippy Chippy Makes It Close

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. —  For Zippy Chippy, this was about as good as it gets. But it still wasn’t enough.

The 9-year-old brown gelding ran his unprecedented losing streak to 87 Friday, finishing second by a neck in a five-furlong race at the Three-County Fair.

It was at the same track almost a year ago where he became the losingest thoroughbred in U.S. racing history.

“He gave me a good one,” owner-trainer Felix Monserrate said. “He proved that he can run a little bit.”

Zippy Chippy, a 6-1 shot, led for most of the race, but there was some bumping with winner Black Rifle. Monserrate said it caused jockey Juan Rohena to hold Zippy Chippy back a little bit. Rohena lodged an objection against Black Rifle after the race, but it was denied.

Zippy Chippy has finished second seven times.

At many tracks, he is banned as a blight on bettors, but the Northampton track has welcomed him and supplied a temporary stable. Monserrate hopes to race him here again Sept. 17.