Gray gelding, 2017, Bernardini–Disposablepleasure, by Giacomo (KY)
BIOGRAPHY: Bred by SF Bloodstock, Zuzudini sold for $220,000 as a weanling and then was purchased by Iris Smith Stable LLC for $150,000 as a 2-year-old. The gray made all but two of his 18 starts in New York, breaking his maiden in July of 2022 before being retired to New Vocations that winter. He picked up $75,473 in earnings.
After four months of R&R at New Vocations, Zuzudini was adopted in April of 2023. He is currently learning a second career as a children’s hunter in upstate New York. Zuzu is loved by his adopter as well as the kids in her program.
WHY ZUZUDINI DESERVES YOUR VOTE: Zuzudini is being nominated for this award because we believe he really encompasses the versatility of the Thoroughbred. Zuzu had a successful racing career and was retired to our program in 2022. He was adopted in 2023 and, easily adapting to his new life, he quickly became a favorite in his barn. Although there was no clear plan for Zuzu, his adopter, Elisa, was confident she could transition the easy-going gelding from racehorse to show horse.
The plan came to a screeching halt after it was discovered he had Fibrosarcoma. Surgery was performed by Dr Julia Gloviczki on the beloved gelding. He had a slow recovery, but as is the case with most Thoroughbreds, he wasn’t about to let that get him down. It didn’t hurt that he had a large group of girls anxiously awaiting his return to the lesson and showing program. Zuzu has healed, and there has been no indication the Fibrosarcoma had spread.
Now, just as he did on the track, Zuzu is making his rider’s dreams come true in the show ring.