ZENYATTA'S EXERCISE RIDER & HARNESS RACING'S LITTLE BROWN JUG AMONG FEATURES ON HRTV'S "INSIDE INFORMATION" THIS SUNDAY
Arcadia, CA, Dec. 18 -- The unsung work of Zenyatta's exercise rider, the rich history of harness racing's fabled
Little Brown Jug, and a heartwarming success story of a retired Thoroughbred, are the featured segments of the
next episode of HRTV's (R) "Inside Information," which airs Sunday, December 20 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
The brilliant, undefeated Zenyatta, a prime contender for Horse of the Year honors, has been deftly handled by her connections through her career. Her owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, trainer John Shirreffs, and jockey Mike Smith have
formed a seamless team in guiding Zenyatta's fortunes. However, the behind-the-scenes folks also offer valuable
contributions, and not to be lost in Team Zenyatta is Steve Willard, the 65-year-old exercise rider for the sensational filly. His prowess hasn't gone unnoticed.
"Some riders don't get it," offered Shirreffs. "Steve is one of those riders who can gallop a horse and get them ready to run."
The history of harness racing at the Delaware County Fair in Ohio, is highlighted by the Little Brown Jug, one of harness racing's most prestigious races. An event for 3-year-old pacing colts, it's also the second leg of Pacing's Triple Crown. Unique in many ways, the Little Brown Jug is contested in heats, with the first four finishers in each elimination returning for a second heat. The Jug champ is crowned when the first horse tallies two wins.
The race's rich tradition, combined with the speed and stamina to win it, make it one of the most sought-after victories in the Standardbred world. Each year, in late September, thousands of harness racing devotees flock to Ohio for the five-day meet, which meshes great racing with an unmistakable country fair atmosphere.
After a short racing career in Kentucky, Marina King was retired early by his trainer, who could no longer care for him. Taken in by the Kentucky Equine Humane Center after surgery at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, a search began to find Marina King a permanent home.
Emily Brooks, a dedicated staff member who cared for Marina King, decided that she would try to adopt him. After successfully taking him in, Emily gave her newly-acquired horse a second chance, helping him embark on a new career path as a three-day event horse. That decision has brought out Marina King's untapped potential.
"He was $100. That's pretty much what you pay to adopt a dog, so I was really excited about that," said the compassionate Brooks. "After he won the 'Poplar', I started getting offers for him...I don't think I can put a dollar amount on this horse right now."
About HRTV
HRTV (www.hrtv.com) is a 24-hour, television-based multimedia network dedicated to the "Sport of Kings," horseracing, featuring live racing action from many of the sport's greatest racetracks. Passionate horse fans are also entertained and informed by HRTV's award-winning documentaries, original programming, in-depth analysis and equestrian lifestyle programming. The live stream of HRTV is available on a subscription basis to high speed internet users worldwide. The HRTV television network is presently available via cable, telco video and satellite in over 18 million US homes.
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