The ZD Advantage

Fusing Hall of Fame talent with elite financial expertise, ZD Racing brings you an edge you won’t find elsewhere

We are led by President Nick Zito, a Hall of Fame trainer and talent evaluator. Nick’s specialty is finding elite racing prospects for a fraction of the cost when compared to the top spenders in the industry. Nick is also a National Spokesperson and Honorary Director of the National Horse Protection Coalition.

On the business side is Robert DiPippo, a highly-regarded specialist and industry executive. His resume is highlighted with taking companies to the next level, from inception to sale. Working closely with Rob is Matt Spagnola , a fixture of the Saratoga Springs business community.

Get in touch with us today to discover how our unique combination of skills puts us ahead of the pack.

Latest News & Press

ZD Racing has been making headlines in 2023. Catch up here with the most recent stories and segments. 

Barstool Sports Owner, Spa City Resident David Portnoy Buys a Racehorse at Saratoga Sale

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barstool Sports Owner David Portnoy and New York-based businessman Adam Weitsman teamed up to purchase a racehorse at the 102nd Saratoga Sale this week…

Press Release: Weitsman, Portnoy Team up to Purchase Racehorse

New York, N.Y.— After success with Weitsman’s syndicate group’s horse Concrete Rose, Grade 1 winner and millionaire (wins include at the Saratoga Oaks, Belmont Oaks Invitational, Florida Oaks and Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day in the Edgewood), Weitsman teamed up with Barstool Sports Owner David Portnoy to purchase horse #53 at the 102nd Saratoga Sale…

Hall of fame horse trainer Zito moves into management (TV segment)

Horse racing is all Nick Zito knows.
“Racing is different,” Zito said. “This game will humble kings.”
The hall-of-fame trainer started in the sport, as he jokes, when he still had black hair…

Our Team

It takes a skilled group, all working together, to train and manage the best of the best.

Nick Zito

President

Robert DiPippo

Vice President

Executive Vice President

The Secret of Success

Nick’s track record is well earned and outperforms the best in the industry. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2005, a year that his stable won more than $8 million in purses. 

HIGH STAKES WINS

Winners in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont. Two Breeders’ Cup winners.

an eye for talent

18 Grade-1 winners who were purchased for an average of less than $180,000.

the biggest stage

Over 30 Triple Crown race starters.

THE BIGGEST RACE

14 Kentucky Derby starters.

The Value of Good Management

When we talk about Race Horse Management, we’re talking about the process of overseeing and organizing the care, training, and racing of a racehorse. This involves a wide range of tasks and responsibilities, including selecting and acquiring horses, developing and implementing training regimens, managing veterinary care, arranging for transportation, coordinating with jockeys and other personnel, and making strategic decisions about which races to enter.

It requires a deep understanding of equine physiology and behavior, as well as a keen eye for talent and an ability to develop horses to their full potential. It also involves a strong business acumen, as race horse management typically involves significant financial investments and requires careful management of resources and expenses.

Taking Care of Business

Robert Silvio DiPippo, Vice President of ZD Racing LLC has been the former President and CEO of multiple national companies in the US. His annual growth rate has been in excess of 20% per year. DiPippo presently serves as the CEO of ACE TPA, an insurance company advisory group. He is currently being nominated for a Board of Directors position for a national insurance company and will be installed this coming July. 

Says DiPippo, “I am thrilled to be associated with one of the best trainers in the country, Nick Zito. I got into this partnership because Nick Zito is the real deal. After searching out different people in the horse industry, it can be very tricky. Nick has integrity, honesty, and he’s the most dependable person around.”

What exactly is pinhooking?

Unlocking Opportunities in Pinhooking at Kentucky Yearling Sales

Nick Zito, renowned for his knack in spotting winning horses, has paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps. As the Kentucky Yearling sales approach this September, an exciting opportunity beckons for those eager to engage in the art of pinhooking—a process that Nick Zito has mastered over the years.

But what exactly is pinhooking? It’s a strategic venture where you acquire a horse identified by Nick as a potential star. Once in your possession, the horse embarks on a transformative journey. First, it heads to Okala for essential training and breaking. Subsequently, the horse is entered into another sale, scheduled for February, March, and April in the sunny state of Florida. Here, the goal is to turn a profit from your investment.

However, there’s more to the story. If the horse exhibits remarkable potential, you might decide to keep it for future races, which could lead to even greater success down the line.

This September’s Kentucky Yearling sales represent a golden opportunity to step into the world of pinhooking, following the footsteps of a legend like Nick Zito. It’s a chance to invest in promising equine talent and potentially reap the rewards in the months to come.

So, if you’re eager to delve into the world of horse racing, seize this moment, and explore the potential that pinhooking offers. It’s an exciting journey that Nick Zito has paved for you, and the Kentucky Yearling sales are your gateway to this thrilling endeavor.

Get the Facts

Still not convinced? Take a look at our fact sheets.

Program Budget

Learn about the costs associated with horse ownership and management.

Acquisition Record

A detailed history of the horses purchased, their costs, and their results.