Zito Inducted to Hall of Fame at Saratoga Springs

Legendary trainer, Nick Zito, was finally inducted to the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame on Monday. The ceremony was held at the Saratoga Springs, just across the racetrack where the Saratoga 2005 Racing Season is currently running.

A New York native, the 57-year-old Zito began his career in 1972 with a two-horse stable. He has gone on to become of the nation's top trainers, winning two Kentucky Derbies while also capturing the Preakness and Belmont Stakes.

"It's an incredible honor," Zito said. "What can I say? It gives you goose bumps."

Zito has enjoyed a stellar career, saddling more than 1,420 winners with earnings of $71,119,670.

Along with Zito, jockey Tommy Walsh, trainer Sidney Watters Jr., and five-time champion Lonesome Glory were also bestowed the Hall of Famer accolade.

Walsh enjoyed a 12-year career than ended in 1967 at the age of 27. He totaled 253 victories, including five straight wins in the prestigious Grand National Steeplechase.

Watters, 88, led or shared the lead in steeplechase victories six times from 1948-71.

In 24 career starts, Lonesome Glory posted 24 victories from 1991-99. He is steeplechase's top money winner with earnings of $1.4 million. It marked the first time in the Hall of Fame's 50 years where there was only one thoroughbred racing inductee.

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Nick Zito, Horse Racing, Saratoga Springs, Saratoga 2005