It was early last year that Rick Zeron knew he had a pair of special fillies in his barn. Now after their freshman year is complete, Lady Rainbow and Peach Martini have delivered as expected with combined earnings over $500,000 for the Oakville, Ont. trainer/driver
.
Zeron, 54, is once again a finalist for Canada's Horseman of the Year award. He celebrated a career year in 2010 as a trainer with $1,725,343 in purse earnings. As a driver, Zeron has surpassed $1 million since 1988 and earned $5,725,088 last year with 257 trips to the winner's circle.
The Woodbine Entertainment Group's media department recently spoke to Zeron and he offered his thoughts on this past year.
"What comes to mind (thinking about this past year) was around March of last year when I phoned my partners and I said that I think we have two special fillies in Peach Martini and Lady Rainbow."
Peach Martini, a daughter of Striking Sahbra, earned $296,356 this past season competing largely in the Ontario Sires Stakes, while Lady Rainbow earned $212,989 racing mostly on the Grand Circuit.
Mostly known as a condition/claiming trainer, Zeron admits that he had to change the way his barn operates within the last five years.
"They don't have as many claiming races here at WEG like they use to," he commented. "The claiming conditions shrunk so I had to go to a different alternative to help make an income, so I went back to the yearlings."
Zeron was also quick to admit his passion for the sport of harness racing and enjoys going to the barn every morning.
"I love the sport, that's the biggest thing," he said. "I really enjoy waking up every morning and going to the barn and fooling around with the guys that work for me and taking care of my stable. It gives me something to do during the day."
Zeron's son, Scott, is also a finalist for an O'Brien Award this year, as the 21-year-old will be looking to capture the title as Canada's top driver.
(WEG)
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54 wow! He looks the same as
54 wow! He looks the same as he did 30 years ago. He drives better every year than the year before and a great all around horseman to boot. Love him or hate him his generosity is second to none. With his numbers he should be in The Hall.
PS I told him a while ago the apple didn't fall too far from the tree.