Declan's Warrior renews Zito's fondness for Aqueduct

Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito was in a reflective mood on Sunday, the

morning after saddling Declan's Warrior to a victory in Aqueduct's Bay Shore for

three-year-olds at seven furlongs.

Zito, a native of Manhattan who now splits his time between Saratoga Springs,

New York, and Florida, said winning at Aqueduct is special to him because it

inspires him to reflect upon his early days in horse racing when he worked for

trainers Buddy Jacobson, Bob Lake, Johnny Campo and LeRoy Jolley. Zito took out

his trainer's license in 1973 and gained prominence in 1990 when he won the

Gotham and Wood Memorial at Aqueduct with Thirty Six Red, ridden by future Hall

of Famer Mike Smith.

"For me, when I go to Aqueduct it brings back memories from when I first

started," Zito said. "(Winning my) first Wood and Gotham, that launched Mike

Smith's career. New York has always been special to me, and Aqueduct, believe it

or not. I always have a good feeling.

"That's why I always watch the races downstairs (at Aqueduct) -- that's where

I'd watch the races when I was a groom. I walked back and forth to the barn all

day long, freezing. I have a little sore throat. I was yelling. There's a lot of

nostalgia there. It was really cool."

Declan's Warrior is owned by Zito's wife, who races under the name Lucky

Shamrock Stable, making the victory even more special for the 65-year-old

trainer. Lucky Shamrock has been active since 2000.