Zito Happy to Stand in for Mattress Mack

Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito was asked to do a favor for Texas businessman Jim McIngvale, better known as "Mattress Mack." Zito was in the winner's circle at Saratoga Race Course representing McIngvale after the $1.25 million Runhappy Travers (G1) Aug. 27 to present the trophy to the connections of the winner, Winchell Thoroughbreds' Epicenter .

McIngvale owned Runhappy  during his racing career.

"It was an honor for me," Zito said. "Mattress Mack loves the tradition of Saratoga and is very respected."

Zito was also part of the winner's circle celebration for the 2021 Travers, when New York State governor Kathy Hochul presented the trophy to the connections of Essential Quality  .

Epicenter, according to Zito, is one of McIngvale's favorite horses.

"I bought him his first horse many years ago," Zito said. "He told me it was too bad Epicenter could not win the (Kentucky) Derby because he had bet $4 million to win on him."

When asked if Mattress Mack had bet Epicenter in the Travers, Zito smiled.

"I'm sure he did," he said.