The great and good of a professional horse jockey, animal lover and personal valet’s life is paid tribute as he passed on at the age of 85 on January 25 2021
Vladimir is survived by his loving wife Betty Zivlovic, his sons Alex, Vladimir, and his family Donna, Scott, Gigi, Rob, Micheal, Bethany, Joel, Sandy and many grandchildren and grandpets.
As a Jockey in his earlier years in Europe, he was first introduced to his love of horse racing and trained as a professional Jockey. Vladimir, as a young jockey, used his skills to balance his body weight on his toes, while be pressed tightly into a metal stirrups as he guided race stallions weighing over 1,000 pounds during a full gallop. He did this in many races events as a young jockey, and even raced on frozen lakes in Europe as a young athlete.
Vladimir immigrated to the U.S. from the former country of Yugoslavia via Canada, and obtained U.S. citizenship through naturalization. He traveled the European and U.S. Horse Race track circuit extensively in Paris, Canada, Texas, Florida, upstate New York and settled finally in Pennsylvania.
In his later years he took comfort as a Valet with his strong relationships with his Jockeys, and horses, most recently at Parx Casino here in Philadelphia. As a valet his responsibilities included the ongoing care and training with Jockeys and horses. This daily routine includes saddling and unsaddling the horses after races and cooling the animals down along with grooming, and providing support for his professional riders.
More importantly he served as a long time mentor for his Jockeys and provided friendship, guidance and support as he passed on his craft and knowledge of racing and life experiences. Upon his retirement from Parx Casino, a special race called the Vladimir Zivkovic Retirement Classic was named and held in his honor.
Vladimir’s disposition can best be described as positive, encouraging and supportive of his family and friends and animals. He always had a positive attitude, quick smile and joke to encourage others.
Vladimir’s strong work ethic allowed him to build a home in Pennsylvania with his wife Betty, and later added a shore home in Cape May county. His love of working with his fellow Jockeys, Valet’s and track personnel and friends, and his ongoing love of Horses, and all animals was at the forefront and passion for his entire life
Vladimir literally took the reins of life with his own hands and was a great man and animal lover. Our hearts are full of beautiful memories in which he'll live on and be treasured forever. His legacy lives on in many ways in how he touched us all.
A private funeral will be arranged for immediate family only due to strict Covid 19 restrictions. Our family will be holding a celebration of life ceremony for Vladimir this summer, once the restrictions are lifted for all other friends and guests.
