The New York Racing
Association, Inc. (NYRA) will continue its “New Owners Luncheon” series
at Saratoga Race Course for those interested in learning more about
thoroughbred ownership, with the first forum scheduled for Sunday, August 7.
The day-long, comprehensive introduction to thoroughbred ownership will
begin at 8 a.m. and include presentations by Graham Motion, trainer of Kentucky
Derby winner Animal Kingdom; Dale Romans, trainer of Preakness winner
Shackleford, and owner Cot Campbell, president of Dogwood Stables, which
campaigned 1996’s top 2-year-old filly, Storm Song. Also in attendance will
be Barry Irwin, the founder and CEO of Team Valor International, owner of Animal
Kingdom, as well as celebrity owner and world-renowned chef Bobby Flay.
The event will be hosted by former jockey and current NYRA television analyst
Richard Migliore and emceed by NYRA
consultant and co-host Thomas Gallo.
In addition to the in-depth discussions on horse ownership, guests will
receive a barn tour, partake of multiple visits to the saddling area prior to
the races, have opportunities to meet Saratoga’s
leading jockeys, trainers, and owners throughout the day, and participate in a
Winner’s Circle trophy presentation.
Registration will be limited to 30 attendees with a registration fee of
$95, which includes the famous Saratoga
breakfast on the porch, a full day at the races in an air conditioned luxury
suite which includes a full buffet lunch, and giveaways.
“There is no better place than historic Saratoga Race Course to
introduce prospective owners to the thrills of being involved in thoroughbred
racing,” said NYRA President and CEO Charles
Hayward. “I am sure that Tom and Richard will deliver a
first-class event and we are proud to sponsor it.”
Migliore, who began riding in 1980 and a year later won the Eclipse
Award as the nation’s top apprentice, retired in 2010 after winning more
than 4,400 races, including 362 stakes. Twice the leading rider in New York, “The
Mig” currently serves as a NYRA racing office associate in addition to
his role as a broadcast analyst.
Thomas J. Gallo, best known as managing owner of Parting Glass Racing
horse partnerships, has more than 35 years in the thoroughbred horse industry
and has dedicated much of his career to bringing new owners to the racing game.
When considering Gallo for this initiative, NYRA appreciated the PGR business
model including its regular interaction with owners through monthly meetings
where NYRA officials and many other industry notables make guest appearances.
Also considered was Gallo’s long-term relationship with Migliore, who has
been a guest speaker at many PGR meetings and NYRA events, where they jointly
encouraged fans to get into the racing game through ownership.