Gary Contessa: An Unsung Hero
Now that it’s been a full week since the Saratoga meet has ended I can reflect on my time spent at the Spa. There is nothing quite like it, it brings me a sense of peace, excitement and happiness all in one. I still get chills when the horses fly by me, I love waking up at the crack of dawn to spend the morning on the track, and the atmosphere of other horse lovers sharing the same enthusiasm you do is unbeatable.
This summer at Saratoga was full of brilliant horses and outstanding people. Songbird showed her dominance on the east coast, Flintshire kept his name as the top marathon turf horse, and Frosted showed his talent as one of the top older horses this year. As far as the people involved, the Ortiz brothers lit up the leader board, winning a combined 122 races, finishing first and second in the jockey standings respectively.
While I was lucky to be able to witness such terrific athletes, there’s someone beyond all that glamour that really sticks out to me. Recognizable by his signature glasses and strong city accent is a passionate horsemen, Gary Contessa. His enthusiasm for the sport is overflowing and contagious. I had to make sure I stopped by his barn once before the meet was over to see him. Of course, he graciously welcomed me to sit down and asked how my coverage of the Saratoga meet was going.
Last year I attended one of Gary’s clinics which he puts on at Saratoga (free of charge and on the track’s “day off”). In that short hour I learned so much from Gary, his eagerness to teach us folks gathered there about his passion was undeniable. He answered questions with the utmost interest and stayed after the clinic was over to talk to every single person in the barn. He signed some autographs, including one for me.
As an aspiring trainer, how could I not be giddy around one of the country’s best and most well respected trainers? I asked him his advice for someone like me wanting to get into the industry and train; I expected something like work hard and get yourself in with the right people, I’ve heard it many times. Gary was quick to invite me to the barn for a few mornings while I was staying in Saratoga. Being a part of his barn, even for just a few short days walking horses is something I will never forget. Gary gave me my first taste of the racetrack world, beyond just a day at the races. His love for the horses was inspiring, and his genuine attitude made me respect him even more. He is someone the sport needs more of. His concern for his horse’s well-being is unquestionable.
Gary’s biggest win of the meet came with Turco Bravo, a game seven year old gelding who captured the Birdstone Stakes. It was a very impressive performance, especially for a horse of that age. But Turco Bravo was not the most popular horse in Gary’s barn, instead it was a horse who has never raced before, Artic Storm Cat. He is a registered white thoroughbred. A white thoroughbred is extremely rare and not to be confused with gray horses. A true white horse has a pink pigmentation of his skin. Since 1864, there have only been 170 white horses registered with the Jockey Club. People came out in droves every day to see this young, unproven colt, not for his talent, but for his looks. Gary has handled the attention terrifically. Everyone is allowed to get their look at Artic Storm Cat.
In addition to being a remarkable horsemen, Gary also serves as president of the Exceller Fund, an organization who saves horses from slaughter, and gives them a life beyond the finish line. They help adopt horses out into second careers and also take care of those who need to be retired and stay for the rest of their lives. They take care of approximately 100 horses. Gary is always present at charity events, as if he didn’t already have enough to do. He puts on three clinics each year at Saratoga, free of charge so that fans like me can come learn and bask in the beauty that is found at Barn 54.