Born: Oct. 9, 1964, New York, N.Y.

Family: wife, actress Stephanie March; daughter Sophie from a previous marriage

Education: Graduate of French Culinary Institute

Professional Background: He's an American celebrity chef and restaurateur who owns and runs five restaurants: Mesa Grill and Bar Americain, in New York, Mesa Grill Las Vegas (Caesars Palace), Mesa Grill Bahamas (Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island) and Bobby Flay Steak in Atlantic City, N.J. ... Also hosts and guests on numerous Food Network television programs, and has written many cookbooks ... Cooking style embraces Spanish, Mexican and Southwest influences ... Started culinary career at 17 in a New York restaurant and was sent to the French Culinary Institute by the owner, Joe Allen ... Worked as executive chef of the city's Miracle Grill from 1988-90, and then opened Mesa Grill in 1991.

Web site: www.bobbyflay.com

Racing Background: His grandfather, Willie Flay, provided him with his first experience at the racetrack, taking him to Belmont Park on a rainy summer day. He remembers that his grandfather knew many people on the racetrack ... He also remembers that there was a photo over the bar at Joe Allen's restaurant of the triple deadheat in the 1944 Carter Handicap. 

Racing Career: Began ownership as a partner with people already established in the business. First successful partnership, with John Phillips and Richard Santulli, with top turf female Wonder Again ... Also owned in partnership Unbridled Express (third, 2006 Hopeful) and multiple stakes winner Gilded Gold ... Horses he owns outright include Mesa Girl and Grace and Power, runner-up in the G1 Hollywood Starlet