Birth Date: Sunday, October 13, 1957
Birth Place: Merick, N.Y

Photo courtesy of NYRA
Career: New York-based conditioner has been training at tracks in the Northeast since 1984. ... In 2005, he won 92 races and his horses earned over $3.4 Million. In 2006, he won 151 races in New York with earnings of over $5.4 Million. In 2007 his totals were 159 wins in New York (183 total) and earnings of over $7.9 Million. ... He came up under Hall of Fame trainer Frank “Pancho” Martin, having been his assistant for seven years. ... The Contessa stable has won dozens of stake since 1985, most notably the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland in 1992 with Do It With Style.  Other major stakes winners were Allemande, Codys Key, Derby Hat, Grays Ferry, Josalee, Just Smashing, My Phillips, Owen Troupe, Riomundo, She Rides Tonite, etc. ... While enjoying great success with claiming horses, the stable specializes in the development of 2-year-olds, the majority of which are purchased at auction. He is respected as a keen observer of talent, and he lists multiple Grade I winner Peace Rules among his purchases. ... Named New York Breeders’ Trainer of the Year for the second time 2007.

Other: Jogged and groomed standardbred horses at Roosevelt Racesway from 1969-’72.