Trainer, jockey, racing executive, horsemen’s representative, executive; Tim Ritvo ha done it all in the world of Thoroughbred racing, and during his five years as President of Gulfstream Park. The world-class facility has experienced unprecedented growth while becoming a year-round racing and entertainment destination.
Mr. Ritvo has revived Florida’s summer and fall racing schedule by helping to establish Gulfstream Park West. He has reinvigorated the Florida Sire Stakes (formerly Stallion Stakes) and is committed to help lead the way in growing Florida Thoroughbred racing in a state-of-the-art facility that continues to have year-over-year growth in handle, attendance and corporate partnerships.
Mr. Ritvo’s commitment to Thoroughbred racing comes from his valuable and varied background in racing. He has simply learned the sport from the ground up.
A native of Revere, MA, home of Suffolk Downs, Mr. Ritvo began his career in Thoroughbred racing as an exercise rider before becoming a jockey in 1982 after graduating from high school. Mr. Ritvo rode only four years, but he won more than 500 races and $5 million in purses before turning in the silks to become a racing official at Suffolk.
Mr. Ritvo relocated to South Florida in 1990 to become assistant trainer to his wife, Kathy, the sister of east coast trainer Michael Petro and jockey Nick Petro in 1997. Mr. Ritvo took out his trainer’s license and quickly established himself as one of the top conditioners in Florida. He won the Calder training title in 2005 and ranked fifth at Gulfstream in 2002. His top horses have included 1999 Tropical Park Derby winner Valid Reprized and the multiple-stakes winners Lord Juban and Dance Gal Dance. In addition to training, Mr. Ritvo served as vice president and director of the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
Named The Stronach Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Racing Division in June 2012, Mr. Ritvo was instrumental in bringing the Claiming Crown to Gulfstream’s Championship Meet. He has also worked with Florida owners and breeders to establish the Sunshine Millions Preview Day and continues working closely with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association in playing host to the prestigious Eclipse Awards for what will be the third consecutive year, Saturday, January 16.
