Mike has been involved in horse racing as an owner since 1980. Over that period, he has campaigned more than 700 horses – the vast majority of which he obtained through the claim box! He has raced in 28 jurisdictions around the US and Canada and was leading owner at Fort Erie in 2009.
Mike is a native of Rochester, NY. and graduated from the University of Rochester. His career as a startup/turnaround specialist has taken him all over the country and abroad. He did not come from a racing family but became hooked on the business after attending live races at Finger Lakes and Batavia Downs (also owned app. 30 standard breds in the past) in the 1970s.
With the help of a team of tremendous trainers led by Jeff Radosevich and Jay Bernardini, he has been fortunate enough to win 15 stakes in Ohio, Ontario, Massachusetts, and Louisiana. The interesting thing about all these stake wins is that 3 winners were Ohio bred babies and the others were horses he obtained through the claim box for $8000 or less!
One of Mike’s first turnaround situations brought him to Ohio in the early 1980s and he has campaigned horses there on and off since then. He is currently the Executive Director of the Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (OTBO). Along with a diverse and experienced Board of Directors and many engaged members, the OTBO puts on multiple programs throughout the year in support of Ohio racing. In cooperation with the 3 Ohio tracks, they put on special events at all Best of Ohio Days which feature 15 $100,000 stake races for Ohio breds. The OTBO also hosts a nationwide online stallion season auction in December that features some of the best stallions in the entire US! Please visit their website at otbo.com for more information about the organization and Ohio racing.
