The summer of 2015 was packed with racing action in Saratoga, and nowhere was there more action than in the imagination and educational commitment of Thoroughbred Trainer, Gary Contessa.
On Belmont Stakes Day at his Belmont Barn, Gary talked in his office about his passion for educating people about horse racing. And the fact that there wasn’t enough emphasis on education for new fans, and lifers.
Thus was born two entities: Gary Contessa Television on YouTube, and the first-ever series conducted by a Thoroughbred Trainer, specifically for the purpose of opening up hearts and minds to the thrills, pains, joys and sometimes-treacherous path of this Sport of Kings.
Last summer, Gary conducted three Clinics: the first, Conformation, took place at his barn on the Oklahoma. (In order to do a conformation clinic correctly, an actual Thoroughbred or two or three was necessary…) Clinics # 2 and 3, “Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Horse Racing* *But Were Afraid to Ask” and “So You Bought a Horse: Now What?” Completed the circle: with the Conformation Clinic, Gary discussed the musculature; bone structure and general physicality of Thoroughbreds, and what makes for a great race horse. The last two Clinics, held in the Hall of Fame at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, opened the proverbial barn door wide-open, as Gary fielded scores of questions and complex situations thrown at him by eager and interested race fans and newbies, alike.
The 2016 Saratoga meet will see the Conformation Clinic revived—The Horse, itself, IS the foundation of this sport, after all. Following the wild success of last year’s Clinics, Gary wanted to add one more Clinic to this year’s roster, and to mix it up a bit.
With that in mind, we’re pleased to announce the line-up of Clinics for Saratoga, 2016. Working with Gary’s staff (“Team Green,” as Jennifer originally called them) and with the staff at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, we believe that this series will grow exponentially with each session, and in succeeding years.
The Clinics for this year:
July 26: Conformation, at Gary’s barn, #54 on the Oklahoma Training Track. Join us at Gary’s barn under ancient oak trees—hear the neighing of gorgeous Thoroughbreds—and get up-close-and-personal with horses whom Gary will use as examples of Conformational beauties. A delicious morning on the Oklahoma, spent in the company of a great Trainer and his beautiful horses.
August 16: Horse Psychology, at Gary’s barn. How does a horse think? If you’re a race fan, you know that yes, horses do think—and often, they have very set ideas about how things should be done. So, how does a human dialogue successfully with a 1,200-pound animal who has a mind of her own? Join Gary at his barn—look into the eyes of his horses—and learn from a world-class communicator, how to talk, cajole, calm and instruct one of the world’s most magnificent—yet often, unpredictable—animals.
August 23rd: A special treat: Take a Walking Tour of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame with Gary Contessa. This Tour promises to be a highlight of the Travers Week celebration. Saratoga will see an influx of race fans for the entire week preceding The Summer Derby, and we’re certain that a large majority of these fans will join us on the 23rd to follow Gary around the Museum and hear his fun, funny, intelligent and insightful take on the history and future of our sport.
August 30th: How Can We Do This Better? And speaking of the future of our sport: Gary wants to open the floor for questions—how can we make horse racing better? How can we grow the sport, intelligently? What can we do for horses, fans and bettors that we’re not doing now? This Clinic promises to be a lively discussion, a call-and-response between Gary and his audience.
All Clinics, both at Gary’s barn and at the Museum, will take place at 11AM on Tuesdays. (Dark days—no racing.) For more information—for directions, or just to get excited about the series—please contact Marion Altieri, Gary’s Director of Communications, at Altieri_Contessa_Racing@yahoo.com, or via Gary’s Facebook pages: garycontessa.com, Gary Contessa Television and Gary Contessa Racing Stable.
And while you’re online—check out Gary’s YouTube channel, Gary Contessa Television. Conformation is covered there, and many other topics of interest. More videos to come this summer!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ylV4I7qDGO8dxPJ2neuIA/videos