Ahhh, the lazy, overheated days of August. Days when it’s so hot-your blood doesn’t even have the energy to flow.
It’s hard to do anything productive in August–even to think about doing anyhing productive.
But Thoroughbred Trainer, Gary Contessa, not only is at his barn early every morning, training race horses–he’s also thinking of ways to help grow the sport. And one of those important ways is fan education.
Gary’s been an evangelist for fan education for many years, and in 2015 he created a series of free Clinics, and a YouTube channel, Gary Contessa Television–to the end of bringing new fans into the fold, and helping established fans grow and continue to learn.
Gary kicked off the Saratoga 2016 meet with his first Clinic, on Conformation. It was early in the meet, but an enthusiastic gathering of fans, owners and The Curious convened to hear Gary’s insights on a beautiful Saratoga morning.
The next three Clinics all will be held in August, starting on the 16th, just 11 days hence. Please note the dates, times and locations–as all are different.
For media inquiries or for answers to questions re. the events below, please email Altieri_Contessa_Racing@yahoo.com or call (859) 940-0568. Thank you!
A couple of notes for attendees:
* Please feel free to bring a lawn chair to Gary’s barn on the 16th, and * To get to Gary’s barn (#54 on the Oklahoma), and to the Whitney Viewing Stand at the Oklahoma on the 30th, please enter the Oklahoma via Potato Chip Lane. (The only Oklahoma gate on East Avenue.)
August 16: Horse Psychology.
Location: Gary’s barn, #54 on the Oklahoma Training Track
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: How Can We Do This Better?
Location: Sales Ring, Fasig-Tipton
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.
August 30th: A special treat: An Insider’s View of the Oklahoma.
Location: Meet Gary at the Whitney Viewing Stand on the Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Training Track itself is within spitting distance of the original racetrack from 1863. Did you know that? Do you know about the Whitney Viewing Tower, and why it was revived on the Oklahoma? Familiar with the starting gate? Never seen horses working out in the Saratoga morning–or are you like us, someone who just can’t get enough?
Whatever your responses to the questions above, Gary will show you around the Oklahoma and give his 40-year-perspective. You’ll see the place with new eyes, and come away with the perspective of a horse racing insider. This very special Travers Week event is a not-to-be-missed–watch this space and Facebook for time and parking instructions.
All Clinics will begin at 11AM.
Make your plans now: don’t dilly-dally. Don’t procrastinate. Don’t let the heat of August fog your brain. Just get out your calendar–jot it down–put an alarm on your phone–and meet up with Gary on these three Tuesdays in August.
You’re a race fan.
You’re in Saratoga–or you plan to be.
Which would you rather do on a dark day–share an overcrowded beach at Lake George with 10,000 strangers, or hear a longtime horse racing pro share his Wisdom?
No contest.
P.S. And as you sit in the dark in front of your computer screen…with the air conditioner blowing on you as you eat Cheetos and surf YouTube…cruise on over to Gary Contessa Television, and get psyched in anticipation of all the Big Fun you’ll have with Gary at his Clinics!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ylV4I7qDGO8dxPJ2neuIA/videos
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!