It’s a good thing to tell people when they’re doing something wonderful, don’t you think?
Attaboy pats on the back are more-and-more rare these days, as people are expected to do their jobs without a Thank You, often even without acknowledgement of the good things they do for their communities.
Even more rare than that attaboy pat on the back, comes confirmation that your life and work are touching the lives of humans. That is a beautiful thing, to work and create, and know that somewhere, someone is drinking in you and your work–and learning and growing, in their own lives and career aspirations.
And in the sport of horse racing–touching a human heart can mean positively touching the lives of horses, and growing a new generation of horse-loving professionals, devoted to the sport.
This morning, Gary received a wonderful email, from one of America’s heroes: a young man in the U.S. Navy, living and serving in San Diego, California. Roshan Charlton‘s letter to Gary was sincere, and from his heart. He’s on the West Coast, you see, which is 3,000 miles from Gary’s homebase in New York State. But because there’s this beautiful thing called, The Internet, Roshan is able to watch Gary’s videos on YouTube, and drink in the New York racing and vibe that formed his own foundation. Gary’s experiment with YouTube has proven not only to be groundbreaking, and successful–but the most compelling aspect of that success (as was his goal in the creation of Gary Contessa Television), was to connect with race fans and help fuel the fire of their passion for horses and for the sport.
Roshan’s letter is a lovely tribute to Gary’s love for horses; knowledge of the sport and his drive to educate anyone who wants to learn, about this beautiful sport of horse racing.
We’ll let Roshan’s letter speak for itself, but we’ll leave you with this: as we read and re-read this letter, we felt that we came to know this bright young man, and admire him. At the tender age of 18, he bought into his first Thoroughbred, Shesazensation (Zensational/TJ’s Tuff As Nails). We’re certain that that intimate relationship with his grrrl set Roshan on the path to his dream: that of becoming a race horse trainer.
It must have been lovely for Gary, to read about the impact his YouTube videos are having on Roshan’s joyous relationship with horses and racing. When you’re doing your job right–you ought to hear about it. And, even though technically it’s not part of a horse trainer’s job to educate the masses–perhaps, with Gary as the Prime Example–it should be. Horse racing will grow, with leaders like Gary Contessa and future leaders such as our new friend, Roshan Charlton.
Sans further ado, here’s Roshan’s letter:
“Hello sir, my name is Roshan Charlton active duty navy stationed in San Diego.
I’m originally from the east coast, I lived in NJ so I traveled to NY racetracks a lot and I fimiliar with your name/work.
I myself upon retiring from the military will hopefully become a trainer as accomplished as yourself. I’m currently looking to meet some trainers on the west coast at Del Mar and Santa Anita and Los Al to kick start my future career.
Back to the reason as to why I’m writing you, I’ve been fimiliar with your work for awhile and I recently discovered your YouTube channel with all of these informational videos that have taught me a lot! I just wanted to say thank you and I appreciate you taking your time to hold those meetings and teach people that are willing to learn. When I get back to NY I want to attend one of your seminars; I’m all the way on the other side of the country and your work is still impacting my life.
Please don’t stop making videos and teaching people that are interested; it would be great to have more trainers like you that realize without fans and owners this sport would eventually die off, like any other would. So the fact that you use your time to educate us, it says a lot about you! Thank you.”
Yes, it does say a lot about Gary–and a great deal, as well, about the quality of the minds and hearts who tune in and Get It. Really.Get.It.
Thanks, Rochan, you sound like a wonderful young man, and Trainer-in-Training. We look forward to meeting you in person, and Talking Horses.
To see more of what Rochan discovered, follow him on over to Gary Contessa Television on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ylV4I7qDGO8dxPJ2neuIA/videos