ROB WAS BORN AND RAISED IN AN ITALIAN HOUSEHOLD IN HAZLETON PA. ROB ATTENDED BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY AND GRADUATED WITH A SOCIOLOGY DEGREE. ROB IS AN AVID PHILADELPHIA EAGLES and NOTRE DAME FAN. YOU CAN OFTEN FIND HIM AT THE RACES WITH HIS BROTHER SAMMY AND FIANCEE KATHY. ROB AND KATHY LIVE IN DRUMS PA WITH THEIR DOG, PHILLY, AND TOGETHER OWN AND MANAGE LONG-TERM CARE PHARMACY, RENTALS, AND HORSES.
1) HOW/ WHEN DID YOUR INTEREST IN RACING COME ABOUT?
My interest in racing was brought on by both my brother, Sammy, and my Uncle Lou. Sammy took me to Pocono Downs as a 16-year-old . Literally the first bet I made was $10 to win on Just a Devil at Aqueduct and he won. Obviously, I was hooked. My Uncle Lou took me to Saratoga in my late teens and I fell in love with the place. Today when I sit in our box in the Stretch I always reminisce about my uncle and how he would have enjoyed it. I wish he was still around to take him with me.
2) FAVORITE TRACK AND WHY?
Saratoga, if you’ve ever been there no explanation is necessary.
3) FAVORITE HORSE AND WHY?
Filly: Ashado: I was there when she won the Schuylerville at Saratoga and loved her ever since. She Also won the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders Cup Distaff 2014 Hall OF Fame inductee.
Colt: Peace Rules, Gun Runner, Afleet Alex- too hard to separate the three of them.
4) BEST WAGERING SCORE (CONTEST OR AT THE WINDOWS)?
It was a PK5 on the Thursday of Derby week $ 35 K and some change.
One of those rare times where in the last leg I Got the best price.
5) KEY WAGERING STRATEGY?
I am a huge fan of Beyer Speed Figures. I’ve read each book that Andy Beyer has written. I add in the Thorographs figures as well. I love the PK5 always have since Monmouth started it almost 20 years ago. Also, I like to play the PK3 where I have a single then use a couple in the other two legs and press multiple times.
6) BEST WAGERING STORY? (WIN OR LOSE)
Always Dreaming Kentucky Derby: two co-workers who knew nothing about racing asked to go in on some tickets. We hit the PK5 for $50K and split it three ways. The folks at work thought I knew what I was doing ever since (hahaha)
7) WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU MAKE TO HELP OUR SPORT GROW (HANDLE AND ATTENDANCE)?
Not going to touch this-I’d be here all day.
8) FAVORITE JOCKEY?
Never had one. They give too many bad rides to fall in love with anyone.
9) BEST MOMENT AS AN OWNER?
Winning my first race. It was Charles Town in a Maiden Claimer with a horse named Gamma Squeeze. Owned with Adelphi’s own Matt Cutair.
10) WHAT RACE WOULD YOU LIKE TO WIN AS AN OWNER?
Any race at Saratoga
11) TOUGHEST ASPECT OF OWNING HORSES?
There’s many but I’d have to say the hardest is when one of them doesn’t run well.
12) FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN SARATOGA (OR ANY RACETRACK VENUE YOU FREQUENT)?
1-Pennells \ 1A-Nove
If you want not only the best sub in Saratoga but anywhere else stop at Cardona’s on Washington St -you won’t be disappointed.
13) FAVORITE BREEDERS CUP VENUE?
Until it returns to beautiful Belmont Park it is Churchill for me
14) 3 DINNER GUESTS FROM RACING (ANY ERA)
Maggie Wolfendale
Tom Durkin
Andy Beyer
