Gary Contessa

<p>David always had a passion for horses and was regarded by this week’s guest, veteran horse trainer Gary Contessa as “the consummate student of pedigrees.” Gary was a close friend for decades and trained most of David’s horses.</p> <p>As a boy David would watch his cowboy hero Roy Rogers on television and used his signature song title <em>Happy Trails</em> as his sign-off on letters and album liner notes. One of his favourite movies was <em>The Homestretch</em> starring Maureen O’Hara. He also narrated seven stories from the popular children’s adventure series, <em>Billy and Blaze</em>, about a boy and his pony.</p> <p>David was a long-time breeder within the New York programme. Sweet Vendetta was one of a handful of horses which put him in the winners’ circle. His thoroughbreds were trained by Gary who has more than 2,300 winners in his portfolio. Gary was NYRA’s leading trainer from 2006-2009. In 2007 he set a record with 159 NYRA wins and was twice Trainer of the Year.</p> <p>Gary shares how he worked his way up the ladder from walking and grooming horses to become a leading trainer in New York. He reveals his greatest moments as a trainer, how he overcomes his fears and the bond he shared with David.</p> <p>Gary shares anecdotes from their decades-long friendship, talks about the <em>I Think I Love You Animal Foundation</em> established in David’s memory and his powerful vision for the future of racing with greater fan engagement at the tracks.</p> <p>Twitter @GaryContessa</p> <p>YouTube: Gary Contessa Television</p> <p><a href="https://www.ithinkiloveyou.org/home">Home | IThinkILoveYouAnimal</a></p> <p>Listen and Follow on Apple:  <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-david-cassidy-connections/id1527064180?ls=1">The David Cassidy Connections on Apple Podcasts</a></p> <p>Listen and Follow on Google: <a href= "https://podcasts.google.com/search/the%20david%20cassidy%20connections">Google Podcasts - the david cassidy connections</a></p> <p>Listen and Follow on Spotify: <a href= "https://open.spo