New York-based trainer Gary Contessa has been training at tracks in the Northeast since 1984.
Gary has won numerous training titles. In 2005, Contessa won 92 races and his horses earned over $3.4 Million. In 2006, he won 151 races in New York with earnings of over $5.4 Million. In 2007 his totals were: 159 wins in New York (183 overall), and earnings of over $7.9 Million.
Gary is a product of Hall of Fame trainer Frank "Pancho" Martin, having been his assistant for over 7 years. Gary is married to Jennifer and the father of: Vincent 20 years old, Joseph 17 years old, Elizabeth 11 years old, and Caroline 8 years old, and in 2006 he was blessed with the arrival of son Raymond.
The Contessa stable has won over dozens of stake races since 1985 most notably the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes at Keeneland in 1992 with "Do It With Style." Other major stakes winners include: Allemande, Codys Key, Derby Hat, Grays Ferry, Josalee, Just Smashing, My Phillips, Owen Troupe, Riomundo, She Rides Tonite, etc.
While enjoying great success with claiming horses the stable specializes in the development of two year olds, the majority of which are purchased at auction. Contessa has developed one of the top eyes in the business listing multiple Grade I winner Peace Rules among his purchases.
Contessa also is a big supporter of the NY Bred program and was the leading Trainer of NY Breds in 2005 with earnings over $2.2 million and earnings well over $3.5 Million in 2006 and 2007 in NY Bred races alone. Named New York Breeders, Trainer of the year for the second time 2007.
