Page 11 - May 2019 Thoroughbred Highlight

then you know that we are going in the right direction with that horse. If they are not interested then something is amiss.”
A family man with two teenage daughters with his wife of 21 years, Michelle, Ross Jr. is also wanting to share his passion for horseracing by offering a chance for new owners to get into the business.
This year Ross Jr. will be investing his own money to buy a horse for a new syndicate where people can purchase a share in the horse for $5000 total for the season. He is hoping to claim a horse at the $25,000 - $50,000 level by July so shareholders can enjoy opportunities to race for the remaining six months
of the season and all being well have the horse’s earnings extend into racing for the off season or into next year.
“I am the type of trainer who provides open communication with all of my owners.” stated Ross explaining that the syndicate will be no exception. “Every shareholder will have an opportunity to provide their opinion, learn about the sport and have fun.”
The syndicate is on its way with share holders already buying in. Ross hopes that more will join in on the excitement of owning a racehorse this year. “As an owner you can bring your kids and family to cheer on your horse at the races and then come back to the barn and feed your horse mints and carrots. It’s an amazing experience for owners.”
Owner Brian Uniacke’s Second Time Around
Trainer Ross Armata Jr. started off the 2019 season in the winner’s circle on two occasions during the opening weekend card at Woodbine.
One of those winners was Brian Uniacke’s Goldtown, a come from behind winner of the $67,500 Allowance third race on the second day of the
new season, April 21. Brian, who says he is still celebrating the win two weeks later, was cheering on the late charge of his mare that day with his wife, Ita and two of their three sons and their grandkids.
“There is nothing like winning like that at Woodbine.” exclaimed Brian who recently returned to owning horses after a few years away from the track. “Ross Armata Jr. is rst class and winning like that makes it all the more pleasurable.”
Growing up in Ireland Brian was always involved with horses with his uncles and cousins always having some racehorses. Inevitably Brian helped out with breaking and training some of the horses as a kid before immigrating to Canada when he was 20 and launching a career in electrical contracting and project management throughout the continent.
Brian Uniacke and his wife Ita and their children and grandchilden in the win photo for Goldtown’s Allowance win for trainer Ross Armata Jr. April 21 at Woodbine.
It was terri c to have Jockey David Moran aboard for the win as Brian’s wife Ita grew up with the Morans as her neighbours in Ireland and have remained terri c friends with the family in Ireland still today.
The successful businessman previously enjoyed claiming horses with the senior Ross Armata who picked out some talented runners for him in the 1990’s and 2000’s.
Since retiring four years ago Brian knew he wanted to get back into racing and last year employed the training services of Ross Jr. a man he knew as a youngster in the barn of his former trainer, to claim a horse for him.
Unsuccessful with a few previous claiming attempts, the shake nally went their way on August 22 when Ross Armata Jr. submitted the slip to claim the New York bred lly Goldtown (by Speightstown - Glory Gold by Medaglia d’Oro) for Brian for $20,000.
The lly ran back in an optional claiming race for $40,000 nishing third before winning her next start at the same conditions.
“We got a good one.” said Brian, “The communication with Ross Jr. is great and he has been openly discussing some different things with her since the claim like running her from off the pace. He’s trying to gure out different styles and spots as she’s going through her conditions.”
“It is a super experience not only for me but for my wife, our kids and grandkids. We all enjoy coming to the races and looking at the horses and going to the barn and farm to visit the horses.”
For information on thoroughbred racehorse ownership options contact the HBPA’s Ownership Specialist Stacie Roberts at ownathoroughbred@gmail.com or 416-230-5190
Thoroughbred Highlight - Page 11 - May 2019