When Sam Durbano makes the trip to the Mohawk Racetrack backstretch in the early morning hours to see his horse, Dazzling Victor, it isn’t the thought of racing for an important stakes race or a big purse that brings a smile to his face
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Durbano, age 90, arrives in his beloved 2010 silver Cadillac to greet trainer Garth Gordon and the rest of his staff. He also brings along goodies for the conditioner and the rest of the team who care for his only horse.
“To me, it’s a morning out,” Durbano said, in reference to spending time with his lightly-raced, four-year-old son of Valley Victory, previously owned by Ohio trainer Alvin Parker. “I like to come out and see my horse jog and walk through the barn and see what everyone is up to. Maybe it’s an excuse for me to get out of the house.”
Durbano was a longtime owner in the game before taking a leave of ownership for over two decades. In fact, before recently acquiring Dazzling Victor --- who has earned $11,504 from just 18 career starts --- the last time Durbano retained an Ontario Racing Commission ownership license was in 1984.
“I’ve had horses with my son, Gary, but we didn’t have much success,” Durbano noted. “I decided to get back into it and have some fun. Sure, I’d like to make a penny or two, but the thrill of seeing my horse come through the tunnel at Woodbine and into the winner’s circle would be just unbelievable.”
Trainer Garth Gordon shares the same feeling.
“I really hope we have some luck with his horse, because he certainly deserves it,” Gordon said. “It would be special to win at Woodbine or Mohawk because that’s something I think Sam will never forget.
"One thing about Sam is that he’s a giver,” Gordon continued. “When he comes out to Mohawk, he always brings something, whether it’s coffee or donuts or other things. The help I have certainly love when he comes out because they get spoiled."
Handing the reins to Gordon was an easy decision for the man who has been coming to the races for over 40 years.
“My good friend, Betty Strong, and I come to Woodbine almost every night to watch the horses race,” Durbano said. “She had a horse with Garth before named Brilliant Gamble (p, 1:51 $447,660) which had a lot of success so she recommended him. In fact, Brilliant Gamble is now retired since Betty found him racing in Quebec a few years ago. She bought him and he now enjoys the retirement life, like me."
Durbano and Strong have enjoyed a long friendship since being introduced to one another at Woodbine.
“I was in my usual spot at Woodbine on the third floor watching the races and I was handing out cookies to everyone up there. I usually bring something to the track to hand out and I gave some cookies to her and her daughter and the next day they were there again and it just escalated. She’s probably the most enthusiastic person I’ve ever met,” he said.
Gordon, who has trained winners of over $13 million in purses, was certainly pleased to gain not just another owner, but a racing fan, as well.
“Sam is the type of owner that every trainer would just love to train a horse for,” Gordon said. “He loves to come out to and see his horse jog and be in the barn. His enthusiasm for the game is unbelievable."
Durbano enjoyed a long career in the construction industry before spending the final 20 years of his working life employed by the Workmen's Compensation Board. Durbano would travel throughout Ontario to various organizations to educate their employees about workplace safety.
But he always found time to come to the racetrack.
“I’ve been around the game for quite some time and I get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I am your typical $2 bettor, but I don’t come looking to make millions. Some people enjoy hockey or football, but me, I enjoy watching the races.”
Durbano is also keen on the latest technology in the racing industry as he places his bets using Woodbine’s SAM machines (Automatic Betting Teller) with his cash card.
He's hoping his next big win comes courtesy of Dazzling Victor.
“He’s ready to qualify soon,” Durbano said. “I don’t know how much luck we will have. I guess time will tell.”
(WEG)