A retired pharmacist and long-time racing fan is the winner of the second leg of the Big Apple Triple Contest run by the Breeding Fund and the NYTB. The drawing was conducted on the grounds of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. With Seabiscuit looking on, the Museum’s Kitty Macica drew the name of Dennis Furman of Hoosick Falls, NY and presented it to the Fund’s Executive Director Tracy Egan.
Furman, 71, was delighted when he learned that his name had been selected from among the 197 entries received for the online contest. He enjoys following New York racing on both the NYRA and Finger Lakes tracks, and admits to the occasional bet online through an OTB account. He’s looking forward to every element of his prize package: the betting vouchers, the $100 gas card, the trip to the winner’s circle after the New York Derby, luncheon each day at the Vineyard buffet at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, and the two-night stay at the Hilton Garden Express in Victor, NY. His wife Mary Ann will join him.
“I remember taking a tour of the Finger Lakes Vineyards once before,” says Furman. “I look forward to bringing Mary Ann on the self-drive tour, as the scenery is beautiful and the region’s wines are quite superb.”
Furman did ask for something extra that was not offered as part of our package: a chance to meet the Lakes’ announcer, Tony Calo. “I love his enthusiasm,” said Furman. “We loved (the late race caller Ross) Morton but Calo brings something special to each race call.” Finger Lakes management assures us they will make the introduction.
Furman began attending the races at the age of 12, and fondly recalls pushing quarters and nickels through the windows to make his first wagers at Saratoga Race Course. His fondest memory was also forged at the Spa. He witnessed the great Damascus come from 16 lengths off the pace in the 1967 Travers to shoot by the front runners and win by 22 lengths in hand.
Here’s hoping our winner witnesses something exciting when he watches the second leg of the Big Apple Triple, the NY Derby on July 16th. He will likely be rooting for first leg winner, Preachintothedevil, who nailed the Mike Lee at Belmont on June 26th, to repeat. Furman would like to see his new Hoosick Falls neighbors, Gary Contessa and wife Jennifer, have a chance to collect the $100,000 bonus offered to the horse that wins all three legs of the Big Apple Triple. The final race of the series is the Albany Stakes on August 24th at Saratoga. Check out our contest at www.bigappletriple.com – there’s still time to win VIP treatment for the Albany!
