2023 Winter Spring Meet Honors at Mahoning Valley Racecourse
All photos are courtesy of Robert Yosay.
Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Racecourse just concluded another successful Winter/Spring meet on April 15th 2023.
Jay Bernardini was the leading trainer, besting Nestor Rivera and Bob Gorham by one win in a hotly contested battle that went down to the final day of racing. This was Bernardini’s 7th lifetime training title – he previously won at Suffolk multiple times and at Mountaineer – in his 35 year career. The Boston native is now based in Ohio and West Virginia and has a string at both locations.
Bernardini said, “I give credit to the tremendous team of people who work conscientiously day and night to keep all our horses healthy and happy. My two lead assistants, Abel Juarez and Chino Gudino have both been with me almost 20 years. They and the entire team give everything they have to ensure every horse is in peak condition. My wife Carol has always had my back and provides tremendous support as well in every aspect of our operation. We received some great rides this meet, led by meet leading rider Luis Batista, and have tremendous owners who have supported us throughout the years.”
Jay went on to praise Mahoning’s management – GM Elizabeth Rogers and Racing Secretary Ed Vomacka – for providing the opportunity to run during the winter months and for only missing a few days especially with such difficult weather conditions.
Luis Batista was the leading jockey at the meet and the horse of the meet was Loaded Once More, trained by Bernardini and owned by Siesta Thoroughbreds, Gregg Rossi, and Greg Torporcer.
