Harness: Profile of owner Frank Baldachino

What kind of car do you drive?

Lexus RX350.

Favorite dinner meal? Snack?

Grilled or broiled seafood with side of garlic mashed; anything chocolate.

What is your favorite track to visit?

The "Big M". I started going there when I was 16 years old and I grew up there.

What is your favorite event in racing?

The Meadowlands Pace. I always dreamed of winning it while growing up, but unfortunately that hasn't happened yet.

Have you come close?

I've only had one horse, Cookerosa, in the elims years ago, and he never made final. The colt game has been tough going for me. I guess you can say I'm a filly guy.

How often is racing on your mind?

Most times, especially at night.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of racing?

Watching my son Joe play collegiate basketball for Misericordia University and my daughter Lexi performing on stage in musicals. Best of both worlds!

What do you do for a living?

Real estate developer.

What is your favorite sport to watch? Team?

Football - Green Bay Packers. I bleed green and gold.

What is one thing about you most fans/bettors don’t know?

I really love coaching youth basketball.

What is one word that describes harness racing for you?

Thrilling.

How did you get started in the sport?

In 1976, when the Meadowlands opened, my dad would take me and we'd watch his brother driver/trainer Gerald Baldachino. There would be 30,000 - 40,000 people and the place was lit! Talk about exciting; OMG!

Is Harness Racing part of your life more for passion or profit?

It is definitely a sport I'm passionate about and to make a profit makes it even more rewarding.

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten about harness racing?

Never go broke making a profit!

You have a number of horses with trainer Ron Burke. How did you hook up with him?

It started back in 2006 with his dad Mickey Sr. I had 2 INSS (Indiana Sire Stakes) horses named Summer In Fiji and Go On Bb, who both were champion 2- and 3-year-olds. It has evolved nicely from there.

What role do you play in the Burke, Mark Weaver, Michael Bruscemi, Jerry Silva, etc. ownership dynamic? Silent partner? Major contributor? Something else?

Somewhat contributor, in that I like to scout out young horses for the group to acquire.

What was your favorite moment in harness racing?

When Hannelore Hanover set the world record of 1:49 2/5 in the Allerage Open Trot and became the first female to trot under 1:50. What a moment!

It is an interesting choice of races considering I don’t recall you being at the track that day. Am I right?

Unfortunately, I could not make it to Lexington that weekend because my son had a fall basketball tournament. Snowstorm Hanover also won on Sunday in the Kentucky Futurity, so it was an all-around great weekend of hoops and horses! I did made it to Lexington last year (2019) and 2 previous times for KYSS (Kentucky Sire Stakes) finals.

Which is your favorite horse that you’ve ever owned?

Hannelore Hanover. She gave me so many once-in-a-lifetime thrills. All Bets Off is a solid second. Both are true superstars.

What has the experience been like standing All Bets Off? Is he your first stallion to stand?

All Bets Off's stallion career is progressing really well so far. He's been well-received in Ontario, with a nice book of mares in his first two seasons so far. The folks at Seelster Farms do a wonderful job and from the pictures I've seen of his foals, so far they all look awesome! He is the first stallion I've been a part of and can't wait for the Bets babies in 2022.

I’ve seen you get excited watching your horses race. What goes through your mind during a big race?

I strategize as the race unfolds and then hope for the best.

How many horses do you currently own?

30.

Which horse(s) are you most looking forward to seeing from your stable in 2020?

Ollie's Z Tam and Semi Tough. I think both could be major players at 4, and naturally the 2-year-olds.

Do you enjoy handicapping as well as owning?

Oh yeah; when I’m home and have the time.

If so, do you fancy yourself a good handicapper?

In my mind, yes! But my bank account says no.

Other than the phone or messaging, what is the most used app on your mobile device?

Twitter.

If you could have a mulligan from your time in the sport, what would it be?

Not buying a piece of Sweet Lou. I was offered a piece and passed.

How has COVID-19 affected you personally?

It's been tough seeing people I knew pass away so quickly that were of similar age. Business-wise our company has been able to work but at a much slower capacity.

If you had the power to change one thing in the sport, what would it be?

Hire a Roger Goodell-type commissioner to lead the sport back to prominence.

How do you view the future of harness racing?

I'm optimistic if the owners of racetracks and racinos can attract the 20-to-25-year-old age group to come out and embrace the entertainment experience and excitement of the sport, then keep them engaged so that they want to return.

If you had one wish in life, what would you wish for?

For my wife and kids to be happy and healthy.

Time for the stretch drive.

Best Horse Ever: Somebeachsomewhere

Best Driver Ever: John Campbell

Lasix – Yes or No?: YES

Best race you ever saw?: The 2015 Little Brown Jug. There were three horses at the wire together. Talk about exciting! I was part owner of the third-place horse My Hero Ron, and for a brief moment, I thought he was going to get up at the wire.

Trotters or Pacers?: Trotters

Favorite TV Show?: Crimminal Minds. I have seen every episode and still watch all the re-runs.