Harness: Profile of owner/trainer/driver Gino Toscani

Harness racing always needs new people to step up to become more involved. While Gino Toscani isn't new to the sport, he has certainly stepped up his involvement over the last two years. The 61-year-old Ontario native and resident has already sent out around 270 starters and owns approximately 70 horses.

Perhaps most important in the story of Toscani is his willingness to give lesser known trainers a chance with his horses and his positive attitude towards finding a top horse: "If there isn't one in this group, there is another sale coming up," said Toscani, who took a few minutes from his schedule to discuss his journey in the sport.

How did you get started in harness racing?

It was a long time ago, almost 35 years. A friend of mine had a few horses and that got me into it a little. I bought some yearlings and had a good horse the first year named Ghostly. She was a nice mare.

You are currently on pace as an owner in 2022 to start the most horses in your career by far. What made you decide to invest more over the last couple of years?

It's all a numbers game with yearlings. I thought I would give a chance to some people to train them too. We all think about [hitting a home run with a yearling]. I don't know if that was the case for me, but it is nice to get some good horses.

In the 1990s you had a decent size stable but now you only train a few. Do you have a day job?

I'm a builder and developer. That's what I do for a living.

Is Harness Racing a business or a hobby for you?

I have to call it both. I enjoy it but I have to treat it as a business with so many horses.

How many horses do you own?

We sold some but I think we have 70 left.

What kind of car do you drive?

2015 Dodge Pickup. I have other vehicles but that is what I drive most.

Favorite dinner meal? Snack?

Chicken Parmigiana with pasta; something sweet.

What is your favorite track to race at?

Woodbine Mohawk Park or The Meadowlands. Those are the two classiest tracks and the purse money is good.

What is your favorite big event in racing?

Mohawk Million. I bought a slot for it this year and two last year.

Do you have some good prospects for the Mohawk Million?

We have four or five but we don't know what they will be quite yet. They are all eligible to the Wellwood and hopefully they can race in that as well.

What stallions are the prospects by?

Walner and Muscle Hill.

How often are horses or racing on your mind?

Almost every minute of every day.

Doesn't that make it hard to handle your main business?

Right now it runs itself.

What hobbies do you have outside of racing?

Harness racing is the only thing I really enjoy. I don't golf or anything.

What is your favorite sport?

Football during the playoffs.

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

That I'm just a normal person like anyone else.

What is one word that describes harness racing for you?

Excitement.

You employ some lesser-known trainers. Right now Garry Merner Jr., who wasn't a listed trainer from 2013 to 2021 has a bunch for you. Why him?

He worked for the other trainer I have Desiree Jones in Canada and he wanted to go to the States with a bunch. He's a good person and trustworthy, so I was good with that.

Is there any reason you went that route rather than a big-name trainer?

I'd rather give the smaller trainers a chance.

If I asked you to pick two horses you are most excited about watching race the rest of the year, which would you choose?

Whichwaytothebeach is one. Dahlquist Hanover is the other. He's a 2-year-old colt who trotted in 1:55 the other night at The Meadowlands (1:55 3/5, 5th on June 30). He's a Walner and I have high hopes for him. Also Raisealittlehill, who is a Muscle Hill colt. He raced at The Meadowlands too.

What was your best moment in harness racing?

Racing my first good horse Ghostly. I didn't know much about the sport then and got lucky I guess. She was a super filly.

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You came in not knowing much about the sport. Did anyone teach you the ropes?

Not really. When I first started I gave a few to some trainers but I wasn't happy. So then I built my own track at my farm and started training myself.

How big is your farm?

About 200 acres with a half-mile track.

Which is the best horse you've ever owned or trained?

I'd have to say Cam Terrific. He was very nice Cam Fella horse. He paced in 1:49 back in the 90s when that was a big mile. Now you have to go 1:46.

You've won 81 races as a driver but are 0-for-98 over the last two years. Does that bother you?

Not at all. I usually give the drivers a choice of the better one if I have two in and I drive the other one. They do it for a living. I just enjoy being out there.

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

There are a few things but I guess the main one is finding a way to get the public back. People have drifted away from it.

How do we get people back to the track?

Probably advertisements, giving people free stuff, breaks on liquor and food; everything helps. You need to make the experience comfortable so people will want to come in and bet the races while enjoying themselves.

How do you view the future of harness racing?

For another 10 years it should be fine. In Canada I think in the future there will only be one or at the most two main tracks.

Time for the stretch drive:

Best Driver Ever: John Campbell.

Lasix -- Yes or No?: Yes, but administered different. A vet should be able to administer it at any time prior to going to the race and not monitored by the racetrack. The way it is now it hurts the horsemen because it takes too much of their time -- four hours. To me it is just a money grab and they aren't thinking of the horsemen.

Favorite TV Show?: Westerns.

Trotters or Pacers?: Right now it's trotters.