Our Team

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	Katherine & Mark Bellissimo CHAIRWOMAN & CHAIRMAN, Suncast Palm Beach Steeplechase It started with the  Radnor Steeplechase. They went, they saw and it was there, they fell in love with the sport of Kings, bringing the National Steeplechase Association's season finale to Wellington, Florida.
Michael Stone EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Equestrian  Sport Productions, LLC Being Irish, the home of Steeplechasing, I am delighted that we can bring this great sport to Wellington and the Palm Beach area. Although Palm trees will replace church steeples as the points to race to, it will create an exciting and spectacular day for any one interested in good sport and good fun.
	Tommy Skiffington, Race Director Tommy Skiffington has been racing horses as long as he can remember. His career as a jockey, trainer and horse owner has taken him around the world and back again. "I love it, always have and always will." states Tommy about the sport of Steeplechasing. He has retired his silks, calling Wellington home and is offering his expertise as this years Race Director.
Meg Krueger SPONSORSHIP Originally from Canada, Meg is heading up our sponsorship efforts and has created win win customized packages for sponsors of all levels. The Suncast Palm Beach Steeplechase is a fantastic opportunity to display your product, market your services or participate in social networking while watching the best racing the Steeplechase world has to offer. Call Meg to join our family of sponsors in support of the second annual Palm Beach Steeplechase, 561.793.5867 x111
	E. Hedley RACE COORDINATOR Details, details, details! Signage, Photographers, Mapping, Marketing, Opening Ceremonies, Hurdles, Saddle Cloths, Parking, Vendors, Hat Contest, Tailgate Contest, Radios, EMT, Trophy Presentation...need I go on! It is my job to  bring  the one million details, necessary for a successful day of safe horse racing, together. I love my job! And I couldn't even come close to doing it as well as I do, without this dedicated team of worker bees and volunteers. Their enthusiasm and loyalty is vital to creating a successful event. So come out and see what we have cooked up for this year's race. It is going to be too much fun!
Barbara Lang ASSISTANT RACE COORDINATOR From Far Hills New Jersey, Barbara is no stranger to the world of Steeplechase. After 35 years in the horse business, Barbara brings us years of experience as an irreplaceable member of our team. Follow through and spell check are amongst her contributions as well as reminding us all to create an atmosphere of cooperation. You go Barbara!
	Renee Cooper INFORMATION COORDINATOR Obviously camera shy, Renee-nee is our voice of reason. Whenever you call the main number, it is Renee that gives you all the information you need and correctly. She keeps up with changes and details each and every day. Renee can never call in sick.
Howie Leibowitz EVENT VENUE COORDINATOR Howie is the get it done, make it happen guy, who knows what you need before you do.
	Kathy Tessaro AWARDS Thank goodness Kathy is on our team. She takes care of ordering all PBS Logo-Wear, Awards, Trophies, Thank You presents and anything else we forgot about.
Micki Kozich ACCOUNTING Have no fear Micki is here! Micki tells it like it is, watching our bottom line and making us accountable for every penny!
	Diego Gonzales TRACK & VENUE MANAGER Coming from the Argentine Polo world, Diego knows everything there is to know about horse sport turf. He has consulted with Barry Watson and Tommy Skiffington at great lengths to make sure the Suncast Palm Beach Steeplechase track is in the best condition possible. We are very fortunate to have him watching over every blade of grass and banked turn.
Tina Donandt INTERN EXTRADORDINAIRE Hindernisrennen! All the way from Oberding, Germany, Miss Tina is quietly taking care of excel sheets and assignments behind the scenes. You will see her on race day helping with the opening ceremonies, but until then we have her glued to her computer helping to keep us organized.
	Bill Gallo NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE ASSOCIATION William Gallo, Jr., a native of New York, joined the staff of the National Steeplechase Association in 1977, after a brief career in public relations and advertising in Manhattan.  Gallo, son of New York Daily News sports cartoonist Bill Gallo, was named NSA Racing Secretary/Handicapper in 1984.  He was promoted to Director of Racing in 1999 and oversees the racing operations of the organization.  Gallo is a graduate of Villanova University (1973) with a degree in Liberal Arts.  He resides in Kennett Square, Pa. with his wife KT and their daughters Marianna and Isabella.  "The NSA is looking forward to the return of steeplechasing to Palm Beach on November 28th.  It will bring the season to a fitting close, with participation by our top owners, trainers, jockeys and horses.   We hope to put on a good show for the fans, who might enjoy watching Thoroughbred horses that run and jump."
Barry Watson NSA SAFETY ADVISOR AND SENIOR STARTER R. Barry Watson, a native of West Chester Pennsylvania, became a NSA official starter in 1998, after a 10 year career as a steeplechase jockey, and 20 years as public trainer of flat and steeplechase horses. He took over the NSA course inspection program in 2003 to oversee the improvement of the country’s race courses that host sanctioned steeplechase racing. In 2006, he was named the NSA Safety Advisor, a role in which he oversees the pre race set-up of all steeplechase race courses and safety issues that arise during the racing season. In 2008 he assisted in the design and layout the course that will host the Palm Beech Steeplechase. Watson continues to start most of the sanctioned steeplechasing in the country, including the major flat tracks, such as Monmouth Park, Philadelphia Park, Colonial Downs, Keenland, Belmont Park, and Saratoga. He currently resides in West Grove, Pennsylvania.
	Tony Bentley OFFICIAL ANNOUNCER Lucky us! Tony Bentley, the legendary voice of THE CHASE will be calling our 2nd annual race. He is the voice of virtually every major steeplechase event in the country from  Southern Pines in the spring, the Colonial Cup in Camden, S.C. and now the Palm Beach finale in Florida. Flat track fans will remember him as the voice of the New Orleans Fair Grounds for 27 years from 1974 until 2001.  Other stops along Tony's way include stints at Delaware Park, Arlington Park, Canterbury Downs, Calder Race Course and others.   Away from the racing world Tony has been stretching his acting legs (as Hollywood has discovered New Orleans) appearing in the CBS production of "Elvis", the John McCain biography "Faith of My Fathers" on A&E, and most recently opposite Nicholas Cage in the Werner Herzog directed "Bad Lieutenant", releasing Nov 20th!   After sixteen years as a tenor with the New Orleans opera, Tony has been called on more than once to perform the National Anthem at various events.   Tony makes his home in New Orleans and is delighted to be returning to Palm Beach where he called the inaugural Palm Beach race in 2008.
Tony Coppola GUEST ANNOUNCER Famously known as the VOICE OF POLO, we are very happy to report that Tony Coppola has agreed to be our guest announcer for the day. Tony began his polo announcing career in this very Stadium announcing games between Prince Charles, John Goodman, Peter Brandt, a young Mike Azzaro and an even younger Cambiaso. He spends his summers in Saratoga New York playing polo with his son Matt. He is also the owner of Tackeria Tack Shop (across the street from The Suncast Palm Beach Steeplechase). They are having their Thanksgiving Sale Friday Nov 27th and Saturday Nov 28th. (Please do not park in his parking lot unless you are his customer.) Thanks again Tony for joining us on this inaugural day.
	Annette Goyette TICKET & PROGRAMING ADVERTISING MANAGER
Kiki Umla HOSTESS COORDINATOR
	Lee Hughes VENDOR VILLAGE COORDINATOR
Dr. Scott Swerdlin OFFICIAL VETERINARIAN
	Thomas Rautenbach OFFICIAL FARRIER
James Wooster Video/Web/Jumbotron Production
	On Camera Host Sharon Watson Sharon Watson is a native of West Palm Beach and graduate of University of Florida. She recently moved back to the area from California. Working as atelevision actress, spokesperson and TV show host, she has over twenty years experience in TV, film and broadcasting in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. She has been the principal actress in more than 50 National TV commercials and has appeared on the cover of dozens of magazines. Sharonis thrilled to be in Wellington and is excited to be a part of the Steeplechase this year.
Heather Buchanan Press and Media Relations "Heather Buchanan hails from the Hamptons in New York and is looking forward to warm weather, swift steeds, and discovering the secret recipe for the official Steeplechase libation, "The Chaser."  She will be working to help coordinate press to showcase this great event."
	Randi Muster  Photographer My Company is Mustphoto, Inc.,www.mustphoto.com. This has been my livelihood for over 15 years.  I  specialize in Equestrian Photography but also enjoy photographing other subjects such as Florida’s wildlife and dogs. email:randi@mustphoto.com