How I Got Hooked On Racing: Michael Dubb
From Lawns to the Winner’s Circle: How Michael Dubb got Hooked on Racing
How did we get hooked on this sport? We all have stories about how our love affair developed and blossomed.The TDN reached out to numerous notable people in the industry to get their stories and find out how they got hooked and stayed hooked on the sport.
Michael Dubb, owner
My introduction to racing was purely accidental. Horses weren’t even on my radar as a 16-year-old kid mowing lawns after school and on weekends. In 1973, at one particular house, I went to the kitchen door to collect my six dollars for mowing.There, at the kitchen table, sat a man on the phone, telling people which horses to bet on at Belmont. This man’s son, a few years older than me, explained that his father worked with his uncle handicapping horse races.
His uncle, a statistics and probability expert who had worked on the moon rover landing for Grumman in 1969, had been challenged: “If you can talk with dead certainty about where the moon rover will land, then you should be able to pick the winner of a horse race.”
PRINTcourtesy-of-Michael-Dubb-1024×745.jpg” alt=”Michael Dubb at 18″ width=”600″>
Michael Dubb at 18 | Courtesy of Michael Dubb
Unbeknownst to me, they had invented a handicapping device called the Kelco Calculator. their method for identifying potential winners focused on determining which horse in the race had the most class. They used a formula involving a slide rule to calculate the class of each race.
That chance encounter sparked a lifelong passion. I was fascinated by the idea of using data and analysis to predict the outcome of races. It was a perfect blend of my love for numbers and my newfound interest in the sport.From that day forward, I was hooked. I devoured racing publications, studied past performances, and spent countless hours at the track, learning everything I could about the sport. My journey from mowing lawns to becoming a successful owner is a testament to the power of that initial spark of curiosity.## From Fan to Philanthropist: Michael Dubb’s Love Affair with Racing
*Michael Dubb at 18 | courtesy of Michael Dubb*
For Michael Dubb, the allure of horse racing began with a simple summer trip. At 17, he followed his older brother to Saratoga Race Course, captivated by the beauty of the track and the mystique of the horses.
“I was fully mesmerized,” Dubb recalls. “I was hooked as a fan and found going to Belmont park and saratoga great mental therapy for clearing my mind of whatever stress I had.”
Little did he know, that youthful interest would blossom into a lifelong passion, leading him from the stands to the winner’s circle and ultimately, to a profound commitment to the racing community.
dubb’s journey took an unexpected turn 25 years later when he met Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey. Through Bailey, he learned about the lack of childcare options for backstretch workers at Belmont Park.
“My landscaping business had transitioned into a successful home-building business,” Dubb explains. “I mentioned to Jerry that I would be interested in helping create a daycare center on the backstretch as a charitable endeavor.”
This act of generosity sparked a chain reaction. Working with the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and the New York Racing Association (NYRA), Dubb helped establish the Belmont child Care Center, a vital resource for families on the backstretch.
It was through this experience that Dubb’s connection to racing deepened. Meeting trainers and immersing himself in the world behind the scenes ignited a desire to own horses.
“I thought it would be fun to own a few racehorses,” he says, and thus began his journey as an owner.
Dubb’s story is a testament to the transformative power of passion. from a young fan captivated by the beauty of the sport to a successful businessman driven to give back, his love for racing has shaped his life in profound ways.
“If I never ’met’ racing,” he reflects, “I would have more money. But I would never have had the experiences, the friendship and the camaraderie.I wouldn’t trade the money for that experience that racing has brought to my life.”
From Backstretch to Winner’s Circle: Michael Dubb’s Love Affair with Racing
New York, NY – For Michael Dubb, the allure of horse racing wasn’t a sudden epiphany, but a slow burn ignited by the dedication and passion of the people behind the scenes.
Dubb,a prominent owner and breeder in New York racing,recently shared his journey,revealing how a chance encounter with the hardworking backstretch employees at Belmont Park sparked a lifelong love affair with the sport.
“I was struck by their commitment,” Dubb said, recalling his early visits to the track. “These individuals poured their hearts and souls into caring for these splendid animals, and their passion was contagious.”
This initial spark ignited a deeper interest in the intricacies of racing.Dubb began to appreciate the athleticism of the horses, the strategic brilliance of the trainers, and the thrill of competition that pulsed through the grandstands.
His admiration for the backstretch community led him to support organizations like the Belmont Child Care Association, which provides essential services for the families of backstretch workers.
“It’s significant to me that we recognize and support the backbone of this industry,” Dubb emphasized. “These individuals are the unsung heroes who make racing possible.”
Dubb’s commitment extends beyond philanthropy. He has become a leading figure in new York racing, campaigning successful horses at tracks like Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. His success, however, is measured not just in wins, but in the joy and camaraderie he finds within the racing community.
“There’s a unique bond that forms between owners, trainers, jockeys, and everyone involved,” Dubb explained. “It’s a shared passion that transcends the pursuit of victory.”
For Dubb, the journey from casual observer to dedicated owner is a testament to the enduring power of horse racing. It’s a sport that captivates the heart, fosters community, and reminds us of the beauty and grace found in the pursuit of excellence.
From Lawns to the Winner’s Circle: Michael Dubb Dishes on His Lifelong Love Affair with Racing
NewsDirectory3.com: Michael Dubb, a prominent figure in the Thoroughbred racing world, sat down with us to divulge the fascinating story behind his enduring passion for the sport of Kings.
What ignited your interest in horse racing? We frequently enough hear captivating tales of how individuals become enamored with this unique sport.
Michael Dubb: My introduction to racing was purely serendipitous. as a 16-year-old,my summers were dedicated to mowing lawns. One ordinary day in 1973, while collecting payment at a client’s house, I overheard a compelling conversation. A man seated at the kitchen table was on the phone, sharing his expert insights on which horses to wager on at Belmont Park. It turned out this man was a professional handicapper, working alongside his uncle, a brilliant statistician who had played a crucial role in the apollo 11 moon landing.
Together, they had devised a groundbreaking handicapping device called the Kelco Calculator. Their innovative approach to identifying potential winners focused on determining each horse’s “class” using a complex formula and a slide rule.
This chance encounter sparked an immediate fascination within me. I was captivated by the idea of utilizing data and analysis to predict the outcome of races. It beautifully blended my love for numbers and my newfound intrigue in the world of Thoroughbred racing.
From that very moment, I was hooked. I immersed myself in racing publications, meticulously studied past performances, and spent countless hours at the track, eager to absorb every nuance of this captivating sport.
NewsDirectory3.com: You’ve mentioned being “hooked.” What specifically about horse racing resonated with you so deeply?
michael Dubb: There’s something truly special about horse racing. Its a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and chance.
The sheer power and beauty of these majestic creatures is awe-inspiring. Witnessing them thunder down the stretch, their muscles rippling, is an unforgettable experience.
But it’s more than just the physical spectacle. It’s the intellectual challenge of handicapping, trying to decipher the complex interplay of factors that can influence a race’s outcome. And than there’s the element of chance, the unpredictable nature of the sport that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last stride.
NewsDirectory3.com: Your journey from mowing lawns to becoming a successful owner is truly inspiring. what advice would you give to aspiring horse racing enthusiasts?
Michael Dubb: My advice would be to embrace the journey, be patient, and never stop learning.
surround yourself with knowledgeable people, ask questions, and soak up as much information as you can. And most importantly,savor every moment.
Horse racing is a sport that has the power to captivate the heart and soul. it’s a journey filled with both triumphs and disappointments, but the passion it ignites is truly unmatched.
NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you, Michael, for sharing your inspiring story.Your passion for horse racing is truly contagious. We wish you continued success in the years to come.