Belmont winner’s manager lives at Towers

While thousands of racing fans were in shock over the Belmont Stakes upset that ended with favored winner Big Brown dead last, North Shore Towers resident and racing manager Ernie Reichard was celebrating the win of Da’ Tara.
Reichard, who grew up in Forest Hills, has been involved with horse racing as either an owner or racing manager for more than 30 years.
“As a youngster I used to go to the racetrack,” Reichard said. “I just liked the horses. I used to go horseback riding.”
Da’ Tara is owned by Reichard’s friend, Robert LaPenta. They acquired the horse two years ago on a recommendation from the colt’s trainer, who had formerly worked with Da’ Tara’s half brother.
As racing manager, Reichard is responsible for advising ownership on horses to buy and sell and taking care of bills. He said that he basically “does everything but train the horses.”
After winning the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, Big Brown was making a bid for the Triple Crown and was heavily favored to accomplish the achievement going into the Belmont Stakes. Consequently, the odds for Da’ Tara winning were 38 to 1. Reichard pointed out that there was one Belmont entrant that had never even won a race before that had been given shorter odds than Da’ Tara.
“Going into his race I thought we had a real good chance to be second,” Reichard said, adding that he did not expect Big Brown “not to run at all.” He continued, “A lot of people didn’t expect Da’ Tara to win this race.”
During the race, Big Brown fell behind and eventually ended up in last place. Da’ Tara took the lead and increased the margin further as the race neared the finish line.
“He was just cruising,” Reichard said. “He was out there having a good time. And when they hit the turn headed for home, he just took off. Nobody could catch him.”
Reichard said that it was very exciting to see Da’ Tara win the race. This was the horse’s eighth race and marked its second first place finish.
“That was a great win,” he said. “It was a great day.”
After winning the race, Reichard said they were taken to the trustees’ room where they were given Champagne to celebrate their victory and later went back to the barn to check on Da’ Tara. They further celebrated by going out to eat at Steve’s Piccola Bussola in Westbury, which stayed open late for the group.
Reichard said that they now plan on taking Da’ Tara to Saratoga to race in the Travers Stakes.