Of all the winners of the Standardbred Retirement Foundation's (SRF) Elitlopp harness racing raffle fundraiser, this year's winner, Joe Sbrocco, an Ohio resident, couldn't contain his excitement and shock.
Joe Sbrocco has been an owner for nearly forty years and has enjoyed tremendous success, most recently with Captaintrecherous, and Artspeak. "You gotta be kidding," were his first words when SRF's Director, Judy Bokman called him with the news. The excitement continued for him. "I'm seventy-five years old and I feel like I was just born!"
The seasoned owner is still in the game with a small stake in horses being trained by Brian Brown, Tony Alagna, Paul Kelly, Nancy Johannsen, Jonas Czernyson, Ake Swendsted, Jimmy Takter and Jimmy Arledge.
Mr. Sbrocco and his wife will enjoy a fabulous five day trip to Sweden visiting famous breeding farms, taking a trip to Mendhammer, visiting a yearling auction, sightseeing, enjoying authentic dining at an old world restaurant dating back to the 1700s, and attending the great race at Solvalla.
SRF is a 27 year old organization, unique in its work, as it never relinquishes ownership of its horses. The Elitlopp raffle, as well as the raffle for a trip to the Prix d'Amerique help fund the care of 205 trotters and pacers of which 130 are retired due to age or injuries under the full care and expense of SRF.
SRF thanks Marc and Marcia Goldberg of the Arch Madness fame for their generous gift of sponsorship of the trip from the SRF's Twelve Days of Giving campaign in December 2015. "We can only give these horses a chance when special people like the Goldbergs, and our supporters of this fund raiser make it possible with their kindness; we so appreciate this wonderful support," Paula Campbell, SRF's President added.
Standardbred Retirement Foundation, 353 Sweetmans Lane, Suite 101, Millstone Twp., NJ 08535