That’s Amore Stable, LLC, came into being in 2006 when we claimed a filly named Panjshair out of a race at Colonial Downs.  A little over a month later, with Luis Garcia aboard, she scored by a nose to give us our first victory.

Since then, we’ve added some horses, lost some horses at the claim box, and won some races.  In November 2006 we picked up a yearling filly by Parker’s Storm Cat at auction.  We’ve also added some friends who support these endeavors.

I’m Frank Vespe, and this stable is my ...err… brainchild.  Sorta.  After 15 years in the nonprofit world, I decided to see if I could pursue a racing life — and to see how much fun I could have in the bargain.  The answer, so far, is a whole lot!

We’ve focused our claims on the middle part of the Mid-Atlantic market and have claimed horses for prices ranging from $12,000 to $40,000.  We’ve also been active in claiming and racing at Gulfstream  the past couple winters.

My wife Erin is a frequent contributor of ideas, occasional critic, and constant supporter and encourager of this little endeavor.  She’s also the one who named our stable (see sidebar).

Our trainer is A. Ferris Allen, longtime Maryland stalwart, king of Colonial Downs, and racetrack raconteur.

On another, and more serious note, we also support efforts to improve the lives of backstretch workers and retired racehorses.  And we believe that when a horse reaches the end of his racing career while in our care, it’s our job to find him a soft landing.