Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Odds On Racing's

Personality of the Month
for April 2010

Robert J. Galtiero

Yonkers Raceway is arguably one of the top harness racinos in North America.

There is, however, no argument that much of the tremendous success of the world-class racing and gaming operations at the Hilltop Oval is directly attributed to its longtime Vice president and general manager, Robert "Bob" Galterio, a resident of Bedford, New York.

Robert J. Galtiero

Galterio began a 30-year association with Yonkers Raceway in 1980, including assistant GM, before being named General Manager in 1984.

Chosen for his outstanding contributions to the sport of harness racing, Galterio received the 2009 President's Award from the US Harness Writers Association in 2010.

Through Galterio's efforts and cooperation, Yonkers has played host to amateur drivers from around the globe in many competitions, including the 2008 World Cup Series and 2009 Italy - U.S. Friendship Competition.

Empire City includes 5,300 slot machines, four restaurants, and employs 1,200 people. Previously, Galterio served as assistant general manager at Yonkers, and general manager of the Westchester County Fair and Foxboro Raceway.

A member of the Rooney family via marriage, Bob presides over the 5,300 video lottery terminals, four restaurants and 1,200 employees that constitute the mammoth Empire City at Yonkers Raceway.

A veteran U.S.T.A. track director and present Chairman of District 8A, Bob has previously served as assistant general manager at Yonkers, and general manager of the Westchester County Fair and of Foxboro Raceway.

He is the Chairman Emeritus of the Yonkers City Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Yonkers Police Athletic League advisory board, and a director of the Development Board of Hudson Valley National Bank. Bob is also a board member of the Westchester chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and has been in the forefront of fundraising for that important entity.

In October, 2009, Bob was instrumental in the organization and execution of the First Annual Yonkers Raceway Harvest Festival, showcasing New York State agricultural products and harness racing, including a dash comprised of drivers who are members of the state legislature.

A magna cum laude graduate of Boston College, Bob Galterio has devoted virtually all of his adult life to the furtherance and advancement of harness racing. He and his wife, Margaret, have five daughters, Erin, Clare, Molly, Cara and Mary Grace, and reside in Bedford, N.Y. His personal interests and hobbies include golf, theater and music.