By Steven Culhane

DANBURY – Horse racing needs more people like Tom Daly. An exceedingly nice man in a brutally tough business, Daly is doing a good job of putting to rest the old notion that good guys finish last.

In the wake of Funny Cide’s Triple Crown run three years ago, the popularity of thoroughbred partnerships skyrocketed to new heights among those who were always looking to participate in racing from the other side of the rail as an owner. Unfortunately though, for many who ventured into the ownership ranks the experience felt like a hard slap to the face as new investors quickly realized the unexpected costs and mark ups of horses that many “syndicates” try to shield prospective clients from.

However, surfacing from the rubble comes Our Canterbury Stables, a Danbury-based outfit which offers a refreshing twist to the methods normally associated with partnerships.

“We want to make our money on the race track not off our partners states,” said Canterbury founder and president, Tom Daly.

Our Canterbury Stables, a partnership where managing partners actually invest their own capital along side other members, not only provides a reliable entry point for new investors but has also demonstrated great success on the racetrack. Competing mostly within the New York circuit and already zeroing in on 50 wins, the mid-sized stable with nearly 30 horses and 100 partners has emerged as a leader in thoroughbred partnerships with its contemporary approach and winning ways.             

Daly, a member of The Equine Resources Committee at Post University in Waterbury who has lectured to students on many different aspects of the racing industry, is quick to credit those around him for the group’s success.

“At Canterbury we are very fortunate to have the services of some very talented people working toward our goal of becoming a premier partnership,” he said.

His wife, Maryann, mother of five and considered Canterbury’s primary caretaker, knew little about horses before meeting her husband. She holds the daunting task of handling most of the stable’s administrative duties and supervising daily operations mainly from their office in New Fairfield.

“Yes, the job is demanding but we have struck up some wonderful friendships along the way,” she said, “and where else can you find an occupation that allows you to interact with so many people you like everyday.”

 Kim Laudati is Canterbury’s primary trainer and holding a keen eye for spotting valuable claiming prospects along with an ability to keep horses “live” for racing has made Laudati a valuable asset to Canterbury.

While it is very possible for shareholders to make money in partnerships it shouldn’t be their primary goal. Hard-lined profiteers soon find out that most investors in thoroughbred partnerships find the value of ownership coming more in the form of entertainment rather than profits.

However, at Canterbury, the ownership experience can travel several ways for its members, something Daly strongly emphasizes to all prospective investors he meets.

“We want our people to not only enjoy the experiences of being an owner,” he said, “but also of becoming true horsemen.”

By offering a variety of different options where partnerships are tailored to fit each investor’s budgets and sporting goals, Canterbury provides a fun and competitive way for novices to get involved in ownership. In addition to offering the excitement of racing to their members Canterbury holds their annual Gala Weekend in Saratoga, a gathering of investors which has become a burgeoning ritual and Canterbury’s hallmark of what they try to represent in today’s horse racing atmosphere.

The stable has been on a marvelous run the last few years with winners coming in recent stakes races, drawing the attention of several notable owners including singer, David Cassidy, part owner with Canterbury of last year’s Derby hopeful Mayan King. And with a number of their three year old stock already giving a good account of themselves, Canterbury looks to be sitting on a big year in 2006 in terms of wins and purses earned on the racetrack.

As of now Daly still hasn’t given up the dream of finding that magical horse which takes him and his Canterbury partners to Louisville. Although he concedes that all the conditions would have to be right in order for them to take their shot, the playing field tends to level out when it comes to such luck.

While it is unknown whether or not the winner’s circle at Churchill Downs could hold 100 owners posing for the camera, it’s a problem Daly would love to have.