When I began working for NYRA in 1987, the clerk of scales was Charlie Sullivan. His assistant was Tony Pelligrino. Charlie got fired because he was drunk on the job. Tony got the job and Sal Sciarra, a placing judge was made assistant clerk of scales.

While Tony was COS, he had a reputation for walking into the female jocks room unnannounced. I have first hand knowledge of this because he did this to my then girl friend, BB's stable rider. Julie Krone sued him for a million bucks for sexual harrassment, won, and Tony was escorted off the track by security. Other female riders were too intimidated to complain about TP. He died last year in Oklahoma.

Sal Sciarra was appointed clerk of scales. Can't recall who was the assistant, but it wasn't Braulio. Braulio at some point was made assistant COS. When I saw that, I thought "Hmmmm, NYRA is finally throwing him a bone!"

Sal was a real hard ass. He ran a tight ship, and although he had a problem with me (long, funny story), I always respected the way he ran that jocks room. He had to retire very young due to health issues. Near the end of his term, we could at least say hello and shake hands.

Mario Sclafani was then appointed clerk of scales. While Braulio should have had the job, he was stepped over. He will tell you he didn't want the job, but I know better. Mario was a placing judge. A bit cocky at times, and a typical, cynical New Yorker, but at least he would (usually) say hello to you if you passed him in the hall, unlike most people at NYRA. But appoint him clerk of scales?????? I knew that was a weird appointment and that's why I asked BB why he didn't get the job. And I asked him right in front of Mario, who did not seem to be offended by my question.

Now, Tim Kelly has the gig and regretably, I do not know who the assistant is. But the pressure is on, and I would imagine that Mr. Kelly is running a really tight ship. And don't be surprised if the 5 jocks named in the indictment never ride in NY again. NYRA is gonna make examples of these guys because they (NYRA) have everything to lose.

But you know what? The scale of weights is much too light and riders are killing themselves in the long run to make weight. There is more to this story than meets the eye, and for the record, the scale of weights must be raised.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/22/2005 08:39PM by MO.