My name is John E. Casse and many people around Ocala, Florida, might tell you that my father Norman Casse was “OBS.” But I am here to tell you that he was not….Tom Chiota was. Tom was at OBS day in and day out working and caring for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company for more than 25 years. Without Tom Chiota, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company would not be where it is today, which is known as the pre eminent Thoroughbred institution to buy a training horse. I know and believe this in my heart. Let's not get too caught up in this accomplishment because that was not the ultimate goal to him or the men who started OBS. What meant everything to Tom and my father and Harry Mangurian and Hilmer Schmidt and all of those pioneers was that Florida and Ocala horsemen had something that they could be proud of, and I am quite confident that they are. Thank you Lorraine, Nicole and all of Tom's family for sharing him with us. God Bless and Godspeed, Tom.
Sincerely,
John E. Casse
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