Richard Orbann

An appreciation, by T.D. Thornton In the mid-1960s, Rocco Gabriella started his career as a jockey by literally standing on his head to try and make it into the winner's circle. He didn't get his photo taken there all that many times during a two-decade career that largely played out in and around his beloved hometown of Philadelphia. But his flair for showmanship and a drive do just about anything to put a smile on the faces of his fellow racetrackers, to help those in need, and to take chances...

Bob Quigley, a highly respected retired racing executive, who was best known for his role as the head of management when the Meadowlands opened, passed away Monday at age 90. He died of natural causes. His death was confirmed by Richard Orbann, who was the general manager at Garden State Park while Quigley was that track's president. "He was a beloved man," Orbann said. "I don't know anybody he didn't like and anybody that didn't like him. In our business, where jealously prevails, that's a remarkable thing." Orbann said he...