[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 60 (Wednesday, May 13, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING VINCENT A. BERGAMO FOR 40 YEARS OF SERVICE AS A NEW YORK STATE 
                            RACING OFFICIAL

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                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 1998

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to recognize the 
retirement of Vincent A. Bergamo from the New York State Racing and 
Wagering Board. After forty years of service, Vince leaves behind a 
legacy in the sport of harness racing that will forever be a testament 
to his deep-rooted love of horses and racing. His enthusiasm and 
experience will surely be missed.
  I have had the pleasure of knowing Vince for several years. He has 
impressed me as a man of great character and integrity and I am 
fortunate to call him a friend. His career as a racing judge was 
characterized by hard-work and dedication and his contributions have 
left a lasting effect on the industry.
  Vincent Bergamo began his distinguished career in 1958 at the 
Monticello Raceway in Monticello, New York as an Assistant Race 
Secretary. Having grown up with a keen appreciation for horses, Vince 
immediately excelled around the track. He was quickly offered a 
position in Saratoga, New York as presiding judge. He was 24 at the 
time, the youngest presiding judge in the state.
  Vince's love of harness racing and his enthusiasm for his job brought 
him to every track in New York as well as tracks in Florida, Maryland, 
New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. Throughout all of these locations, 
Vince set the standard for judging. He was honest, fair and demanded 
the highest degree of competitiveness from the participants of his 
races. He was also the recipient of numerous accolades recognizing his 
accomplishments.
  Mr. Speaker, aside from judging, Vince tackled several other tasks in 
harness racing. On a purely voluntary basis, he became actively 
involved in the Goshen Historic Track--realizing that the track as the 
oldest exiting sporting site in the nation at that time. He has been 
credited with leading the crusade that saved the track. His efforts 
directly led to the listing of the track on the National Register of 
Historic Sites. Vince remains actively involved in the operation of 
this track and continues to promote racing throughout New York, the 
United States, and even the world--Vince's creation, the popular 
Billings Amateur Series has lasted some 16 years and has attracted 
international attention.
  Looking past Vince's professional awards and accomplishments, and 
there are many, it is clear that above all else, Vince is a family man. 
While maintaining an extraordinarily active career, Vince, along with 
his wonderful wife, raised 10 beautiful children. He was, and remains 
today, active in all aspects of their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, it is not often that a man like Vince Bregamo comes 
along. He is the epitome of class and integrity and his accomplishments 
both professionally and personally are remarkable. I invite my 
colleagues to join me in honoring Vincent Bregamo for 40 years of 
dedicated service and in wishing Vince, his wife, and his entire family 
many more years of health and happiness.




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