FIRST STAKES WIN - GREG SECKO

RACING CORNER - FIRST HORSE, FIRST STAKES WIN for GREG SECKO

BY JENNIFER MORRISON

Photo of Greg Secko and Dark Screen

Mississauga resident Greg Secko only recently discovered the world of Thoroughbred racing and being an owner and he's having so much fun he's trying to get his friends to join him.

On July 27, Secko was in the stakes race winner's circle at Woodbine following the exciting victory by Dark Screen, the first horse he has ever owned, in the $100,000 Lake Superior Stakes. Secko shares ownership of the Ontario bred son of Big Screen with his friend Richard Okihiro and trainer Beverley Chubb. Juan Crawford, who also plays a large role in preparing Chubb's horses, was aboard for the winning ride.

“Ya, wow, that was fun,' said Secko on July 31 as he was headed to a celebration at the barn with Chubb and her team. “

Dark Screen, a scrappy grey gelding with a large smear of white down half of his face, was bought back by breeder Dr. John Brown from the 2023 CTHS Ontario yearling sale for $12,000. Okihiro, who has owned horses for over 20 years later bought the gelding with Chubb and offered Secko a share.

“My Dad and I have known Richard for a long time. I met him at the local hockey rink [Cawthra] where he was sharpening skates. During COVID I was talking to Richard about hockey and the stock market and he mentioned that I would probably like owning a racehorse.”

Dark Screen won his career debut last September, won again  in November and earned over $54,000 (US). The Lake Superior stakes win was his third race of 2025 and he already has $58,000 in the bank.

“Bev and Tim Orlando have been very helpful for me to understand horse ownership and how to act in the barn around horses,” said Secko, who has had virtually no previous experience with horses.

“My wife loves the horse and my three kids think it's cool.”

Secko, currently a real estate agent who has worked in finance, is already trying to get friends involved in partnership and tells them that the experience is second to none.

“[To watch] the groom, it's like the horses bring them peace. Then in the stands, there are so many different places to watch the races and each one gives a different perspective of the people who love racing.”

Secko recently bought into his second horse, a 2-year-old who is currently learning the lessons with Chubb.

“They all remind me that I am pretty lucky to have had this much success with my first horse. I am enjoying it and I am eager to promote horse ownership.”