Preseason - A Love Story Full Circle

How did you become a racehorse owner in Ontario?

You know… I’ve always loved horses. There’s something about their strength, their spirit—it speaks to the soul. But it all began in 1964 when I was just a teenager. A few of my buddies and I went down to Greenwood Racetrack to see our first horse race. From the moment those gates opened, and the horses flew down that track, I was hooked. I didn’t understand everything yet, but I felt it in my bones.

Then, in 1979, fate stepped in again. I met Carmen DiPaola after I bought a building in Markham for my printing business. We hit it off right away and became close friends. Carmen is passionate about racing, and in the mid-80s, he formed a syndicate. That’s when we bought our first horse—Home Secretary. That horse didn’t just run; he ran with my heart. From then on, I was all in. I fell in love with the game—the excitement, the beauty, the people. Horse racing became part of my life, part of who I am.

Mario Giorgio and Carmen Di Paola after Midnights first win

Can you tell us about how you designed your silks?

Ahhh, the silks. Those are personal, molto speciale. I designed them with my daughter Tanya, and that moment—working side by side, dreaming, laughing—is something I’ll never forget. We chose a deep royal blue, strong and elegant, and we added bold red stars. Not just for decoration—those circles carry a love story—a story of family, meaning, and passion.

What does the 360 on your silks represent?

That number… 360… it means everything to me.

When I first started dating my wife, Krystyna, on Valentine’s Day she gave me a card. Inside, she drew a simple circle and, in the center, wrote: 360°. I asked her, “What does this mean?” She smiled and said, “A circle never ends. That’s how much I love you.”Unfortunately, she passed on 1n 2018 and was not able to share this journey with me. That’s what the 360 means on my silks. Endless love. For my wife. For my family. For this sport. That circle has guided me, grounded me, reminded me every day of what matters.

What did you name your first horse?

My first horse in the game with Carmen was Home Secretary. But the first horse I owned myself, from my own heart and vision, was Midnight Tempesta. "Midnight" for that magical moment before the storm, and "Tempesta"—the Italian word for storm. He ran like lightning, and even when he didn’t win, he gave it everything he had. He wasn’t just a horse. He was part of our family.

Talk us through the day Midnight Tempesta won his first race and the emotions you and your family felt.

Oh mamma mia… That day is burned into my heart.

We were all there—kids, grandchildren. The gates open, and Midnight breaks sharp. He’s third, then second. Then, down the stretch, he finds another gear. The announcer yells, "Here comes Midnight Tempesta!" and just like that, he takes the lead and wins by five lengths.

We’re all screaming, my daughter Malina the loudest, with my grandkids Athena, Isabella, Jovian and Mila hugging, some of us even crying.That win wasn’t just for me. It was for all of us. A memory that belongs to our whole family.

Midnight's first win

Can you tell us about how becoming a racehorse owner has changed your family’s life?

It changed everything. Horse racing didn’t just give us a hobby—it gave us a passion to share. Every race is a family event. We plan our days around it. The kids know the horses, the trainers, the jockeys. We talk, laugh, and cry together. It brought us closer than I ever imagined.

You also had 50% of Robitaille who won 2 races for you and your partner. Can you talk us through his first win at Woodbine?

Ah yes, Robitaille. What a horse! His first win—he wasn’t the favorite. But he broke well and never gave up. Down the stretch, he battled and fought like a lion. And when he crossed that finish line in front? Pure joy. Me and my partner celebrated like two kids. That win was all heart.

Robbie winning his first race for his connections

What are your 2025 goals and future dreams in the industry?

2025 is going to be a special year. Because now, we have Au Contraire. With Santino DiPaola as my partner

This year, with my newest acquisition, Au Contraire, after Midnight Tempesta was claimed last year, my dream is to see Au Contraire make a real comeback. With Tapit as his sire and Dream Rush as his dam, he’s got serious bloodlines.His first couple of races didn’t light the world on fire, as he developed an injury, but like a good Barolo, Tapit horses take time to mature. Health comes first.He’s with partner Santino DiPaola at Woodbine, and we’re trusting the process. When he’s ready, we’ll give him his real debut. He’s got the blood, the heart—now we wait for the mind to catch up and properly heal.Patience. That’s the key. And maybe... a little Italian luck. Our goal is to see him shine. Win a big race. Maybe become the next star in our stable. I want my grandchildren to remember cheering for him, just like we did for Midnight. That’s the dream. To build something that lasts—a legacy for my family.

What would you tell someone who is looking to get involved in the sport?

Don’t wait.

Start small. Learn. Ask questions. Partner with people who know the game. It’s not always easy, but when your horse runs his heart out, or crosses that wire first—there's no feeling like it in the world.

Midnight Paddock Schooling before his first ever race

What is it about this sport that no other sport can offer?

Horse racing is not just a sport—it’s magic.

The sound of the hooves, the speed, the heart, the connection between horse and human. It’s poetry in motion. It’s risk, reward, joy, heartbreak. It’s life, condensed into two minutes.

You have gotten pretty well known at Woodbine for having a huge entourage of friends and family every time your horses are running. If your horse Gerald were to make the starting gate on August 16th for the King’s Plate, how big would that entourage be and what would it mean to you to have a horse in Canada’s Horse Race?

Gerald is part of a syndicate of 7 people. If Gerald makes that gate for the King’s Plate?

Mamma Mia, we’ll need a whole section just for us!

Friends, cousins, neighbours, even the guy from the coffee shop—we’ll bring them all! That race is Canada’s race. For me, a man who came here with a dream to have a horse in the King’s Plate would be beyond words. It would be an honour, a symbol of how far we’ve come.

Grazie. For the love, the memories, and the ride of a lifetime

Mario Giorgio Watching them Loading into the gate