Conversation with Michael Algeo his late friend Anthony Manganaro

With the passing of Anthony Manganaro August 20, the world of Thoroughbred racing lost a great friend and advocate. Manganaro was 79.

The contours of his life --the fortunes he made in business, the top-quality horses (including Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming) he campaigned under his Siena Farm banner and in partnerships with others -- are well known. Manganaro, who also served on the Breeders' Cup board, was known for forward-thinking and innovative leadership.

Less well-known was his role in Maryland racing. Though Manganaro's racing interests centered primarily on Kentucky and the national scene, he played a critical behind-the-scenes role in helping to craft the deal blessed by Maryland's government in 2020 that sought to revitalize both Pimlico -- as a worthy home for the Preakness -- and Laurel Park, as the everyday home of Maryland racing. That deal, lauded by industry insiders at the time as "our Triple Crown," seemed to break a logjam that has frustrated Maryland racing for several decades.

Along the way, Manganaro became good friends with then-Marland Racing Commission chairman Michael Algeo. We sat down with Algeo to discuss his friend and his impact on Maryland racing.