Glenn Raia

Glenn Raia (O-T-D)
Saratoga Springs, NY
Birthplace: Hartford, CT
Birthdate: 8/22/57

Glenn began in harness racing with his dad. His first job at Saratoga was with Louis Fanelli. Then went to Percy Davis in the 1980s. Glenn’s favorite horse was April Pride (1987) making $160,000 for the year. Majestic Willie was another great horse, setting track record here in 1985 pacing in 1:56.4. Glenn was a leading trainer for the winter back in the 90’s and earned the Johnny Page Award (up-and-coming driver) in 1991.

According to Glenn, his only hobby was racing horses. His first win was a fair race with Ned Dean in 1979. His first pari-mutuel win was with J J Mac at Saratoga (Feb. 1980). Glenn feels that Saratoga is a great place to race—you have your ups and downs—but if you stay with it, good things will come; you have to work hard at it. And, speaking of good things, Queen of The Stars, owned by his wife Tina and trained by Glenn, was voted 2-year-old Pacer and top NYSS Top Performer for 2007.