New York Attorney Is a Driving Force at the Track
Sam Caruso Jr. tried 13 felony cases in 2010.
But when the Rochester, N.Y., criminal defense lawyer is in the winner’s circle, it’s just about as likely to be on the track as in court. Despite driving in only 25 harness races this year, the 54-year has had five wins, three second-place finishes and six third-place showings, reports the Democrat and Chronicle.
And in a number of the races he’s been competing with some of the sport’s top drivers.
Caruso, who is a partner of Kaman Berlove Marafioti Jacobstein & Goldman, had originally intended to make his living at the track, too, the newspaper recounts in a lengthy profile. But others in his life pushed him to pursue a career that would be more stable and allow him to work in a heated environment in the winter. So he wound up pursuing the law as his main gig and driving harness horses as a sideline.
Along the way, he has purchased and driven hundreds of horses. But two of the best he’s ever had, Bombay Away and Light Headed, are currently in his stable, he tells the Democrat and Chronicle.
Although the race itself might take only about 10 minutes, getting to the track in Yonkers, N.Y., for races involves driving hundreds of miles and an overnight stay. And Caruso has to keep fit to handle the driving.
The urge to win is a common quality among trial lawyers and racehorse drivers, but Caruso finds trying cases more stressful and looks upon racing as an enjoyable avocation.
Nonetheless, with a adult son headed home from serving in Afghanistan during a tour of duty with the Air Force, Caruso says his best work hasn’t been performed either in court or on the track.
“My biggest accomplishment,” he tells the newspaper, “is raising two great kids.”
Hat tip: Standardbred Canada.
