The Rooney family has been synonymous with the NFL for years, but another Rooney - Tim, the third son of Steelers iconic owner Art Rooney - has made quite a name for himself in harness racing.
Congrats to Tim for his citation as the "Man of the Half Century" from the New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association. There will be an official ceremony April 27 at Yonkers Raceway, a place we spent many a night covering the ponies for the Gannett Westchester Rockland Newspapers (now the Journal News).
In 2006, Rooney was the driving force behind the $225 million renovation of Empire City at Yonkers Raceway, a 5,300 video gaming machine emporium. Empire City also added 1,000 jobs at the facility, taking the employee total from 300 to 1,300.
Others to be honored at the dinner include legendary drivers and trainers Carmine Abbatiello, who dominated the Yonkers-Roosevelt circuit with a combined 17 driving crowns, Stanley Dancer and Billy Haughton.
Rooney, 70, is a 1961 graduate of Duquesne University, where he majored in finance and was a partner for 10 years with the investment banking house of Chaplin, McGuiness Company of Pittsburgh, an associate member of the New York Stock Exchange and the American Stock Exchange.
Rooney's daughter, Kathleen, is married to the Giants' longtime respected personnel man, Chris Mara, a son of Wellington Mara.
Comments (3)
to bad the guy is a alcoholic and a cheap bastard. He runs a slum business at Yonkers Raceway vs. a respectable facility. Hopefully the kids will sell the place when he kicks the bucket.
The guy is not an alcoholic and surely not cheap. He has built one of the nicest racing venues in NY history in addition to the nicest casino on the east coast. The quality of racing for both the fans and horsemen have improved dramatically since Yonkers Raceway re-opened in 2006.
At least someone put the money to do what he did ........
I don't know the guy personally but at least he is doing something for NY.
Offering more jobs to New Yorkers that is a great thing .
I love the place was there for the first time over the weekend. adn its the closest casino if I don't was to drive 2 hrs to go to AC.
Ali