Raintree Thoroughbred Farm, Inc., was founded by Russell C. Schalk, Jr., who serves as President and Chief Executive Officer.  He has been associated with, and has vast experience in, the thoroughbred industry for the past 23 years.  He also has 25 years of experience as Vice President of Sales for a highly successful sales motivation company.  His unique expertise in the diverse world of marketing and horsemanship has enabled him to assemble a respected and accomplished team of professionals.

Ralph R. Rafaniello is a retired Executive Vice President of the American Stock Exchange, where he was employed for over 40 years.  His primary responsibilities at the Exchange included the running of the day-to-day operations of the trading floor, which consisted of members, clerks and Exchange employees, numbering 2,800 people.  He was also responsible for all trading floor technology as well as all construction and telecommunication projects.  Mr. Rafaniello managed the Market Operations Division which included over 500 employees and an annual operating budget of over 150 million dollars.  Currently, Mr. Rafaniello offers both consulting and operational services to Raintree Thoroughbred Farm.  He is a graduate of Brooklyn College where he earned both his B.S. and M.S. degreed in education.  Mr. Rafaniello currently shares his time between his Staten Island and Palm Beach homes with his wife Georganna.  The Rafaniello’s have three children and three grandchildren.

A partner with the prominent Baltimore law firm of Whiteford, Taylor, and Preston, George Lawler provides legal counsel to Raintree Thoroughbred Farms.
Attorney at Law
Whiteford, Taylor, and Preston, L.L.P.
210 West Pennysylvania Avenue
Towson, MD 21204

Helen Pitts oversees the training operations for Raintree Thoroughbred Farm in Kentucky, Florida and Illinois. She is a rising star among today’s new generation of trainers, and has saddled many winners of graded stakes including Einstein, Silverinyourpocket, Leah’s Secret, Murch and Better Talk Now. Prior to his private sale leading up to the 2007 Kentucky Derby, Helen conditioned Curlin, who placed third in the Kentucky Derby, won the Preakness, was second in the Belmont, and won the Breeders Cup Classic.  She maintains a year round base at Churchill Downs and a winter base at Gulfstream Park in Miami, FL.

Michael Gorham-Training Operations

A native of Boston, Michael Gorham oversees the training operations for Raintree Thoroughbred Farm in Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York.  He is considered one of the top conditioners on the East Coast and is consistently ranked in the trainers standings in money won and win percentage.  His care and patience with horses, along with his attention to detail, are major factors in his success.  He trained graded stakes winners Mandy's Gold and Adore the Gold, and has numerous stakes wins including the Maryland Million Classic, Swale Stakes, Ruffian Handicap, Sweet and Sassy, Go for Wand, Kelso, and Light Hearted Stakes, to name just a few.  Michael maintains a year round base at Delaware Park and a winter base at Gulfstream Park.