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.

Joseph J. LaBadia, CFA, provides financial consulting services to Raintree Thoroughbred Farm.  Mr. LaBadia is a former investment banker with Wachovia Bank, N.A. and has been a Registered Investment Advisor since 2002.  In addition to being Series 3, 30 and 65 licensed, Mr. LaBadia achieved the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2002 and has earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the College William and Mary.  Mr. LaBadia currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.

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.

Francis Campitelli oversees the training operations for Raintree Thoroughbred Farm in Maryland.  He and his wife, Jessica, have trained thoroughbreds since 1972.  They are considered two of Maryland’s best conditioners and are consistently ranked in the trainers standings in money won and winning percentage – their work with two-year-olds is unparalleled.  They have trained numerous stakes winners including Logan’s Mist, Frugal Doc, Logan’s Shadow, Soverign Storm, Affirm Promise, Hay Let's Dance, Under Oath, Wickliffe Man, Eesees Taw, and 2004 Maryland-bred champion two-year-old filly Hear Us Roar.  The Campitellis maintain a year round base of operations at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore and a winter base at Gulfstream Park in Miami, FL.