Born: September 6, 1955

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, PA

Residence: Tarpon Springs, FL

Family: Wife, Kathy; daughter, Lacey; son, Nicholas

First Winner: Sky Junior

Started Ownership: Early 1970s, WaterfordPark (now MountaineerPark)

Tampa Trainer: Javier Contreras

Mike Buccina has been a formidable force amid the Tampa owner colony ever since arriving on the Oldsmar oval scene in the mid 1990s.  Like many horse owners, Mike Buccina’s horse hobby grew from his love of racing as a fan.  Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Buccina first ventured to the track at WaterfordPark (now MountaineerPark).  Notable claims in the past include Single File, a $7,500 claim that moved up to midlevel allowance horse; Malo, a stakes-running mare that Buccina claimed for $15,000; and Spirit of Flag, a $7,500 Tampa claim that went on to win a stakes race at Mountaineer Park.  Buccina’s other business endeavors include starting Revenue Systems, Inc (RSI), an accounts receivable management company that specializes in corporate debt recovery departments.  Buccina has been involved in the collection industry since 1985 and in insurance-related debt since relocating to Florida in 1985.  A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, one of Mike Buccina’s fellow classmates is former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino.