Owners / Directors

Physical Therapists

Strength and Conditioning/Personal Training

Physical Therapy Aides

Office Staff

RU 1 - Kearny Mesa Staff
RU 2 - Carmel Valley Staff
RU Sports Performance Center Staff

Brett Bloom, DPT, FAFS, CSCS
Co-Owner - Grossmont - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center
Director of Rehabilitation/Physical Therapist - Grossmont Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center
Fellow of Applied Functional Science (FAFS) - Graduate Fellow of The Gray Institute for Functional Transformation
(GIFT 2007)

Brett is an experienced Physical Therapist, enthusiastic Coach, and skilled Lecturer with a unique understanding of functional rehabilitation and Applied Functional Science (AFS).  Originally from Malibu, CA, he attained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California after earning a B.S. degree from Cornell University. 

As a clinician, Brett has served the San Diego community over the last five years by integrating an innovative functional approach with a keen understanding of human biomechanics.   He is a graduate of, and instructor for, the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT).  He frequently lectures throughout the country to physical therapists, doctors, and other healthcare practitioners on various topics related to functional physical therapy and biomechanics.  His interests in spine disorders, as well as lower and upper extremity disorders, led him to serve as a Clinical Instructor of Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.

During stints at Harvard Business School and Four Seasons Hotels, Brett honed customer service skills that serve him well in the healthcare industry.  He is passionate about the service centered mentality epitomized by the Rehab United Team. 

As a former football player and current runner and cyclist, Brett enjoys working with athletes of all ages and talent levels.  One of his core philosophies is that everyone is an athlete and can improve their performance through activity specific functional therapy.  Inspired by many of his patients, he has become a competitive age-group triathlete and Ironman finisher.

Brett resides in Carmel Valley with his wife and two children.

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Sean Hill, MPT, FAFS, CSCS
Co-Owner/Vice President/Physical Therapist- Rehab United Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Inc.
Founder/Director/Physical Therapist- Therapeeds Pediatric Physical Therapy ServicesTM
Center Coordinator of Clinical Education (CCCE) - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center
Co-Director/Performance Coach/Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist/Director of Baseball Mechanics and Conditioning - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center
Fellow of Applied Functional Science - Graduate Fellow of The Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT 2007)

Sean has been a physical therapist since 2001 and a certified strength and conditioning specialist since 1997. He brings extensive experience in pediatrics, orthopedics, and strength and conditioning for all ages and sports and is Rehab United's "Jack of All Trades." Sean not only treats orthopedic and neurological injuries and conditions for all ages, but he founded and directs the pediatric division of Rehab United; Therapeeds Pediatric Physical Therapy Services TM.

Originally from Tempe, Arizona, Sean played golf, soccer and baseball in high school as well as coached soccer and baseball mechanics. He went on to play collegiate soccer at Northern Arizona University where he earned his B.S. in Exercise Science in 1996. In 2001, he received his Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California. He has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) since 1997.

Sean developed his passion and drive for his functional approach through his early experiences as a multi-sport athlete, coach, strength and conditioning coach, and variety of experiences mentoring and teaching children. His knowledge and functional progression was significantly propelled to the next level through learning experiences, mentorship and development of a close professional and personal relationship with Gary Gray, PT and David Tiberio, PT. Sean completed the inaugural year-long fellowship called GIFT, developed by Gary Gray, PT. The Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT) is designed to enable participants to achieve proficiency, competence, confidence, and credibility in all aspects of Applied Functional Science through an understanding of functional principles, strategies, and techniques appropriate for use with patients and clients of all types and for all purposes including prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. Sean is not only a Graduate Fellow of Applied Functional Science (FAFS), he is instrumental in the development, progression, and mentorship of other fellows as a GIFT Facilitator.

Sean began his formal pediatric physical therapy career as a P.T. student intern here in San Diego at Children's Hospital in 2000 while in physical therapy school. Upon graduation from P.T. school in 2001, he spent two years working with California Children's Services in Orange County. He quickly established himself as a specialist in functional pediatric physical therapy effectively pioneering and applying his functional, biomechanical approach to pediatric developmental and orthopedic rehabilitation. In addition, Sean developed and instructed other therapists at CCS in manual wheelchair wheelie training, balance, and advanced negotiation skills with the help of his clients who went through the wheelchair training program themselves. The program has been further developed here at Rehab United and Therapeeds and is called Skillz on Wheelz TM. Sean returned to Children's Hospital of San Diego in 2003, before opening Rehab United, to continue in pediatrics at the main hospital in-patient department and predominantly at the previous satellite outpatient facility in Rancho Bernardo. Sean has also developed a functional strength and conditioning program specifically for kids with Cerebral Palsy called Palsy PowerTM to promote independent mobility, confidence, and participation in sports. The program includes upright functional strength training, endurance, balance, transitions and object manipulation skills.

As co-founder and strength and conditioning coach with Rehab United Sports Performance Center (aka The Sports Performance Combine), Sean's knowledge of pediatric physical therapy has been vital to our development of speed, strength, and fitness programs for the young athlete. Sean is also the director of baseball training with RUSPC and has developed B.M.A.C.-Baseball Mechanics and Conditioning ProgramTM . This program is applied to rehabilitation and sports performance clients alike and the results are proudly demonstrated by the performance and reviews of some of The San Diego Union Tribune's "High School Baseball Players to Watch", and hometown pros such as Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Aaron Harang, Texas Rangers middle reliever Geoff Geary and San Diego Padres centerfielder Tony Gwynn, Jr.

Sean, like the whole Rehab United family, truly enjoys giving back to the community in many different ways. His services have been requested by such organizations as Athletes Helping Athletes (AHA), The Abilities Center, National Sports Center for the Disabled, San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation, Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and more.

Sean enjoys cycling now with RU Team EXCEL and the Moment Cycle Sport Velo Team. He also enjoys photography, graphic design, snowboarding and traveling with and spending as much time as possible with his ever-smiling and cheerful wife Erynne! Erynne is the Director of Rehab United Massage & Wellness.

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Bryan Hill, PT, FAFS
Co-Owner/President/CEO/Physical Therapist- Rehab United Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Inc.
Director of Rehabilitation/Physical Therapist - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center
Co-Director/Performance Coach/Director of Endurance Sports and Soccer - The Sports Performance Combine
Fellow of Applied Functional Science - Graduate Fellow of The Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT 2007)

Bryan has been a physical therapist in the San Diego community since 1998. Bryan received his Bachelor's degree in Physical Therapy and Health Sciences from the University of New England where he was a 4 year All-American in Men’s Soccer. He is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Bryan’s goal with Rehab United is to change lives through functional physical therapy and performance enhancement for the San Diego community. Rehab United and its partners are the means by which that goal can become a reality.

Under the mentorship of many great San Diego therapists he was able to gain a substantial understanding of evaluation and treatment via manual rehabilitation. He has further progressed as a skilled therapist using the most recent rehabilitation techniques through functional biomechanics. Applying the skills learned through a close professional and personal relationship with renowned therapist Gary Gray. Bryan just completed a year-long fellowship called GIFT. The Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT) is designed to enable participants to achieve proficiency, competence, confidence, and credibility in all aspects of Applied Functional Science through an understanding of functional principles, strategies, and techniques appropriate for use with patients and clients of all types and for all purposes including prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. As a facilitator, and graduate fellow, Bryan not only is an active member in the fellowship curriculum, but is instrumental in the development, progression, and mentorship of other fellows!

Through his experience, along with his brother Sean, he was able to focus on creating Rehab United Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Inc. Rehab United is a one of a kind environment for rehabilitation, physical therapy, and recovery of function. There is a strong emphasis on a family practice; building Rehab United with his brother Sean Hill, who also created the pediatric division of Rehab United, Therapeeds Pediatric Physical Therapy Services TM, and treating with a philosophy that stands alone in the community. The Hills are finally fulfilling their dream of bringing a facility that is all encompassing and built on principals to the San Diego region. Bryan is also well known for his expertise in sport specific rehabilitation and strength training working with many Olympic, professional, and semi-professional athletes through rehabilitation and sports performance training.

Bryan has been the head strength and conditioning coach for the San Diego Arsenal Football Club since 1999, serves as one of the rehabilitation and strength consultants for Poway High School Men's Lacrosse, the Albion Soccer Club, and a speed coach for Pro Select Soccer. Specializing in biomechanics, Bryan is able to work with all athletes of any sport. On a regular basis working with AVP pro volleyball tour athletes; Baseball, Lacrosse, Hockey, Track, Cross-Country, Tennis, and Football traveling teams; including dancers, marathoners, and many more.

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Mike Van Gilder, DPT, FAFS, CSCS
Co-Owner - Grossmont - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center
Fellow of Applied Functional Science (FAFS) - Graduate Fellow of The Gray Institute for Functional Transformation
(GIFT 2007)

Michael Van Gilder, DPT, FAFS, CSCS has been a physical therapist in San Diego for the past 9 years.  He received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of Southern California, and has been a member of the American Physical Therapy Association throughout that time.  He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Mike has committed his professional career to studying and applying the principles, strategies, and techniques of Applied Functional Science to help his patients and clients achieve their goals.  Mike received his Fellow of Applied Functional Science certificate from the prestigious Gray Institute of Functional Transformation in 2007.

Mike received his BA and JD from Vanderbilt University.  He has participated in triathlons since 1983, and continues to be an avid runner, cyclist, and swimmer.

Mike lives in Encinitas with his wife, Sandra, and their two daughters.

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Brett Bloom , DPT, FAFS, CSCS
Director of Rehabilitation/Physical Therapist - Grossmont Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center

Ben Harwood, MSPT, CSCS
PT Director/Physical Therapist – Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center - Grossmont

Lea Thomann, DPT, ATC, CSCS, EMT
Staff Physical Therapist - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center - Grossmont
Certified Athletic Trainer
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Emergency Medical Technician
PT Aide/Volunteer Coordinator -RU Grossmont

Jessica Nadraga, DPT
Staff Physical Therapist - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center - Grossmont

Brett Bloom, DPT, FAFS, CSCS
Co-Owner - RU3 Grossmont - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center
Director of Rehabilitation/Physical Therapist - Grossmont Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center
Fellow of Applied Functional Science (FAFS) - Graduate Fellow of The Gray Institute for Functional Transformation
(GIFT 2007)

Brett is an experienced Physical Therapist, enthusiastic Coach, and skilled Lecturer with a unique understanding of functional rehabilitation and Applied Functional Science (AFS).  Originally from Malibu, CA, he attained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Southern California after earning a B.S. degree from Cornell University. 

As a clinician, Brett has served the San Diego community over the last five years by integrating an innovative functional approach with a keen understanding of human biomechanics.   He is a graduate of, and instructor for, the Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT).  He frequently lectures throughout the country to physical therapists, doctors, and other healthcare practitioners on various topics related to functional physical therapy and biomechanics.  His interests in spine disorders, as well as lower and upper extremity disorders, led him to serve as a Clinical Instructor of Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.

During stints at Harvard Business School and Four Seasons Hotels, Brett honed customer service skills that serve him well in the healthcare industry.  He is passionate about the service centered mentality epitomized by the Rehab United Team. 

As a former football player and current runner and cyclist, Brett enjoys working with athletes of all ages and talent levels.  One of his core philosophies is that everyone is an athlete and can improve their performance through activity specific functional therapy.  Inspired by many of his patients, he has become a competitive age-group triathlete and Ironman finisher.

Brett resides in Carmel Valley with his wife and two children.

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Ben Harwood, MSPT, FAFS, CSCS
PT Director/Physical Therapist - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center -
RU Grossmont

Ben was born and raised in the town of Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He graduated in 2002 from Springfield College, Massachusetts, in the accelerated physical therapy Master's program. While at Springfield, he played four years of soccer, which included a showing in the NCAA tournament and a trip to China.  He competed four years of indoor and outdoor track, finishing his senior year as captain, and in the process he set an indoor track school record in the 600m.  He was awarded the male scholar-athlete award, a tribute to his success in the classroom and on the field.  He also participated in many campus, national, and international leadership and community service programs.
 
Ben joined a busy orthopedic clinic in Waterbury, Connecticut after graduation.  He immersed himself in upper and lower extremity post-operative care, including hand specific treatment.  He moved to San Diego in the fall of 2003.  Since then, he has improved his knowledge of manual and more specifically myofascial release based treatment.  He has seen a wide variety of orthopedic and neurological patients in his career, ranging from young children to adults in their late 90's. He has treated weekend warriors to professional baseball players.  His goal at Rehab United is to improve the function and life of each individual patient.  He enjoys educating his patients and strives for progress and increased knowledge each visit!
 
Ben continues to lead an active life outside the clinic. He is the president of the San Diego Mission Bay Boat and Ski Team. He finished 16th in his division at the 2007 Waterski slalom nationals.  He also manages and plays with the TDAC Hurricane soccer team which participates in the San Diego County Soccer League premier division. He continues to run and compete in distance races as well.  Most importantly, he enjoys spending  his free time with family and friends.

Ben recently completed the year-long GIFT fellowship in Applied Functional Science to become a Graduate Fellow in Applied Functional Science (FAFS). The Gray Institute for Functional Transformation (GIFT) is designed to enable participants to achieve proficiency, competence, confidence, and credibility in all aspects of Applied Functional Science through an understanding of functional principles, strategies, and techniques appropriate for use with patients and clients of all types and for all purposes including prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement.

Ben was promoted in October 2009 to become our P.T. Director at RU3-Grossmont!

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Lea Thomann, DPT, ATC, CSCS, EMT
Staff Physical Therapist - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center - RU Grossmont
Certified Athletic Trainer
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
PT Aide/Volunteer Coordinator -RU Grossmont

A 2004 graduate of San Diego State University, Lea earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Athletic Training (where she worked with teams from UCSD and Grossmont Community College). Following one year living abroad in Melbourne, Australia working as a fitness instructor, Lea returned to Los Angeles in 2005 to pursue her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Southern California. During this time she served as a Staff Athletic Trainer for USC University Hospital’s Excellence in Athletics Program, an outreach program which provided athletic trainers for high schools in the Los Angeles area.

Lea’s resume includes work in the field of sports medicine with high school, junior college, and
Division 1 collegiate athletes, as well as diverse clinical experience in the specialties of ACL rehabilitation, movement dysfunction analysis, and post-operative rehabilitation.

This year Lea will begin her second season as the Athletic Trainer for the San Diego Sea Lions, as well as remaining a consultant for San Diego area high school athletics, and the San Diego Surf Cup soccer tournament with the Rehab United Tournament Team. Her work in multiple athletic settings has contributed to her passion to help athletes of all levels in the areas of sports performance training and injury prevention.

Lea maintains professional certifications as a Physical Therapist (PT), Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC), Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, National Athletic Trainers Association, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

Lea has been a lifelong athlete playing multiple sports including volleyball, basketball, and softball. She enjoys living at the beach and traveling to Lake Mohave.

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Jessica Nadraga, DPT
Staff Physical Therapist - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center - RU Grossmont

Jessica was born and raised in Oxford, Massachusetts. She grew up with a passion for dancing. Her training includes ballet, jazz, modern, and more recently Latin. Jessica attended Temple University in Philadelphia where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She returned to her home state to attend graduate school at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where she earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

In 2007, Jessica decided to leave behind the cold weather and move to sunny San Diego. She was working in a busy outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic when she first learned about Rehab United when she met Bryan, Sean, and Justin at the City of Encinitas Sports and Fitness Expo in 2008. She volunteered with the RU team at the San Diego Surf Cup and other sports expos. Her interest in learning Applied Functional Science and Functional Manual Reaction skills led her to attend the two Functional Chain Reaction Transformation seminars through the Gray Institute. She volunteered and mentored with staff at all 3 facilities before joining the RU family. She is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association national and California chapters. She is also a member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association and plans to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Jessica is interested in working on the RU Sports Performance Center side of RU as well. Jessica also looks forward becoming a GIFT fellow in the future.

Jessica leads an active lifestyle by training for and competing in running, bicycling, duathlon and triathlon events, as well as getting out on the dance floor. She has volunteered at the CA Ironman 70.3 for the past few years. She is an active member of RU Team EXCEL and competes for the Moment Cycle Sport Race Team. She joined the Rehab United Race to Stop MS Team for the MS Bay to Bay bike ride last year and is now proud to be a member as an RU employee. Jessica can often be found at RU Pedal Power, RU Run-Fit, and RU Tri-Strength classes, often rockin' the freshest '80's gear to boost RU team spirit, which happens to be a natural gift that she has to bring to the RU family!


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Marko Sanchez, CSCS
Director of Personal Training
Strength & Conditioning/Performance Coach/Personal Trainer- Rehab United Sports Performance Center - RU Grossmont

Marko Sanchez, CSCS
Director of Personal Training
Strength & Conditioning/Performance Coach/Personal Trainer - Rehab United Sports Performance Center - RU Grossmont

Robert Sifuentes
Peformance Coach/Perosnal Trainer- Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center -
RU Grossmont

Robert was born in Cali’ but was raised in Mesa, Arizona. He attended his earlier school years in Arizona and then moved back to California where he graduated from Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley. He participated in many sports throughout high school including basketball, baseball, and wrestling.

Robert has been a certified personal trainer since 2001 and currently holds his certifications through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). He has experience working with a wide variety of individuals ranging from the young recreational community, high school, junior college, and Division 1 collegiate athletes. His passion to help others led him into the field of fitness and he continues to instill the value of health in others through his skills and experience.

Robert began his experience in physical therapy and sports medicine in late 2004 where he split his time between personal training and physical therapy as an aide in the field. He is currently upholding both titles and is a student pursuing a career in the field of physical therapy. He has grown both personally and professionally in his exposure with physical therapy rehabilitation and has found a significant value in transferring and integrating this into his personal training approach. He enjoys remaining an active athlete by regularly participating in sports, exercising and weight lifting.

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Phil Castaldi
Peformance Coach/Perosnal Trainer- Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center -
RU Grossmont

Bio coming soon!

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Robert Sifuentes
Physical Therapy Aide - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center - RU Grossmont

Robert was born in Cali’ but was raised in Mesa, Arizona. He attended his earlier school years in Arizona and then moved back to California where he graduated from Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley. He participated in many sports throughout high school including basketball, baseball, and wrestling.

Robert has been a certified personal trainer since 2001 and currently holds his certifications through the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). He has experience working with a wide variety of individuals ranging from the young recreational community, high school, junior college, and Division 1 collegiate athletes. His passion to help others led him into the field of fitness and he continues to instill the value of health in others through his skills and experience.

Robert began his experience in physical therapy and sports medicine in late 2004 where he split his time between personal training and physical therapy as an aide in the field. He is currently upholding both titles and is a student pursuing a career in the field of physical therapy. He has grown both personally and professionally in his exposure with physical therapy rehabilitation and has found a significant value in transferring and integrating this into his personal training approach. He enjoys remaining an active athlete by regularly participating in sports, exercising and weight lifting.

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Mike Wright
Physical Therapy Aide - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center - RU Grossmont

Bio coming soon!

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Kassandra Chrisco
Physical Therapy Aide - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center - RU Grossmont

Kassandra was born here in San Diego, but grew up in Napa, California where she graduated from high school in 2005. She was a three sport athlete competing in cross country, soccer and basketball. Her active lifestyle and minor sports injuries were what initiated her interest in physical therapy. This brought her to San Diego State University where she is currently a Kinesiology major with an emphasis in pre-physical therapy and a Spanish minor. She continues her athletic pursuits in intramural sports at SDSU along with competing in a number of local sprint triathlon and half marathon events. Since coming to Rehab United, Kassandra has learned more each day, not only about a functional approach to rehabilitation, but how to work and communicate with patients. She feels RU is playing a major role in her preparation for physical therapy school as well as her future career.

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Riki Kirchhoff, BS, ATC, SPT
Certified Athletic Trainer
Physical Therapy Aide - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performance Center - RU Grossmont
Student Physical Therapist - University of St. Augustine Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program

Bio coming soon!

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Olivia Nunez
Office Manager - Rehab United Physical Therapy and Sports Performane Center - RU Grossmont

Olivia Nunez was born here in San Diego, and was raised in Lemon Grove, CA. She graduated from Helix High School where she was a cheerleader all 4 years & wrestled her senior year. She was also involved in ASB, Yearbook and Mat Stats. After graduating she coached JV & Varsity cheer at Helix for 3 years. Following high school Olivia took a course through ROP for her Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate. She has worked in the medical field for 5 years. Her goal is to become a makeup artist and party planner in the wedding industry. Olivia loves spending time with her family and friends.  Her hobbies include watching football, baseball and horse racing.

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