By Mark Ratzky, publicity –
Cal Expo Harness
Saturday night’s Filly and
Mare Open Pace is named for Larry and Eileen Brodbar, recipients of the 2018
Lifetime Achievement Award by the California Harness Horsemen’s Association.
“This is truly an honor for
us,” said Eileen Brodbar.
Larry and Eileen were married
in 1980 and it was Larry, who cut his teeth on the trotters and pacers at New
York’s Monticello Raceway, who introduced his wife to the game up close and
personal.
“In 1987, there was harness
racing at Fairplex Park and there was ad in the program for a seminar for
potential new owners,” Eileen related. “Ann and Jonn McGregor were there as
well as Andy Perez, and that along with some advice from Alan Horowitz led us
to buying into our first horse.”
The Brodbars became partners
with the McGregors in a newly-turned 3-year-old named Pasadena Phantom and they
were off and running, or more accurately in this case, pacing.
Pasadena Phantom worked his
way up the ranks and eventually became an Invitational winner, one of many
outstanding performers who have joined Larry and Eileen in the winner’s circle
not only in California, but across the country.
The best they ever bred was
Iwannawinbets, while Eileen estimates the best they’ve ever campaigned in
partnership is Show Runner. In between, they have been represented by the likes
of Solid Bet and the New Zealand trio of Jay Bees Risk, Gifted Lobell and
Bobby’s Dream.
“Risky Broad, who is a
daughter of Jay Bees Risk, is currently our broodmare,” Brodbar noted.
One of Eileen’s major
contributions to the sport came at Los Alamitos in the 80’s and early 90’s when
she was responsible for Clocker’s Corner, which educated people about harness
racing with drivers, trainers and handicappers on scene to make it a
well-rounded and educational experience.
“I’m very proud of the what
we were able to accomplish with those seminars,” she stated.
Said CHHA Hall of Fame
Committee Chairman Robin Clements, “The Brodbars have stuck with California through
the good and the bad times and they still support and love the sport.”
Cal Expo congratulates Larry
and Eileen Brodbar on this well-deserved recognition.
Outrageousdelightn sets
sights on another score
Outrageousdelightn, who has
accounted for two of the last three top dances at the meet, heads the cast for
Saturday night’s Larry and Eileen Brodbar Filly and Mare Open Pace.
There are 11 races on tap,
including the co-featured Robert Gordon Prep, with first post under the Watch
and Wager LLC banner set for 6:10 p.m.
Outrageousdelightn has
captured two of the last three Distaff Opens since coming in from the East. The
10-year-old daughter of Bettor’s Delight races for Don and Barbara Arnstine,
Steve Chambers and Tyler Wiseman with Kathie Plested conditioning.
In last week’s clash at the
head of the class, driver Steve Wiseman was able to work out a pocket trip
behind favored Delightfully Wild, eased out for the drive and got the job done
by three-quarters of a length.
Capitol Hill accounted for
three straight Filly and Mare Opens between November 10 and December 15 and
gives the Plested barn two big looks at the outcome. The 8-year-old Badlands
Hanover mare is owned by of George McChrystal and Plested.
Rounding out the cast are
Magnifique, Misspanderosajones, Along Came Jane, Bettor Lady, Burn My Villa and
Getter Queen Flush.
The Robert Gordon Prep will
match a field of eight as they get ready for next week’s Final.
Urgointohearmeroar has won four of this five starts at the meet and looms large
for owner Mark Anderson, trainer Gordie Graham and regular pilot Mooney
Svendsen.
