Longtime western New York Standardbred owner and trainer Robert Gruber III of Lakeview, NY passed away on Saturday, March 31 after suffering a medical emergency during an on-track training session.
Gruber, 52, started his training career in 1991. During his 27-year career, his horses made 9,220 starts, won 1,235 times, and earned over $4.8 million in purses. His best campaign was in 2009 when his pupils found the winner's circle 130 times and banked more than $565,000 in purses.
Racing throughout the northeastern United States, Gruber's operation was based in western New York. His stable made many of its starts on the Buffalo Raceway/Batavia Downs circuit.
Robert was the husband of Carol Gruber, father of Robert Gruber IV, brother of David, Karen, Kim and Denise. Visiting hours for Robert will be Sunday, April 8 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at the Lombardo Funeral Home (Southtowns Chapel), 3060 Abbott Road near Lake Avenue in Orchard Park, NY. Funeral services will follow immediately with interment in the Marilla Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.lombardofuneralhome.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Robert Gruber III.
(Buffalo Raceway)
My condolences to your family
My condolences to your family and may your soul rest in peace