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 honour 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 three-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 Bobbys 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 Bettors 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 favoured 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 eight-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.
(Cal-Expo)