Cal-Expo's Friday, March 26 feature is named for Jim Grundy, a fixture in the California harness racing scene for over 30 years, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 74. Grundy made 2,617 trips to the charmed enclosure as a driver, with over $10.3 million in earnings and was inducted into the California Hall of Fame in 2007.
Originally a hockey player in his native Canada, a knee injury forced Grundy to hang up his skates in 1958. Going into the family business of harness racing, he found his second niche in life as a top driver/trainer.
Grundy apprenticed under famed horsemen Eddie Cobb, Clint Hodges and Frank Popfinger before going out on his own in the early 1960s. He was the leading driver at Monticello Raceway for three straight years between 1971 and 1973 before heading west with his wife, Deborah, a former schoolteacher and bookkeeper for the stable.
It was at Cal-Expo where Grundy blossomed into one of the state’s top harness horsemen. Teaming with owners like Chris Bardis, Lloyd Arnold and Ron Zumbrun, he won countless stakes with the likes of Googie, Hugabear and Steam and Easel. Grundy was especially noted as an outstanding conditioner of young trotters.
Steve Desomer, Gene Vallandingham and Rick Kuebler competed against Grundy for many years and had high praise for his skills.
“Jim was not only our friend, but partners with us on many memorable horses,” said Desomer. “He was an exceptional horseman and this resulted in a long and successful career.”
“I knew Jim from the time he came to California in the early '70s,” stated Vallandingham. “He was a nice guy and a great horseman, and I always enjoyed his company.”
Kuebler also did battle with Grundy on many occasions at Cal-Expo, Hollywood Park and Los Alamitos.
“I’d have to say that he was the most accomplished trainer of young trotters we’ve ever had in the state. When the California Sire Stakes started, it seemed he dominating the trotting races.
“Even after his retirement, horsemen would seek him out to get his advice in shoeing and balancing a trotter. It was all about his expertise and passion and he is missed.”
Live racing will resume at Cal-Expo on Thursday, March 24 and will continue through Saturday, March 26. First-race post time on Thursday is 5:30 p.m. (PDT). First-race post time on Friday, March 25 and Saturday is at 6:00 p.m.
On Saturday, Cal-Expo will offer a reduced 15 per-cent takeout rate on both the Early and Late Pick-4 wagers, with the Late Pick-4 having a $10,000 gross-guaranteed pool.
(Cal-Expo)