Susie Raisher Photo

Leading owner, breeder Mary Broman passes

by New York Thoroughbred Breeders

Mary Rachel Broman, who with her husband Chester established New York’s leading breeding and racing operations, passed away October 16 at the age of 88.

Born April 13, 1936, and a resident of Babylon Village, New York, and Wellington, Florida, was devoted wife of Chester Sr., beloved mother of Chester Jr. and his wife Holly, son Christopher and his wife Tamera and the late Rachel Broman. Cherished grandmother of Sarah, Nicholas, Brandon and Hannah, and dear sister of Roseanne McWilliams and Paula Hoey.

The Bromans own and operate Chestertown Farm in the tiny community of the same name in the heart of New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The couple were honored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. with the state’s Breeder of the Year title eight times, the most recent crown in 2022.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Broman,” said Najja Thompson, executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “In addition to her tremendous accomplishments in the New York-bred program alongside her husband Chester, she was also a warm and welcome presence. We express our deepest condolences to Chester and the entire Broman family.”

The Bromans sit well atop the state’s list of leading breeders for 2024 with purse earnings of $2,256,979 through October 14, along with 42 wins from 227 starts. Stakes winners in 2024 bred by the Bromans include Bank Frenzy (Evan Shipman Handicap), Spirit of St Louis (Hudson Valley Stakes, Kingston Stakes, Danger’s Hour Stakes) and Sweet Brown Sugar (Niagara Stakes, East View Stakes).

“Mrs. Broman will be missed by the entire New York breeding and racing community,” said Jeffrey Cannizzo, vice president of government affairs for the New York Racing Association and former executive director of the NYTB. “She was a personal friend and I sincerely enjoyed all our time spent together. I’d like to extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to Chester and the Broman family.”

“We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing,” said New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President Tina Bond. “She and Chester have been pillars of the New York breeding industry for so many years, and they set a standard of excellence that we all strive to meet. Mary was very much a partner in the Chestertown operations, and she was also a classy and lovely woman. Her passing is a real loss to our community.”

The Bromans also led the state’s breeders list in 2023 with New York-bred earnings of $3,243,042. Hijazi, a finalist for champion 2-year-old male honors in 2022, earned the 3-year-old championship in 2023 and the Bromans also bred 2023 champion older female New York-bred Classy Edition. Spirit of St Louis also earned finalist consideration for champion male turf honors in 2023.

The Bromans racked up New York-bred earnings of $3,157,109 in 2022, nearly $1 million more than the state’s next closest breeder. Leading runners that season included New York-bred champion 2-year-old male Acoustic Ave, who raced in their familiar green and white silks. The Bromans also bred and sold Hejazi, a son of Bernardini who brought $3.55 million at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-year-olds in training sale.

Hejazi and Classy Edition were the 11th and 12th New York-bred champions bred by the Bromans since 2000. The group also includes 2017 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Bar of Gold and Grade 1 winners Artemis Agrotera and Friends Lake and $1,403,536-earner and multiple stakes winner Mr. Buff. Bar of Gold, who retired with earnings of more than $1.55 million, and Mr. Buff won multiple titles and rank in the top 30 among all-time New York-bred earners.

From Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home:

Friends may visit at Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home, 448 W. Main Street, Babylon Village, New York, Thursday, October 24 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Religious services at 10 a.m. Friday, October 25 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Farmingdale, New York. Mary will be laid to rest at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 298 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, New York, 11735, in her name, appreciated.

Condolences and fond memories can be left at www.Boyd-Spencer.com.