Broad Bahn takes Hambo
George Brennan, the 2010 Driver of the Year, pulled off a rare feat yesterday afternoon, capturing both the $1.5 million Hambletonian and $750,000 Hambletonian Oaks at the Meadowlands Racetrack.
In the Hambletonian, Brennan guided Broad Bahn (6-1) to a 3 1/4 -length victory over Whiskey Tax (39-1) in 1:53. Opening Night (10-1) finished third.
Brennan used the rail to his advantage moving the Noel Daley-trained Broad Bahn right to the lead, and took the field through an opening quarter in :27 1/5.
“[Broad Bahn] was really relaxed today. I was able to get him down to the half in :56 and I just happened to say to him ‘I did my job, now it’s all up to you’,” said Brennan.
In the stretch, driver Andy Miller moved 8-5 favorite Manofmanymissions down the center of the track within a length of Broad Bahn, before going off stride, leaving Broad Bahn on an open lead.
“When I asked [Manofmanymissions] to go a little I felt him get unsteady and he got tired,” said Miller.
This was the first Hambletonian victory for both Brennan and Daley.
“It’s cool because Noel is one of my better friends, we hang out a lot and I’m at a loss for words,” said Brennan.
Broad Bahn paid $14.60 to win.
Earlier, Brennan drove Bold And Fresh (24-1) to a half-length win over Lady Rainbow (12-1) in 1:53 1/5. Crys Dream, the 2-5 favorite, finished third.
“She felt really good behind the gate and I took a shot and left with her and put myself in a good spot, sat third,” Brennan said. “When I got her out at the top of the stretch she felt like she was just going to go right by.”
Bold And Fresh returned $51.40 to win.
This is only the second time a driver has ever won the Hambo and the Oaks in the same year. Brian Sears did the double in 2009 with Broadway Schooner and Muscle Hill in the Oaks and Hambo, respectively.


