Wins Leader Broberg Reflects On a Decade Of Training

Karl Broberg, who topped all trainers in North America with 547 victories from 2,130 starts (26%) in 2019, embarked on his career in 2009 when he acquired the Texas-based stable of John Locke, who stepped away from training for a couple of years.

Broberg, an ad agency specialist, came into the world of horse racing with a businesslike approach that has vaulted him up the statistical ranks. 2019 marked the sixth consecutive year Broberg topped North American trainers in wins. From 13,937 starters, he has won 3,488 races and purses of more than $53.7 million.

“My goal was to become the king in the claiming ranks, and I always felt that we could do it,” Broberg said. “I believed we could dominate but never thought we would get the sheer number of wins that we have. I have a very competitive spirit and cannot imagine being complacent. If you don’t try new things and grow your business, this game will pass you by."

Broberg relies on a group of hard-working assistants he refers to as “the best in the business.”

Jose Garcia, known as Chuy, will run the Sam Houston Race Park barn for Broberg.

“Chuy has been with me for 10 years,” Broberg said. “He worked as a groom for John Locke and loves what he does.”

Broberg prefers to engage a first-call rider at each of the tracks and has tapped David Cabrera, who was a top apprentice in Houston before advancing to new heights with multiple leading rider titles in other regions.

“I never used David as a bug,” he said. “But I saw that he was incredibly talented. Where many riders rise to the top of their game as an apprentice, David’s career took off and he soared.”

Choosing the right rider is a top priority for Broberg.

“I have 100% respect for jockeys and truly believe that one of the ingredients to our success is leaving them alone,” he said. “If you are giving them a ton of instructions, you are using the wrong rider. We prefer to establish a bond, and the results speak for themselves.” 

Speaking for himself has never been an issue for Broberg, who is active on social media and has no qualms about sparring with his detractors on Twitter.

“I’ve heard it all—that I’m not a ‘real’ trainer and that I don’t care or respect my horses,” he said. “It’s one of the biggest misconceptions. There are too many to mention, but I love Social Misfit, who was claimed by Ron Faucheux, and cheer for him every time he runs.” 

Is this the beginning of a “kinder and gentler” Karl Broberg?

“I’ve matured some,” he acknowledged. “The pressure got to me in the beginning as I hate to fail. My temper got out of control. There will always be people who don’t like me and the way I operate my stable, but I stay too busy to let it get to me.”

Broberg won his first Sam Houston trainer title in 2010, when he tied with Danny Pish. He followed that with outright titles in 2011 and 2012. He is looking forward to the 2020 Sam Houston racing season and has seven runners entered opening night.

Broberg has been just as successful as an owner. He heads End Zone Athletics, which was first by victories among owners in 2019, winning 280 races from 1,073 starts (26%) and earning more than $4.2 million.

“Sam Houston has become a focal point for us,” said Broberg, who plans to add a string of Quarter Horses to his stable. “I’m looking forward to winning races.”

Sam Houston Race Park will start its 26th live racing season Jan. 10 with a 39-day meet that continues through March 28.