The Iowa Harness Horseman’s Association is proud to announce the following inductees into the Iowa Harness Racing Hall of Fame.

Gene Kleve

Gene Kleve. IHHA photo.

Gene Kleve bought his first starting gate in 1952. After he received his starters’ license, Mr. Kleve would start the race as his wife drove the starting car. During a trip to Ohio to look at a new electric starting gate, Mr. Kleve decided that he could build his own to replace the hydraulic one that was in use. Mounting his electric gate on his new 1957 Ford convertible, it was off to the races.

In the 1960s, Mr. Kleve bought a bigger car to use with the starting gate. He modified the car to accommodate the starter’s position by cutting and installing a bubble on top. With enhanced visibility, the races were held, rain or shine. Mr. Kleve not only started races in Iowa, he also traveled to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kansas and Missouri.

Mr. Kleve was an auctioneer and owned and operated an implement business. He served as secretary of the Humboldt County Fair Board for almost 25 years and was on the Iowa State Fair Board, all while serving as Mayor of Humboldt during the same time period.

Mr. Kleve passed away Nov. 27, 2000. He will always be remembered as a true friend of Iowa harness racing.

Alan Sandbulte

Alan Sandbulte. IHHA photo.

Alan Sandbulte purchased his first racehorse in 1978. With only a few starts for his mare, Mr. Sandbulte decided to breed her to the stallion High Judge. That cross turned out to be a great success for Mr. Sandbulte, as Rolling Judge and Little Brown Judge raced unbeaten. Standing his own stallions also proved to be successful for Mr. Sandbulte, many standing in Iowa and Relentless Yankee standing in Minnesota, making his foals dual eligible.

Mr. Sandbulte has served on the Hawkeye Board as well as the Iowa Board. He is currently the president of the Sioux Trotting Association in Sioux Center. Mr. Sandbulte worked tirelessly to maintain the track and grounds at Sioux Center for training and racing. He is currently looking to find a track for future racing, as Sioux Center has dissolved.

Mr. Sandbulte may not make it to the races as often as he would like, but he is still active in breeding. Having bred and owned many Iowa champions, Mr. Sandbulte enjoys providing the opportunity for others to cultivate their own champions.

Currently Mr. Sandbulte enjoys spending time with his family and grandchildren but continues to stay up to date on local racing.

No Recess

No Recess. IHHA photo.

Foaled April 14, 2009 in Bode, Iowa, No Recess started his racing career as a 2-year-old, racing in Iowa. Trotting to a mark of 2:07 at Prairie Meadows as a 2-year-old, the Rich Boy gelding didn’t look back.

No Recess had an exceptional 3-year-old season, as he remained undefeated in Minnesota. Taking a mark of 1:59.1, No Recess went on to earn $47,426 in 2012.

Continuing his racing career, No Recess has raced every year, capturing his current lifetime mark of 1:53.3 as an 8-year-old. With earnings of $304,464, he has won 54 of 216 starts, placing second 30 times and securing third 33 times.

No Recess also raced under saddle, with a mark of 1:59 at nine.

No Recess is a tough horse, with a relentless pursuit to win. He is a pleasure to drive and still proves his champion mindset on the track.