by Ken Weingartner, Harness Racing Communications

Ken Weingartner

Freehold, NJ — When Bob DeBolt was a youngster, his dad took him to the harness races at Brandywine and Liberty Bell. Although his father, Walter, died in the mid-1980s, DeBolt has kept his spirit alive at the track by becoming a horse owner.

DeBolt, from Ambler, bought his first horse in 2005 and has owned a stable of horses he races with trainer Tom Fanning. DeBolt’s horses compete at Harrah’s Chester Casino and Racetrack as well as other area ovals in New Jersey and Delaware.

Harrah’s Chester opens for its 2010 live racing season Friday. Post time is 12:45 p.m. and racing continues into mid-December.

“From the age of 8 or 9 on up, I was with him at the track every Friday and Saturday; any time he could get me there,” DeBolt said. “I always thought one day I’m going to get in as an owner. When I was fortunate enough to be successful in life, I did it kind of in tribute to my dad. I really enjoy it.”

DeBolt was a Philadelphia police officer from 1980 to 1985 and ended his career with five commendations for merit and valor. While on medical leave after a serious automobile accident, DeBolt graduated from St. Joseph’s University and entered the business world.

A former champion power lifter (he used to give fitness tips during the Philadelphia Phillies’ pre-game television show), DeBolt found success as a gym owner and later moved into the restaurant world. He is the CEO of Vesper Hospitality Investments, which is a restaurant consulting company.

Racing provides a diversion for DeBolt and his wife, Cindy, while fueling his competitive fire.

“It’s the best two minutes of your life,” DeBolt said. “Crossing the finish line in first is always a thrill, no matter the level of the race. It’s so exciting for me. Winning is absolutely a joy.

“My wife enjoys the harness business as well. It’s good for us. We like to go to the track; we like the horses and like to go to the barn. With Chester being as nice as it is, and with the proximity, it’s great.”

DeBolt plans to claim horses when Chester opens and has a 2-year-old filly pacer named Cinderosa that was purchased as a yearling for $20,000.

“I always said to myself, the next horse I get I’m going to name him Ripped Ticket because that’s all I used to see my dad do — rip tickets,” DeBolt said, laughing. “Right now I’m happy with the horses I have coming up and I’m trying to be more selective in my picking of yearlings. You really wipe your head and hope you’ve made the right choice. Tom’s been a wonderful influence. He’s been great. I’ve learned a lot from him and we work wonderfully together.”