California's Dr. Gary Budahn dies

Harness racing lost a great friend with the passing of Dr. Gary Budahn at age 58 on Wednesday evening. Dr. Budahn was a mainstay of California harness racing for over 30 years and served as president of the California Harness Horseman’s Association for three years, while serving on the CHHA board of directors for 12 years.

Dr. Budahn was born in St. Paul, Minn., and while growing up his father introduced him to harness racing.  He attended the University of Minnesota and soon after graduating he and his wife Debbi made the move to California, where they have been ever since.

“Dr. Budahn was a strong voice in California harness racing for many years and was always there for the horsemen,” said longtime friend and CHHA executive director Jim Perez.  “He was well known in harness racing for being one of the best veterinarians to grace the backside and was well respected throughout the country.”

Dr. Budahn, along with his wife Debbi, started The Gusty Stable and campaigned some outstanding performers over the years. Included in that group were Doodlin and Claude’s Last Lady, who both competed in the Breeders’ Crown and were two of the best pacing and trotting mares to ever race in California.

The Gusty Stable was also represented by such familiar names as Wilder Echo, Alfa Star, Amazing Glide and Claudius Augustus.  The latter is a track record holder at Cal Expo and won last weekend’s Open Trot for trainer Bob Johnson.

“I’ve always considered Gary and Debbi to be great friends,” Johnson said.  “I’ve known them ever since they first came to the Hollywood Park backstretch from Minnesota in the late '70s. Gary was an excellent vet and was the kind of person who would do anything in the world for you. He’ll be missed.”

In addition to his wife Debbi, Dr. Budahn leaves behind daughters Amy and Jenny and son Michael. (Cal Expo)

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