On a regular day for Bob Broadstock, president of the Ontario Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario, Inc. (QROOI), he is like any other horseman, up in the early hours of the morning, tending to dozens of horses of all ages at his farm. The Broadstock farm in Nestleton, ON, is run by Bob and his wife Marie, and 2025 was the best year for their racing stable in more than a decade.
Training horses is just part of Bob’s days, however, and before lunch time, he is attending to QROOI business or dashing across southern Ontario to attend meetings of the Ontario Racing board of directors north of Toronto. On race days at Ajax Downs, which opens its 2026 season on May 6, Bob, who might have up to a dozen starters a day, is shipping to the track, bringing his horses to the paddock to prepare to race and often playing host to members of his successful First Line Racing Syndicate. These days, his career as a computer programmer is only a small part of his non-stop week.
“It is a great industry,” said Bob. “The people in this game do it for the love of the horse. They get to spend their days working with their horses as well as doing their regular jobs. And we have a lot of support from the community and a great following.”
Bob’s 20-year role as president of the QROOI has gone far beyond putting together a racing, stakes and breeding program for Quarter Horses. In fact, many industry leaders credit him for his doggedness when it comes to government relations.
“Our industry benefits greatly from leaders who think beyond their own breed,” said CTHS Ontario president David Anderson. “Bob has consistently championed collaboration, built trusted government connections and worked tirelessly to protect and advance all three breeds in Ontario. Read more on Ontario Racing
