Mary Broman, who with her husband Chester established one of New York’s leading breeding and racing operations, died Oct. 16 at age 88, the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., reported Sunday. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Broman,” NYTB executive director Najja Thompson said in a release. “In addition to her tremendous accomplishments in the New York-bred program alongside her husband Chester, she was also a warm and welcome presence. We express our deepest condolences to Chester and the entire Broman family.” The Bromans own and operate Chestertown Farm in the Adirondacks, less than an hour north of Saratoga Springs. The couple were honored as the NYTB Breeder of the Year eight times, most recently in 2022. In addition to breeding 12 New York-bred champions since 2000, the couple's influence has extended nationally. Their best runners have included 2017 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Bar of Gold, Grade 1 winners Artemis Agrotera and Friends Lake, and millionaire Mr. Buff. The Bromans again sit atop the New York list of leading breeders for 2024 with purse earnings of $2,256,979 through Oct. 14. Stakes winners in 2024 bred by the Bromans include Bank Frenzy, Spirit of St Louis, and Sweet Brown Sugar. “We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing,” New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association president Tina Bond said in the release. “She and Chester have been pillars of the New York breeding industry for so many years, and they set a standard of excellence that we all strive to meet. Mary was very much a partner in the Chestertown operations, and she was also a classy and lovely woman. Her passing is a real loss to our community.” A visitation will be at Claude R. Boyd-Spencer Funeral Home in Babylon Village, N.Y., on Oct. 24 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 25 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Farmingdale, N.Y. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.