A banner inside Barn D7 at the Irwel Stable, reading “Hip 168, Albacore Bob, Stakes Placed, Consigned by Steve Irlando, Agent for Bob Bambauer for Irwel Stables,” serves as a half-joke, half-reminder for trainers Steve Irlando and Larry Wells. This banner marks the moment Albacore Bob, a promising two-year-old, didn’t sell at the Barrett’s sale. Despite a high bid of $12,500, the colt was not sold, a decision that initially brought disappointment but was soon overshadowed by a promising assessment from renowned trainer Bob Baffert, who declared the horse a “real runner.”
The Journey of Albacore Bob
Albacore Bob, a son of Dance Master, has since blossomed into a significant earner for his connections, accumulating over $100,000. The horse is owned in partnership by Irlando and Wells, along with Bob and Sheila Bambauer of Peoria, Arizona. The Bambauers became involved after Irlando invited them to dinner to offer a stake in the horse. It was during this dinner that the colt’s unique name was inspired by Bob Bambauer’s recent fishing trip, which had yielded a freezer full of albacore tuna.
A Partnership Forged in Racing
Larry Wells has a long history in the racing industry, beginning as an assistant trainer to Crede Botts in 1986 during their first season at Canterbury Downs. Wells’ journey in racing started in his native Nebraska before he moved to Turf Paradise in Phoenix in 1981. A year after his initial foray into Minnesota, Wells and Irlando, who had previously worked with trainer Hoss Inman, returned to Shakopee as partners. They raced at every meet until Canterbury Downs closed in 1992.
This summer marked their return to Shakopee after an encouragement from local HBPA president Tom Metzen. During their previous racing days at Canterbury in the 1980s, a filly named Wave Her Bye Bye captured the attention of fans. Wells fondly remembers her as a Minnesota-bred who won numerous open company races for them before being claimed.
The partnership between Wells and Irlando has seen its share of ups and downs. They spent a few years pinhooking in Florida, and Wells even left the business temporarily after facing financial setbacks. During this hiatus, he worked as a cook and restaurant manager for six to seven years. However, racing remained a strong pull, and Wells’ return to the sport was sparked by investing a bonus check in a horse named Rio Oro. This horse proved highly successful, winning eight out of ten races, including the San Miguel at Santa Anita, and was eventually sold for $250,000, signaling Wells’ return to the racing business.
Other Noteworthy Horses and Industry Insights
The Irwel Stable also houses other talented horses, including Stormy Highland, an Al Ghazi son who has earned nearly $100,000. Stormy Highland has achieved second-place finishes in six stakes races and has competed effectively from five furlongs to a mile and a sixteenth on the turf.
Irlando shared his thoughts on the potential for the Minnesota racing industry, suggesting that the introduction of casino games and slots could provide a significant boost. He has spoken knowledgeably on this subject, having been a guest on KRGI radio in Nebraska to discuss similar initiatives.
Currently, the Irwel Stable is seeking its first win of the season at Canterbury. Wells acknowledges that it has been a slow start, with some horses still in preparation and a few disappointments. However, he remains optimistic that they will persevere.
The daily routines at the stable involve dedicated care for the horses. In one instance, Wells was called to feed Albacore Bob, who, despite his aggressive nature at feeding time, readily consumed his oats. This interaction highlights the hands-on commitment of the Irwel Stable team, who are equipped to not only breed, break, pinhook, train, and race horses but also to provide them with dedicated care.
