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ARLINGTON PARK MANAGER Brief Sketch of Frank J. Bruen and His Success in Various Racing Connections. Arlington Park, Chicagos mammoth race track, lays claim to the distinction of having the youngest general manager of any major race track in America. Frank J. Bruen, comparatively young in years, but old in experience, is the man who is responsible, in a great measure, for Arlington Parks popularity. Hard work, perseverence, a knowledge of men, and adaptability to his surroundings have enabled Mr. Bruen to climb the ladder of success, making him one of the outstanding figures in the thoroughbred racing world of America. The history of his life is a fine illustration of what may be accomplished by a young man of ability and industry and the determination to succeed. Born of a racing family, being the son of the late William Bruon, who for many years wielded the starters flag on the St. .Louis and other western tracks, young Bruen early imbibed the atmosphere of the turf. "When not attending school in St. Louis he was at the race track mingling with horsemen friends of his father, and acquiring a love for the thoroughbred and the sport of racing. It was only natural then that when he was old enough his first employment should be on the race course. Securing employment with a bookmaker then operating on the St. Louis tracks, he rapidly acquired proficiency as a â– heetwriter, and his ability with figures brought him to the attention of John H. Hachmeister, at that time one of the managers of a St. Louis track, who prevailed upon the young man to accept a position in his office. Under Mr. Hachmeisters tutelage young Bruen rapidly acquired much useful information. When Mr. Hachmeister took charge of the Latonia track he made Bruen his assistant. Later on. when Hachmeister took over the Douglas Park track in Louisville, the young man went with him. Mr. Bruen continued in Hachmeisters service until the Latonia track was acquired by the newly formed Kentucky Jockey Club. Mr. Bruens work on the Kentucky tracks brought him in contact with H. D. Brown, and when that gentleman launched the project of a race track in Cuba it was only natural that Bruen should be selected to assist him in the undertaking. Bruen made good from the start and helped Mr. Brown to make a success of his Cuba venture. Upon announcing his retirement from Cuban racing affairs and selling out his holdings to Charles A. Stoneham and his associates, the latter decided to place Mr. Bruen at the head of the institution. Later on, when a Spanish-Cuban syndicate secured possession of the race track, together with the casino and Almandares Hotel, Mr. Bruen was put at the head of the three enterprises. His success with these ventures is history. As general manager of the Cuba-American Jockey Club, the dominating figure in the affairs of the casino, the greatest sporting institution in Cuba, and secretary of the two-million dollar Almandares Hotel, Mr. Bruen reached a pinnacle in the sporting world that any man might envy. His prominence in those three large Cuban institutions made Mr. Bruen a commanding figure in affairs of the island republic, and brought him into intimate relations with leading men from the president down. Success, however, did not come to Mr. Bruen without the hardest kind of work. H. D. Brown has often acknowledged the invaluable assistance rendered him by his co-laborer. When opportunity knocked at his door Mr. Bruen was waiting and his selection as successor to Mr. Brown when that gentleman decided to retire as manager of the Havana track was most natural and appropriate. Under his management Oriental Park continued to thrive and prosper. It was mainly due to Mr. Bruens ability in knowing what to do and to do it at the right time. His tact and unfailing good humor have been large factors in spelling success. When Mr. Brown, after a few years retirement, decided to again become actively identified with affairs of the turf, and construct the present magnificent Arlington Parle, he again called upon Mr. Bruen for his help and co-operation. The result of their joint labors is now to be seen in the splendid racing plant that stands as a monument to both men and the realization of long cherished hopes.
