Hronis Racing

Brothers Kosta and Pete Hronis, who were born and now live in Delano, California, have had anincredible amount of success in Thoroughbred racing less than four years after they bought their first horse. Their interest in racing began when they were kids and journeyed to Pasadena to visit their grandparents, who took them to nearby Santa Anita. “My brother and I were always the first ones in the car when we went to Santa Anita,” Kosta said. 

Before they were born, their parents began Hronis Inc., which specializes in growing, packing, and shipping premium San Joaquin Valley table grapes and citrus. Kosta, 55, is the CEO and president. Pete, who is 41⁄2 years younger than his brother, is the vice-president of sales and marketing. Kosta’s son, Demetri, is the vice-president of operations.

They began investing in Thoroughbreds after Kosta told Pete one day at the track that he wanted to buy one. They reached out to John Sadler, who has been training their horses ever since. “The timing seemed to be just right for me, being a rookie and all, to find some room in the Sadler barn,” Kosta said.

Hronis Racing, which claimed two horses to get started, now owns 38 horses including Caities Secret, the stable’s first winner who is now a broodmare. Iotapa is not their first graded stakes winner. Lady of Shamrock and Vagabond Shoes each won Grade 2 stakes.

Their success helped Hronis Racing become the leading owners in victories at Santa Anita for two consecutive winters, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Hronis Racing was also the leading owner at the 2013 Del Mar meet in both wins and earnings.

Kosta’s wife, Stephanie, and their children, Demetri, Halley, and Nia, all enjoy watching their horses. Kosta has named several of his horses for family members, including Brother Pete, Scooter Bird (his daughter’s nickname), and Sophie’s Secret for his mother.