Born in 1890, Isidore “Izzy” Bieber, was a colorful and unpredictable figure whose life defied simple definition. Over the years he acquired many nicknames, including “Izzy” and “Kid,” which he disliked, and “Colonel” and “Bibi,” which he tolerated. The title “Colonel” originated when Damon Runyon jokingly promoted the former World War I Army private, and the name endured, eventually becoming his most recognized moniker.

From his early years, Bieber carried an air of mystery. He lived many lives: streetcar operator, ticket speculator, six-figure bettor, Broadway dandy, barkeep, soldier, crusader, street brawler, amateur philosopher, and eventually a horse owner and breeder. It was via pigeon racing and perhaps through Charlie Ferraro that Bieber met Hirsch Jacobs, saw his talent and talked him into horse racing.  The two created the most profitable horse racing enterprise in the history of the sport!  Bieber and Jacobs were opposites.  Hirsch was a family man, Bieber was a streetwise gambling bachelor.

Bieber was fined several times for fist fighting at the racetracks.  He maintained: I didn't start fights, I finished them!

Bibi's brother Phil Bieber founded "Unit for Horsemen" which led to the creation of the National HBPA - "Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association" which is now the largest horse racing association in the world with over 25,000 active members. 

*interesting sidenote: Buddy Jacobson was the president of the NY Chapter of HBPA.  The HBPA was of course pro-Buddy and the NYRA eventually espoused some viewpoints which may have appeared anti-Buddy.