“20 Questions” with Maggi Moss

Iowa Horseman Dennis Bracewell Interviews Maggi Moss,
a True Horsewoman of the Heartland

 

Bracewell: You have been the leading owner in the nation (2006 with 211 wins). You have been the leading owner at Churchill Downs, Oaklawn Park, Prairie Meadows, Belmont Park, Aqueduct and now you are about to become the leading owner (again) at the Fair Grounds meet. What do you consider your greatest accomplishment in horse racing?

Moss: In life, I have always found a really disciplined work ethic can provide personal gratification, which is the sum part of obtaining goals. With that said, I would say being lucky enough to be leading owner at the 2010 Churchill Downs meet with limited runners was truly exhilarating. To obtain that at Fair Grounds in 2011, a track that is so rich in heritage would equal that.

Bracewell: You have been very outspoken about horse racing in Iowa stating in a 2007 interview with the Business Record that “racing is the bad in-law in this state.” Do you still feel that way and can you elaborate on that?

Moss: I am saddened by how politicians, public image, and the community in which I live does not realize not only the economic impact racing brings to us, but the magnificent and exciting sport we are all passionate about. Nationwide, without real leadership, and proper marketing, with too many diverse views only continues to hurt racing. The misconceptions as to racing in Iowa continue to be eroded and full of media driven untruths. We continue to be a necessary evil, without the reality, that there wouldn’t be casinos without the agricultural angle. It feels like being used and now disregarded. It is infuriating,

Bracewell: What do we need to do to improve the future of horse racing and breeding in the state of Iowa and nationally?

Moss: I could write a book on this subject, not due to having all the answers, but reading, watching, observing, and living racing every day of my life. We need strong unified National leadership, modeled after the NFL and NBA Commissioners.

Moss: No to Parx. Monmouth last summer; it becomes a degradation of the horses; they become devalued, and traded like baseball cards. I do not think it is in the best interest of the horses. Woodbine seems to have it right. It is a superior track with substantial purse money, with an emphasis on the welfare of the horses. I think Oaklawn and Fair Grounds also are exceptional models in many ways.

Bracewell: Having had numerous trainers all over the country, what are the questions we need to ask when “vetting out” a trainer?

Moss: Total honesty about your horses daily. Being able to accurately depict the soundness, and talent of the horses, to be able to place them where they are competitive, therefore profitable. To treat your money as if it was their money; communication; small or manageable stable where you get the individual attention you need; that the horses are well taken care of realistically without unnecessary and extreme vet work; and has a solid work ethic that leads to success.

Bracewell: You are as adept at claiming horses as anyone in the country. Can you give us any tips on what to look for in a claim?

Moss: Value investing; No real parameters other than finding horses that have potential and could be valued higher. I spend entire days with the DRF, Ragozin sheets, and watch endless replays. I also follow patterns, which requires reading the form daily, results, and statistics. I also feel I have surrounded myself with very good trainers.

Bracewell: If you just had one product to buy, would it be the Daily Racing Form, The Ragozin Sheets, Thoro-Graph Sheets, or something else? And did you retire from your law practice because it is just so time consuming to study all of this information?

Moss: Being relatively new to horse racing, it took considerable time to learn, endless hours, which yes, is the reason I left my former law firm. It was simply impossible to serve two masters or enough hours in the day. I am still doing some law work but only on the racetrack, like my current representation of John Valesquez over the Life at Ten Breeders’ Cup incident. I would say the one product I rely on the most is the DRF (Daily Racing Form). My trainers have the Ragozin sheets and I no longer duplicate that. I would be lost without replays.

Bracewell: You purchased Launch Light Lady at the Iowa Fall Sale and I noticed she wintered in Florida before moving on to Oaklawn Park. Who does your training in Reddick, Fla.? How did you choose them and what type of facilities are available at the RQHS Mile?

Moss: I have layup facilities throughout the country. Florida is Eddie Coletti, who I met through Leroy Gessman. He has a full service farm with a training track. Finding the proper facilities for laying up horses or breaking is a work in progress, I’m looking for suggestions.

Bracewell: You purchased and claimed some great Iowa-breds including Lord Alexander, Country Warrior and Switch Lanes. Who was your favorite Iowa-bred and why?

Moss: I love them all equally for they were all racehorses who always tried. I would say Switch Lanes was one of my favorites, so much so, that I bought her first baby, a filly by Henny Hughes, which will run at Prairie Meadows this summer.

Bracewell: You once owned and sold a horse that made his presence felt on the Triple Crown Trail, Peace Rules. Did you ever have any regrets selling him after seeing his success on the track and now at stud with the Korea Racing Authority?

Moss: The hardest part of this business is running it as a business. Every-day, there is a decision that deals with what my dad use to say was my biggest problem, “thinking with my heart not my head.” I have sold Indian Chant and Shopton Lane to interests in Dubai, and of course Peace Rules, and no, I have never regretted those decisions. My goal is to be self sustaining each year and that requires running it as a business. Peace Rules paid off my mortgage which I relish each day when I walk into my house.

Bracewell: What racing personalities do you look up to?

Moss: Again, I am relatively new in this business, so I didn’t know much about racing in years past. I so admire the underground unnamed individuals out there that daily save horses from slaughter, they are the unsung heroes to me.

Bracewell: What is the greatest advice you ever received about thoroughbred race horse ownership and what advice would you give to a new owner/breeder just getting into the game?

Moss: To learn as much as you can, to ask as many questions of people you trust and to surround yourself with quality, honest people who will understand your goals and objectives. I guess I never got advice early on, but just dived in by going to the track and noticed that Dick Clark horses were really shiny and fat and looked great. From my show horse days that was the most important factor and I was very lucky having him and my first horse (Apak), who still holds the track record

Bracwell: I used to work for American Thoroughbred Stables and you sold them two horses, Act of Reform and Bay of Love, both of whom had some success at Prairie Meadows. I’ve also seen a letter in one of the horse breeding magazines from a guy whom you helped get into ownership by letting him in on a horse that you claimed. Do you just love the sport so much you want to get others involved and help them become successful or were these unique situations?

Moss: Yes, yes, yes….the more people we can get into this great sport, the better. Too many owners are leaving. With minimal investment, one can enjoy the thrills of ownership. Craig Robertson told me he had dreamed of owning a racehorse his entire life, but felt it was impossible. We became partners in a horse that went on to win at the Fair Grounds twice. His next endeavor was to buy a piece of a Kentucky Derby favorite, Soldat. That is what I love.

Bracewell: You claimed It Happened Again at Woodbine for $20,000 and he has now won three in a row at Oaklawn Park including the Grade III Razorback Handicap. Do you have plans of bringing him to Prairie Meadows this year or what are your goals for him?

Moss: It Happened Again was simply taking a shot that he would prefer dirt to Polytrack, and that one worked. There are many claims I have made that don’t work. He ran three hard races, and deserves a breather. Yes, his next stop will be Prairie Meadows. We are also hopeful to point towards the Claiming Crown with him.

Bracewell: Native Ruler has started off his seven year old campaign with a win in the King Cotton Stakes and a third in the Hot Springs Stakes. How does this guy keep doing it year after year?

Moss: The relationship between Chris Richard and Ruler is the secret and he gets all the credit. Plus, I have insisted that Ruler gets time off every year and runs lightly each year, even though he is a very sound horse. He is one horse that owes me absolutely nothing. I owe him everything.

Bracewell: Of all the great claims you’ve made, who is the one horse that you missed out on that you wish you would’ve gotten and why?

Moss: Philosophically, you just never look back but always looking ahead; With that said, I keep track of most all horses and although, I’m sure there are plenty. I can’t think of one.

Bracewell: You have been described as a “prominent figure in horse rescue and retirement.” As president of the Iowa chapter of the Thoroughbred Retirement Fund you helped start the equine program at the Newton correctional facility and you’ve claimed a number of horses just to retire them. Did you help in the newly formed Hope after Racing Thoroughbreds (H.A.R.T.)?

Moss: I have been extraordinarily lucky, and, silently, feel I have to keep giving back. I frankly could not continue in racing unless I participated in retiring horses, or continued to help with those that want to claim horses to retire. Leroy Gessman, and many others, along with me all realized the need for a retirement facility, henceforth HART. I am only hopeful everyone will help contribute to this much needed concept.

Bracewell: What goals do you have left to accomplish in thoroughbred racing?

Moss: To be fortunate enough to continue with a business that I am passionate about. To try and continue in a tough business and have it be self-sustaining.

Bracewell: What is your favorite horse racing movie?

Moss: Secretariat (the movie) made me cry.

Bracewell: On opening night at Prairie Meadows, do I buy you a beer or a cocktail?

Moss: VODKA VODKA VODKA

Bracewell: Thank you for your time and continued good luck to you!