Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Odds On Racing's

Personality of the Month
for June 2010

Jim Simpson

Jim Simpson has been about everywhere possible at a racetrack and at a breeding farm, and he has fit in positively and successfully in every situation.

He was the head trainer for the John F. Simpson Stables from 1979 to 1992, conditioning international champion Sugarcane Hanover among greats such as Chickadee Newton, Buck Newton, August Pride, Japa, and Noxie Hanover.

Jim Simpson

In 1992 Simpson swapped a seat in the jog cart and sulky for a seat in the boardroom, becoming vice president of the world-famous Hanover Shoe Farms. Simpson became President and CEO of the nursery in 1997 and continues to serve in that role.

During his tenure at the top, Simpson and Hanover have acquired stallions Andover Hall, Donato Hanover, Dragon Again, Somebeachsomewhere, and The Panderosa, among others, spending over $30 million for stallions and mares in that period.

Since 1998 Hanover yearlings have sold for a combined total of $96 million – but in turn on the racetrack those Hanover graduates have won a staggering $200 million+! But it’s more than just breeding for sale; it’s about respect for the animals, respect for the sport, and also giving back.

His contributions to racing can be measured in more ways than just the results of the racehorses they are annually responsible for. In an effort to reduce the unwanted horse population, Hanover retires broodmares over the age of 15 no longer considered commercially relevant for their breeding program.

Somewhere around 120 retired broodmares live on the farm and each mare receives the same attention they did when they were active broodmares.

Simpson said in an interview: "At Hanover, we like to say we set a standard for excellence. In our view, no animal is unworthy of our high standard of care. These horses are here in our service; it is our responsibility to care for them for all of their lives, even when they are no longer commercially productive."

Simpson has donated breedings to different fund raisers and is also a big sponsor of the Hall of Fame in Goshen and their traveling exhibits like "A Drive To Win".