The Virginia Racing Commission is pleased to announce the appointment of Thoroughbred owner, trainer, and breeder Jill Gordon-Moore as its newest member. With a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence, Gordon-Moore brings valuable expertise to the Commission, enhancing its ability to oversee and regulate horse racing activities in the state.
Gordon-Moore is a seasoned professional with experience at all levels of the industry. She started her career in 1969 but left college after one year to move to Delaware Park and work as an exercise rider. Soon afterwards she moved again, this time to New York where she met her mentor — owner/trainer Mack Miller.
Gordon-Moore spent ten years galloping horses in the morning for Mr. Miller and in the afternoons, worked on the front side in operations, marketing, and producing television pieces on trainers and jockeys for legendary on-air racing personality Harvey Pack. Ms. Gordon-Moore credits Mr. Miller with introducing her to horse pedigrees and the intricacies of the breeding process.
After 12 years of galloping horses, Gordon-Moore wanted to get involved with the thoroughbred breeding process, so another chapter began. She initially went to work for Sunset Hill Farm in Maryland and from there, opened a farm in Pennsylvania she called home until getting hired by Audley Farm in Berryville, VA. She worked for Audley for seven years until ultimately, she and her husband purchased a farm on the backside of the Audley property. They have been there ever since— 22 years now.
Her passion also extends to watching great racehorses compete on the biggest stages. She has attended 17 Belmont Stakes — including five Triple Crown wins. Her first Belmont was in 1973, the year that famous Virginia-bred Secretariat set a speed record in all three Triple Crown races. She was also present for Seattle Slew (1977), Affirmed (1978), American Pharoah (2015), and Justify’s (2018) Triple Crown wins at the New York Track.
Gordon-Moore has served as the President of the Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA) and as a board member of the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA). She was in the room when the decision was made to form the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (VHBPA) in 1994 and has sat on the board ever since.
“This is going to be an interesting next chapter,” said Gordon-Moore. ” I have a long background in the industry, and it keeps changing, I enjoy learning all aspects of the game. I hope I can do a good job for everyone involved. Virginia is in a great spot because of the hard work of everyone in the industry. I aim to keep Virginia moving forward with this positive trajectory.”
Her extensive knowledge and dedication to the racing community make her a valuable addition to the Virginia Racing Commission. As a member, Gordon-Moore will contribute to the Commission’s mission of promoting and maintaining the integrity, viability, and safety of the sport here, and to ensure a fair and competitive environment for all participants.
Gordon-Moore’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Virginia Racing Commission as it navigates challenges and opportunities within the racing landscape. Her insights and dedication will play a crucial role in shaping the future of horse racing in the Commonwealth.
About the Virginia Racing Commission: The Virginia Racing Commission is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating horse racing activities in the state.
