John E. Mooney, racing executive at Delaware Parkwill retire as of August 1, the longtime race moderator announced on July 26. The track’s seven-feathered turf will be dedicated to him with a naming ceremony planned. Planned for Owner’s Day on October 1.
“His career has been brilliant, and like everyone in the Delaware Park family, I’m proud and grateful to have been a part of it,” said Kevin DeLucia, chief financial officer. “Much of what the Thoroughbred race at Delaware Park is today comes from his leadership, guidance and experience over the past four decades. I wish John all the best in his time. retirement and is truly grateful for the important contributions he has made to the industry.”
Mooney has been racing in the Mid-Atlantic region for almost 40 years. Shortly after Delaware Park was acquired by William Rickman Sr and reopened in 1984, Mooney was appointed superintendent. He was instrumental in keeping Delaware Park competitive during the 1980s and early 1990s with innovations, such as the twin trio. In the summer of 1993, he left Delaware Park to join a similar position with the Maryland Horse Racing Club and then began racing in Virginia as the head of Maryland/Virginia Racing, which was the team. organized the opening and operating Colony Downs. Mooney returned to Delaware Park as race executive in the spring of 2008 at the request of William Rickman Jr.
Mooney was born into this sport. His grandfather, J.D. Mooney won the Kentucky Derby in 1924 aboard the Black Gold and trained the Crafty Lace Golden Horse of the year 1962. His father, John J. Mooney was a renowned racing operator who served He served at many racecourses including the Ontario Jockey Club, where he played a key role in the development of the “new” Woodbine Racecourse in 1956.
As a young adult, Mooney worked on his back in school and then worked in a number of racing office jobs before entering the racing services sector of the industry working for United Totalizator. He then purchased Jones Precision Photo before taking on the position of race manager.
