For Amy Moore, the world of Thoroughbred breeding has been a whirlwind of activity, a stark contrast to the decades of legal practice she left behind. What began as a retirement dream on a small Virginia farm has rapidly evolved into a remarkable success story in just ten years. Moore’s journey, marked by both early setbacks and stunning triumphs, highlights a keen eye for athletic potential and a deep passion for the horse.
The turning point came in August 2015, not with a win, but a significant loss. Moore, having recently purchased a Blame filly at Keeneland with the intention of building her broodmare band, watched as her hopeful second-favorite in a sprint maiden at Saratoga finished far behind the pack. Mortified, she felt the $170,000 investment was a waste. This filly, however, would later be known as Queen Caroline, a multiple stakes winner and the cornerstone of Moore’s burgeoning breeding operation.
Queen Caroline arrived at Moore’s 126-acre South Gate Farm in Millwood, Virginia, in 2019, carrying her first foal. This mating, with the stallion Violence, resulted in Forte, who would go on to win the Grade 1 Hopeful Stakes. Her second foal, a colt by Uncle Mo, fetched an impressive $850,000 at the September Sale, while Forte cemented his status as champion juvenile at the Breeders’ Cup.
Despite losing a Not This Time foal in the spring, Moore’s determination led her back to Keeneland. She acquired Shea D Summer, a triple stakes winner, for $260,000, largely due to her being in foal to Not This Time. Moore was drawn to Not This Time’s potential as an up-and-coming sire and believed his taller, stronger frame would complement Shea D Summer’s more compact, sprinter build. Shea D Summer herself met Moore’s criteria: a successful racing career, versatility across different track conditions, and a young, attractive pedigree. Her lineage, tracing back to a half-sister of champion Air Force Blue and sister to another champion, Flanders, further enhanced her appeal.
Shea D Summer’s first foal, a colt by Not This Time, was born and raised at South Gate Farm under the care of Patricia Ramey. Described as attractive, well-balanced, and possessing his mother’s calm temperament, the colt proved to be an amenable yearling, easily managed and a good swimmer as part of the farm’s preparation program. This colt was consigned by John Stuart of Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services, a long-time advisor and partner for Moore, who had consistently provided candid advice and support.
The Not This Time colt, cataloged for the 2024 September Sale, exceeded expectations, realizing $425,000 from Elza Mitchum. Moore noted that while not a large yearling, she favors smaller horses, believing they are often sounder and quicker to mature. This colt, now named It’s Our Time, proved her theory correct, winning his sprint maiden at Saratoga on August 16, 2025, by an astounding 17 3/4 lengths.
Moore’s success is further underscored by achieving “TDN Rising Star” status with Forte, It’s Our Time, and Crimson Light (by City of Light). Remarkably, these successes have come from just nine foals of racing age. Moore attributes much of her understanding of conformation and athletic potential to the mentorship of Jim and Faye Little, who emphasized observing how a horse’s parts work together as a whole.
Currently, South Gate Farm maintains a modest band of eight mares. Moore has opted to send her three fillies – descendants of Shea D Summer, Lorena (a five-time stakes winner), and Strong Beauty (a stakes winner) – to the September Sale. If they do not meet her price expectations, she intends to keep and race them. This marks the first time she has considered keeping a homebred filly for her own broodmare band.
Moore’s transition from employee benefits law to Thoroughbred breeding was driven by a desire for a different lifestyle. She sought to be a farmer, and her knowledge of horses guided her path. Despite the incredible success with Queen Caroline, Moore acknowledges the role of luck in the industry. However, her approach is grounded in careful selection, mentorship, and a genuine love for the farm and its inhabitants. She finds immense satisfaction not just in the show-stopping sales results, but also in the everyday joys of farm life and witnessing the quiet triumphs of horses at all levels of racing.
The story of Amy Moore and South Gate Farm is a testament to the blend of calculated risk, astute judgment, and a deep-seated passion that defines successful Thoroughbred breeding. From a disheartening debut to a spectacular triumph, Moore’s journey demonstrates that sometimes, the most significant achievements unfold not over decades, but in the transformative weeks and months of dedicated effort.
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