In the world of horse racing, some trainers are known for their staggering win percentages, while others are celebrated for developing elite, top-tier talent. Then there’s Ron Moquett, a horse trainer who embodies the best of both. Known for his keen eye, patient approach, and unwavering dedication, Moquett has carved out a reputation as a master horseman who consistently gets the best from his equine athletes, turning potential into powerhouse performance. From longshot Grade 1 victories to nurturing a beloved champion sprinter, his story is one of persistence, passion, and profound connection with the horses he trains.
Moquett’s journey didn’t start in the winner’s circle of Churchill Downs or Keeneland. An Oklahoma native born in 1971, he grew up near the now-shuttered Blue Ribbon Downs, a small track where his passion for racing was ignited. He took out his trainer’s license in 1997 and saddled his first winner in 1998 at Prairie Meadows. Those early years were spent honing his craft, learning the nuances of equine behavior, and developing the foundational principles that would later define his success. He even had a stint working under Bernie Flint, a two-time leading trainer at Oaklawn Park, absorbing knowledge that would prove invaluable.
The Moquett Philosophy: Patience and Placement
What truly sets Ron Moquett apart as a horse trainer is his philosophy. He is renowned for his patient hand, allowing horses to develop at their own pace rather than forcing them into a rigid program. Moquett possesses an uncanny ability to understand each horse as an individual, identifying their unique strengths, quirks, and preferences. This allows him to place them in spots where they are most likely to succeed, building their confidence and setting them on a path to bigger and better things.
This approach was perfectly exemplified by his first Grade 1 victory in 2006. Moquett saddled Seek Gold, a horse making his very first start for the barn, in the prestigious Stephen Foster Handicap. At staggering odds of 91-1, Seek Gold pulled off a monumental upset, cementing Moquett’s arrival on the sport’s biggest stage. It was a testament to his ability to see potential where others might not and have a horse ready to fire its best shot when it matters most.
“Ron doesn’t just train horses; he builds relationships with them,” notes Dr. Sarah Miller, a leading equine behaviorist. “His success stems from a deep well of respect for the animal. He listens to what the horse is telling him, and that dialogue is the foundation of his training program.”
Key Tenets of Moquett’s Training
- Individualized Attention: Each horse receives a program tailored to its specific needs, physical maturity, and mental makeup.
- Strategic Campaigning: Moquett is a master at mapping out a horse’s season, targeting specific races that play to their strengths.
- Building Confidence: He often starts horses at levels where they can win, believing that the experience of winning is crucial for development.
- Long-Term Vision: The ultimate goal is always the longevity and well-being of the horse, not just a single victory.
Whitmore: The Horse of a Lifetime
No discussion of Ron Moquett is complete without a deep dive into the career of his undisputed stable star, Whitmore. A chestnut gelding with a heart of gold and a devastating late kick, Whitmore became one of the most popular and accomplished sprinters of his generation under Moquett’s masterful guidance.
Initially, Whitmore was campaigned on the Kentucky Derby trail, even finishing 19th in the 2016 Run for the Roses. But Moquett, listening to the horse, realized his true calling was as a sprinter. It was a decision that would change their lives forever. Over the next several years, Whitmore became a dominant force in the sprint division. He was a particular fan favorite at Oaklawn Park, Moquett’s home track, where he won the Hot Springs Stakes a record four times and the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap three times. The track eventually honored the champion by renaming the Hot Springs Stakes to the Whitmore Stakes.
The pinnacle of their journey came in 2020. After finishing second and third in previous attempts, the then 7-year-old Whitmore stormed home to win the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland. It was a crowning achievement for both horse and trainer, a victory that earned Whitmore the Eclipse Award as Champion Male Sprinter. For Moquett, it was the ultimate validation of his patient, long-term approach to developing a world-class athlete.
Champion horse trainer Ron Moquett shares a quiet moment with his beloved Breeders' Cup-winning sprinter, Whitmore, in the stable.
Beyond a Single Star: A Legacy of Success
While Whitmore was a once-in-a-lifetime horse, Ron Moquett’s success is far from limited to a single champion. He has consistently developed top-level talent throughout his career, proving his program’s effectiveness across a diverse range of horses.
Who are Ron Moquett’s other top horses?
Beyond the legendary Whitmore, Moquett has trained a string of high-class runners. Gentlemen’s Bet was another brilliant sprinter who finished third in the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Sprint and earned over $700,000. Far Right was a talented colt who won the Smarty Jones Stakes and Southwest Stakes in 2015 before competing against Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in the Arkansas Derby. Moquett has also saddled Kentucky Derby contenders like Petrov and King Russell, showcasing his versatility.
His success is reflected in the numbers. As a trainer who started his first horse in 1997, he has consistently ranked among the top 100 trainers by earnings since 2015 and has amassed over 1,000 career wins and more than $46 million in purse earnings. He is one of the all-time winningest trainers at Oaklawn Park, a testament to his consistent performance at one of the nation’s most competitive race meets.
The Future for a Respected Horseman
Today, Ron Moquett continues to operate his successful stable, primarily based in Kentucky and his beloved Arkansas. He remains a respected and influential figure in the racing community, known not just for his training prowess but also for his integrity and advocacy for the sport and its athletes, both human and equine. Whether he’s developing the next stakes winner from his Southern Springs Stables banner or closing in on another career milestone, Ron Moquett the horse trainer remains a shining example of what can be achieved with patience, expertise, and a genuine love for the horse.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Ron Moquett?
Ron Moquett is a highly respected American Thoroughbred horse trainer who began his career in 1997. He is best known for training the 2020 Champion Male Sprinter, Whitmore, and has won over 1,000 races in his career.
What was Ron Moquett’s most famous horse?
His most famous horse was Whitmore, a gelding who won the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Sprint and an Eclipse Award as Champion Male Sprinter. Whitmore won 15 races and over $4.5 million under Moquett’s care.
Which major races has Ron Moquett won?
Ron Moquett’s biggest wins include the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Sprint with Whitmore and the 2006 Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap with Seek Gold. He has also won numerous graded stakes races like the Forego Stakes, Southwest Stakes, and Count Fleet Sprint Handicap.
Where is Ron Moquett based?
Ron Moquett’s training operation is primarily based at Churchill Downs in Kentucky and Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which he considers his home track.
What is Ron Moquett’s training style?
Moquett is known for his patient and individualistic training style. He focuses on understanding each horse’s unique needs, building their confidence, and strategically placing them in races where they can succeed, prioritizing their long-term health and development.
