For this installment of Here's The Deal we are profiling a close personal friend, mentor and key figure in the development of Pocket Aces Racing - Mr. Jim Hindman.
Jim and Dixie (namesake of Dixie's Hope) Hindman
HTD: Could you give our readers a brief background on yourself? Where you were born, where you live now, family, career, etc.
JH: I was born in Volin, South Dakota, on my grandfather's farm, but for the past 45 years I've lived in Westminster, Maryland on my own farm, with my wife Dixie. Our children, Tim and Cindi, live nearby with their own families. I've been involved in a number of business ventures, Jiffy Lube, Youth Services and so on, but my big project right now is Energy Savers. Our goal is to take your home from a cost center to a profit center with the latest and greatest in energy efficiency and alternative energy. (http://energysaversamerica.com/)
HTD: What first drew you to the thoroughbred racing and breeding industries?
JH: I was first drawn to the thoroughbred business was a man named Jim Ryan, the founder of Ryland Homes. He was raising money for Operation Smile and put a horse up for syndication with the money going to charity, so I bought in on that partnership and got hooked. We really did well and won the forerunner. Everything about it was classy and great.
HTD: Could you tell us about a few highlights from your racing and breeding careers?
JH: There are a lot of very precious memories associated with breeding and racing horses, but one of my favorites includes the time we went to the Japan Cup with Slew Valley, one of the best horses I've ever raced. We went out to Japan poised for a big win, but wouldn't you know it, the jockey missed his flight! Unfortunately, that turned out to be a major setback and we didn't win, but we did represent ourselves well with the best horse from outside the country.
HTD: You’ve owned race horses outright and in partnership as a member of Pocket Aces Racing. There are advantages and disadvantages either way but from your unique perspective what do you see as the upside of being a member of a syndicate as opposed to owning 100% of a racehorse?
JH: The upside of being a member of a syndicate is the fact that you have a group to participate with. I know being a sole proprietor is okay, but it's not as much fun as you could have by being with partners. Joint ownership of a horse is a tremendous amount of fun and I recommend it highly. The reason I'm a member of Pocket Aces is because of my long-time relationship with Marc Wampler. It goes back 15 years – I knew him when he was a pup. The integrity, diligence and commitment is 100% and I think the old adage, “Knowledge is power” is where it's at, and he has developed a lot of knowledge over the years, as our present stable reflects.
HTD: What is your favorite racetrack?
JH: Saratoga is probably my favorite, though there are a lot of great ones all over the country.
HTD: If you could win any race, other than the Kentucky Derby, what would it be?
JH: Short of going back to win the Japan Cup, a Breeder's Cup win would be just fine by me!
HTD: What’s the best place for crabs in Maryland?
JH: I'm a big fan of the Cracked Claw, in Frederick, Maryland.
HTD: What do you see as the most important issue facing thoroughbred racing today?
JH: In my opinion, it is diminishing interest in the sport. The sport of kings has been replaced by auto racing in terms of popularity. It's an unfortunate but true fact that kids today almost don't know what a horse is. They're not the same priority in American life, automobiles are the exciting thing. When I was a kid, we had little toy horses, now they have little toy cars . They say, “As a child goes, so goes the man” and I think, unfortunately, that's where the battle is lost.
HTD: Outside of your thoroughbred endeavors I know your latest passion is global energy conservation. Can you tell our readers a little about your efforts in this field?
JH: There are always a lot of exciting new developments with Energy Savers. We've recently finalized our private placement document, which allows us to begin raising capital. Our company store is also flourishing, with many talented individuals manning our front lines. Overall, I'm prepared for a bright future with Energy Savers.
HTD: What are your hobbies and interests?
JH: My wife gets on my case a lot for this, but I'm a real workaholic. Some people get on me for always being so get up and go, but I always say it's better to wear out than rust out. I also love football with a nice cigar. Ain't it great!
