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The Mosses to receive Pincay Award

Jerry and Ann Moss pictured earlier this year with Penny Chenery (left) of Secretariat fame (Benoit Photos) Jerry and Ann Moss will be presented the eighth annual Laffit Pincay Jr. Award during the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) program on July 9 at Hollywood Park. Pincay, a member of racing's Hall of Fame since 1975, will make the presentation between the 5TH and 6TH races. The Pincay Award is presented annually to someone who has served the sport with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination and distinction. "Racing owes the Mosses a debt of gratitude for keeping Zenyatta in training for an extra year,'' Pincay said. "They have been huge supporters of the sport for a long period of time and have continued to promote racing in numerous ways. "I was fortunate enough to ride some winners for them during my career. They are very nice people, great to be around and well respected by everyone in every way." One of Pincay's victories for the Mosses came aboard Ruhlmann for trainer Charlie Whittingham in the 1989 Mervyn LeRoy H. (G1) in what remains a stakes-record 1:40 1/5 for the 1 1/16 miles.

The co-founder of A&M Records with legendary musician Herb Alpert, Jerry Moss has been involved as a Thoroughbred owner since 1970, owning dozens of stakes winners such as the aforementioned Ruhlmann, Fighting Fit, 2005 Kentucky Derby (G1) upsetter Giacomo, Kudos, Sardula and Tiago.

However, Zenyatta is undoubtedly the best horse the Mosses have ever campaigned.

Trained masterfully by John Shirreffs, the remarkable mare became the first female to ever win the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), rallying furiously in the final quarter of a mile under regular jockey Mike Smith to prevail in 2009 at Santa Anita.

Returned to training after a brief retirement to race as a six-year-old, Zenyatta nearly repeated in the Classic, missing by a head to Blame, but was still voted Horse of the Year. The daughter of Street Cry (Ire) retired with 19 victories in 20 starts and a North American-based female record $7,304,660 in earnings.

The Mosses and Shirreffs were widely lauded for making Zenyatta accessible to the racing public as she was often visited by fans at her Hollywood Park stable. The entire Zenyatta team was given a Special Eclipse Award earlier this year.

In addition to his involvement as an owner, Jerry Moss has served as a member of the California Horse Racing Board since being appointed by former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2003.

Ann Moss is an active environmentalist and founder of the Dolphin Connection.

The Pincay Award was introduced by Hollywood Park in 2004 with esteemed executive and racing publicist Bob Benoit the initial winner. Trainer Noble Threewitt was the recipient in 2005, while the Stute brothers -- Mel and Warren -- shared the award in 2006. Owner/breeder Ellwood W. "Bud" Johnston, whose Old English Rancho is one of the most storied names in California racing, won the award in 2007, while distinguished steward Pete Pedersen was the recipient in 2008. Merlin Volzke, who also had a noteworthy career as a steward, became the first former jockey to win the award in 2009. The Oak Tree Racing Association was honored in 2010.

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