Thoroughbred owner and breeder James M. Moran Jr. died April 9 following a short illness.
Moran started in the business with his mother, Elizabeth Moran, and her Brushwood Stable in 1980. In the early 1990s, Moran acquired Elk Manor Farm, which sits atop the Elk River and Chesapeake Bay near North East, Md.
The majority of Elk Manor Farm’s horses are under the care of trainer Nick Zito; others are with Maryland-based conditioners Edwin Merryman and Bruce Jackson. Some of the recent major winners bred by Elk Manor include Maryland champion Richetta; multiple stakes winner White Mountain Boy; English and Maryland champion Les Arcs; and homebred stakes victor Irish Osprey.
In addition to owning and operating his racing and breeding stable, Moran served in other capacities within organizations dedicated to improvement of the Thoroughbred.
“Jimmy was a kind, gentle, brilliant guy,” said Crestfield Farm's Robert Courtney, who was Moran’s close friend. “A great father, friend, husband, and a fine horseman, he will be sorely missed by many in the racing world.”
Moran, a businessman and philanthropist, is survived by his wife, Beatrice Clay Moran; daughters Katie and Meghan; and a son, Matthew. His children will continue to operate Elk Manor Farm.
