Ed Delaney is breeder of California Cup Oaks winner Susans Express.
Q: When and how did you first get involved in the Thoroughbred breeding industry? How does your professional background influence your Thoroughbred breeding plan?
A: I got hooked on race horses when I was an 8-year old kid. Every August my mother and I would board a bus and take the two-hour trip to Saratoga Race Track. For me it was love at first sight—an experience I will never forget. Then in my mid-twenties I started buying some harness horses. I didn’t get involved with thoroughbred breeding until nine or 10 years ago. A friend of mine who had already been breeding for a few years kept urging me to get aboard. I finally jumped in, bought some broodmares, some breeding books, started reading the industry magazines a little closer, talked to as many people in the industry as I could and started the never-ending road of experimenting. I’ve always been in business for myself so at first breeding just seemed like another venture. But after my first foal it became much more than that. It really has developed into a love and passion that is hard to explain. I’ve been involved in the entertainment business for a good part of my life and like the breeding business you never know what the outcome may be. It’s kind of a catalyst to keep yourself going forward in hope of finding an eluding end of a rainbow.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career in the industry, and what are your ultimate goals?
A: As far as highlights go, the real highlight for me is watching each of them grow and develop and then watching them in their first race. It’s like being an attendant at their first graduation. I don’t really have any specific goals, but I definitely would like to advance to a higher level of breeding.
Q: If you could make one change to the industry what would it be? How do you think it would benefit both your business plan and that of others?
A: If I could make one change to the breeding industry it would probably be to somehow figure out a way for the less fortunate breeders to get some sort of incentive. An example: Possibly pay to fourth or give the breeder a small amount of the maiden bonus program. I would have to think more about that.
Q: In five years, do you anticipate having more, less or the same degree of involvement in the industry, and please explain why?
A: I am a small-time breeder and have been in the business a relatively short time, but five years from now I would hope to be involved at least to the same degree if not at a higher level. I love it immensely, enjoy it to no end despite the bumps in the road and surely would feel the void if for some reason I was not able to continue. It can be a very humbling but rewarding experience and I don’t necessarily mean monetarily. I’ve met some great and wonderful people. It keeps my creative juices flowing and it has given me more patience than I ever thought I could have. But one thing is for sure. I find that just being around these beautiful and majestic athletes gives me a feeling that is almost indescribable–a feeling that is truly good for the soul. Something we all should have.