Former Jockey James 'Colonel' Moseley Dies at 75

Former jockey and popular sales showman James W. "Colonel" Moseley died Oct. 24, according to Journeyman Stud owners Brent and Crystal Fernung, for whom Moseley worked for 10 years. Moseley was 75.

Moseley, a native of Montgomery, Ala., began riding in 1969 and piloted his first winner at Thistledown in March of that year. He finished 1969 as the seventh-leading apprentice rider by races won (99) and was among the top 12 apprentice riders by purses earned. His best year by money won was in 1973, when his mounts captured $1,050,724 in purses and put Moseley among the top 30 riders that year by money won. One of his best horses in 1973 was Wage Raise, who won the World's Playground Stakes (G3) at Atlantic City, was second in the $100,000 Kindergarten Stakes (G3) at Liberty Bell Park, and third in the Breeders' Futurity (G3) at Keeneland.

By number of stakes winners, 1976 would be Moseley's best year. He won nine stakes on seven different horses—three-time stakes winner Donetta, whose wins included the Barbara Fritchie Handicap (G3) at Bowie Park; American History, who won the William du Pont Jr. Handicap (G2) at Delaware Park; and also Bold Brat, Faneuil Boy, Nijana, Silver Hope, and War Exchange. Bold Brat went on to win three stakes in 1978 with Moseley, including the Barbara Fritichie Handicap and Correction Handicap (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Moseley rode in 10,880 races through 1989, collecting 1,338 career wins and banking $8,294,478 in total money won. Electronic records starting in 1976 credit him with 22 black-type stakes wins and another 28 black-type placings. He rode four graded stakes winners.

After his riding career was over, the Colonel, as he was affectionately known, began his second career working horse sales. He excelled as a frontman for Taylor Made Sales Agency, according to Taylor Made president Duncan Taylor.

"Colonel was a great horseman," Taylor said. "He was the ultimate salesman and a person that always looked out for his fellow man. He was a positive influence at Taylor Made for me and everyone that worked with him."

Moseley worked the 2-year-olds in training sales for Journeyman Bloodstock for 10 years as well.

"Everybody who stopped by our consignment seemed to know the Colonel and everybody liked him." said Crystal Fernung. "He was a great ambassador for us and a true friend."

Moseley is survived by his children, Tracey Davis (Mark), Dendy Moseley (Beth), Ashley Sullivan (Albert), Danielle Moseley, grandchildren Morgan, Jade, Albert, Camden, and Rex as well as his beloved soulmate Sandy Dendy Moseley.