One of the most popular features of The HIDDEN BROOK TIMES is a Q&A with some of our valued clients. Roger Sofer has been with Hidden Brook since 2008. A financial consultant and investment counselor, Sofer is also very active in political and philanthropic circles, and is the proud owner of the beautiful German Shepherd Ginger, shown here, whom
 |
| Roger Sofer and daughter Nicole with Hy Point Player as a foal at Hidden Brook |
he rescued from the humane society. Just days before this interview, Sofer's homebred 3-year-old Hy Point Player broke his maiden at the Fair Grounds. He was nice enough to take some time before his workday began to speak with us from his office in Houston.
Born: New York City
Attended Bayside High School
Residence: Houston, TX
Family: wife Linden; children Nicole, Scott, Rebecca, Jennifer; son-in-law Mark Sondock; grandchildren Elizabeth and Sam
Education: University of Tampa
B.S. in Economics
Primary business: Sofer, Steiner & Associates, LLP
Financial Planners
Good morning Roger. It's 15 degrees here in Kentucky. What is it like in Houston? It's a little cold for us -- mid 40s.
You wrote a blog that got quite a bit of press: 'New owner's view of his first win.' How did that come about? I'm very enthusiastic about this industry. Over the top even. When my Point Given colt was born, I sent out birth announcements. When my horses win, I make notepads, business cards, hats, all sorts of fun things. With the blog, I was so exuberant to not only win once, but twice that I put it out there for all the world to see.
Have you always loved horses? What drew you to the Thoroughbred industry? I am an animal guy. I love all animals, always have. My attraction to horses came through jobs I had in college, particularly when I worked as a valet, parking cars at Tampa Bay Downs. Ten years ago or so, I bought into a couple of horses with friends of mine. It didn't really work out, but I knew I wanted to do it again.
How did your racing stable evolve? I became friends with Dallas and Donna Keen. They are the most amazing trainers, work 20 hours a day, every day. I bought a filly, Enchanted Landing, and developed a really strong bond with her. She was a really head strong filly. But she would nuzzle me and rub up against me. I followed her all over the country trying to break her maiden. No matter how difficult it was, I made it. And while it's hard to win a Grade 1, it's also hard to win a maiden claimer. The day she won--June 22, 2006--I actually won two races the same day! That really hooked me. So one horse became three, which became five, which became 10...Dallas is very good friends with Barclay Tagg and Jack Knowlton, of Sackatoga Stable/Funny Cide fame. Jack and I are now like fraternity brothers, and are partners in some horses. We go to the Breeders' Cup every year together. I play this scenario over in my mind all the time: when WE win the Derby, I will ask him, "Is this more exciting than the first time?" He's the first guy who called when Hy Point Player won.
What has been your personal highlight in racing? Probably the most exciting race was with a horse I own with Jack, Seattle Mission. He broke his maiden opening day in open company at Saratoga, and the horse who ran third is a little horse called Drosselmeyer. Winning at Saratoga is the highlight. The hardest thing for people to learn in this industry is how hard it is to win. If you finally get the horse to the racetrack, you sweat if you're getting in, you sweat about the weather, you sweat for every little thing. For all the people who laugh when a horse gets loose on the track--you're dying!
That is all so true. Have you got another story to share? I owned a horse called Moody Jones, purchased from the Asmussens. I fly to Dallas and decide to go riding at the Keens' farm. The horse bites me, then takes off with me. I get on the freeway, and get a speeding ticket. I get to the motel, which is right across from track, and it is a sleazy, sleazy place. There's no lobby, no privacy. The wife is miserable. So I'm fighting with my wife, bit by a horse, run off with on a horse. Now--we get to the track, and we are in the 11-hole. I look at the Form, and only two horses have won from the 11-hole all meet long. Then...the horse breaks dead last. Uh-oh. That's it. But, he circles the field and we win! In one minute, the whole world changed for me.
How did you discover Hidden Brook? I had a nondescript mare named B Berry Brandy. She's gorgeous, with pretty decent bloodlines. She only raced twice, and got hurt. I thought I'd breed her here in Texas. One rainy Saturday, I was fiddling around, and saw the nick with Point Given was off the charts. Soooooo good. I called Three Chimneys, and they said "Send her." I thought, "Who do I send her to!" I know John Adger very well, and he said, "We send some of Mr. McNair's horses to Hidden Brook, and those guys are really, really solid. Sergio is great." So I did.
How has the Hidden Brook experience been different? We sent the mare to Hidden Brook to be bred, and they treated me like I had 100 horses with them. They are the nicest guys to deal with; so professional, and everything is beyond first class. They love their animals, and you feel that no one could be taking better care of them. Here's another story. I had the mare Icy Kitten, a nine-time winner by Bernstein out of a Rahy mare. I wanted to breed her, and they said, "Don't. You can buy a yearling with better lines for less than the breeding cost." They took business away from themselves because it was the best thing for me.
I understand you are a member of several Hidden Brook racing partnerships. Yes, and currently we are very excited about a 3-year-old prospect named Street Life, who just won a maiden special weight at Aqueduct [Ed note: see story at left].
What advice do you have for those who want to get in the game? I think--and I got this advice from John Adger--people need to look at it like a business. Do not fall in love, because the horses are all beautiful. Go into it with people with experience; It's too hard to do it on your own. Let someone be the quarterback. In my own business, I am the quarterback. There's only one chef in the kitchen. Also, realize you probably won't hit the lottery. Animals are great. But treat it like a business. You have to realize it's a tough, tough game. The smartest guys in the business do not always win the Derby. Imagine the success of the Sackatoga guys, who won the Derby with their second horse. You have to have a lot of luck.
What publications do you read? I read the Wall Street Journal. Houston Chronicle. The Weekly Standard. In the industry, the Blood-Horse.
What do you do in your spare time? I am very active in my community.
Favorite vacation spot? Best vacation I have had--surprisingly-- was in Ireland, at the K Club. I played golf every day, and went to the Irish National Stud.
Favorite sports teams? Yankees.
Favorite place to eat? The Palm in Houston.
Thank you Roger Sofer, for giving us a few minutes of your time Inside the Winner's Circle.
