Born: Philadelphia, but grew up on Long Island, NY
Current Residence:
Seattle, WA
Education: University of
New Hampshire
Age: 48
Family: Single, one daughter, Sophie 13 YO
Business: Media and PR
A New Yorker in Seattle? How did that happen? While I loved growing up on Long Island, I knew the Left Coast was always for me. I drove cross country the week after college and never looked back. I was heading to the Bay area but I80 and I84 split, I didn't realize I was heading north until I passed Boise.
Tell us about what you do: I am a big sports fan and have been lucky enough to turn my avocation into my vocation. My company, Zucker Media Group ( www.zuckermediagroup.com) is a sports PR and media firm. We get brands and their stories into the press. I was part of the HRTV team that started the network in 2002 which is when my real exposure to horse racing on the broadcast side came about.
You've been involved with many other sports - what makes horseracing so compelling? For me it's about the connection you make with your friends and peers when you are at the races. Whether it's handicapping a race or visiting the backside watching morning works, horse racing has a certain build up and anticipation with a payoff each and every time. The payoff of course is watching the race, rooting your interest, celebrating with your friends or thinking about what happened and why you aren't in the winner's circle this time.
What initially got you interested in horseracing?
I started going to Roosevelt and Yonkers with a friend of mine when I was 14. His dad owned horses with a professional horse player. While I'll keep his name out of the press, suffice to say I received tutelage from the very best.
What brought you to Hidden Brook? Ironically enough, it was through HRTV. HRTV was having a tough time breaking into the advertising market in KY. At that time, TVG had such a strong hold with content and an early presence that most of the big farms were committed to them. Of course, Adena Springs (owned by Mr. Stronach as well) did not do business with TVG and when Mr. Stronach started HRTV it made logical sense that my first sales call was to Adena. At that time Dan Hall, Jack Brothers, Randy Bradshaw and Mark Roberts were all running Adena. I hit it off immediately with the crew.
How would you describe your experience with Hidden Brook? Pretty awesome, but more importantly, very educational. While I knew the front side of the business, I was pretty green about owning a horse, and the knowledge that I have received from Dan, Jack and Mark was instrumental to my taking the first step to ownership. Successful businesses and relationships need a foundation of trust. It's that intangible that has made my HB experience rewarding.
Tell us about your most memorable experience in racing:
Of course my favorite moment is gambling related. Last summer at Saratoga I crushed the late pick 4 for a tidy sum. I was screaming my head off for this 40:1 shot that was "picking 'em up and laying 'em down." I didn't take much notice of the group in the box below us until my horse hit the wire on top and they yelled out a group chorus of, "shit." Turns out it was Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski and their ownership group.
Favorite horse? The first mare I ever owned was Quiet Meadow. She was gritty competitor who ran in an undercard race on Breeders Cup Friday at Santa Anita in 2011. Dan and the boys sold her at Keeneland the following weekend for a nice multiple.
Favorite racetrack? 1. Saratoga 2. Santa Anita 3. Emerald Downs
What do you like best about Seattle? Probably the coffee and the passive aggressive personality of the typical Seattleite. Just as an example, there is enough space for three people between two people waiting in line. A line of four Seattleites goes out the door.
Favorite sports team? C'mon, that's easy. 2014 Super Bowl Champ Seattle Seahawks
What books or magazines are currently on your nightstand?
Post Office by Charles Bukowski. I am a huge Charles Bukowski fan, he was a poet and novelist and he spoke from an everyday man's perspective of horse racing, women and booze. Let's just say, I can connect with that.
Favorite quote? For me it should be favorite joke:
Rabbi and Priest are driving in a car.
Car loses control, it flips 20 times and comes to a halt.
Rabbi and priest both get out and miraculously not one is hurt
Out of the back seat fall two glasses and a bottle of Chivas Regal, fully intact.
Rabbi says to the priest: "It's a miracle."
Priest says to the rabbi: "Its God watching us."
Rabbi says to priest: "look, the bottle of Chivas and glasses are unbroken, let's have a drink."
Priest grabs a shot, says "Cheers" and downs it and looks at the Rabbi who hasn't touched his drink.
Rabbi grabs a shot, says "L'chaim", but doesn't drink it down.
Priest say to Rabbi: "aren't you gonna have a drink?
Rabbi: "I'll wait til the cops get here."
Best advice you ever got? If you are not sure about what to do, don't do anything. It will come to you.
Final comments: Follow me on twitter @dannyzuck
