By Mari Ballinger
Now, here’s a headline that’ll touch everyone’s heart: Two brothers name their racing partnership in honor of their father who passed away six years ago. Jon and David Schlosser, who make up Cliff Racing, are the two people behind that heartwarming story.
Their dad loved to attend horse races and watched the Kentucky Derby each year. The Schlosser brothers enjoyed tagging along to Canterbury Park and quickly took interest in the racing industry. That tradition and passion only continued as they got older. Each weekend, the Schlosser family would meet at Lion’s Tap for lunch then head to Canterbury for a full day of racing. Jon and David had always dreamt of owning horses, and now they get to share that experience together.
Their journey started when the brothers joined After Dark Racing, a group who co-owns horses. After learning the ins and outs of racing and what truly went into owning a horse, the brothers decided to venture off on their own.
After coming up with the budget and contacting trainer Nevada Litfin, everything started to fall into place. Cliff Racing claimed their first horse, Couch Trainer, this past April at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas.
Today, Cliff Racing owns three horses that are all trained by Litfin. Couch Trainer, a 3-year-old colt, Saucy at Midnight, a 4-year-old filly, and Monday Confession, a 5-year-old gelding. The Schlosser brothers also each own 25% of three fillies trained by Nancy Sheehan: Mizzanna, Turquoise Trail and Stellatide.
Not only has this horse owning experience brought the two brothers closer together, it has also increased their dedication to the animals.
“Owning these horses has been such an outstanding memory,” said David Schlosser. “I truly have never felt so passionate. And, it goes far beyond the races. One of my favorite things is getting up early and heading to the barn. I love to check up on them and make sure everything is running smoothly.”
Come race time, calm is the last word used to describe the Schlosser atmosphere. The duo can’t sit still once the horses break the gate, constantly pacing back and forth. But, with a cold beer in hand and pops looking down on them, all is good.
