Issue link: http://nytbreeders.epubxp.com/i/471532
26 New York Breeder | nytbreeders.org | March 2015 Sunny Disposition The Nielsens were busy enough breeding and raising top state-bred run - ners. They bred Capades, a 1986 flly by Overskate—Medal of Valor, by Da - mascus, who won more than $1 million and the grade I Selima Stakes for Poma Stable. Other good ones came along, too, including graded stakes winners It's Personal, Roman Dancer, and Quantum Merit. They bred top New York-bred stakes winners such as I'm All Yours, Currency Arbitrage, and Copper Mount. The couple was named breeders of the year in New York in 1991 and 2002. Gerald was serving his second two- year term as president of New York Thor - oughbred Breeders and was scheduled to travel to Albany to lobby state offcials with Dennis Brida, the executive director of the NYTB, when he died Feb. 2, 2004. "He was a pillar in the racing world that everyone looked up to," said trainer James Bond, who continues to train a horse or two for Joanne. Among the many friends of the Nielsens are Francis and Barbara Van - langendonck. "Francis went to work for the Nielsens in the late '70s," Barbara said. "He went up there to sales prep yearlings for them. They embraced him as one of the fam - ily, and eventually he and Jerry bought this farm (now Summerfeld) in Florida together. Jerry really gave Francis his start here. Francis learned the business in Louisiana, but Jerry was the one who gave him that monetary chance." Summerfeld Sales, purchased in 1982, is consistently among the leading consignors at any Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. auctions and also represent clients in Kentucky and New York. "Without question it was a turning point in my career," said Francis. "Sum - merfeld Sales would not be here with- out the Nielsens." A turning point for Joanne Nielsen came in 2012 in the form of Upstart. "He was very handsome; clearly the bestlooking one from our crop that year," Nielsen said. "Our goal is to have eight foals a year, but we only had fve (in 2012). We've had a lot of problems with very cold winters and the mares have been running late, and a lot of times it is too late to breed them back." Around the farm the young Upstart was nicknamed "Lucky." "He was born on Friday the 13th (April)," said Larson. "He was jet black and the name just ft. He's more than lived up to his name. He was a great colt to be around; very easy going. He was never sick a day in his life. He was just on autopilot." Upstart is the third foal out of Party Silks. Nielsen offers all of her horses for sale. Consigned to the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale of preferred New York- bred yearlings, Evans purchased Up - Party Silks with Upstart in April 2012 Party Silks with her Majestic Warrior lly last spring LAURA LARSON COURTESY JOANNE NIELSEN