Westminster Memories – Jim Moses

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130 – July, 2024

By Amy Fernandez

Westminster has endured long enough to create generations of great memories. The interesting thing is that personal recollections of those truly great moments are often at odds with conventional thinking. Jim Moses probably heads the list of individuals responsible for creating those lifetime Westminster memories. Manhattan, Mystique–it is safe to say that his taste and style have redefined a few aspects of modern presentation. That’s not how he remembers that life-changing moment in 1987 when Manhattan went Best at the Garden. “To be truthful, winning the Garden was a relief, not real excitement.” That’s a valid response and his competitive history at Westminster explains it. “In those years, a few times I thought we could go Best with Mystique we went second in the group. Manhattan had previously taken the group in 1984 and ‘86. And he was unquestionably the crowd favorite both times. That truly was America’s dog.

“So, it is a really tough battle” and most exhibitors can attest to that by coming back year after year with no return aside from the pleasure of being there. That kind of ironclad perseverance also requires a sizeable bankroll. Jim explains, “Jane Firestone paid for all of Manhattan’s expenses, including the advertising and handling fees.” Just for the record, Manhattan was campaigned extensively. He won plenty, but this particular quest seemed to slip away every time. “Ray Firestone said if he ever won the Garden he would pay for the party.” He was probably thinking this is never gonna happen when that offer went on the table. But a deal’s a deal. “My favorite memory of that night was when Jane and I were outside the hotel grabbing anybody willing to come to our party.” Eventually, the NYC fire code limited the revelry but hey, he offered and yes, Ray Firestone covered the entire bill. That is a celebration to remember.

But Jim confesses that although, “Westminster is the thrill of a lifetime, I also won BIS at the Centennial with Manhattan and I think that was probably a higher high.” That makes sense. Westminster comes around every year. The AKC Centennial …that’s like waiting for the next Halley’s Comet, it’s now or never.

Click here to read the complete article
130 – July, 2024

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