Ellen Moelis is from New York and originally pursued a career in modeling. She graduated from the Barbizon School of Modeling. Shortly after graduation Ellen decided to pursue a business career and joined Allison Management Corporation, a firm specializing in real estate property management. Over a career of 30 years, she rose to become President and 100% stockholder of Allison Management, which by 1989 became the largest property management company in New York and New Jersey. Ellen was honored by the New York Real Estate Board and in 1987 received the “Women in Real Estate Award”. In 1989 Ellen sold the business and devoted her total efforts to developing CandyLand Farm in Delaware.
At CandyLand Farm in Delaware, Ellen, with husband Herb, began to breed thoroughbreds from a broodmare band of about 20 mares. They breed for sale at auction and also to race. In 1988 on the advice of pedigree guru, Bob Fierro, they claimed a two year old filly named Redeemer for $20,000. The filly is a decendant of La Troienne and had earned $55,000 as a two year old. Unfortunately, when Redeemer was brought back to the farm she injured herself in a paddock accident and was retired. Shortly after, her half sister, Lite Light came on the scene and the rest is history. One of the first progeny from Redeemer was a colt by Houston who was the top selling colt in the 1993 Saratoga sale.
On the racing front, under the nom de course of Candy Stable, Ellen and Herb have raced either alone or in partnership, 16 stakes winners including Cat Be Nimble, Surely Six, Shapely Scrapper, Dr. Unright, Time To Dream, Five Star Deputy and Scary Bob to name a few.
In 1990 Ellen and Herb, together with their good friend, neighbor and renowned horsewoman, Allaire duPont, initiated the idea of a Stallion Season Auction as a way to raise money to benefit various thoroughbred charities, including horse rescue, education and research. The first auction in 1990 was for the sole benefit of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and was attended by 20 people and raised $15,000. In 1997 Thoroughbred Charities of America (“TCA”) was formed to conduct the auction so the funds could be distributed to the many retirement and rescue groups operating throughout the country. To date, nearly $10,000,000 has been raised and distributed to more than 125 thoroughbred-related charities.
In addition to TCA, Ellen and Herb established The Moelis Family Foundation which is involved in granting funds to charities involved in medical research, animal welfare, and children’s causes including health and education. This is a family venture designed to introduce the concept of charity to the members of the Moelis family at a young age. The 10 Moelis grandchildren became eligible for the Junior Board of the Moelis Family Foundation at age eight and were then included in all discussions relating to grants.
