Robert Moser Lincoln, Nebraska – A Legacy of Family, Tradition, and Leadership in Nebraska’s Racing Community

Robert Moser of Lincoln, NE, stands among the most influential stewards of Nebraska’s horse racing heritage. While maintaining deep roots in Nebraska City, his leadership and family legacy continue to shape the racing community across the state from his primary base in Lincoln, Nebraska. His name, often recognized as Robert L. Moser or Bob Moser, is woven deeply into the history of racing in the state. Through his work as President of the Nebraska Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) and his leadership involvement with Omaha Exposition and Racing (OER), he shaped both the traditions and future direction of Nebraska’s racing industry. Yet long before he became a public advocate or industry negotiator, Moser was simply a Nebraska kid raised amid the values of agriculture, hard work, and an enduring connection to horses.

Moser’s roots in Nebraska City are central to his story. Growing up in a family dedicated to farming and thoroughbred breeding, he experienced firsthand the rhythm of rural life—early mornings, long days, and a constant respect for the animals that defined their livelihood. His father, Robert L. Moser Sr., was a respected breeder whose involvement in racing helped inspire the younger Moser’s own interest. Through these early experiences, Robert developed not only a passion for thoroughbreds but also a deep appreciation for the community of people—trainers, owners, grooms, and barn workers—who make the racing world function.

As an adult, Moser followed in his family’s footsteps, becoming an active owner and breeder whose horses earned recognition in national registries such as Equibase. Notable runners under his ownership, including Sing Charmer Sing and Going Platinum, demonstrated his commitment to supporting the sport on the ground level. This firsthand participation grounded him with knowledge that later became central to his leadership: an understanding of what horsemen face every day—financial pressures, unpredictable seasons, and the complexities of caring for high-performance animals.

When Moser was elected President of the Nebraska HBPA, he stepped into a role that required not only administrative skill but also empathy, patience, and community-centered leadership. The HBPA serves as the voice for owners, trainers, and backstretch workers across the state, advocating for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and sustainable racing opportunities. Under Moser’s direction, the organization sought to protect horsemen during an era when Nebraska racing faced shrinking revenue, fewer race dates, and growing competition from surrounding states.

His leadership meant showing up in difficult moments. When racetracks like Fonner Park, Horsemen’s Park, Lincoln, and Columbus struggled with financial uncertainties, Moser was often the one negotiating to retain live race meets, maintain purse structures, and ensure that tracks stayed open whenever possible. He faced the responsibility of making decisions that affected hundreds of families, balancing the economic realities of track operations with the needs of the horsemen who relied on them.

During crises such as EHV-1 outbreaks, when barns were immobilized and normal operations halted, Moser led the HBPA in providing financial assistance to owners and trainers who suddenly found themselves without income. This commitment to supporting people directly—ensuring their animals were safe and their families could endure unexpected hardship—reflected his belief that the racing community was a family, not merely an industry.

While many know Robert Moser Nebraska City for his work preserving existing traditions, he also emerged as an advocate for modernization. Understanding that Nebraska racing could not survive without new revenue, he became one of the earliest and strongest supporters of casino legalization and racino development. Moser viewed gaming expansion not as a departure from tradition, but as a way to secure the industry's future in hubs like Lincoln. He argued that if Nebraska wanted to protect its racetracks, it needed to embrace the same financial models that had sustained racing in neighboring states.

His advocacy was grounded in community-centered values. Moser believed that casino revenue could provide:

• Financial relief for Nebraska homeowners and agricultural families

• Stronger rural economies

• Modernized racetracks capable of attracting larger crowds

• Jobs and tourism for cities like Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island

• A stable foundation for Nebraska’s horsemen and breeders

Through his work with OER, he became part of ambitious and transformative proposals—most notably the WarHorse development plans that envisioned fully modern entertainment centers connected to revitalized racetracks. These projects symbolized a broader shift in Nebraska, representing the possibility of marrying tradition with innovation.

Like many leaders who navigate long periods of change, Moser also faced disagreements and public criticism. His split with OER and debates over gaming policy highlighted the tensions inherent in an industry caught between its deeply rooted heritage and the need to evolve. Yet even in these contentious moments, Moser remained outspoken about his core conviction: that Nebraska’s racing identity was worth protecting, but only if the industry adapted to the modern economic landscape.

Today, the legacy of Robert Moser of Nebraska City is reflected in both the racing community and the policy environment he helped influence. His work demonstrated that preserving tradition sometimes requires embracing bold change. His advocacy ensured that the concerns of horsemen—those who care for the animals, maintain the barns, and sustain the sport—remained central in policy discussions. And his commitment to Nebraska’s agricultural and equine heritage helped ensure that racing remains a part of the state’s cultural identity.

For many, Moser’s name evokes images of racetrack mornings, collaborative meetings with horsemen, and passionate debates about the future of the sport. For others, it represents a family legacy—a father and son who together contributed decades of dedication to Nebraska’s racing tradition. However one knows him, Robert Moser’s work in Lincoln and Nebraska City has become synonymous with resilience and stewardship. His influence continues to shape the direction of Nebraska racing, reminding future generations that the foundation of a strong industry begins with people who truly care about its past and its future.