NEWS
Max Hodge
Posted: Thursday, June 24, 2010 3:20 PM
MAX HODGE
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Fasig-Tipton Co.
Max Hodge always knew his professional career would be tied to horses, he just did not know specifically which breed. A year working for Racing Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey after he graduated from the University of Kentucky changed all that, and he wound up being fascinated and obsessed with Thoroughbred racing.
Hodge’s interest in racing led him to Fasig-Tipton Co., where he was hired as an intern in the fall of 1998. That position eventually led to full-time employment and now more than ten years into his career with the Lexington-based auction firm, Hodge has served in a variety of positions. He was named to his current position as director of client services in the fall of 2009.
Hodge, 35, was heavily involved in helping the resurgence of one of Fasig-
Tipton’s marquee auctions, the Kentucky selected fall mixed sale in November. He considers those efforts his greatest professional achievement.
“I’d have to say my contribution to the evolution and success of the Fasig-Tipton November sale,” said Hodge, who has four daughters and enjoys restoring his and wife Sonya’s old stone house on their farm in Keene, Kentucky. “I’m proud to be part of the team that helped recruit some of the top fillies and mares off the track for that sale.
“I always knew that I would work in the horse industry. My father is a horse trainer (Saddlebreds) and I thought that I would wind up working for him after gaining exposure to various disciplines and breeds. I wound up getting caught up in the racing game and the rest is history.”
Date of birth: June 16, 1975
Birthplace: Lebanon, Kentucky
Residence: Keene, Kentucky
Title: Director of client services
Company: Fasig-Tipton Co.
Education: Bachelor of Science in agricultural economics, University of Kentucky
Family: Married, four daughters
Career: Hired as intern at Fasig-Tipton in 1998; served the company in various capacities after being hired full time in ’99, including as director of breeding stock sales, overseeing appraisals, Stallion Access, and working as a selected sales inspector
Background in Thoroughbred industry: Worked as groom and hot walker for trainer Shug McGaughey after college graduation in 1997-’98; worked at Mill Ridge Farm and Mill Ridge Sales during college
Favorite horse: A. P. Adventure
What book are you currently reading? The Marrowbone Marble Company, by Glenn Taylor
Last movie you saw at the theater: Avatar
Biggest personal achievement: “The birth of each of my four girls”
Who had the most influence on your life? “My grandfather, Ben W. Hale Sr. He was probably the most optimistic person that ever walked the face of the earth”
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Posted by: Norma, Lexington, KY, KY on June 25, 2010 at 05:20 PM
Max Hodge is my son. I'm very proud of him. He is a self made man, no family help and is a very consciencious, hard working person. He takes his work and his family seriously. I'm proud to say I'm his Mother!!
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