Breeding Matters March 2015

New Zealand Standardbred Breeders’ Association Magazine

Issue 22 - March 2015

BREEDING MATTERS MEMBERS’ ISSUE

PGG Wrightson Yearling Sales World Trotting Conference Breeder Profile - Phil Creighton

NZSBA Major Sponsors:

Why insure your fetus?

When purchasing a mare in foal from the broodmare sale, the live foal guarantee may become void.

Not all stallions come with a live foal guarantee, so if your mare was to abort the fetus or if the foal was still born you would not be covered for your loss.

Financially you would lose your income from selling your mares foal for that year and you would have to pay for another service fee for the next season.

What options are there?

JLT Bloodstock offer the following options when taking out fetus insurance • 42 day scan to 30 days after birth • 42 day scan to 6 months after birth • 42 day scan to 12 months after birth

How do I take out fetus insurance?

When you have decided to take out fetus insurance call the team at JLT Bloodstock

0800 383 071 www.horseinsurance.co.nz

JLT Bloodstock - Specialist Insurance Provider to the Bloodstock Industry

New Zealand Standardbred Breeders’ Association

BREEDING MATTERS CONTENTS FEATURES

NZSBA and BRANCH NEWS

PGG Wrightson Yearling Sales

6

From Kiely’s Desk

4

World Trotting Conference

8

Chairman’s Corner

5

Handling Foals 14

North Island Update

15

Breeder Profile - Phil Creighton

Canterbury Update 20

16

Family Numbers 22 Feeding Young Horses

26

Supper Waltz Wilson

28

Prodigal Seelster Speed Series

21

Arden Rooney 30

MAGAZINE PRODUCTION Editor John Mooney Typesetting & Design Kiely Buttell Advertising Kiely Buttell Contributors

Peter Craig, Arthur Cross, Revell Douglas,

Noel Kennard, Kentucky Equine Research,

Duane Ranger, David Rankin, Peter Wharton

The Statements, figures and tables in this publication are believed to be accurate. No Liability can be accepted for error or omission. No part may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publishers except by a reviewer.

On the cover: Karaka Sales topper Praise Be. PAGE 3

FROM KIELY’S DESK The buzz was palpable at Karaka for the 2015 Au s t ra l a s i a n Yearling Sales.

A $100,000 purchase to kick things off certainly set the scene for what was an outstanding day at the office for many breeders.

Christchurch was a strong sale despite some bemoaning the low prices paid for the progeny of less fashionable stallions, smaller yearlings and some not presented that well. I have spoken to hundreds of breeders over the years I have been involved in harness racing and all say the same: if you don’t have a yearling which is a good type by a quality mare, served by a quality stallion, you are more than likely to get burnt at the sales.

It is also important to bear in mind that only approximately 25% of a foal crop is sold through the sales each year.

Many breeders successfully choose to bring on and sell privately, once their horses are up and going. Expensive you may say but many of the younger,

up and coming trainers are always on the lookout for good 50:50 deals, so it is worth a phone call.

I recently attended the World Trotting Conference in Sydney with all of the major harness countries represented.

Full coverage of the conference is on pages 8, 9, 10 and 12. One take home for me was the similar challenges each country faces – contracting mare numbers and remaining relevant in the ‘information age’. There is some great innovation in harness racing, across the world. It is at conferences such as these that we get to tap into new ideas and more importantly make new connections to further this great sport of ours.

We held the first of the 2015 regional forums in Auckland earlier in March.

This was very well attended by breeders both large and small, with good opportunity to discuss solutions rather than dwell on challenges. A full report can be found on page 31.

with ASBA and we congratulate them on their inclusive approach to discussing the pressing issues in a transparent and constructive manner.

A major topic on the agenda is an ASBA push for State regulators to impose limits on stallion service books. I will report on this discussion.

This is our fourth year attending the AGM. It is a great forum to share ideas, get clarity on issues affecting both countries and develop closer ties between the two industries. Although governed by different rules and regulations, we face similar challenges and together we can ensure breeding remains a viable option for enthusiasts both sides of the Tasman.

Kiely Buttell Executive Manager

Following the North Island Forum I will be attending the Australian Standardbred Breeders’ (ASBA) Annual General Meeting in Melbourne.

NZSBA has built a solid relationship

national executive Chairman - John Mooney (Canterbury) P: 03 347 7212 E: john.mooney@xtra.co.nz

Tony Dickinson (North Island) P: 09 232 1570 E: val-tony@altadreamlodge.co.nz

Treasurer - Colin Hair (HRNZ Rep) P: 03 327 9217 E: colinhair@xtra.co.nz

Cleland Murdoch (Southland) P: 03 230 4499 E: cleland@wmlaw.co.nz

Noel Kennard (Canterbury) P: 03 3479 699 E: noel@goharness.com

Mark O’Connor (Southland) P: 03 217 6751 E: moconnor@southport.co.nz

Revell Douglas (North Island) P: 027 520 6863 E: revelldouglas@yahoo.com.au

PAGE 4

HRNZ Rep: Colin Hair NZEHA - Dennis Scott NZERF - Bruce Graham

NATIONAL OFFICE Executive Manager: Kiely Buttell Physical Address: 135 Lincoln Road, Addington, Christchurch, 8024 Postal address: PO Box 8270, Riccarton, Christchurch, 8440 Telephone: 03 339 4168 Email: kiely.buttell@vodafone.co.nz

www.harnessracing.co.nz

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER We should celebrate the confidence in the industry shown by an excellent sale in Auckland and a solid sale in Christchurch. What is especially pleasing was the high clearance rates, the increases in the median (middle) sale price, and, the increases in the sales’ averages.

Overall the atmosphere was positive for the industry, although once again the same lessons came through.

While some breeders had spectacular results, the sale was disappointing for others and vendors need to reflect why.: • There are a limited number of fashionable sires in demand; • The buying bench with serious money to spend is small and demanding of quality; • Top prices are paid for yearlings from families with recent racing success; • Repeat business seems to be a driver of higher prices; and • Poorly presented livestock is poorly supported.

Let us shout from the roof tops the excellence of Adore Me and her all too brief career. While it is easy to focus on the world beating time of her Ladyship mile win, and so we should, it was the strength, tenacity and courage of how it was achieved that is memorable. Then her courage and will to win emerged in spades with her indomitable fight to the line in the Auckland Cup, without any real urging from Mark Purdon. Charles Roberts, Mary Kenny and Paul Kenny thank you for sharing Adore Me with us.

While we on the Charles Robert’s story let us also remember Scuse Me, Adore Me’s dam. Now in her 21st year, with a Bettor’s Delight colt at foot, she must have achieved some kind of unique record at Alexandra Park on Cup Night. Later that night at Alex Park Brian Rabbitt and I reflected on this question: “has there ever been

a harness or thoroughbred race meeting anywhere in the world where a mare (Scuse Me) was the dam of a Group 1 winner (Have Faith in Me), and a Group 1 2nd place getter (Adore Me) and the granddam of two Group 1 winners (Christen Me and Dream About Me) and a third placed runner Aliante all on the same programme?”

Surely the answer is “no!”

Sadly, there has been another small drop of around eight percent in the pacing mares bred and five percent for trotting mares. The recent NZSBA survey of those who left the industry since 2009 (having bred a mare in 2003 to 2008) shows that the ageing of breeders, the sale of farms in the South Island, reduced prize money, and rising breeding and racing costs all contributed to the 25% decline in mares bred since 2005. The largest group of lost breeders is those who bred one or two mares: down about 35%.

The breeders who previously bred two to four mares are now breeding one mare. Over 50 percent of the 2,200 pacing mares bred this season went to the 12 stallions with fees of $6,000 or more. With breeders racing 50% of our stock racing and breeding costs a major factors. Breeders are being entirely rational in seeking out either a sales return or prize money on the track and choosing sires accordingly.

Breeders at the recent Auckland seminar provided some ideas: NZSBA can continue advocacy on increasing stakes for the lower grades, increasing professionalism and communication of our trainers, improving programming so that horses race more often in their own grade, supporting clubs such as NZMTC and Amberley that have introduced breeder’s bonuses and with HRNZ encouraging more fillies and mares racing in the Golden Girls Series and the summer mares speed series.

NZSBA has drafted a mare’s credit scheme for consideration by HRNZ under which a mare’s win can earn up to $4,000 in credits to be applied to stud fees over two years. Funding will be an issue but the scheme needs serious consideration. Also, NZSBA is considering putting up a correspondence item to the 2015 HRNZ Conference to generate debate that all starters are paid an appearance fee over and above the driver’s fee.

Finally, an industry red flag!. Recent Sales Series, Sires Stakes and Fillies heats for stakes up to $25,000 have had only four, five and six starters. The Nevele R Stud 3YO fillies’ $20,000 heats have had 4, 7, 13, 9 and 4 starters.

There are 188 fully paid up fillies for this series; 143 are qualified.

These heats generally allocate around 20% of the stake to be shared from 6th and below, around $500 each. The irony is that with a cost of $605 to get into these heats an “appearance fee” of $500 is not enough to persuade owners and trainers to take part. It seems that trainers and owners are ‘running away’ from the top echelon of horses and trainers. If these series are to be sustained into the future I doubt that this situation can continue.

Inevitably future nominations will drop away for fear of being uncompetitive. Suggestions?

John Mooney, Chairman

2015 PGG Wrightson Yearling Sales

Bruce Barlass, Senior Sales Rep at Pyne Gould Guinness Wrightson, was delighted with an increase in turnover of $2.1 million at the recent yearling sales in Karaka and Christchurch- but there was a down side.

“The $2.1million is up 22% on last year and that is a tremendous signal to breeders. The market has a huge appetite for commercially bred and I’m going to say, emphatically, very well reared stock.

However with the drop in numbers bred in both New Zealand and Australia we now do not have enough horses to meet the demand“ Barlass said.

He said the Australasian Classic Yearling Sale in Auckland on February 16 was an “amazing sale”, but there was never going to be enough horses for all the buying interest.

PAGE 6

“An indication is that 17 yearlings sold to Australia from Auckland to 15 different purchasers. Leading trainers struggled to buy. They kept running second, such was the strength of the sale” said Barlass.

He said a clearance rate of 85% ”on the hammer” was a superb result.

“The average lifted 33% on last year and up 20% on the previous best in 2008 - before the World economic crash. The feature of the sale was undoubtedly the superb presentation of the yearlings.

The difference between the two sales is that Auckland is an almost ‘elite’ offering of 141 yearlings whereas Christchurch vendors prefer to keep their sale as a mixed combination of Day One and Day Two type horses.

So while it didn’t have the hype of up north I think it was still a very good result. Clearing 80% and increasing the average by 10% - and that was on the back of a 10% lift

the previous year. Again the market in Christchurch was exceptionally strong for the best commercial stock” Barlass said.

Auckland yearlings fetched an average price of $41,549 – just over $10,000 more than last year’s average. That equates to an increase of more than 30 %.

Total turnover of $4.65 million was a massive 44% increase in return to breeders on last year.

In all 112 lots were sold with a clearance rate of 84.85 % which gave an aggregate of $4,653,500.

The first day of the Premier Sale at Addington on February 17: This produced an average of $27,151.

Up 11% on last year.

Clearance was 79% and this was up 2 % on last year. Turnover was $3.5 million.

Day two at the NZ Premier Sale at Addington on February 18 saw another 80% clearance.

The combined average of two days at Christchurch of $26,778 was a 10% increase on last year. That followed on from a 10% increase the previous year.

Pictured right: Lot 8 - Bettor’s Delight x Abide With Me colt

The highest prices were fetched by: Saint Laurent: he is a Bettor’s Delight colt from the brilliant race mare Lancome, 1:54.9 ($461,278). Bought

by Cran Dalgety for $110,000.

Dalgety also paid $100,000 for Millwood Daisy, the daughter of Art Major was the first foal of the former outstanding racemare Millwood Meg, 1:53.5 ($233,596).

Pictured below: Lot 174 - Bettor’s Delight x Asabella colt

They were the only two $100,000plus lots sold on the second day. It was Dalgety’s day actually. He also paid for the following four yearlings: * Lot 438 - Black Raine - Filly by Bettors Delight from Rona Lorraine for $42,000 * Lot 448 - With a Dream - Colt by Bettors Delight from Secret Potion for $65,000 * Lot 451 - Dapper - Colt by Rocknroll Hanover from Smart Decision for $30,000 * Lot 486 - Time Traveller - Colt by Mach Three from Timeless Perfection for $71,000 His total outlay for the six yearlings he brought was $418,000 while his spend for the 10 yearlings over the three days was $655,500.

Dalgety plans to syndicate the 10 yearlings he bought.

“With the cost of the yearlings today, a lot of my owners can’t afford to buy a lot of these horses on their own, so I tend to give my group of owners a lot of options with regards to the yearlings they can buy shares in.

“I like to have four owners in each horse to share the cost and the risk around,” the West Melton conditioner said.

$100,000 and over - Karaka 1: $200,000 Bettor’s Delight-Abide With Me colt, buyer Mark Purdon.

2: $180,000 Bettor’s Delight-Scuse Me colt, M Purdon.

3: $165,000 Bettor’s Delight-Temepara Cullen filly, Emilio Rosati.

4: $150,000 American Ideal-Sky Beauty colt, Lincoln Farms.

5: $120,000 Bettor’s Delight-Splendid Dreams colt, Barry Purdon.

6: $107,500 Art Major-Thebestamancanget colt, Lincoln Farms.

7: $100,000 Bettor’s Delight-Veste colt, Maurice McKendry (as agent).

$100,000 and over - Christchurch 1) $200,000 – Bettor’s Delight x Asabella colt – Emilio and Mary Rosati 2) $170,000 – Bettor’s Delight x Jen Marie colt – Ian Dobson 3) $110,000 – Bettor’s Delight x Lancome - Cran Dalgety 4) $100,000 – Art Major x Millwood Meg - Cran Dalgety 5) $100,000 – Somebeachsomewhere x Free As A Bird colt – Robert Dunn 6) $100,000 – Christian Cullen x Blackbird Fly colt - Terry and Adrienne Taylor

WORLD TROTTING CONFERENCE

by Arthur Cross Day One - Conference Opening

Day One of the World Trotting Conference commenced with papers from Ireland and South Africa where two countries in two separate hemispheres had the same story to tell. Both nations are aspiring to develop Harness Racing in their countries and yet both have encountered similar forms of resistance in this pursuit. Obstacles have included: • • • •

Lack of Government support and understanding for the burgeoning industry; Difficulty in establishing a permanent venue; Obstruction from the thoroughbred industry; Identifying wagering revenue models

This was followed by a presentation from the USTA. Here we learned of the challenges facing an established operator in the age of social media and how this organisation not only addresses these constraints when engaging mainstream media but also the positives to be gained by using social media marketing platforms.

Two social media advocates illustrated the empowering resources of the social marketing media sphere and the notable change from conventional mainstream marketing.

Social media provides the opportunity for target marketing in a cost effective manner and can achieve greater efficiencies.

The established player and start-up country can utilise social media and now have the means to be able to look toward the future to sustain and grow its audience or fan base.

PAGE 8

Day Two - Global Breeding Trends

The opening session of Day Two discussed Global Breeding Trends and the common theme from all speakers was the ongoing decline in the number of foals being produced.

With many statistics being given, primarily from 1990 forward to recent years, both mare numbers and foals may be down but it could be argued that improvement in the breed has seen increases in the number of races and, in case of the United States, for younger age racing.

This trend across all countries can be attributed to the economics both from a macro perspective and the financial crisis which occurred in 2008 and micro level where many participants are no longer engaged in the industry or breeding as many foals.

What was clear is the number of Breeders that retain an ownership,

in some manner, in the foals they produce is high.

The Breeders Bonuses, which have been an integral incentive and financial component for many nations, may be under threat across Europe with the European Union investigating and questioning their acceptance of this practice and arguing they are not essential for the sector. This will only add further pressure to Breeders and the difficulties they face to recover costs, however ‘passion drives the sector’.

Ending on a high, New Zealand’s recent sales saw an excellent result with figures up significantly and to record levels for average prices and individual top lot sales.

The first part of the session was devoted to Artificial Breeding and focused on the trends with work and tests being conducted in both stallion fertility and the early

CSBA ROUND UP recognition of pregnancy in the mare. Cutting edge research is identifying improvements in stallion sperm life as well as strength and determination in better ways for handling a mare for pregnancy identification, with the aim to reduce detection from fourteen days to between days six and eight.

This was followed by Embryo Transfer Trends and global work, which has occurred over many years with animals, and developments relating to horse breeding and the ability to transfer the embryo from one mare to another.

It was noted that these may not be permissible under the existing rules, however they are trends

across animals in general and both presentations can be used as areas where these open debates may need to occur in coming years.

Day Three - Integrity

Day Three at the WTC focused on integrity issues ranging from use of drugs in sport, the development of IIRIS to an analysis of the anatomy of a scandal.

The common theme to emerge was the need to share information and the need to try and stay one step ahead.

The Key Note Address for the entire Conference was provided by John Fahey with his presentation titled ‘No Integrity – No Sport’.

With many years of global experience he passionately believes in the cooperation between nations and authorities to work together, to share information and that rules have to be universal.

For all sports, not just racing, public confidence hinges on integrity and the loss of integrity will be the loss of public confidence. There is a need for the constant investing as an industry in the science of performance enhancing.

The single biggest threat to all sport is performance enhancing drugs.

But how do you catch the Cheats?

Three speakers provided three differing areas of approach ranging cont page 10

THE PRES

A stunning 16hh individual

Andover Hall (Garland Lobell) – Southwind Allaire (Valley Victory) From one small American crop, he’s had 14 starters for seven winners and five other placegetters.

His first New Zealand winner, the record-setting Primz Luck, was sold across the Tasman for big money.

Precious Pet won her debut, and numerous other progeny are stepping out at the trials/workouts.

Breeders are getting five-figure sums when they put his yearlings through the Sale ring.

What’s not to like about this striking young son of Andover Hall? www.goStallions.co.nz

from race day and on-going information gathering, testing and procedures; drug analysis for both existing, but more importantly new, trends in drug detection and usage; and another on the data information gathering, with the dissemination and sharing of that information.

Key points to come from these panellists:

impressive technical developments in what is being proposed by ATG in Sweden through reinventing and enhancing the experience for the viewer and consumers. The aim is to provide a reason to be part of the action and whilst there is the need to look after the core consumer, change is also required to attract new customers.

•

One clear trend from the sessions is the growing migration of the customer to the use of digital devices, with Sweden now having a 50/50 split between retail and online whilst similar figures are being recorded in Australia. One successful strategy for Australian wagering operators – primarily within fixed odds operations – has been to successfully sign-up new customers through sports betting and many of these new players are now betting on racing products.

• • •

For pre-race testing the use of detection using plasma, compared to urine samples, produces better and more accurate results; Routine heavy metal testing is about to begin; The future of drug control is where you aren’t looking; Gene doping is not here yet but is ‘absolutely coming’ and will hit the horse racing industry first

IRIIS – the ‘International Racing Information & Integrity Service’ – has made great developments since the last conference and is now being used by an increasing number of racing organisations to share information.

An interesting statistic presented was that Harness racing in Australia

offers a 45% success rate for favourites compared to 33% for thoroughbreds.

The’ Internationalisation of Racing Product’ was the theme, with product exchange now becoming more common between Australia, France & the United States. For France, they have opened up their market to more international races being imported. There is an emphasis on assisting in the development of other European developing countries with a view of strengthening trotting across Europe. During the past four years races imported to France have increased from 502 in 2011 to 977 in 2014. In addition, common pools nations have grown from seven in 2007 to a current figure of nineteen.

The lessons learned and shared by the United States in exporting their product has been the need to work with countries taking their product to ensure areas of importance to the importing country are clearly

The challenge for IRIIS is to protect the integrity of the horse industry.

All of these issues were – in many ways – touched upon during the story of the ‘Greenlight Scandal’ where analysis of wrong-doing was told along with the outcome of charges being laid and finally convictions.

Co-operation by both industry and community law enforcement resulted in not just being judged before their sports peers but also being brought to justice before the wider community for the wrong-doing.

Day Four - Wagering and Racing

Day Four of the World Trotting Conference addressed the topics of Wagering & Racing Products with Pictured above: Edward Rennell receiving the “Best Website” trophy from Geoff Want, Chairman Harness Racing Australia PAGE 10

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dealt with. Areas such as post times, data to suit the new territory and programming must be given consideration.

Whilst the US domestic turnover (handle) may be static, the growth is in identifying these new markets and, should co-mingling occur, this may lead to further stimulation in domestic turnover through larger pools on offer.

Case studies from Sweden on how to attract new participants to the sport were given and the success of ‘The Horse Is Yours’ programme were highlighted. Trotting in Sweden is still a main-steam television sport ranked third behind Ice Hockey and Football.

Day Five - Equine Welfare

The final day of the 2015 World Trotting Conference focused on Equine Welfare Issues.

Firstly, the focus of Animal Welfare and the theme championed by Heather Neil (RSPCA, Australia) is one that we cannot fall out, or be out of step with, community expectations.

In Australia, horseracing is deemed of mid-level concern by the community, with this concern skewed more toward women.

The two questions to be asked are: - Is it ethically acceptable?

- What’s in it for the horse?

For the RSPCA they have a working relationship with HRA to address issues relating to the sport and notably those relating to whip usage and they have collaboratively implemented changes.

The industry must question if it is tackling whether horses have longer careers or is it pushing young horses too early for the sake of prize-money.

PAGE 12

Pictured above: Ashley Tetrick So when something goes wrong, ‘How Prepared Can You Be for Crisis Management? was the theme for our next speaker, Glenda Hughes, Independent Chair, NZ Racing Board.

The first statement and getting it right when a situation arises is critical because with the internet and social media, once it is out there it cannot be retrieved. Be prepared to expose the issues factually and honestly so you can manage how to respond to the situation.

Ashley Tetrick from the USA and wife of World Driving Championship driver, Tim, spoke passionately about the success of the New Vocations’ programme, a not-forprofit organisation for the rehousing of horses once their racing careers have concluded. An impressive 5500 horses have been rehomed since 1992, an average of 450 per year.

Goran Akerstrom from Sweden provided an insight into an important issue currently facing European

countries as to whether or not a horse should race bare-foot and do horses need shoes? Very recent problems have occurred in Sweden during this current winter period where tests and studies have been conducted, taking in many factors that may contribute to the problem, with recommendations to follow.

[It was noted toward the end of last year France has introduced that all 2&3 year olds must wear shoes.]

Our final presentation, from Andrew Kelly, showcased an Injury & Incident Database developed by Harness Racing Australia and operational nationally since 2011. Starting with a Veterinary Incident & Injury Report form, there are now over one million horse statistics entered. With multiple data fields included, key trends can be identified however it was noted that this has been developed internally and may need to be observed also by external organisations.

HORSES FOR SALE/LEASE The for sale/lease pages on NZSBA’s website www. harnessracing.co.nz receives around 600 unique visitors each month.

There are a few members who utilise this service but we would like to see it grow.

If you have a mare you will not be breeding from next season, please let us know. There are a number of larger breeders looking for good quality mares to lease.

We also advertise any stock you want to sell. Please visit the website for more details.

MONKEY BONES Andover Hall (Garland Lobell) – Milestone Hanover (Valley Victory) Our injury-plagued sire made it through the season remarkably well, considering, but sadly he might not be around next year because we won’t let him suffer one bit if winter (or anything else) is harsh on him.

A limited number of servings will still be available though, one way or the other, as we were able to collect and freeze some of Monkey’s semen this year.

So if you’d like to tentatively make a pre-season booking for 2015/16, give John a call on 021 883-713.

www.goStallions.co.nz

Member Contribution - handling foals

by David Rankin A few years back I discovered a good friend and former stock and station agent, Graeme Munro, was very experienced in breaking in and handling horses with some of his colleagues referring to him as “a horse whisperer”. As we talked, he offered to come and see our foals and discussed handling of them. As a result of those discussions on a visit to Nevele R, I measured up one of their double crushes and contracted the engineer opposite to make one for me.

The decision to have the double crush made and installed at our property has proved to be extremely worthwhile, not only for handling of the mares and foals, but also having a secure space for any on site vet requirements.

As soon as we get the mares and foals back from Nevele R, Graeme comes around, we lead a mare into the crush and get the foal alongside with the result that Mum and foal are happy together. Then playtime starts.

First time in each foal gets stroked, patted and hands run across the head and eyes. Second time in, the same process and also rubbed with a lead rope including lightly around the head and if receptive, putting on the halter. Then the figure 8 rope around the backside, crossing the back, tied under the neck and feeding through the halter is introduced as is pulling and pushing from the front of the crush to the back. At a subsequent session the foal is pushed back out of the crush into a small holding paddock and introduced to being led.

We have a session with the foals every three to four days or even up to a week apart. Each foal is different with some taking longer than others before they relax and get used to it. By the time they are ready for weaning we have usually had six sessions of about 30 minutes each and they can be led on PAGE 14

their own with just the halter and lead rope. The key to the process is being very gentle, patient and pausing for a break at any time of stress so the foal can get used to its situation.

It is then a pleasure to be able to go out into the paddock and have the foals stand and be patted.

While this is happening we introduce them to hard feed so when they go for weaning they are used to it.

Nigel McGrath recently inspected the foals and said: “the more you can handle the foals while they are young the easier you make my job”. For me, it is a new and enjoyable experience playing with the foals and I have even learnt how to get the mares and foals from one end of the property to the holding paddock by just going out with a bucket and having them follow me in without any fanfare of them charging around the paddock getting stressed.

Last year when it was time to send the foals off to be weaned, the Majestic

truck arrived with the office lady as the driver and Graeme said “we don’t need to send the mares with the foals, they’ll be all right on their own”.

She protested and said Don Bates who was doing the weaning wouldn’t accept them without the mares. I rang Don and he reluctantly said if you think they’ll be OK, no worries.

Well it took no more than 20 minutes to load each of three foals as they were calmly led up the truck ramp.

The driver promptly asked Graeme if he would like a job as it was the easiest foal loading she had had. They unloaded without any problem and according to Don were easy to wean.

The attached photo shows Graeme Munro in the double crush patiently standing holding, would you believe, our recent foal colt out of The Secret (standing alongside) by Auckland Reactor. He is a big boy who looked like he was three weeks old when he was born and is very gentle and easy to handle.

North Island Round-up

North Island Committee

North Island Standardbred Breeders’ Association (NISBA) held their Annual General Meeting in January which resulted in several changes to the committee. The new officers are: • • •

President: Revell Douglas; Vice Presidents: Jay Abernethy and Tony Dickinson; Secretary: Karen McLeod.

Members thanked out-going President Bruce Carter, out-going Vice President Rob Carr and hardworking secretary Coralee Carr for their many years of loyal service.

NISBA Northern Grass Track Bonus won by Elisaveta

A win by Elisaveta at the Kumeu TC meeting at Avondale was enough for the Peter Blanchard trained mare to secure the North Island Standardbred Breeders’ Association Northern Grass Track bonus. The 5 year-old was aided by a typically aggressive Brent Mangos drive to nose out race favourite Walk Of Fame (Tony Herlihy).

Gwenedene had a one point lead heading into the day but was not nominated for the Kumeu TC meeting. The bonus has been run over meetings at Te Awamutu, Thames, Morrinsville, Tauranga, Ruakaka and Avondale on a 3-2-1 points basis.

Blanchard, who has trained 16 winners this season in partnership with Graeme Rogerson, is also the co-owner of the Grinfromeartoear mare, along with A J Hughes. Elisaveta is a daughter of a Washington V C

mare named Boryana and is the first winner from the unraced, now 12 year-old. Elisaveta’s recent form also included a win at the Thames grass track meeting as well as a second at Tauranga and a third at Morrinsville.

The owners will receive a $1500 Stallion Service voucher to be used for a stallion service of their choice, kindly donated by the North Island Standardbred Breeders’ Association.

Another NISBA bonus series is currently being run for the Central Districts.

“The bonus was an idea from the Committee that could benefit the lesser grade fillies and mares to encourage them to keep racing.

We liked the fact that we would be benefiting breeders from all around the North Island.” commented NISBA President, Revell Douglas.

NISBA was also involved in the formation of the $20,000 NISBA Charles Roberts Stakes that raced on Friday 27th February at Alexandra Park. The Roberts family kindly donated a service to American Ideal as well as a trophy for the event.

The C4-C8 race included Dunstan Series winner The Fascinator, River Polka, Anvils Quest, however recent Franklin Cup winner Lancewood Lizzie was too good for them and won convincingly by one and onequarter lengths.

Central Districts Bonus

The NISBA Central Districts Bonus is still in progress with a $1500 Stallion voucher prize. Leaders, as at end of February, were: Driving The Dragon on 15 points, Eyre Hostess on 12 points and Dragon Lady on 11 points.

North Island Breeders’ Forum

The forum jointly hosted by NZSBA

and NISBA was very well attended. A full report is available on page 31.

2015 Classic Yearling Sale at Karaka

The NISBA, as is tradition, hosted members, overseas buyers and guests in the Breeders’ Marque on both Parade and Sales day. A BBQ, snacks and drinks went down well and gave the Committee a chance to welcome and inform perspective buyers and recruit members. From a North Island (and industry as a whole) point of view it was very pleasing to see an increase in average, for this sale, from $31,305 to $41,000 - a 32.7% increase. This result gives breeders more confidence for the next breeding season.

Breeding Initiatives

With breeding numbers again down for the 2014/15 season the NISBA is being proactive by putting forward proposals for breeding initiatives.

One that was discussed at the North Island forum is a Mares Breeding Credit Scheme. The aim of this is to get more winning mares bred as currently only 65% of winning mares go to stud. If these mares have a stallion credit attached they will become more attractive as a breeding proposition and may be raced longer to gain more credits.

Finally, it has been pleasing to see that North Island Membership has increased to 159 with some still to renew.

Revell Douglas President, NISBA

BREEDER PROFILE - Phil Creighton

by Duane Ranger

Phil Creighton didn’t think his harness racing world could get any better… that was until he walked away from the New Zealand Premier Yearling Sale in Christchurch last month.

The 67-year-old company manager, who specialises in the manufacturing of high quality clothing, has had quarter shares in Major Mark, Fly Like An Eagle, and still has 25 per cent ownership in Border Control, Follow The Stars and Kept Under Wraps with his wife Margaret.

Pictured from left to right: Stewart Gillan, Margaret and Phil Creighton

“I thought running one-two with Follow The Stars and Kept Under Wraps in the Breeders Crown Final and winning the New Zealand Derby with Fly Like An Eagle was pretty good, but I think this beats it all,” Creighton said.

The East Taieri (Otago) businessman, breeder, and horse owner was referring to a brown yearling colt named Bollinger.

The good looking son of Bettor’s Delight and Asabella was lot 174 and fetched a Sales high of $200,000 for Creighton and Stewart Gillan, of Lochiel.

“I always thought I enjoyed racing over breeding. I’ve been lucky enough to race some very nice horses, lining up in some big Group

PAGE 16

One events, but after walking away from the Sales I’m not so sure now.

“I was absolutely gobsmacked. I knew he was a very nice colt but I didn’t think he would sell for that much. It’s a real credit to Graeme and Anne Mee (Wingatui) who prepared him,” said Creighton, who operates under the name Glenbrook Park Standardbreds, Mosgiel.

Creighton was the star vendor at the Sale. His four lots sold for an average of $77,750.

He sold a Mach Three - Cartier filly: Lot 209 - Jewels And Gems for $71,000; Lot 293: Bettor’s Delight - Holmes Town Girl colt named Save This Day for $22,000; and Lot 418: Bettor’s Delight -Princess Of Diamonds filly named Powder Blue for $18,000.

Bollinger, a brother to the well performed Ohoka’s Bondy and Dancing Diamonds, was bought by Emilio and Mary Rosati, of Sydney.

The couple paid $170,000 for Major Stride, the top price at the 2013 sale.

That son of Art Major and Asabella colt has won one of his three starts for Prebbleton trainer Dave Anderson.

Ricky May was the driver.

“I was shocked back when Dancing Diamonds fetched $110,000 and then Major Stride went for $170,000.

I never dreamed I would get $200,000 for a colt. She’s a wonderful broodmare and this has to be my alltime high. I don’t think I will ever get $200,000 again.” Creighton said.

Asabella is by In The Pocket and

out of A Smooth Fella mare named Bellismo. She won two races for Creighton and Gillan.

She has a Somebeachsomewhere colt at foot, is in foal to Art Major, and will next be served by Bettor’s Delight.

“She won just over $54,000 on the racetrack for us and has now proved even more valuable as a broodmare.

She was out of a beautifully shaped mare who had a wonderful conformation.

“I always believe that if the mares are beautifully built then their daughters will carry on that line – and that has

proved to be the case with Asabella,” Creighton said.

Because he travels a lot with his work, Creighton believed he was taking a lot of the credit that his wife Margaret deserved.

“She’s the rock behind our breeding business. Margaret has a great affinity with the horses and always has them looking beautiful. In fact that was one of the main comments we got at the Sale. A lot of trainers told us just how good our team was presented. Thank-you Graeme and Anne as well.Our horses eat the best food. A horse’s diet is very important.

We don’t renege on that. We take

a lot of pride in presentation. That helped raise the price, I’m sure,” Creighton said.

Creighton was born in Dunedin and educated at Bayfield High School. He started breeding standardbreds 30 years ago from his Mosgiel property with his foundation mare The Vivid Rainbow.

Then, when he got too many horses for his property, he relocated to East Taieri, about 15 years ago.

“I can’t believe how far we have come. This was our best sale yet. It’s still all a bit of a dream. It will be very hard to topple that,” Creighton said.

KLONDIKE KID Admirals Galley (Laag) – Escrow Danser (Direct Scooter) Okay, so he’s not the commercial breeder’s choice – but he has left some nice types,

LIKE …

• Ireby Betty (3 wins, Aus$17,328) • Aidan’s Rocket (3 wins, $15,770) • Aereus Maximus (3 wins, Aus$17,578) ... not bad for a stallion whose oldest are only five, considering his small crop numbers to date. And the best part? A service to him next season will still only cost you $750.

You’d be hard-pressed to find better value, really. www.goStallions.co.nz

GOLDEN GIRLS MARES’ SERIES

The Breeders’ “Golde

$236,000 total stakes - nationally THE BREEDERS’ GOLDEN GIRLS SOUTHLAND SERIES

$40,000 TOTAL STAKES

1. A series of four (4) heats culminating in a final to be held on 24 May 2015 for 4YO and older mares assessed at c0-c1 also C2 with winning stakes up to and including $10,000 for lifetime at the close of nominations of the first heat.

2. Heats and finals all in Otago/Southland region:

Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3 Heat 4 Final

Winton HRC 19 April 2015 Gore HRC 27 April 2015 Forbury Park 8 May 2015 Invercargill 16 May 2015 Winton HRC 24 May 2015

$7,500 $7,500 $7,500 $7,500 $10,000

Winton heat and final mile mobile, all other heats will be 1700 metre mobile events, with a preferential barrier draw based on assessment then winning stakes.

THE BREEDERS’ GOLDEN GIRLS OTAGO SERIES

$40,000 TOTAL STAKES

1. A series of four (4) heats culminating in a final to be held on 24 May 2015 for 4YO and older mares assessed at c0-c1 also C2 with winning stakes up to and including $10,000 for lifetime at the close of nominations of the first heat.

2. Heats and finals all in Otago/Southland region:

Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3 Heat 4 Final

Forbury Park Forbury Park Forbury Park Forbury Park Forbury Park

29 May 2015 4 June 2015 11 June 2015 18 June 2015 26 June 2015

$7,500 $7,500 $7,500 $7,500 $10,000

All heats and the final will be 1700 metre mobile events, with a preferential barrier draw based on assessment then winning stakes.

THE BREEDERS’ GOLDEN GIRLS SUNSHINE SERIES

$32,500 TOTAL STAKES

1. A series of three (3) heats culminating in a final to be held on 5 July 2015 for 4YO and older mares assessed at c2-c3 also C4 with winning stakes up to and including $30,000 for lifetime at the close of nominations of the first heat.

2. Heats and finals all in the Greater Canterbury region:

Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3 Final

Nelson Nelson Rangiora Timaru

5 June 2015 7 June 2015 28June 2015 5 July 2015

$7,500 $7,500 $7,500 $10,000

Nelson heats will be 1609 other events 2000 metre mobile, the final will be 2000 metre mobile - all with a preferential barrier draw based on assessment then winning stakes.

3. Any mare winning two heats will be ineligible to contest any further heats within the same series.

4. A mare can start in as many heats as it wishes (subject to condition) 5. A mare must start in at least one heat to be eligible to contest the final. The first (3) place getters in each heat automatically qualify for the Final. Automatic qualifiers are ineligible to compete in any other race on the night of the final. The balance of the field for the final shall be selected by the Winton HRC from those mares that competed in the heats.

6. Any mare accepted for an abandoned heat would fulfil the criteria for final eligibility. However, those that have started in a heat will have selection preference.

7. It is necessary to nominate for the final. This includes those mares that are automatic qualifiers.

8. At least two (2) heats must be held for the final to be run. If only two heats are held, then the first five (5) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final. If only three (3) heats are held, then the first four (4) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final.

3. Any mare winning two heats will be ineligible to contest any further heats within the same series.

4. A mare can start in as many heats as it wishes (subject to condition) 5. A mare must start in at least one heat to be eligible to contest the final. The first (3) place getters in each heat automatically qualify for the Final. Automatic qualifiers are ineligible to compete in any other race on the night of the final. The balance of the field for the final shall be selected by the Forbury Park TC from those mares that competed in the heats.

6. Any mare accepted for an abandoned heat would fulfil the criteria for final eligibility. However, those that have started in a heat will have selection preference.

7. It is necessary to nominate for the final. This includes those mares that are automatic qualifiers.

8. At least two (2) heats must be held for the final to be run. If only two heats are held, then the first five (5) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final. If only three (3) heats are held, then the first four (4) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final.

3. Any mare winning two heats will be ineligible to contest any further heats within the same series.

4. A mare can start in as many heats as it wishes (subject to condition) 5. A mare must start in at least one heat to be eligible to contest the final. The first (4) place getters in each heat automatically qualify for the Final. Automatic qualifiers are ineligible to compete in any other race on the night of the final. The balance of the field for the final shall be selected by the Timaru HRC from those mares that competed in the heats.

6. Any mare accepted for an abandoned heat would fulfil the criteria for final eligibility. However, those that have started in a heat will have selection preference.

7. It is necessary to nominate for the final. This includes those mares that are automatic qualifiers.

8. At least two (2) heats must be held for the final to be run. If only two heats are held, then the first five (5) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final.

en Girls” Series

Creating opportunities for our golden mares

THE BREEDERS’ GOLDEN GIRLS NORTHERN SERIES

$45,000 TOTAL STAKES

1. A series of three (3) heats culminating in a final to be held on 24 July 2015 for 4YO and older mares assessed at c1-c2 at the close of nominations of the first heat.

2. Heats and finals all at the Auckland TC meetings:

Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3 Final

Auckland Auckland Auckland Auckland

26 June 2015 3 July 2015 10 July 2015 24 July 2015

$10,000 $10,000 $10,000 $14,999

All heats and the final will be 1700 metre mobile events, with a preferential barrier draw based on assessment then winning stakes.

Stakes and conditions for this series may be subject to change.

THE BREEDERS’ GOLDEN GIRLS METRO SERIES

$36,500 TOTAL STAKES

1. A series of three (3) heats culminating in a final to be held on 31st July 2014 for 4YO and older mares assessed at c0-c1 also C2 with winning stakes up to and including $10,000 for lifetime at the close of nominations of the first heat.

2. Heats and finals all in the Greater Canterbury region:

Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3 Final

NZMTC NZMTC NZMTC NZMTC

3 July 2015 10 July 2015 17 July 2015 31 July 2015

$8,500 $8,500 $8,500 $11,000

All heats and the final will be 1950 metre mobile events, with a preferential barrier draw based on assessment then winning stakes.

THE BREEDERS’ GOLDEN GIRLS TROTTING SERIES $42,000 TOTAL STAKES 1. A series of four (4) heats culminating in a final to be held on 31st July 2014 for 4YO and older mares assessed at c0-c1 with handicapping earnings up to and including $10,000 for lifetime at the close of nominations of the first heat.

2. Heats and finals all in the Greater Canterbury region:

Heat 1 Heat 2 Heat 3 Heat 4 Final

Oamaru Rangiora Timaru NZMTC NZMTC

14 June 2015 28 June 2015 5 July 2015 17 July 2015 31 July 2015

$7,500 $7,500 $7,500 $8,500 $11,000

Heats will be either 2000 or 1950 metre mobile events, the final will be 1950 metre mobile with a preferential barrier draw based on assessment then winning stakes.

3. Any mare winning two heats will be ineligible to contest any further heats within the same series.

4. A mare can start in as many heats as it wishes (subject to condition) 5. A mare must start in at least one heat to be eligible to contest the final. The first (2) place getters in each heat automatically qualify for the Final. Automatic qualifiers are ineligible to compete in any other race on the night of the final. The balance of the field for the final shall be selected by the Auckland TC from those mares that competed in the heats.

6. Any mare accepted for an abandoned heat would fulfil the criteria for final eligibility. However, those that have started in a heat will have selection preference.

7. It is necessary to nominate for the final. This includes those mares that are automatic qualifiers.

8. At least two (2) heats must be held for the final to be run. If only two heats are held, then the first five (5) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final. If only three (3) heats are held, then the first four (4) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final.

3. Any mare winning two heats will be ineligible to contest any further heats within the same series.

4. A mare can start in as many heats as it wishes (subject to condition) 5. A mare must start in at least one heat to be eligible to contest the final. The first (2) place getters in each heat automatically qualify for the Final. Automatic qualifiers are ineligible to compete in any other race on the night of the final. The balance of the field for the final shall be selected by the NZMTC from those mares that competed in the heats.

6. Any mare accepted for an abandoned heat would fulfil the criteria for final eligibility.However, those that have started in a heat will have selection preference.

7. It is necessary to nominate for the final. This includes those mares that are automatic qualifiers.

8. At least two (2) heats must be held for the final to be run. If only two heats are held, then the first five (5) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final. If only three (3) heats are held, then the first four (4) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final.

3. Any mare winning two heats will be ineligible to contest any further heats within the same series.

4. A mare can start in as many heats as it wishes (subject to condition) 5. A mare must start in at least one heat to be eligible to contest the final. The first (2) place getters in each heat automatically qualify for the Final. Automatic qualifiers are ineligible to compete in any other race on the night of the final. The balance of the field for the final shall be selected by the NZMTC from those mares that competed in the heats.

6. Any mare accepted for an abandoned heat would fulfil the criteria for final eligibility. However, those that have started in a heat will have selection preference.

7. It is necessary to nominate for the final. This includes those mares that are automatic qualifiers.

8. At least two (2) heats must be held for the final to be run. If only two heats are held, then the first five (5) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final. If only three (3) heats are held, then the first four (4) placed mares in each heat automatically qualify for the final.

Canterbury Round-Up Since our last news update in December things have been rather quiet for the Canterbury Association over the Holiday season. However we are now starting to get back into the swing of things.

Easter Saturday Social Night at Addington.

Ladies get your diamonds and furs out, and gents dust off your ties. Celebrate Easter with us in style in the plush surroundings of Silks dining room at Addington Raceway.

The race programme includes:• The Group 1 Breckon Farms Easter Cup • The Group 3 2YO Trot • NZ Sires Stakes 2YO Fillies heat • An Amateur Drivers Race • The Canterbury Standardbred Breeders’ Stakes for 4YO and older mares.

Some vendors would have been ecstatic, and rightly so, as it’s great to see different vendors sharing in some of the top priced lots. This must help them in their decision to continue breeding for the sales in the years ahead. I know as I had an amazing result on one of our lots three years ago.

So, congratulations to those who received good prices. However not everyone receives the prices that they were expecting, but this is the auction system. You need to pick what the fashion will be two years out, and nature needs to give you the item that the prospective buyers want, and then it’s up to us as vendors to ensure that we do our part.

One aspect of auctions overseas that has been adopted by many companies here in NZ is a buyers’ premium being When: Easter Saturday 4th April charged. Congratulations

doors open 5pm to our auctioneers, PGG Where: Second Floor, Members Lounge Wrightsons, for not Cost: $50 introducing this additional charge.

However with the continual increase in The area that we have been able costs, they will one day have to to secure is limited to 80 people. review whether or not the entry So if you would like to be part of fee continues to cover all their the fun and action please contact expenses.

Robyn Boyle on (03) 352 2820 or 027 2173643 and book your tickets The CSBA/Prodigal Seelster now. Strictly prepaid ticket entry Summer Of Speed Race Series only.

This series proved its worth with There will be an Easter Raffle, and many horses recording sub 2:00 many spot prizes. We have invited minute times, the fastest being the a special guest whom we hope will John McDermott trained Supreme “hop” in.

Gem which took a time of 1:53.7 in the third heat. While the industry Yearling Sales only recognises winning times in Both the North Island and the a horses pedigree, we had 14 sub Christchurch Sales saw big 1:55 times recorded. increases in the total sales turnover.

PAGE 20

The $16,000 Final had a field of 10 line up, with the winner being New Years Jay with a time of 1:54.6. She received a warm welcome into the birdcage after the race due to the sad passing of Steve Anderton who was related to the owners.

Unfortunately the final was robbed by not having Supreme Gem( 1:53.7) compete as she suffered a leg injury during training.

The sponsor gave out three free services to Prodigal Seelster for the series.

One to the fastest heat winner: Supreme Gem 1:53.7.

One to the winner of the final: New Years Jay 1:54.6 One being a draw from every starter in the series: Hit the Spot.

NZMTC Breeders Bonus Last season the NZ Metropolitan Trotting Club’s Breeders Bonus saw over $100,000 being paid out to the breeders of races at Addington, provided that they were members of the Breeders Association.

These bonus payments were paid to breeders from Auckland right down to Southland. We, the breeders, must say a great thanks to the NZMTC Club. This bonus system is yet another reason to be a member of your local Breeders Association.

Regards and until next time Noel Kennard

CSBA Prodigal Seelster Heat and Final Winners Dam Breeder

Heat 1: Methven. Dec 7th 1st Maiden Rome 2nd KC Monet 3rd Sell A Bit

1:59.1 1:59.2 1:59.2

Jazz Tempo Kamwood Cully Nomorenuki

Elrae Lodge Sheldon Murtha, Tony Love & Michele House Mrs Catherine Hey

Heat 2: NZMTC. Dec 19th 1st Sell A Bit 1:56.6 Nomorenuki Mrs Catherine Hey 2nd Justalittlebettor 1:56.8 Wipe The Floor John Thompson 3rd Eva Sophnally 1:56.9 Dancing Holmes Mrs Val Nyhan Heat 3: Ashburton. Dec 26th 1st Supreme Gem 1:53.7 Flying Sands Peter Cowan 2nd Stradowan 1:53.9 Gowanlea Mike Stratford 3rd Eva Sophnally 1:54 Dancing Holmes Mrs Val Nyhan Heat 4: NZMTC. January 16th 1st New Years Jay 1:55.9 Jays Glen Brian Anderton & Bryan Kennedy 2nd Woodlea DJ 1:56.2 Secacus Sharon & Tom Twidle 3rd Sell A Bit 1:56.3 Nomorenuki Mrs CatherineHey FINAL: Ashburton. February 7th 1st New Years Jay 1:54.6 3rd Eva Sophnally 1:55 3rd Secret Lotion 1:55

Jays Glen Dancing Holmes Putting On The Glitz

Brian Anderton & Bryan Kennedy Mrs Val Nyhan Studholme Bloodstock

PRODIGAL SEELSTER Camluck (Cam Fella) – Platinum Seelster (Western Hanover) Thanks to all the breeders who took advantage of our unique offer in the season just finished, and bred their mare to Prodigal Seelster

FOR FREE If you missed out, don’t worry - we’re doing the same thing again next season (conditions available on our website).

Let us pick up the tab while you wait for Mother Nature to do her thing! www.goStallions.co.nz

FAMILY NUMBERS What’s my (family) number??

Library books are classified using the Dewey system. Accountants prepare financial statements in accordance with prescribed accounting standards. The legal profession drafts laws into statutes.

The establishment of the Stud Book began in America with John Wallace who created the Trotting Register.

He argued that standard’ guidelines should be set for official recordings into the Stud Book. In 1879 the accepted benchmark was set as a mile rate of 2:30 thus establishing 2:30 as the official recognition for the basis of the standardbred and the benchmark for quality.

The American Trotting Register Association adopted a variety of rules to control admission to registration. “When an animal meets the requirements of admission and is duly registered, it shall be accepted as a standard-bred trotting animal”.

This standard became firmly established by the end of the nineteenth century.

Wallace’s index to the first ten volumes of his Standardbred Register in 1892 contained over sixteen thousand r e g i s t e r e d standardbred stallions and in

PAGE 22

by Peter Craig

excess of thirty thousand active Modern Era performers. Over the last brood mares. fifty years, the great majority of top performers have come from less than Ron Groves advises that: one hundred families with the leading twenty families making a significant “Over the last two hundred years, contribution.” almost 5000 maternal families have contributed to the evolution of the The following table supports those standardbred in America. Almost comments. In the decade and a bit half of these are either unknown or since the original Classic Families unnamed, most contributing a single (CF) numbering for North American performer. All but a few hundred families was created, the top twenty have been consigned to the pages of have remained the same, although history. Today, less than 500 maternal the order is now a little different, families survive and less than half making it possible to see those make any recognizable impact on families that are achieving most in the current era:

LEADING NORTH AMERICAN FAMILIES (CLASSIC WINS) to 1 February 2015

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SOUTHWIND VERNON Pine Chip - Valley Gogo Frozen Semen Available

LUXURY AS $5,000 plus GST SOUTHWIND EquiBreed NZ Ltd VERNON 399 Parklands Road RD 1, Te Awamutu $4,000 plus GST 07 870 1845 lee@equibreed.co.nz www.equibreed.co.nz

PAGE 23

The standardbred industry classifies its horse population into maternal families, descending from a source/ taproot/founding mare, and often assign a specific number to that particular family.

A variety of numbering systems have been created. Starting with North America: this US Trotting Association (USTA) Pathway database contains at least 1.5 million horses going back to the 19th century, all of which have family reference names. In 95% of cases, these names will be identical to those in Classic Families without the numbers allocated.

Heather Reid (Manager Sales and Stakes for Standardbred Canada) advises that she doesn’t foresee a numbering system being used in either Canada or the U.S.A. Many years ago a committee was set up to change the way they did their pedigrees and putting in stakes as in the thoroughbred catalogues ( e.g Grade 1, Grade 2 etc) but that fell through. Heather said many years ago she recommended that the requirements for bold case upper case and bold case lower case should be updated, also to no avail.

The U.S. sale companies (Lexington, Harrisburg etc.), United States Trotting Association and Canada would all have to agree to any new concept of family numbering and in her opinion she doesn’t see that happening.

My own review of a variety of North American catalogues confirms that no mention is made of maternal family names/numbering systems.

In Europe, only Italy list family names in catalogues - similar to USTA and have included them in their stud books for the past forty years.

They are almost identical to CF in

PAGE 24

name. The CF numbering system is gaining traction in the European trotting community through weekly newsletters distributed and/ or articles published on several popular websites; the major ones being Sweden (worldclasstrotting. com & hastkatalogen.se, Austria (trabrennzucht.at) and Slovakia (trotdb.info).

Australasia has seen several numbering systems developed and used over the years. These include:

PGG Wrightson Standardbreds

Peter Lagan from PGG Wrightson advised that their old family book records winners dating back to the 1900s with each family allocated a family number. The late Peter Rennell advised Peter that this was compiled in those days by Matson and Allan. Regarding the actual numbering system, there appears to be no particular rationale behind it. For example Pride Of Lincoln 1 is huge but so too is Norice and she is accorded number 72. North American pedigrees have no family number allocated, instead just the family name is used.

It is likely that the NZ numbering system was first utilised (in published format) by H. Matson & Co, in conjunction with Wright, Stevenson & Co, at the time of first annual national yearling sales on 3 Nov 1944. Until 1983, the NZ yearling sales catalogues showed the family number only (not name) in the maternal line of each pedigree. Each catalogue had a table of family names equating to these family numbers. Since 1983, the family name and number appear below the four generation pedigree on each catalogue page. In addition, until 2003, the number of family members in 2 minutes was also provided.

Ian Daff

Ian Daff is a Victorian, whose numerous publications, especially his “Black Books” became industry bibles for many in the latter part of the twentieth century. Ian’s publications included : • • • •

Standardbred Families in Australasia Ian Daff’s Breeding Manual The Standardbred in Australia (1983) Ian Daff’s Black Book of Harness Racing (1988 and 1996)

Daff’s publications incorporated his own numbering system, probably based on most winners, however many families (US) were linked further back. A significant number of NZ families went back to Australian mares. Ian’s collation of better Australasian harness horses was limited to the post 1940’s period. As John Peck of Melbourne, who wrote the forewords to the Standardbred in Australia and the Black Books, noted; they were phenomenal works of research and collation considering everything had to be handwritten and then typed. I concur entirely.

The Daff numbering system identified both the relationship and generation of the standardbred.

Each dam is an ancestress of every horse tabulated until a number corresponding to her own is reached.

A mare is the dam of every horse carrying a number one higher than her own, until a horse bearing her number comes along. For example Pride of Lincoln (family no. 1) is dam of Thelma; Thelma is dam of Cameos; Cameos is dam of Onyx and Intagilo etc. Where a horse is tagged with the number 6, it indicates that it is six generations removed from the foundation mare

FAMILY NUMBERS CONTINUED...

Classic Families (CF)

A worldwide standardbred pedigree database (www.classicfamilies.net) was developed in the early 2000’s

by Western Australian based Ron Groves. It is the most comprehensive numbering system in existence and superior to all others. A logical numbering system based on the number of classic winners produced (2005 in total) has been allocated to all maternal families originating in North America (U), Australia (A) or New Zealand (N).

The family number adopted reflects BOTH success and an indication of when that success occurred.

A more detailed explanation of the CF family numbering system follows:

NORTH AMERICAN FAMILIES :

U 1-199 are the current performing families; U200-299 are those that had not performed since the 1980’s (alive

with only some having performed again in the last few years); U300399 are families that had largely been exported to Australia or NZ and were still active in Australasia but not so much in America; U400499 are those exported to Europe with the same results; U500-1295 are basically defunct but once great (e.g. Billy Direct U500), with some of these having since come to life briefly; U1296-12999 are odds and ends with little known about pedigrees. U1300-U3000 are basically defunct sire line families with small contributions.

NEW ZEALAND FAMILIES: New Zealand numbers were formed using the same reasoning as adopted for North America.

AUSTRALIAN FAMILIES: Australian numbers were formed using the same reasoning as adopted for North America.

The CF) numbering system is used in all Australian Pacing Gold (APG) Sales catalogues.

EUROPEAN FAMILIES: The European numbers are arranged by country of origin of the root mare commencing with France (E1 - E299), then Germany, Italy, Denmark etc. CF originally split Europe into countries due to the then small number of classic performers.

France was the dominant country by number and were allocated the first 299 numbers based on the 1990 publication “Lignees Classiques du Trotteur Francais”. Numbers above 1000 are mostly defunct sire line families with small contributions.

There is no universal or uniform family numbering system in use worldwide.

LEADING NEW ZEALAND FAMILIES to 1 February 2015

NUTRITION choices in feeding young, growing horses Proper feed management is critical for those who are feeding young, growing horses. Type and availability of forage, variation in amount and frequency of grain meals, and each horse’s individual metabolism and body type must be considered in order to meet the needs of these young equines. Fortunately, there are many ways to design feeding programs that will provide the necessary nutrition in a variety of settings.

In many areas of the world, growing horses are individually given a measured amount of feed on a daily basis. This is the best case scenario for feeding young horses.

Unfortunately, many breeders of horses are unable to feed their young stock individually.

In these situations, young horses are fed in groups where one horse can potentially monopolise the feed.

A feed product destined for use in this type of situation would need to have either a low energy content or a low intake to prevent excessive growth, but still have a safe level of fortification to provide each horse with critical nutrients for growth.

This type of product is commonly called a ration balancer. Each of these variables provides a series of challenges for delivering the proper amount of diet fortification. Once this information is put together, a properly balanced grain or ration balancer can be designed to create a suitable diet.

The following are samples of diets that can be used for a 12-month-old yearling weighing 715 lb (324 kg),

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by Kentucky Equine Research Staff

gaining 1.1 lb (0.5 kg) per day with an expected mature weight of 1,100 lb (500 kg).

lb (7 kg) of pasture dry matter/day along with 1.25 lb (0.5 kg) of a ration balancer/horse/day.

Example 1

Example 2

The first feeding situation is an example for supplying critical nutrients using three different levels of grain intake, (moderate, low, and minimal). In this example, the yearling diet consists of free-choice access to good-quality pasture, with concentrate feeding twice daily.

Variations in this example could have the yearling on a moderate grain intake (8 lb or 3.5 kg/horse/ day) with an estimated intake of pasture dry matter of 12 lb or 5 kg/ horse/day. The yearling could also be on low grain intake, receiving 4.5 lb (2 kg) of grain/horse/day with pasture dry matter intake estimated at 15.5 lb (7 kg)/horse/day. Since the yearling is eating less grain per day, the concentration of nutrients in that grain must be higher to satisfy the nutrient requirements, which will require a different concentrate with a lower feeding rate.

Finally, for owners who want to feed the absolute minimum amount of grain necessary to their horses on good-quality pastures, it is possible for the yearling in this example to consume enough pasture to satisfy requirements for digestible energy and protein and to maintain a moderate level of growth. However, the concentration of critical nutrients (calcium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc) is often inadequate in a pastureonly diet. To properly balance the diet in this situation, it is estimated the yearling will consume nearly 16

In this scenario, the horse owner is free-choice feeding good-quality alfalfa hay to our example yearling.

The alfalfa diet is supplying adequate energy, protein, and calcium to support the desired moderate growth rate, but is marginal in phosphorus, copper, and zinc. This is a common situation for young, growing horses in the western United States where high-quality alfalfa hay is common. To properly balance this diet, one would want to feed a ration balancer that provided essential phosphorus, copper, and zinc but did not add a significant amount of energy, protein, or calcium since these nutrients are already in excess.

A diet might consist of alfalfa (15.5 lb or 7 kg/horse/day) and 1.5 lb (0.7 kg) of a specially formulated ration balancer to be fed with alfalfa hay.

This type of mixing pellet is unique since it contains low protein (9%), an inverted ratio of calcium to phosphorus, and high trace mineral concentrations. This type of ration balancer should be used only in diets for horses eating predominantly alfalfa hay (where 50% of the forage consists of alfalfa).

Example 3

Despite the best efforts of the owners, our example yearling has been diagnosed with developmental orthopedic disease (DOD). The veterinary surgeon involved has suggested an energy-restricted diet

to avoid any further rapid weight gain. It is important to realise that an energy-restricted diet will decrease the rate of gain; however, the skeleton of the yearling will continue to grow. The end result is a yearling that has grown taller, but has become progressively thinner. Since the skeleton of the yearling continues to grow, even on an energy-restricted diet, it is important that the horse receive adequate levels of essential nutrients required for growth. To feed this yearling at approximately 70% of energy requirements, with adequate nutrients to support continued skeletal growth, the diet would consist of 11 lb (5 kg) of mixed hay (alfalfa/grass) plus 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) of a ration balancer.

at a minimum rate of 8 lb or 3.6 kg/ horse/day. These directions were designed to provide adequate dietary fortification.

then consist of 14 lb or 6.3 kg of mixed hay/horse/day, 4 lb (1.8 kg) of grain concentrate, and 1lb (0.45 kg) of ration balancer.

Unfortunately, the owners of the horse do not want to feed any more than 5 lb (2 kg) of grain/ horse/day. If they feed 5 lb (2 kg) of this grain/horse/day along with a mixed hay (14 lb or 6.3 kg/horse/ day), the yearling will be marginal in phosphorus, copper, and zinc intake. To provide essential nutrients, while still adhering to the owners’ maximum of 5 lb (2 kg) of grain/ horse/day rule, the intake of mixed hay remains constant while the level of grain concentrate is dropped from 5 lb/day to 4 lb/day.

Example 4

The remaining 1lb, which has been set aside for grain intake, is provided as a ration balancer rather than the normal grain. The finished diet will

Because nutritional imbalances have been recognized as one potential cause of DOD in young, growing horses, it is important that the diets of young horses be properly balanced with nutrients known to be critical to proper development. Understanding the essential nutrients and their requirements is the first step in properly feeding young horses. One must also understand the many variables associated with feeding these growing equines. Once this information is put together, a properly balanced grain or ration balancer can be designed to make the diet appropriate.

The directions on the feed bag suggest that our example yearling should receive the grain concentrate

SUPPER WALTZ WILSON Top NSW trotter has strong pacing background

by Peter Wharton The New Zealand bred gelding Supper Waltz Wilson, which hoisted a season’s trotting record of 1:54.9 at Menangle last October, has been one of the stars of the summer racing in New South Wales.

He has won four and been four times placed from his last nine starts – all at Menangle – netting almost $40,000.

All told, he has won 32 races with 27 placings for a stakes tally of $221,818.

In his record mile, the gelding clocked his first quarter in 28.3 seconds and reached the half in 58.2. He carved out the last half in 56.7 racing on the outside without cover.

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Bred by the late Duncan Neilson and his wife, Denise, of Apiti, a small rural township in Northern Manawatu, Supper Waltz Wilson was got by the Speedy Crown line sire Dr Ronerail, the sire of Australia’s current leading trotter Keystone Del and the dual Derby winner Arizona Blue.

Breanoram, the dam of Supper Waltz Wilson, was a daughter of Greener Pastures, an Abercrombie horse closely related to fine American pacers in Barnett Hanover (now at stud in WA), Megamind and Westwardho Hanover.

Supper Waltz Wilson ranks as a halfbrother to a top trotter in Toitin, a winner of six in NZ before being exported to America where he earned $203,160 and took a mile mark of 1:55.6, and also to a smart pacer in Daiban 1:52.6 ($206,488), a Manawata Cup winner which later won 40 races in USA. Other siblings included Kristine Winz and Emilia, which both won five races trotting.

Breanoram, which was unraced, was out of Bobbie Lobell, by Nat Lobell from Aoranam, a prolific producer by

Out To Win from Lady Bobs, by Young Bob (grandson of Globe Derby) from Honesty, by Noble Scott from the Jack Potts mare Straight and tracing eventually to the noted ancestress Linton.

Preux Chevalier, Roydon Glen, Hands Downs and co. His other successes included the NZ Flying Mile, Champion Stakes, Cambridge 4YO Classic, Easter Free-for-all and the Te Awamutu Cup.

Also unraced, Bobbie Lobell left two pacing winners including the exported Bestoranam 1:56 and was the third dam of the Adelaide winner Irish Philosophy 1:56.7.

Others from this tribe included Mach And Me 1:58.4, which won the $300,000 Australian Pacing Gold 2YO Fillies Final, Bojangles 1:54.2 ($178,732), Artache 1:55.5 ($101,696), George Dubya 1:55.9 ($100,283) and Luvumum 1:57.6, winner of last year’s Victoria Sapling Stakes.

The most distinguished member of this family was a top flight pacer in Borana 1:58.4 ($379,650), winner of the 1985 New Zealand Cup beating

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It can well be said that Supper Waltz Wilson – the fastest trotter in Australia this season - comes from a family background which has distinguished itself as one which has produced top pacers rather than star trotters.

Supper Waltz Wilson may however change the rules!

ARDEN ROONEY Hunter Cup winner from Black Watch tribe

by Peter Wharton Arden Rooney, which captured the $400,000 A. G. Hunter Cup, the main race of the Summer of Glory carnival at Melton, is a Bettor’s Delight gelding from the same family as that which produced the 2011 Hunter Cup winner Stunin Cullen.

Arden Rooney, which was passed in for $16,000 at the NZ yearling sales after failing to reach his reserve, has only been sparingly raced but he has shown up as a very smart pacer, and it was a strong field he beat at Melton.

From 37 starts he has run up a tidy score of 12 wins and 14 placings for $505,143 in stakes.

Arden Rooney and Stunin Cullen both trace directly to the Berlin mare Regina (foaled NZ 1885). Her list of descendants include horses the calibre of Il Vicolo, Comedy Lad, Smooth Falcon, Trusty Scot, Garry Dillon, Grand Mogul, Logan Chief and Native Chief.

Arden Rooney however is the first Hunter Cup winner from the Black Watch branch of this noted family.

Bred by the late Noreen Stiven, of Tapanui in the Southland district, he was got by Bettor’s Delight from Tosca Hanover, a Waikato bred mare by the Big Towner horse Walton Hanover, a former USA 2YO of the Year from the Delightful D family, and which proved a successful sire in both America and Australia.

Besides Arden Rooney, Tosca Hanover is also the dam of Arden Torres 1:58.3, a winner of six races and $44,104, and the recent threeyear-old winner Maritime Arden.

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Tosca Hanover was out of Tosti, a lightly raced mare which became the dam of a smart youngster in The Reckoning 1:57.6 ($289,295), with 12 successes including the NZ Yearling Sales 2YO Series and the Great Northern Stakes, Tossed Out 1:56 (USA), Svelte Celt 2:02.2 (9 wins) and the producing mares Toast Of The Ball (dam of BB’s Inspiration 1:58.9) and Tosca Hanover (the dam of Arden Rooney).

Tosti was a Soky’s Atom mare from Aberfeldy, by Mark Lobell from Black Watch, by Scottish Command.

Besides Tosti, Aberfeldy, which was unraced, left a top flight pacer in Reba Lord 1:56 ($384,880), winner of the Inter Dominion Consolation and a multiple Group 1 placegetter, the NZ 2YO Filly of the Year Megaera 1:56.8 ($250,646) and others in Il Gusto 1:55 (USA), Marysia TT1:57.8 and the good Australian winners

Rebhan (NSW Carousel), Reba Nero and Rebec.

Aberfeldy, the NZ Broodmare of the Year in 2001, is also the granddam of the Australian Pacing Championship winner Sovereign Hill 1:55.5 ($432,555), Patch Adams 1:51.2 ($292,637), Black Reef 1:51.8 ($238,868), Mr Bojangles ($134,89) and Ohara ($134,131).

She is the third dam of last year’s Australian 2YO Filly of the Year Katy Perry 1:56.7 ($356,636), Breeders Crown and ID heat winner Keayang Cullen 1:53.2 ($371,648), NZ 2YO of the Year Jay’s Debut 1:53.2 ($276,110) and Bettor Dreams ($167,817).

The Black Watch family has had a terrific influence on NZ breeding through several branches.

NORTH ISLAND FORUM More than fifty breeders gave up their Sunday morning to participate in the second Breeders’ Forum at Alexandra Park, organised by the New Zealand and North Island Standardbred Breeders’ Associations.

It was pleasing to see commercial and hobby breeders under the one roof having their say.

John Mooney and Kiely Buttell from NZSBA gave an overview of who our breeders are and an update on the breeders survey which was sent to all breeders who no longer have involvement in harness racing.

New Zealand breeders predominantly breed one or two mares per year and are aged over 50. Over 50% retain ownership in their progeny, so they are not only shouldering breeding costs but education and training costs on top. It is from this sector we are losing breeders; costs have simply outweighed returns.

Edward Rennell, CEO Harness Racing New Zealand, gave a thorough overview of the industry, how the industry is funded, how that funding is distributed and what the priorities are for the future.

The good news is that average stakes are increasing. This is not being reflected as yet in enhanced breeding numbers, as decisions made last year and this year will take at least three years to show results on the track.

Trotting has also seen growth in its three key indicators: mares bred, individual horses to race and number of trotting races. The average trotting stake is now $10,380, compared with $10,639 for pacers.

Dominique Dowding, CEO Alexandra Park, gave a frank and honest evaluation of the industry in the North. Dominique made no apology

for their unrelenting focus on making harness racing viable in the North.

In order to be sustainable the Club has focussed on weaning itself from its reliance on gaming funds, and concentrating on increasing external revenue. The recent Blues contract and development of Greenlane West retail/apartments are examples of this in action.

This increase in revenue has seen stakes rise by 20%. There is frustration when trainers still elect to race at other venues for lesser stakes, rather than race at the Park where there is a perception of not being competitive.

An alarming statistic provided was that the majority of harness trainers earn less than $40,000 p.a. Whilst a number of trainers adopt excellent business and communication practises there is still a significant number that need to address these areas.

Franklin Park is being developed to ensure the future generations of trainers have an affordable venue in which to train, leading to rejuvenation of the ownership and breeding bases.

After the presentations, those participating were asked to break out into groups to discuss the topics raised. It was heartening to see breeders – both commercial and hobbyists – working together to discuss the issues and seeking solutions with respect for all opinions, whether from left field or not.

These key themes came from the discussions: • Create a mares’ credit or breeders’ bonus scheme that will filter down to the one-to-two breeders; • Pay an appearance fee to all horses (the easiest way to give a financial incentive to all

• •

• •

•

•

•

•

participants) which will filter to breeders who make up over 50% of owners; Develop an industry-wide loyalty scheme; Create a new, innovative and attractive product that appeals to the younger audience – short, sharp and interactive; Utilise technology to grab attention and interact with a new audience; Make it easier for people to enter the industry. Research shows the majority of participants start their racing journey by visiting the track. This first port of call must be an exceptional experience, and a clear pathway to the next steps of punting, ownership and breeding must be developed and implemented by clubs; Marketing to focus on the drama, contest and passion of harness racing. Return on investment is not the main reason participants enter the industry; Look at two tiers of racing – metropolitan and ‘grass roots’ – to ensure all classes of horses are catered for; Focus on ways of ensuring horses get to race regularly over a season – no excitement factor in the paddock plus supports industry – conditioned programming vital Ensure all trainers present a professional image – as much as clubs, they are the shop window for the industry.

NZSBA has gathered all views given by participants and will incorporate these ideas into their strategic planning day at the end of May. A similar forum will be announced shortly for Canterbury.

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