Breeding Matters | September 2016 by New Zealand Standardbred Breeders' Association

B R E E D I N G M AT T E R S September 2016

STARTING OCTOBER 4TH

TUESDAYS 7:30PM

TAB TRACKSIDE 1

A Rocknroll Dance* $6,000 Alta Christiano $2,750 Amore Stride $2,500 Art Major $12,000 Auckland Reactor $3,000 Betterthancheddar $4,000 Elsu $2,200 Grinfromeartoear $3,000 Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Watching $6,000 Mach Three $11,000 Majestic Son $5,000 Peak $2,500 Rock N Roll Heaven $7,000 Roll With Joe $5,500 (fully booked) Shadow Play $4,000 Sportswriter $4,500 Sunshine Beach $4,000

THE ALABAR

CLASS

2016

WELCOMES THE NEW RECRUITS

*Standing at Nevele R

A L A B A R ( N Z ) LT D

09 232 1800

alabar@alabar.co.nz alabar.co.nz South Island Rep, Ivan Behrnes

03 615 6332 / 027 615 6119

Breeding Matters_Sires Book 2016 Alabar general ad.indd 1

DISCOUNTS FOR MULTIPLE MARES POLF OPTION AVAILABLE ON SOME STALLIONS

(LOADING APPLIES)

ALL FEES SHOWN EXCLUDE GST SEMEN AVAILABLE AT APPROVED LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND

22/09/16 1:55 PM

:55 PM

CONTENTS Executive Manager’s Report Brad Reid

Quality Abounds In New Sires To Australia Peter Wharton

Their Future Determines Our Future John Mooney

Charity 39 Duane Ranger

Getting Your Mare Back In Foal : The Do’s And Don’ts of Foal Heat Breeding Dr Petra Hazlett New Faces Bruce Steward

8 10

Feeding The Broodmare During Late Pregnancy And Lactation For Optimal Foal Health

Working With Tesiopower - It’s Role in Planning Matters Ken McKay

Every Owner Needs To Agree John Mooney

Foaling And Colostrum Guidelines Dr Petra Hazlett

Export and Thrive John Mooney

The View From The Studs Duane Ranger Standard Bred | A World First Brad Reid

Check The Placenta Dr Lee Morris

Just A Small Town Girl Hayley Clarke

A New Chapter Brad Reid

Sweden - Elitloppet Tour 2016 Peter Craig

European Breeding Scene Dave Sanders

24 26

A Wiggle And A Jiggle To Horse Of The Year Honours! Jess Smith

Crombie Lockwood Golden Crosses Are Tricky Signposts To Read Bee Pears

From Jaccka To Macca Brad Reid

New Investor Breeders, Breeding And Taxation: An Update

A Broodmare Sire Record: Cullen’s Dominance Continues John Mooney

THE BREEDERS’ FOAL ALERT SERVICE The Breeders (NZSBA) will once again be utilising the highly popular Foal Alert message service for Standardbred breeders in New Zealand. Any breeder who has an orphan foal looking for a foster mare or who has a foster mare available is encouraged to contact The Breeders at their earliest convenience.

Last year we were able to find foster mares for 35+ orphan foals! Simply contact us with your details and we will send a text alert out to all breeders in the region requested in a prompt and timely manner.

TO REGISTER FOR THIS SERVICE: Please contact Brad on 021 683 995 or brad@thebreeders.co.nz BREEDING MATTERS

Page 3

Colonial Stallions It’s go time for a number of pacing and trotting stallions who for the first time will have progeny stepping out on our tracks in numbers. Their time is now with the likes of Bettor’s Delight, Mach Three, Art Major and Christian Cullen in their twilight. The ones I’ll be cheering for strongest will be Auckland Reactor & Sir Lincoln. Our colonial flag bearers have a great opportunity in strength of numbers to put their best feet forward. And, wouldn’t it be a great thing for our industry to see them succeed. If not for the gene pool and accessible stallions, but also ensuring some of the money spent on service fees stays on our shores. NZ Trotting Cup

EXECUTIVE MANAGER’S REPORT By Brad Reid | Executive Manager

Welcome to our first Breeding Matters for the 2016/17 Season! It’s been a hectic last few months with the production of the Sires Register, membership renewals and many of our pet projects coming together, all at once it would seem. At an early glance and with a smattering of members still to renew, we are on track to welcome 75 new members to the New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Association. This is a fantastic result and while I must admit I had hoped for more, Rome wasn’t built in a day and I find myself constantly reminded of that. What this association and our hard working affiliates/ volunteers have been able to achieve across the last 12 months has laid the platform from which The Breeders will continue to build upon. What am I looking forward to most this season? Standard Bred At time of writing this piece, we are five sleeps away from the premiere of Standard Bred, a world first in terms of a standardbred breeding series for television. Having recently put the first season preview to the market, the response from the public leaves little doubt in my mind that this is the way forward in terms of introducing our sport to new audiences.

It’s been a long time since the Cup field resembled the depth and quality of the good old days when the best Free for Allers went to battle most weeks. In recent times there have been no more than two or three serious chances of hoisting the silverware on the second Tuesday in November, at best! This year sees a field stacked with quality, and a number of genuine chances. From the up and comers of Lazarus, Have Faith in Me & Titan Banner, to the experience of Christen Me, Locarhburn, Tiger Tara & Smolda. Throw in the resurgent Franco Nelson and ever consistent Mossdale Conner and we have an eye-watering staying test worthy of the huge stake on offer! Breeding Numbers For all the hours and time spent in the office producing Breeding Matters, Breeders Weekly and the Sires Register and working with breeders around the country, the effectiveness of The Breeders will, wrongly or rightly, be judged by some on the number of mares served this season. While the steady decline of foals born over the last ten years is depressing, I have welcomed the challenge of contributing to rejuvenating what for many is now merely a hobby. By recognising and rewarding the achievements of our members we are creating an environment in which people feel both welcomed and important. It’s easy to forget why we do something we enjoy doing in the first place, especially when the financial returns are not there for all to enjoy. The early word from some of the major studs is positive, and bookings on this time last year are noticeably up. Whether this is just an early rush or a sign we are making progress, time will tell. With positive changes filtering from the top down by way of handicapping changes, stakes increases and new governance arrangements around the country, you get the sense that the sport pushes forward and towards a brighter tomorrow. Nothing will make me happier/prouder than seeing breeding numbers stabilize (or even better an increase), and with that I have my early New Year’s wish. Tell him he’s dreaming? Cheers

While we may struggle to get our other halves to sit down and watch race replays and reviews on The Box Seat, the quality of production coupled with a country calendar style feel and the dulcet tones of Sheldon Murtha will be a combo for all to enjoy! Page 4

BREEDING MATTERS

Bree

HE’S ABOUT TO TAKE OUR TROTTING BY STORM

MA J E ST I C SO N AN ABSOLUTE CHAMPION RACEHORSE WINNING THE US BREEDERS CROWN AND $1.9 MILLION IN STAKES

CONTACT US TO SEE IF YO U’RE E L IGIB L E FO R TH E ALAB AR TROT TI NG LOYALTY RE WARD O N MAJ E S TIC S O N, PEAK AND AMORE STRI DE S E RV I C E F E E

$5,000+GST

Achieving extraordinary deeds with small crops – the 2015/16 leading Trotting Sire in Australia and already the sire of 8 individual Group 1 winners In North America on 19 September his daughter, Royal Charm won the $436,000 Elegantimage Stakes for 3yo Trotting Fillies Has an amazing 199 two-year-olds this season (136 in NZ and 63 in Australia) – and the training reports are tremendous This is a great year to breed to Majestic Son and cash in on the impact of this huge crop

alabar@alabar.co.nz | alabar.co.nz South Island Rep: Ivan Behrnes 03 615 6332, 027 615 6119

Breeding Matters_Alabar_ FP_Majestic Son.indd 1

A LA B A R ( N Z ) LT D

09 232 1800

22/09/16 2:49 PM

THEIR FUTURE DETERMINES OUR FUTURE By John Mooney | NZSBA Chairman

How we look after our racehorses and broodmares both during their productive life and when it is over will be a major influencer on the on-going public acceptance of our sport. One of the many pleasures of my job is that you meet some really nice genuine people. People who put in massive voluntary effort and who love the standardbred. Michelle Morrison and Jackie Law and the teams that work with them as Recycled Standardbreds and Rehoming fall this category with abundance. On page 20 of this Breeding Matters is Hayley Clark’s piece on Michelle and her team. They are just one set of a number of people who undertake this work around the country. With the recent scandals in Australia over the greyhounds and the closing down of the sport in NSW animal welfare is a significant driving force in the social contract with the community that allows all forms of racing, and wagering on that racing. As a sport we need to be extremely aware of the issues and proactive in addressing the welfare of standardbreds in training, on the track, on the farm and after their productive life is over. HRNZ Policy HRNZ has an animal welfare policy and through the Rules quite a large set of statutory requirements for the proper care and treatment of horses. Breaches of those rules can result in serious penalties including disqualification, suspension and fines. The policy reads in part Harness Racing New Zealand Inc is committed to the welfare of horses involved in the wide range of harness racing related activities in New Zealand. The maintenance of legally accepted welfare standards is critical to the sustainability and integrity of the New Zealand Harness Racing industry. The policy (a) requires owners of animals, and persons in charge of animals, to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the physical, health, and behavioural needs of the animals are met in accordance with both— (i) good practice; and (ii) scientific knowledge; and

Page 6

(b) requires owners of ill or injured animals, and persons in charge of such animals, to ensure that the animals receive, where practicable, treatment that alleviates any unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress from which the animals are suffering (f) specifies certain minimum conditions that must be observed in relation to the transportation of animals. The duty of care to uphold these standards lies with the owners of the animal and those in charge of it as it conducts its racing activities. Care on rehoming Care is needed when rehoming a horse by both those seeking to place horses and rehoming folks themselves. We recently had a nasty incident where an ear plug rubber band was left on a mare after the races. This was not picked up by the trainer, the people who delivered the horse to the rehoming person or the rehoming person. A week later, after a closer examination of the mare which had been shaking her head, a rubber band was found to have caused a very nasty laceration had to be dealt with by a vet. The trainer on being made aware was deeply remorseful & paid the cost of treatment. Everyone needs to check for: • tongue ties; • rubber bands on ears; • loose shoes that could cause cuts; • any lacerations or wounds that need treatment. If a horse being given away has a need for treatment the owner has a residual obligation to ensure that the person receiving the horse accepts responsibility to have it treated. Alternatively they need to be responsible for the treatment costs. If an incident does happen which raises welfare issues then rehoming folks or those taking a retired horse can come to HRNZ or the Racing Integrity Unit. Failure to comply with animal welfare standards is treated seriously by the RIU. Cases of neglect will be investigated. Our future as a sport depends on many things coming together ethically and following best practice. Nothing will undo the contract with the community quicker that race horse mistreatment cases on Seven Sharp or in the Sunday Star Times front page. A good way to judge if something is ‘appropriate’ is to think what the front page headline might be with the photograph of the horse in whatever condition it may be in. The newspaper headline test of what is acceptable is fool proof.

BREEDING MATTERS

NET TEN EOM The Somebeachsomewhere siring line is becoming more dominant by the day! One of the greatest racehorses of all time who has already become a super sire must surely leave a champion stallion. That horse could be Net Ten EOM. By Somebeachsomewhere out of a champion Artsplace racemare, he’s bred on the same cross as the brilliant Captaintreacherous and is from a current US family consistently producing champions.

Net Ten EOM won in 1:49.4f and was race-timed in less than 1:50 on three occasions in a short racing career. • The first son of Somebeachsomewhere available to New Zealand breeders in 2014, Net Ten EOM claims both a sire and a dam as world champions. His dam, the illustrious Glowing Report (1:49.2), is in the Hall of Fame after a stellar race career that reaped 23 wins and $2.3 million in stakes. And his second dam Grand Lady (1:52.8), also in the Hall of Fame, has an astonishing record as a broodmare, producing 13 foals of racing age who’ve earned nearly $5 million. This family has produced eight in 1:49.4 or faster, including top performer Well Said.

• Net Ten EOM is a half-brother-in-blood to Well Said, sire of 2016 Meadowlands Pace winner Control The Moment. • With Direct Scooter blood close up on both sides of his family, Net Ten EOM appeals to New Zealand breeders. His first two-year-olds will hit the track in the US and NZ next year.

We can’t wait. Can you? For more information go to www.maccalodge.com

2016 Stud Fee: $3,000 + GST • Stud Fee if payable on live foal: $3,750 + GST Bookings to Brent & Sheree McIntyre Phone: (03) 202-5506 or (027) 752-2284 NZ Sires Stakes & Breeders Crown nominated

GETTING YOUR MARE BACK IN FOAL: THE DO’S AND DONT’S OF FO A L H E AT B R E E D I N G I like to assess each mare individually but some of the most important reasons the uterus will not be ready for foal heat breeding are: • A difficult or assisted foaling usually results in trauma to the genital tract +/- uterus • Foetal membranes/cleanings retained for longer than six hours an increased risk of fluid retention and infection • If the mare ovulates naturally before day nine post-foaling the uterus will not have had time to contract and repair itself completely • If for any reason the mare or her foal needed to be boxed or confined for a period of time after foaling dramatically increased likelihood the mare will have retained fluid. If the mare has had a normal foaling, has not retained any fluid at her scan and has not ovulated by day 10 it is likely she will be a good candidate for a foal heat breeding. By Dr Petra Hazlitt

Maintaining a yearly foal production is often important for economic reasons. Since the average mare’s gestation length is between 333 to 345 days, mares need to get pregnant again within one month after foaling to continue producing a foal every year without slipping back in the season. Consequently, mares are often routinely breed on ‘foal heat’ sometimes known as ‘9-day heat’ which typically beings 5-12 days after foaling.(1) Mares are unique and pretty amazing with how quickly they can return to cycling after giving birth! Studies have shown it takes about 14-15 days for the uterus of a healthy post-foaling mare to look indistinguishable from its pre-pregnant state.(2) But, the most important thing to think about when considering breeding on a foal heat is the health of the uterus. The uterus has a lot of work to do in this time frame. It needs to contract considerably, get rid of any fluid from the birth and repair its lining in order to be able to carry a pregnancy. So the most important question to ask yourself is “is the mare’s uterus ready to nurture a new pregnancy?”

Page 8

It is important to keep in mind that on average pregnancy rates from mares bred on a foal heat are about 20% lower than mares breed in subsequent heat cycles, Some studies have shown that there is a greater pregnancy loss from mares who conceived on a foal heat.(3,4) This is one of the reasons we will not breed with frozen semen on a foal heat. Having said that, pregnancy rates with fresh and chilled semen are still favorable so in my experience if the mares ticks all the healthy uterus boxes it is worth a shot.

References (1)

Perkins, G.A., Wagner, B. (2015). The development of equine immunity: Current knowledge on immunology in the young horse, Equine Veterinary Journal, 47, pp 267-274 (2)

Blanchard, T.L and Macpherson, M, L. (2011). Breeding Mares on Foal Heat. In: Equine Reproduction 2nd Ed. Chapter 236, pp 2294-2301 (3)

Loy, R.G (1980). Characteristics of post-partum reproduction in the mare. Vet Clin N Amer: Large Anim Prac, 2, pp 345-359 (4)

Koskinen, E and Katilla, T. (1987). Uterine involution, ovarian activity and fertility in the post-partum mare. J Reprod. Fertil, Suppl 35, pp 733-734

BREEDING MATTERS

SKYVALLEYNZ

Tr 1:56.4 $322,675

Took his lifeTime record of 1:56.4 wiThouT shoes

Muscles Yankee-Chiola’s Lass-Chiola Hanover

A CHAMPION RACEHORSE AND NOW A CHAMPION SIRE • Sire of 2016 Group 1 winners Aldebaran Eve (Vicbred SS 3YO Final) and Mizzuri (Vicbred Platinum Home Grown 3YO Final) • 2013/14 - Leading 1st season 2YO sire • 2014/15 – Leading Australasian juvenile trotting sire • 2015/16 – Leading Australian 3YO sire – winners (twice as many as 2nd sire), races won and stakemoney • 2015/16 – 5th on All Aged Australian list with only 3 crops • Sired 18 finalists in 2016 Vicbred Super Series • Almost $18,000 average per starter • 50% winners to starters •

Also sire of Blue Sky Commander 1:57.4 (NZ record holder, ($96,151), Sky Petite 1:59.5 ($91,930), Aldebaran Deebee 1:56.3 (Lyn McPherson Mem.), Kyvalley Boomerang, Valley Ess Jay (VSTA Cup), Meadow Valley Road (2nd 2YO Breeders Crown), Sky Majesty (Aldebaran Park Starlet, Maryborough Oaks, Albebaran Shelly (2YO Maori Legend) Princess Mackendon NZ ($28,990) Tornado Valley NZ ($28,257), Spotlight The Valley NZ, Mr Good & Evil NZ, This Sky Rox NZ, Top Notch Eagle NZ etc.

Service Fee $2,000 + GST LFG Frozen Semen only

10% multiple mare discounts apply

ROSEDALE FARM (in conjunction with Aldebaran Park Aust.)

RD 4 Ladbrooks, Christchurch Ken and Anne-Marie Spicer Phone (03) 322 8736 or Mobile 021 152 5762 Fax (03) 322 1748 Email rosedale.farm@xtra.co.nz for more information visit www.aldebaranpark.com We are ‘Hot to Trot’ at Aldebaran Park

BREEDING MATTERS

Page 9

N E W FA C E S

Brittany Willis of Foveaux Equestrian and her two year old pacer, Foveaux Major

By Bruce Stewart

While a few breeders are scaling down and getting out of the sport it’s refreshing to know that some are trying their hand at this fickle part of the business and even more refreshing to know that there are some younger breeders getting into the game. That’s the case with Brittany Willis and Haig McGorlick of Tisbury just out of Invercargill. Neither has history or heritage in the game, but nevertheless Brittany Willis and Haig McGorlick are giving both breeding and training a go - albeit on a small scale. Brittany got her first taste of horses at a young age while she was at primary school. “We had school days where they had pony rides. You could do sewing, cooking or pony riding. I was away sick on the day everyone got to choose and I got put in sewing. I wasn’t domesticated at all so I used to sneak out of class and sit by the pony rides. I became obsessed and got offered this pony for the school holidays for two weeks at Christmas. Two weeks turned into six weeks which turned into three months and six months later we bought the pony,” she said.

Page 10

She soon joined Pony Club and competed there and at Eventing fixtures before becoming a groom for friends who had showjumpers.

“I became hooked, I got my first standardbred as a hack at 18 and just fell in love with the breed.” She then experienced her first taste of standardbreds while working at Tom Kilkelly stables for a couple of month when she was 20. “I also did a bit of standardbred rehoming. I’ve been doing that off and on for the last seven years.” In 2010 both she and Haig moved to Perth Western Australia, chasing the mining money.

“I was sick of my job and we wanted to do something different so we got jobs in the mining industry there. We didn’t have horses for a while but got in two with Graham Bond, a family friend and the rest in history.” Bond is currently working at 430 acre Allwood Stud Farm in WA where Follow The Stars and Tinted Cloud stand. He trained in Drummond in Southland for a good number of

years before moving to Rakaia then onto Western Australia. He was a regular buyer of horses out of New Zealand which he trained in Perth.

Their ties to racing horses in WA haven’t gone away either and Willis and McGorlick still have a twenty percent interest in Dame Puissant a well performed race mare in Western Australia.

One such purchase was J Walker which was bought out of the Geoff Small stable. Bond, Willis and McGorlick shared in the ownership of the Christian Cullen gelding which won eight races before he was sold on.

She’s by Tintin In America out of Glenferrie Magic and was owned by Trackside presenter Matt Cross and junior driver Kimberley Butt. She qualified as a two-year old and was sold by the pair. From twenty two starts she’s won five races, and has been placed second and third twice.

Their next venture was to purchase Kamwood Girl a young Courage Under Fire mare which was retired after winning eleven races in Australia. “Bondy found her actually. He said - I’ve found this broodmare. Do you want to go halves? Before that we had no desire to breed. He then decided he wanted out so he could focus on other horses he had, so we own her now.” So with a broodmare in two the next step required a bit of luck. “I bought a ticket in the Western Australian Standardbred Breeders stallion service raffle and won the service to Art Major and that’s where this horse came from. It was huge. It was to promote breeding in Western Australian which we didn’t do because we got her (Kamwood Girl) in foal and sent her back to New Zealand. We were pretty lucky and it was a good start for us.” Returning home the couple have set up a small stable at Brittany’s parents’ five acre property at Tisbury and in a few weeks they take over land with a house next door which has seven acres of land. Brittany has also taken out a training licence and has rented a couple of boxes and a paddock at Ascot Park. She has just the two horses in work. Cullect Alot is a three year old filly that’s been broken and is just starting in work. She’s by Gotta Go Cullect out of Wren A lot, an unraced Sir Vancealot mare which is out of the five win Admiral Halsey mare Royal Wren. She’s owned by Graham Bond. Her other horse is two year old Foveaux Major - the foal the couple bred by sending Kamwood Girl to Art Major. So the numbers are small at this stage but you’ve got to start somewhere. Brittany has also sent up an equestrian business called Foveaux Equestrian.

As a two year old she ran third in the Group Three Two Year Old Fillies Gold Bracelet at Gloucester Park and at three finished third in the 2016 Group One West Australian Oaks. She’s trained by Robbie Williams. Their broodmare band has also expanded and they have three mares on their books. The two other mares they own are Kamwood Beauty and Hennessey Franco. Kamwood Beauty is an unraced American Ideal mare out of the five- win In The Pocket mare Kamwood Diva. She’s a half-sister to Real Kamwood which won five races for Paul Kerr. Hennessey Franco is by Red River Hanover out of Heather Franco. She’s a half-sister to Franco Hat Trick which won eleven races here, another nineteen in Australia before being a big winner in America. His biggest stake days in Australia were memorable. He won the $120,000 Nissan Chariots of Fire and he ran second to Our Sir Vancelot in the 1998 $100,000 Group One Australian Pacing Championship at Albion Park. Hennessey Franco was bought by McGorlick for $400 at this year’s PGG Wrightson All Age Sales in foal to Tintin In America. “Initially we were breeding to sell but with the unraced mares they are less commercial. With Kamwood Girl we are breeding to sell but the other two - we’ll see what happens.” This young couple, who recently sold a Washington VC yearling colt out of Kamwood Girl for good money, are working hard to establish a foothold in Southern breeding circles and it’s great to see.

Brittany Willis

She imports Kentaur products which are a high end equestrian range from the Czech Republic, for which she is the exclusive New Zealand agent. She also sells Red Light Therapy products. “They’re a high end product. It is a limited market. 90 per cent of our business has been from Canterbury north mainly online but we also go to horse shows and do trade stands.” She’s also a qualified Equine Bowen Therapist after completing a two-year course at Smart Bowen International in Melbourne. “I started to get Bowen Therapy done on myself when I had back problems and found it to be absolutely amazing. I thought if it was good for me I wondered if we could get it done on our racehorses. I found someone who did Equine Bowen Therapy and the results on our horses were fantastic so it inspired me to study it.”

BREEDING MATTERS

FEEDING THE BROODMARE D U R I N G L AT E P R E G N A N C Y A N D L A CTAT I O N FO R O P T I M A L F O A L H E A LT H Providing your broodmare with correct nutrition during pregnancy and lactation is important to the development and health of the foal. Broodmare Nutrition during Late Pregnancy At seven months gestation, the foetal foal weighs only 20% of its birth weight. This means that during the last four months of pregnancy the majority of the foetal growth occurs. At this point, the mare’s nutrient requirements increase significantly and adjustments should be made in the mare’s feeding program to ensure healthy development of the foetus. Digestible energy (DE) requirements only increase about 15 percent, however, protein, vitamin and mineral requirements increase to a greater extent. This is due to the foetal tissue being synthesised during this time being quite high in protein, calcium and phosphorus. Trace mineral supplementation is also very important during this period because the foetus stores iron, zinc, copper, and manganese in its liver for use during the first few months after it is born. The foetus has developed this nutritional strategy of storing trace minerals during pregnancy because mare’s milk is quite low in these elements. Therefore, it is vital that mares receive correct vitamin and mineral supplementation during late pregnancy. Selenium and vitamin E supplementation in late pregnancy has been shown to increase immunity in both the mare and foal. Vitamin A has also been found to be important to the late pregnant mare, with studies showing that growth rates of foals is significantly reduced when pasture is scarce and mares are maintained on hay without vitamin A supplementation. Maintaining an ideal body condition score is important for broodmares. It is important that mares (like other classes of horses) are able to consume at least 1.5% of their body weight in forage per day. While many broodmares will maintain weight well on pasture and hay, it is crucial that the additional vitamin and mineral requirements needed at this time are met through supplementary feeding. For good doers, a balancer pellet such as NRM Mare Balancer is a convenient way of meeting the increased protein, vitamin and mineral requirements without an increase in energy intake. For mares who require additional calories to maintain condition as well as increased protein, vitamin and minerals above and

Page 12

beyond her roughage intake, a high quality concentrate such as NRM Evolve is ideal. However, make sure you feed them at the correct daily rate to ensure nutrient requirements are met. If your mare has any special dietary needs or metabolic conditions, it is best to contact an equine nutritionist for individual feeding advice. It is a good idea to supplement late pregnant and lactating mares with an omega 3 fatty acid supplement, preferably in the form of fish oil as these supply the preformed long chain omega 3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Studies have shown enhanced passive transfer of antibodies to foals which in turn have stronger immune systems as well as improved fertility, lowered incidence of uterine inflammation and decreased risk of abortion for pregnant mares fed omega 3 fatty acids. KERx EO∙3 is a deodorised fish oil which provides a concentrated source of EPA and DHA omega 3 fatty acids. Broodmare Nutrition during Lactation Once the foal is born, the mare’s nutritional requirements change. The lactating mare requires approximately three times the amount of energy she would at maintenance. Mares can produce milk at a rate of 3% of their body weight per day and require increases in the energy, protein, calcium and phosphorus during lactation. It is important not to underfeed the lactating mare. Many mares cannot maintain their weight on forage only diets during lactation. An appropriate feed such as NRM Evolve can be fed to help meet both energy and other nutrient requirements. It is important to follow intake rates recommended on the back of the bag, as feeding less than this will compromise nutrient intake. If feeding less than the recommended amount, a high quality vitamin and mineral supplement or balancer pellet such as NRM Mare Balancer should be added to make up the shortfall. It is advisable to speak with an equine nutritionist if you are concerned and they will be able to help you balance the diet. After about three months of lactation, milk product begins to decline. At this time, feed intake can be reduced to keep the mare in ideal body condition. If you have any concerns about the body condition of the mare, it is best to consult an equine nutritionist for further advice. For further information on feeding your broodmare to achieve optimum health of her and development of her foal, please contact NRM on 0800 800 380, via the website at: http://www.nrm.co.nz/ask-an-expert.html BREEDING MATTERS

Breed for success

Exclusive to NRM is the Kentucky Equine Research Microstead programme, which analyses dietary and performance requirements, providing a feeding regime tailored to meet the specific needs of your breeding programmes.

DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP

Feed to Breed

0800 800 380 www.nrm.co.nz

FEED TO SUCCEED

THE VIEW FROM THE STUDS By Duane Ranger

1) What are you looking forward to most this breeding season?

That time of year when future champions are both conceived and born is with us now. Recently Breeding Matters spoke to five major players in the New Zealand breeding industry about the positives and negatives of our breeding industry. What lies ahead and what good types are about to set the world on fire? The five stud farms contacted were (in alphabetical order) Alabar, Haras Des Trotteurs, Nevele R Stud, Stallions Australasia, and Woodlands Stud.

“We are really looking forward to seeing the first foals by He’s Watching and Sunshine Beach. They are both exciting stallions with big futures in front of them. It’s always a thrill to see the first foals by a stallion. We’ve already had a couple by Sunshine Beach and they are both tall and athletic - like him, which is great. He’s Watching is just a ball of muscle and the equal fastest racehorse of all time so we’d love to see his foals come out looking like him. “The other huge thing for us this year will be the first 2-yearolds by Auckland Reactor and Betterthancheddar hitting the racetracks. The training reports are great and it will be wonderful for us and the breeding industry if these two very well supported new stallions step up as successful sires. We’ll certainly be cheering for them.”

Here’s what their representatives had to say:

2) What stallion do you think will make the biggest leap? The stallion that is going to serve the biggest book in comparison to what he’s had previously is Sportswriter. He’s previously stood at Pepper Tree but is now standing with us in Auckland. He only had 14 two-year-olds in New Zealand last season and they included two colts in the Jewels final, the Group 1 winner Mitch Maguire and the late season star Whittaker. Off the back of this and what he’s doing overseas, he’s going to serve a very good book in both New Zealand and Australia this season.” 3) Are there any challenges you are facing this season? The challenge is to find the next stallions to step up to compete with the siring superstars in Art Major, Bettor’s Delight and Mach Three. These three stallions are not getting any younger and the industry desperately needs the next generation to come through. This is not easy as the progeny of the new stallions have to compete with these powerhouses to break through – but it will happen and we’re really happy with the new sires we’ve got coming through with the ones mentioned above plus A Rocknroll Dance who has served a total of over 500 mares in his first two seasons at stud.” 4) Any advice for breeders?

ALABAR NZ GRAEME HENLEY:

Page 14

There’s some really good things happening in the industry. I was encouraged by what John Allen from the NZRB (New Zealand Racing Board) had to say at the Annual Conference, the Auckland Trotting Club are going great guns with the sale of their apartments, Addington will hopefully have a hotel on site in the near future and Southland Harness have presented a very good plan and have already lifted their minimum stake. I think it’s a great year to breed.”

they can stay, and their gait is what everyone is raving about. And not many people realise that 50 per cent of the French crop are qualified as 2YOs, and 95 percent get their ticket by the time they finish their 3YO year. We also just need breeders to appreciate that the other stallions we have are from the very top echelons of the French siring ranks, which are competing with more than 500 stallions, and they are only allowed to breed 100 mares out of the 15,000 which are bred every year. Sam Bourbon is currently 2nd in the current 2YO qualifiers, Love You is fourth, Repeat Love is 13th, and Quaker Jet is 15th while Quaker Jet tops the 4YO qualifiers, while on the 4YO earnings list, Sam Bourbon is 3rd, Quaker Jet is 6th, Repeat Love is 8th and Love You is 9th. That means they are all in the top 10 of the 4YO crops – which is their first or second crop, out of more than 500 sires. Sam Bourbon stands for 12,000 ($18,000) euros and Repeat Love stands for 8000 euros ($12,000) so $3500+GST for two of the best young French stallions, out of their very best families is great value.”

HARAS DES TROTTEURS DAVE SANDERS:

1) What are you looking forward to most this breeding season? “With Love You being named NZ Trotting Stallion of the Year and the trainers in particular, now really seeing what the French stallions can do for the New Zealand trotting breed in terms of their great gait, extra stamina – and that they can go early, I am really excited for this season. “ “Love You booked out really quickly, but we have the very best of the next generation which is taking French trotting to another level to offer breeders with Love You’s best son Quaker Jet, his best brother Repeat Love, who we have brought up the roster this year, and Sam Bourbon, who represents the other current dominant line in France and just stamps his progeny. He has had four winners out of his first six foals which have just turned six, and it would be fair to say he probably didn’t get the pick of the New Zealand mares.”

4) Any advice for breeders? “We are doing a deal with the NZSBA that we will knock $500 of the service fee of The Best Madrik, Repeat Love and Sam Bourbon for all current members of the Breeders Association. So if you have never bred a trotter before, there is no better time, especially when you see the number of trotting races on the rise in both Auckland and across the Tasman in Victoria. Everyone knows how well Love You nicks with Sundon mares, and Repeat Love has exactly the same bloodlines, with that lovely sensible temperament, it seems a no brainer to me that those breeders with Sundon mares should look no further than Repeat Love. Sam Bourbon has a unbelievable maternal pedigree with true champion mares close up in pedigree, with both his 3rd dams being Elitloppet winners, Roquepine and Dimitria, by the breed changing stallions Star’s Pride and Speedy Crown. His sisters were both European champions, and he was third himself in Europe’s two top 3YO races – so it is no wonder he is turning out to be so good at stud and his progeny go early. Any breeder can breed to him with the utmost confidence. For those breeders who want to put a bit of out and out speed into their mare, we also have Dream Vacation on our books.”

2) What stallion do you think will make the biggest leap? “I know they really rate Repeat Love in France, he is a magnificent individual and his 4YOs have been doing very well this year and he will have his first crop of any size turn 2 in New Zealand. We brought him back up the roster because he is doing so well in France. He is Love You’s full brother, was part of the greatest crop in French history and won the lead up to the Criterium des 4 Ans, beating the first three home twice in previous races. Injury curtailed his career after that race. He is just a lovely stallion with great temperament, and his breeding of course is impeccable.” 3) Are there any challenges you are facing this season? “There is still some resistance from some of the older breeders to French stallions but Love You has smashed a few misconceptions. You can breed a champion with frozen semen, French horses have speed, power and they can run early. He did all that without getting the best mares, or crops of any size - his largest foal crop was 29!!! They can go early, they can sprint, and

Breeding Matters is produced by: NZ Standardbred Breeders’ Assn Inc, PO Box 8270, Christchurch, 8440 Phone: 03 339 4168 Mobile: 021 683 995 Email: brad@thebreeders.co.nz No part may be reproduced in any form except with the written permission of NZSBA

BREEDING MATTERS

would serve three or four mares a year to a low to medium priced stallion with the plan to race the progeny but those numbers have decreased and the middle market has dropped away as a result. This is one area that needs reinforcing to ensure the number of horses racing is at least maintained which is critical to so many facets in our great industry. There are some really good value for money stallions out there. Some government support to a racing industry that provides the nation with what I understand is around 1% of our GDP and employs thousand wouldn’t go astray. Perhaps our new man at the helm has the contacts.” 4) Any advice for breeders?

NEVELE R STUD GED MOOAR:

1) What are you looking forward to most this breeding season? The second crop of foals and the development of first crop yearlings by A Rocknroll Dance and the first foals by Gold Ace, Bettor’s Delight’s richest Australasian bred entire. The yearlings that I’ve seen in Australasia by A Rocknroll Dance are strong well-built types. Feedback has been really positive on their temperaments with handlers commenting on how well they weaned and quickly cottoned on to what needed to be done. His progeny will be selling at Lexington and Harrington in North America shortly and at Karaka and Christchurch early in 2017 so we’re looking forward to that. He served a number of highly credentialed mares in both hemispheres so we’re confident they’ll sell well.

“If you have an empty mare breed from her. There are a lot of stallions available that provide breeders with affordable options. The increases in stakes (that are sustainable) and incentives at the major clubs, Alexandra Park and Addington are a positive for breeders and owners. There was a $13,000 maiden last week at Addington with a full field – that has to be great for the industry. Justify your mare and you don’t have to spend a lot of money when you don’t have to. Find a suitably priced stallion that matches your mare. Breeding syndicates (we have a few on board) are starting to form now on the back of successful ownership syndicates which is great for racing, getting more people involved and the future of the sport.”

The team here at Nevele R are also looking forward to the first foals by Gold Ace hitting the ground. He’s a stunning individual with faultless conformation and we’re sure his foals will reflect that. Changeover’s who’s oldest crop racing are just 5yo’s has two large crops of yearlings and 2yo’s to come so he should continue on doing a good job. It was great to see that he sired a Group One winning 2yo last term.” 2) What stallion do you think will make the biggest leap? “Obviously A Rocknroll Dance and also our new trotting sires Muscle Mass and Father Patrick. Muscle Mass had a cracking season last term being leading juvenile sire in both Australia and New Zealand siring three individual Group One winners highlighted by Custodian taking out the Harness Jewels and Breeders Crown and Illawong Byron winning the Redwood Classic. He had 12 individual juvenile winners last season throughout Australasia and given his record is understandably being well supported by breeders. Father Patrick is a $2.6 million earner, former Horse of the Year and has a stunning pedigree. His maternal line has three 2yo’s of the Year in the first two generations so he has a lot going for him. He too is being well supported and we have some lovely trotting mares booked to both stallions.”

STALLIONS AUSTRALASIA PETER O’ROURKE:

1) What are you looking forward to most this breeding season?

3) Are there any challenges you are facing this season?

“Spring is always a great time for breeders. We all wait expectantly for the birth of our foals hoping for great individuals, Colts from the mares that we need colts from and fillies from our best or aging mares. Reality presents later in the season but by then the mares are back in foal and we can look forward to next spring.

“The breeding numbers have been decreasing over recent years and hopefully that is now starting to level out. We can’t afford to have it drop away any more. It’s not that long ago the farmer

I look forward to the end of the decline in broodmare numbers and maybe to a slight increase. I also look forward to those in a position of power to make a few bold decisions to boost the

Page 16

confidence of breeders both hobby and commercial. Europe has had breeder incentives for some time and yes they do work but not in isolation. Australia has introduced breeder incentives and with each state trying to out do the others these incentives are one certainly influencing breeder decisions. Thank you to those in New Zealand who have made the first steps as our broodmare numbers must surely be close to the threshold of sustainability.” 2) What stallion do you think will make the biggest leap? “The stallion that Stallions Australasia has that is about to make an impact this season is Muscle Hill. He has 22 two-year-olds to add to his five live foals from the previous three seasons. A crop of 22 foals will hopefully be enough. Muscle Hill is the dominant trotting sire in North America where he is leading sire of twoyear-olds, three-year-olds and all aged horses with only four crops of racing age. For a frozen semen stallion he has made a significant impact in Europe including being the leading sire of three-year-olds in Sweden last season, a feat never achieved before by a non resident stallion.” 3) Are there any challenges you are facing this season? “We all face challenges, for me the demand for Muscle Hill semen far exceeds the supply and while this is a good problem to have it certainly creates another set of problems. Luckily for Stallions Australasia we have an increased supply of Trixton which is a stallion in huge demand in North America (140 mares) and Europe where frozen semen for 100 mares was sold last season. Our business was never set up to serve large numbers of mares down under but rather to provide additional choice of top end stallions to breeders.” 4) Any advice for breeders? “Most breeders I am dealing with aren’t looking for advice. They are looking for and want factual information that will allow them to make better decisions. Breeders know their mares intimately and want to keep building their knowledge and we try to help in that process as much as we can.”

1) What are you looking forward to most this breeding season? “A couple of things firstly - Sweet Lou’s first Southern Hemisphere foals arriving and the reactions from the breeders. We’ve already got a dozen on the ground at the Stud and they are just outstanding individuals. Secondly, the busyness of this season. Not only have we got 125 foals of Woodlands own to arrive it’s also looking like we’re going to be serving record numbers in Australasia with our boys. This is all positive stuff for the industry, it shows that Woodlands and the Australasian breeders are really starting to re-invest in this great industry.” 2) What stallion do you think will make the biggest leap? “We’ve already seen a huge leap in early demand for American Ideal, we only have a handful of bookings left for him. Over the last 12 months people have really started to appreciate what a great sire he is. He was in demand at the Yearling Sales and has been very dominant in the age group and open class ranks this season and with both fillies and colts. His biggest crop on the ground have just turned two, so we’re really expecting great things from him on the track this season.” 3) Are there any challenges you are facing this season? “Not being able to provide all our loyal clients with all the bookings that they wanted! It’s been very hard to say ‘no, sorry you’re on the waiting list’ for Bettor’s Delight to some quality mares and great clients. We thank everyone for their support of our boys and do apologise to those who missed out.” 4) Any advice for breeders? “Think outside the square. The majority of our breeders are conservative and traditional when it comes to their matings. We are heading into a situation where we have heavily supported four or five dominant sires and we are breeding ourselves into a corner a bit. So I think we need to start embracing the new stallions all the studs have invested so greatly in and start diversifying our bloodlines. I do appreciated a lot of breeders are breeding to sell at the Sales and many of our horse trainers are even more conservative and only buy what they know. So it’s a bit of a catch 22 situation! A bit of extra knowledge for both parties might however help this situation. I’ve found when I’ve been talking to trainers and breeders recently there is a lack of knowledge about the North American and European stallions and their performances both on track and in the barn. This seems to hinder people’s willingness to give them a go – I encourage breeders to jump on YouTube and spend some time watching their races, you’ll see some phenomenal racing and you might just be convinced to breed something new.”

WOODLANDS STUD CHARLOTTE MOONEY:

BREEDING MATTERS

Sheldon Murtha is no stranger to trackside and the racing public having held various broadcasting roles over the years. “The shows are being supported by the breeding industry to start with, and the show is a world first which is exciting. There’s no standardbred breeding show anywhere. It’s got plenty of legs and it can go where it likes and potentially go a long way to globalizing the sport. The breeding side of the industry has gone a long way in terms of globalizing the product in the last ten years.

S TA N D A R D B R E D A WORLD FIRST By Brad Reid

Standard Bred will air Tuesdays at 7:30pm from October 4th on Trackside 1 The Breeders have been looking at ways through which we can better showcase our sport, industry and harness horses to New Zealand and the world. We aspire to do so in a way that captures the imagination of our current stakeholders. At the same time we recognize and understand the need to engage and reach new audiences in a way that encourages or inspires them to want to be a part of our sport/industry. Sheldon Murtha, a member of the Canterbury Standardbred Breeders Association and well-known broadcaster, approached The Breeders with the idea of a TV series as a possible gap in the market, and something that could give our breeding industry a much needed push in terms of mainstream coverage. What has materialised is incredibly exciting, with two seasons of six 30 minute episodes about standardbreds and breeding to be produced by Sheldon this year with the first season airing on Trackside in September. “Being on the Canterbury Standardbred Breeders Association they were looking to allocate some money to marketing such as websites and magazines. I stuck my oar in and said well why don’t we try and fund or make a standardbred breeding show to at least put us alongside the thoroughbreds in terms of mainstream representation.” “I bumped into Mary Anne Twentyman at the thoroughbred sales and ran it past her to gauge Trackside’s interest. What they were after being strapped for time was for somebody to come up with a concept and the money to push it through. So what started as an idea for getting Trackside to produce a show turned into let’s get Sheldon to do it!”

Page 18

“Places like North America and more recently the trotting in Europe have become more intertwined with Down Under with the transported semen and access to their top stallions. “We have become increasingly connected so there is an aim to reflect that and put New Zealand harness racing up there as world-class product that is equal to anything anywhere.” For those who have seen the thoroughbred model of Bred to Win, you can rest assured in the fact you won’t be put to sleep with boring advertorials from our major studs. “We’ve gone with an approach of making the series more of a Country Calendar style affair, to tell the human interest stories of breeders around the country who often wouldn’t get their time in the sun and allow them to tell their story. It’s a great way of capturing the enthusiasm and passion that is abundant in the breeding industry.” Doing anything mainstream requires cash in the bank, and without the support of numerous industry participants, HRNZ and the four breeders associations, none of the above would have been possible. With the show being able to be disseminated through our online channels, and also the likelihood of being picked up in Australia for their Sky Racing channels, we are immensely excited at the prospect of showcasing our product in the modern and professional sphere of television. A massive thanks must go to the following for their financial support of the series; • • • • • • • • • • • •

NZ Standardbred Breeders Assn Alabar Stud Breckon Farms Canterbury Standardbred Breeders Assn Dancingonmoonlight Farm Harness Racing New Zealand Lincoln Farms Nevele R Stud North Island Standardbred Breeders Assn Southland Standardbred Breeders Assn Stallions Australasia Woodlands Stud

We have a great sport, a fantastic breed and now we can showcase it to an extra wide audience here and in Australia. I took the idea to John Mooney and Brad Reid at The Breeders and they ran with it enthusiastically and Brad raised the funding. The first season will air weekly in a 7:30pm Tuesday slot from October 4th on trackside 1.

BREEDING MATTERS

2016-17 PACING STALLIONS A ROCKNROLL DANCE

GOLD ACE

(Rocknroll Hanover - Wichita Hanover) 1:47.4 $2,441,164

(Bettor’s Delight - Hill Of Gold) 1:52.6 $1,247,053

The first horse ever to record multiple sub-1:50 wins as a 2YO

Bettor’s Delight’s richest Australasian bred entire

$ 6,000 + GST

$ 2,500 + GST

Leaving outstanding foals with size and athleticism.

A Group One winner every season from three to six.

CHANGEOVER

TINTIN IN AMERICA

(In The Pocket - Chaangerr) 1:53.4 $2,426,765

(McArdle - Zenterfold) 1:53.2 $934,305

Sire of more than 100 winners of over $2.8 million in stakes

3 AUS Record Holders & Group 1 performers from his first crop

$ 2,000 + GST

$ 3,000 + GST

2015-16 Gr. 1 performers incl. Changeoverme, Run Oneover, Expressive Victor & Dalness Xchange.

Sire of the brilliant NSW Derby place-getter Zee Dana.

LIVE OR DIE

More than 1220 winners of over $58 million in stakes.

(Die Laughing - Mica Lobell) 1:51.8 $728,264

$ 2,000 + GST

One of Australasia’s greatest ever sires of winners

Nevele R Stud

MULTIPLE MARE DISCOUNTS APPLY. FOR MARES SERVED AT NEVELE R BY OUR ON-FARM STALLIONS

WORKING FEE On-farm

P: 03 349 8684 E: admin@nevelerstud.co.nz

Ged Mooar M: +64 274 736 753 E: ged@nevelerstud.co.nz

nevelerstud.co.nz SUCCESS BREEDS SUCCESS

JUST A SMALL TOWN GIRL

Jay Jay Ball, Nigel Steward, Michelle Morrison, Steve Cornwall, Woodlands Stud representative, Jackie Law and Trudi Fleck with their well-deserved trophies.

By Hayley Clarke

Although the 46-year-old has had many thoughts about giving up, it’s her love for the horses that keeps her going.

In the small town of Southbridge there is the perfect little operation going on to save our beloved standardbreds and give them another chance at life.

“I feel like giving up a lot, not because of the horses but sometimes the people are hard to deal with. What keeps me going is I look back on all of the horses in their new homes doing amazing things and having fun.”

Michelle Morrison and her loyal crew of helpers work away with barely any reward, breaking in of our retired race horses and setting them up with compatible homes for life. Morrison and her team were finally recognised for their efforts at the recent Canterbury Awards Ceremony hosted by the Canterbury Breeders Association along with the Owners Association and the Trainers and Drivers Association. For Morrison this all started around 29 years ago when her Uncle and Aunt, Frank and Karen Bennett who were former Leeston trainers, now currently residing in Australia, had a lovely gelding that they had retired from racing. Morrison asked if she could try and ride it and it all started from there. Page 20

“My favourite part of it all is how much the horses love getting out to the river and the expressions on their faces is absolutely priceless.” Morrison uses the same process to break in all of her horses. She takes them to the river and slowly introduces them by mucking around beside them and getting up and down. “Most are good but some are hard,” she says. Once they are on the horse which takes around 10 minutes for the good ones, they ride off down the river. “We find that being out and about and the different things to look

at settle them down and they are not so worried about their first ride. After the initial ride is out of the way we do road rides and beach rides.” Although Morrison has rehomed 679 horses (on the 19 September with eight still on the ‘pick-up’ list) there are always some that she holds close to her heart.

“Louise Mason was absolutely amazing and I miss her a lot but unfortunately she had to move on to a paid job, she was always motivating me to get out, even on the days I had had enough. Lesley Stoliker has also helped me over many years and is a super part of the team, Tracey Matthews is also amazing and has helped me out in times of need.”

“The feeling (when you re-home a horse) is always a good one but it is overwhelming at times especially when it is one you have fallen for and some really bond with me so although at times I feel sad I always know that they are going on to a great life so overall I’m happy.”

Jackie Law who is a current trainer and driver does her own rehoming in North Canterbury and Morrison says they are always there for each other if needed and have become good friends.

Over time Morrison has definitely found particular sire lines that she loves and others that can be more difficult to break in. “My favourite is Live Or Die’s from a hack perspective, I also love Elsu’s, quirky but a nice quirky.” When asked if there was a breed difficult to break in to saddle Morrison did not hesitate. “YES! Sundon’s,” she laughs. Although many people think Morrison’s job is a breeze she is always run off her feet, doing her best for our horses and her own family. “Typically my days can vary, I have drop offs or picks ups to do and if I don’t have them then we are riding and caring for all of the ones we have here, including my own two. We all have young children so we all like to be home in time for when school finishes so we do all our horse stuff in the mornings and early afternoons.”

Morrison never dreamed that one day she would be rehoming standardbreds for a living although she says it has been very rewarding and has brought her a lot of joy. “People look at what you do and think it is easy but it really isn’t. If it was easy then a lot more people would be doing it. Lots start up and finish just as fast as soon as they realise the massive amounts of stress and money that goes into this.” “I’ve come a long way since the first horse I did as a young girl, not knowing this would ever take over my life.” Morrison is doing the ultimate gesture for our industry and should be recognised and thanked a lot more often than she is. “At the end of the day you get to do what you love for a living, you’re living the horse lover’s dream. Even though it nearly kills me most weeks I feel an overwhelming sense of achievement and happiness that I can help horses as I have.” “It was a huge honour to be recognised at the Canterbury Harness Awards recently and meant more than I can say.”

Morrison tries to keep her numbers at about four – six horses at a time as she leases a number of small blocks around town to keep the horses at. There are three groups of people that Morrison says she owes a lot to. “First and foremost my husband, Mike West, without him this would never have been able to happen. He is my biggest and most loving supporter, without his income this would not happen. There is no money in this contrary to what some people may think and he not only emotionally supports me but financially too. He has put up with a lot over the years and he never, ever complains.” “The trainers and owners who continue to give me their horses to rehome, they don’t have to but they do and I will always be grateful. My team both past and present, I love and admire every one of them.” Morrison currently has a number of helpers to cut through the huge number of standardbreds needing new homes. Trudi Fleck and Jay Jay Ball help Morrison out on the Southbridge side of things. Fleck has been helping for five years or so and without her Morrison says she couldn’t do it. “She is constantly helping me every step of the way, when I have to go away she always steps in, she is my rock.” Ball has recently stepped in and has now rehomed five horses and is really enjoying it, Morrison hopes she stays around to rehome more. Morrison also wanted to pay tribute to others who have helped her out along the way.

Very excited Standardbred Recycling and Rehoming Canterbury team coming to receive the Canterbury Harness Awards Woodlands Stud sponsored 2016 Harness Racing Contribution Award from Steve Cornwall of Woodlands Stud and Dexter Dunn. Pauline Crawford assisting. BREEDING MATTERS

Passion, Pedigree, Performance

romac Lodge has worked hard

to bring together a band of high class exceptionally well bred broodmares covering a cross section of some of the best classic bred families in Harness Racing. Our Mission is to breed only top quality horses. Bob McArdle has always taken a long-term view of the industry and we value our many long term returning customers and look forward to new and happy buyers.

Attorney General (Falcon Seelster – Classic Blue Jeans)

Based in Springs Road, Prebbleton just out of Christchurch, New Zealand, Bromac Lodge is always happy to receive visitors and show off their prized possessions. We welcome any enquires you may have about our operation.

For a full list of our mares and their pedigrees as well as those available for lease, please visit our website or contact us via the details below.

Tanabi Bromac (Live Or Die – Tanabi)

www.bromaclodge.com Bob McArdle +64 (0) 274 351 553 • Farm: +64 3 349 6603

SUPERFAST STUART

– from a family that leaves multiple $500,000+ winners! SUPERFAST STUART's oldest progeny have just turned two years old, and here's what trainers are saying about them ... “Trotted a slick quarter and wanted to go on with it” – BRENT WHITE about Superfast Ninja, a filly he’s just purchased

“A lovely horse, and very fast paddock trotter; I will send another mare this year” – JOHN RYAN about his yearling

“Naturally good-gaited with good attitudes, should race as 2-year-olds” – ALAN CLARK about his two fillies out of the Sundon mares Castleton Maggie and The Jinja Ninja

“Does nothing but trot” – CARL MARKHAM about Superfast Lad, a gelding out of the Courage Under Fire mare Xmas Fairy

“Easiest horse I’ve ever broken in; real intelligent” – ‘TANK’ ELLIS about Wee Man Trouble, a colt out of the Sundon mare Sunny Maree

“Quick learner who wants to go forward” – CHRIS MCDOWELL about a colt out of the Sundon mare Lucky Pat

“Real gentleman; an intelligent young trotter” – ROBIN THORNLEY about Royal Stuart, a colt out of the Armbro Invasion mare Devils Child

“I can’t help being optimistic about Stuart’s prospects after breaking in half a dozen (colts out of Cong Chua Rieu and Castleton D D, and fillies out of Sun Trapped, Wheels Areagogo, Sunny Moss and Curtin’s Folly), they were all great-gaited individuals and really sensible” – MIKE HEENAN

Superfast Stuart is part of the

Grass Roots Bonus Series

– go to www.grassrootsbonus.co.nz for details.

Standing at: Mike & Di Heenan’s TROUBLE LODGE – Methven Phone: (03) 302-1718 | Mobile: 027 299-9604 | Email: m.heenan@farmside.co.nz

SWEDEN ELITLOPPET TOUR 2016 By Peter Craig

Two highlights of a trip arranged by Equi Tours Sweden to the 2016 Elitloppet were the Yearling Sales and a Stud Farm visit. Late Friday afternoon/evening we attended the Elite Yearling Auction held at the Scandic Infra City hotel facility, one of four major sales held annually (Elitloppet, July, August and the main one in October). This sale featured progeny from leading Swedish stallions such as Zola Boko, Going Kronos, Maharajah, as well as American bred stallions Cantab Hall, Muscle Hill, Lucky Chucky, Chocolatier, Yankee Glide, Conway Hall, SJ‘s Photo, and French stallions Love You and Ready Cash plus 2016 Elitloppet contenders Timoko and Un Mac d’Heripre. The sale toppers were colts by Ready Cash and SJ’s Photo, both going for 500,000SEK (approx NZD80,000). The sales average was approximately 210,000SEK (NZD34,000) with a 75% clearance rate (balance buy backs). Points of interest concerning the sales: • 83 lots with eight withdrawals, all auctioned between 7.15 and 9.45pm • bidding conducted in Swedish kronas; 50,000SEK (NZD$8,000) minimum with 10,000SEK rises • temporary marquee style stabling complex for yearlings outside hotel facility • Vets certificates/x rays posted on stable doors e.g. bone chips etc • no parading prior to sale • rope barriers only encircle sale ring/almost all yearlings led thorough sales ring by one individual • auctioneers table on elevated stage • all female bid spotters in orange tunics with microphones to call bids standing on pedestals (nine in total around arena) • two large screens showed proceedings, videos, bid prices and sale lot results • large, noisy and enthusiastic crowd in attendance all evening many at dining tables adjacent to sales ring, in cafes, bars and on tiered seating • Trade expo formed part of nights auction Saturday morning we toured Menhammar Stud farm, Sweden’s largest and most famous breeding establishment. In business for over 60 years, this historic stud farm is set in beautiful surroundings at Ekero, about 30 minutes outside central Stockholm. The stud has often been the most successful

Page 24

breeder of Swedish bred/raised horses. Close to one hundred Menhammar graduates have earned in excess of one million Swedish kronas (NZD160,000). Stud owner Margareta Wallenius-Kieberg has stood famous stallions such as USA imports Mack Lobell, Zoot Suit, Smokin Yankee, Express Ride, Viking Kronos, Fast Photo and Pearsall Jampher. Smokin Yankee and Zoot Suit arrived in Sweden in 1979 to stand at stud at Menhammar. Both stallions were owned by Norman S. Woolworth who together with David Johnston was at the time owners of Stoner Creek Stud in USA. These two studs have been closely linked for over 40 years, with many Stoner Creek mares making their way to Menhammar’s Swedish breeding barns. Zoot Suit, by Nevele Pride from pacing queen Glad Rags by Greentree Adios, bred and raised at Stoner Creek was leading sire (stakes) in Sweden for six consecutive years (1991 - 1996). On Woolworth‘s death in 1993, Margareta Wallenius-Kieberg became sole owner of Stoner Creek Stud, eventually leased and then purchased by Steve and Cindy Stewart for their Hunterton Farm, situated on famed Stoner Creek Stud land. Menhammar name their foals with a new letter in alphabetic order each year endeavouring to match their dam’s name. The opportunity was taken to view stallions standing at stud in 2016 including: • Zola Boko (Goetmals Wood/Big Blue Kitten by Pine Chip); European C/S - 3 • From Above (Zoot Suit/A Gift From Heaven), 2003 Elitloppet, multiple Gp1‘s, leading sire - stakes in Spain; 2nd on Swedish sires list in 2015 to Love You - SEK 21,391,136 [6th 2014] with

Andover Hall and Muscle Hill next. From Above was born and raised at Menhammar. His dam A Gift From Heaven was a Stoner Creek (Armbro Goal/Super Nice) weanling purchased by Menhammar from a dispersal sale in 1989 • Maharajah (Viking Kronos/Chili Khan); 2014 Prix d’Amerique, multiple Gp1’s, 23.5mSK, is another product of Menhammar. He is the richest son of Viking Kronos and a leading sire of three year old trotters in Sweden with his first crop at races. Stands at a fee of 70,000SEK (approx 7,000 euros) • Going Kronos (Viking Kronos/Bell Power), Swedish Horse of Year 2006, sire of 2016 Sweden Cup winner Dante Boko • Chocolatier (Credit Winner/Maple Frosting), US Breeders Crown - 2cT, World Trotting Derby, sire of winners NA, Europe (Your Highness 3 Gp1’s 2016) and Australia

• combined water walker/jogging machine set at 50cm depth used for 20 minutes or 5.5km; and • heat machine used after horses worked in winter to ensure warm wash/drying

Jocose and Panne de Moteur were not viewed while a further six Menhammer stallions are located elsewhere in Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

Image Captions

Of interest at the stud:

Above left - Chocolatier

• • • • •

Above right - From Above

service books: 150 maximum, almost all are AI; breeding season: 1 March - mid August 30% served on farm, 70% AI stations collected three times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) major stallions semen exported within Europe (excluding France) • ID chipped as 3yo’s (not branded) • stud owns 300 mares and cares for 200 agisted mares during breeding season.

Following our Saturday morning touring, we headed to Solvalla for an afternoon of V75 races. This proved the ideal entrée prior to Elitloppet Day on Sunday 29 May 2016. Should you wish to read more concerning Elitloppet Weekend 2016, see the article on line at www.harnessbred.com (July 2016).

Opposite - Menhammer Stud Entrance

Below - Maharajah

It was a great thrill and experience to see first-hand some leading European trotting stallions. Our tour also took in the training facility of Stefan Hultman at Ytterta at Menhammar. Stefan is one of the most successful trainers in Europe having produced such stars as Elitloppet winner From Above and Prix d’Amerique winner Maharajah. At the training facilities: • 2yo’s trained three days a week (straight line, forest tracks, hill track that rises 38m over 700m) • most start racing at three (very few as 2YOs)

BREEDING MATTERS

CROMBIE LOCKWOOD

We are long time Sponsors at the NZ Standardbred Awards in Christchurch and Auckland and Crombie Lockwood NZ Ltd have sponsored numerous races in the HRNZ calendar so the partnership with the breeders is a natural progression. Crombie Lockwood has a specialised team dedicated to bloodstock insurance. Most of you will know Liz and Carlene. They have been around the Standardbred sales every year for the past 14 years. With over 40 years’ of combined experience, you can be assured that we know insurance as well as horses. So we’ll understand your risks and will be able to get you the right insurance to address it. With our unrivalled access to specialised international markets you can be sure of getting the right cover for your most prized assets. We provide cost effective insurance products including worldwide transits for all types of horses from foals to stallions, miniatures, thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and Equestrian horses. With the new season now upon us and foals arriving on the ground, Crombie Lockwood has a special promotion for 2016 season. Insure your foal with us and receive a free bag of Dunstan Breed and Grow. Each foal insured will go into the draw for $1,000 worth of Dunstan product drawn on 31st January 2017. Foals are the future of the industry and no breeders can afford the financial loss of a losing a foal. Numbers are already dangerously low and it takes a year to breed another. The foals represent the breeders return on investment, and if they die there is no such return. The breeder may want to breed the mare again and that is where insurance can assist with that decision. You can insure you foal from 24 hours of age for as little as $250.00+ GST on a $5,000 foal.

Covers include: • • • • •

Basic Mortality Cover – includes Major Medical Vet Fee up to $10,000 with $1,000 excess Foetus Insurance - includes cover for Embryo Transfers Foal Insurance – from 24 hours of age Stallion Permanent Disability by Accident, Sickness or Disease

The bloodstock business is underwritten by Underwriters at Lloyds who are experienced Bloodstock / Livestock underwriters. Of course our expertise extends well beyond the equine world so we also offer cover on livestock, alpacas, other valuable animals and even famous birds. Crombie Lockwood can also arrange cover on any specialised risk, such as luxury cars, boats and aircraft and travel insurance. Rural insurance is a speciality and advice is available through your local Crombie Lockwood office; there is 26 offices with over 800 staff across New Zealand from Kaitaia to Invercargill. Crombie Lockwood is an Arthur J. Gallagher Company and is also New Zealand’s largest. We provide a complete solution to all your personal insurance and business insurance needs and we are the only New Zealand broker to provide a 24/7 dedicated claims response. Our day-to-day business focus is local; our resources are national and our leverage is global. We summarise that differentiation as: “LOCALLY FOCUSED NATIONALLY RESOURCED INTERNATIONALLY ENDORSED” For further details talk to the bloodstock experts: Liz: 07 958 8633 liz.smith@crombielockwood.co.nz Carlene: 07 958 8632 carlene.jones@crombielockwood.co.nz or visit www.crombielockwoodbloodstock.co.nz

Then go into the draw for $1,000 worth of Dunstan Breed & Grow On 31 January 2017. We can insure horses aged from 24 hours up to and including 13 years of age. Specialised cover can also be arranged for horses over 14 years of age on application.

Page 26

BREEDING MATTERS

As an official partner to the New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Association Crombie Lockwood are passionately committed to the industry.

O ST FF AN ICI D AL AR P D AR BR T ED NER BR TO EE T D HE ER N S EW AS SO ZE C A LA IA N TI D O N

INSURE YOUR FOAL AND BE IN TO WIN Insure your foal with Crombie Lockwood Bloodstock and receive a free bag of Dunstan Breed & Grow and go into the draw to win $1,000 worth of Dunstan product.* Promotion runs: 01 August 2016 to 31 January 2017 Draw will take place on 31/01/2017 Insurance cover from 24 hours of age for one year or up to 2018 yearling sales. (with acceptable Vet Certificate and IgG test) *Terms and conditions apply, please visit: www.crombielockwoodbloodstock.co.nz

For further information contact: Carlene 07 958 8632 Liz 07 958 8633

GOLDEN CROSSES ARE TRICKY SIGNPOSTS TO READ At what level? At what average earning? And what type of horse was the result – young speedy types, older tough campaigners? A really good cross results in consistency rather than a small number of very elite performers. Consistency is the hardest thing to achieve, given the variables in breeding. A sire that can deliver consistently from many differently bred mares, and a mare that can deliver consistently from a range of sires are, for me, worth their weight in gold.

By Bee Pears

Bee Pears shares with us her thoughts on Crosses of Gold including a caution on reading too much into them. Personally, I’m sceptical about the term “golden cross”. It is usually used for the cross of a specific sire (or sire line) over a specific damsire (or damsire line) – Bettor’s Delight over In The Pocket mares, or Western Hanover and his siring sons over daughters of Artsplace and his sons, or historically Tar Heel over an Adios mare or Albatross over a Bret Hanover mare, and so on. It’s easy to mistake a “golden cross” reference as highlighting some pedigree ingredients that really clicked. But conformation, size, motor, gait, and temperament all play a part in a good cross. Sires who seem to “stamp” their progeny more clearly with certain looks or traits are often the ones who become highly successful. For example, Bettor’s Delight x In the Pocket so-called ‘golden cross’ may be more about a larger number of keen quick twitch muscle mares matching well with a well-performed sire that often adds a more tractable temperament and stamina, without coming in tandem with bulk and less speed. That genetic cross may have less to do with pedigree matching, and more to do with good breeding on type. Bettor’s Delight x In The Pocket mare is a nice outcross match. Is there anything more intrinsic or deep in that pedigree match? I don’t think so. The better statistical results may have more to do with larger numbers of well-bred mares, and a resulting foal being a bigger investment and so having a greater likelihood of being reared well and trained by a good trainer aiming for higher staked races. Consistency is gold Reasonable percentages, even good percentages, do not make a “golden cross”. In my view the percentage hit rate needs to be outstandingly high or totally unexpectedly low, to rate as a cross of gold - or nickel. And you need to consider what the statistics tell you about the type of success that cross had –at what age?

Page 28

Elite performers are the result of much more than just a sire/ damsire cross. As research shows (including the thoroughbred rating system True Nicks which uses a sire/damsire cross approach) the racing class of the mare does have a statistically significant impact on progeny results. Souvenirs rather than signposts For newer sires or those sires who get fewer mares, it becomes impossible to draw conclusions or find any potential patterns because the numbers are simply too small. If a sire has enough foals of racing age to really crunch some meaningful numbers, it indicates he is already successful and commercially attractive and therefore getting better opportunities with well-bred or wellperformed mares. Hindsight gives the best view of crosses of gold! A new sire will have foals spread across a number of damsires for several years before any statistically significant pattern can become apparent. That does not stop studs and stallion owners promoting potential nicks for new sires, of course. They usually find a reason why he will cross with almost every potential damsire line in the country, or they pick a few of the most successful or prolific damsires as recommended pedigree crosses which, of course, is aimed at getting the sire the numbers and quality of mares he needs. There’s nothing wrong with that, but breeders need to take much of it with a grain of salt. “Golden crosses” are souvenirs of past successes, rather than signposts for the future. Something’s missing The sire / damsire golden cross leaves out the influence of maternal bottom line and the damsires along that line. Whether or not you believe in the large heart “X factor” theory, the X chromosome carries a lot of genetic attributes. The main source of the get-able X chromosome is carried along the maternal line – mother to daughter, mother to son to daughter, but not father to son. This omission is magnified if the golden cross is based on sire lines and damsire lines, e.g. when a golden cross is said to occur between male lines, not just male individuals. Some stallion promotional material reads like: “He is a son of So And So and should match well with The Other One and his sons and grandsons.” This implies that a golden cross is based on a “nick”

between the Y chromosomes of the sire and the Y chromosomes of the damsire which endures through generations and in isolation from the maternal influences that may make up 80% of the potential foal’s pedigree. Those sorts of statements are often hopeful advertising for a new sire who cannot make use of his own breeding results for a few more years, and by then it may be too late. Of course this marketing angle can also help breeders who are going to be sellers, to reassure potential buyers that odds are in their favour. It’s a numbers game The more foals a sire has had of racing age, the more reliable the cross data will be. Statistics are about an overall pattern, not your individual mare. Taking Bettor’s Delight as an example again, as a sire four damsires have produced more than 50 foals of racing age being: Broodmare Sire Foals

Percent winners

Soky’s Atom 72 Falcon’s Seelster 80 Holmes Hanover 121 Christian Cullen 122 In The Pocket 207

50% 50% 47% 40% 48%

The highest winning percentages inevitably come from crosses with low numbers of foals, and are not reliable because just a couple of individual mares or results can skew the statistics dramatically – e.g. Bettor’s Delight with BG’s Bunny (6, 66%) but the four winners include three from the same mare, Scuse Me, and Walton Hanover (7, 100%) but the seven winners include three from Putting On the Glitz and two from Tosca Hanover, and so on. Probably the one that catches my eye most is the sire’s cross with Dream Away mares which is borderline significant in statistical terms – 31 foals of racing age for 58% winners, with 5 of those winning more than $50k. So there are some interesting observations in the detail but not necessarily what is touted as a “golden cross”. So a “golden cross” is more of a hindsight summary, a stud marketing exercise and a race-caller’s comment than a reliable tool for breeders to base decisions on. It can be useful and interesting to explore, but don’t expect to find an easy nugget of gold for your mare. This article is based on a blog first posted in August 2016 on the b4breeding.com blogsite.

A BROODMARE SIRE RECORD: CULLEN’S DOMINANCE CONTINUES By John Mooney Christian Cullen has topped the broodmare sire list for the first time. The season earnings of $3.52 million was a record and 50 percent higher than his father In The Pocket. Who helped put the $3.5 million together - a galaxy of our sports most talented: Spanish Amanda ($306,416), Golden Goddess ($234,339), Luisanabelle Midfrew ($167,703), Lazarus ($493,394),

Chase The Dream ($129,520) and Rocker Band ($122,869). He topped the lists for 2YO Fillies, 3YO Fillies, 3YO Colts, 4YO and older Mares with his sire In The Pocket topping the 2YO colts. Walton Hanover and Washington VC were at the top of the 4YO and Older Entires and Geldings list thanks to Ardnen Rooney and Field Mashall respectively. As expected Sundon is the dominant trotting broodmare sire, a position he can expect to hold for the next decade or more.

Broodmare Sires $Won ▾ Starters Foals Winners Starts Christian Cullen 3,518,268 190 784 103 1770 Sundon 2,832,413 217 1161 128 2101 In The Pocket 2,343,598 187 1574 96 1698 Holmes Hanover 1,726,258 243 3939 99 2201 Falcon Seelster 1,450,327 151 1468 79 1415 Soky’s Atom 974,123 129 2557 52 1247 Live Or Die 961,214 145 866 64 1285 Dream Away(USA) 818,574 45 233 24 379 Armbro Invasion 725,306 66 512 38 836 Badlands Hanover 723,311 95 615 46 866

BREEDING MATTERS

An idyllic 800 acres of lush pasture and quality fencing designed specifically for agisting your valuable broodmares and their progeny, from foals through to racehorses.

• Preferred semen base for all stallions • 24 hour supervised foaling • Excellent infoal rates with fresh and frozen semen • Top class facilities with proven results • Committed to providing the best care for your bloodstock

“Providing the best for the best”

49 Harpers Road, East Eyreton, Kaiapoi, RD 2, 7692 Office: 03 312 6338 Fax: 03 312 6337 E: waieyre@xtra.co.nz Darryl Brown: 027 732 250 Nicky Kennedy: 021 865 796

WAIEYRE.indd 1

23/05/16 10:04 AM

:04 AM

‘Breeding a better future since 1992’

www.woodlandsstud.co.nz

Our relationship with the Australasian Breeding Industry 2015/16 New Zealand Breeder of the Year

Winners we bred and offered for sale included Speeding Spur, Party On, Pacing Major, Spanish Armada. This Season we are due to to foal over 100 of our own foals.

Racing Syndicator

We strive to give people a quality racing experience through well bred horses and access to the best trainers New Zealand has to offer through an affordable monthly payment. No buy-in required.

Leading Yearling Sales Preparer

We will once again offer a quality draft at the PGG Wrightson Yearling Sales at Karaka in February. Our 2017 draft of 39 Yearlings includes progeny from American Ideal & Bettorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Delight.

Client Services

Our Studmaster Tony Grayling and his highly capable team oversee the Agistment of Mares and Youngstock, Breeding, Foaling, Weaning & Sales Preparations for our clients.

Supporting the industy

We take great pride in our Harness Racing community involvement. On and off the track, we contribute extensively through race sponsorships, driver sponsorships and community support.

Stallion Base

We are the pre-eminent semen base in the Southern Hemisphere thanks to our impressive line-up of Stallions - Bettorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Delight, Sweet Lou, American Ideal, Highview Tommy & Pegasus Spur who are available to Breeders on both sides of the Tasman

SWEET LOU 1.47.0

NZ -$6000 + GST A - $6600 incl GST

In the Barn The demand for him in the Northern Hemisphere has simply been phenomenal, reflecting the high esteem with which his performance on the track is held. His book has been full and closed in the USA for both seasons. During his first two seasons he has served no fewer than 10 millionairesses in both hemispheres and some of the world’s best race mares. These include the dam of Rock N Roll Heaven Artistic Vision, champion daughter of Bettor’s Delight See You at Peelers who made $1.5million, She’s Some Treasure a full sister to Captaintreacherous, Western Montana dam of Pure Country as well as Australasia’s fastest mare ‘Adore Me’ - 1.47.7. Sweet Lou offers Breeders a complete outcross of bloodlines which makes him ideal to cross over the vast number of Bettor’s Delight, American Ideal, Dream Away & In The Pocket broodmares around Australasia, amongst others. He has a proven Maternal Line being a half-brother to World Champion and arguably the best ever son of Bettor’s Delight - Bettor Sweet. Bettor Sweet won $2.7 million, took out two Breeders Crown Finals and recorded a lifetime mark of 1.47.2. Half sister Sweet Paprika recorded 1.51.1 and banked over $200,000. Sweet Lou’s first foals in American have arrived to rave reviews. They have great looks, size, athleticism and have inherited his outstanding temperament. He has certainly stamped them. Right from a young age Sweet Lou was a stand out for his Breeder Seth Rosenfeld. He was “impressed with his demeanor” and “he was a handsome little gentleman” Reports from the Northern Hemisphere have breeders giving his offspring the same glowing recommendations.

On the Track 33 wins - 21 placings $3,478,894 Dan Patch 2YO Colt or Gelding of the Year 2011 Dan Patch Older Male Pacer of the Year 2014 US Pacer of the Year 2014 Sweet Lou blasted on to the scene in 2011 when he won 10 of his 12 starts as a Two-Year Old. Of those 10 wins, his win in the Breeders Crown final for 2-year-old Colt pacers at Woodbine by 7 1/2 lengths in 1:49, was by far the most impressive. That day, he set a World Record which still stands. Co-owner Phil Collura said of that win “He just stamped himself, as to how good he really was, that night, There were good horses in there and he just drew away from them.” Only Artsplace and Jenna’s Beach Boy before him won the Breeders Crown at 2 and then went on to set another world record at age 4 or 5, Sweet Lou accomplished this in his 2014 year when he scorched Pocono’s five-eighths mile track in 1:47.0.

On that occasion Driver Ron Pierce was quoted as saying,

“I could have gone 1.45.0 if we’d be trying.” Sweet Lou paced 1.48 miles or faster - 13 or more times on all the great tracks including The Meadowlands. During his 5 Year-Old Season he went on a 10-race win streak which included victories in the $500,000 Ben Franklin Pace, $463,300 William R. Haughton Memorial, $257,700 U.S. Pacing Championship, and $258,000 Dan Patch Invitational. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, Sweet Lou did the unthinkable by winning six consecutive times during the streak in sub-1:48 fashion. In the process of cementing his status as a champion racehorse he defeated all comers including A RocknRoll Dance, Captaintreacherous, Foiled Again, Sunshine Beach, Heston Blue Chip and Warrawee Needy. When talking about Sweet Lou at the end of his career his trainer Ron Burke described him as “more thoroughbred than harness horse’’ due to his athleticism, going on to say “With his exceptional good looks, speed, talent and pedigree, Lou has all the attributes of a top sire, and I look forward to racing his offspring for many years to come.”

“Every time you asked him to do something better or faster, it was no problem. He just answered the call.” Sweet Lou’s Trainer Ron Burke

Baby Blazes

Highview Tommy

SERVICE FEE $3,000 + GST AUS $3,300 INCL GST

MULTIPLE MARE DISCOUNTS APPLY

Highview Tommy was a supreme pacing juvenile star. He continued to be a super stayer - twice placed in the New Zealand Cup.

On the Track 17 wins - 27 placings $1,021,904 Winner of 2 Group 1’s 3 Group 2’s -2 Group 3’s

A million dollar winner on the track, Highview Tommy has all the ingredients to make an impact. With his speed, strength and stamina he stamped his mark on the track year after year. His foals are now stamping their own mark thanks to their size, scope and standout looks.

Pegasus Spur

SERVICE FEE $3,000 + GST AUS $3,300 INCL GST

MULTIPLE MARE DISCOUNTS APPLY

Pegasus Spur is a rich source of high quality winners. His progeny have raced at an elite level season after season.

With a live foals to winners ratio well above 30% he offers breeders exceptional value for money and proven results. Fresh Semen = lower breeding costs. Australian average earnings per starter $25,124 Offspring of Pegasus Spur are proven to be competitive from 2YOs through to the open class ranks. SIRE OF • Wilma’s Mate – 1.57.3. $251,434 13 Wins including the NZ Trotters Oaks, Victorian Trotters Derby and 2016 3YO Breeders Crown Final. • Speeding Spur - 1.55.5. $634,524 17 wins including five Group 1’s, 2016 Great Southern Star, Victorian Trotters Derby, 3YO Breeders Crown Final, NZ Trotting Derby & Northern Trotting Derby • Maori Time - 1.54.2. $270,851 17 wins including multiple Group races

Thank you for the overwhelming support for Bettors’ Delight and American Ideal this season. They are both SOLD OUT.

2017/18 Bookings are being taken

American Ideal

Bettor’s Delight

BOOKINGS, SALES & RACING SYNDICATE ENQUIRIES: AUSTRALIA MARK HUGHES MARKHUGHES@WOODLANDSSTUD.CO.NZ 0451 650 707 NEW ZEALAND CHARLOTTE MOONEY CHARLOTTE@WOODLANDSSTUD.CO.NZ 021 595 492

Breeding a better future since 1992

WOODLANDSSTUD.CO.NZ

Artspeak

QUALITY ABOUNDS IN NEW SIRES TO AUSTRALIA By Peter Wharton

Our Australian correspondent Peter Wharton shares his thoughts with us regarding some of the new stallions that will this year greet Australian breeders. Two USA 2YO of the Year award winners, a USA 2YO Trotter of the Year and both the fastest pacer and trotter in history are among the list of horses new to stud in Australia for the 2016/17 breeding season. Heading the list is Captaintreacherous, the 2012 2YO of the Year and 2013 3YO of the Year, whose frozen semen will be available through Empire Stallions, Avenel (Vic.). Artspeak, the 2014 2YO of the Year, will be standing at Empire in the flesh. Both recently completed their first season at the famed Hanover Shoe Farms in Pennsylvania. Warrawee Needy (1:46.8), the co-fastest pacer of all-time, will be standing at Yirribee Stud, Wagga (NSW), while Father Patrick, the 2YO and 3YO Trotter of the Year, and Sebastian K (Tr1:49), a dual world trotting champion, can be accessed via frozen semen from

BREEDING MATTERS

Nevele R Stud and Trump Bloodstock (Qld) respectively. The richest and fastest son of champion sire Somebeachsomewhere, Captaintreacherous took a record of 1:47.2 as a three-year-old and earned $3,148,657 in only 33 starts. As a two-year-old, the ‘Captain’ won eight out of 10 for $918,253 and gained immortality as the first-ever juvenile to post four sub 1:50 winning miles. He took his two-year-old record of 1:49.4 winning the $1-million Metro Pace, beating Apprentice Hanover and Odds On Equulus. At three he won the five of the biggest events on the calendar – the $1-million North America Cup, $635,750 Meadowlands Pace, $500,000 Breeders Crown, $500,000 Hempt Memorial and the $360,000 Cane Pace – and banked a massive $2,055,033. A $250,000 yearling, Captaintreacherous looks every inch the blood he represents. Apart from being by ‘Beach’, and one of his first crop, he is out of the Artsplace mare Worldly Treasure (1:53.2), who ranks as a full sister to the world champion racemare Worldly Beauty 1:49.6 ($1.9-million). Furthermore, the brilliant, young stallion belongs to the family of successful sires Art Major, Perfect Art, Romeo Hanover, and so on. Page 39

a bankroll of $1.25-million and a record of 1:46.8, he is by far the best credentialled member of his family. Father Patrick and Sebastian K both won Horse of the Year awards in North America in 2014. The richest progeny of champion Cantab Hall, Father Patrick was the dominant three-year-old of his crop, winning 12 of his 17 starts and $1,727,181 in stakes. He banked $2,600,571 lifetime. Among his list of successes were the Breeders Crown (twice), Canadian Trotting Classic, Earl Beal Jnr Memorial, Zweig Memorial, Champlain Stakes and Peter Haughton Memorial. Following a stellar career in Europe, Sebastian K took the American scene by storm in the summer of 2014, setting a string of world records highlighted by a 1:49 winning effort on Pocono Downs’ five-eighths track on the same day that Father Patrick hoisted his three-year-old world mark of 1:50.4. Captaintreacherous Artspeak, a product of renowned sire of sires Western Ideal, was the richest two-year-old colt of his crop, bankrolling $742,185 from eight wins and two placings in 10 starts. He was undefeated in his first seven appearances including the $667,000 Metro Pace by five lengths and the $272,000 Nassagaweya and rounded out his initial campaign by capturing the $565,000 Governor’s Cup. As a three-year-old Artspeak earned $883,684 racing against top horses such as Wiggle It Jiggleit, Lost For Words, In The Arsenal and Wakazashi Hanover. He took his record of 1:47.8 winning the $450,000 Tattersall’s Pace at Lexington, while his other notable successes at three included the Simcoe Stakes, New Jersey Sire Stakes Championship and an elimination of the Breeders Crown.

At one stage Sebastian K peeled off sub 1:51 miles on four consecutive starts and in all he won 34 races across four countries and almost $3-million in prizemoney. The list of newcomers also includes Ohoka Arizona, the 2007 NZ 2YO of the Year, and trotter Amore Stride, a $99,000 winning son of Love You. Ohoka Arizona, who has enjoyed a good measure of success with his stock sold to Australian interests, will stand at Pine Lodge Stud, Oaklands Junction, near Melbourne, while Amore Stride will join the roster at Alabar Bloodstock’s Echuca property.

Artspeak is bred on a classic cross – that of Western Ideal his sire and Artsplace his maternal sire. His sire Western Ideal (1:48) by Western Hanover was a champion with stake earnings of $1.4-million and has been one of America’s leading sires for many years. Artspeak is Western Ideal’s fastest performer.

Warawee Needy

The Art Museum, the dam of Artspeak, has left four foals of racing age for four winners with three in 1:55. The grand-dam Southwind Laurel (1:52.8) by Matt’s Scooter produced three sub 1:55 performers and is a half-sister to the brilliant Southwind Lynx 1:48.6 ($1.7-million), winner of the 2007 Meadowlands Pace. Warrawee Needy, who earned $1.25-million in stakes, is unquestionably one of the fastest and most exciting pacers produced in North America during the last decade. As a two-year-old he captured four Ontario Sire Stakes Gold Championships and was voted Canadian 2YO of the Year, while at three he won an OSS Gold Final and was placed in eliminations of the North America Cup and Confederation Cup. He hoisted his world record equalling 1:46.8 performance in an elimination of the William Haughton Memorial at The Meadowlands as a four-year-old, at which age he also won the Mohawk Gold Cup, an Aquarius Series leg and a US Pacing Championship elimination. By the Cam Fella horse E Dee’s Cam (1:48.6), Warrawee Needy belongs to a family replete with million dollar race winners. With Page 40

BREEDING MATTERS

Sick of paying stud fees? Then don't ... let us ‘wear’ the cost of your mare’s service fee until you find out the resulting foal is worth paying for. That's right – if your Prodigal Seelster colt or filly doesn’t end up qualifying for whatever reason (injury, ability etc), then you’ve missed out on getting a horse you can race yourself or on-sell to someone else. And that's no good for anyone. But if it happens, you won’t owe us a cent for his service fee.

Prodigal Seelster isn't just ‘any old stallion’ either, and here’s why... • he’s by Camluck (the all time Leading Money-Winning Sire in U.S. history) out of a Western Hanover mare • racing solely in Canada, he won six races as a 2-year-old (p2,1:50) and then another six as a 3-year-old (p3,1:50.2), collecting nearly $1 million in stakes • he’s a striking 16hh individual, and is passing those traits onto his progeny – the breeders we have spoken to who’ve put mares to Prodigal Seelster are saying that his foals are some of the best they’ve ever bred and/or seen!

Quite frankly, why wouldn’t you send a mare to him? Especially since you don’t have to pay unless you end up with a racehorse. If you need more convincing, go to www.goStallions.co.nz and check out the Prodigal Seelster promo video we made last year – it includes footage of him in his paddock here in NZ, and race replays that’ll leave you in awe of his power and gait.

PRODIGAL SEELSTER PRODIGAL SEELSTER

rld swo .c

z o.n

harnes

is part of the

Grass Roots Bonus Series

– changing the way breeders pay for stud fees

– go to www.grassrootsbonus.co.nz for details.

Enquiries & Bookings: Johnny Robinson phone: 021 883-713 or 03 347-9699 Email: john@goharness.co.nz www.goStallions.co.nz

owned

CHARITY 39 By Duane Ranger

Robert Muldoon was Prime Minister. Jimmy Carter was President of the United States of America. Sole Command and Peter Wolfenden won the New Zealand Cup. The first Apple computer surfaced, and 1977 was also the year that Elvis Presley died. Gene B Good pacer, Charity was also born on September 15 of that year. On September 20 of this year the NZSBA amazingly got to see Charity first-hand. Aged 39 the grand old mare was there in all of her glory at her Waipu (Northland) farm with her owner, Melanie Mitchell. The durable chestnut mare was also sharing her paddock with two 21-year-old standardbreds named Croydon Joy (Kelly) and the other Sleepy Motor (Molly).

Born 15/11/1977, Charity and her owner Melanie recently celebrated a memorable milestone for her Standardbred mare.

and Linda Mackie of Takahiwai, Ruakaka as a horse for their daughter to learn to ride on. “Trevor still has her papers. She was too feisty for a child to learn on, so I bought her from Linda Mackie in 1989 and she’s now been with us 27 years. “I used to ride her from our place at Springs Flat (north of Kamo) to Whakapara. I rode on the main highway with another horse on the lead rope beside her so that I could swap mounts for the ride home as it was a distance of around 16km each way,” Mitchell said. In 1993 Mitchell and her husband Don moved out to Tamaterau on the edge of the Whangarei Harbour. “I kept her at Onerahi with another pony. I would ride her from Onerahi to our home at Tamaterau, with the pony on a lead rope along the narrow winding Whangarei Heads Road.

Charity, nicknamed ‘Girla’, had four unplaced North Island starts, while Croydon Jay (Roydon Boy – Countajoy) and Sleepy Motor (New York Motoring - Cucumber Slumber) never raced.

Then in 1999 we moved to a small block of land in Ruakaka (behind the racecourse) and I had the most fabulous riding alongside the Ruakaka River out onto the beach and then back home via the racecourse,” Mitchell said.

“They love Waipu and its clim ate. They are very happy here. The three of them are never apart. They are always seen together,” Mitchell said.

“We moved here to Waipu in September 2005,” she added. Mitchell said she stopped riding Charity prior to moving to Waipu because of hip and knee injuries.

Charity is the 10th of 19 foals out of 1961 Morris Eden – Auto Spinner mare, Run Honey.

“The two other standardbred mares were both born in October 1995. I have had one since before we moved here and the other was given to me a couple of years ago. Kelly was a trotter and Molly a pacer,” Mitchell said.

Charity was bred by W.R. Gough and owned by C.S. Chapman. Mitchell said Charity was given by Trevor Chatham to Bill Page 42

BREEDING MATTERS

2016-17 TROTTING STALLIONS ANDOVER HALL

MUSCLE MASS

(Garland Lobell - Amour Angus) t3,1:51.6 $875,047

(Muscles Yankee - Graceful Touch) t2,1:53.8 $229,000

From one of trottingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest siring dynasties

The leading NZ & AUS sire of 2YO trotters in 2015-16

Sire of last two Elitlopp winners Nuncio & Magic Tonight.

Sire of Group 1 stars Custodian & Illawong Byron.

$ 7,500 + GST POLF

$ 7,000 + GST Multiple Mare Discounts Apply

FATHER PATRICK MUSCLES YANKEE (Cantab Hall - Gala Dream) t3,1:50.4f $2,600,571

(Valley Victory - Maiden Yankee) t3,1:52.4 $1,424,938

US 2YO & 3YO Trotting Colt of the Year

A breed-shaping champion stallion

The richest & fastest son of champion sire Cantab Hall.

The most successful AUS Breeders Crown stallion.

$ 9,000 + GST POLF

Multiple Mare Discounts Apply

Nevele R Stud P: 03 349 8684 E: admin@nevelerstud.co.nz

Ged Mooar M: +64 274 736 753 E: ged@nevelerstud.co.nz

nevelerstud.co.nz SUCCESS BREEDS SUCCESS

NZ Sires’ Stakes Series No 37 - List of Nominated Stallion List # 3

Yearlings offered in this PGGSeason Wrightson catalogue may be (For Mares beingyear’s bred 2016/17 (Foals BornSales 17/18 Season) eligible to race in the following series as 2YO’s & 3YO’s sustaining payments (A)(Subject Stallionsto Resident/Shuttle - Standingbeing in Newmade) Zealand New Zealand Progeny Only - Validated

Sires Stakes Series No.has34been lodged with Harness Racing New Zealand. Where semen has The progeny of these stallions will be eligible for N.Z. Sires’ StakesN.Z No.37 providing a service certificate Yearlings Series No.to pay 26 NZ$200.00 in addition to the normal foal nomination fee been exported from New Zealand progeny will still be eligible but the foalSales nominator will have

Nevele Series 40 A Rocknroll Dance Falcon Seelster R Fillies One Over No. Da Moon Superfast Stuart Auckland Reactor Gold Ace Peak Tintin In America for the following codes at bottom Shadyshark of each page in catalogue so Washington you can be BettorsLook Creek He’s Watching Hanover VC Changeover Liveexclusive Or Die Sportswriter Windsong Espoir part of the series racing for exceptional stake money. Christian Cullen Mach Three Sundon Elsu Majestic Son Beach “NZSS, NZYSSSunshine & Nevele R” Resident/Shuttle - Standing in New Zealand “Next sustainingStallions payment due for the above mentioned series is July 1st 2016” N.Z. & Australian Progeny Validated

The progeny of these will be eligible for Series N.Z. Sires’ Stakes a service certificate been lodged with Harness Racing New Zealand and / or where N.Zstallions Sires Stakes haveNo.37 anproviding estimated totalhasstake pool of $1,200,000 semen hasbeen exported out of New Zealand and has been supplied by the N.Z Sires Stakes Nominator / or his agent. For progeny from exported semen the foal nominator – tobe of it! will not have paya thepart NZ$200.00 additional fee -

American Ideal Johny Rock Sir Lincoln 2YO & 3YO C & G Pacers Finals $170,000 est. Bettor’s Delight Pegasus Spur Stunin Cullen 2YO & 3YO Fillies Pacers $150,000 est. Highview Tommy 2YO & 3YO Trotters Championship + Preludes $60,000 est. (B) Imported Semen into New Zealand (Chilled Frozen) 15 Heats @ $22,000 + Silver & Consolations Races est. N.Z. Only Progeny Validated

Sweet Lou Terror To Love

Where semen from an overseas based stallion has been imported the progeny will be eligible providing that semen has been supplied by the “New Developing Races” – this Season NZSS Nominator or his authorised agent -

Alta Christino Father Patrick Panspacificflight Shadow Play 7 “New” races – Harness 5000, SophomoreQuaker Classic, Aged Mares & Trotters $40,000 Amore Stride Grinfromeartoear Jet Skyvalley est. Rosslands 3YO Graduate & Graduette $30,000 est. Andover Hall Love You Repeat Love Somebeachsomewhere R Fillies Series – 3YO FillyRock Pacers – 7Heaven Heats est. $20,000 &The Best Madrik Angus Hall Nevele Lucky Chucky N Roll Final/ ConsolRocknroll $140,000 est. Art Major Muscle Hill Hanover Trixton Bacardi Lindy Muscle Mass Roll With Joe Well Said Betterthancheddar For Life Stone N.Z Yearling SalesMuscles Race Yankee Series have anRoyalty estimated total stake pool ofWishing $900,000 Captaintreacherous Net Ten EOM Sebastian K

– be a part of it!

Imported Semen Into New Zealand (Chilled Frozen) NZ &Open Australian Progeny 2YO & 3YO Pacers FinalsValidated - $175,000 est.

Crazed

2YOboth & in3YO Fillies Pacers $150,000 est. manner Progeny bred N.Z and Australia will be Finals eligible to-nominate in the normal & 3YO Trotters Orlando Finals –Vici $65,000 est. Dream2YO Vacation

Sam Bourbon

Aged Pace $50,000 est.still nominate at foal nomination time by payment of a sire validation Note B - Imported Semen: Where the Australian services have not been validated the -resulting foals can

fee - 25% of advertised service fee plus GST in addition to the normal foal fee. This payment can only be made at foal nomination time. Note (A) & (B): The progeny of any registered stallion which has not been nominated or where the stallion nomination does not cover all of its progeny, can be made eligible by payment of a Sire validation fee being 25% of the service fee plus GST in addition to the normal foal fee. Any horse that does not have a NZ brand cannot pay the late entry at race time. Stallions can still be nominated - For further details please contact N.Z. Sires’ Stakes Board 03-3385662

Up Coming Sires Stakes Administrated Races……… NRM Sires Stakes Series 33 - 3.Y.O C & G Heat 3 – Forbury Park – Thursday 6th Oct Heat 4 – Auckland T.C – Friday 14th Oct Heat 5 – NZMTC – Friday 21st Oct

Alabar Sires Stakes Series 33 – 3.Y.O Fillies Heat 1 – NZMTC – Friday 21st Oct Heat 2 – Auckland T.C – Friday 28th Oct Heat 3 – NZMTC – Friday 25th Nov

4 Y.O & Older Pacing Mares PGG Wrightson All Aged Pace NZMTC Nevele R Southern Mares Classic – Friday 11th Nov Kaikoura T.C – Monday 31st Oct

“Injury was the only thing that prevented him from being a dominant force on the racetrack” … former trainer CRAN DALGETY

RAGING BULL (Christian Cullen - San Sophia, by Artsplace)

Never out of the money as a racehorse (10 starts for 5 wins and 5 seconds), – plus he offers breeders an AMAZING MATERNAL FAMILY

CRAN DALGETY took home both of Raging Bull’s colts from the 2016 Premier Sale, one costing $27,000 (Getarattleon) and the other $22,000 (Boy George)...

“they're on their third prep now and I really like them. Just like their sire, they've got a great attitude and are very intelligent.”

RAGING BULL

rld swo .c

z o.n

harnes

is part of the

Grass Roots Bonus Series

BENNY HILL trains Dark Rage...

“a lovely pacer and lovely horse, a pleasure to do anything with actually. He was a bit small to begin with but is really solid and strong now. I got to train Raging Bull at the end of his career, and geez he was a nice horse – he’s so well bred too!”

– go to www.grassrootsbonus.co.nz for details.

Enquiries & Bookings: Johnny Robinson phone: 021 883-713 or 03 347-9699 Email: john@goharness.co.nz www.goStallions.co.nz

owned

WORKING WITH TESIOPOWER – I T ’ S R O L E I N P L A N N I N G M AT I N G S .

By Ken McKay

With many of the stud websites now offering Test matings with their stallions, Ken McKay of Premiere Pedigrees helped us take a closer look at the tools available to breeders at the touch of their fingertips. In my role as a pedigree consultant specialising in Standardbred pedigrees throughout Australasia, the Tesiopower Standardbred Breeding Package (available via disc) has been the ‘go too’ tool at the heart of my business. There are alternative breeding packages available to breeders but we prefer to keep it simple and user-friendly. Tesiopower provides multiple functions and yet many of these are not utilised by us on a regular basis. The key ones that are used, are heavily used and we would like to share the use of these with you. In summary these functions are; •

7-Generation Pedigree Report (for an individual or a test-mating)

• • • •

Tail Lines Function Test Mating Report Linebreeding Report Add Horse Function

Some of these reports can overlap slightly but we will endeavour to highlight the value of each as we briefly work through them. Breeding a top flight equine product is all about maximising it’s two principal components, genotype (genetic match) and phenotype (physical match) between the two proposed parents. There are essentially three forms of breeding methods that a breeder can adopt: • Outcrossing, • Linebreeding; or • “Breeding To The Best And Hoping For The Best” Each of these has its own band of supporters. The Tesiopower Standardbred Breeding Package does not allow us to apply the phenotype test (Stallion Directories are usually the best source here or personal inspection) but has a major role to play in the genotype test.

7 Generation Pedigree example using Tesio

Page 46

Linebreeding Report example using Tesio

It is perhaps fair to say that the practice of ‘breeding the best to the best and hoping for the best’ is also largely conducted outside the realms of Tesiopower, but Outcrossing and Linebreeding practices fit firmly within it’s scope. When we first receive a mare from a client to assess for mating recommendations we will run a 7-Generation Pedigree Report on that mare. The value of this report is that it allows us to sight a mare’s 7-generation pedigree via a single page. This report also defines duplicated male forebears (blue) from duplicated influential female (red) forebears. By utilising the Colour Duplications icon we can then immediately ascertain where these occur in the pedigree hence defining a start point from which we can build a stronger pedigree. If the mare is not in the Tesiopower database, then we have the flexibility to utilise the Add Horse icon and manually add that mare to the database permanently. We can do likewise for the new stallions that arise each season and we also have the luxury of adding un-named or unregistered mares to the database by allocating them a bogus name. So there is great flexibility with this tool which is one we use regularly. The 7-Generation Pedigree Report is lifeblood to us as we use this to identify the strengths and weaknesses in a mare’s pedigree and to build on both of these albeit whether she possesses an outcrossed pedigree or one leaning towards linebreeding. This is where we earn our dollars. This is the stage where the hard core analysis takes place that determines what we need to do with the pedigree to improve upon it for the maximum benefit of her foal. There is a dozen or so breeding techniques that apply in this process. These particularly apply to a mare where it is deemed that we can improve the linebreeding componentry of the mare (there may be a number of things that she is deficient on from sex-balancing lines through to sire or sire line traits and attributes).

We look at the mix of forebears (both male and female) to see if these can be built upon (if required) and also that which is missing that may add complementary traits or attributes to those already present. The aim is to build a pedigree that equips the foal with a full arsenal of positive attributes that complement one another especially with racetrack battle in mind. It is at this stage that we also run a Linebreeding Report that is particularly useful as it confirms not only the percentage of linebreeding that the mare already holds in her pedigree but also the repetitions to each of the duplicated forebears (male or female) and by what generation and sex they occur so we can instantly tell if these are already sex-balanced or otherwise as well as determining the percentage componentry of each individual forebear in the mare or foal. The value of Linebreeding Reports also lies in the fact that they can be re-run from a testmating to ascertain the same information for the resultant foal. For an already heavily linebred mare it may be considered an appropriate time to mate her with an outcross stallion (i.e. a stallion carrying very little in the way of common forebear duplications within his first 4-5 generations). A heavily linebred stallion may also find best results with an outcross pedigreed mare. It is at this point that we also look heavily at the mare’s maternal bloodlines including any duplications to broodmare gems and in particular at the mare’s direct maternal (tail female) bloodlines. By utilising the Tesiopower Tail Lines function we can actually printout her tail line descent literally back to the taproot female founder of her Family. These may present development opportunities as we construct the foal’s pedigree. They also signify the strength of a mare’s direct maternal (tail female) bloodline and if it may have a common denominator with any of the available stallions for linebreeding opportunities in particular. Once we have ascertained the key “missing links” it is then

BREEDING MATTERS

time to run the time consuming job of Test Mating Reports with either all the available stallions or what is determined to be the “commercial” stallions or sometimes Client’s may specify a budget maximum (i.e. say up to and including $6000). Tesiopower offers a Test Mating function which we utilise extensively, printing out all matings that at first glance appear to meet a number of the identified criteria that we are seeking to complement the mare’s pedigree. A shortlist if you like (can sometimes approach a dozen in number). It is from this list that we determine our most suitable consorts for a mare. Here we can once again use the Colour Duplication icon to quickly define possible building blocks for pedigree matching purposes. Tesiopower also offers a function called Stallion Finder. By inserting a mare’s name, you can assess a mare against all the available stallions in the database by individual country. It allocates points for duplications on a scaled basis (CDT or LBI Factors) but aligns heavily with linebreeding principles and makes outcrossing look less desirable when that option should be pursued in some cases. So our use of this function is limited but we do concede that it can be useful on occasions as a pointer to a mare favouring a certain sireline through her bloodline composition. We also find the Stallion Finder tool can date quickly as a new wave of stallions appear each season hence limiting it’s use as a preferred function. The above form the “tools of trade” but may not produce a top racetrack performer on their own. They say “knowledge is power” and it is this analytical component that really shapes the making of a good horse. The Tesiopower package plays its part in the process of facilitating a good horse but it does not know the individual traits and attributes of sirelines or individual sires or each influential male or superior female forebear and it is knowing these that allows one to piece all the individual components of the jigsaw together. These are our “secrets of trade” and the ones upon which we earn our living. This is far from the world of “Breeding The Best To The Best and Hoping For The Best” which is suggestive of a lack of homework and more akin to buying a Lotto ticket. We acknowledge that there are no guarantees in breeding horses but there is a lot of satisfaction to be gained from a thoughtfully constructed pedigree every time success is met on the racetrack be it a maiden victory or an elite level victory. Finally, we would like to dispel the myth that a good horse cannot have its beginnings from a computer. It simply can. We believe we have proved this on multiple occasions at Premier Pedigrees and we are extremely grateful to Tesiopower for the role it plays in each and every one of our successful racetrack productions. Ken Mackay Premier Pedigrees P.O.Box 674 Pukekohe Ph: 09 2946695 Email: premierpedigrees@gmail.com

Page 48

EVERY OWNER NEEDS TO AGREE By John Mooney

Documenting our horse transactions may save a lot of angst and grief, but how often do we do it? Every now and then you hear of cases where some owners want to sell a horse or take a particular decision, but a minority do not. The most famous recent case in the NZ media concerned the thoroughbred Volkstok’n’barrell where 70% over the ownership want to accept an offer rumoured at around $3 million for the gelding and 30% did not. The media reported trainer Donna Logan saying “when you buy a house you sign legal documens and you know the rules, but things are pretty slack in horse racing.” The September 2015 decision in NSW case of Capogreco v Rogerson reminds us once again that having the signed piece of paper can make life easier. At issue was the sale of a failed very expensive half-brother to Savabeel, NZ’s current top priced stallion. In brief the horse was entered at an auction, withdrawn as a majority wanted to race it again, it failed, then the trainer wanted to sell him to a stud on a private contact, the majority wanted to sell at auction, the horse was entered in the auction, but prior to the auction the auctioneer sold it privately for $60,000. A minority owner wanted to go to auction to bid. He was not consulted on the sale and sued the trainer. The judge ruled, on the facts and in NSW, that in the absence of a written agreement: • part-owners do not have to sell a share in a horse against their wishes; • a racing rule that gives a syndicate manager power to act and represent the owners does not include the power to sell each of the co-owner’s interest; • all co-owners should have been informed of all offers; and • owners must give a manager or trainer specific authority to sell. Interestingly the chief justice also commented that private sales of shares in a horse or gifts of shares between co-owners without informing all co-owners does not meet required standards of transparency. The answer is simple: write it down at the beginning. Complete the HRNZ lease forms for broodmare leases; have your trainer or one of the co-owners prepare a simple syndicate agreement making clear who is in charge and what he/she can do; and, include a clause that if more than 70%, or whatever percent, of owners agree, a sale must proceed.

BREEDING MATTERS

FOALING AND COLOSTRUM GUIDELINES By Dr Petra Hazlett

Foaling • Normal birth within 30 min of waters breaking. • Rule of three: if there are not three things - a head and two legs present call the vet. • If there is a red bag at vulva: BREAK IT OPEN and call the vet. • Foal standing within two hours • Feeding with three hours • Placenta out by four hours: If not give 2ml of oxytocin into the muscle every 3hrs.

Colostrum check list Mares have a specific type of placenta which prevents the transfer of antibodies across the uterus to the fetus (1). This means when the foal is born it has no immune army to fight infections. Foals initially obtain this army of antibodies through suckling the thick, antibody rich colostrum off their mothers in the first 24 hours after birth. Making sure your foal gets adequate colostrum is one of the MOST IMPORTANT things you can do for the future health of your

Page 50

foal. This is such an important process that we take blood off every foal 24 hours after birth to make sure it has a high enough antibody level. If the antibody level is not high enough the foal needs to be given plasma from another horse into its vein and this can be a very costly process! Colostrum is absorbed best within the first 6-8 hours of life When to give a bottle of colostrum or talk to your vet • Mare running milk before birth. • Colostrum < 20% (Brix refractometer). • Foal not suckling well by 3hours.

EXPORT AND THRIVE

• Maiden mare. • Difficult foaling. - Give an entire bottle 250-300ml. - It must be thawed in warm water 35-37°C If the foal will not drink from a bottle, make a note so it can be tubed by the vet

By John Mooney

Checking colostrum quality Colostrum quality can be checked easily using an on farm refractometer. These can be purchased through your local veterinary clinic. Colostrum Quality

Brix (%)

Specific Gravity

Very Good 30 1.10 Good 20-30 1.08-1.09 Fair 15-20 1.06-1.07 Poor 15 1.06

Our sport is an export business. We produce great quality horses. Champions and honest ones that Australian owners and trainers like to own and race. Let us celebrate the Group 1 winners from the last season. You bred these Group One champions in New Zealand: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Our Hi Jinx - M J Knight, Mrs K M Knight Beaudienne Boaz (three times) - Dave Kennedy Nike Franco (twice) - Spreydon Lodge Flaming Flutter - Jordash Breeding Trust My Hard Copy - Woodlands Stud Lazarus - Gavin Chin, Studholme Bloodstock Limited Tact Tate - Mrs B R Dynes Have Faith In Me (twice) - Charles Roberts Monifieth - M R Ireland,Mrs T C O’Rourke-Ireland Our Dream About Me - Charles Roberts Chicago Bull - John & Katrina Price, Roger and Helen Price A Piccadilly Princess - T W J Patterson, K E Patterson, M T Patterson • Mitch McGuire - Ray and Diane Kennedy • Ohoka Punter - Katie and Dave Carville. Plus in pacing Group 2 and 3 races a further 73 wins! Our trotting breeders contributed these Group One winners:

YEARLING SALES PREPARATION Foveaux Equestrian in Invercargill now have limited spaces available for the 2017 PGG Wrightson Premier Yearling Sales. If you are looking for the best available preparation for your future stars, please contact us today to discuss your requirements. Other Services we Offer: • Equine Bodywork • Weaning/Foal Handling • Breaking In • Injury Rehabilitation • One on one work with problem or difficult horses

• My Valarie - Don Bates and Norwegian Wood Breeding Limited • Keystone Del (four) - P T Hall • On Thunder Road - Joe Fleming, Mrs J M Fleming, A P Fleming, Mrs C E Fleming • High Gate (twice) - V P Booth • Glenferrie Typhoon (twice) - Aaron Lowe, Mrs A E Macfarlane • Speeding Spur - Woodlands Stud (NZ) ltd • Wilma’s Mate (twice) - Kahukuri Bloodstock Limited, Studholme Bloodstock Limited • Custodian - Jenny Butt WELL DONE

Call Brittany at Foveaux Equestrian on 027 884 9737 E: office@foveauxequestrian.co.nz W: www.foveauxequestrian.co.nz

BREEDING MATTERS

horn of the placenta (the bigger horn) and make that the top of the “F”. The umbilical cord should then stretch out between the two horn of the placenta and the non pregnant horn will become the short part of the “F”.

Fig. 1 (Above left) The placenta in an “F” shape with the shiny foal facing side exposed.

CHECK THE P L A C E N TA By Dr Lee Morris, Registered Specialist – Veterinary Reproduction EquiBreed NZ Ltd, Te Awamutu Now it is foaling time and we are all waiting anxiously for the uneventful birth of our next champion! Amidst the excitement of the birth of a live foal, the placenta and its significance may be overlooked. The placenta (the membranes that surrounded the foal and provided nutritition during gestation) should be expelled from the mare within 3-6 h after birth. Once the placenta is expelled it should be carefully picked up from the ground (you should wear gloves) and taken to a clean area for examination. We recommend that the foaling team look at the placenta as soon as possible. The placenta is like a mirror image of the inside of the mare’s uterus and will provide valuable clues about the health of the newborn foal as well as the health and future fertility of the mare. So don’t just put it in a bucket or the offal hole, have a good look at it! The normal placenta has three components i. The outer membrane with a thick velvety side which faced the uterus and the shiny side which faced the foal ii. The inner membrane which is thinner and surrounded the foal iii. The umbilical cord which should be <90cm in length with only moderate twisting Place the placenta in an “F” shape as shown in the photo. To do this, find the cervical star which will be the hole where the foal came through and place that at your feet. Then find the pregnant

Page 52

The most important aspect of examining the placenta is to confirm that there are no bits missing. When part of the placenta is retained, it is most commonly the tip of the non pregnant horn and the missing piece may only be a few cm wide. If a small part of the placenta is retained it can cause serious infection and pain for the mare that may even result in her death or laminitis if left untreated. So, if a piece of placenta is missing you must treat it as a medical emergency and call your vet straight away. Before your vet arrives, you can provide the following information: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Time of foaling Nature of the foaling – was it easy, assisted or difficult Time of placental expulsion from the mare The gross appearance of the placenta a. What colour was it? b. Was it patchy? c. Was there any pus associated with the placenta or the umbilical cord? d. How long is the umbilical cord? Perhaps you could weigh the placenta (in the bucket) on bathroom scales. The placental weight should be approximately 10-11% of the birthweight of the foal.

An unhealthy placenta can be an indication that foal suffered during gestation and may now be at risk of poor health, so you can use this information to prevent illness in your new foal. Evidence of meconium staining suggests that the foal was stressed during delivery and may need assistance. Furthermore, an unhealthy placenta may also mean that your mare’s fertility will be adversely affected. If your farm has a high incidence of retained placenta then there may be farm management strategies that can help reduce this – by measuring Selenium or Calcium in your horses, or exposure to oestrogens. The placenta provides a wealth of information about your mare and foal. If in doubt call your vet and don’t let the vet leave your farm without looking at the placenta too! Once the placenta has been examined then it should be disposed of responsibly. Even normal looking placentae can pose an infectious disease threat (eg: Herpes virus), so wear gloves, sterilise the examination area and wash your hands properly before contacting other horses. Happy breeding! BREEDING MATTERS

or a tailored breeding programmE...

• •

Artificial insemination base (no working fees)

Frozen semen packages

• Embryo transfer • Problem mares

• •

Stallion fertility

• •

Stem cell treatments for lameness

Research in equine reproduction Specialised equine reproduction

...think

Dr Lee Morris 399 Parklands Road, RD 1, Te Awamutu 3879 T: 07 870 1845 E: info@equibreed.co.nz

www.equibreed.co.nz

A NEW CHAPTER By Brad Reid

Entering his 17th season at stud, Christian Cullen will do so from the new base of Dancingonmoonlight Farm. We took a look back at what he’s achieved, but also to the future as his new team look to get the best out of the champs last years at stud. Not in his wildest dreams could Ian Dobson have envisioned that his pride and joy stallion Christian Cullen would have had the same (if not more profound) impact at stud as he did on the race track. “Went through the third in twenty-eight three and Danny Campbell let him down!” That one line will forever be synonymous with one of the greatest performances ever seen at Harold Park. And remarkably, Christian Cullen did it on his ear.

Page 54

Dancingonmoonlight Farm Manager Trent Yesberg handling his new resident stallion, Christian Cullen

Having won 15 group races and one and a quarter million dollars in what Alby Gain would deem the twinkling of an eye, how could it get any better than that? After all, the last New Zealand Cup winning colonial stallions to make any real impact in numbers were Johnny Globe & Lordship. Fast forward 16 years and he is the most prolific colonial pacing stallion in the Southern Hemisphere siring 860 NZ-bred winners from 1,703 live foals. When these include the likes of Mainland Banner ($684,579), Christen Me ($2,356,392), Gotta Go Cullen (1,173,343), Make Mine Cullen ($874,178) & Stunin Cullen ($1,493,716) you realise the calibre of the horses he’s produced. Entering his 17th season at stud and with his fertility having dipped below 50% for the first time, owner Ian Dobson felt it was time for a change.

“Nevele R did a tremendous job in terms of management and care of the horse in recent years, however both parties believed that the move is in the stallion’s best interests. Given his age and well

documented fertility issues, it was felt that a smaller boutique stud environment would be beneficial to the horse”, said Dobson. Dancingonmoonlight Farm was earmarked as a possible destination given its first class amenities and commitment in recent years to establishing itself as a world class breeding facility. So how does a stud manager feel when he finds out he will now be responsible with looking after one of his equine heroes? “It was pretty exciting really, it’s quite a big privilege to stand the greatest colonial sire that has ever stood in New Zealand,” said Dancingonmoonlight’s Trent Yesberg.

“It’s quite a prestigious thing to have a stallion in the first place but to have one of his ilk is a real highlight for the farm. “He was a bit wound up and a bit fizzy initially but he’s really settled into the place now. Having no other stallions here to compete with has probably helped. He can be a bit difficult to handle but he’s really just started to build into his routines now and how we do things at the farm. “We were able to access some research and take part in a trial with Dr Lee Morris of Equibreed NZ Ltd regarding fertility improvements in semen. It was largely centred around how we get the best out of Cullen’s semen and what will give it the greatest shelf life or success in terms of motility. There’s no cure or magic bullet, but we are just hoping the one percent here and there add up and gives him the foundation for a great year.

Rounding out those looking to emulate the feats of their dad will be Locharburn who has impressed since stepping up into the open class ranks. “It just shows what a good stallion he is. You have to be good to compete with the American blood and he has done that for a number of years now”, said Yesberg. In WA Group 1 winning WA Oaks and Gold Nuggets winner Libertybelle Midfrew seems back to her best form leading into another Interdominion campaign after winning a heat last year. The 2015/16 season also represented the first time that a son of the Christian Cullen had sired a Group race winner. Gotta Go Cullect is basking in that glory having sired the smart filly Nek Time to win the Group 2 Southland Oaks and the Group 1 Queensland Oaks. Gotta Go Cullect also appears to have an outside chance of having a son line up in the New Zealand cup by way of Cullect a Guiness. Christian Cullen is also represented by four sons in this years Standardbred Stallion register with Alta Christiano, Charles Bronson, Raging Bull and Stunnin Cullen all flying the flag for the great colonial stallion. The great stallion will live on in the Stud Book for many a year to come. Last season he was, for the first time, leading broodmare sire with NZ record earnings of $3.51 million from 190 starters and 103 winners. With some fresh ideas and techniques, a change in environment and plenty of progeny still doing the business, don’t be surprised to see Christian Cullen siring winners for years to come!

Cullen will this year serve only on farm mares and won’t be collected as he perhaps once was in his youth. We’re scanning down until the mare ovulates, very similar to what they do with frozen semen. Christian Cullen won’t be collected until the mare is ready at which point she will be inseminated. Because Christian Cullen will only be serving mares in farm, Cullen Breeding are providing breeders travel subsidies of up to $500 + GST to help keep costs down at a time when many are feeling the pinch. This subsidy paid irrespective if the mare is in foal or not. “He has got about 20 booked already but I’m hoping for a book of 30-35 over the next month or two. Every mare is going to get a really good chance to get in foal with his small book and some of the practices we are adopting. “ It has been a lean couple of years for Christian Cullen with some of his heavyweight progeny battling their way back from injury. Christen Me has been largely unsighted until his brief winter campaign, but appears to be back on track for a tilt at this year’s New Zealand cup. Another who had been largely unsighted had been the injury troubled Franco Nelson. Back at the beach of Robert Dunn’s, he appears to be happy, healthy and his race results are indicative of that having won the Hannon and the Avon City Ford Cup in the lead up to the second Tuesday in November.

BREEDING MATTERS

Love You

EUROPEAN BREEDING SCENE By Dave Sanders Haras Des Trotteurs

Dave Sanders of Haras Des Trotteurs is no stranger to the European breeding scene as the New Zealand agent of the trotting stallion group now deeply established on our shores. The Breeders got Dave to give some insight into their industry in an attempt to educate Kiwi breeders exactly just where this revolutionary trotting blood came from. New Zealand Trotting Stallion of the Year Love You has been at the vanguard of a quiet French revolution Down Under as breeders turn to the Trotteur Francais to improve their breed. Many trainers have become fans of Love You’s stock because they have shown a rare blend of speed and stamina, matched to a longer reaching stride and a cool temperament which is trademark of the breed, and makes them ideal matches for mares with a hotter reputation such as those by Sundon. Page 56

The wonderful gait comes from natural selection, with only perfectly gaited trotters earning money in France thanks to their extremely strict racing rules, matched by a strict policy culling of non-producing mares. The 10% bonus paid on all races to breeders has maintained a high percentage of small breeders, which means there are still hundreds of trotting families in existence, in direct contrast to the small number of US trotting families (around 20). Consequently inbreeding is far less of a concern, with the French inbreeding co-efficiency typically between 4-6% as opposed to the US which is more typically 14% plus. The stamina probably comes through the rich vein of thoroughbred blood which runs deep in French trotting. This is seen in the likes of influential “blue hen” mares Belle Poule, Arlette III, Sa Bourbonnaise and Jalna IV. It received a new infusion of the famed “X-factor” after World War II through descendants of the half-thoroughbred mare Dladys. This comes mainly through daughters of the international champion Jamin, and later through daughters of Caprior.

All the modern trotting lines in the United States stem almost exclusively from two grandsons of Peter The Great: Scotland and Volomite. French breeders have genuine outcrosses including two other lines of Peter The Great (Happy Medium line) plus the now defunct Axworthy (Geoge Wilkes) line, and a couple of lines of pure French descent – and not descendants from Hambletonian 10. The pure French sirelines include those descended from Conquérant (1858) with his breed changing grandson Fuschia, the so-called French Hambletonian, born in 1883. It is probably no coincidence that the legendary sire Hambletonian 10, who was born in 1849 in the United States, shares a common characteristic with both Conquerant and Fuschia All three were out of mares sired by the best sires of the now-extinct Norfolk Trotter (or Hackney) out of thoroughbred mares. The Norfolk Trotter or Roadster was bred just north of Newmarket, the home of the thoroughbred. It carried a lot of thoroughbred blood, being bred for military purposes to carry large men quickly over long distance, the fastest means of transport of the day. Hambletonian’s sire Bellfounder was the fastest ever of this breed and was imported into the United States 1922. His grandsire Wroot’s Pretender is found in many French pedigrees.

Phaeton

Fuschia, the latest of the trio, also included in his sire Reynold’s damline a Norfolk Trotter over a mare of mixed American Standardbred and thoroughbred bloodlines.

Sam Williams was also a champion on the track in France, and the best 3YO of his year. He is the grandsire of Carioca II. This is the dominant sireline in France through the likes of Fakir du Vivier (1971) and sons. Above all is his breed-changing grandson Coktail Jet and his sons and grandsons, In Love With You, Love You, Look de Star, Nice Love, Kiwi, Quaker Jet and Repeat Love etc.

Fuschia, Reynolds and Conquerant all descended from the Young Rattler (1811), a thoroughbred from the sire line of Godolphin Arabian and is still very active through the sirelines of Kerjacques and Fandango today.

Orlando Vici, whose first yearlings will go through the ring in New Zealand this season represents the outcross Axworthy line of The Great McKinney (1922), a son of Arion McKinney with a dam by Peter the Great.

Kerjacques bloodlines are still found in the likes of Sancho Panca and his sons, Eclair de Vandel, Elvis de Rossignol and grandson Memphis du Rib. Also through Ténor de Baune and his sons Fleuron Perrine, Lulo Josselyn, Flash de Cossé and his grandson Rombaldi.

The Great McKinney was not regarded as a great stallion himself but his mating with one of France’s greatest champion mares Uranie, a three-time Prix d’Amerique winner, left two champion siring sons in Kairos (1932), French champion sire 9 times, and Ogaden (1936).

Another Kerjacques line goes through Rêve d’Udon and sons Offshore Dream, Général du Pommeau. There is a Swedish/US offshoot through Revenue and now his son Break The Bank. Fandango is less prominent with only the very good monte sire Gazouillis and Canada still active.

It is the sireline of Kairos from which Orlando Vici descends, while his son Un Mec d’Heripre has made a promising start to his stud career.

The other French line still active, but very close to extinction is that through Phaëton (1871). He is a son of the thoroughbred The Heir of Linne and represents the sire line of Eclipse (Darley Arabian). Phaeton was out of a Norfolk Trotter but the breed is hanging by a thread and is only maintained through two grandsons of the highly influential broodmare sire Jiosco in Paddy du Buisson and Roi Vert. There are also three American standardbred sirelines in France that are no longer active in their country of origin, referred to in France as Old American blood. This includes Love You’s sireline, which traces back to the US import Sam Williams (1918), a son of Peter Scott whose dam Blitzie also left Hambletonian and Prix d’Amérique winner Walter Dear.

The other uniquely French sireline descends from another son of Peter The Great. Peter The Brewer, through Calumet Delco (1930), whose dam was closely related to Star’s Pride Now there is a story of some subterfuge relating to the closing of the French studbook in 1937. A year later, 1938, the Normandy breeder M. Veslard found that his good stallion Gaël was infertile. He decided to substitute him with Calumet Delco, a former 2YO World Champion and a good performer in Europe, who was preparing for the Prix d’Amérique in his farm. The ruse wasn’t discovered until some years later. However this breed is almost extinct. The last good stallions being James Pile (1975) and his son Steed James (1984). The Spanish-bred European group one winner Trebol, who has just started his stud career in his homeland, is possibly the last of this line still standing.

BREEDING MATTERS

Speedy Somolli left Tarass Boulba a top broodmare sire, while Armbro Goal sired Défi d’Aunou and Royal Prestige sired Buvetier d’Aunou both out of the great broodmare Nesmile. Buvetier d’Aunou’s sons Ganymède and Juliano Star in Sweden are prominent sires today. The premature death during this open period of Mickey Viking obligated the Haras Nationaux to purchase another American sire. They settled on Workaholic in 1989. Not regarded by the French as particularly courageous, but was very fast. Workaholic was quite successful as a sire in his own right, although his only good son at stud is Cygnus d’Odyssée. Workaholic was an outstanding broodmare sire, and is regarded as one of the most influential in the modern breed. Sam Williams

Then there is the bloodlines standardbred breeders in New Zealand are familiar with. Referred to in France as New American blood. This was first introduced in the 1970s when Star’s Pride was bred for the one and only time by prominent French breeder Henri Levesque to his great champion Roquépine (2 Prix d’Amérique, 2 Eliloppet, 2 International Trot). The result was the great stallion Florestan. This stud was not allowed to race in France but was allowed to be a sire because he was sold to the Haras Nationaux (French National Stud). Florestan was a stunning success as a sire of sires through leading stallions like Podosis and sons First de Retz, Gai Brillant, Passionnant (and his son Ginger Somolli), Quito de Talonay and his sons Extreme Dream and Giant Cat, Baccarat du Pont and Diamant Gédé, all active today. Florestan was even more influential as a broodmare sire. This success led to an agreement in 1984 which reopened the French studbook for a short time (it closed in 1992). Ten French and 10 US mares were allowed to be crossbred every year. The blood of Star’s Pride was again introduced through his sons Nevele Pride or Ayres (who again with Roquépine bred the good stallion Granit). Incredibly not one US breeder took up the offer, leading some French breeders to buy American mares to breed to French stallions. The results were game changing.

Finally, there is the line of Victory Song which comes through Sharif di Iesolo, the leading sire in Italy. A son of Quick Song (Volomite/Victory Song sire line), out a French dam, Odile de Sassy. Sharif di Iesolo left And Arifant, the sire of champion sire Goetmals Wood and the damsire of Love You. Both these stallions are leaving both sons and daughters who are proving extremely potent. The French breed is now a rich blend of diversity, combining the best bloodlines of both continents. It is now achieving even further success in the trotting mad Scandinavian countries. There breeders have been mixing the blood for years, even taking it back to France and winning their greatest prizes, such as the mixed-blood Maharajah did in winning the Prix d’Amerique. And now the breed has arrived Down Under, the revolution has begun and will continue.

Coktail Jet

Nevele Pride, bred to a French mare, sired Kimberland who is the damsire of Tahitienne, the dam of leading great sires Goetmals Wood. His son Sam Bourbon is now a leading sire in France, and Extreme Dream who is the damsire of the remarkable Ready Cash. A son of Bonefish, Mickey Viking, was also bought by the Haras Nationaux but died after only a small crop of just 26 foals. Of that 24 made the track including Viking’s Way, who left the champion Jag de Bellouet and Ready Cash’s sire Indy de Vive (who died after just 4 years at stud). Despite being at his peak, the breed-changing Speedy Crown was hardly utilised by French breeders. However, his sons were, in particular Speedy Somolli, Armbro Goal (who’s great action was suited to Vincennes) and the powerful Royal Prestige.

Page 58

BREEDING MATTERS

One Over da Moon Majestic Son – One Over Kenny

t,1:55.5 Now available to NZ Breeders

ONE OVER

First son of KENNY t,1:57

– NZ & Australia’s richest trotting mare

Winning over $1 million and setting 3 NZ Records

Incredible Strong Maternal Lines – For top speed, extreme stamina & strength As a 2YO:

Jewels Winner and NZ 2year old Trotter of the Year

As a 3YO:

Winner of the Australian Gp2 Holmfield

As a 4YO:

Winning 5 in a row at Alexandra Park and fourth in the Gp1 Rowe Cup

As a 5YO:

Won the Gp3 Flying Mile in 1.55.5

Two of his weanling colts, born in October 2015 at One Over Lodge

Total of 19 Wins & 8 placings to date

Fresh Semen - Limited numbers

Barra Equine

Jonathan McNeill. Mobile: 029 2013950 Work: 03 312 0448 Fax: 03 312 0468

Service Fee $3,000 + GST

Discounts available. Winning mares: Pay for the first, second mare free.

A WIGGLE AND A JIGGLE TO HORSE OF THE YEAR HONOURS! By Jess Smith

Jess Smith of TAB Trackside was kind enough to reach out to The Breeders recently in the knowledge she would be interviewing Wiggle It Jiggle It’s trainer, George Teague Jr. What transpired is a wonderful tale of a horse that has certainly captured the hearts and imagination of the harness racing fraternity. Every now and then a horse comes along that excites the imagination. A horse that defies breeding trends. A horse that gives breeders and owners hope, and proves that fairy tales do come true. 2015 Harness Horse of the Year, Wiggle It Jiggleit is one of the hottest names in North America right now. But it isn’t due to many years of meticulous line breeding, or a top dollar yearling sale price tag. It’s because he is a ‘mere’ homebred from Delaware, and the story behind him is one of loyalty and good faith. Delaware horseman George Teague Jr is no stranger to training champions. He has had Horse of the Year Rainbow Blue (US$1.4million, 1.49.2p and only the third filly ever to be crowned Horse of the Year), Mr Wiggles (sire of Wiggle It Jiggleit), 2006 Pacer of the Year Total Truth, and Meadowlands Pace winner Southwind Lynx in his stable over the years. But when he started to see promise in a young gelding named Wiggle It Jiggleit, he decided to offer the role of trainer to his longtime employee Clyde Francis. “Clyde has worked for me for over 20 years, and he has been such a huge part of our team,” explained Teague. “I wanted to do this for him to thank him for his loyalty. Plus he already knows what it takes to handle a great horse as he was with me with Rainbow Blue and the other top horses we’ve had. I’m thrilled for him.” Even the groom of Wiggle It Jiggleit is a long term team member. “Big Mike” Taylor has been under the employ of Teague for over 15 years and is the horse’s close companion and minder. Teague’s son Montrell is just 25 years old and is the sole driver of the horse. He has guided the him to a career record of 49 starts, 37 wins, 11 placings and $US 3.69 million in stakes, his most recent wins being 10th Annual $150,000 Bobby Quillen Memorial Monday 19th September at Harrington Raceway in 1:50 over a sloppy harness racing racetrack. He has a best mile time of 1.47.2. Followed by the $150,000 Dayton Pacing Derby last Friday. Of his pedigree, his sire Mr Wiggles was a consistently strong racehorse at the top level. By Badlands Hanover, he is his second richest son, and won the $500,000 Hoosier Cup at three, an elimination of the North America Cup, a leg and final of the Delaware Breeders Stakes and a Breeders Crown elimination. He Page 60

placed second in the Adios final and also a Breeders Crown just to name a few performances. He raced also at four, winning two legs of the Levy Memorial and placing second in three other legs. When Mr Wiggles first hit the stud scene he had all of the credentials to make it according to Teague. “I thought he would be a great stallion as he had a great attitude, great speed and would add that over any mares he covered.” But the early numbers to Mr Wiggles were small. And from only a handful of foals came Wiggle It Jiggleit. In a unique twist, Teague raced his dam also, Mozzi Hanover. She earned $140,000 and took a mark of 1.52 and is by Jenna’s Beach Boy, out of a Laag mare. But the depth comes further back in her line, with her third dam being Stienam, who is also the third dam of Put On A Show (1.47.3p US$2.4 million). “He (Wiggle It Jiggleit) reminds me a lot of his dad. He’s a real doll of a horse. He’s relaxed, he loves racing, he copes with any kind of trip and is just so tough,” said Teague. “I would say he is by far the best horse I have had. He has the best set of lungs I have ever seen. We knew right from qualifying that he would be special. He could just keep going all day long from any position.” After winning his only start as a two-year-old, Wiggle It Jiggleit was showing huge ability at three. But his biggest test came when he hit the ‘mainstream’ racing world. Some doubted that a homebred could foot it in the big North American clashes. Going in undefeated, he finished second in the 2015 North America Cup final to Wakizashi Hanover. But went on to win 22 of his 26 starts as a three-year-old, and finished second three times The connections of Wiggle It Jiggle It celebrate winning the Meadowlands Pace

Wiggle It Jiggle It and his regular pilot Montrell Teague and earning $2.2 million. His victories included the Meadowlands Pace elimination and final, Little Brown Jug (two heats in one day), a Hempt elimination and final. And was crowned Horse of the Year.

As a four-year-old Wiggle It Jiggleit has struck a start studded line up of older horses to battle with. And his match races with Always B Miki, Freaky Feet Pete and Shamballa have thrilled harness fans around the world.

His win in the Little Brown Jug would go down as one of the most memorable editions of the great race. After winning his first heat, he had to win the second on the same day to take the Jug victory. But he skipped out his gate on the first turn, then was sent to attack for the lead after just a quarter and went to war with pacemaker Lost For Words for the next three quarters of a mile. Looking beaten on the turn, he had to pull out every ounce of heart and defiance to capture Lost For Words, making up three lengths and did so with just a nose to spare.

This year he has won 11 of 18 starts. He’s set a track record at Northfield Park in the Battle of Lake Erie, won the Dan Patch Stakes at Hoosier and set a track record at Harrah’s Chester on Memorial Day winning the Mullin Invitational in 1.47.3, pacing the fastest mile in the track’s 11-year history.

But Teague wasn’t willing to name that as his favourite race win. “I couldn’t label one win of his as the best. What I will say though is that he really made hard work of the Little Brown Jug. For some reason he just didn’t handle the bends that day and it made a lot of work for him. He could have won by more if he had handled the track better. To be honest he wasn’t the soundest horse at three-years-old. He is a lot sounder now than he was that year. But he still managed to do such remarkable things.” Teague credits his son Montrell on looking after the horse during those unsound times. “I always knew he (the horse) would handle coming back from three to the aged racing. A big part of that was the way that Montrell took care of him during his threeyear-old year. He could have gone crazy and won races by ten lengths. But he looked after the horse and that shows how good a driver he is.” “I am thrilled to be able to give my son such an opportunity and showcase him to the world. This is a once in a lifetime horse and Montrell is only 25. So he’s having the time of his life. He’s had a lot of people question his driving but I can’t fault him. He looks after the horse and knows him inside out.”

He also competed in the Levy Series at Yonkers Raceway earlier this year also where he dead-heated for first in a thrilling finish of round five with stoic expat Kiwi, Bit Of A Legend. And there are some lofty goals ahead according to Teague for his future. “I would like to say we will keep racing him as long as we can and as long as he is sound. I think he has a great chance at becoming the richest aged pacer this year. He‘s now the highest earning aged pacer in a season. As at 30 September he has $1.5 million in stakes for the season exceeding Foiled Again’s age record of $1.4 million set in 2013. He just thrives on racing and can back up so well and recover so quickly. I’d like to think we can keep this story going for years to come yet.” And upon reflecting on the whole fairy tale thus far, Teague was modest about the opportunities he has given to his friends and son. Crediting every team member for their dedication, and the horse for giving harness racing a hero for the little guy to cheer for. “I think Wiggle It Jiggleit is great for racing as it shows that a champion can come from any breeding, and to have a home bred horse on the world stage like this gives people hope,” said Teague.

BREEDING MATTERS

Brent along with his wife Sheree have operated Macca Lodge since 2008

FROM JACCKA TO MACCA By Brad Reid Since 2008 Brent and Sheree McIntyre have been operating Macca Lodge at Wendonside, just a few miles north of Riversdale in Southland. They bought the stud from Ailsa and Charlie Smaill who had transformed their 240-hectare sheep and cattle farm into ‘Jaccka Lodge’ by the mid-1990s. Brent admits he can’t take the credit for the subtle name change — his mates, on hearing about the purchase, told him “it’s Macca Lodge now”. Hard to argue with that. Former sheep farmers at Tussock Creek near Invercargill, the McIntyres have relished their move into the stud business. Like his grandfather and father before him, Brent trained horses on the farm and had success with the good mares Just Jazzan (six wins Knowing Bret - Transzan), her daughter Bonnie Lass (10 wins Camtastic) and Jamie (seven wins Albert Albert - Tuapeka Tango, the Cummings famed Maureen’s Dream family). The latter two are still in the well-bred broodmare band at Macca Lodge. “I was a sheep farmer and a hobby trainer and had a gutsful of sheep farming! With our son Caine coming through I was looking for another farm anyway and the opportunity to buy this property came up, we haven’t looked back really”, said Macintyre. With a family of horsemen behind him, one could be forgiven for thinking Brent & the MacIntyres arrived with a plethora of breeding knowledge! “We knew nothing when we arrived. I was lucky Owen Crookes was the stud master when we took over and he was around for a few years to teach me the ropes. I spent a lot of time talking to different people and picked things up as I went.”

“We wintered 160 mares here last year and we are usually around the 140 mark. We usually breed 15 mares on our own. I probably wouldn’t breed that many if we did not have the stallions standing at the Lodge, so we’re trying to help them a long a wee bit.” So how did the stallions come about? “John Stiven was giving me earache telling me I should be standing a stallion. We ended up doing a deal with the Americans to bring Panspacificflight (The Panderosa - You Can Fly Nihilator) out here and Net Ten Eom (Somebeachsomewhere - Glowing Report - Artsplace) was the follow on from that really”, said Macintyre. Both are available through frozen semen. “It’s made life interesting anyway”, said Brent in reference to the stallions. “We ended up going to America and making good friends and learning plenty from the studs and if it wasn’t for the stallions we may well have never done that.” Panspacificflight has hit the ground running with 60% winners from his first NZ crop. A staggering 65 races won between just 14 horses. Arden’s Concord (6 wins, Madam Maroussia - Artiscape) started the season off in style for the Macca stallion covering his last half in 55.8 at Oamaru to record an early season double earlier in the month. “To survive in the breeding game you need to be doing a little bit of everything really. We didn’t get a lot of bookings to the stallions for a start so we needed to have a finger in the pie of everything. And that they do. Offering the complete breeding package at some of the most competitive rates in the country. From serving to foaling and everything in between, Macca Lodge’s year round agistment rates are enough to make an Aucklander’s eyes water. So what does the future hold for Macca Lodge? “I had 1200 sheep when I first got here, and now we have none”, laughed Macintyre. “Between the breeding and breaking-in with our resident trainer Tony Stratford, we have our hands full and largely stick to working our own. “The end-goal is to upgrade the band of mares we have on the farm while continuing to deliver a first class breeding operation.”

“We enjoy what we do. We’re busy, but it’s a good busy. We love the horse game and if you enjoy what you do it’s not really a chore.

With high class facilities & expertise, 24 hour supervised foaling and 600 acres of Southland grass at their disposal, the sky is the limit for the McIntyre Family from the deep south!

What does a regular breeding season look like for Macca?

To view all of Macca Lodge’s on farm facilities, services and rates, visit www.maccalodge.com

Page 62

BREEDING MATTERS

PANSPACIFICFLIGHT Sixty per cent winners from his first NZ crop

Lightly supported here, Panspacificflight has a record as a stallion that even the most commercial sires struggle to match. Multiple winners like Little Rascal, The Manipulator, Glenisla, Arden’s Concord, Southern Pursuit, Wick, Last Flight In, Sir Mac’s Man, In Full Flight... all from a first crop of just 23 live foals. As well as top filly Arden’s Choice, from his second crop, a Group I winner at two. A multiple Group placegetter, including a third in this year’s New Zealand Oaks, with stakes of more than $200,000

Panspacificflight (1:50.6) was a topline racehorse. He won his first four starts as a two-year-old and ran a very close third in Canada’s richest race, the North America Cup, at three. • A proven sire in the United States where his progeny have won $14.3 million. He now has 124 winners in 1:55 or better. Some were winning at two and are still racing at eight. In 2014 he had 28 two-year-old winners. Last year those horses won more than $1 million in stakes. • And new stars are emerging like three-year-old Paver Jack, winner of the 2016 $75,000 Indiana Sires Stakes Final in 1:51.

• He is from a strong maternal family that keeps producing top stallions. He’s a half-brother-in-blood to champiom sire Art Major and is closely related to the brilliant Captaintreacherous. And Panspacificflight has a half-brother who has gone under 1:50 and won nearly $1 million.

There is no better value for a stallion in New Zealand than Panspacificflight. For more information go to www.maccalodge.com

2016 Stud Fee: $3,000 + GST • Stud Fee if payable on live foal: $3,750 + GST Bookings to Brent & Sheree McIntyre Phone: (03) 202-5506 or (027) 752-2284 NZ Sires Stakes & Breeders Crown nominated

NEW INVESTOR BREEDERS, B R E E D I N G A N D TA X AT I O N : A N U P D AT E Advice provided by Chapman Tripp, Lawyers, Wellington to the NZ Racing Board at the conclusion of recent consultations with the Inland Revenue on the tax treatment of new investors in horse breeding as a business.

Adverse income tax result for new and early stage investors

The NZRB has been working closely with Inland Revenue to try and secure more favourable tax treatment for “new” investors into our industry. This has included detailed legal analysis and submissions and meetings with senior officials and the Commissioner. Those discussions, which have been led by a senior tax lawyer, have been helpful in openly testing the approach taken by IRD to the taxation of bloodstock investments.

1) “new” investors acquiring their first interest in a breeding horse (directly or through a partnership/syndicate); and 2) “early stage” investors whose other horses have at the time of purchase of the horse in question not yet reached the actual breeding phase (by actual breeding phase is meant a point where a breeding horse is used for breeding for profit, or shortly prior to that point, with result that a breeding business is accepted by IRD as having commenced, either conducted directly by the investor or through another partnership/syndicate - this will generally be 3-5 years after purchase of a yearling for example).

Unfortunately they have not resulted in the substantive shift in IRD’s income tax position. In particular the IRD continues to refuse to allow a new investor who is not currently participating in a breeding syndicate or business to write-down the value of the horse acquired for breeding purposes until such a business is established. In the IRD’s view this is likely to be at or shortly before the time at which the syndicate starts actual breeding for the purpose of profit.

No section EC 39 write-down For the following types of investors IRD’s view continues to be that no write-down is available under section EC 39 for the cost of an interest in a horse purchased with an intention to be bred for profit:

No ongoing non-race related (holding) expense tax deduction and no tax loss on sale New and early stage investors will also not be allowed an income tax deduction for:

However, IRD has helpfully clarified or shifted its position on a range of other issues. In particular:

1) ongoing non-race related (holding) expenses relating to the horse prior to commencing the actual breeding phase; or

• It will allow income tax write-downs, in the above circumstances, to investors who already carry on an existing breeding business outside of the new partnership/syndicate and for investors who have invested in multiple partnerships/ syndicates where at least one of the other horses owned by those partnerships/syndicates has reached the actual breeding phase and breeding that horse amounts to a breeding business (in each case the breeding business requires that the breeding be for the purpose of making a profit).

2) loss on sale if their horse fails to reach the actual breeding phase (if contrary to the original intentions/plans, the actual breeding phase is not reached by reason, for example, of injury/failure to perform in racing etc).

• Further, IRD has adjusted its position on GST so that claiming GST input credits should no longer generally be problematic in relation to GST on the purchase price and ongoing costs of horses that are purchased with an intention to be used in a breeding activity if that breeding activity is intended to be undertaken for profit. More details of these discussions are included below.

Page 64

Some success re GST and income tax Two useful adjustments to the IRD’s starting position have been achieved. GST input credits for breeding horses Claiming GST input credits should no longer be problematic in relation to GST on the purchase price and ongoing costs of horses that are purchased with an intention to be used in a breeding activity if that breeding activity is intended to be undertaken for profit. IRD’s position before this exercise started had been that GST input credits would not be available (on the basis that all horse breeding investments were initially suggested to be “private recreational pursuits or hobbies”).

Income tax deductions available for breeding horses purchased by investors who have an interest in another breeding horse in an existing breeding business at the time of purchase IRD now accepts that income tax write-downs are available under section EC 39 for the cost of an interest in a horse purchased (directly or through a partnership/syndicate) with an intention of breeding it for the following types of investors: 1) an investor who directly carries on an existing breeding business (i.e. actual breeding stage and breeding for the intention of making a profit) outside the partnership syndicate at the time the horse is purchased by the partnership/syndicate; or 2) an investor who already has investments in other partnerships/syndicates (or a partnership that owns multiple horses) where at least one of the other horses owned by those other partnerships/syndicates has reached the actual breeding phase and is being bred to make a profit, resulting in the investor having an existing breeding business at the time the horse is purchased by the partnership/syndicate. In addition, for such investors, IRD would: 1) allow deductions for ongoing non-race related (holding) expenses (e.g. insurance, non-race feed and veterinary costs, and agistment); and 2) allow a deduction for any loss on sale of the horse if it does not reach the actual breeding phase and is sold. IRD’s original view had been that an income tax deduction would not be available for write-down of the horse under section EC 39 to investors in the partnership who had pre-existing stud farms or to investors who had investments in other partnerships/ syndicates carrying on a breeding businesses, unless the investment in the new horse or new partnership/syndicate was directly linked to that other existing breeding business. Where to from here? This is IRD’s view of the current law and there is little opportunity to change it. These policy decisions will be published by the IRD, with further consultation intended. [Note: until the IRD’s policy is final and published (following intended consultation) there is an element of uncertainty as to IRD’s final position.] To claim income tax deductions new investors in the industry could first make an investment in an existing breeding activity (before investing in a horse yet to reach breeding age). For example an investor might, before making other investments, invest first in an established broodmare that clearly is at the purchase date actually breeding for the intention of making a profit. The “new investor” would, following the making of that first investment in the broodmare, then be carrying on a breeding business. The Breeders will be working with NZRB, the thoroughbred breeders and HRNZ to make submissions to government to create a more favourable environment for ‘new investors’ in bloodstock breeding.

BREEDING MATTERS

ROCKNROLL HANOVER 2,1:49.4; 3,1:48.3 ($2,754,038)

Western Hanover – Rich N Elegant – Direct Scooter

B.H. 16 Hands

ROCKER BAND

2016 (GR1) $150,000 Harness Jewels Diamond 4YO Mares Final

ROCKER BAND 1:53.3 ($164,685)

ROCKNROLL HANOVER – Mainland Banner – Christian Cullen

ROCKNROLL HANOVER – One of The World’s Greatest Stallions

$97 Million in Progeny Earnings • 444 in 1:55 – 69 in 1:50 or faster 236 Winners of Over $100,000 • 9 Millionaires • 17 World Champions Frozen Semen Available Exclusively in New Zealand

EmpirE

STALLIONS

BreedingMatters_2pg_09232016.indd 2

Frozen Semen

7,000 + GST

PAYABLE BY APRIL 1ST

Ron Burrell, NZ Agent Free Call: 0800 402 512 Mobile: 027 2055075 impact.bloodstock@xtra.co.nz

www.empirestallions.com 9/25/16 9:53:10 PM

Bree

10 PM

WELL SAID 2,1:51; 3,1:47.3 ($2,569,342)

Western Hanover – Must See – Artsplace

B.H. 16 Hands

CONTROL THE MOMENT

2016 $732,000 Meadowlands Pace & $320,000 Cane Pace Champion

CONTROL THE MOMENT 2,1:49.4; 3,1:48.2 ($1,085,220) WELL SAID-Life’sliltreasure-Life Sign

WELL SAID – WELL DONE! From First 3 US Crops of 304 Foals

259 Starters – 201 Winners 14 in 1:50 – 120 in 1:55 – 190 in 2:00 46 Winners of Over $100 ,000 $18 Million Progeny Earnings

EmpirE

STALLIONS

BreedingMatters_2pg_09232016.indd 1

Frozen Semen

7,000 + GST

PAYABLE BY APRIL 1ST

Ron Burrell, NZ Agent Free Call: 0800 402 512 Mobile: 027 2055075 impact.bloodstock@xtra.co.nz

www.empirestallions.com 9/25/16 9:53:09 PM

S TALLIONS A USTRALASIA

MUSCLE HILL … has another great day at the office Mohawk 18/9/16

� Race 2:

The Peaceful Way Final for 2yo Fillies: $363,000 1st: Ariana G (out of a Cantab Hall mare) Now 7 for 7 and the richest and fastest 2yo in North America.

� Race 5:

The William Wellwood Memorial for 2yo Colts: $350,000 2nd: Jake (out of an Andover Hall mare) A one win 2yo which has never been out of the money in 7 starts.

� Race 7:

The Maple Leaf Open Trot: $632,000 1st: Resolve (out of a Credit Winner mare) The leading aged male trotter in North America with total earnings over $1.5million. Second in this year’s Elittlop Final.

� Race 10:

The Canadian Classic Final for 3yo Colts: $687,000 1st: Bar Hopping (out of a Credit Winner mare) Now 22 lifetime starts for $808,118 from 22 starts for 6wins and 10 placings.

2nd: Marion Marauder (out of a Donerail mare) The 2016 Hambletonian winner and lifetime earnings of $1,539,768.

MUSCLE HILL is the LEADING 2yo SIRE in North America from 105 foals. The LEADING 3yo SIRE in North America from 81 foals. The LEADING ALL AGED SIRE in North America from 4 crops racing. Muscle Hill is fully booked in NZ but don't miss the opportunity to breed to…

TRIXTON the first crop Hambletonian winning son of Muscle Hill with the best stallion pedigree in the stud book. Trixton has served 2 full books in North America and in Europe (by frozen semen) and is available down under at a fee of… For all enquiries please contact: Peter O’Rourke

2 016 S e r v ic e Fe

$9,0 0 plus GST

Phone: 03 3326410 Mobile: 021 346401 Email: pjorourke13@gmail.com PO Box 9361 Tower Junction, Christchurch 8149

www.stallionsaustralasia.com

… and also follow us on Facebook

ASSOCIATE SIRES: Lucky Chucky • Royalty For Life • Wishing Stone