Saturday, July 02, 2005

WOW........... 39 INCHES LONG

hahaha, no not at all, but iam sure that it got your attention! LOL

Actually it was 39mm of rain over the past few days and we are definitely not cranky with the fact that Massie Lodge is still muddy and boggy. The paddocks were just ready and primed for this rain and they have started sprouting green stuff (ancient historians could say it might be grass?).

All the dams and house tanks have been given a top up, and all the horses are very muddy and dirty. What a blessing it has been.

We went this morning to visit Sunny who is over at Wexford Downs at Yangan with Paul Moody being broken in. I was shocked when I saw her (pleasantly!) as she had grown in that short time that she has been with Paul. All glowing remarks although he did say that she could be a little "determined" at times I think. The thing that I liked best about what I saw and heard from Paul is that when Paul was talking to us, he was telling how he works the little ones. He said, "I dont rush the little ones (his words), this education has to take them all through their life whatever their vocation is and I will be judged by their behaviour, so there is no point rushing and cutting corners. If you want it rushed and corners cut, you might as well go somewhere else!" How down to earth is that? Paul and his wife Angela and their brood of little ones (both 4 hooved and 2 legged) are very nice people and look after all their charges very well indeed.

Both Evan and I went away from Wexford Downs very happy campers indeed.

And still the discussion goes on about where and which mares to send away. Sometimes it is quite heated the discussion, but one thing I have learnt since becoming a Robinson is that if you really, really want something, you have to have all your pre-work done, have your statistics ready and be ready for lively discussion. The issue that we have this year after the MM Sales at the Gold Coast and all the sales this year is are we breeding for racing or for selling. Well the answer to that is simple we are doing both. It goes against my grain to send the girls to something "fashionable" just so it will sell decently. I have a fear that unless you are booked to a "shuttler" (of which there will be 500 on the market this year, probably not that many, however there seem to be a glut of shuttlers coming into the country to take the market share) that the progeny wont sell.

Sorry but that really annoys me. What about the Queensland Stalwarts?

Canadian Silver
Clang
Dane Supreme
Dantibes
Dodge
Groucho
Immovable Option
Irish Royal
Kaaptive Edition
Kbenjar
Kenfair
King Ivor
Kinjite
Latarmiss
Mister Kwila
Our Maizcay
Sequalo
Telesto
Waterford Road

All under $6,000 (except for one or two), but very very underated even though they all have runners running everyday and winning everyday here in Queensland. Obviously that is not good enough anymore to attract buyers. What is it that the shuttlers have that these boys dont? They might have overseas form, but they are not proven here. And isnt that what counts? Proven winners in Australian conditions everyday. What hopes do stallion owners have with locally grown stallions against the hype of the shuttlers?

I know that the proof of the pudding will be when these shuttlers have runners on the ground and they cant hack the conditions. Talk about money burning a hole in your pocket! OUCH!

Yes, this subject certainly raises the energy levels with me.

All I know is that Evan and I will continue to support Queensland stallion owners this year. It's a bit like buying the Australian brand against the overseas competitor! Support your local stallions!!

Now as I climb off my soap box and go and make up the feeds for this afternoon, I will feel satisfied knowing that I have said my peace.

Life is bloody marvellous, get out there and smell those roses!

Helen.


2 comments:

Anonymous said...

You mention those stallions , not many have had success as good as a stallion like Iglesia , who is also a Qld based Stallion and who in his first season has got Black Type , and who was certainly cheap enough before his early success.
If you are breeding to sell , you should consider some commercial appeal in your choice of stallion , and I would say that most of your choices above do not have that.
Dantibes is real flopperoo % wise , Immovable Option is totally unknown and probably unwanted , Kbenjar ditto , Irish Royal is a Danehill , whom you seem to dislike because of Northern Dancer ?? , you must have your wirse crossed there ? Kinjite is throwing winners where???? , about time your one had a start somewhere

Anonymous said...

13/7/05 Charlie Cheese, 4 y.o. mare by Kinjite ex Beguiling wins the Joan Loth Memorial Hcp over 1200m at Eagle Farm. Record for 17 starts is now 4-3-3, earning $8450 today. Go you little beauty.