"Look Here...." But Dantibes had something else on his mind.... well, it might as well be spring with this weather... and when it's Spring it means............................. :)
Monday, July 18, 2005
Sunday, July 17, 2005
WORDS ON A CARD
"Every Horse a Star"
are the words on the back of our trainer's card. It's true isn't it? I guess the pressure is off to enjoy those words when you haven't bought a $100,000 yearling and you aren't looking for a quick return on investment!
2 of our mare's geldings ran over the weekend and both proved that they are "stars in the making":
Splendid Feeling's (yes, my beautiful nanna!) 2yo Knowledge gelding ran a very nice 4th at Grafton over the cup carnival. He is still racing a bit greenly and needs a senior on his back, but given time this boy will find his feet. "Flying Dollar" (or Makka) is a big beautiful grey boy and is the spit of his mum when she was racing for John Hawkes down in Adelaide.
Miss Independence (our girl Libby) has one of her sons racing at the moment. Sunovamaizcay has just changed hands and ran at the weekend at Esk and ran a very credible 3rd! Well done the lad!!
Our very good friends, Rob and Jane Koch and Leo and Maria Maltam (who are Trousers' and Shorties owners) had a winner with "You're So Dane" last week at Townsville. "You're So Dane" currently has raced 3 times and is sporting results of 3:1/1/1 - very impressive to say the least!
Hong Kong based Thoroughbred Freelance Writer, Katrina Partridge, has also had some success with her Xaar filly, "Xaarbarella" who has had 7 starts for 2 wins. "Xaarbarella" is with Peter Moody in Victoria.
It doesnt matter if you win the Queensland Oaks, or a Class 1 at Dalby, the thrill of a win takes you to the highest peak on the summit, there is nothing like it. With the day after race day able to take you right down to the depths of despair when you hear the news that your horse bowed a tendon or did something else of that nature that requires 12months in the paddock, knee surgery or both!
I havent come across any industry like the thoroughbred industry. In my past I have worked at a corporate level both in the retail and the manufacturing industrys and nothing compares to the highs and lows of owning/racing/breeding a thoroughbred race horse! There actually is no industry quite like it!
So I have to ask this question. What is it that drives us everyday, that gets under our skin and takes over our senses so much that we are happy to get up to our eye teeth in debt for?
For me, and pretty much I can say for Evan as well, I would say its the horses themselves. There is nothing more spectacular than seeing a foal being born. There is no other feeling like walking into a paddock of yearlings and they all stop what they are doing and come over to you because they are so happy to see you and want to be fussed over. Nothing compares to my darling Nanna and her big tummy waddling up to me and nuzzling her head up and down the front of me (not to mention that I then have a white trail of hairs up and down my favourite jeans and jumper, lovingly left there by her ladyship). How proud am I when I see our mare's progeny racing around the provincials or in town?
Yes, every horse IS a star. They give to us everything they have got. Yet what happens when they stop winning? What happens when they start actually costing us to keep and are classed a liability? Most are treated like dog meat and are sent to the dogger or some are sent to the Monthly Sales with whatever ailment they might have gained masked with some sort of pain relief. Its one problem that is easily solved - get rid of them.
However, not this little black duck.... our retired stars are living the life of Riley down the back of our property, just being a horse. Some will go on to find lovely homes and will be ridden and cared for like one of the family, and those who are physically impaired will stay with us and be given treatment for their ailments for the rest of their life.
Perhaps, while we stand around and drink champagne and count the winnings from our favourite thoroughbred who has crossed the line first, we should spare a thought about the fella that ran last or second last and hope that their future is going to be as bright as the horse that won.
Life really is great mate! Woof!
Helen.
P.S. We are off to see DANTIBES tomorrow who is now standing at Jilba Thoroughbreds. Yes there will be photos of the great man himself. Watch this space!
are the words on the back of our trainer's card. It's true isn't it? I guess the pressure is off to enjoy those words when you haven't bought a $100,000 yearling and you aren't looking for a quick return on investment!
2 of our mare's geldings ran over the weekend and both proved that they are "stars in the making":
Splendid Feeling's (yes, my beautiful nanna!) 2yo Knowledge gelding ran a very nice 4th at Grafton over the cup carnival. He is still racing a bit greenly and needs a senior on his back, but given time this boy will find his feet. "Flying Dollar" (or Makka) is a big beautiful grey boy and is the spit of his mum when she was racing for John Hawkes down in Adelaide.
Miss Independence (our girl Libby) has one of her sons racing at the moment. Sunovamaizcay has just changed hands and ran at the weekend at Esk and ran a very credible 3rd! Well done the lad!!
Our very good friends, Rob and Jane Koch and Leo and Maria Maltam (who are Trousers' and Shorties owners) had a winner with "You're So Dane" last week at Townsville. "You're So Dane" currently has raced 3 times and is sporting results of 3:1/1/1 - very impressive to say the least!
Hong Kong based Thoroughbred Freelance Writer, Katrina Partridge, has also had some success with her Xaar filly, "Xaarbarella" who has had 7 starts for 2 wins. "Xaarbarella" is with Peter Moody in Victoria.
It doesnt matter if you win the Queensland Oaks, or a Class 1 at Dalby, the thrill of a win takes you to the highest peak on the summit, there is nothing like it. With the day after race day able to take you right down to the depths of despair when you hear the news that your horse bowed a tendon or did something else of that nature that requires 12months in the paddock, knee surgery or both!
I havent come across any industry like the thoroughbred industry. In my past I have worked at a corporate level both in the retail and the manufacturing industrys and nothing compares to the highs and lows of owning/racing/breeding a thoroughbred race horse! There actually is no industry quite like it!
So I have to ask this question. What is it that drives us everyday, that gets under our skin and takes over our senses so much that we are happy to get up to our eye teeth in debt for?
For me, and pretty much I can say for Evan as well, I would say its the horses themselves. There is nothing more spectacular than seeing a foal being born. There is no other feeling like walking into a paddock of yearlings and they all stop what they are doing and come over to you because they are so happy to see you and want to be fussed over. Nothing compares to my darling Nanna and her big tummy waddling up to me and nuzzling her head up and down the front of me (not to mention that I then have a white trail of hairs up and down my favourite jeans and jumper, lovingly left there by her ladyship). How proud am I when I see our mare's progeny racing around the provincials or in town?
Yes, every horse IS a star. They give to us everything they have got. Yet what happens when they stop winning? What happens when they start actually costing us to keep and are classed a liability? Most are treated like dog meat and are sent to the dogger or some are sent to the Monthly Sales with whatever ailment they might have gained masked with some sort of pain relief. Its one problem that is easily solved - get rid of them.
However, not this little black duck.... our retired stars are living the life of Riley down the back of our property, just being a horse. Some will go on to find lovely homes and will be ridden and cared for like one of the family, and those who are physically impaired will stay with us and be given treatment for their ailments for the rest of their life.
Perhaps, while we stand around and drink champagne and count the winnings from our favourite thoroughbred who has crossed the line first, we should spare a thought about the fella that ran last or second last and hope that their future is going to be as bright as the horse that won.
Life really is great mate! Woof!
Helen.
P.S. We are off to see DANTIBES tomorrow who is now standing at Jilba Thoroughbreds. Yes there will be photos of the great man himself. Watch this space!
Monday, July 11, 2005
A Cold Arctic Wind
has been blowing over Massie Lodge the last few days. No, not from the ANZ Bank (that saga is finished now!), but from what feels like off the caps of the icebergs... funny to say that when we are very much inland and away from the coast.
Yesterday, Sunday, was a low day. It was overcast, the chilly winds blew straight through us as we were feeding up. Not a day to be fussing around outside. I bet the little ones were happy to have their thick woolly jackets on and to be in their shelters. We spent most of the day inside with the fire roaring. My brother and my nephew Adam were up from Sydney and they didnt move far from the fire's glowing embers.
I write today's journal entry with a heavy heart and a deep sadness. A year ago this Wednesday, my beautiful dog Jack passed on. I think back over his life, and the amount of happiness that he gave to others during his 12 years was boundless. I have many fond memories of Jack. I guess many memories come to mind as I sit here and go through his life in my mind.
The first day I met him. Jack was a rescue dog. At 6 months of age his owners wanted to get rid of him as he didnt fit in with their Mosman lifestyle. I remember going over to meet him. A curly black dog with a glint of mischief in his eyes. I knew from the first moment that I met him that he was to be my fate dog and that we would be mates for a long time.
I remember taking him to Dog Shows...and the day when he beat his champion father for Best in Breed. What a day that was!
I remember the many nights we would sit out on the back verandah at Cobbitty and just stare up at the stars.
I remember when Jack became a Delta Dog and we visited a nursing home every 2nd weekend. I would take his lead off at the door of the home and we would go around and visit all the old people. The joy that he brought to these people was imeasureable.
I think about his last day with me. Jack was getting on and he had trouble getting around. We had made a bed for him in front of the log fire and both Evan and I would take turns to just sit with him. Later that morning I took the other dogs down to the back dam for their walk. I was down to the start of the back paddock and I could hear someone approaching from behind. It was my mate Jack. He struggled to get to his feet and made himself come down for that last walk. Not only did he walk all the way down to the dam, he went into the dam and had a swim. I sat there and watched him swim around in the dam and just cried my eyes out. Many thoughts crossed my mind and I wondered how I could let my friend go after seeing him do what he loved best.
The rest of the day was very surreal. Kathy the vet coming out. Jack laying in my arms for the very last time. I know that I sat there and held him for many hours, crying my eyes out when he left us.
I sometimes see a glimmer of Jack through his son, Lancey, through a facial expression, or the way he carries my socks and shoes around with him.
I guess I get too attached to our animals - both the dogs and the horses, with poor Evan having to pick up the pieces. But I think that is what my gift is to them.
Many people say to me, not to get attached to the horses, but how can you not? They are all a personality in their own right and you get attached to their little ways. Yeah, yeah I know, Im just a softie at heart.
Wednesday will come and go and I will be at work, running around like a headless chook trying to manage things there.
Life just goes on, doesnt it?
Helen.
Yesterday, Sunday, was a low day. It was overcast, the chilly winds blew straight through us as we were feeding up. Not a day to be fussing around outside. I bet the little ones were happy to have their thick woolly jackets on and to be in their shelters. We spent most of the day inside with the fire roaring. My brother and my nephew Adam were up from Sydney and they didnt move far from the fire's glowing embers.
I write today's journal entry with a heavy heart and a deep sadness. A year ago this Wednesday, my beautiful dog Jack passed on. I think back over his life, and the amount of happiness that he gave to others during his 12 years was boundless. I have many fond memories of Jack. I guess many memories come to mind as I sit here and go through his life in my mind.
The first day I met him. Jack was a rescue dog. At 6 months of age his owners wanted to get rid of him as he didnt fit in with their Mosman lifestyle. I remember going over to meet him. A curly black dog with a glint of mischief in his eyes. I knew from the first moment that I met him that he was to be my fate dog and that we would be mates for a long time.
I remember taking him to Dog Shows...and the day when he beat his champion father for Best in Breed. What a day that was!
I remember the many nights we would sit out on the back verandah at Cobbitty and just stare up at the stars.
I remember when Jack became a Delta Dog and we visited a nursing home every 2nd weekend. I would take his lead off at the door of the home and we would go around and visit all the old people. The joy that he brought to these people was imeasureable.
I think about his last day with me. Jack was getting on and he had trouble getting around. We had made a bed for him in front of the log fire and both Evan and I would take turns to just sit with him. Later that morning I took the other dogs down to the back dam for their walk. I was down to the start of the back paddock and I could hear someone approaching from behind. It was my mate Jack. He struggled to get to his feet and made himself come down for that last walk. Not only did he walk all the way down to the dam, he went into the dam and had a swim. I sat there and watched him swim around in the dam and just cried my eyes out. Many thoughts crossed my mind and I wondered how I could let my friend go after seeing him do what he loved best.
The rest of the day was very surreal. Kathy the vet coming out. Jack laying in my arms for the very last time. I know that I sat there and held him for many hours, crying my eyes out when he left us.
I sometimes see a glimmer of Jack through his son, Lancey, through a facial expression, or the way he carries my socks and shoes around with him.
I guess I get too attached to our animals - both the dogs and the horses, with poor Evan having to pick up the pieces. But I think that is what my gift is to them.
Many people say to me, not to get attached to the horses, but how can you not? They are all a personality in their own right and you get attached to their little ways. Yeah, yeah I know, Im just a softie at heart.
Wednesday will come and go and I will be at work, running around like a headless chook trying to manage things there.
Life just goes on, doesnt it?
Helen.
Friday, July 08, 2005
TODAY IS FRIDAY...
and I can reassure everyone that Iam glad that this week is over.
I have tucked my soapbox away for the moment (Iam sure that everyone is breathing a sigh of relief!) and will get back to the matters at hand.
7 beautiful baby thoroughbreds were branded for life on Thursday. 7 beautiful baby thoroughbreds have been numbered 1 - 7.
I can assure you that one human being is very happy that that day is over. Evan. At 8.10am on Thursday I toddled out the door and left him to it and you can imagine how guilty I felt driving out the driveway on my way into Toowoomba and into the wonderful world of Telstra? No? I actually did feel guilty that I left him to manage the 7 kids with Chris the vet.
Half way through the morning, our Kinjite boy, Lenny, decided that "X" marked the spot outside the feed shed and would not move... nothing would budge him, no waving hands, "giddyups", hats or lead ropes. Nothing. So there he stood glued to the spot, Chris the vet waiting with the Brand in the liquid nitrogen ready to go. No, Lenny was not going to have a bar of this event. (Maybe this is a sign of things to come?).
11.00am comes. After being delievered my morning Hot Chocolate by the Expresso Van, I thought I should place a call to Evan from work to "see how his day was progressing" which was at that very moment in time when Lenny was glued to his spot .... it was a very short phone call, and I got the message on how his day was progressing very quick smart and in a few words.
After hanging up I decided that I should cook dinner that night, stoke the fire, bring him his slippers, do the Gallopers update on the website, answer the phone, do Friday's form study for him, wash up, and feed the dogs etc etc.
How did Evan move Lenny you might be wondering? Well, apparently Evan left Lenny just standing there and went down and brought up Jakey (No. 6 of 7 - sounds like a Borg Drone!). Lenny must of decided that there was power in numbers and moved on - finally. I can't repeat the words Evan used to describe that period when Lenny decided he could move no further - Iam a young lady and young ladies do not use such language!!!!!!!!!!! Ok,well not on the internet!
Iam very upset that I missed helping out on Thursday. Iam really. I would of swapped all the Telstra complaints in Toowoomba to be at home last Thursday morning...
Really I would of.... and next time, I will make sure that Iam there. Um, next time, next year.
I will ... I will be there.
(quick change of subject....)
Nanna's Boy - Flying Dollar runs tomorrow in Brisbane in a 1600m maiden. Iam crossing my toes and my fingers that he runs a good race...
Susie is doing very well with Paul and he is very happy with her. I must say that I was most happy when we received his bill... especially the line on the invoice that read,
" TLC - No Charge for this item"
Now that put a smile on my face.
And on that note, I will bring my post to a close. Tomorrow is the weekend and a sleep in is on the cards (shhh. dont tell Evan!). Well, at least I wont have to set the alarm and raise my conscious level before daylight - Urhg!
Life is bloody good, isnt it?
Helen.
I have tucked my soapbox away for the moment (Iam sure that everyone is breathing a sigh of relief!) and will get back to the matters at hand.
7 beautiful baby thoroughbreds were branded for life on Thursday. 7 beautiful baby thoroughbreds have been numbered 1 - 7.
I can assure you that one human being is very happy that that day is over. Evan. At 8.10am on Thursday I toddled out the door and left him to it and you can imagine how guilty I felt driving out the driveway on my way into Toowoomba and into the wonderful world of Telstra? No? I actually did feel guilty that I left him to manage the 7 kids with Chris the vet.
Half way through the morning, our Kinjite boy, Lenny, decided that "X" marked the spot outside the feed shed and would not move... nothing would budge him, no waving hands, "giddyups", hats or lead ropes. Nothing. So there he stood glued to the spot, Chris the vet waiting with the Brand in the liquid nitrogen ready to go. No, Lenny was not going to have a bar of this event. (Maybe this is a sign of things to come?).
11.00am comes. After being delievered my morning Hot Chocolate by the Expresso Van, I thought I should place a call to Evan from work to "see how his day was progressing" which was at that very moment in time when Lenny was glued to his spot .... it was a very short phone call, and I got the message on how his day was progressing very quick smart and in a few words.
After hanging up I decided that I should cook dinner that night, stoke the fire, bring him his slippers, do the Gallopers update on the website, answer the phone, do Friday's form study for him, wash up, and feed the dogs etc etc.
How did Evan move Lenny you might be wondering? Well, apparently Evan left Lenny just standing there and went down and brought up Jakey (No. 6 of 7 - sounds like a Borg Drone!). Lenny must of decided that there was power in numbers and moved on - finally. I can't repeat the words Evan used to describe that period when Lenny decided he could move no further - Iam a young lady and young ladies do not use such language!!!!!!!!!!! Ok,well not on the internet!
Iam very upset that I missed helping out on Thursday. Iam really. I would of swapped all the Telstra complaints in Toowoomba to be at home last Thursday morning...
Really I would of.... and next time, I will make sure that Iam there. Um, next time, next year.
I will ... I will be there.
(quick change of subject....)
Nanna's Boy - Flying Dollar runs tomorrow in Brisbane in a 1600m maiden. Iam crossing my toes and my fingers that he runs a good race...
Susie is doing very well with Paul and he is very happy with her. I must say that I was most happy when we received his bill... especially the line on the invoice that read,
" TLC - No Charge for this item"
Now that put a smile on my face.
And on that note, I will bring my post to a close. Tomorrow is the weekend and a sleep in is on the cards (shhh. dont tell Evan!). Well, at least I wont have to set the alarm and raise my conscious level before daylight - Urhg!
Life is bloody good, isnt it?
Helen.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
An Overwhelming Response to my last blog.....
Thank you, thank you for those responses that I have received after airing my views on Stallion choices ... choosing a stallion is a very personal choice and the views on this blog are mine and mine alone, so if for some reason you dont agree, thats ok! However, if it makes you feel better to get it off your chest and have a crack at my opinion, then please do so, I have broad shoulders, lol.
Reference my last blog. The point that i was trying to get across is that there are many Queensland stallions under the price tag of $6,000 that have been forgotten by fashion conscious mare owners, who are winning everyday here in Queensland. Why doesnt that make them commercial? Um, who decides "what" commercial is anyway?
My list came about from the following:-
Reference my last blog. The point that i was trying to get across is that there are many Queensland stallions under the price tag of $6,000 that have been forgotten by fashion conscious mare owners, who are winning everyday here in Queensland. Why doesnt that make them commercial? Um, who decides "what" commercial is anyway?
My list came about from the following:-
Each Stallion was listed because of their performance during their career, their progeny on the ground or for their speculative value for money. Most of them a winner at Group/Listed winner, are throwing winners everday here in Queensland, yet they are not deemed fashionable and commercial....
So why do they continue to be underated and deemed not commercial?
Lets have a look at them........
Canadian Silver - Listed winner. Progeny include Make Mine Magic, Canadian Time, Cariboo, Top Maarc, Fine Silver to name a few. Great value at $3,300. Commenced stud duties in Australia in 1994.
Clang - Group Winner. Progeny include Calaway Gal, Clangalang, Dont Tell Clang, Princess Clang, Classic Marco and another 18 winners. Went to Stud in 1997. I have heard of some good deals going around for Clang under $7k.
Dane Supreme. Unraced. Started stud duties here in Qld 2001. Oldest progeny are 2yos. However, in saying that of all his progeny there is 1 of his 2yos that has started his career and none too shabbily either - You're So Dane: 3:0/1/1 - not bad for a baby and shows that they can run. Good value at $3,300.
Dantibes. Ah yes, the Flopperoo at stud. NOT!!! I guess you wouldnt say that to the owners of Tellem, Laurinel Impulse, Koochie, Punctillo, Midnight Moon, Remi, Dance the Rhythm, Little Punc, Cap Juan, Origin Hero, Valient Dane, Millibaci and Varna. How I would of liked to own a hoof of Tellem, Laurinel Impulse or Koochie. Flopperoo my foot!!!!!!!! I shouldnt have to go through this boy's pedigree..... Oh P-ulease!
He has and is producing winners, 2yos at that, however is not fashionable to the public and considered a "flopperoo" in the breeding barn according to the percentages.
Oh, and you want Black Type through the family. Dont make me gloat by having to explain his family. But if you insist!!!!
Danehill - yeah we know about the sire side.
Cap'dantibes - By Better Boy out of Tereus. At least 5 stakes winning races to this mare's name during the period of 1974 and 1975. Dam of nine foals, six to race all winners including Breath Taking (Gp 3 winner), Borodislew (Gp 2, 3 and listed winner).
Please excuse me ..... how can Dantibes be a Flopperoooo at stud? AAAAArgh!
Dodge. Group winner. Progeny include Dodgem, Dodging, Lava Flow, Mis Ford. Probably not fashionable because he is not throwing 2yos. Service fee very affordable at $3,300.
Groucho. Group 1, 2 and 3 winner. Progeny include Cranky Tikit, Proudly Aggro, Triko, Sporting and Golf Circuit. No slouch in the winners category... and only $1560 including GST. I wouldnt mind one of Proudly Agro's legs!! Oh, but not commercial. (AArgh!)
Immovable Option. Stakes winner overseas. Hmmmm. His oldest are yearlings so its not really fair commenting about him. He is throwing great types of babies. He is a full brother to Sadler's Wells. His sire Fairy King has sired Encosta De Lago, Second Empire and Revoque. There is black type on the dam's side as well..... so what is the problem with him? Not fashionable because he hasnt been marketed. His service fee was $2750 last year... Go figure.
Irish Royal. Bred out of a Roberto mare, Claretta. He is having success with his 2yos, which is good for him. It must be very hard being "another son of Danehill" and still getting market share. He has had 287 mares since beginning stud duties and has got winners on the ground in their 2yo year. His service fee is good value at $2750 and he produces cracking types of foals.
My issue with Danehill is that there is way too much of him in the breeding lines of today. Havent we been "Danehill'd - out? There are 17 sons standing in Queensland, goodness knows what the total for Australia is (is it 75 and counting?). Im not saying that it hasnt done some good in breeding and racing, but iam saying that there is far too much of it. There is no balance. Same with Northern Dancer... no balance.
Kaaptive Edition. Group winner. Progeny Include To Be Fair, Forest Express, Count Crisco. Just to mention a few. Not only is he unfashionable but he would be seen as too old. What rubbish is that? lol
Kbenjar. Ok, now let me tell you about this bloke. He won a Listed race in 1999. Race performance 5:2/1/1. He commenced stud duties in 2001 and his oldest kids 2005/06 are 3yos of which we have a yearling! Has currently one 2yo racing, Kingee. Obviously not throwing 2yos, so wont be fashionable. But come year 3, who knows what they will produce. Good value at $2750.
Kenfair. Group Winner. Progeny include She's Country, Adalta, Lady of the Turf, Irish Rover, Kengrande, City Fair, Rocky Point. Priced at $3,300, producing winners, yet not deemed commercial, probably thought of as too old.
King Ivor. Group 2, 3 and Listed Winner. Progeny Include King's Coup, Kallinga Metal, King's Clan, Penola plus a whole hoard of others. Well priced at $3,300. What's wrong with him? His yearlings average $11k at the sales... with the highest price paid $30k.
Latarmiss. Was 4th in a Listed race overseas. Progeny include - Willy Leica, Caffe Francias etc etc etc. Is having early success. Yearlings are averaging $11k with top prices being $25k.
Mister Kwila. Ran 4th in a group race. Black type just ooozes all over his family. He is the sire of winners from 900m - 5,500m. Progeny include Tellem, Startell, Tresure the Kwila, Banyan Bay, Get Carter to name a few. He is a 2yo winner and produces 2yo winners, but dreadfully, dreadfully unfashionable..... why is this so???
Our Maizcay. 19:13/3/0 (not bad huh?). Group Winner. Progeny include Great Crusader, Ours, Our Rio, Marbine, Treviscay, Amaizcay, Sunovamaizcay. Only had 30 mares to him last year, yet constantly produces..... why? Not commercial... not fashionable..........
Sequalo. His guy is now over the $10,000 mark, although I knew him when he was $6K! Group winner. Progeny.. Star Shiraz, Show Biz Kid, Holding, Royal Shiraz, to name but a few. Yearlings average $17k with the highest paid being around the $70k mark. Yes he is commercial in my mind, but seems to have dropped in favour after the latest sales...
Telesto. I do like this boy and he is only $3,300. Won Group and Listed level. Winners include Star of Florida, Deuxieme, Telesio and more than you can poke a stick at. Yearlings average $12k at the sales with highest paid at $51k. Not fashionable and not commercial. 43 mares visited him last year.
Waterford Road. Has won in Listed company. Progeny include Hit the Road, Craiglea Miss, Queen Callow etc etc. Yearling average $9k with highest paid $57k. Service Fee $3,500.
and I have saved the best for last!
Kinjite. Where do I start here? Group and Listed Winner. Race performance 41:10/12/2 - Earnings: $2.2M. Family is also ooozing in Black Type. Does not throw 2yos and thats probably why he is very unfashionable and not commercial. Yearlings average $ 14k with the highest paid $120,000. Yes, thats right. $120,000. His stakes winning progeny are all in NZ. His Australian winners include: Go Straight Home, Charlie Cheese, County Quoz, She's Neat, Good Thing. Service Fee $3,300. Doesnt really produce 2yos so is deemed unfashionable, not commercial.
So the answer to my question would be...... if they produce 2yos they are deemed commercial and fashionable?
It was brought to my attention that while Iglesia should be on my list. Yes he is fashionable and very commercial, however, not many people can afford $22,000 plus GST for a service fee, plus agistment and veterinary costs all up. So they have to look at something that is within their budget and still has some commercial/winning appeal. All of my boys (lol) apart from Kbenjar and Immovable Option have winning appeal, come at a reasonable cost (I draw the line at Sequalo) and have good winning families.
Nothing wrong with that.
Back to the question.... who decides what is commercial and what isnt? For me, being commercial is consistently winning around Queensland race tracks. Not necessarily only at 2yo level.
And how many 2yos go on to have long careers?
Ah, perhaps a question for another day (and perhaps written under a different name as well, lol)
Ah, perhaps a question for another day (and perhaps written under a different name as well, lol)
Anyway enough of this. At the end of the day, everyone has their own likes and dislikes and this forum is for mine! I cant force anyone to see my point of view... because it belongs to me!
And your point of view belongs to you... and you.... and you....... I guess that's what makes this world so diverse.
Enjoy
Hoorooo
Helen.
P.S. If you have read my earlier blog, you will know that Missymoo (by Kinjite out of Todquoz) is in the hospital paddock. She has been broken in and we will look at starting her with Paul later in the year after Susie and Sunny.
PPS I promise next blog to be off my soap box!
Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
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
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.
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.
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