MARE NUMBERS DOWN

The Keeper of the Australian Stud Book, Michael Ford, reported that Thoroughbred mating figures for the 2011 season are significantly lower than those for the 2010 season.

To date, 21,550 mares have been reported as being mated for the covering season which officially commenced 1 September 2011. In 2010, 24,140 mares were mated while in 2009, 24,610 mares were covered. While the 2011 matings are currently 10% less than the 2010 figures, Ford expected the difference to be 7% after late reports are lodged for a total of 22,500 mares to be covered by 700 stallions.

The indications are that the breeding industry will not return to the pre-global financial crisis days when over 26,000 mares were mated year after year but Ford does not see this as detrimental: “There are sufficient coverings to produce enough foals for racing purposes,” Mr Ford stated.

Some interesting facts:

• 45 shuttle stallions covered 4,356 mares or 20% of the 21,400 reported matings compared with 4,566 (20%) in 2010 and 4,238 (17%) in 2009;
•  Only one stallion, Fastnet Rock with 224 mares, covered more than 200 mares. In 2008, six stallions covered more than 200 mares so what was perceived as a worrying trend then has now diminished;
• There were 66 stallions with more than 100 matings in 2011 compared with 77 in 2010; 442 or 68% were Australian-bred stallions, the same percentage as in 1990 when 2,500 stallions covered 35,500 mares. USA stallions are favoured next at 16%; 17 of the top covering 20 stallions were Australian bred, continuing the vote of confidence in the local product; 47% of mares were covered in NSW (up 2%), 24% in Victoria (up 1%), 15% in Queensland, 10% in Western Australia, 3% in South Australia and 1% in Tasmania.

Written Tycoon - covered 152 mares in 2011 (highest in Victoria)

ELIZA PARK'S BUSY SPRING

Ultimately, 14 stallions from 7 Victorian farms covered more than 100 mares in 2011.

Eliza Park was the ‘busiest’ by far with six of its stallions: Written Tycoon (152), Bel Esprit (125), Magnus (120), Wanted (112), Sharkbite (106) and Astronomer Royal (106) reaching triple figures.

Bel Esprit (below) has now covered 100+ in each of his nine seasons at stud.

BEWARE OF THE SHARK

The 2012 Inglis Sydney Classic proved to be a happy hunting ground for several Eliza Park stallions: Written Tycoon averaged $67,500 (for 2 sold); Astronomer Royal followed on a successful launch at the Gold Coast with 2 sold at an average of $53,500; God’s Own sold up to $75,000 and; Shinzig fetched $51,000 for his sole offering.

But special mention also to the stakes winning son of Redoute’s Choice in Sharkbite, whose flashy colt from the Armidale mare Leenahorn was knocked down for $60,000.

Not surprisingly, given his pedigree, performance, physique and price, Sharkbite has proven to be very popular since retiring to stud and now it appears can you can add another P to the list … progeny.

They’re good sorts!

PS. Sharkbite has five yearlings entered for the Melbourne Premier, including a half sister to NZ stakes winner Travino (Lot 75) and a colt out of Zabeel stakes winner Thousand Veils (Lot 296), while in Adelaide, four Sharkbites will be up for grabs including a well related colt from another Zabeel mare in Close Embrace (Lot 154).

Sharkbite colt from Armidale mare Leenahorn

SHINZIG RESULT WAS PSYCHIC

Always knew Shinzig would be a good stallion! OK, we’re only joking about our ‘vision’, but the performance of Psychic Mick at Morphettville certainly augurs well for the future of the Danehill Group One winner.

After all, this was Shinzig’s first runner … and his first winner – and what a winner at Breednet’s Mark Smith points out ...


Looking the consummate professional despite making his first race start, Physic Mick tracked the early speed before holding on strongly to win Saturday’s Distinctive Homes Plate (1000m) at Morphettville to credit Eliza Park Stud's young stallion Shinzig with his first winner.

Ridden by Mark Pegus for Morphettville-based trainer Dan Clarken, Physic Mick (Shinzig x Super Fund (Bianconi) defeated Clearwater Bay by a half-neck with Miss Intensus (Hard Spun) two and a quarter lengths back in third.

A bargain $10,000 purchase by part-owner Michael Duffield at last year’s Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Physic Mick is the second foal of the Melbourne winning Bianconi (USA) mare Super Fund.

Eliza Park Stud will offer a half-sister to Physic Mick by Bel Esprit at the upcoming Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale.

Physic Mick is the first runner for the CF Orr Stakes (G1) winner Shinzig, a full brother to Strada.

A son of Danehill out of the Coolmore Classic winner Shindig (Straight Strike), Shinzig covered 88 mares last year at a fee of $8,800.

Remarkably, Shinzig (below) has just one yearling on offer at both the Inglis Classic Yearling sale and Inglis Premier Yearling sale, while he has four at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale.

REVIVAL SHOW?

Black Caviar (photo by Bronwen Healy)

As if Friday wasn’t already shaping as the biggest date (thus far) on the Australian turf calendar, it appears Black Caviar’s return at Moonee Valley is part of a double whammy for 27 January.

Undoubtedly all eyes will be focussed on Black Caviar (be it live or on TV) when she chases the big 17 in the Group Two Australia Stakes at the Valley, but there will be a (albeit smaller) contingent rocking up to Randwick on Friday morning for a bopeep at the wonder mare’s archrival, Hay List, who will trial at Randwick’s Kensington track.

This will be the first time most of us have seen Hay List since he was knocked out by a life threatening illness seven months ago and it will be VERY interesting to see how the son of Statue of Liberty has come back.

Yes, he’s got a licking every time the pair has met, but Hay List (below) has run second to her the most times and his camp is very confident that they can turn the tables in 2012.

ANOTHER BEL DOUBLE

Another double for Bel Esprit (below) on Friday with the ‘cruise’ of Loveyamadly at Mornington and a win to Oregon Spirit at Cranbourne.

Stepping out for the first time, 3YO filly – Loveyamadly – was highly impressive over 1013m at Mornington, scoring by 3.3 lengths after sitting just off the lead until turning for home before scooting away over the final stages.

The Mick Price trained youngster was bred by Patrick Yii and is out of the Danehill Dancer mare, Beauty World, now the dam of 3 winners (from 3 to race), including Group One placed American Crew.

A multiple winner, Beauty World is also a half sister to stakes winning 2YO, Firenza.

Meanwhile, across town the Peter Moody trained Oregon Spirit produced his third win (along with six placings) from 14 outings when flying home for a comfortable win over 1500m at Cranbourne.

This is now two on the trot for the 4YO who is out of the Group winning Oregon mare, Oregon Seal.

BLACK CAVIAR – DAY AT THE BEACH

Bronwen Healy is one of Australia’s finest horse photographers and clearly has a passion for her work.

Still, she obviously has a special affinity for Black Caviar and is ready to track her down at work and play.

Recently Bronwen caught up with the wonder mare having a frolic at the beach.