Breeding Diversity in the Rearview Mirror
18th May 2024
By Admin.
Each year NSW's TAB Regional Championships provide a great opportunity to take a look at the Standardbred Breeding Industry in Australia, albeit through the rear-view mirror -- as it is a Series restricted to Australian-bred horses exclusively / up to NR 70 / and 4-yo+.
And, once again, our in-depth analysis clearly shows that diversity is achievable; age need not be a barrier; and mares can match it with the boys if given the opportunity.
Of the 56 Finalists (incl. emergencies) across the four regions, we have :
- 32 individual sires represented, 20 with just a single representative, and of the 12 sires with multiple runners, the standouts were :
ART MAJOR (with 6) / CAPTAINTREACHEROUS (5) / WESTERN TERROR (5) / BETTING LINE (3) / and ROCK N ROLL HEAVEN (3)
- 40 different broodmare sires appear on the distaff side, a significant number (29) having just a single representative - and of the 11 with multiple finalists the clear standouts are :
ART MAJOR (with 6 BMS credits)/ and BETTORS DELIGHT (3)
... serving to underline that a special horse can come from virtually any quarter, and that the leading stallions, referenced above, very much result from their weight of numbers.
In terms of AGE, the finalists this year averaged 5.625 years, with the overwhelming majority (71.4%) falling in the 4-yo to 6-yo bracket. But there were three 9-yos + one 10-yos, so it pays to persevere.
As for SEX representation, unsurprisingly, we see 75% Geldings - but there were close to 18% mares which is most encouraging.
And the average NR across the 56 Finalists was 63.25.
Six breeders achieved multiple runners across the final series, whilst ten trainers also achieved this distinction (the highest being 3).
Members of The Breeders Voice Inc. can see the full analysis by following this LINK.
Finally, special mention of Bruce Edward's HEAVENS TREND (Rock N Roll Heaven < > Trend Setter) for being the sole mare to achieve multiple finalists - and with her first two foals no less (from 2018 and 2019).
Our big concern as we look forward - through the front windscreen - is that things look far, far bleaker, what with :
- ever-declining foal numbers and
- our 3-yo races failing to 'stand up' week in and week out, due to a lack of numbers
Already this year we saw that the strong Western Districts region could only manage two heats, instead of three as is normally the case, which does not auger well for the future of this iconic Series.
There is a solution if only the authorities would listen ... but more on that topic later!
