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this post was submitted on 07 Apr 2024
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Hey... That's my line!
I really don't know what the logic is either though. I guess we're just haters, because that is quite obviously national news!
The filly is the first surviving foal of Winx (champion race mare). Her first foal was a stillbirth, so this one is a bit of a miracle as mares that have raced a LOT often have trouble reproducing. And Winx raced a LOT. Still, this filly will be completely eclipsed if Winx produces a son. Male horses don't have trouble reproducing even after a LOT of racing, and a son from her will be incredibly valuable as a sire, especially if such a son has a good racing career. Think 80 plus foals per year at $500,000 minimum stud fee per foal. Per year. For 20 plus years. Ignore the patriotism, look at the dollarydoos.
80 foals per year....! Jesus Christ I did not know that.
Book of about 40 in northern hemisphere, another same same in southern hemisphere at the other end of the year. All thoroughbred foals have to be 'naturally' sired - no artificial insemination permitted. 40 leaves a bit of wiggle room for a return service if the mares involved didn't catch on the first try. Also, there's a huge advantage to a foal bred/born early in the season cos they're older and stronger when they tick over into 2 year old status and can start to race. So there's a practical limit to the number of mares that can be bred by a stallion in a given year. This is factored into the price of a stud fee for a top rated stallion. A mare can produce maybe 10-12 foals in a lifetime, a stallion is much more productive, and profitable.
You, um, seem to know a bit about this...
Used to work in the racing industry many moons ago as an exercise rider and stable hand, and got a deep look at how things worked. Then I was a professional 3 day eventer and show jumper for nearly 15 years. Most of my own horses were survivors of the racing industry. Yes, there are some survivors, and the ones that do survive are amazing horses. But the racing industry itself is an alternative universe with its own customs, rules and laws. Which may or may not be congruent with the law of the land. I'm glad I did it, but once I left I had no desire to ever go back. Besides, eventing was much more fun.