This breeding season in Australia may show us for the first time in over 18 years up to 25 stallions that are likely to serve more than 100 mares in this country in a given year. The average over the last 20 years is less than 17 stallions reaching the 100 services mark. With the lowest number being 9 back in 2010 and the highest 23 in 2009. Now don’t get me wrong, foal numbers will still be spiring down, breeders are just not supporting the smaller studs and their stallions that are so important to the future of our sport, like they once did.
On a positive note, Love You, the leading trotting stallion in France 2012, 2013 and 2015, whose progeny have won more than 42 Million Euros, his book was capped this year to only 80 Australian services and if Haras des Trotteurs can free up some more semen, he will smash that mark, so we can have a new Australian record for a trotting sire. Please note his bookings could be closed within a week after opening, best tip l can give breeders is call our good mate Michael Taylor 0410 565 244 and book in ASAP if this champion stallion is of interest.
Last year our list of 19 stallions that serves north of 100 are listed below
I don’t think there was any real surprises in the list above, apart from a Woodlands representative telling me they had capped Bettors Delight book to 120 for the season, I won’t fall for that again.
The only stallion that l believe may struggle to stay on the list above could be Hurrikane Kingcole after the Egmont Park dispersal a few weeks ago. I just don’t see them being overly commercial in our sales rings at this stage, however as we all know, that can change very quickly once the first crop start getting out with trainers, which will be this time next year.
American Ideal only served 87 mares and didn’t make the list above, while we can also be guaranteed he will be in the 100 or more list next year , l think breeders are making a mistake by under valuing this super star sire.
After years of serving 101,127,347,206 the wheels have really come off for Mr Feelgood as he only got 75 mares this season and while l haven’t done a complete audit, l’m assuming a good number of Egmont mares are in that number of only 75. I just think a year or two at a leading stud in NZ ,while we wait for that crop from his 347 services to hit the track, seems like a no brainer to me. However my advice won’t be welcome at Egmont Park.
The two young exciting suns of Art Major are clearly a smash hit for breeders, with Follow The Stars getting 144 and For A Reason 132, this was really pleasing for me as l do believe the sport needs to give these types of horses a fair go.
Alabar have done a mighty job for the connections of A Rocknroll Dance with service numbers growing each year, starting at 152 then 163 and 184 this last season, holding ground should be the goal for this year and any number in triple figures can guarantee this extremely well bred horse every chance to make it as a sire down here.
Below is the list of stallions lm expecting to hit the 100 or more mark
Western Terror served 135 last year and l can see him getting north of 150 which l believe he well and truly deserves. Art Major will serve closer to 250 this year than the 207 he just did this last season.
The only thing holding Somebeachsomewhere back from serving north of 200 will be the amount of semen the North Americans make available. Sportswriter served 103 mares and I’m tipping that number will be higher going into this season.
Without putting a knife into an old wound, I’m hoping Roll With Joe’s book will be handled differently and a number around 100 would be nice to see. I do believe this horse will surprise a few, by climbing up the sires tables.
My only real wild card on the list is Fly Like An Eagle, a spectacular looking son of Mach Three. l wouldn’t be surprised if breeders all over Australia see him as a great value option now his sire, Mach Three is no longer with us.
If Queensland wasn’t in the mess it’s currently in, a horse Like Changeover should smash the 100 services mark, however l just think it’s going to be just outside his reach. Tintin In America could also make onto the big boys list.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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