Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

Kid Crepello — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 19:24:32 GMT

Michele:

Great article. I am wondering if you have any info on the Irish-bred mare "Serious Attitude" who was purchased by Shadai at the FT, Nov. 2010 sale. Offspring? Their racing records, etc. Thanks.

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

JoyJackson21 — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 05:37:29 GMT

Horse fans need to read this list of female superstars from Japan. There is a bias here in the States, especially among older fans, that Japanese horses are somehow inferior horses, and that horses being shipped to Japan means that those horses are also somehow inferior as well, when nothing could be farther from the truth. When you look at the list of Horse of the Year winners in each category over the last 35 years or so, you will find that a majority of those champion, top of the line horses wind up being bred in Japan. All of our best horses have been systematically going to Japan and Europe to breed for over three decades. Makes you stop and think why the American breeding industry has let that continue to happen. The Japanese have shown great business sense as well as excellent breeding acumen in the acquisition of our best horses.

Look at this list of mares. All classy horses. The prominent male stock they have been bringing in since Sunday Silence now has very classy horses to mate with, and they are creating beautiful, strong, champion horses. I think the Japanese are on to something here, and soon they will have an incredibly superior crop of horses, superior because this group will all have stamina bred into them as well as a knack for great speed. American breeders have weakened their own stock breeding for precociousness and speed, and are they running around with their heads up their behinds, pretending there isn't a problem, rejecting excellent champion horses that could vastly improve their bloodlines and the heartiness of their horses.

Instead, the American breeders are stupidly catering to the "Flavor of the Month" crowd, who want a horse with a quick payoff, creating fragile horses, which is a horrible disservice to the horse, expecting them to win races at lengths they are not even capable of winning. Breeding for stamina as well as speed creates a far more superior horse, which enables those horses to run in, and win, Classic races, Triple Crowns, and race at a championship, competitive level far beyond their 5th year of racing. Which will earn the owners of these horses far more money & profit in the long run.

What the American racing industry needs to be doing is to stop looking down their collective noses at Japanese, British and foreign horses with a superiority they no longer have a right to claim or feel, and find the breeding lessons in the events of the last 35 years, address them, then work to improve them in a hurry before it is too late to try to correct their mistakes. They're making the horses suffer with unnecessary injuries and pain simply because they are too stiff-necked to admit they've been doing things all wrong in the American breeding industry.

Sorry about the rant, everyone. I'm kind of passionate about this subject. The Japanese are going in the right direction when it comes to breeding, they get it, and I just wish American breeders would wake up and follow suit and at least try to make an attempt to save this industry. It used to be an industry that was well-loved and had a huge fan base. There's no reason why it can't be again if they would just learn how to get out of their own way!

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

Claudia Canouse — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 04:38:21 GMT

How wonderful to hear of these classy mares finding a retirement to the stud at such a Jewel of a Farm as Shadai! May they be blessed with long and productive lives. Thanks to Teruya Yoshida for being their good shepard.

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

Brown brother — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:21:53 GMT

The weanlings from dalicia and large look amazing and amazingly precocious. Tell us In a couple or three years if they can run.

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

longtimeracingfan — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 17:54:04 GMT

Just wondering why we don't see foreign buyers buying at the Japanese weanling and yearling sales--- do they exclude them or is it just a longtime stigma or perception that Japanese stock is inferior? Obviously it is no longer inferior... as I recall though the JRA does ban foreigners from racing there, or did [except for big invitational races like Japan Cup etc.]. Even the mighty Darley and Coolmore settled in Australia and only recently do they have a stud farm presence in Japan, as I understand it.

Places like the Yoshida brothers'studs, Big Red Farm, and a handful of others are now truly showplaces equal to the good ones in Kentucky...

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

Karen in Texas — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:05:18 GMT

'Jewel Box' indeed! What an impressive roster of mares in Japan! Thanks for the photos as well--all the horses appear fit and happy.

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

Cassandra.Says — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 06:35:26 GMT

The Japanese were disappointed with their progress in the decades when they were most prominent buying great stallion prospects for Japanese mares.

I wonder if this is a rethink: now they're importing great mares for Japanese stallions. If you think about it, the difference in quality between the top stallions at stud and the middle levels are not that glaring: all of them are likely to be good-looking, well-bred graded stakes winners.

The difference between these mares and the median broodmare is immense by comparison.

I think they're on to something.

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

skyfire — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 01:18:45 GMT

Wow: I love the updates!! I am always sad when horses go to Japan, sort of the Bermuda Triangle...no longer! Laragh was wonderful, and glad to see Gozzip Girl, an old fave!

Any info about Empire Maker? I wonder if any familiar mares are in foal to him?

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

Cowboy Adventure — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 18:34:56 GMT

Thanks for the update; I remember watching Gabby's Golden Gal and Laragh rate in LA. I thought this farm also had Stardom Bound - is she not there? If so do you have any news on her? I know she had a beautiful Big Brown baby! I hope they are both okay...

re: Looking Inside Yoshida's 'Jewel Box'

Love 'em all — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:47:16 GMT

Another wonderful treat from Michele! I'm so impressed reading about all these lovely "jewels" and enjoying the gorgeous pictures.

Congrats and best wishes to the Yoshida brothers ... and to their staff. Such a beautiful place for all.