The Five-Cross Files : Inbreeding

Rachel Alexandra and the Rasmussen Factor

sgillies — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:49:00 GMT

The superfilly's pedigree shows that 30% of ancestors in her first four generation are Rasmussen Factor matings....(read more)

Thoroughbred Pedigree Review of KEESEP Hip #4233 -- A Rasmussen Factor Case Study

sgillies — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:46:00 GMT

An offering at the upcoming Keeneland yearling sale is inbred to the dam of A.P. Indy, which inspires a quick look at the Rasmussen Factor pattern of Thoroughbred inbreeding....(read more)

Inbreeding Notations in Thoroughbred Pedigrees

sgillies — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Several five-cross pedigree examples will help illustrate this overview of inbreeding in Thoroughbred bloodlines. By the time you're through, I hope you can spot an error on one of the reports....(read more)

Thoroughbred Pedigrees Show Little Genetic Diversity -- But Less Inbred Than Other Livestock

sgillies — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:08:00 GMT

Selective inbreeding is one of many pedigree patterns to consider for Thoroughbred breeders. Two linked articles offer interesting perspectives on the practice....(read more)

Broodmarathon -- Dam of Eight Belles

sgillies — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:30:00 GMT

Normally, the dam of a popular graded stakes winner -- carrying her full sibling, nonetheless -- would garner only positive attention at the breeding stock sales. In the case of Eight Belles' dam, though, some of the talk is about whether the repeat mating was the best idea....(read more)

This Thoroughbred Stallion Is All-American

sgillies — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:13:00 GMT

On a day when the world loudly celebrates a couple of all-American political campaigns -- the Obama/Biden ticket is now official and McCain/Palin is today's big news -- I thought it would be fun to look at an aptly-named Thoroughbred whose influence on the breed is growing every year....(read more)

Archipenko Worth a Million for an Old Mare

sgillies — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:51:00 GMT

Archipenko stands out for two reasons, both related to his female family. His dam was old when she produced him, and his granddam is a truly special mare....(read more)

Inbreeding, and Why Big Brown's Looking Good Beyond May 3

sgillies — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:33:00 GMT

... Okay, so where am I going with all this? BIG BROWN. If you haven't already gotten on this colt's bandwagon for his racing accomplishments, get ready to see lots more of this fellow in the future. As in, during his post-race career. ...(read more)