The Five-Cross Files : Mares

Couple of Mares at Keeneland Day 3

sgillies — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:45:00 GMT

As we settle in to the marathon Keeneland breeding stock sale, I will occasionally comment on hips that are of special interest to me. Here are a couple of Book Two mares that I'd love to add to my little herd. Who are you watching during the big sale?...(read more)

Better Than a Money Machine

sgillies — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:53:00 GMT

A fine mare produces yet another high-class winner. As a small tribute to Better Than Honour, here are some of her headlines from the past....(read more)

Fasig-Tipton Catalog Updates -- Nice!

sgillies — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:36:00 GMT

Fasig-Tipton includes a useful tool to keep its November Selected catalog pages up to date. (Even if you're not impressed by that, take a look at the sample page I've cited -- think Sea the Stars' family and Rachel Alexandra's sire.)...(read more)

Mare Reproduction Rates Increase in Herd Setting

sgillies — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 19:00:00 GMT

An interesting article on our sister site has me thinking about herd dynamics with my own horses....(read more)

What Becomes of the Broodmares?

sgillies — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:50:00 GMT

The equation is pretty clear: Lots of mares removed from breeding careers, plus high upkeep costs to get a mare through another year, minus any hope of income or profit, equals broodmares at risk....(read more)

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)

Beyond Perfection Saves Best for Last

sgillies — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:30:00 GMT

Beyond Perfection was barren three times, slipped three more, and produced one dead foal (along with five less-than-impressive runners) before being booked to Candy Ride in 2005. The resulting grade II winner indicates the trouble was worth it -- but was it a good breeding decision?...(read more)

Mating Choices -- Flawlessly

sgillies — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:45:00 GMT

A few brief notes about the family of multiple-champion mare Flawlessly -- and why it's up to a single daughter to carry on her legacy. ...(read more)

Mating Choices -- Bayakoa

sgillies — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:30:00 GMT

Multimillionaire Argentine filly Bayakoa didn't reproduce herself in the breeding shed -- but one generation later her daughters are making a go of it....(read more)

Mating Choices -- Serena's Song

sgillies — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:20:00 GMT

How do the owners of champion distaffers select mates for their top-notch mares? In the case of Serena's Song, only the best stallions have made the cut....(read more)

Pink and Blue in the Thoroughbred Breeding Shed

sgillies — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:50:00 GMT

With some matings, you hope for a colt, with others a filly. But what affects foal gender -- and can Thoroughbred breeders influence the process?...(read more)

Mare Care at the Boarding Farm

sgillies — Wed, 27 May 2009 03:52:00 GMT

I had great experiences sending my mares off to out-of-state breeding sheds. But not everyone is so lucky.......(read more)

5 Easy Ways to Improve a Broodmare's Life

sgillies — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:13:00 GMT

They're asked to produce and nurture a new crop of runners every year. But what is the quality of life of the average Thoroughbred broodmare? Here are five tips to making your mares' lives better....(read more)

Quick Change of Plans for Proud Spell

sgillies — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:55:00 GMT

Retired from racing, Proud Spell doesn't hesitate getting into her new role as a broodmare....(read more)

This Is a 'Dam Good!' Story

sgillies — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:13:00 GMT

If you like reading about great Thoroughbred broodmares, take the phone off the hook, cancel your dinner plans, make yourself comfortable, and take a look at this....(read more)