The Five-Cross Files : Scot's Horses

Uh oh. Winter's Coming.

sgillies — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:36:00 GMT

So I'm wondering what the season will bring this year. It's been a wet, cool year from spring to autumn... does that translate to a snowy, cold winter? I like to think of the first nine months of 2009 as "mild" in hopes that the winter before us is mild, too. ...(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)

It's Foaling Time

sgillies — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 19:51:00 GMT

Nothing is more fun than watching a new foal's first few struggles to stand, nurse, and walk. But what happens when the delivery doesn't go according to plan?...(read more)

Oh No... THOSE Can't Be Thoroughbreds

sgillies — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:52:00 GMT

Hiding beneath that wooly beast is a real live Thoroughbred!...(read more)

Hard to Give Away -- Barren Mares at Breeding Stock Sales

sgillies — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 22:25:00 GMT

Barren mares are usually second-class offerings at Thoroughbred bloodstock sales. Add to that the current economic downturn, and these mares are a tough sell. Here's why I believe they might be the best value you can find, though....(read more)

Thoroughbred Horse Names

sgillies — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:31:00 GMT

Secretariat wasn't the first choice of names for the Triple Crown champ. In fact, it wasn't one of the first FIVE names submitted to The Jockey Club. From Secretariat to Smarty Jones, let's look at how racehorses have been given names over the years....(read more)

Commercial Sales In a Down Market

sgillies — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:22:00 GMT

A few thoughts on the state of the Thoroughbred yearling sales market....(read more)

Thoroughbred Pedigree Review -- Highland Gypsy

sgillies — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:38:00 GMT

Thoroughbred pedigree analysis is an exciting study. Even when the horse you're reviewing isn't a big star....(read more)

Catalog Updates at Thoroughbred Sales

sgillies — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:19:00 GMT

Part of the energized atmosphere at Thoroughbred sales is the urgent dispersal of catalog page update notices that are handed out to all potential buyers....(read more)

Scoped, Scanned, and Sound -- Yearling Sales Prep Update

sgillies — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:10:00 GMT

The sales repository offers potential bidders some health information about Thoroughbreds being sold at auction. It's part of the sales-prep process to have a foal scoped and x-rayed -- and good results make for happy sellers....(read more)

Yearling Sales Prep Update

sgillies — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:33:00 GMT

The Keeneland September yearling sales catalogs are now online. 5,555 hips -- a lot to look through. My colt is progressing through his sales prep and should be looking good by mid-September....(read more)

Don't Pet Her, She's a Thoroughbred

sgillies — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:27:00 GMT

Does temper have anything to do with racing class?...(read more)

Yearling Season Starts Ominously

sgillies — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:32:00 GMT

Fasig-Tipton July numbers are worrisome for breeders with yearling offerings later in the season. Also, a look at the progeny sales results of my colt's sire and broodmare sire....(read more)

Sales Yearling: Stallion Choices

sgillies — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:55:00 GMT

Finding the right stallion for my mare was a big step....(read more)

September, Here We Come

sgillies — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:58:00 GMT

Breeding decisions made in 2006... foals born in 2007... yearling sales in 2008. I've got a colt headed to Keeneland September... follow along with his sales prep and all the joys (and pains) of sending a yearling through the ring....(read more)