Best of 2010

re: Best of 2010

sceptre — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 02:44:12 GMT

Karen in Indiana,

Yes, I agree- that this increased dichotomy (greater disparity) in perceived value is partially the result of the changing emphasis toward breeding to sell (giving the buyers what they want). But, "Convene", while one can effectively argue that motivations such as these inevitably foster a "race to breed"-to sell mentality, the present net effect of the present thoroughbred market tends to cause a relatively greater number to remain in training, but for those perceived to possess "marketable" credentials-of which there are relatively less than ever before (hence the ever greater number of near-giveaways). I can't embrace your desire to keep horses racing longer, particularly for those most talented, for they are the very ones-all else equal-most prone to serious injury (remember I said-all else equal). So, years ago, when the trend shifted to earlier retirements- for the talented, and many less talented- I applauded this direction. But, like they say-be careful what you wish for-was certainly borne out here, as among its consequences were ever increasing numbers of valueless animals placed in a potentially life-threatening predicament. There is, perhaps, a solution, by which I just may have my cake and eat it too. That solution may be found through efforts designed to better educate the buyers.

re: Best of 2010

Convene — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:16:17 GMT

Karen in Indiana

How right you are! I think it's an offshoot of the fact that we now race to breed. You know - send 'em to the track and as soon as they've gotten a graded win or two to make them desirable, send 'em to the breeding shed. Somehow I miss the days when horses stayed out and RACED, with breeding something down the road - and usually as far down as possible. Oh where are the Round Tables and Citations et al who thrilled us for 5 seasons or more!

re: Best of 2010

Ian Tapp — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 22:46:08 GMT

Shelly,

No official word yet, but it will be big news as soon as it's announced. We'll analyze the mating here on TrueNicks.

Ian

re: Best of 2010

Pedigree Shelly — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 03:42:42 GMT

Ian , Happy Holidays !! Does anyone know who's Zenyatta's date for next year ????

re: Best of 2010

Yvonne and Maurice Kirby — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 05:00:35 GMT

Hi - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Any topics on Zenyatta are treasured. She is definitely our Horse of All Time. She is a blessing and an angel in disguise.

re: Best of 2010

Karen in Indiana — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 20:35:31 GMT

sceptre, I've been studying the sales catalogs for the last few years as I continue to dream of what if. It doesn't fail to amaze me how low some mares with solid, but currently unfashionable, bloodlines go for. Especially those with foreign bloodlines. I think the change in emphasis is due to how few breed to race, but instead breed to sell.

re: Best of 2010

sceptre — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 02:31:47 GMT

Happy Holiday, Ian, and thanks for your many thought provoking pieces, and commentary throughout this past year.

As far as ideas for future topics, one readily comes to mind, prompted by my review of the 2011 January Keeneland catalogue. There are so many mares in there, as were in November, that will bring little or nothing... We have become rather expert in the skill of appraisal, and in understanding buyers' desires be it, for example, yearling conformation and pedigree, broodmare age, produce record, pedigree, covering stallion, etc. We're also rather expert in our ability to predict yearly stallion market value. But curious, isn't it, that this proven degree of ability to predict, equates to nothing of that order with regards the supposed end product of these exercises-racehorse performance. More and more, horses are perceived as having a relatively "all" or "nothing" worth in this "chain-letter" style "business". The miserable economics of racehorse ownership, rather than tempering such perversion, actually seems to exacerbate it, as many choose to ignore the bottom line. The average human player in this business, but most particularly the horses, would be better served if more of what is reality were illuminated. Much of the data exists, awaiting thoughtful analysis. For starters, why not a "study" of broodmares relative to age, and produce record (ex.- should we really write off the mare who has failed to produce "black-type" after three or four foals? What's the liklihood of one who has done so in then producing another?., the self-fulfilling prophecy factor, etc., etc.)...And guess which segment has a vested interest in allowing ignorance to reign?

re: Best of 2010

John T — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 17:58:54 GMT

I am hoping Frankel will be the biggest newsmaking racehorse in 2011. I don't think that would bother too many on this side of the Atlantic as the late trainer he is named for Bobby Frankel was very well respected.

As for 2010 Zenyatta lost nothing in defeat in the Breeders Cup Classic and what I was extremely proud of was the top class effort she put on racing on dirt.

re: Best of 2010

Ian Tapp — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 17:01:14 GMT

PJJ,

Defintely! Anything with Zenyatta's name on it automatically got at least 1,000 more hits. No question she was 2010's big newsmaker.

Maybe this should be a poll question for next week--who do you think will be 2011's biggest newsmaking racehorse?

Ian

re: Best of 2010

PJJ — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 11:44:34 GMT

Ian, have you noticed that anything with the name ZENYATTA in it brings in more posts in these blogs?

I guess that proves who the newsmaker has been in 2010.