re: Fees Creep Up; Value Still There - By Eric Mitchell

FiftyYearsPlus — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:09:11 GMT

In order to get a relative measurement of value from the Leading Sires List, I randomly selected six sires from the first two tiers of thirty from the Leading Sires List that reflected 2012 stud fees. A simple average of the attributes of these tiers was aggregated below. By way of contrast, the actual results from an old fashioned breeder/owner/trainer stable have been reflected below as well.

Sires 1-30 on the Leading Sires List:

Avg Stud Fee: $75K

Avg Foals Starting: 72%

Avg Foals Winning: 50%

Avg Stakes Winners From Foals: 5.8%

Avg Graded Stakes Winners From Foals: 2.8%

Avg Earnings From Foals: $57,943

Median Earnings From Foals: $27,573

Sires 31-60 on the Leading Sires List:

Avg Stud Fee: $23,750

Avg Foals Starting: 74%

Avg Foals Winning: 52%

Avg Stakes Winners From Foals: 4.3%

Avg Graded Stakes Winners From Foals: 1.8%

Avg Earnings From Foals: $45,333

Median Earnings From Foals: $25,380

Private Stable:

Avg Stud Fee: $15,938

Foals Starting: 100%

Foals Winning: 88% (Note: All open MSW)

Stakes Winners From Foals: 0%

Graded Stakes Winners From Foals: 0% (Note: One G1 runner-up)

Avg Earnings From Foals: $57,290

Median Earnings From Foals: $49,888

There are many different observations that can be drawn from this data. However, the degree of genetic perfection is academic if a foal is not brought to the races well raised and thoughtfully prepared.

In viewing this data, it is also readily apparent that when stud fees exceed or equal the median expected gross earnings of a foal crop, that any breeder and/or owner had better be prepared for frequent sizeable financial disappointments unless they are fortunate enough to have a performer in the top 15% of that foal crop.