A look back at the champions of the breed
“I believe that one day in Canada a horse will be bred that can win the Kentucky Derby. I have many friends in the game tell me the climate is not suitable that such a horse can be developed in my country, but I beg to differ. I hope to prove them wrong”. E.P. Taylor said these words in 1957.
Read moreWhen we look back at the greats of the turf, very seldom are the mothers of these heralded horses given much mention. When we say the name Northern Dancer, all kinds of adulation are heaped during the conversation, and rightfully so, about his racing and stud record. However little is said of his dam, the wonderful Natalma. I am sure
Read moreOf all the famous and important classic races around the world, there is only one named after a horse. The Preakness Stakes is the second jewel of the American Triple Crown and has been run every year at Pimlico Racetrack since 1873. The race was named after the first horse to win a stakes race at the old track. Owned
Read moreIn horse racing there are certain names that when mentioned, you know exactly what horse is being spoken of. Say the name Phar Lap and the image of a large chestnut gelding that was born in New Zealand, made famous in Australia by winning all the big races, and died via mysterious circumstances in the U.S. immediately comes to mind.
Read moreJuddmonte Farm has become one of the leading breeders and owners in world racing. Prince Khalid Abdullah has funded and masterminded this very successful operation that has seen the likes of Danehill, Dancing Brave, Known Fact, Workforce, Empire Maker, Commander in Chief and the incomparable Frankel among the dozens upon dozens of world class horses bred and raced by this
Read moreThere are many breeders who believe that excessive in breeding is detrimental to advancement of the breed. Out crosses and diversity are keys to advancing the breed. In the other corner many breeders believe that inbreeding is needed to keep certain lines vigorous and strong. As with so many examples of each breeding theory, there are successes and failures to
Read moreWinning streaks in sports are exciting and capture the imagination of fans. Winning streaks become a source of lively conversation in the press, pubs and work place water coolers. In racing an extended winning streak at the top level is rare, but when it happens, the attention of the fans becomes focused on the horse. Beginning at the end of
Read moreBull Hancock had one of the greatest thoroughbred bloodstock minds in history. He could assess the conformation and pedigree of a potential stallion better than anyone else before or since his time. During the late 1940’s, Hancock pursued a son of Nearco named Nasrullah, convinced that the horse had all the right attributes to be a success at stud. After
Read moreIn Thoroughbred Racing certain horses naturally stand out more prominently than others and leave a lasting memory that never fades with time. I had the pleasure to watch on many occasions perhaps the greatest Canadian filly to grace the sport. Dance Smartly had it all. Great looks, a powerful pedigree, wonderful connections, and an air of class that just demanded
Read moreL’Alezane was a gorgeous chestnut filly with a flaxen mane and tail. She was purchased as a yearling by Jean-Louis Levesque from E.P Taylor’s consignment at the 1976 Saratoga sales. The price was a very respectable $101,000, and came back to Canada to be trained by John “Yonnie” Starr. Levesque appropriately named her L’Alezane which translates to “The Chestnut” in
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