A look back at the champions of the breed
The following is an excerpt from the book “The Legacy Of Windfields Farm” published by Barius Books 2019. Reprint by permission from the authors and publishers. Hero To A Nation The lead up to the Kentucky Derby is full of obstacles not normally associated with the average major horse race. The press coverage becomes intense. The parties and galas of
Read moreGeldings are the work horses of any race card throughout the sport. Thoroughbreds are gelded for a variety of reasons, the main reason being to calm the horse for him to be more manageable and concentrate on his work. Born male, some young colts can be quite aggressive, especially when a pretty young filly is within sight, or he is
Read moreHeralded matriarchs are the quintessential foundations for future generations. Much as we celebrate the stallions that father champions and sons that continue the male line, foundation mares are equally as important, just not as well publicised. However, the most successful breeders do place extreme importance in acquiring breeding stock descending from certain matriarchal families that have proven records of excellence.
Read moreFew Thoroughbreds can match the popularity of the great Zenyatta. In this day and age of social media and instant news reporting available to us, Zenyatta became a world celebrity on the same level as the most famous entertainment celebs. She has it all. Charisma, good looks, and unparalleled success in her sport. Blessed with an abundance of talent and
Read moreI have a new book coming this September 14,2019. The book is titled “The Legacy of Windfields Farm” and have written it with my good friend Michael Armstrong. The book is as the title suggests, a complete history of the great breeding farm’s achievements, and the people and horses that made it such an influential component to the Thoroughbred breed.
Read moreUnraced female Thoroughbreds have historically had more value than their unraced male counterparts. In many cases throughout the Thoroughbred history of breeding, an unraced mare has produced champion offspring and became heralded matriarchs of prosperous families. There is no finer example of this than the great Windfields broodmare Sex Appeal. Bred in 1970 by Anne Forsyth in Kentucky, the chestnut
Read moreThere are a couple of old sayings that seem to have fallen out of favour in today’s society. “Patience is a virtue” and “good things come to those that wait” have become passé clichés to modern men and women. In an age of instant payments, instant news, instant communication, and even instant coffee, we have become a society of impatient
Read moreClaiborne Farm has stood many of the most important stallions and broodmares for over a century. The long list of world class stallions that stood at Claiborne sired many champions and classic winners for clients, many of which extend through multiple generations both human and equine. Providing world class breeding stock and breeding advice to clients has been the hallmark
Read moreThe old axiom of Thoroughbred breeding is “Breed the best to the best, and hope for the best”. In several cases this has rang true, although there are countless, and largely forgotten such breeding attempts that have not gone according to this plan. In 1943 John Dewar sent his well bred broodmare Sansonnet to the 1941 Epsom Derby winner Owen
Read moreRachel Alexandra is one of those Thoroughbreds that capture the spirit of the sport along with the admiration and devoted fan following that is associated with greatness. Rachel has it all, beauty, class, speed, heart, intelligence and that one intangible that eludes many, charisma. She draws your attention. In recent times, Rachel Alexandra has become one of the most photographed
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