A look back at the champions of the breed
The 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 moreAll manner of variables are considered when a Thoroughbred horse breeder decides which stallion his mare will be bred to. Pedigree class, conformation of the stallion and his mare, temperament and racing success are key elements in the final decision. Subsequently when the resulting foal is born, the new individual is then assessed as he or she develops. Some growing
Read moreThe first two centuries of recorded Thoroughbred breeding emphasised endurance over sheer speed. The gradual change to shorter distances in racing, with increased purses to aim for, eventually made stallions of staying ability obsolete in the breeding world. One of the last true sources for staying blood came from a brown foal of 1911. His name was Son-In-Law, a name
Read moreTriple Crown winners are some of the more exulted horses in the thoroughbred world. Many are remembered for not only their talent and speed, but also for their determination and intelligence which made them so formidable. In the case of the fifth American Triple Crown winner Whirlaway, heart and smarts were not what he is fondly remembered for. He had
Read moreAugust Belmont II is rightfully remembered as one of the titans of the turf. He came by his lofty standing through his father’s prominent role in American racing. August II inherited the family love for the sport and built Nursery Stud into a powerful and prestigious breeding operation. Belmont Jr took what he learned and inherited to the top of
Read moreUndefeated horses hold a reverent mystique. The rarity of such an accomplishment provides a talking point for lively debate among thoroughbred fans. Triple Crown winners do likewise. Bahram was one of the very few to achieve ultimate status in both categories. As a matter of fact, Bahram was never seriously in danger of losing any of the nine races he
Read moreOut cross sire lines are very important in breeding. Whether through sons or daughters, out cross lines enhance the fashionable breeding lines and offer variety for future generations. The once mighty and proud French male line of the great sire Tourbillon has had a profound and significant influence to the highest echelon of the turf. Tourbillon was bred by Marcel
Read moreNearctic was the result of influential Canadian E. P. Taylor’s quest to acquire the best bloodlines in the world and breed champions in his native land. Taylor purchased his dam Lady Angela, in 1952 through George Blackwell, a top agent of the British Bloodstock Agency who Taylor instructed to find him the best mare available. Lady Angela was the best
Read moreThe 17th Lord Derby is rightfully acclaimed as one of the most important and successful breeders of thoroughbreds in the history of the turf. He developed his affinity to racing as a young man when he attended the races with his father, the 16th Lord Derby, and would also suggest certain mares to buy and some of the breeding mates
Read moreUnconventional, offbeat, ludicrous, and just plain wacky, these are some of the words used to describe the training regimen for one of the fastest and greatest thoroughbreds to ever grace the turf. His registered name was Swaps. He was also known as The California Comet by his legion of fans. He was a blazing red chestnut with blazing speed and
Read more