A look back at the champions of the breed
Few 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 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
Read moreThe Aga Khan III entered the turf realm in England in the 1920’s when he began to purchase well bred yearling fillies to stock his stable. He was advised by none other than The Honourable George Lambton, trainer for Lord Derby. Lambton had a very astute eye for yearlings and selected for The Aga many fillies that not only won
Read moreIt has been noted throughout racing history that many great race mares seldom become great broodmares once their racing days are finished. When a beloved champion is retired, high expectations for breeding success is placed on a mare by her connections and fans. The beloved Canadian champion Glorious Song bucked that trend being not only a multiple champion on the
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
Read moreThroughout the nineteen sixties and seventies Jean-Louis Levesque was one of the more successful owners/breeders in Canadian racing. He built his racing stable with astute purchases of yearlings bred by E.P. Taylor when he began his foray into racing. From many of the yearling fillies he purchased, Levesque bred them to first class stallions once they became broodmares. He campaigned
Read moreIn all sports there are individuals who, through their accomplishments, change the sport’s landscape and set the bar for others to follow very high. In the early 1970’s, Dahlia would travel from her French home after achieving success in some very prestigious races to North America, and capture important races on the western continent. Her successes opened the flood gates
Read moreThe lady charged into the old boys club and beat them on their own turf. Genuine Risk won the 1980 Kentucky Derby, the first filly to do so since Regret won the race in 1915, a sixty-five year drought for female thoroughbreds. In fact when she won the Derby she was the first filly to even attempt the feat in
Read moreStavros Niarchos was one of the more enthusiastic and colourful owner/breeders in Thoroughbred racing during his lifetime. He operated his breeding division out of Haras de Fresnay in France and Oak-Tree Farm in Kentucky, while campaigning his horses in France, England and the U.S. His influential passion for the sport has transcended to his family who are continuing the operation
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