The Mating Game Seminar
Selecting the stallion to suit a mare is one of the biggest quandaries faced by breeders in pursuit of breeding the next champion, so it often helps to get some expert opinions to help make that selection process a little clearer.
In an effort to give some guidance to members on this subject, The TBA sponsored the ‘Mating Game’, organised and hosted by The National Stud on Wednesday 29th May, the programme consisted of expert speakers who advised members on the traditional methods versus the practical approaches of stallion selection.
The morning session kicked off with consultant and former Royal Stud’s Manager Joe Grimwade, who provided an introduction to planning matings, highlighting some of the traditional pedigree selection methods including nicks, dosage and line breeding. The presentation included examples of well-known champion racehorses, scrutinising their 5-generation pedigree to understand what genetic factors might have influenced the success of the resultant progeny.
After an insight into the theoretical methods of stallion selection, Liam MacGillivray from Newmarket Equine Hospital provided a more practical approach to selection. From his own veterinary perspective, his talk centred on studies looking at conformation faults and how these can impact on future racing performance, with and emphasis on specific faults which are important to consider when selecting a mare or stallion.
After this introduction to the vital components of selection, Bloodstock and Pedigree Consultant Michael Youngs provided an insight into his own selection methods which have seen him involved in the purchases and mating decisions of many top-class racehorses.
In the early part of his career Michael worked for Juddmonte’s pedigree department, studying Prince Khalid Abdullah’s broodmare band and taking detailed notes of each mare in order to help recommend suitable matings. His thorough knowledge of each mare, paired with the ability to understand how the strengths and weaknesses could be improved upon, led to numerous top-level successes for the operation including a decision which led to the breeding of top broodmares Hasili and Rainbow Lake, grandam of Frankel.
The afternoon was given over to a lively panel discussion chaired by Sam Bullard, TBA Board member and Director of Stallions at Darley, alongside well-known bloodstock journalist and writer Tony Morris, bloodstock consultant and breeder Martin Percival, with Micheal Youngs completing the line-up. The discussion took questions from the audience covering a wide range of topics including seeking value in stallions and what more can be done to encourage the breeding of stayers.
The Thoroughbred Breeders Association would like to thank the excellent speakers who shared their knowledge and experience generously with the audience, as well as the National Stud for organising the day.