Breeding the Australian Racehorse

Douglas M. Barrie ‘The Influence of Climate on Breeding’& ‘Stud Farms & Turf Identities’

Featured Image: Trelawney Stud WA & Greenfields Stud WA

In the early years of settlement all TB breeding took place within the confined of the County of Cumberland. Thereafter it rapidly spread throughout the Continent.

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ColonFoundMares.html

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricSires/LeadingSires/AustLeadSires.html

Douglas M. Barrie’s The Australian Bloodhorse, first published in 1956, is a detailed and exhaustive study of the origins and history of the Australian Racehorse. The product of years of patient research and diligent study it provides an accurate and fascinating guide to thousands of our pure-bred horses since the beginning of settlement. The book fully encompasses and encapsulates the horse’s role in Australia’s development, overlanding, exploration, bushranging, romance, racing and at war.

By 1840 the ‘Thoroughbred Type’ may be said to have been fixed in Australia. The Arab influence steadily declined while the English thoroughbred was judged to be purer in type. Such was the importation of quality horses from the old world, and so favourable had the warm pastures of Australia proved, that by the 1840s thoroughbreds foaled and raised in Australia from sires and dams on Australian Studs were the equal in size, constitution and performance of their imported brethren.

‘Racehorses in Australia’ edited by Dr W H Lang, Ken Austin and Dr Stewart McKay was produced by Harry Julius and released in 1922. It includes paintings by Martin Stainforth. Chapter XI is entitled “How to Breed an Australian Horse”. It’s admirably succinct in making three major recommendations:

1. A sufficient area of suitable land
2. Shelter
3. Artificial Feeding

These are amplified in the text, but they underpin the fundamental philosophy. Adequate trace elements and minerals in the subsoil, notably Calcium, are cited. ‘Sheep and horses are like oil and water’. Clearly ‘early’ Australia was well placed to provide for the ‘equine commodity’.

Breeding the Australian Racehorse

Douglas M. Barrie ‘The Influence of Climate on Breeding’& ‘Stud Farms & Turf Identities’

Featured Image: Canning Downs Stud Stud Q & Balcrest Stud SA

In the early years of settlement all TB breeding took place within the confined of the County of Cumberland. Thereafter it rapidly spread throughout the Continent.

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ColonFoundMares.html

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricSires/LeadingSires/AustLeadSires.html

Douglas M. Barrie’s The Australian Bloodhorse, first published in 1956, is a detailed and exhaustive study of the origins and history of the Australian Racehorse. The product of years of patient research and diligent study it provides an accurate and fascinating guide to thousands of our pure-bred horses since the beginning of settlement. The book fully encompasses and encapsulates the horse’s role in Australia’s development, overlanding, exploration, bushranging, romance, racing and at war.

By 1840 the ‘Thoroughbred Type’ may be said to have been fixed in Australia. The Arab influence steadily declined while the English thoroughbred was judged to be purer in type. Such was the importation of quality horses from the old world, and so favourable had the warm pastures of Australia proved, that by the 1840s thoroughbreds foaled and raised in Australia from sires and dams on Australian Studs were the equal in size, constitution and performance of their imported brethren.

‘Racehorses in Australia’ edited by Dr W H Lang, Ken Austin and Dr Stewart McKay was produced by Harry Julius and released in 1922. It includes paintings by Martin Stainforth. Chapter XI is entitled “How to Breed an Australian Horse”. It’s admirably succinct in making three major recommendations:

1. A sufficient area of suitable land
2. Shelter
3. Artificial Feeding

These are amplified in the text, but they underpin the fundamental philosophy. Adequate trace elements and minerals in the subsoil, notably Calcium, are cited. ‘Sheep and horses are like oil and water’. Clearly ‘early’ Australia was well placed to provide for the ‘equine commodity’.

Breeding the Australian Racehorse

Douglas M. Barrie ‘The Influence of Climate on Breeding’& ‘Stud Farms & Turf Identities’

Featured Image: Victoria; St Albans Stud & Warlaby Stud

In the early years of settlement all TB breeding took place within the confined of the County of Cumberland. Thereafter it rapidly spread throughout the Continent.

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ColonFoundMares.html

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricSires/LeadingSires/AustLeadSires.html

Douglas M. Barrie’s The Australian Bloodhorse, first published in 1956, is a detailed and exhaustive study of the origins and history of the Australian Racehorse. The product of years of patient research and diligent study it provides an accurate and fascinating guide to thousands of our pure-bred horses since the beginning of settlement. The book fully encompasses and encapsulates the horse’s role in Australia’s development, overlanding, exploration, bushranging, romance, racing and at war.

By 1840 the ‘Thoroughbred Type’ may be said to have been fixed in Australia. The Arab influence steadily declined while the English thoroughbred was judged to be purer in type. Such was the importation of quality horses from the old world, and so favourable had the warm pastures of Australia proved, that by the 1840s thoroughbreds foaled and raised in Australia from sires and dams on Australian Studs were the equal in size, constitution and performance of their imported brethren.

‘Racehorses in Australia’ edited by Dr W H Lang, Ken Austin and Dr Stewart McKay was produced by Harry Julius and released in 1922. It includes paintings by Martin Stainforth. Chapter XI is entitled “How to Breed an Australian Horse”. It’s admirably succinct in making three major recommendations:

1. A sufficient area of suitable land
2. Shelter
3. Artificial Feeding

These are amplified in the text, but they underpin the fundamental philosophy. Adequate trace elements and minerals in the subsoil, notably Calcium, are cited. ‘Sheep and horses are like oil and water’. Clearly ‘early’ Australia was well placed to provide for the ‘equine commodity’.

Breeding the Australian Racehorse

Douglas M. Barrie ‘The Influence of Climate on Breeding’& ‘Stud Farms & Turf Identities’

Featured Image: Upper Hunter River Valley: Segenhoe, Kia Ora & Woodlands

In the early years of settlement all TB breeding took place within the confined of the County of Cumberland. Thereafter it rapidly spread throughout the Continent.

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ColonFoundMares.html

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricSires/LeadingSires/AustLeadSires.html

Douglas M. Barrie’s The Australian Bloodhorse, first published in 1956, is a detailed and exhaustive study of the origins and history of the Australian Racehorse. The product of years of patient research and diligent study it provides an accurate and fascinating guide to thousands of our pure-bred horses since the beginning of settlement. The book fully encompasses and encapsulates the horse’s role in Australia’s development, overlanding, exploration, bushranging, romance, racing and at war.

By 1840 the ‘Thoroughbred Type’ may be said to have been fixed in Australia. The Arab influence steadily declined while the English thoroughbred was judged to be purer in type. Such was the importation of quality horses from the old world, and so favourable had the warm pastures of Australia proved, that by the 1840s thoroughbreds foaled and raised in Australia from sires and dams on Australian Studs were the equal in size, constitution and performance of their imported brethren.

‘Racehorses in Australia’ edited by Dr W H Lang, Ken Austin and Dr Stewart McKay was produced by Harry Julius and released in 1922. It includes paintings by Martin Stainforth. Chapter XI is entitled “How to Breed an Australian Horse”. It’s admirably succinct in making three major recommendations:

1. A sufficient area of suitable land
2. Shelter
3. Artificial Feeding

These are amplified in the text, but they underpin the fundamental philosophy. Adequate trace elements and minerals in the subsoil, notably Calcium, are cited. ‘Sheep and horses are like oil and water’. Clearly ‘early’ Australia was well placed to provide for the ‘equine commodity’.

Breeding the Australian Racehorse

Douglas M. Barrie ‘The Influence of Climate on Breeding’& ‘Stud Farms & Turf Identities’

Featured Image: ‘Fernhill’ & Widden Valley.

In the early years of settlement all TB breeding took place within the confined of the County of Cumberland. Thereafter it rapidly spread throughout the Continent.

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ColonFoundMares.html

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricSires/LeadingSires/AustLeadSires.html

Douglas M. Barrie’s The Australian Bloodhorse, first published in 1956, is a detailed and exhaustive study of the origins and history of the Australian Racehorse. The product of years of patient research and diligent study it provides an accurate and fascinating guide to thousands of our pure-bred horses since the beginning of settlement. The book fully encompasses and encapsulates the horse’s role in Australia’s development, overlanding, exploration, bushranging, romance, racing and at war.

By 1840 the ‘Thoroughbred Type’ may be said to have been fixed in Australia. The Arab influence steadily declined while the English thoroughbred was judged to be purer in type. Such was the importation of quality horses from the old world, and so favourable had the warm pastures of Australia proved, that by the 1840s thoroughbreds foaled and raised in Australia from sires and dams on Australian Studs were the equal in size, constitution and performance of their imported brethren.

‘Racehorses in Australia’ edited by Dr W H Lang, Ken Austin and Dr Stewart McKay was produced by Harry Julius and released in 1922. It includes paintings by Martin Stainforth. Chapter XI is entitled “How to Breed an Australian Horse”. It’s admirably succinct in making three major recommendations:

1. A sufficient area of suitable land
2. Shelter
3. Artificial Feeding

These are amplified in the text, but they underpin the fundamental philosophy. Adequate trace elements and minerals in the subsoil, notably Calcium, are cited. ‘Sheep and horses are like oil and water’. Clearly ‘early’ Australia was well placed to provide for the ‘equine commodity’.

Breeding the Australian Racehorse

Douglas M. Barrie ‘The Influence of Climate on Breeding’& ‘Stud Farms & Turf Identities’

Featured Image: Main Thoroughbred Breeding Areas in Australia

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ColonFoundMares.html

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricSires/LeadingSires/AustLeadSires.html

Douglas M. Barrie’s The Australian Bloodhorse, first published in 1956, is a detailed and exhaustive study of the origins and history of the Australian Racehorse. The product of years of patient research and diligent study it provides an accurate and fascinating guide to thousands of our pure-bred horses since the beginning of settlement. The book fully encompasses and encapsulates the horse’s role in Australia’s development, overlanding, exploration, bushranging, romance, racing and at war.

By 1840 the ‘Thoroughbred Type’ may be said to have been fixed in Australia. The Arab influence steadily declined while the English thoroughbred was judged to be purer in type. Such was the importation of quality horses from the old world, and so favourable had the warm pastures of Australia proved, that by the 1840s thoroughbreds foaled and raised in Australia from sires and dams on Australian Studs were the equal in size, constitution and performance of their imported brethren.

‘Racehorses in Australia’ edited by Dr W H Lang, Ken Austin and Dr Stewart McKay was produced by Harry Julius and released in 1922. It includes paintings by Martin Stainforth. Chapter XI is entitled “How to Breed an Australian Horse”. It’s admirably succinct in making three major recommendations:

1. A sufficient area of suitable land
2. Shelter
3. Artificial Feeding

These are amplified in the text, but they underpin the fundamental philosophy. Adequate trace elements and minerals in the subsoil, notably Calcium, are cited. ‘Sheep and horses are like oil and water’. Clearly ‘early’ Australia was well placed to provide for the ‘equine commodity’.

 

World’s Most Successful Sires of Stakes-Winners in 2022

 

Tara Madgwick – Monday January 2

 

See: https://www.breednet.com.au/news/20265/world%E2%80%99s-most-successful-sires-of-stakes-winners-in-2022

Featured Image: ‘Dubawi’ with many others on the webpage.

There’s a mountain of information on the ‘Breednet’ Website. Thank you, Tara Madgwick. It’s compulsory ‘viewing’ and reading for me. Online has taken the place of print media coverage of the thoroughbred racing and breeding scene. I was one who genuinely mourned the passing of the great turf writers of yesteryear. Very few are left with Max Presnell still ‘flying the flag’ and Ray Thomas performing a valiant function.

I’m a fan of statistics despite some hoary old cliches pertaining. ‘Breednet’ is where you find the answers.  Our very own champion ‘I Am Invincible’ holds his own although he is not represented in the Northern Hemisphere, especially Europe, where most of the traditional Classic & Staying Races for the ‘stoutly bred’ are contested. The average/median distance of the winning progeny of ‘I Am Invincible’ is significantly less than a majority of the NH champions. More than 90% do not succeed beyond 1600m. Is it our preferred pattern of racing, race programming or breeding fundamentals which are pivotal? What’s that again about ‘lies, damned lies and statistics’?

The Australian Bloodhorse

Douglas M. Barrie

The Foundation Mares of Australia: Colonial Taproot Mares: ‘Yatterina’ & ‘The Young English Mare’

Featured Image: ‘Tomito’ & ‘Thumb Mark’

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ColonFoundMares.html

Douglas M. Barrie’s The Australian Bloodhorse, first published in 1956, is a detailed and exhaustive study of the origins and history of the Australian Racehorse. The product of years of patient research and diligent study it provides an accurate and fascinating guide to thousands of our pure-bred horses since the beginning of settlement. The book fully encompasses and encapsulates the horse’s role in Australia’s development, overlanding, exploration, bushranging, romance and at war.

By 1840 the ‘Thoroughbred Type’ may be said to have been fixed in Australia. The Arab influence steadily declined while the English thoroughbred was judged to be purer in type. Such was the importation of quality horses from the old world, and so favourable had the warm pastures of Australia proved, that by the 1840s thoroughbreds foaled and raised in Australia from sires and dams on Australian Studs were the equal in size, constitution and performance of their imported brethren.

Thoroughbred Sire Lines

All racehorses in the Western World, including Australia trace their sire lines to the three great English foundation sires: Eclipse, Herod and Matchem.

Eclipse: Direct descendent of the Darley Arabian

Herod: From the line of the Byerley Turk

Matchem: Foaled in 1749. Matchem was the earliest of the three English Thoroughbred Foundation Sires and was a grandson of the Godolphin Arabian

It is certain that a number of English thoroughbred mares were bought to Sydney in the very early 1800s although no record now exists of their breeding. ‘Manto’ imported by Mr T Icely to ‘Bungarribee’ in 1825 is the first imported mare known by name and tracing to a taproot in the General Stud Book. The quality of the female line introduced to Australia during the nineteenth century was of a high standard. The majority of our best racehorses are traceable to these matrons even today. Since the importation of ‘Manto’ more than 1600 pure-bred mares (to the 1950s) with a General Stud Book background have been imported to Australia. Many were mediocre but many were equally exceptional.

The Australian Bloodhorse

Douglas M. Barrie

The Foundation Mares of Australia: Colonial Taproot Mares: ‘Yatterina’ & ‘The Young English Mare’

Featured Image: ‘Limarch’ & ‘Chatspa’

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ColonFoundMares.html

Douglas M. Barrie’s The Australian Bloodhorse, first published in 1956, is a detailed and exhaustive study of the origins and history of the Australian Racehorse. The product of years of patient research and diligent study it provides an accurate and fascinating guide to thousands of our pure-bred horses since the beginning of settlement. The book fully encompasses and encapsulates the horse’s role in Australia’s development, overlanding, exploration, bushranging, romance and at war.

By 1840 the ‘Thoroughbred Type’ may be said to have been fixed in Australia. The Arab influence steadily declined while the English thoroughbred was judged to be purer in type. Such was the importation of quality horses from the old world, and so favourable had the warm pastures of Australia proved, that by the 1840s thoroughbreds foaled and raised in Australia from sires and dams on Australian Studs were the equal in size, constitution and performance of their imported brethren.

Thoroughbred Sire Lines

All racehorses in the Western World, including Australia trace their sire lines to the three great English foundation sires: Eclipse, Herod and Matchem.

Eclipse: Direct descendent of the Darley Arabian

Herod: From the line of the Byerley Turk

Matchem: Foaled in 1749. Matchem was the earliest of the three English Thoroughbred Foundation Sires and was a grandson of the Godolphin Arabian

It is certain that a number of English thoroughbred mares were bought to Sydney in the very early 1800s although no record now exists of their breeding. ‘Manto’ imported by Mr T Icely to ‘Bungarribee’ in 1825 is the first imported mare known by name and tracing to a taproot in the General Stud Book. The quality of the female line introduced to Australia during the nineteenth century was of a high standard. The majority of our best racehorses are traceable to these matrons even today. Since the importation of ‘Manto’ more than 1600 pure-bred mares (to the 1950s) with a General Stud Book background have been imported to Australia. Many were mediocre but many were equally exceptional.

The Australian Bloodhorse

Douglas M. Barrie

The Foundation Mares of Australia: Colonial Taproot Mares: ‘The Steeeltrap Mare’ & ‘Sylph’

Featured Image: Sir Colin Stephen & ‘Fidelity’

See also: http://www.tbheritage.com/HistoricDams/ColonFoundMares.html

Douglas M. Barrie’s The Australian Bloodhorse, first published in 1956, is a detailed and exhaustive study of the origins and history of the Australian Racehorse. The product of years of patient research and diligent study it provides an accurate and fascinating guide to thousands of our pure-bred horses since the beginning of settlement. The book fully encompasses and encapsulates the horse’s role in Australia’s development, overlanding, exploration, bushranging, romance and at war.

By 1840 the ‘Thoroughbred Type’ may be said to have been fixed in Australia. The Arab influence steadily declined while the English thoroughbred was judged to be purer in type. Such was the importation of quality horses from the old world, and so favourable had the warm pastures of Australia proved, that by the 1840s thoroughbreds foaled and raised in Australia from sires and dams on Australian Studs were the equal in size, constitution and performance of their imported brethren.

Thoroughbred Sire Lines

All racehorses in the Western World, including Australia trace their sire lines to the three great English foundation sires: Eclipse, Herod and Matchem.

Eclipse: Direct descendent of the Darley Arabian

Herod: From the line of the Byerley Turk

Matchem: Foaled in 1749. Matchem was the earliest of the three English Thoroughbred Foundation Sires and was a grandson of the Godolphin Arabian

It is certain that a number of English thoroughbred mares were bought to Sydney in the very early 1800s although no record now exists of their breeding. ‘Manto’ imported by Mr T Icely to ‘Bungarribee’ in 1825 is the first imported mare known by name and tracing to a taproot in the General Stud Book. The quality of the female line introduced to Australia during the nineteenth century was of a high standard. The majority of our best racehorses are traceable to these matrons even today. Since the importation of ‘Manto’ more than 1600 pure-bred mares (to the 1950s) with a General Stud Book background have been imported to Australia. Many were mediocre but many were equally exceptional.