Sire Premiership Tables 2014/2015 to 2019/2020 (as at 13/04/2020)
Acknowledge: https://www.bloodstock.com.au/bloodstock/sire-premiership-table.php
See also: https://sconevetdynasty.com.au/digests-from-world-turf-writers-1950/
See also: https://sconevetdynasty.com.au/shuttle-service-worries-1995/
Featured Image: Letter from S T Wootton ‘Treadwell House’ dated 11th March 1974
PTO: Handwritten on the back of this typed letter Mr Wootton has stated:
“We have two very promising ‘Biscay’ 3-year olds in Melbourne called ‘Bletchingly’ and ‘Grinstead’. When I saw them almost 18 months ago I asked Angus Ao not to harm or Race them until they were fully developed three-year-olds.
We do not have any Biscay two year olds in training. I believe you know why.”
Prologue
The letter written by Mr S T Wootton in 1974 ostensibly buttresses the prevailing philosophy of the leading breeders of the day. It was aimed at achieving individual ‘qualitative’ excellence; possibly at the expense of ‘commercial’ or ‘quantitative’ success in terms of numbers? This was typical of STW. See also:
https://sconevetdynasty.com.au/stanley-wootton-letters/
Stanley Wootton achieved deserved legendary status with his importation of Star Kingdom. Interestingly ‘Bletchingly’ was the only champion sire he actually bred. ‘Bletchingly’s sire Biscay proved to be an outstanding sire of sires with two champions Bletchingly and Marscay. Biscay started only 8 times in his life and had strictly limited books of mares beginning his stallion career at three different studs: Baramul 1969 (19 mares); Segenhoe 1970 and Bhima 1971. He also became an outstanding brood mare sire with only half the representation (on the racetracks) as his contemporary Star Kingdom sire son Kaoru Star. For all his success at Woodlands’ George Ryder never ‘hosted’ a champion sire. It wasn’t until Lonhro appeared later that this was anomaly was redressed; albeit by that time the latter had relocated to Darley Stud, Kelvinside, Aberdeen.
Towards the end of the 20th century a cabal of NSW Breeders decided to ignore the outcome(s) of a democratic election to the Committee of the NSW Thoroughbred Breeders Association although at least one of them had been successfully elected. They formed their own breakaway group known as the COMMERCIAL Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA my italic capitals and bold type). This was a clear indication of what was to follow. My Bill Gates’ thesaurus gives the following alternative definitions for ‘commercial’: PROFITABLE (adj.): profitable, saleable, marketable, viable, money-making, profit-making; BUSINESS (Adj.): business, business-related, industrial, trade, mercantile, for-profit; ADVERTISEMENT (Adj.).
Although the CTBA did not last as an entity later merging with the parent body it is clear that they actually achieved their objective(s) considering the current state-of-play in the Thoroughbred Breeding Industry. AUSHORSE was a welcome by-product of the groups’ activities.
The other major contributing factor to change was/were the increasingly more stringent requirements of the Australian Stud Book at that time conjointly owned by the VRC and the AJC and based at Randwick. It’s likely that compliance, both administratively and financially, forced many smaller breeders to opt out?
“Lies, Damned Lies and Statistics”. Mark Twain popularized this quote in his autobiography when he wrote: “There are three kinds of untruth: Lies, damned lies and statistics.” Although he attributed the quote to Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, KG, PC, FRS there is no evidence the quote originated with his Lordship. The latter was a British politician of the Conservative Party who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. This is all about statistics; although I’m no Lord Beaconsfield! Another ‘laborious’ aphorism is that ‘all comparisons are odious’? So be it.
It is in excess of 50 years when I first encountered the Thoroughbred Breeding Industry in the Upper Hunter Valley; Tuesday 4th October 1967 to be exact. To say ‘things have changed’ would be the most flagrant of understatements. If I claimed ‘nothing succeeds like excess’ as Oscar Wilde did, then that would be apposite. I much prefer hyperbole. In 1967 it was impossible to imagine the changes which could and would occur. Family farms with one, two, three of four stallions covering no more than 42 mares in a season was the ‘norm’. It might ‘blow out’ to 45 in a few cases. George Ryder was challenging the status quo at ‘Woodlands’ by using ‘Pipe of Peace’ out-of-season to serve mares in order to appease the appetite of his American professional tennis player mates like Jack Kramer. He also wanted to cash in a few US$$; maybe more than a few?
George Ryder introduced the Golden Slipper Stakes to Australia. Its impact has been profound to say the least. Although ‘Imagele’ (by ‘Sostenuto’ @ Woodlands Stud) did not win the 1973 Golden Slipper, falling in the race won by Tontonan’ when a pronounced short priced odds on favourite, he was successful six months later in the AJC Derby run at Randwick on Saturday 29th September 1973. Despite having suffered severe rib and other injuries in the ‘Slipper’ the incomparable T J Smith put him back in work in June 1973. ‘Imagele’ (Sostenuto ex Celie’s Image) won one of the great races for the AJC Derby from Leica Lover and Grand Cidium in a titanic struggle down the Randwick straight. Only Ian Ibbett captures the ‘magic of the moment’ in his totemic online tome ‘Kings of the Turf’.
See: https://www.kingsoftheturf.com/jock-graham-and-imagele/
The question I wish to put is ‘do we breed them like Imagele today’? It seems almost impossible to imagine a Golden Slipper winner in the 21st century successfully competing in a Group I race over the classic distance of 2400m only six short months after the Rosehill 2yo Classic. Both legendary racing journalists Max Presnell and Tony Arrold have made the strong point that previous winners of the Golden Slipper such as Todman, Vain, Luskin Star and Manikato are much superior to those racing today?
Aside from George Ryder the leading breeders of the era such as Stanley Wootton, A O Ellison, Reg Moses and F K ‘Darby’ Mackay all said the same thing; ‘Don’t overtax the stallion(s)’; especially in their first year. My then employer the late Murray Bain adduced the aphorism; ‘Don’t go too often to the well’. It’s a good job they are not alive today to witness the ‘carnage’ of their overarching personal philosophy(s).
In the late 1960s the state of play at the Australian Stud Book had been constant for about 50 years maintaining a roughly level plateau of 10,000 mares returned. There were about 2,500 thoroughbred stallions; some very widely dispersed with very small numbers of mares and none with >45 per year. With the introduction of TAB betting during the 1960s there was a dramatic escalation in both the numbers of racehorses and also breeding stock fuelled by demand. The pinnacle peaked in the late ‘crazy 80s’at >40,000+ brood mares and consequent foal production. The 1987 recession applied the brakes and it is fair to say there was a ‘glut’ of arguably inferior breeding stock. There had been virtually little or no culling for about 20 years. The gradual reduction in numbers has since reached a potentially stable plateau of c. 20,000 mares with a ‘foal drop’ approaching 13,000 (2017/2018 ARB Facts Book and ASB).
Epilogue
As a fully certified ‘culled-for-age old gelding equivalent’ in ‘the sanguine twilight zone of benign self-imposed genteel redundancy’ expertly practicing ‘masterly inactivity and vigorous inaction’ I’m a trite alarmed at some of the bald statistics I’m reading today as detailed below. There have been some dramatic changes due to many factors including vast improvements in scientific knowledge, equipment and veterinary techniques. Many traditionalists would argue that these are of questionable merit and dubious benefit?
I think it is fair to claim that there has been a dramatic reduction in heterozygosity with consequent corresponding increase in homozygosity or ‘inbreeding’; linebreeding when it works? This equates to a significant narrowing of the gene pool; or does it?
This is underpinned by the logarithmic reduction in the number of stallions available for service. In 2017/2018 there were 609. In the 10 years since 2008/2009 this number had contracted by 282; from 891 to 609 =/~ 31%. The decline since the 1960s is even more dramatic: from c. 2,500 to 609 =/~ 76%.
In 2018/2019 the 20 top-priced stallions (service fees range $44,000 – $220,000) covered a remarkable 3,309 mares: range 76 – 247 per stallion. The numbers were slightly higher for the top 20 most popular stallions covering 3485 mares: range 167 – 263 mares per stallion. The cumulative figures over time are even more striking. In the nine seasons 2007/2008 – 2015/2016 ‘Snitzel’ produced 1044 foals supplying 744 runners with 535 winners and 82 stakes winners. Total prizemoney amounted to $95,863,682 (‘Stallions’ 2018 by ‘Bluebloods). The comparable totals for ‘I Am Invincible’ for five seasons (2011/2012 – 2015/2016) were 564 foals, 396 runners, 300 winners, 31 stakes winners and $45,085,537. These two pre-potent rivals have dominated in very recent times.
Shuttle stallions have actually been with us over 40 years. I recall Gay Fandango (Lindsay Park SA 1976 and Mount Hagan (Newhaven Park 1976 and Oakleigh Stud 1977). The emergence of CEM ‘put the skids’ under this for some years. Since the electrifying emergence of ‘Danehill’ in the mid-1990s ‘shuttling’ has become a whole new ball game. However their influence has been ‘measured’ ever since although ‘Winx’ (by Street Cry) certainly reignited the spark. In the 20 seasons 2000/2001 – 2017/2018 the number of shuttling sires has fluctuated between a maximum of 69 (2003/4) to the lowest total of 32 (2015/16). They represent variably 3.5% – 6.9% of the stallion population. However, they cover a disproportionately larger percentage of mares; between 10.75% (2000/01) and 23.71% (2014/15).
The concentration of the most influential and/or popular stallions on the major stallion stations located mainly in the Upper Hunter Valley of NSW has tended to ‘slew’ the conduct of the industry. ‘Overbooking’ of stallions has become the ‘norm’. All the mares must be located in close geographical proximity so that the allocated ‘time slot’ for covering is readily accessible; perhaps at short notice and an inconvenient schedule. It’s my personal view that some of these practices are preposterous at best; and farcical at worst. Would acceptance of artificial breeding methods alleviate this custom; or contribute further to ‘over-servicing’? We might never know? It’s not allowed; officially! It’ seems ludicrous and absurd to be floating mares around the TB Studs of the Upper Hunter (and elsewhere) seeking to cover mares at midnight because of ‘overbooked’ stallions? Natural mating occurs at dawn and dusk.
The breeding industry is dominated by NSW, Victoria and Queensland; in that order. The same applies to the racing industry which mirrors this statistic. Together they command and control the state of play to the extent of 75% and more. The Hunter Valley (NSW), NE Victoria and the Darling Downs (SE Queensland) are the principle breeding areas with the Upper Hunter Valley the epicentre. In 50 years the relative sales backwater of Queensland has emerged through the phenomenon of the Magic Millions extravaganza as a game changer. There is now a major ‘horse corridor of commerce’ stretching from Victoria through the NE, via the Hunter Valley to the Gold Coast. Some of the stories of the horse transport companies are as heroic and herculean as they are harrowing. Small regional sales such as Scone, Dubbo (Milling & Co) and Tamworth (John Cuncliffe then MM) have tended to diminish or disappear. Although the TBA claims the majority (75%) of broodmare owners own only 1 – 2 mares it is the stallions stations who dictate the action during the stud season. Australia is the only major thoroughbred breeding country where the ‘product sales’ are conducted remotely from the centres of breeding; contrast England (Newmarket), USA (Lexington, Ky), Ireland (Goffs, Kildare), NZ (Karaka) and France (Deauville).
The major ‘casualty’ over 50 years (1970 – 2020) has been South Australia. Major players and inventive entrepreneurs such as Bart Cummings, Colin Hayes, Reg Angel and David Coles (ABCOS) have vacated the scene. Where once there were 4 racetracks in Adelaide now there is one (Morphettville). Total race prizemoney has reduced overall and SA is now a ‘second string state’ where once it was a driver.
Courage Genuine Stout Stamina Quality
Where do these whimsical paradigms fit? All of them have been used abundantly in the unique argot specifically assigned to describing performance in the thoroughbred racehorse. Phil Bull and his ‘Timeform Rating’ was an historical exemplar par excellence. It was a galling experience to sit through the excellent Television coverage of the outstanding program at Randwick ‘The Championships’ on Saturday 11th April 2020. Two of the main Group I races were the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) and the Sydney Cup (3200m).
Australia was represented by only three starters out of 23 acceptors and could not manage a place-getter in either race. In fact we were outclassed (‘humiliated’) by NZ and European imports. It’s no coincidence that the progeny of our two leading sires have difficulty in ‘staying’ much beyond 1400m; more so on heavy going. ‘Can’t run in the wet’ is the usual excusing flimsy patois. Are they ‘stout’ or ‘genuine’; lacking in ‘courage and/or ‘stamina’?
During the great era of thoroughbred breeding by Percy Miller and Bert Riddle at Kia Ora from the 1920s – 1950s many of their champion stallions were ‘stoutly’ bred and performed accordingly. The success of Magpie, Midstream & Co was finally capped off the Delville Wood who was champion sire on five successive seasons in the 1950s. His daughter Evening Peel was successful in the Melbourne Cup which was the yard-ship of success; then. It doesn’t seem very long ago; or does it?
Fisherman (1853) by Heron from Mainbrace was the best stayer of his time in England and the winner of 70 races, including 21 wins from 35 starts in one season. After winning the Ascot Gold Cup on one occasion Fisherman was saddled for the following race, the Queen’s Plate contested over three miles and won that race too. Altogether he won 26 Queen’s Plate trophies and two Ascot Gold Cups. This was a very long time ago; and a totally different era indeed.
Hurtle Fisher purchased Fisherman for 3,000 guineas and imported him to South Australia in November 1860. He later stood at Fisher’s renowned Maribyrnong Stud in Victoria. Fisherman was regarded as one of the best English stayers imported to Australia during the nineteenth century.
In a comparatively short stud career in Australia he proved an outstanding sire. His offspring included 10 Australian stakes-winners that had 27 stakes-wins between them.
Over 150 years on it’s interesting to speculate how much interest a similar staying stallion would attract in the new ‘speed age’ thoroughbred breeding industry? Have we eschewed ‘stoutness’ in our stock in the hell bent ‘race for pace’? I do recall the late George Ryder proclaiming ‘put speed to speed and pray they stay’ plus ‘we need horses that fly around saucers’. The letter referred to the relatively small dimensions of the average Australian racetrack when compared to the equivalent(s) in the UK and Europe. He was considering importing a son of Dr Fager (USA) at the moment in time.
Ian Ibbett has just posted the latest in his superlative series on winners of the AJC Derby in ‘Kings of the Turf’. It’s the story of the Bougoure family and specifically ‘Strawberry Road’. The latter was by the imported Nijinsky stallion Whiskey Road. Well done visionary breeders Bridget Woodford-Smith and Equestrian Gold Medal winning Olympian Neil Lavis! Would this be likely to happen today?
See: https://www.kingsoftheturf.com/1983-doug-bougoure-strawberry-road/
Perhaps I’m too mired in ‘Kingswood Country’?
2020/2021 Season Finale August 1st 2021
See: https://www.breednet.com.au/sire-tables/
It’s all over for another season; and it’s a familiar tale. However we have a new Champion Stallion for the first time in ‘Written Tycoon’. Although he stood at Arrowfield for the 2020 season we can hardly claim him for the Upper Hunter Valley? He’s spent all his useful life at stud life in Victoria and returns there again in 2021. The top positions in the table(s) are filled with the usual protagonists although ‘Snitzel’ drops to 4th after four years at the top. ‘Age shall weary’ them and the years condemn’. ‘Snitzel’ turns 19 today (foaled 2002), ‘Written Tycoon’ the same, ‘I Am Invincible’ is 17 (foaled 2004) and ‘Not A Single Doubt’ now retired at 20 (F. 2001). The latter owes his high placing mainly to the win of ‘Classique Legend’ in the artificially inflated ‘Everest Stakes’ in 2020. Is the door ajar for a new era?
The First Season Sires and leading 2yo Sires Lists are remarkably similar. Newgate have achieved very highly with ‘Extreme Choice’ and ‘Capitalist’ filling the first two positions in both categories. The latter has the most winners (20/61 runners) closely followed by Star Turn (19/41) on the debutant’s list. In the general 2yo Sires List Snitzel also has 20/57 winners/starters. Newgate also hosts ‘Flying Artie’ (10/42) and ‘Winning Rupert’ (12/31) making their tally 4 of the top 10 new season sires. This might be some sort of record?
Although Yarraman Parks’s ‘I Am Invincible’ is again the leading winner producer (208/358) ‘Written Tycoon’ is distinguished by his 1st position (193/379) and also being placed in all other categories where he is eligible up to Sires with winners at 2000 metres plus. He features 5th on the 2yo Sires (16/42), 1st 3yo Sires (79/115), 4th Sires 1200m and shorter (126/321), 2nd Sires 1200 – 1600 metres (126/311) and 7th Sires 1600 – 2000 (18/90) metres.
All four leading sires have performed creditably on the 2yo Sires list with good numbers to represent them in the racing year to come (2021/2022). Written Tycoon was 5th on the list and had 16 out of 42 starters with 2 Stakes Winners, Snitzel (7th and 20/57 and 2 Stakes Winners), I Am Invincible (8th and 17/58 and 4 Stakes Winners) and Not a Single Doubt (10th and 15/42 and 1 Stakes Winner).
The Champion Broodmare Sires list is somewhat more familiar and reassuring? Superstar sires Encosta De Lago ($29,918,506), Redoute’s Choice ($27,805,874), More Than Ready, Zabeel, Fastnet Rock, Flying Spur, Exceed and Excel, Commands and Lonhro fill the top nine positions in that order.
The overarching purview is that numbers do count. With our race programming the way it is to optimise betting turnover and therefore returned income the emphasis is on ‘quantity’ rather than ‘quality’; or am I simply an anachronistic pejorative old curmudgeon? Please don’t answer!
Sire Premiership Table 2019/2020 (as at 13/04/2020)
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Snitzel | 295 | 129 | 169 | 14 | 20 | $13,780,335 | Away Game, $2,721,800 |
| 2 | Pierro | 195 | 92 | 140 | 8 | 11 | $13,542,818 | Regal Power, $3,306,500 |
| 3 | I Am Invincible | 311 | 141 | 221 | 11 | 15 | $12,940,085 | Loving Gaby, $1,700,500 |
| 4 | Not a Single Doubt | 199 | 80 | 122 | 7 | 13 | $10,680,897 | Farnan, $2,502,200 |
| 5 | Rubick | 92 | 34 | 53 | 2 | 3 | $9,790,060 | Yes Yes Yes, $6,823,750 |
| 6 | Fastnet Rock | 220 | 105 | 144 | 6 | 12 | $9,629,141 | Dreamforce, $852,650 |
| 7 | Sebring | 311 | 113 | 167 | 5 | 8 | $9,462,002 | Nettoyer, $1,236,950 |
| 8 | Exceed and Excel | 189 | 85 | 127 | 9 | 14 | $8,885,760 | Bivouac, $1,953,300 |
| 9 | Zoustar | 168 | 76 | 109 | 6 | 9 | $8,859,298 | Sunlight, $2,177,000 |
| 10 | Ocean Park | 80 | 35 | 53 | 4 | 6 | $8,518,165 | Kolding, $4,953,750 |
With the concatenated racing season 2019/2020 it appears that ‘Snitzel’ is on track to claim his 4th successive Sires’ Premiership? It’s too early to call but if it happens he will be the first to do so since his illustrious sire ‘Danehill’. Few actually achieve this pinnacle of distinction. Although this is another excellent season for ‘Snitzel’ in point of fact, now rising 18 (Foaled 2002), his period of dominance has essentially diminished. This is to be expected once stallions reach the human equivalent of inchoate ‘old age’ at about 15 – 16 years. The yearling market (sales) does not always reflect this mantra. Optimistic buyers will often pay a premium price for yearlings on the downward slope of the ‘bell curve’ of an ageing career. ‘Snitzel’ peaked in season 2017/2018 with a record total of $29,243,613 admittedly boosted by the exploits of ‘Redzel’ in the inaugural ‘The Everest’. However the grand total of 26 stakes winners of 43 stakes races is truly exceptional.
‘Pierro’ is the major mover improving his position of 10th on the list for both the previous two seasons. Rising 11 years of age (F.2009) ‘Coolmore’ will confidently expect more gains as the maturing stallion reaches his peak performance in years to come. ‘I Am Invincible’ (F. 2004) is two years younger than ‘Snitzel’ at 15 rising 16, and has marginally slipped in the rankings although yet again producing some significant statistics.
However as I write (23/05/2020) it would appear that the ‘quality dominance’ of both sires is waning? The number of stakes winners and stakes races won is significantly diminished from the peak periods for both Sires. For ‘Snitzel’ this was season 2017/2018 with an exceptional 26 stakes winners and 43 stakes wins for earnings of $26,243,613. ‘I Am Invincible’s’ best season was 2017/2018 with 28 stakes winners of 40 stakes wins for $17,754,918.
It’s an established fact that ‘average’ stallion fertility, pre-potency and vitality begin to decline after about 14/15 years of age. It’s known by scientists as a reduction (‘fractionating’) in the quality of DNA from about this time. In simple terms it means that the overall ‘quality’ of the ‘stallion ejaculate’ (service fee) a brood mare owner purchases in any one season gradually diminishes with time from this advanced ‘middle age’ in most stallions. In real terms it translates to the diminution in the quality of the ‘ejaculate package’ purchased by broodmare owners in the twilight years of the careers of successful (‘commercial’) sires. This is often at a high premium price. Admittedly the doctrine of caveat emptor applies. Also you might still breed another ‘Secretariat’? (‘Bold Ruler’ was 15 and ‘Somethingroyal’ 17 when ‘Secretariat’ was conceived by natural mating in 1969; with a very restricted ‘book’ compared to today). Might the dated parameter of ‘not going too often to the well’ still retain some resonance? Many old-time breeders would concur.
However as I write (23/05/2020) it would appear that the ‘quality dominance’ of both sires is waning? The number of stakes winners and stakes races won is significantly diminished from the peak periods for both Sires. For ‘Snitzel’ this was season 2017/2018 with an exceptional 26 stakes winners and 43 stakes wins for earnings of $26,243,613. ‘I Am Invincible’s’ best season was 2017/2018 with 28 stakes winners of 40 stakes wins for $17,754,918.
It’s an established fact that ‘average’ stallion fertility, pre-potency and vitality begin to decline after about 14/15 years of age. It’s known by scientists as a reduction (‘fractionating’) in the quality of DNA from about this time. In simple terms it means that the overall ‘quality’ of the ‘stallion ejaculate’ (service fee) a brood mare owner purchases in any one season gradually diminishes with time from this advanced ‘middle age’ in most stallions. In real terms it translates to the diminution in the quality of the ‘ejaculate package’ purchased by broodmare owners in the twilight years of the careers of successful (‘commercial’) sires. This is often at a high premium price. Admittedly the rules of caveat emptor apply. Also you might still breed another ‘Secretariat’? (‘Bold Ruler’ was 15 and ‘Somethingroyal’ 17 when ‘Secretariat’ was conceived by natural mating in 1969; with a very restricted ‘book’ compared to today). Might the dated parameter of ‘not going too often to the well’ still retain some resonance? Many old-time breeders would concur.
Sires Premiership Table Update July 2021
As the racing season 2020/2021 draws to a close (02/07/2021) it appears there will be a ‘change in the guard’ at the top of the Champion Sires Stakes. Changing of the guard is an inevitable consequence of the immutable march of advancing age. Bruce Lowe’s vitality or nervous force is reduced to a damp squib if not finally extinguished. Written Tycoon has a clear lead rapidly approaching the $16 million mark at this time (02/07/21). With all the major stakes races already decided there is consequently less prizemoney available in what remains of the season finale. Equally certainly Not A Single Doubt would appear to fill second place and I Am Invincible yet again making up the minor placing(s). All this is admirably documented in the Breednet Website. See: https://www.breednet.com.au/sire-tables/
This will be the first year since Zabeel (1998/1999) that a Hunter Valley based stallion is not in first place; or does it? Written Tycoon was established at Arrowfield for the season about to be concluded but otherwise has been based in Victoria for the entirety of his stud career and will return there for season 2021/2002. All his progeny on the race track are in fact Victorian-bred. About 80 years ago in the early 1940s the late W J ‘Knockout’ Smith famously (or infamously) relocated established champion sires Beau Pere and Manitoba to shore up his emerging and recently acquired St Aubins Stud at Scone. Following four consecutive glorious years at the top Snitzel will finish an honourable fourth in the current season.
Nascent Newgate Stud has the enviable record of hosting the top three placegetters in the First Season Sires Stakes in Extreme Choice, Capitalist and Flying Artie. Capitalist is a clear leader in the number of winners and races won categories but with by far the largest representation of starters. Both Extreme Choice and Capitalist also lead the 2yo Sires List. Some of the statistics are staggering when compared to yesteryear.
Of considerable interest are the tables depicting the race distances at which the progeny of the respective stallions were most successful. Admittedly these could be extracted from the sire statistics which are available only one ‘click’ away from the whole story. The rhetorical question is which comes first? Do the statistics reflect the favoured athletic predilection of the progeny of a particular stallion; or are they dictated by the overall available race programming and associated prizemoney? About 50 years ago I was responsible for all the race programs for the country race meetings of the Scone Race Club at the White Park Racetrack in Scone. This was a small c. 1400m track; not unlike Canterbury in circumference. The fact remained that over 90% of our starters were Maidens and Improvers at distances between 1000m (5 furlongs) and 1400m (7 furlongs). This was long before benchmarking. We had a few ‘Open’ Flying Handicaps which attracted on average 3 or 4 acceptors and some ‘token’ set weight Country and Rural Stakes of c. 1800m (9 furlongs). Financial survival depended on betting, betting and betting; which was itself a function of the larger fields which were usually the full fields over the shorter ‘restricted class’ distances. MIPIAANTET was the acronym; Maiden, Improver, Progressive, Intermediate, Advanced, Approved, Novice, Transition, Encourage and Trial; before Open Company. We rarely ventured beyond Improvers. Also maximum ‘prizemoney bars’ applied above which the winners were ineligible for races such as Novice Class and above at the Provincial Tracks. It was a juggling act to balance the ledger. The bottom line was that short distances for restricted class gallopers dominated the race programs and fields. Racing and Breeding, like Betting, are numbers games.
Not A Single Doubt is leading at distances of 1200m and shorter plus 1200m to 1600m. I Am Invincible features over the shorter (<1200m) distances but is not so successful over the longer journeys. In fact c. 94% of his winning progeny don’t win beyond 1400m. Written Tycoon’s progeny are prominent at <1200 (4th.), 1200m – 1600m (2nd.) and also 1600m – 2000m (9th.) Snitzel is also well represented at the shorter and middle distances. Beyond 1600m the list(s) feature a number of ‘flexible/adaptable’ (middle distance and staying) stallions; a number of which are located at Coolmore and significantly also NZ. The market place will always dominate and ultimately drive race programming. Jane Austen might have written the ploy.
The plagiarized Pride and Prejudice first line: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a sprinter.”
In this context it is also worth reflecting on the Breeding Statistics which are available each year in the Racing Australia Facts Book.
See: Racing Australia Fact Book 2019-2020
Sire Premiership Table 2018/2019
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Snitzel | 346 | 180 | 290 | 12 | 13 | $24,267,820 | Redzel, $6,833,250 |
| 2 | I Am Invincible | 336 | 184 | 301 | 28 | 40 | $17,756,948 | Invincibella, $1,324,775 |
| 3 | Street Cry | 121 | 67 | 122 | 7 | 19 | $15,985,993 | Winx, $7,452,750 |
| 4 | Fastnet Rock | 276 | 115 | 178 | 10 | 12 | $12,733,495 | Anaheed, $954,200 |
| 5 | Not a Single Doubt | 228 | 97 | 169 | 15 | 23 | $11,910,713 | Kenedna, $1,588,500 |
| 6 | Sebring | 326 | 154 | 247 | 11 | 16 | $11,904,850 | Amphitrite, $738,800 |
| 7 | Written Tycoon | 294 | 150 | 255 | 6 | 10 | $10,413,865 | Despatch, $680,845 |
| 8 | High Chaparral | 238 | 120 | 178 | 12 | 15 | $9,797,923 | Princess Jenni, $520,935 |
| 9 | Redoute’s Choice | 177 | 86 | 133 | 6 | 15 | $9,720,688 | The Autumn Sun, $2,997,150 |
| 10 | Pierro | 211 | 107 | 174 | 8 | 14 | $9,522,740 | Arcadia Queen, $1,093,435 |
The familiar pattern of the previous season has been maintained. ‘I Am Invincible’ produced the most impressive total of 28 stakes winners of 40 stakes races from very similar numbers of runners, winners and races won. Champion ‘Winx’ accounted for half the total earnings of the progeny of ‘Street Cry’. ‘Not A Single Doubt’ sustained his prominent position.
Both ‘Snitzel’ and ‘I Am Invincible’ produced their winning progeny from remarkable numbers of mares covered, foals conceived and born. In the 9 seasons 2007/2008 – 2015/2016 ‘Snitzel’ was represented by 1010 foals, 744 runners with 535 winners of 82 stakes races. In the 5 years 2011/2012 – 2015/2016 ‘I Am Invincible’ produced 564 foals, 396 runners, 300 winners and 31 stakes races won. The vast majority of the progeny of the latter (c.90%) won races between 1000m – 1400m. There were no stakes winners beyond 1600m. The offspring of ‘Snitzel’ were a little ‘stouter’ (‘genuine’) with a few stakes winners beyond 1600m and even up to 2200m. Even so the majority win races 1000m – 1400m. This could also reflect overall race programming in Australia?
Sire Premiership Table 2017/2018
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Snitzel | 328 | 173 | 307 | 26 | 43 | $29,243,613 | Redzel, $7,532,300 |
| 2 | I Am Invincible | 275 | 158 | 273 | 19 | 26 | $15,908,940 | Viddora, $1,372,700 |
| 3 | Fastnet Rock | 253 | 136 | 220 | 18 | 31 | $15,550,518 | Shoals, $1,437,620 |
| 4 | High Chaparral | 271 | 122 | 197 | 8 | 11 | $14,735,494 | Rekindling, $3,850,000 |
| 5 | Street Cry | 191 | 103 | 187 | 7 | 14 | $12,849,160 | Winx, $6,105,000 |
| 6 | Not a Single Doubt | 219 | 106 | 171 | 16 | 19 | $11,056,022 | Mighty Boss, $1,247,100 |
| 7 | Sebring | 325 | 147 | 232 | 13 | 14 | $11,025,776 | Sedanzer, $693,046 |
| 8 | Written Tycoon | 287 | 153 | 255 | 8 | 13 | $9,966,077 | Written By, $1,409,000 |
| 9 | Lonhro | 208 | 103 | 174 | 5 | 8 | $8,573,938 | Kementari, $1,404,250 |
| 10 | Pierro | 131 | 64 | 101 | 8 | 12 | $8,529,586 | Pierata, $2,182,200 |
Sire Premiership Table 2015/2016
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Street Cry | 173 | 85 | 144 | 12 | 22 | $12,975,554 | Winx, $5,627,500 |
| 2 | Not a Single Doubt | 286 | 154 | 257 | 12 | 21 | $12,501,196 | Extreme Choice, $1,349,750 |
| 3 | Written Tycoon | 256 | 130 | 223 | 7 | 11 | $10,107,231 | Capitalist, $3,508,700 |
| 4 | Fastnet Rock | 271 | 124 | 202 | 12 | 18 | $9,795,580 | Missrock, $500,500 |
| 5 | Lonhro | 304 | 141 | 236 | 9 | 12 | $9,236,600 | Exosphere, $966,650 |
| 6 | Encosta de Lago | 175 | 90 | 144 | 6 | 14 | $8,942,727 | Chautauqua, $3,117,500 |
| 7 | Redoute’s Choice | 208 | 106 | 177 | 13 | 18 | $8,641,506 | Peeping, $707,300 |
| 8 | Snitzel | 265 | 130 | 204 | 5 | 7 | $8,559,962 | Spill the Beans, $474,700 |
| 9 | Sebring | 261 | 120 | 186 | 7 | 7 | $8,499,031 | Criterion, $1,207,750 |
| 10 | Choisir | 291 | 123 | 201 | 8 | 10 | $7,640,601 | Japonisme, $1,094,250 |
All-time legend ‘Winx’ catapulted her sire ‘Street Cry’ to the top position from 7th the previous year. This was considered a good result for a ‘Shuttle Stallion’ who’s influence had been challenged by the locals since the remarkable 9-year hegemony established by ‘Danehill’.
‘Not a Single Doubt’ significantly improved his credentials to finish a credible 2nd placing rising from 9th the previous year. This marked the harbinger of things to come although it appears the illustrious sire will not now make top placing? However his success adds further cachet to the immutable imperial march of ‘Danehill’ and his sire sons such as ‘Redoute’s Choice’. Only Star Kingdom compares in Australia.
Sire Premiership Table 2014/2015
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Fastnet Rock | 309 | 146 | 217 | 15 | 20 | $10,303,516 | First Seal, $833,175 |
| 2 | Exceed and Excel | 226 | 112 | 182 | 13 | 15 | $9,020,801 | Le Chef, $1,199,200 |
| 3 | Sebring | 200 | 88 | 137 | 7 | 11 | $8,694,657 | Criterion, $2,992,000 |
| 4 | Encosta de Lago | 210 | 101 | 163 | 6 | 11 | $8,528,148 | Chautauqua, $2,219,750 |
| 5 | Redoute’s Choice | 195 | 86 | 140 | 11 | 18 | $8,404,345 | Lankan Rupee, $1,144,500 |
| 6 | Lonhro | 346 | 155 | 250 | 7 | 10 | $8,067,110 | Sweynesse, $590,650 |
| 7 | Street Cry | 172 | 83 | 133 | 11 | 17 | $7,768,815 | Pride of Dubai, $1,336,100 |
| 8 | Snitzel | 209 | 106 | 161 | 11 | 16 | $7,756,725 | Sweet Idea, $654,700 |
| 9 | Not a Single Doubt | 302 | 144 | 218 | 4 | 6 | $7,014,757 | Miracles of Life, $620,700 |
| 10 | Northern Meteor | 193 | 90 | 160 | 8 | 11 | $6,911,269 | Shooting to Win, $945,950 |
‘Fastnet Rock’ further underpinned the influence of his illustrious sire ‘Danehill’ by reaching the top spot. His best offspring ‘First Seal’ achieved distinction by defeating ‘Winx’ in some of her early races. She became the dam of the top priced yearling ($1.8 million) at the unique inaugural online Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in 2020
Sire Premiership Table 2YO 2019/2020 (as at 13/04/2020)
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Snitzel | 33 | 16 | 20 | 3 | 6 | $3,943,020 | Away Game, $2,721,800 |
| 2 | Not a Single Doubt | 29 | 5 | 12 | 2 | 5 | $3,818,585 | Farnan, $2,502,200 |
| 3 | I Am Invincible | 41 | 14 | 19 | 4 | 4 | $2,308,123 | Dame Giselle, $862,200 |
| 4 | Starspangledbanner | 9 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | $1,242,675 | Prime Star, $1,209,000 |
| 5 | Lord Kanaloa | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | $1,240,850 | Tagaloa, $1,237,150 |
| 6 | Brazen Beau | 22 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 | $1,223,375 | Larimer Street, $361,500 |
| 7 | Redoute’s Choice | 8 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 4 | $1,138,535 | King’s Legacy, $651,500 |
| 8 | Pride of Dubai | 24 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 1 | $965,700 | Bella Nipotina, $550,975 |
| 9 | Fastnet Rock | 23 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 1 | $839,965 | Personal, $210,050 |
| 10 | Street Boss | 17 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 3 | $821,692 | Hanseatic, $644,500 |
‘Away Game’ has proved to be the ‘iron’2YO of the current crop. Although defeated by ‘Farnan’ in the Golden Slipper (running 2nd.) many informed pundits rate her as the best in the land for this year. Starting with a dominant win in the ‘Magic Millions’ in January the filly has raced successfully in the three major Eastern States during her long preparation of 3 – 4 months duration.
Sire Premiership Table 2YO 2018/2019
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | I Am Invincible | 67 | 27 | 36 | 8 | 10 | $3,646,215 | Loving Gaby, $580,750 |
| 2 | Snitzel | 65 | 23 | 29 | 3 | 3 | $3,317,385 | Exhilarates, $1,370,150 |
| 3 | Exceed and Excel | 39 | 12 | 17 | 3 | 6 | $2,566,625 | Microphone, $1,588,600 |
| 4 | Sidestep | 21 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 2 | $2,557,890 | Kiamichi, $2,324,350 |
| 5 | Fastnet Rock | 49 | 17 | 22 | 2 | 3 | $2,426,615 | Anaheed, $954,200 |
| 6 | Lonhro | 24 | 8 | 11 | 3 | 4 | $2,180,025 | Lyre, $1,381,400 |
| 7 | Better Than Ready | 47 | 23 | 38 | 3 | 3 | $2,032,420 | The Odyssey, $557,550 |
| 8 | Not a Single Doubt | 49 | 13 | 20 | 3 | 4 | $1,964,075 | Dubious, $1,032,650 |
| 9 | Dundeel | 16 | 6 | 9 | 1 | 2 | $1,829,125 | Castelvecchio, $1,608,000 |
| 10 | Rubick | 51 | 15 | 19 | 1 | 1 | $1,446,245 | Yes Yes Yes, $350,700 |
The 2YO Sires Table had a familiar look which has since endured. ‘I Am Invincible’ dramatically declared himself as a top sire of 2YOs having been leading first season sire 2015/2016. 27 winners provided 8 stakes winners of 10 stakes races; this is an outstanding result by any measurement.
Sire Premiership Table 2YO 2017/2018
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Snitzel | 56 | 13 | 17 | 4 | 6 | $3,648,965 | Estijaab, $2,335,075 |
| 2 | I Am Invincible | 61 | 25 | 30 | 4 | 4 | $3,446,175 | Oohood, $996,100 |
| 3 | Zoustar | 34 | 10 | 18 | 3 | 5 | $3,208,694 | Sunlight, $2,182,450 |
| 4 | Written Tycoon | 31 | 10 | 15 | 1 | 3 | $2,021,479 | Written By, $1,409,000 |
| 5 | Spirit of Boom | 52 | 18 | 28 | 5 | 5 | $1,942,370 | Outback Barbie, $309,350 |
| 6 | Not a Single Doubt | 36 | 20 | 26 | 4 | 5 | $1,587,378 | Fundamentalist, $199,760 |
| 7 | Hinchinbrook | 49 | 18 | 23 | 1 | 2 | $1,393,221 | Seabrook, $556,300 |
| 8 | Sebring | 50 | 16 | 20 | 5 | 5 | $1,350,061 | Futooh, $191,950 |
| 9 | Exceed and Excel | 47 | 16 | 17 | 1 | 2 | $1,022,950 | Performer, $192,000 |
| 10 | Sepoy | 26 | 9 | 13 | 1 | 1 | $957,775 | Fullazaboot, $421,000 |
Sire Premiership Table 2YO 2015/2016
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Written Tycoon | 24 | 10 | 21 | 3 | 6 | $4,337,706 | Capitalist, $3,508,700 |
| 2 | Snitzel | 72 | 29 | 38 | 2 | 2 | $2,469,790 | Nikitas, $451,600 |
| 3 | Not a Single Doubt | 30 | 13 | 16 | 3 | 5 | $2,252,615 | Extreme Choice, $1,349,750 |
| 4 | All American | 19 | 7 | 9 | 1 | 1 | $1,705,690 | Yankee Rose, $1,511,700 |
| 5 | Hinchinbrook | 37 | 12 | 19 | 4 | 7 | $1,497,871 | Whispering Brook, $635,350 |
| 6 | Artie Schiller | 30 | 10 | 16 | 2 | 2 | $1,489,400 | Flying Artie, $739,000 |
| 7 | More Than Ready | 42 | 14 | 18 | 2 | 3 | $1,181,535 | Prized Icon, $500,850 |
| 8 | Sebring | 57 | 15 | 19 | 1 | 1 | $1,161,010 | Candika, $280,700 |
| 9 | Redoute’s Choice | 32 | 10 | 12 | 3 | 3 | $915,775 | Honesty Prevails, $236,000 |
| 10 | Fastnet Rock | 34 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 | $845,015 | Missrock, $500,500 |
Sire Premiership Table 2YO 2014/2015
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Exceed and Excel | 48 | 15 | 21 | 5 | 5 | $3,412,760 | Le Chef, $1,199,200 |
| 2 | Medaglia d’Oro | 25 | 7 | 10 | 1 | 4 | $2,775,265 | Vancouver, $2,362,000 |
| 3 | Street Cry | 32 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 | $1,825,690 | Pride of Dubai, $1,336,100 |
| 4 | Snitzel | 51 | 21 | 22 | 3 | 3 | $1,638,895 | Odyssey Moon, $435,250 |
| 5 | Not a Single Doubt | 63 | 23 | 25 | 1 | 1 | $1,414,187 | Single Gaze, $341,750 |
| 6 | I Am Invincible | 42 | 20 | 26 | 1 | 1 | $1,139,890 | Look to the Stars, $289,400 |
| 7 | Hinchinbrook | 25 | 8 | 14 | 2 | 3 | $1,057,035 | Press Statement, $492,775 |
| 8 | Encosta de Lago | 21 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 1 | $973,835 | English, $828,950 |
| 9 | More Than Ready | 48 | 11 | 13 | 3 | 3 | $864,690 | Ready for Victory, $272,000 |
| 10 | Lonhro | 35 | 8 | 11 | 3 | 4 | $856,140 | Calaverite, $237,250 |
Sire Premiership Table 1st Season 2019/2020 (as at 13/04/2020)
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Pride of Dubai | 24 | 6 | 7 | 1 | 1 | $965,700 | Bella Nipotina, $550,975 |
| 2 | Spill the Beans | 26 | 6 | 9 | 0 | 0 | $606,890 | Tumbler Ridge, $162,375 |
| 3 | Night of Thunder | 7 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 | $428,867 | A Beautiful Night, $223,450 |
| 4 | Vancouver | 13 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | $417,115 | Vangelic, $161,650 |
| 5 | I’m All the Talk | 11 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | $349,700 | Watch Me Dance, $266,700 |
| 6 | Headwater | 14 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | $293,655 | Wisdom of Water, $176,000 |
| 7 | Jabali | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | $201,250 | Jabali Ridge, $136,250 |
| 8 | Exosphere | 8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | $190,355 | Thermosphere, $128,165 |
| 9 | Outreach | 11 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | $157,875 | Pee Dee, $54,110 |
| 10 | Bull Point | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | $157,800 | Encountabull, $136,500 |
Sire Premiership Table 1st Season 2018/2019
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Sidestep | 21 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 2 | $2,557,890 | Kiamichi, $2,324,350 |
| 2 | Better Than Ready | 47 | 23 | 38 | 3 | 3 | $2,032,420 | The Odyssey, $557,550 |
| 3 | Rubick | 51 | 15 | 19 | 1 | 1 | $1,446,245 | Yes Yes Yes, $350,700 |
| 4 | Deep Field | 57 | 21 | 26 | 2 | 2 | $1,403,605 | Dig Deep, $315,735 |
| 5 | Brazen Beau | 33 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 1 | $1,378,490 | Accession, $867,300 |
| 6 | Toronado | 20 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | $895,780 | Prince of Sussex, $681,250 |
| 7 | Safeguard | 12 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | $662,930 | Specialism, $345,500 |
| 8 | Shooting to Win | 33 | 12 | 13 | 0 | 0 | $626,480 | Kubrick, $216,150 |
| 9 | Time for War | 14 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 1 | $534,195 | Time to Reign, $423,700 |
| 10 | Wandjina | 34 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | $446,785 | Hearty Lass, $68,000 |
Sire Premiership Table 1st Season 2017/2018
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Zoustar | 34 | 10 | 18 | 3 | 5 | $3,208,694 | Sunlight, $2,182,450 |
| 2 | Spirit of Boom | 52 | 18 | 28 | 5 | 5 | $1,942,370 | Outback Barbie, $309,350 |
| 3 | Sizzling | 45 | 9 | 14 | 0 | 0 | $897,897 | Sizzling Belle, $226,785 |
| 4 | Epaulette | 26 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 2 | $542,654 | Meryl, $180,250 |
| 5 | Fighting Sun | 29 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 1 | $402,005 | Chess Star, $98,650 |
| 6 | Dawn Approach | 18 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | $376,805 | Gongs, $173,320 |
| 7 | Playing God | 8 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | $363,289 | Lordhelpmerun, $262,800 |
| 8 | Akeed Mofeed | 15 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 0 | $289,280 | Assertive Play, $105,000 |
| 9 | Shamus Award | 22 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | $257,555 | Malahide, $119,550 |
| 10 | Dundeel | 18 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1 | $245,395 | Irukandji, $118,025 |
Sire Premiership Table 1st Season 2014/2015
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Hinchinbrook | 25 | 8 | 14 | 2 | 3 | $1,057,035 | Press Statement, $492,775 |
| 2 | Beneteau | 27 | 12 | 15 | 2 | 2 | $814,725 | Lady Jivago, $192,750 |
| 3 | Star Witness | 35 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 2 | $663,025 | The Barrister, $165,510 |
| 4 | Rothesay | 41 | 14 | 20 | 0 | 0 | $653,360 | Shotacross the Bow, $149,800 |
| 5 | War Chant | 17 | 4 | 7 | 1 | 1 | $472,580 | Chantski, $296,600 |
| 6 | Reward for Effort | 29 | 9 | 11 | 0 | 0 | $439,257 | Take Pride, $128,000 |
| 7 | Starspangledbanner | 14 | 5 | 9 | 1 | 2 | $386,785 | Of the Brave, $177,250 |
| 8 | Alfred Nobel | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | $374,850 | Showy Chloe, $197,500 |
| 9 | Captain Sonador | 35 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | $240,625 | Dream Finnish, $89,300 |
| 10 | Stryker | 19 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | $210,870 | Strykum, $55,300 |
Sire Premiership Table Broodmare 2019/2020 (as at 13/04/2020)
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Redoute’s Choice | 534 | 228 | 355 | 18 | 25 | $22,716,916 | Regal Power, $3,306,500 |
| 2 | Encosta de Lago | 670 | 274 | 395 | 12 | 20 | $19,963,987 | Alligator Blood, $2,825,934 |
| 3 | Flying Spur | 455 | 167 | 246 | 4 | 4 | $11,475,757 | Pierata, $2,401,400 |
| 4 | Fastnet Rock | 332 | 121 | 175 | 7 | 7 | $11,136,365 | Santa Ana Lane, $2,486,500 |
| 5 | More Than Ready | 368 | 151 | 213 | 5 | 9 | $10,688,106 | Bivouac, $1,953,300 |
| 6 | Testa Rossa | 197 | 73 | 100 | 4 | 6 | $9,935,171 | Vow and Declare, $5,522,500 |
| 7 | Galileo | 204 | 83 | 127 | 5 | 9 | $8,266,187 | Warning, $1,436,450 |
| 8 | Danehill | 291 | 103 | 154 | 7 | 11 | $8,086,058 | Funstar, $747,950 |
| 9 | Fantastic Light | 80 | 29 | 42 | 0 | 0 | $7,922,156 | Yes Yes Yes, $6,823,750 |
| 10 | Zabeel | 391 | 135 | 190 | 3 | 6 | $7,889,873 | Tuscan Queen, $580,750 |
Sire Premiership Table Broodmare 2018/2019
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Redoute’s Choice | 573 | 259 | 455 | 19 | 33 | $23,239,217 | Extra Brut, $1,602,620 |
| 2 | Encosta de Lago | 733 | 347 | 559 | 15 | 16 | $21,941,123 | Classique Legend, $773,500 |
| 3 | Flying Spur | 533 | 247 | 389 | 10 | 13 | $16,131,786 | Pierata, $1,064,450 |
| 4 | Zabeel | 456 | 205 | 337 | 12 | 14 | $13,934,559 | Humidor, $1,153,500 |
| 5 | More Than Ready | 362 | 181 | 303 | 10 | 14 | $13,300,893 | Exhilarates, $1,370,150 |
| 6 | Galileo | 232 | 103 | 179 | 9 | 18 | $12,353,446 | The Autumn Sun, $2,997,150 |
| 7 | Lonhro | 255 | 117 | 196 | 13 | 16 | $11,582,911 | Osborne Bulls, $2,555,000 |
| 8 | Fastnet Rock | 296 | 134 | 217 | 8 | 10 | $10,849,984 | Santa Ana Lane, $2,841,000 |
| 9 | Anabaa | 210 | 118 | 194 | 8 | 10 | $10,805,242 | Hartnell, $2,184,500 |
| 10 | Danehill | 393 | 163 | 283 | 10 | 13 | $10,517,392 | Steel Prince, $562,800 |
Sire Premiership Table Broodmare 2017/2018
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Encosta de Lago | 682 | 325 | 539 | 10 | 16 | $23,079,332 | Happy Clapper, $4,107,050 |
| 2 | Redoute’s Choice | 520 | 233 | 385 | 13 | 20 | $18,506,167 | Ace High, $1,770,150 |
| 3 | Zabeel | 473 | 203 | 322 | 9 | 15 | $14,840,154 | Humidor, $1,415,500 |
| 4 | Flying Spur | 499 | 217 | 352 | 9 | 11 | $13,680,289 | Pierata, $2,182,200 |
| 5 | Danehill | 424 | 189 | 293 | 11 | 15 | $11,066,841 | Youngstar, $541,562 |
| 6 | Rubiton | 155 | 66 | 117 | 1 | 4 | $10,294,634 | Redzel, $7,532,300 |
| 7 | Galileo | 203 | 96 | 176 | 8 | 12 | $8,932,920 | Unforgotten, $1,089,270 |
| 8 | More Than Ready | 312 | 142 | 236 | 3 | 4 | $8,261,350 | Stellar Collision, $298,800 |
| 9 | General Nediym | 282 | 130 | 211 | 10 | 13 | $8,172,191 | Hey Doc, $766,500 |
| 10 | Hussonet | 191 | 80 | 138 | 5 | 12 | $7,700,964 | Shoals, $1,437,620 |
Sire Premiership Table Broodmare 2015/2016
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Encosta de Lago | 599 | 248 | 400 | 15 | 19 | $16,725,854 | Happy Clapper, $1,164,500 |
| 2 | Zabeel | 453 | 207 | 342 | 16 | 22 | $14,936,644 | Mahuta, $1,701,960 |
| 3 | Danehill | 517 | 218 | 356 | 10 | 16 | $13,195,585 | Turn Me Loose, $1,177,100 |
| 4 | Flying Spur | 470 | 195 | 307 | 9 | 15 | $11,765,906 | Preferment, $2,285,700 |
| 5 | Redoute’s Choice | 401 | 178 | 266 | 13 | 16 | $10,095,674 | Arcadia Dream, $589,000 |
| 6 | Fusaichi Pegasus | 209 | 90 | 134 | 3 | 6 | $7,014,527 | Capitalist, $3,508,700 |
| 7 | General Nediym | 226 | 105 | 167 | 4 | 6 | $6,995,693 | Jameka, $1,407,300 |
| 8 | Anabaa | 201 | 89 | 135 | 7 | 10 | $6,941,065 | Buffering, $1,564,000 |
| 9 | Royal Academy | 312 | 137 | 221 | 5 | 6 | $6,773,071 | Husson Eagle, $628,018 |
| 10 | Stravinsky | 176 | 98 | 152 | 8 | 10 | $6,277,366 | Tavago, $1,331,000 |
Sire Premiership Table Broodmare 2014/2015
Australia New Zealand 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 General 1st Season 2nd Season 3rd Season 2YO Sires 3YO Sires Broodmare
| Rank | Stallion name | Runners | Winners | Wins | Stakes Winners |
Stakes Wins |
Earnings | Top earner, season earnings |
| 1 | Danehill | 537 | 252 | 402 | 17 | 24 | $16,249,487 | Vancouver, $2,362,000 |
| 2 | Zabeel | 459 | 193 | 311 | 18 | 18 | $11,846,573 | Plucky Belle, $403,750 |
| 3 | Encosta de Lago | 524 | 230 | 360 | 10 | 10 | $9,853,931 | Malice, $252,075 |
| 4 | Flying Spur | 445 | 189 | 307 | 8 | 8 | $9,540,673 | Preferment, $1,075,335 |
| 5 | Peintre Celebre | 106 | 49 | 83 | 1 | 1 | $7,597,905 | Protectionist, $3,915,500 |
| 6 | Redoute’s Choice | 322 | 141 | 217 | 8 | 11 | $7,549,149 | Pasadena Girl, $458,500 |
| 7 | Anabaa | 170 | 83 | 127 | 7 | 11 | $6,652,855 | Hartnell, $1,179,500 |
| 8 | Scenic | 276 | 110 | 190 | 4 | 12 | $6,495,657 | Delicacy, $1,417,320 |
| 9 | Royal Academy | 321 | 132 | 222 | 5 | 8 | $5,760,016 | Sabatini, $412,800 |
| 10 | Snippets | 290 | 130 | 195 | 5 | 6 | $5,513,999 | Dawn Approach, $389,020 |
Hers’s some food for thought; although I’m not sure of its absolute peer-reviewed scientific integrity?
Inheritance of racing performance of Thoroughbred horses
A.K.Thiruvenkadan, N.Kandasamy and S.Panneerselvam
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2008.07.009Get rights and content
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871141308002151
Abstract
Horse racing is a contest between horses, usually held for the purpose of betting. Thoroughbred horse racing is the most diffused form of horse racing throughout the world. Thoroughbred is one of the most versatile of horse breeds and has influenced the development of many other breeds. Thoroughbred horses served as a foundation stock for the development of the light horse breeds. The two types of horse racing are flat racing and jumping races/steeplechases. The measures of racing performance are broadly classified into three categories. They are time and its several variations, handicap or similar performance ratings and earnings. One common measure of the performance of racehorses evaluated genetically is racing time or final time. The heritability estimates differed according to method of estimation, age, sex, track and distance. Time measure generally had a heritability in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 with the higher values for shorter races. For handicap and earning measures the heritabilities reported were generally higher in the range of 0.3 to 0.4; hence these may be considered in genetic evaluation of racing performance of Thoroughbred horses. The average generation interval of Thoroughbred horses was 11.2 ± 4.5 and 9.7 ± 3.8 years for males and females respectively, which limits the genetic progress in racing horses. However, the major advantage is that the racing performance may be evaluated in both males and females and repeated observations can be obtained on the same animal in relatively short periods. These factors coupled with the reasonable heritability of some measures of racing performance, suggest that mass selection based on performance tests would be the selection procedure of choice to improve the racing performance of Thoroughbred horses. In general, the inbreeding at the rate that is usually practised in Thoroughbred population does not enable much gene fixing. However, practice of close inbreeding may be avoided, even though it still fascinates breeders at subconscious level.
Analysis of a Thoroughbred Racehorse
https://analysisofathoroughbredracehorse.weebly.com/genetics.html
Much of the equine genome remains a mystery. There has been very little research done to identify specific genes that influence traits such as speed, endurance and other athletic traits. While the genetics of all Thoroughbred horses remains fairly limited because of the history of the breed, only one major “speed gene” has been identified. This gene influences muscle-growth. More genes have been discovered that lead to positive phenotypic athletic ability. The only research done to discover the genetics behind negative athletic traits has occurred for a tendon injury with a pattern of inheritance being discovered. A factor unrelated to muscle or tendons, also controlled unknown genes, influences heart-size, which can be contributed to the X-factor of amazing Thoroughbred racers.
All male Thoroughbreds are descended from 3 foundation sires all of Arabian descent: the Godolphin Arabian, the Darley Arabian and the Byerley Turk (Binns, Boehler, and Lambert 1). This is extremely limiting to the equine genome. According to the article “Identification of the myostatin locus (MSTN) as having a major effect on optimum racing distance in the Thoroughbred horse in the USA,” there are about 500,000 registered Thoroughbred horses worldwide (Binns, Boehler, and Lambert 1). Because of the limited foundation of horses, inbreeding is extremely common and is nearly unavoidable for the more recent horses. It has been estimated in the article “A New Look at Racehorse Genetics” that the modern Thoroughbred is “more inbred than the equivalent of a brother/ half-sister mating” (Anderson 1823). It is common practice to classify these racers into a specific distance which their bloodlines would suggest they would perform best at, including sprint, middle-distance runners and stayers (Binns, Boehler, and Lambert 1). The one identified gene can help determine which classification the horse should fall into, and this gene, commonly referred to as the “speed gene,” is the myostatin (MSTN) gene.
This gene contains a Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) in the first intron of the MSTN gene, which is associated with muscle hypertrophy (Tozaki et al. 43). The article “A cohort study of racing performance in Japanese racehorses using genome information on ECA18” has explained that two alleles have been discovered: C and T. If the horse’s genotype is C/C, the horse should be successful as a sprinter. This horse is strong at running short-distances because of a lack of endurance (Tozaki et al. 43). If the genotype is C/T the horse is a middle-distance racer, having both endurance and speed (Tozaki et al. 43). If the horse is T/T at the locus, this horse will be classified as a stayer, with more endurance than speed, allowing them to excel in longer races, but fail during sprinting races, common races for 2-year-olds (Tozaki et al. 43). The reason these horses are specifically adapted to certain distances is due to the MSTN locus affecting individual muscle types, specifically Type IIB fibers, which are fast acting and their energy source is glycogen (Binns, Boehler, and Lmbert157). The MSTN gene is located on chromosome 18, and according to the article “A genome-wide SNP-association study confirms a sequence variant (g.66493737C>T) in the equine myostatin (MSTN) gene as the most powerful predictor of optimum racing distance for Thoroughbred racehorses” five of the top ten SNP’s are also located on this chromosome (Hill et al. 5) The article “Targets of selection in the Thoroughbred genome contain exercise-relevant gene SNPs associated with elite racecourse performance,” describes these other SNP’s. In fact, a total of 13 more SNP’s in 9 genes were discovered to influence phenotypic athletic abilities (Hill E. W. et al. 56). More research is required in order to determine which traits these genes code for, but the first steps to discovering genetic links to successful racehorses have been taken.
Opposed to these possible genes that lead to successful racers like those of the Triple Crown races, there has been another study to determine if an injury of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is hereditary. The article “Estimation of heritability for superficial digital flexor tendon injury by Gibbs sampling in the Thoroughbred racehorse” concluded that while a specific gene or allele could not be discovered, appropriate breeding programs could impact the prevalence of the SDFT injury (Oki et al. 415). This could be a possible explanation for the breakdowns of horses during their races, especially for those who have questionable bloodlines or a large amount of inbreeding.
The X-Factor is a theory proposed to explain why some racehorses are simply incredible, including Secretariat and Eclipse. This X-Factor contributes to the heart size of the horse, increasing the size from an average of 8 pounds, to 14 pounds seen in Eclipse or 22 pounds seen in Secretariat (Kirsan). This mutation gene is supposedly located on the X-chromosome, hence its name, meaning the dam is more of a contributor than the sire. It is a common misconception to breed for the sire’s bloodline opposed to the dam’s bloodline, which may change in future breeding programs. Even today breeders focus on “stallions and often do not even bother recording the lineage of the mares” (Anderson 1823). If breeding for the X-Factor, this program is only successful if breeding from 4 major bloodlines including Princequillo, War Admiral, Blue Larkspur and Mahmoud (Kirsan). These horses are descendants of Eclipse, who appeared in Pocahontas’ bloodline 11 times (please see the link below to view her 7 generation bloodline). Pocahontas, a very influential broodmare was homozygous for the X-Factor. Her offspring would all have the X-Factor (Kirsan).
With more research and dedication soon the entire equine genome will be sequenced and understood. Breeding racehorses will be more scientific, resulting in more Triple Crown winners and less On-Track Breakdowns. The discovery of the myostatin locus, the inheritance pattern of injuries to the superficial digital flexor tendon and the sex-link X-Factor are all genetic breakthroughs in the horse racing industry, with future breakthroughs to come.
How genetics can create the next superstar racehorse
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/jun/22/horse-breeding-genetics-thoroughbreds-racing-dna
Mitochondrial DNA: An important female contribution to thoroughbred racehorse performance