Zenyatta

Queen of Racing

Ask The Experts

Ask The Experts #19

Fillies in the paddock at Lane's End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.
Fillies in the paddock at Lane’s End. Photo by Kyle Acebo.

Q:

Sales have always fascinated me but I don’t have a full understanding of all the mechanics of them. How is it chosen which yearlings will be sent to auction and what sales they will be sent to?

Brooke Coleman

Versailles, KY

A: Determining if a yearling will go to public auction depends on a number of factors, beginning with the initial interests of the breeder. Some clients breed to race, some breed specifically to sell, and some do a little bit of both.

Sale nominations are submitted to the auction companies by May 1st of their yearling year; this is when it is determined who will be kept to race and who will be pointed towards a sale. This decision is generally made by the owner in conjunction with the advice given by our managerial and sales staff here at Lane’s End.

Various sales are held throughout the summer and fall; some are “select”, meaning nominated yearlings must be accepted by the sale companies upon inspection, and other sales are open, or acceptable for all types of yearlings. Determining which sale to nominate a yearling to prior to the May 1st deadline depends on a few important factors:

1) Physical
Yearlings are very similar to teenagers—they can go through awkward stages as they grow and develop, so it is important to select a sale that corresponds well with a horse’s maturity level. Our public sales and managerial staff inspect yearlings every two-three weeks through the Spring months. Notations are made on the horse’s conformation, condition, stride, and even demeanor. Maintaining notes on their physical development allows us to judge how each horse matures and determine the most appropriate sale for them.

2) Vetting
When all yearlings at Lane’s End are between 10-11 months of age, a set of survey x-rays (36 views) is taken to help us determine if any joints need special attention or surgery based on radiographic findings. For sale yearlings, survey x-rays also allow us to establish a suitable exercise program for each yearling entering the sale prep routine on June 1st.
We are mindful of survey x-rays at sale nomination time because radiographic findings can affect how commercial a yearling will be at a sale. Another set of x-rays are taken within 21 days of the auction date and provided for veterinarians to review on behalf of potential buyers.

3) Pedigree
The strength of a yearling’s pedigree also affects which sale we nominate it to. For example, a horse by a proven sire out of a stakes winner/producer will appeal to buyers at select sale venues. Alternatively, a horse with an unproven family will probably be best-suited for a larger, open sale venue where there are more potential buyers present, some of whom may not have steep pedigree requirements.

Lane’s End typically consigns yearlings at the following sales:

July 15: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Select Yearling Sale
A one-day select sale best suited for a physically forward yearling with few (if any) significant radiographic findings. Because it is a select sale, all yearlings must be accepted in a conformation inspection performed by the sale company. Physicals and X-Rays are very important here as this is the first summer yearling sale and buyers are not pressed to purchase a horse that doesn’t meet their exact requirements. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 283
Average sale price: $81,291
Median sale price: $60,000

August 5-6: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale
A select sale taking place over two evening sessions, held in conjunction with the prestigious race meet in Saratoga Springs, NY. Physical, pedigree, and vetting are all extremely important at this sale as it is concentrated with some of the best yearlings to be found all year. Minimum bid required: $10,000
2012 # Catalogued: 162
Average sale price: $299,065
Median sale price: $225,000

August 10-11: Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York – Bred Yearlings
A two-day sale for New York-Bred yearlings only. Athletic-looking individuals sell well here as the sale is well-attended by trainers and end-users looking to race in the lucrative state-bred program. Minimum bid required: $5,000
2012 # Catalogued: 223
Average sale price: $62,551
Median sale price: $50,000

September 9-20: Keeneland September Yearling Sale
This is the largest yearling sale in the world and it is suitable for yearlings of all types… a one-stop shop for buyers! 11-12 sale sessions are typically catalogued within 6 sale books. Horses catalog primarily by pedigree with the best pedigree + physical combinations selling in Books 1-2. Keeneland September attract thousands of international and domestic owners, trainers, and bloodstock agents. Minimum bid required: $1,000
2012 # Catalogued: 3,604
Average sale price: $87,354
Median sale price: $45,000

October 21-23: Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale
A three-day sale acceptable for all yearling types, especially late bloomers! This sale is also a good option for yearlings that may have been injured or experienced a physical setback over the summer months. Minimum bid required: $1,000
# Catalogued: 1,254
Average sale price: $26,127
Median sale price: $12,750

Our Expert

allaire

Allaire Ryan

Sales, Lane’s End

Allaire was born and raised in Lexington, KY. She developed an early interest in Thoroughbreds by attending the sales after school with her father, a bloodstock agent, and growing up she gained sales experience working for various farms and consignors. She works with clients old and new to develop Lane’s End’s public sale consignments of yearlings and breeding stock.

Reader Interactions

1,118 Comments

  1. / Reply

    Dear Sue in FL: Left you a greeting on the previous page – somewhere. :-) Hope your Birthday improved as it went along – like fine wine!

    diastu in tempe

  2. / Reply

    Dear Zenyatta family (special mention to Sandy, Sign, Pati, Max, Keta and Barbara in the Great State of Texas): We survived yesterday – believed to now be the hottest day in Australia’s history. And we managed with a really strong, blustery wind that is most unkind to fighting bush fires. Cooler for a few days, then a return to catastrophic conditions on the weekend. So many, many thanks and hugs for your prayers and kind messages. Found this great story in the local paper, the Canberra Times:

    http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/exhibition-park-the-ark-for-animals-20130108-2cf7v.html.

    Thanks so much to you all. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      KathyR. Saw your PM on tv advising people to take care of themselves and keep safe in this weather crisis. Thinking of you and hoping for the best. Let it rain!

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Thanks for sharing this wonderful link. So many fires, so glad they are undercontrol
      for the moment and sending you some rain from Houston. We had a Wales day,
      grey, and very rainy with a chill.

      • / Reply

        Good for Texas to get the rain,Sign.
        Saw a report about the rice farmers down there.
        I pray for more rain for Texas!

        • Dear Ann,

          Thanks for the well wishes, I am sitting in my car with rain pouring down and
          Six inch flooding all around. One of the nicest treats about living in Houston.

          Ha ha ha !!!!

    • / Reply

      We are hearing on TV and radio and reading in the papers about the horrible fires. Continued prayers going your way.

      • / Reply

        Dear Max, Sign and Trina: We have a strong smell of smoke over Canberra tonight, coming from Shoalhaven- Nowra on the east coast (around 100 miles from here): there are still 135 fires burning in New South Wales, with more in Victoria and Tasmania is still under threat. We’ve been horrified to hear about the deaths of 120,000 livestock (mainly sheep and cattle) just in the Canberra-Yass region, and no-one will every know just how many of the native wildlife has been affected. And the worst thing is that most of these fires are the result of arson. So all we can do is pray. So grateful to you all for your kindness and prayers. Hugs and love, KathyR.

        • I am so so sorry, Kathy R. Knowing the fires are the result of arson,makes it even worse.
          We had some fires down east that were arson fires. Ruined many beach vacations w/ smoke clouds for days. Nothing compared to the ones in your country.
          Praying for you!

        • Dear Kathy R,

          So very sad about all of the damage and loss of lives.
          Arson, sad, sad, sad. Would gladly send you some of the rain
          On our flodding streets.

  3. / Reply

    Hi Sue
    Wishing you a very Happy Bithday! My greating is coming a bit late, but no less sincere. Also wishing you a great year ahead.

    Love & Hugs.
    Linda

  5. / Reply

    AMERICAIN TO STAND AT SWETTENHAM STUD VICTORIA.

    Just listening to Keta’s mate, Andrew Bensley, talking to Adam Sangster Principal of the Stud, who has announced that Americain will stand at Swettenham this year, with a fee of $12,000 plus 10% GST. See more at their site: http://www.swettenham.com.au

    FINALLY!!!

    • / Reply

      Kathy R
      Here is the Twitter buzz

      Su-Ann Khaw‏ tweet
      Great to hear the stunning G1 winning son of Dynaformer – Americain will stand at @Swettenham_Stud for $12,500. Congrats @adam_sangster

      Adam Sangster‏ (Nagambie/Melbourne VIC) tweets
      Excited to announce multiple Group winning Melbourne Cup winner “Americain”
      to stand at Swettenham Stud #classact
      … Fantastic for all breeders especially Victorian, he is such a superb individual
      I’m sure “Americain” will throw some very good looking stock

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta: Am delighted that they FINALLY made an announcement – had a feeling (as I’ve said before) that he would stand in Victoria, since the connections have property there, and Sangster has a lovely property. Really good to have my favourites all coming home. Now I just need to hear that Redoute’s Choice has arrived safely at the Agha Khan’s farm to begin his time there (he left on Sunday morning, Australian time). Oh, and where’s Bensley’s message to you? The bloke is getting slack after his holiday. Sort him out Keta!

        • Dear Kathy R,

          Please share the link to the article when published.

          Nothing in writing here yet.

        • Dear Kathy R,

          Working from the bottom up, great link to the farm Americain
          will be standing at, and a bargain price.

          Thanks for sharing this link.

  6. / Reply

    dear kathy so glad you are alright have been hearing about the heat and the fires on our news so many suffering you must be so glad to have cooler weather even for a few days hope your mum is coping with the heat saw a pic of nelly on her twitter page on the beach she looks great was’nt she born at swettenham quite a reasonable fee for americain do take care wish I could send you some of our rain will keep you in my thoughts and prayers hugs sheena

  7. / Reply

    JOCKEY UPDATES
    Daily Racing Form‏ tweet CALVIN BOREL
    Jockey Calvin Borel fractures wrist just 3 days out from Friday’s opener at Oaklawn. Expected to be out 18 days. He has 4,999 career wins.

    David Grening‏ DRF Tweet IRAD ORTIZ, JR.
    Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. will take off this week due to what is akin to sprained ankle suffered in weekend spill at AQU. Hopes to return 1-16

  8. / Reply

    Horse Racing News‏ tweet
    Horse of the Year finalists announced:
    Fort Larned, I’ll Have Another and Wise Dan vying for top award,…

  9. / Reply

    Japan Racing Awards
    Kate Hunter‏@KeibaKate tweet
    The awards ceremony for the JRA Awards will be held on January 28th.

  10. / Reply

    Horse Racing News‏ tweet & story
    TAKE CHARGE INDY to debut for WinStar in Donn

    Take Charge Indy to debut for WinStar Farm in Donn
    Trainer Patrick Byrne is looking forward to a Happy New Year, now that an agreement has been finalized to return Take Charge Indy to the races for the 2013 season.
    WinStar Farm, which recently purchased 100 percent of the 2012 Grade 1 Florida Derby winner’s breeding rights, will campaign the four-year-old colt in partnership with Chuck and Maribeth Sandford this season.
    Take Charge Indy is scheduled to race in the colors of WinStar for the first time in the Grade 1, $500,000 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park on February 9.
    “It worked well for Patrick Byrne. Not having him in the barn would be a tough stall to fill. It’s a win-win, situation for everybody,” Byrne said. “We’re going to have a lot of fun with him this year. He’s doing everything we expect from him, so we’re looking forward to the Donn. Is he going to win it? Who knows? But he’ll run his race.”
    Take Charge Indy, who is stabled at Palm Meadows Training Center, demonstrated an affinity for the Gulfstream Park racing surface last April while capturing the $1 million Florida Derby. His subsequent run in the Kentucky Derby was compromised by an injury that caused him to miss more than five months of racing. The son of A.P. Indy returned to finish third in the Grade 2 Fayette at Keeneland and second behind Shackleford in the Grade 1 Clark Handicap at Churchill on November 23.
    “He’s doing fantastic,” Byrne said. “We had our second breeze the other day (December 31), just stretching his legs with a half in :49. He’ll have four more works, I guess, before the Donn.”
    Byrne has been impressed with Take Charge Indy’s physical development.
    “He’s picked up some good weight going into this four-year-old year, and that’s what we like to see as horsemen from any three-year-old going into his four-year-old year,” Byrne said. “They always do well coming into Florida. They just seem to grow and develop for obvious reasons: the sun and everything.”
    Byrne said no racing schedule has been set for his colt.
    “I have no idea where he’ll run after the Donn,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to make the Breeders’ Cup Classic at the end of the year.”
    http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/editorial/article.cgi?print=yes&id=33869

    • / Reply

      Take Charge Indy, you have always been on my radar!
      Best of of luck to him,stay strong,stay sound.
      Now,git er Donn!

  11. / Reply

    ARKANSAS NEWS: OAKLAWN ANNOUNCES

    BOREL’S QUEST FOR #5,000 DELAYED BY WRIST INJURY
    January 8, 2013 Breaking News

    Jockey Calvin Borel’s quest for career milestone 5,000th has been delayed by an injury to his wrist Thursday morning. He has a minor fracture in his wrist that will require a cast. He is expected to be riding again in about 18 days. Below is the statement that his wife Lisa posted on Facebook.

    Hey everyone, 5000 will have to wait~ X Rays show what Calvin Borel thought was a bad wrist sprain actually involves a minor fracture that will require a cast. Our Doctors believe he’ll be out about 18 days. Will keep everyone posted.

    Oaklawn and the City of Hot Springs will be prepared to honor Calvin with the trading cards as soon as he returns to riding and wins his 5,000th race

  13. / Reply

    Vicki B: (near Hollywood Park), thanks for your links to that article on Trevor. It’s great that others out of state could read it. He is quite the reader isn’t he? I, too love his calls. “They would have to sprout WINGS….”
    Karen Gogue: I am watching Huell Howser, that episode about the falcons. I have not yet seen the special you mentioned. Remember when he did an episode on Santa Anita (around the time of the movie Seabiscuit)? Many morning tours came in after that show, the tram ride, Clockers’ Corner and all the other great stuff that goes with it. Yes, it is very sad. Too, too soon. I read in paper that his name was a combo of his parents–but my peanut brain cannot remember those names right now. So long, Huell…thank you!

    I want to thank you all for your responses to my Saturday at Santa Anita. The compliments (all of you, but special thanks to Terry Crow) and the funny comments
    from Judy B., Ann (NC) Barbara Wood (Texas), signofthetimes, Vicki B and Sandy (NE Ohio)–that’s a good one: getting Rightful to tap out his answers with his hoof! LOL. Next time I’ll give it a whirl. Hope I did not miss anyone…you all make me smile.

    Kathy R, the hottest day in Australia’s history?? Oh my! Thinking of you! Thanks for that link to the Canberra Times.

    Sorry to learn of Calvin’s injury. Best wishes Shack!–It was a pleasure to meet you/ give you that peppermint last November, thanks to your trainer.

    P.S. We have a friend (not from the track) who refers to Rightful as “Righteous.” I like it! When we first became involved with Rightful he did not have a name and there was kind of a contest, so I put in for Mirror Image. We know where that went. Now we would be calling him “Mirror” instead of Rightful. Hmm…..

    • / Reply

      Thank you Anne. The tribute will be repeated tonight at 10:00 pm our time on KCET. Not much info on Huell, he was so private. But it was touching from his fellow peeps who worked with him at KCET.

      I love your posts, so joyful and laugh out loud funny too! Hugs!!

    • / Reply

      Anne, I see in Rightful’s pedigree at http://www.pedigreequery.com/rightful+image that Rightful is a fourth generation Image, and I very much like your suggestion, “Mirror Image.” But I suppose “Rightful” won out because it harks back to the “Halo” in his granddad’s name, Halo’s Image, and to his greatgranddad, Halo. Like you, I would have liked Righteous Image too.

      • / Reply

        Dear Anne, Trina, Max, Ann and Z Fans:

        Rightful has a great pedigree. Remember all those wonderful horses. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Anne. What a great great pedigree which your horse has. It is a pleasure to see those proud names and remember each of them.

    • / Reply

      Anne,Honey.
      Your guy,Righteous is awesome!
      Give him a hug from me! Last year I made a mac and cheese. One young boy was especially delighted to dig into the dinner! After dinner he said,” Thank You, the mac and cheese was righteous.” I like this way of splainin thangs!

      Max, I like that Miss. Mud Mare in the pedigree!

      • / Reply

        Ann. Yes, love her name. Also like Bucksplasher as a name. RI has the black knight, Halo, in his sire line. RI must have quite a personality through Halo and others. Northern Dancer was not docile either and he appears on both sides.

        • Max, when Mrs. Winnifred Taylor would visit,ND, it is said he was a very friendly horse. I also think the barn was surrounded by Chesapeake dogs.

          Buckpasser was a favorite of my father! Bucksplasher is wonderful!

        • Ann. Yes, he was a very smart horse to have made close friends with his owner’s wife. Apparently he was also good with children, but liked to bite anyone who worked in his barn. His trainer recommended that he should be gelded, but Taylor refused to have it done. Wise decision.

    • / Reply

      Anne-Thank you. The comment was heartfelt. You and your husband are the epitome of what racing is, or should be, all about. I know where your nickname comes from, but you could be the Honey Boo Boo of this blog.

      • / Reply

        Dear TC,
        See m comments on todays jokes.
        My friend told me about Honey Boo Boo yesterday, soo funny !!!
        Great choice for Anne, in jest of course

  14. / Reply

    Dear Z Fans:

    Catching up on all the great posts and links. Enjoy reading all of them. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.
      My heart is with everyone over there that is suffering from those awful fires.
      I will say my prayers for you today. I am so terribly sorry for the destruction and loss of lives.
      Stay safe and know we are thinking of you and our friends down under.
      Love and hugs,
      Ann NC

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.:

      Thank you so much for this video on BC. What a beauty she is and sooo talented. Watching her just makes me smile. Hugs, JB

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R,

      Knew this would happen, just a little time and “whispering”.
      He raced so well in Austrailia.

      Our Groupie Doll when she retires would be a great mate for
      him, depending on pedigree match, speed and stamina, can’t beat it.

  19. / Reply

    Should have checked that: meant to say “pleased”. Must be the smoke getting in my eyes. Have a good night everyone. Hugs, KathyR.

    • / Reply

      Dear Kathy R.,
      Thoughts and prayers are sent to Australia and to you. Sincere wishes for rain and a quick cessation of the fires. So sorry for the death and destruction.
      Stay safe and feel our hugs, too.

  20. / Reply

    We just read that Freddie Wilson, owner of Hootie Zenyatta’s exercise pony during her stay at Barn 55, passed away. He was one of the important members of Team Z…always ready to help take her to the training track. May he R.I.P.

  22. / Reply

    DAILY RACING FORUM: ON GARY STEVENS RETURN TO RACING AS A JOCKEY

    “Stevens has said repeatedly in recent days that he does not plan to ride extensively, but hopes to pick up mounts in better quality races.

    Stevens has no mounts on Thursday’s eight-race program.

    Friday, he has one mount, riding the 3-year-old maiden filly Readyforhercloseup in the third race, over about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course. Readyforhercloseup is trained by Richard Mandella for Gerald Ford’s Diamond A Racing.

    While he returns to riding, Stevens plans to continue his television work with HRTV and NBC. After Sunday’s race, he quickly changed clothes and worked as a commentator on HRTV for the later races of the Santa Anita program.

    He was reminded of that after Jebrica’s race. Amy Zimmerman, Santa Anita’s director of broadcasting, was standing near Stevens after his interview.

    “Let’s go to work,” she said.”

  23. / Reply

    DAILY RACING FORUM: THE THREE YEAR OLD SAGA BEGINS

    01/08/2013 10:53AM
    Hightail retired after fracturing a sesamoid at Oaklawn Park
    By Mary Rampellini

    Tom Keyser
    Hightail has been retired as the result of a fractured sesamoid.
    Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint winner Hightail has been retired after sustaining an injury during a recent training session at Oaklawn Park, trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Tuesday.

    Lukas said Hightail fractured a sesamoid and is to rehab at the Calumet Farm operation of his owner, Brad Kelley. Stud plans for the horse are pending.

    “He’s retired,” Lukas said. “It was training, just a bad step. He’s going to be okay as a stud.”

    Hightail rushed up the rail to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint by a nose. He had one additional start following the race and finished fourth to Goldencents in the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot on Nov. 17. Hightail was expected to be a major part of the 3-year-old series during the Oaklawn meet that opens Friday.

    “He accomplished a lot, and we were hoping for bigger and better things,” Lukas said. “We thought he could maybe be one of those that could stretch out for two turns.”

    Hightail is a son of 2003 Horse of the Year Mineshaft. His dam, Stormy Renee, is a daughter of the multiple Grade 1 winner Fleet Renee. Hightail raced under Kelley’s banner of Bluegrass Hall LLC.

    • / Reply

      Darn it!
      I really liked this horse,what a surprise he was in the BC.
      Hope he heals well and will have a good life.
      Sorry,Mr. D. Wayne Lukas.

    • / Reply

      Dear Sign and Z Fans:

      The title of this article says it all. The dream is a very fragile one. Hope Hightail recovers fully and enjoys a good life. Tough for Mr. Lukas too. Hugs, JB

      • / Reply

        Dear Judy and Ann,

        Sad for this young colt and D Wayne, hope he has a full recovery.
        Sounds like it was found early, great trainer and great detailed inspection !!!

  24. / Reply

    Black Caviar in race to lose weight
    Posted by: AAP Filled in: Australian Horse Racing | 10/1/2013 at 12:15am
    World champion sprinter Black Caviar has a weight problem – she’s 70kg over her racing weight of 470kg.
    In fact, she’s so overweight that she is having trouble fitting into her famous compression suit, the Herald Sun reports.
    The first lady of the turf, who is preparing to defend her 22-race unbeaten career, is being targeted to run the race named in her honour, the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes over 1000m, at Flemington on February 16.
    The paper says Black Caviar is accustomed to running fast, but she won’t go on a fast to lose weight.
    “Instead she simply will have to do the hard yards before, hopefully, she shows her broad beam once again to her rivals,” said the paper.
    Read more: http://www.justhorseracing.com.au/news/australian-racing/black-caviar-in-race-to-lose-weight/183224 #ixzz2HUF7xTnm
    Keta Note: See what happens when you’re on the cover of Vogue. They expect you
    to keep that model figure. : )

    • / Reply

      Dear BC,
      The same thing happened to my sweet daughter. She ran Cross Country and after the season was over,she gained 10 lbs……oh the world is so mean.
      You will be fine darling. A few spins around the track and it will melt off.
      We love you,BC. You will always be beautiful.

    • / Reply

      Keta. Which of us has not gained a bit from Christmas holidays? Miss Nelly, 154 lbs and counting down to your racing weight! You’ll be back comfortably in that suit in no time.

      • / Reply

        Dear Keta, Max and Z Fans:

        So true. We can all sympathize with BC. Have a feeling she’ll be at racing weight in no time. Love and Hugs, JB

  25. / Reply

    SKY BET CHASE ENTRIES Racing Post‏ tweet
    Grand National hero Ballabriggs, Gold Cup hope Bold Sir Brian, Silver By Nature & Champion Court among 60 entries for Sky Bet Chase

    BETFAIR HURDLE ENTRIES Racing Post‏ tweet
    Grade 1-winner Grumeti heads 70 entries for Betfair Hurdle at Newbury next month. Pearl Swan, Cause Of Causes, Cotton Mill & Olofi also in.

    CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP ENTRIES Racing Post‏ tweets
    Forty entries revealed for Cheltenham Gold Cup at Cheltenham Festival including Bobs Worth, Sir Des Champs, Silviniaco Conti and Long Run…Welsh National first and second Teaforthree and Monbeg Dude also in the entries with Flemenstar, Weapon’s Amnesty and Sizing Europe……Long-absent pair Imperial Commander and Jessies Dream handed Gold Cup entries as well. Leading fancies all entered

  26. / Reply

    Australia MM Sales Info Tom Hall‏ tweet
    At Aus MM sale day 1: FASTNET ROCK (Danehill-Piccadilly Circus x Royal Academy) sires 5 of top 10 lots, led by A$500,000 colt & filly

  27. / Reply

    STREET CRY Tom Hall‏ tweet
    Street Cry (Machiavellian) top U.S. shuttle stallion by price: A$200,000
    for c o/o Giant’s Causeway mare Miss Rangoon (Queen of Song family)

  28. / Reply

    Kathy R
    You posted: “Now I just need to hear that Redoute’s Choice has arrived safely at the Agha Khan’s farm to begin his time there (he left on Sunday morning, Australian time)”

    Here is the info Al Meghani‏@Agakhanshorses tweet
    REDOUTE’S CHOICE TO COVER A SELECT GROUP OF AGA KHAN MARES – Aga Khan Studs
    And, here is a link to the Aga Khan Stud page which lists the mares
    http://www.agakhanstuds.com/news/news_display.asp?NewsId=717#.UO1pTDR6GZk.twitter

    So sorry about what is happening in your beautiful country.
    May you & your Mum stay safe! Prayers are with you & all in danger there.
    Hugs, Keta

    • / Reply

      Dear Keta: Knew I could rely on you for the information on Redoute’s Choice! He hasn’t left Arrowfield in around 12 years, so was a little anxious as to how he would travel. But he did it like the champion he is. Thanks so much for your thoughts. My dear old Dad (sadly not with us) was a firefighter, and Mum reckons that he’d be able to fix it all (he’s still her hero). Know he’d be thinking of us all though. Hugs, KathyR.

  29. / Reply

    TC,
    I know the day is fast approaching. Did you know a new museum opened in S. Korea,devoted to the toilet? Maybe we could get the club in on a group tour?

    South Koreans regard Sim, who died in 2009, and not Thomas Crapper, as the real Mr Toilet……oh really??????? say what????
    TC,TC,you best be callin them folks!

    • / Reply

      When folks start messing with our national heroes, they better come armed. The problem is, January 27 is celebrated as Thomas Crapper day even though it is the date of his death. No one knows the date of his birth. I’m not sure what the Koreans are claiming. Perhaps they are referring to the outhouse and not the flush toilet.

      • / Reply

        Wow the 27th is a win win for me TC.
        I bought myself a combo Christmas / Bday gift this year.
        A hand gun training class on January 27th with target shooting lessions for a month. I am going to be all set for the 27th. Sue

      • / Reply

        Oh No,Sign.
        Hope you are OK? Did not want that much rain.
        Stay safe.
        Well,Venti,double shot expresso,mocha,cappucino,latte,SKIM? Heck, I’m a RN and still can’t order in that place correctly. My daughter only worked there 8 years,too.
        I miss my free coffees and iced Chai…..yummy.

        • Dear Ann,
          I am an expert at putting my car on a “sandbar” while the flood comes and goes. Just an expert RN doging the water, love that iced chai passion
          Tea. With free wirless often go there to do work at end of the day, a great
          Place to chill in more than one day !!!!

  30. / Reply

    dear kathy sea moon would be a good prospect for melbourne cup they thought he’d win our st leger trained by michael stoute owned by khalid abdulla who owns another horse whose name i cant quite remember!!!!!do hope weather is cooler with you heard about those poor cattle and sheep police said they caught some youngsters thinking of all human and animals caught up in the fires do take care love and hugs sheena

    • / Reply

      Dear Sheena: Thanks for that information – you’re very good! Lloyd Williams has a habit of collecting well trained overseas horses in his quest for Melbourne Cups (did it last year with Green Moon) so will be interested to see this fellow. Some of the worst fires are slowly being contained – hope that continues with more heatwave predictions for the weekend – think they should abandon racing with temps so high, but all that they have done so far is start the card a few hours earlier to escape the worst heat. Just seems so hard for the horses and humans involved on days like that. Hugs, KathyR.

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        Kathy R
        I tweeted Andrew asking him about the impact of the excessive heat on
        the tracks, races, farms & horses.
        He hasn’t responded directly. But, I did notice he is putting weather-related info in his tweets. For example: watering track in Melbourne to help grass.
        I’ll share what he says.
        Hugs, Keta

        • Andrew Bensley‏ tweet Gold Coast track looking a picture today.
          Track being mowed. Plenty of water being sprayed on
          with warm temperatures forecast for week ahead

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