jess

... yeah - does seem a bit odd to forget to weigh in - and even more so having been a placegetter. I guess the thing that got my attention was that his criticism sounded kind of ... "personal" ... ? ... and therefore a bit out of place for someone in his role ...

- was pretty scathing on the radio re Sam Spratt failing to weigh in. Did not sound like he is very favorably disposed towards her these days ...

- your mare will probably be a life-saver for someone's orphan foal. Sorry to hear of that unhappy end to 12 months or so of preparation and anticipation. I hope whoever takes up your mare does the right thing by you, looking after her well and reciprocating the altruism you have shown. All the best. J

I read that the jockey thought he'd gone amiss so pulled the horse up - however post race vet. exam revealed no obvious abnormalities ...

Cochine raced in the autumn. Was unplaced - bred to be good, for sure - did she go amiss?

- is it possible to post photos currently or do they have to be posted as links? A while ago someone on the breeding forum mentioned starting a foal photos thread as in previous years (- however back then they had to be routed thru' Peter Jenkins ..) Would be great if anyone could post pictures?? Think it would add interest to the forums ...

- how many of that crop are still here in NZ. From what I hear, progeny of HC are "flying off the shelves" - mostly offshore. And not just off trials or race performance - but out of the paddock!

.. or perhaps to summon the self discpline and common sense not to take illicit drugs in the first place. This is not necessarily a comment on SK but I think in the emotion of this moment and the general talk of evil, destructive substances, illness and addition - there must surely remain a place for individual responsibility. It seems often overlooked these days.

- and his lawyer - that in addition to the act he carried out - that he then defended the charge. Clear intent. Clearly murder. The defence was weak and contrived. Should never have put the family through a trial and the accompanying delays. Condolences and kind regards to the family of Helen Meads.

- but what is the point you are making here, given your observations? Are you saying the first crop success was a fluke? Second season mares were inferior? High Chap is not as good as everyone makes out? - What?

Is it premature to say that High Chaparral is currently the top sire of stayers in Australasia? And regardless of that, how do you think he'll shape as a broodmare sire for the future?

... no links allowed now? or just not THAT link?

- I'm not sure which part of what I said you don't understand! I see the filly discounts as a short term gain for stud (might get them a few more mares) and owner (some get a refund). But rather than SOLVE the filly/mare problem - it just perpetuates it. Discounting them at the service end of the process merely feeds into a self fulfilling prophecy. I think it is short-sighted and small-picture stuff. There is nothing altruistic about the refunds at all;it won't help the industry as a whole. It is not going to make fillies more valuable - probably the reverse. And it doesn't help owners to race a profitable (or at least viable) horse if they happen to breed a filly. Afterall - the level of stallion which offers the refunds typically means about $2,000 refunded - and what's that these days? - about a months training fees! Agree with Nod that NZTR needs to act. Positive measures at the racing end of the process is going to have a more sustainable, industry-enhancing effect and add value to the commodity by providing more chance of a filly being a viable, profitable racing proposition. Refunds in service fees is not going to mean any less fillies consigned to the scrap heap. Hey - there's foal sexing now John - I'm picking you might be the sort who would be keen to have your filly-bearing mare aborted at 65 days?? Each of us is entitled to our opinion - but sorry, I can't see however that refunds for fillies solves anything.

I know it's been a topic before but I too think these filly discounts by studs are very negative and only serve to further devalue the commodity which is a TB filly. The studs should give the 50% service fee to funded fillies/mares races in the studs' names - and extra bonuses if a filly by their stallion takes out the race. I think the refunds for fillies are unimaginative at best - and at worst, they are downright destructive in an industry where many are already struggling to stay in it.

I agree. I'd be screaming from the roof-tops if my horse got 9th in the Melbourne Cup! And this is one astute trainer and intelligent man. I've never done the stat.s but he has got ot have had way more than his share of good - some very good - horses. And it's not like they're by $100,000 sires out of blue blood mares. Most are by his own late sire, HRH (with his smarts, I wouldn't be surprised if he is as astute a breeder as he is a trainer). All the best to him and the horse - would love to see him make it all the way to Melbourne and have things go right for him this time when he takes his place in the field.

- and felt sorry for the filly and her connections. I hope someone can help her regain her racing confidence so she can realise her potential.

My thoughts too. Can understand a little scepticism given some of the hyperbole we get from stud masters at times - but IMO it makes sense to still parade him even if his book is full for THIS breeding season. No point in leaving him hidden away in his box ...

- I've never heard of Sims Davidson - but he should give the big red fella a pat on the nose and an extra dipper of feed (not that he needs it - the big fat bugger!) - 3 winners by Kings Chapels in the last 2 days (from 5 runners I think). Maybe the boy consigned to the back paddock is fighting back Windsor! All power to him! (PS: and who'd'a thunk he'd throw those wet-trackers!)

You could do a lot worse Megan! Early days yet of course, but his first crop in the Northern hemisphere is cutting quite a dash. He's up to 18 winners and even a little bit of black type in there as well ...

I'm interested in TB breeding news so reluctant to de-register altogether - but I'm finding these emails often not of sufficient interest to warrant their frequency. Surely once weekly emails or twice at the most would cover it??

Some great talkers amongst that lot - how long did you say the programme is again?? - might need a 2-part series! Seriously- are there replays and if so when? It sounds great. Wish we could have it screen outside (typical) work hours - or at least when it's dark! (not enough light this time of year to get everything done ...)

- as doing the young horses. But doubt you could go wrong if you chose his place. He has a v good reputation. If you look further afield - it's worth checking out the place and the condition of the other horses on the property, supplementary feed on hand, pasture quality, stocking rate etc. We have had some VERY disappointing results when having spellers agisted - including from well known player/s in the industry. Trouble is that the less they feed them and the more they cram onto their land - the more profit they make. Whoever you chosse I would just advise you to make regular visits to see how your mare/s is faring. If I hadn't done this with ours, the outcome would have been pretty dire. Cheers J

- couldn't makeit unfort. How did it go? Standouts? Impressions? - esp of the new boys? Anyone take any photos?

.. or postponed ..

An absolute disgrace. D Butcher extinguished ANY chance Gomeo Romeo ever had in that race. It could be argued that he gave his horse a chance by getting up there and challenging. But to stay there after 400m when RR was CLEARLY not going to hand up ??? - only 2 results were going to ensue: 1. GR would likely come last 2. RR would likely get beaten. Number 1 should be enough to see Butcher censured and fined. Number 2 - is a matter for the racecourse detectives to determine (ask yourself - none of the likely reasons is very palatable and all the likely reasons bring disrepute to harness racing and this individual). Butcher will continue on his merry way because he is being allowed to do so with apparent impunity.