Brian McGregor-Foxcroft

 

26/ 11/ 99 – Vancouver:  The time has come to dispel some common myths about BC bred horses and their abilities. There’s a misinformed notion, locally, that BC horses are somehow inferior and unworthy of serious attention. I remember a conversation I had with one of the old time handicappers who attends Hastings Park, but only goes there to play simulcasts. While talking about the local track, he told me that he never

bets on local horses running at Hastings or elsewhere. In his view they’re all garbage. He is not isolated in this view. I have to admit that his opinions  rankled me. There is nothing worse than a prejudice that is blind to all reason. It is interesting to note that none of these individuals have ever taken the time to read publications which contradict their views.

 

The tragedy of this commonly held prejudice can be seen in the declining prices of BC yearlings at our local sales recently. While prices are quite stable, or growing in all other areas of North America, BC is in very real danger of losing some of its breeders. Just to give you some random examples, consider Golden Degree, a mare foaled in 1992, who sold for $678.00. Somebody got a deal there. When we look at her back breeding we see that Golden Reserve was her sire, and he has Sir Ivor and Round Table in his blood. On her Dam’s side she has Bold Intrigue, and she has Bold n Bizarre as her Sire. Now, anyone who knows anything about blood lines can see that this mare is well bred, and has the potential to produce some real class foals. She’s worth ten times $678.00 just to get Round Table in the mix.

 

Another example is Taolo, a mare foaled in 1984, who sold for $1,018. She can boast Ladnesian and Bold Laddie on her Sire’s side, and the great Princequillo on the Dam’s side. Likewise, The Brews On, who sold for $678.00. Just look at this colt’s back breeding, Malmo, whose Grand Sire was Mr. Prospector (Top Broodmare Sire of 1999), and Riverman, another Princequillo colt. On the Dam’s side is Piper’s Brew, by On the Sauce, as well as Three Martinis. Who can deny this colt was a bargain?  These prices indicate that our thoroughbred industry is in trouble.

 

In the Fall issue of the Canadian Thoroughbred there are a series of reports on horse sales nation wide. The column on the British Columbia CTHS Yearling Sale, by Archie McDonald begins with the statement, “If the health of the BC racing industry is reflected in its annual summer sale, the patient has taken a sudden turn for the worse.” As to why the sales in BC have done so badly, McDonald suggests that the conditions at Hastings Park have a direct impact on their results. There has been a steady and alarming decline in the sales of BC bred race horses. And it makes no sense at all, given their exceptional level of performance at Hastings Park and elsewhere in North America. In this same issue of the Canadian Thoroughbred are three articles which contradict any prejudice against BC bred horses. Free Vacation, who won the Breeder’s Cup at Woodbine this year, and was bred at Black Canyon Thoroughbreds in the interior, and Artic Son, who won the  British Columbia Cup Classic this year at Hastings Park are two exceptional examples. And why is Artic Son such a winning horse? Probably because he has the speed of Briartic, and the stamina of Round Table on his Sire’s side.

 

If we go to the 1999 Leaderboard, we see that of the 25 leading sires in Western Canada, 14 of them are from BC. We see many of the same sires’ names as leaders in Canada by money won and by number of winners. If we move to leading North American sires we see horses like Bold Laddie, Katahoula County, and Alfaari listed. What more proof can a person need?

 

There can be no denying that horse racing is a risky business. The best bred horse may not run a lick, while the most modestly bred horse can set new track records. But I think that most people will agree that, when it comes to purchasing horses for racing, we will always try to obtain the best bred specimens. It is critical to examine a horse’s back breeding carefully before making a decision. This is especially true if you have an eye to eventual breeding. For me, the back breeding of fillies is crucial, for they carry the best  and worst of genetic characteristics, which they will pass on to their foals.

 

I’m sure that all of you hold your own personal prejudices about thoroughbreds, but I hope that I have at least dispelled any doubts about the quality of our local stock. While there is no doubt about the need to improve the state of racing in this province, we can be proud and thankful for the dedicated individuals who have hung on for so long to provide us all with acceptable stock. We owe these people our loyalty and support.