Date posted January 22, 2010 | Posted by Michele Cullen | Filed under
Racing and Breeding,
Staff FavouritesMichael Ford, Keeper of the Australian Stud Book, reports that the Australian Stud Book has received the majority of the covering information from breeders around Australia for the 2009 season.
And with all of this information entered into its computer system Ford feels that the breeders in Australia have proved more resilient to the financial crisis that has engulfed the world than he originally expected.
Michael Ford
“Major yearling sales, both here and overseas, were down 30%, and with my faith in the hardiness of Australian Thoroughbred breeders, I thought that the number of coverings may decrease by only 15%, yet it looks like being less than 10%’” Mr Ford said.
As at Wednesday, 20th January, there were 23,320 mares reported as being covered in the 2009 season by 710 stallions, compared with 26,480 in 2008, a drop of 12% but still below the 2007 equine influenza affected total of 24,580. Mr Ford believes when the stud book receives the late reports, the total will be more in the region of 24,000, indicating a 10% decrease from 2008 which is heartening from his view point and the industry.
