Originally Posted by
Bonnie
As a commercial/semi - commercial breeder in Australia I refute the suggestion that this move will " prop me up " . I have been a breeder and owner of standardbreds all my life and since purchasing the previous Vinery Thoroughbred Stud in Victoria we have sought to upgrade our mares. 90% of the broodmare band has been purchased as yearlings or going horses from NZ or the USA. These imported mares have left ; Maffioso, Sugarland , Musical Delight , Countdown , Yankee Rockstar ,
Couragesnquick, with racemares such as Shezacullen, National Gallery and Kabbalah Karen B yet to have progeny on the track.
I feel the importation of mares is of great benefit to whole broodmare industry as it broadens the Australian gene pool and provides further options for the future. Many imported mares have become the foundation of great "Australian " families.
Any mares that I now import will be subject to this increase . It further adds to my costs and my greater concern is ; what will become of these funds that are raised. It is a simple process to estimate the value and put forward a plan to provide the industry with information for the disbursement of the proceeds. Lets hope it doesn't fall into that big black hole !