Northern Dancer, Mr. Prospector, and Nasrullah. Three of the most recognized and sought after influences in the history of the American bloodstock market. Revered for generations, these three stallions represent the upper echelon of genetic material found in the United States. It is through the study of these influences that most industry newcomers begin their […]

The science of breeding racehorses is full of pitfalls, and few will argue that even the most astute breeders have difficulty avoiding them. Those who have succeeded are able to identify these pitfalls as they relate to their particular program and implement strategies to safeguard their investments. With the breeding season upon us, there is […]

Since the tragic death of Eight Belles, the industry response has bordered on mind-boggling. Rather than opening ourselves up to intellectual honesty and self-examination, most have bared their teeth and defended an industry that screams for reform so as to not arm those who call for its banishment. At the outset, let me first acknowledge […]

Originally appeared in the June 7, 2008 of Thoroughbred Times by Jason Hall Aside from mare selection, no other decision impacts a breeder’s chances for long term success than choosing the right stallion. Even in scenarios where breeders make prudent decisions in all other aspects of their program, it can be all for nothing if […]

Much of what we do here at The American Thoroughbred Review is based on a common sense approach, utilizing raw numbers in statistically valid methods that illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of modern breeding theories. Long reaching inferences are frowned upon, and facts reign supreme over the hypothetical. Such methodologies were also at the heart […]

Hunter and University of Louisville studies substantiate 2003 ATR project. Findings point to the importance of racing class in broodmare prospects. Just over a decade ago, virtually all breeding theories were just that, theories. Little if any empirical research had been conducted to test prevailing ideologies. Most theory development and testing occurred in casual settings, […]

Few issues wreak more havoc on an owner’s bottom line than the soundness of his horses. The slightest of injuries can add thousands of lay-up dollars to an owners bill, and more serious injuries that end a horse’s career can be catastrophic to an entire program. And yet, soundness in breeding stock is one of […]

(From the March 3, 2007 issue of Thoroughbred Times) Like most disciplines, the science of breeding thoroughbred racehorses has its own language of descriptive statistics aimed at analyzing and predicting performance and subsequent value. Though a full understanding of this language may seem daunting, there is a core group of statistics that if understood fully, […]

Back in 2003, we did a landmark study that examined the long-term success of two groups of broodmare prospects: Those with strong racing credentials but lackluster female families, and those with strong female families but were unplaced at the track. The idea was to isolate the two variables from each other and tabulate production over […]

The essential elements for a successful yearling to two year old pinhook are fairly obvious: a fast work, solid conformation, and a clean bill of health. These variables are far from being a secret and generally aren’t subject to fluctuation. They are the cornerstones for a profitable pinhooking venture. But research indicates there is a […]