Thanks for that juicy particle OTT.

It somewhat surprises me that that is the case because whilst he was not for me, you still sort of think that there will be enough people out there for a 1st season Darley stallion. Hopefully they can learn something and realise that drenching the industry with dubious Club stallions is not a good idea. This scenario may just go some way to informing the mare owners who thought it might be good, that it ain't.

We are in over production. Those stallions who attract the worst mares are jointly responsible for fuelling the bottom. Lest anyone forget, there's no one down there.

Well there's an interesting thought.

Who actually is the Stud Book?

I get that Weatherbys administer it but is there actually anyone that can have such a final say? (Bet John Warren thinks he's in charge)

I think that Darley Ireland are standing so much dross and whilst we can blame Ireland themselves for being happy with over production Darley should know that these horses aren't good enough and should take a more altruistic line rather than saying we want the dregs visiting our stallions too. What on earth are they doing saying these mares are terrible, let's provide a sufficiently low rent scheme for them to get covered.

And before anyone says anything about the survival of bottom feeders- I am one. Good mares don't have to be expensive but you must have enough confidence in them to be able to commercially cover. And not to have 2 when one will do.

Problem is, I'm still trying to finalise my matings and it's driving me fecking mad. 3 barreners not yet booked, how fecking unprofessional can you get. . .

There's not much to like from his picture (and his form). At least Morpheus is the same colour!

Young harper appears to be keen on dealing PotM - are you not a star customer.

I'm still short on one - lots of colts or lots of fillies will dictate her future

Can't see the angle on Proconsul myself, think he'll struggle.

Swiss S could be worth a punt. Is anyone using Marcel? cant imagine Brian O'R is busting a gut to fill him given he's on the move.

Think there's been a bit of a harsh reaction to Toormore. I was sending a mare to him and thought the club deal was a bargain. Champion European 2yr old, tough as he ran every year and won a group race, and related to another decent horse that's just gone into stud duties.

For me he was a decent bet especially for the owner breeder and the good of racing as a whole, supporting a horse that had been around a while and performed well albeit not at the top level after his 2yr old season. With this encouragement to retire a 2yr old that will not be in the public eye longer than a season, and then rewarded via large books won't be to the good of racing or potentially the breed. If much prefer horses to be tested over longer raving careers which could hopefully encourage more people to the sport and if mare owners supported them could potentially breed more tough horses that would last and might encourage more owners into the game.

Wow PM, 3 mares ready to go and you haven't finalised where you're going!

How come?  Is it the mind boggling over supply of first season sires?  The bottom falling out of the bottom of the market and overproduction? Are you worried your mares might be uncommercial and shouldn't be covered at all? Are your chosen stallions full or is it a combination of all of the above or something entirely different?

Stay strong PM, your judgement has seen you through until now so I'm sure you'll make the right call.

You are right Wily, I shall try a call tomorrow. Mind you it's never worked for me before and I suspect later in the season is more likely when the droppage by the wayside is more fathomable.
So yes, too late for one but only one.
The bottom of the bottom Posh, yes it is on my mind for sure. I sold the odd foal last year for less than I'd hoped and that is more than likely to happen in today's market. So I am keen to keep it to a minimum as it is such a shame when any proper touches have to be sacrificed to too greater an extent to the god of the undesirables.
My problem is always one of budget versus commerciality versus compatibility. I can't bear sacrificing pedigree or conformation considerations to the god of the fast buck.

When I did a whistle stop tour of Ireland in December yer ma, Kodi Bear had a good vibe about him so I am not surprised that they weren't dealing. He was a nice lump, if a little short on quality perhaps. I didn't want to travel for him but I would have given him more thought if he'd been over here.

I think Whitsbury have enough goodwill for a while yet. No one else has produced a Rags to riches Showcasing recently over here. I also feel we know the deal. These are cheap commercial stallions. Attrition will be high!

Your distaste of the Darley Club PotM, is noted. However I dont think anyone else is offering much value. Adaay is moderate with little chance of success and has a fee twice what it should be in an overproducing market. Toormore would be ok at a smaller stud with a £3k fee.

Darley have completely destroyed their brand. They used to be a brand for excellence now they are bargain basement. They would help themselves and the industry better if they concentrated on quality.

cant wait for the flat to start. my pick for champ FSS - Society Rock

Society Rock for me too.

Poor Toormore, the Claudio Ranieri of the equine world. Although at least he lasted a season.