2007 News Archives
GST On In-Foal Mares
Some of our members have discovered that a few of the border entry points have been charging G.S.T. on the fetus of in foal mares that are being brought back from the U.S. In talking with Border Services there should not be any G.S.T. charged on the fetus. If you have been caught in this situation and have paid the G.S.T. you can apply for a refund by filling out form B2G which you can find on the website http://www.cbsa.gc.ca/ or by contacting our office. If this has happened to you, we'd appreciate hearing from you, as we are forwarding this information on to the National Office who will then take this forward to Equine Canada. (Posted on December 11, 2007)
Just in time for Christmas! We are very happy to announce that the Horse Racing Alberta's Stallion Owners' and Breeders' bonuses are currently being distributed through the Breed Improvement Program.
The 2007 Stallion Owner's Bonus is based on the stallion's offspring aged 2 to 5 placing first, second or third in all races from $12,000 claiming and up. The 2007 Stallion bonus is 11.4% of the earnings of races at Stampede Park and Northlands Park.
The 2007 Breeder's Bonus is based on the mare's offspring aged 2 to 5 placing first, second or third in all races from $10,000 claiming and up. The 2007 bonus is 33.9% of the earnings of races at Stampede Park and Northlands Park.
Please note that the earnings are based on the purse of the race and do not include supplements. (Posted on December 12, 2007)
A Message to Industry Members
RE: The Thoroughbred Stallion Task Force Draft Document November 14, 2007
The Thoroughbred Stallion Task Force appreciated the many constructive responses to the initial draft document entitled, "Thoroughbred Stallion Incentive Program": November 14, 2007.This information will be addressed and analyzed in order to provide an improved second draft that will be posted on all websites (HRA, CTHS and HBPA).
The Task Force remains committed to the objectives of improving the thoroughbred breeding industry and all input is welcome.
Stallion Task Force Committee Members: Les Burwash, Brian Bygrave, Rennie Gellner, Jim McFadyen, Mat Monaco, Dr. David Reid, Mike Secker, Gordon Wilson (Posted December 13, 2007)
It's that time of year when thoroughbred brood mare owners are looking at what stallion they should be breeding their mare to. In Alberta, we have a wide choice of thoroughbred stallions available across the province. In fact, there are over 90 Alberta stallions to choose from, which can make the decision as to which stallion to select for your mare somewhat overwhelming.
For some owners, "nicking" is one of the methods they look at when deciding on a stud. Nicking theory, according to Rommy Faversham in the book, Racehorse Breeding Theories, suggests that specific combinations appear to have an affinity for, and produce exceptional results when combined with other specific lines.
With the advent of the computer, it has made it easier and convenient to analyze and compare different nicks. Many of the stallion owners now offer this as a service for clients or you can call the CTHS (Alberta Division) office to also have this done for you.
As with a lot of things in the industry there are varying thoughts regarding the usefulness of nicking. If you're interested in reading an analysis of the scientific validity of computerized thoroughbred nicking services, there is an article at http://www.thoroughbredinfo.com/nicks.htm (Posted on December 17, 2007)
It is not unusual for people in the thoroughbred industry to talk about horses that have "heart" but in breeding, it can mean either a winning attitude or the physical heart that can play an important role in the success of a thoroughbred horse. As breeders look for ways to have that next "stakes" horse, some look at the "X Factor" as a means of breeding that winning horse.
The X Factor is a theory based upon the physical size and weight of a horse's heart. Back in 1932, scientists in Australia were curious as to why Phar Lap's heart weighed about 14 pounds when the average horse heart is about 8 pounds. Further research came about when in 1989 it was revealed that Secretariat's heart was around 22 pounds (Frank Mitchell, Racehorse Breeding Theories, 2004)
The large heart gene became known as the X Factor as it was determined that it is passed through the female X chromosome. An Australian study found that 89% of its high class winners had large heart scores, however it should be noted that only 22-23% of ability comes from the heart score.
If you are looking for more information about the X Factor check the book by Frank Mitchell, Racehorse Breeding Theories or online at www.theracehorsesource.com/newsletter/29839977920.htm or www.geocities.com/colossum/Track/2611/exfact.htm (Posted December 20, 2007)
CTHS (Alberta Division) would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season and all of the very best for the New Year! (Posted December 21, 2007)
Deadline on Foal Naming
Just a quick reminder to owners and breeders that to avoid the $75.00 late fee, the Jockey Club asks that a valid attempt be made to name foals of 2006 by February 1, 2008. The Jockey Club has published a list of over 39,000 names which have been released from active use as of December 20, 2006. The list of recently released names can be found at the Online Names Book at http://www.registry.jockeyclub.com/
If you require further assistance, please contact the CTHS (Alberta Division) office. (Posted December 27, 2007)
One of the purposes of breeding is that as the breeder you are hoping to gain the most desirable traits in your thoroughbred while eliminating those that are least desirable. One of the ways that this can be done is through the combination of inbreeding and outcrossing.
Inbreeding is used to describe breeding where the same ancestor appears two or more times within the first four generations of the pedigree. If the same ancestor appears in the third generation and is found again in the fourth, the horse would be referred to as being "inbred 3x4". The reason that this would be important is the theory that the ancestor to whom the particular horse is inbred would have a greater influence in emphasizing certain characteristics that you would want to have in your own thoroughbred horse.
The problem that can arise with inbreeding is that some negative traits can also be duplicated which can have some repercussions for the breed. One example of this comes from the world of show dogs where chronic hip dysplasia has come about from generations of breeding dogs for looks and conformation as opposed to health or soundness ("Inbreeding" by Jay Leimback, Racehorse Breeding Theories). This is why some breeders prefer to look at outcrossing as a means of breeding rather than that of inbreeding. (Posted December 31, 2007)
A copy of a report entitled, "The Economic Impact of the Unfair Tax Treatment of Horse Racing and Breeding in Canada" arrived at the CTHS (Alberta Division) office. It was submitted to the Horse Racing Alliance of Canada on October 2007 by A. A. Kubursi of McMaster University and Econometric Research Limited.
Horse Racing Alliance of Canada is working to have the Government of Canada eliminate "breeding and maintaining of horses for racing" from Section 31 of the Income Tax Act. They feel that with the removal of horse racing and breeding from the restrictive provisions of Section 31 it will create more jobs, add additional monies to the economy and generate capital investments.
The report, which was submitted in October, reviews the horse racing and breeding industries by looking at the economic impacts that it has made and continues to make within Canada.
If you are interested in reading this report, or would like more information about the Horse Racing Alliance of Canada (HRAC) proposal please contact the CTHS (Alberta Division) office or contact The Horse Racing Alliance of Canada at jockeyclub@bellnet.ca (Posted on December 7, 2007)
