It seems that this year there appears to be a number of cases of strangles being reported in Alberta. This includes the barn area at Northlands in Edmonton. For information on strangles there is a very informative fact sheet posted by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs that can be accessed at http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/horses/facts/03-037.htm (Posted September 29, 2008)
It seems that you never know how things will go in the Thoroughbred industry! Monday's yearling sale in Louisiana showed a 63.6% increase over last year’s sale. The average price this year was $12,201 compared with the $8,559 last year. This is pretty amazing considering everything that has been happening with the U.S. economy in recent days.
The Fall Mixed Sale results are now posted on the CTHS website home page. The updated results with summary information have been posted on our our website. If you would like to have a copy of the results from either of the 2008 Alberta CTHS sales mailed or faxed to you, please contact the office. (Updated October 7, 2008)
Joe Carbury was recognized by the Calgary Stampede with a special Chairman's Award at the 2008 Western Legacy Awards which took place on October 3, 2008. Carbury retired from announcing at the races after the close of the 2008 Thoroughbred meet at Stampede Park. At the time of his retirement, he had announced over 25,000 horse races in 54 years on the job which was almost half of the 117 year history of horse racing at Stampede Park. The Western Legacy Awards were established in 2005 as a provincial centennial project to honour community members who exemplify western heritage and values. For further information visit www.westernlegacyawards.calgarystampede.com.(Updated October 7,2008)
The Horse Industry Branch has announced the 2009 Horse Breeders & Owners Conference will be held on January 9 - 11 in Red Deer. The 2009 speaker line-up includes many interesting presenters - of particular note to thoroughbred breeders and owners may be Dr. Lori Warren (Florida) - The Influence of Nutrition on Training Stress and Immunity; Stephen Reed (Kentucky) - Demystifying Neurological Herpes (Rhino) and Hilary Clayton (Michigan) - Developing Strength & Flexibility in Horses and Advances in Biomechanics. For further infromation, visit the Horse Industry Branch website at www.albertahorseindustry.ca. (Updated October 7,2008)
Biosecurity is fast becoming a buzzword throughout the agriculture industry. Equine Guelph has partnered with Vetoquinal Canada and will be unveiling an "Equine Biosecurity Risk Calculator" at the Ontario Equestrian Federation Conference on November 28-30. This online resource will give horse owners the ability to calculate the associated risk with their current management practices. This resource will be available on Equine Guelph's website at www.EquineGuelph.ca (Posted October 8, 2008)
Yesterday the Jockey Club released its 2008 Report of Mares Bred Statistics. These statistics show a continued decline in the percentage of Thoroughbred breeding across North America. Only Ontario and Pennsylvania showed an increase. The Jockey Club 2008 Report of Mares Bred Statistics. (Posted October 17, 2008)
Our condolences to the family of Mr. Jack Nichol who passed away on Friday, October 17, 2008. Mr. Nichol was the Racing Manager at Northlands for eight years, was CEO of Alberta Racing Corporation and also President of Racetracks of Canada. He is survived by his wife Loretta, son Jimmy and daughters Leanne and Laurie. (Posted October 20, 2008)
Yesterday was the first day of the Fasig-Tipton Fall Yearling Sale and the initial reports are that 182 yearlings sold for $2,173,100 with the average being $11,940 and the median $5,000. Compared to last year the number of horses sold dropped 38.7% and the gross fell 58.9%. (2007: 297 sold, gross $5,286,800, average $17,801, median $10,000) (Posted October 21, 2008)
Final results are now in for the Barrett's October Mixed Sale which was held on the 27th and 28th. The average for the two day sale was reported as being down 61.29% ($3,770 for 2008, $9,740 for 2007). 436 horses went through the sales ring with 243 of them being sold for a total of $916,100, the median was $1,700. (Posted October 29, 2008)
The Niagara Falls Review is reporting that the $300 million Fort Erie Race Track redevelopment project has now been shelved. Nordic Gaming Corp., who own the track, is willing to bring racing back next year but wants financial assistance from its partners to help offset future losses. These have been reported as being an estimated $20 million over the past four seasons. The article can be found at: http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1272412 (Posted October 30, 2008)
Keeneland's Breeding Stock Sale is being held from November 3rd to the 17th with 5709 horses being listed in their catalogue. It will be interesting to see what happens with Hestericalady (Hip# 53) in the sale. She placed fifth in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic on October 24th running against Zenyatta. (Posted on October 31, 2008)
