Bodemeister

[karenkarenn]

Why is that- that the states surrounding Va are having better results?

Or here is another question. Is it because they bred their mare to an outside stallion like Empire Maker and brought the mare back to Va to get a winner? Did they bred that mare back up to a Va stallion?
IS that what is happening in Va?

[Shammy Davis]

Karen: The mare foaled in VA making Bodemesiter a VA bred. He, of course, is by a KY stallion.

Once a grand dame of horseracing, religiously based laws and conservative southern activism put VA horseracing in moth balls. It has never recovered. In 1995 (?) or there abouts the VA General Assembly passed parimutuel betting and Colonial Downs was built. Since then, nothing has happened to make breeding the TB inviting or profitable. Colonial Downs only runs a 40 day annual meet. WV, MD, and PA have year around racing and healthy breeding programs.

The last big name stallion to stand in VA was Black Tie Affair (late 90's) who had been purchased back from Japan. He was about twenty as I recall and he only last one year in VA before the syndicate moved him to Sullivan's in WV and a larger book.

[karenkarenn]

Dang

[griff]

VA has a good state-bred program but it is not attractive to most owners because of the 40 day racing calendar. That and no table gambling or slots @ Colonial Downs.

It's a miracle they voted in off-track betting. One of the State's televangelist once rased show TBs and his handlers made him get of them because someone might get their hands on one and put it on the track.

griff

[Shammy Davis]

The VA state bred program is national, but like Griff says not very attractive.

[karenkarenn]

Does anyone know if its just a field full of Ky breds and one Va bred?
Or is there more than just ky and one Va this year?

[Shammy Davis]

I don't. Really didn't know Bodemeister was VA bred until just before I posted to this thread.

[stancaris]

Rousing Sermon is a Cal bred and Went the Day Well is a NY bred horse.

[karenkarenn]

Oh I forgot. Thanks stancaris!
good luck to him!

[bdw0617]

Isn't one of the princpals in Southern Equine the "Sarge" on TVG? To buy into BODEMEISTER at this time says alot about the current TC thinking. Wonder what the buy in amount was?

Audley Farm in VA bred BODEMEISTER. It's an historic and beautiful farm near Berryville.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/ ... sir-barton

Now, it is also quite diversified. They have about 10 or more mares, but they also raise Augus cattle, breed English Mastiffs, and sell firewood. Not your typical TB farm by any means.

VA needs a breeding success. The state's industry is in the toilet without one top stallion to speak of and a track that operates TB racing for about 40 days annually. Even VT is getting lethagic with research.

Hell or high water, BODEMEISTER is my KD pick. He looks to be the real deal. Let's hope BODEMEISTER and his trainer stay healthy.

he used to be he got out.

I know the other girl that worked at TVG, the girl from arkansas is their spokeswomen, nancy ury I think it is.

[Joltman]

VA has a good state-bred program but it is not attractive to most owners because of the 40 day racing calendar. That and no table gambling or slots @ Colonial Downs.

It's a miracle they voted in off-track betting. One of the State's televangelist once rased show TBs and his handlers made him get of them because someone might get their hands on one and put it on the track.

griff

Just a few decades ago things in Va were quite robust. With the success of Secretariat and Riva Ridge (Meadow Farm near Richmond) Va also had major TB operations that consistently produced G1 winners around the world - names anyone would recognize: Paul Mellon (Mill Reef), Van Cliefs (Nydrie - Nalama), Whitney Stone, John Kluge (Morven Stud - Shuvee), and earlier - the Hancocks at Ellerslie before they moved to Ky. Peggy Augustus's Old Keswick is up for sale - she routinely sold Graded turf winners to the Euros who recognized their quality. Part of the problem is that the Va blue bloods have either died off, gone elsewhere, or lost their fortunes so the major operations are gone. The business model never adapted to the times. But the 'bones' of a successful Va breeding capability are still in place...

jm

PS - the Colonial Downs decision was a debacle from the get go. But it could STILL be viable with it's strengths, with better management and marketing (IMHO)

[karenkarenn]

Speaking of Va. They have Colonial Empress I believe she is a va. bred.
What an exacta. Virginia takes home the oaks and the derby!! And Kudos to Empire Maker