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Guest Column: An Unbridled Connection (9 March, 2015)
- Lisa Barrett

"Racing and breeding are closely intertwined on so many levels, and one finds connections in all sorts of places. On February 27th this year a colt Final Chapter won an allowance race over six furlongs at Aqueduct Park, New York."




Guest Column: Great Foundation Mares: Almahmoud (13 February, 2015)
- Lisa Barrett

"The past century has thrown up some great foundation mares who have gone onto play a significant role in breeding and racing affairs around the world. One such mare was Almahmoud, who through her top class daughters has sired some of the century's most influential racehorses and sires, Northern Dancer, Halo, Artic Tern and Machiavellian."




Guest Column: How I Think About Bits And Bitting (04 February, 2015)
- Walter Pike

"Think of the bit as a cell phone - I guess the first thing that we need talk about, is really what a bit actually is. To start off with its not a device to inflict pain, its a tool to communicate with your horse."




Guest Column: A Deep Connection (08 January, 2015)
- Lisa Barrett

"The recent retirement of one of Japan's greatest racemares of the modern age, Gentildonna has once again thrust the Sunday Silence tribe into the spotlight, as talk now turns to who she will be mated to. Gentildonna was primarily a stayer, and one wonders if that will be taken into consideration when choosing a mate for the star mare."




Guest Column: Slade Powers To The Top (26 October, 2014)
- Lisa Barrett

"The announcement in European Bloodstock News might have been missed by many, but it reinforced just why KZN stallions are such force to be reckoned with, both locally and internationally."




Guest Column: Son temps à courir - Its "Arc" Time Again (03 October, 2014)
- Lisa Barrett

"This Sunday sees the 93rd renewal of the one of the world's greatest races, the Qatar sponsored Prix de l' arc de Triomphe. Run every year since 1920 at the Longchamp racecourse situated in the magnificent Bois de Boulogne park complex on the banks of the Seine river, the racecourse is without doubt one of the most picturesque and recognisable in the world."




Guest Column: Sea Of Class: Urban Sea And The Ladies (11 April, 2014)
- Lisa Barrett

"We've all heard the saying "behind every good man is a successful woman", and it applies just as much to horses and it does to men. If you look at some of the world's greatest sires, both past and present, half of their success comes from their dams, who are often overlooked and underrated for their contributions to the racing and breeding scene."




Guest Column: A Huge Legacy: The Passing Of National Assembly (24 January, 2014)
- Lisa Barrett

"The news that the Highlands Stud based retired stallion National Assembly had been humanely euthanized at the ripe old age of 30 on Wednesday due to the infirmities of old age, was greeted with sadness."




Guest Column: The Sun Shines Brightly: St Petersburg (20 December, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

One of the most recent additions to the ranks of KZN stallions is the Group 3 winning stallion St Petersburg, who is based here in KZN at the nations champion racehorse breeders, Summerhill Stud. If one looks back through St Petersburgs pedigree, you will find it crammed with fascinating and enigmatic horses, demonstrating just what a jewel KZN breeding and racing has on its hands ...




Guest Column: Top Of The Pile (29 November, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

The IFHA and Longines list of top racehorses of the 2013 season has just been released, and there are few surprises. The now retired Australian Black Caviar and 2013 Arc winner Treve share the Number One spot as the only females on a list dominated by the males. For South African racing and breeding, the most exciting feature on the list is Wise Dan who comes in at Number three ...




Guest Column: Top Of The Pile (29 November, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

The IFHA and Longines list of top racehorses of the 2013 season has just been released, and there are few surprises. The now retired Australian Black Caviar and 2013 Arc winner Treve share the Number One spot as the only females on a list dominated by the males. For South African racing and breeding, the most exciting feature on the list is Wise Dan who comes in at Number three ...




Guest Column: Shades Of Greatness (22 August, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

Many people might not realise though that Judpot has a KZN connection, through his dam the legendary Miesque, who was the granddam of the top class Scott Brothers stallion Miesque’s Approval ...




Guest Column: So Close He Came (19 August, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

It was a day of heartbreaking seconds for champion South African trainer Mike de Kock on two continents. First, Soft Falling Rain was beaten by the 3-1 shot Gregorian in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes in the UK, and then KZN’s golden boy The Apache, was disqualified and relegated to second place in the Arlington Million after it emerged he’d bumped Real Solution ...




Guest Column: The Apache Lands (22 July, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

KZN racing sees one of its brightest sons, The Apache take on some of the best in the Group One Arlington Million in Chicago, USA. Already a multiple Group One and Group winner in South Africa, The Apache further entrenched his class ...




Guest Column: The Sun Keeps Shining On Yearling TV (22 July, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

In spite of the economic uncertainty pervading the world right now, yearling sales across the globe are posting record prices for their stock. You might think that buyers would be holding onto their hard earned money, but if there is quality bloodstock out there, then it seems they are willing to spend the money to get it ...




Guest Column: More Than Ready For Caviar? (28 May, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

Australian newspapers have confirmed that a shortlist of six possible stallions has been whittled down for supermare Black Caviar. Black Caviar’s Managing owner, Neil Werrett, refused to be drawn on who the other candidates were ...




Guest Column: The Cat Goes Home: Storm Cat Dies At 30 (2 May, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

The passing of one of the equine legends of the modern era, Storm Cat who was put down due to the infirmities of old age at 30. Famous for standing for a record $500 000 fee until declining fertility saw him being pensioned off in 2008, Storm Cat continues to dominate the racing scene around the world, thanks to his brilliant sons and their progeny ...




Guest Column: Around The Clock: Black Caviar Makes History (15 April, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

"Australia's wonder mare Black Caviar rewrote the history books when she notched up her 15th Group One, and 25th straight victory on Saturday in the $1 million T.J.Smith Stakes in Sydney. There was all sorts of pre-race media speculation as to whether the great mare would take to running in a clockwise direction (a quirky Aussie tradition) as she was running in New South Wales, one of the two states in Australia where they run in a clockwise direction," ...




Guest Column: The Sun Never Sets On The Empire (8 April, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

Saturday saw the 166th running of one of the most famous hurdling races in the world, the Grand National at Aintree, England. The race was memorable for many reasons, firstly that, for the first time in over two years, no horses were killed during the running of the race, and secondly the shock win by 66-1 outsider, Auroras Encore, whose sire is the late stallion Second Empire ...




Guest Column: Animal Scalping Magic (3 April, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

It was a feast of racing during the long Easter weekend, and as always KZN breds lit up the racing stage, not only here in South Africa, but in the faraway desert kingdom of Dubai at racing's greatest festival, the Dubai World Cup ...




Guest Column: Cream Of Caviar (22 March, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

Australia's "Wonder from Down Under" Black Caviar made it 24 wins in row a when she cruised to scintillating victory in the William Reid Stakes (Gr.1) in front of a capacity crowd yesterda. The 6 year old mare didn't disappoint her 25 000 odd fans who turned out to witness what was billed as her Melbourne "swansong" as she once again rewrote the history books ...




Guest Column: 30 Years Young (4 March, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

Friday marked a rare but important equine milestone, Storm Cat, widely acknowledged as one of the greatest sires of the modern age, turned 30. Well known for his fiery temperament and handling difficulties, Storm Cat has been a feature of the racing and breeding landscape for so long, that when he was pensioned at 25 in 2008 due to declining fertility, many found it hard to believe that there would no longer be any Storm Cat progeny in years to come ...




Guest Column: Close But No Cigar (26 February, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

It was a night of mixed fortunes at Meydan for South Africa's champion trainer Mike de Kock. Await The Dawn got the stable off to winning ways when he galloped away to an impressive win in the night's opening race, a 2000m turf race. Labelled a "project horse by the De Kock team, Await The Dawn has had mixed fortunes since he was acquired from Coolmore ...




Guest Column: Sparkling Jewel: Igugu(AUS) Ready To Take On The World (21 February, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

Igugu, the Australian bred super mare who set the South African racing scene alight is now aiming for international fame and glory as she sets her sights on the 2013 Dubai Racing Carnival. Bred by Kia Ora Stud New South Wales, Australia, Igugu was a pin hook from the 2009 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale for Mick Gosses Summerhill Stud, the eight time champion breeders of South Africa.




Guest Column: It's Black Magic! (17 February, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

It was all too easy for the super mare from Down Under yesterday, as Black Caviar made it 23 straight wins, when she took the Lightning Stakes (Gr.1) at Flemington on Saturday in commanding fashion, becoming the first mare since 1955 to win it three successive times.




Guest Column: 'Tis The Season Of Love (14 February, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

Tomorrow marks two momentous events; firstly it's Valentine's Day, and secondly it's the start of the stallion career of one of the greatest horses of our time, Frankel ...




Guest Column: Flying To Victory (4 February, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

Kenilworth racecourse was witness on Saturday to one of the biggest upsets in racing history, when the overlooked and rank outsider Martial Eagle swooped down to grab the laurels in the Grade One R2.5 million J&B Met ...




Guest Column: Hooves And Glamour: J&B Met (1 February, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

KZN has a sole entry in the big race on Saturday, the Summerhill Stud-bred Black Wing. The 5YO son of Kahal has been knocking on the door for a while now, after two narrow seconds in the KZN Million Mile ...




Guest Column: It's All Go In Dubai (31 January, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

Tonight sees the debut of one of KZN's champion horses, The Apache at the Meydan racecourse. Formerly trained by Gavin Van Zyl, the Scott Brothers-bred son of Mogok, is a multiple Group winner in his home province, with wins in the Daily News 2000 (Gr.1), the Champions Cup (Gr.1) and The Dingaans (Gr.2) - Guest writer Lisa Barrett ...




Guest Column: Farewell To A Gentleman (28 January, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

"The racing world lost another equine great this week as National Emblem passed away at age 21 from colic. Sent to stud, National Emblem stood at Mick Goss' Summerhill Stud from 1996 to 2005, before being sent to Klawervlei Stud in the Cape" - Guest writer Lisa Barrett ...




Guest Column: The Power Of The Wolf (21 January, 2013)
- Lisa Barrett

The evening's biggest winner was the brilliant Wise Dan, the 5 year old gelding son of Wiseman's Ferry. hat is of interest to South Africans is that Wise Dan's dam Lisa Danielle, is a daughter of the legendary Wolf Power ...




Guest Column: Superior And Inferior Check Ligament Desmotomy (10 December, 2012)
- Prof Jeremy Hubert

When Boots, a 5 week-old Quarterhorse colt was examined he displayed contracture of the fetlock joint to the degree where he appeared to knuckle over at the fetlock while the foot collapsed to the inside of his body when he tried to walk. While restrained the limb was extended and the superficial and deep flexor tendons (SDF and DDF) were palpated to determine which structure was most taut causing the contracture ... (article sponsored by Bosch Hoek Equine Hospital)




Guest Column: The First Frankel: Man O' War (22 November, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

A rare video of the iconic American stallion Man O War has just been released on You Tube. The 30 odd second clip, taken when Man O War was 22 shows the great stallion having a good roll and gallop around his paddock. Even at that relatively advanced age, once can see just how good a sprinter Man O War was, as he tears around the paddock with the sprightliness of a two year old ...




Guest Column: Show Me The Way To Victory (4 November, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

KZN racing once again showed today why it's the fertile ground for breeding champions, when Mark Dixon's talented gelding Showmetheway beat off a top quality field to win the Listed R135 000 Golden Loom Handicap at Turffontein yesterday evening ...




Guest Column: Galileo, Sadler's Wells: The Fairytale Continues (15 October, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Wednesday's session at the Tattersall's October Yearling Sale confirmed once again why Galileo is the most sought after sire in the world today. Dominating the another second day of the sale, Galileo was responsible for five of the sales toppers ...




Guest Column: Stuff Of Dreams (8 October, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

The 2012 running of the Prix de la Arc de Triomphe will be remembered not only for the high profile withdrawals, but the scintillating win by the 33-1 longshot filly Solemia, not fancied and not expected to do much against the super star boys ...




Guest Column: Prix De L Arc De Triomphe (3 October, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Sunday sees the 91st renewal of Europe's greatest race, the Qatar Prix de la Arc de Triomphe at the famous Longchamp racecourse in Paris, France. The "Arc" as it is popularly referred to, is currently the world's third richest turf race behind the Melbourne and Japan Cups ...




Guest Column: Keeneland: Plenty Of Fireworks (16 September, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

The select portion of the Keeneland Yearling sale went off with a bang yesterday as five horses commanded seven figure sums, despite the gross being down almost 34% from 2011. Though buyers were selective, they seemed willing to pay top dollar for good quality stock, and this was reflected in the average and the median which were up 14.3% and 16.7% respectively from the previous year ...




Guest Column: KZN-bred Jet Master Flies High (5 September, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

The recent publication of the top sires of worldwide Group One races by UK's Racing Post is a proud achievement for South African breeding and racing. In second spot on the list, shaded only by the immortal Galileo, is our very own "home-grown" stallion the late great Jet Master ...




Guest Column: Nutrition For Sound Hoof Growth (3 September, 2012)
- Dr Rensia Moller

Many otherwise sound horses have been rendered hard to keep in work because their hooves are weak, dry, cracked, flaky or crumbly, soles bruise easily, collapsed heels or hoof walls cannot retain nails and therefore shoes. Horn quality is strongly affected by genetics, and it is advised to purchase sport horses of a breed noted for sound feet large enough for their body sizes ...




Nutrition For Sound Hoof Growth (03 September, 2012)
- Dr Rensia Möller

The development of the future racehorse starts during pregnancy and the developing foetus (via the late pregnant mare), foal, weanling, and yearling should be fed well before it comes time to embark on intense sales preparation. The job of preparing a yearling is made much easier if one is able to begin with a well-grown horse with a good appetite, condition, and coat ...




Guest Column: Ice Axe On Top Of The World (3 September, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

It was a proud day for KZN racing and breeding yesterday, when the Summerhill Stud-bred gelding Ice Axe, scored an impressive Group One victory in Mauritius when he beat the odds-on favourite IL Saggiatore for the Maiden Cup (Gr.1) ...




Guest Column: Fantastic Frankel (23 August, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Any lingering doubts that anyone might have had about Frankel lasting the distance in yesterday's Juddmonte International (Gr.1) at York, were put to rest when the world's highest rated racehorse (Timeform 147) blew a top class field away ...




Guest Column: A New Emperor Is Crowned (20 August, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

In his regular column for the Thoroughbred Daily News (August 15th), pedigree guru Bill Oppenheim reveals a stunning, but not totally unsurprising fact. There is a new Emperor on the scene. For the first time in nearly a decade, the "emperor" of American stallions, A.P.Indy has been toppled from his perch as a leading sire of top class runners by a son of Sunday Silence's, Deep Impact ...




Guest Column: Strike One For Ravishing (13 August, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Clairwood racecourse saw the first South African winner for the Summerhill Stud-based sire Ravishing yesterday, when the 3Y0 gelding Kishimoto won the first race of the day over 1200m. Trained by KZN training legend, Dennis Drier, the son of Ravishing paid tribute to his great genes and grandsire, the late and much lamented Jet Master ...




Guest Column: Equine Dentistry (6 August, 2012)
- Dr Helen Tiffin

Equine Dentistry was the very origin of the veterinary profession more than a century ago, now recently in the last 20 years there has been a major resurgence of interest in dentistry with a large amount of research being done ...




Guest Column: It's Gold Cup Time Again (27 July, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Super Saturday hits Greyville this weekend with a feast of racing for punters and fans alike. With five Grade One and one Grade Two races on card, it should be a thrilling day's racing. The highlight of day though is one of South Africa's best staying race, the Ladbrokes Gold Cup run over 3200m ...




Guest Column: Malhub: A Bright Star In The Sky (17 July, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

This weekend's racing results in America demonstrated the pure class of the pedigree of KZN-based stallion, Malhub, when his half brother Dhaamer won the Group 3 Sunset Handicap at Hollywood Park in style ...




Guest Column: Epistaxis (3 July, 2012)
- Dr John Hodsdon

Perhaps the most widely recognized of all disorders affecting racehorses is "bleeding/epistaxis" or Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH). We now know that most racehorses bleed at some time during their careers. In fact some horses might bleed every time they undertake strenuous exercise. It also occurs in other disciplines such as 3 day eventers, polo ponies, steeplechasers. The common dominator is strenuous exercise (sponsored by Bosch Hoek Equine Hospital) ...




Guest Column: So Close (25 June, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Saturday's much-hyped running of the Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Gr.1) at Royal Ascot certainly produced a thrilling conclusion, but it was nearly a case of so near yet so far for Australian wonder mare Black Caviar. Billed as one of the highlights in the famous week of racing, it was the English debut for the Australian wonder mare, who was expected to make an easy meal of it ...




Guest Column: 11 Not Out (20 June, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

The brilliant speed sensation Frankel made it 11 wins from 11 starts yesterday, when he blew away the field to win the Queen Anne Stakes (Gr.1) on opening day at Ascot. The 4YO son of Galileo left no doubt in anybody's mind that he is arguably the greatest racehorse of the past 25 years ...




Guest Column: A Double Celebration (2 June, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

It was a historic day for many reasons, it's the Diamond Jubilee year for one of the two longest serving monarchs in history, and it was the 2012 running of the Epsom Derby will be remembered for another reason ...




Guest Column: Seeking The Derby (1 June, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

aturday sees the 232nd running of the iconic Epsom Derby. The Group One race over a mile and four furlongs (2,423 metres), is rich with stories of horses that went onto become equine legends. Names such as Hyperion (1933), Mahmoud (1936) who was also the damsire of Natalma ...




Guest Column: West Nile Virus (31 May, 2012)
- Dr Jenny Lawrence

"West Nile Virus is a viral disease that causes neurological signs. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and is carried by wild birds, crows are known to die from the disease. Like Horsesickness, it is not a contagious disease" sponsored by Bosch Hoek Equine Hospital ...




Guest Column: Packed With Class (25 May, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

KZN racing is gearing up for a massive weekend of racing, with several top class races on the cards. All eyes will be on Scottsville on Saturday 26th May, where the SA Fillies Sprint and the Allan Robertson (both Grade 1) take place ...




Guest Column: I'll Have Another, Thank You! (20 May, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

In a virtual carbon copy of the Kentucky Derby a few weeks back, I'll Have Another snatched victory yet again from the desperately unlucky Bodemeister to claim the second leg of America's Triple Crown - the 137th renewal of the Preakness ...




Guest Column: I'll Have Another And The Triple Crown Thank You: 137th Preakness Stakes (18 May, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

This weekend sees the second leg of the American Triple Crown take place with the 137th running of the Preakness Stakes (Gr.1). The fabled track in Plimco, Maryland has played host to a number of famous horses over the years ...




Guest Column: Highveld Racing Awards (16 May, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Saturday 19th May sees the culmination of the Highveld racing season with its annual awards season. Once again, KZN horses are well represented in the various categories, and it illustrates what a deep vein of talent there is in this province ...




Guest Column: Apple Cider Vinegar - Natural Horse Care Product (15 May, 2012)
- Dr Rensia Moller

Dr Rensia Moller tells of some of the ways that Apple Cider Vinegar help horses ...




Guest Column: Passing Of A Legend: Aptitude And The Coastal Connection (14 May, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

BloodHorse recently reported that Aptitude, at one-time a leading North America runner and son of A.P.Indy died at the end of April in Argentina. Aptitude was a multiple Group One and Group winner for Prince Kallid Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms in the early part of this decade ...




Guest Column: A.P. Indy - The Derby Influence And Legacy (10 May, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

In an amazing twist, 10 out of this year's entrants of the 138th renewal of the Kentucky Derby were either directly sired by sons or daughters of the legendary A.P.Indy. To have that sort of representation in a race is incredible, and demonstrates the profound influence that he continues to exert on the racing landscape today ...




Guest Column: A Brave Tale (06 May, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

In a fitting tribute to the late Gold Circle Chairman and owner Roy Eckstein, his 5YO gelding, Tales Of Bravery, took the Gr 2 Drill Hall Stakes at Greyville yesterday. Tales Of Bravery beat off the likes of the champion 3YO Depardieu, who was aiming to emulate the legendary Imbongi, by becoming the first 3YO since 2008 to win the Drill Hall ...




Guest Column: Val De Ra To Stud (03 May, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

In a sad ending to an otherwise glorious racing career, KZN champion mare Val De Ra has been retired from racing. Val De Ra was well below her best in Saturday's running of the Group One Computaform Sprint ...




Guest Column: Its Raining Queens (29 April, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Champion's day at Turffontein has certainly thrown a few curve balls on Saturday. One of the biggest upsets was in Race 2, the SA Fillies Nursery (Gr.2), where the unraced King's Temptress going off at odds of 150-1, beat a stellar field of fillies, including the unbeaten and odds-on favourite, Franny and the talented Ilha Da Rock ...




Guest Column: Black Caviar Rewrites The Record Books (28 April, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Australia's wonder mare rewrote the history books today with a breathtaking display in front of a capacity 30 000 plus crowd at Morphettville in Adelaide earlier today. The five year old mare made easy work of the field for the Group One Robert Sangster Stakes. Never looking bothered by the field ...




Guest Column: Lameness Evaluation And Diagnostics (26 April, 2012)
- Dr John Hodsdon

General lameness evaluation hasn't changed over the last 100 years, it still requires a thorough and methodical approach with careful palpation and observation being the essence. Modern improvement has come through diagnostic analgesia and imaging which has expanded treatment options. This has allowed us to focus on tailor made treatment protocols, which speeds up recovery and minimizes re-occurrence.




Guest Column: The Devil and Val Aiming For The Skies (26 April, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Two of KZN's top ladies will be in action on the big day, and it's hoped that both can repeat their earlier racing successes, and once again show the that KZN is the breeding grounds for champions!




Guest Column: There's Life In Those Old Bones Yet (23 April, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Today's racing at Clairwood threw up a real surprise in the 7th race on the card. The highly fancied Australian colt, Delago Deluxe who was expected to "ace the race", was beaten into third place, by veteran campaigner, Maliyakhe




Guest Column: The Devil Gets Modus Dancing Again (20 April, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

The amazing victories of the phenomenally talented Dancewiththedevil has catapulted her sire, the almost forgotten stallion, Modus Vivendi to prominence again




Guest Article: A Legend Retires (18 April, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

The retirement of multiple Group One winning sire Dynaformer, revives memories of an incredible sire whose numerous Group One winners captured the racing public's imagination and changed the face of racing forever




Colostrum and Failure of Passive Transfer in Foals (18 April, 2012)
- Dr Sarah Seitz

Newborn foals are somewhat immunodeficient, meaning that they lack antibodies for many of the pathogens they will encounter soon after birth. Mother Nature has overcome this problem by providing your foal with colostrum - the "first" milk produced by the mare which is rich in maternal antibodies ...




Guest Article: KZN Flying The Flag In America (14 April, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Friday was certainly not unlucky for KZN. The Sharks scored a long overdue victory in Auckland. Across the seas in New York, a KZN-bred horse, Mahubo won the $75 000 Three Coins Up Stakes at Aqueduct Park, New York




Guest Article: The Potent Partnership: A.P. Indy On Mr Prospector (13 April, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

"One of the most successful equine partnerships in recent times has been that of A.P.Indy on daughters of Mr. Prospector", writes our guest columnist Lisa Barrett ...




Guest Article: KZN Raiders Roar (02 April, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

One of the most exciting races on Classic Day, was the SA Fillies Classic (Gr.1) which produced a last gasp victory for the Kwa Zulu Natal-trained filly, Bambina Stripes. Despite a ridiculously slow start, the pace picked up when Bluroute decided to step up to take the lead. It was if the field only came life in the home straight, and it appeared as if Kalami had the race in the bag ...




Guest Article: It's Carnival Time! (30 March, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

The Dubai Racing Carnival is heading towards a thrilling climax this weekend when some of the best horses in the world line up for prize money totalling nearly $30 million. South African trainers, in particular, Mike DeKock, have found Meydan to be a happy hunting ground, and this year will should be no different. Racing fans are certainly spoilt for choices in the various races on the big night ....




Guest Article: Malhub The Forgotten Star (26 March, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Malhub comes with an impeccable pedigree, son of the multiple Group One winner, Kingmambo, himself a son of one of the most successful sires of modern times, Mr. Prospector. His dam was the Stakes-winning mare Arjuzah, who won the 1993 Kyoto Sceptre Stakes. Malhub's granddam was Miesque, a champion mare, who won 10 Group One races ....




Guest Article: Reigning King (19 March, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Reign As Kings proved why KZN bred horses are a force to be reckoned with, with a scintillating victory in the Sentinel Stakes on Sunday at Clairwood. With his favourite jockey Anthony Delpech at the helm, Reign As Kings went away to win by a length over the gallant My Jelly Bean ....




Herpes Virus - To Vaccinate Or Not To Vaccinate? (19 March, 2012)
- Dr Helen Tiffin

Herpes Virus causes a number of different conditions. In humans it causes cold sores and in horses respiratory infections, neurologic disease and abortions. The virus is species specific, so if you have a cold sore you can't give it to your horse and vice-versa. The infection is life long and over 80% of horses carry the herpes virus. The virus may remain latent for long periods of time and then during periods of stress the virus becomes active causing disease or is shed and spread to other horses ...




Guest Article: The Legacy Of Sentinel (08 March, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

The news that the Sentinel Stakes is to be run at Clairwood in the near future, has once again shone the spotlight on the horse dubbed the "Iron horse" by many for his incredible racing exploits. He recorded 29 wins, 12 of them Grade Ones and he was placed 21 times. At one time, he was the country's leading sprinter and his thrilling duels with In Full Flight during the 1972-1973 season stirred the imagination of the racing public ...




Feeding Yearlings For Sales Prep (05 March, 2012)
- Dr Rensia Möller

The development of the future racehorse starts during pregnancy and the developing foetus (via the late pregnant mare), foal, weanling, and yearling should be fed well before it comes time to embark on intense sales preparation. The job of preparing a yearling is made much easier if one is able to begin with a well-grown horse with a good appetite, condition, and coat ...




Guest Article: The X-Factor (03 March, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

How do you breed or find that one horse that has that undeniable quality, that one thing that sets them apart, not only in racing terms, but in how they look and race. Millions are spent every year, looking for the "X" factor, that one thing that makes a horse a superstar. In the equine world, that factor is what translates into the big money ...




Guest Article: Well Bred (22 February, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

The question on most breeders' minds is how to maximize profits for minimal outlay. Our relationship with horses is an ancient but tricky one. According research it is generally accepted that horses evolved about 40-55 million years ago from a small dog-like creature ...




Guest Article: Reigning King (15 February, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

King of Kings proved why he is the leading sire of 2YO's in South Africa right now, when Reign As Kings won his second start on the trot at Scottsville today. Again under the expert tutelage of champion jockey, Anthony Delpech ...




Nutrition of Mares Influences Milk Characteristics and Development of Foals (14 February, 2012)
- Dr Rensia Möller

The nutrition of the mare affects growth and development of the foal both in the uterus and via milk production. In foals, these effects carry over for a year or more. In one study, 15 one-day-old foals fed milk replacer for seven weeks were compared with foals that nursed on their dams. During the first two weeks, replacer-fed foals did not gain weight as rapidly as mare-nursed foals ...




Guest Article: King Of The Charts (04 February, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

A look at this week's statistics from Sporting Post reveals a proud achievement for KZN breeding and racing. King Of Kings, who stands at Peter & Jenny Blyth's Clifton Stud, is the leading sire of 2YO's by Stakes. What's more impressive is that he is leading some of the biggest sire names in the country ...




Guest Article: Gone West hits the century mark: his legacy here in South Africa (31 January, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Another equine milestone was achieved recently, when the late sire Gone West achieved his 100th stakes winner in the desert kingdom writes Lisa Barrett ...




The Genetics of Coat Colours (24 January, 2012)
- Dr Sarah Seitz

You don't have to know the genetics behind coat colours to appreciate their beauty! To date, 10 different genes that affect coat colour have been isolated, each of which can come in many different forms. The specific coat colour of each horse depends on several genes being expressed at the same time ...




Guest Article: Val De Ra Does It For Dennis Drier (22 January, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

Champion KZN trained mare Val De Ra flew the flag high for KZN this weekend with a scintillating victory in the Group One Cape Flying Championship over 1000m at Kenilworth writes Lisa Barrett ...




Guest Article: Musir All The Way (17 January, 2012)
- Lisa Barrett

"Lisa Barrett" writing under a psuedonym, currently works at a stud farm in the KZN Midlands in a position she has held for the past eight years. This is her first article regarding Mike de Kock's mighty Musir ...




Study Suggests Lucerne Might Buffer Gastric Acid Production and Prevent Ulcers and/ Reduce Ulcer Severity (03 January, 2012)
- Dr Rensia Möller

If your horse has ulcers, giving him omeprazole is not the only thing you can do to help reduce the severity of the problem. Research from Texas A&M University US showed that feeding lucerne to horses either prevent or was therapeutic in treating stomach ulcers ...




Contracted Tendons & "Tippy Toed" Foals (13 December, 2011)
- Dr Sarah Seitz

If you see your mare's newborn foal prancing around the stall like it is wearing invisible high heels, you might be a little concerned that your foal is dreaming of being a ballerina instead of a racehorse. Don't worry; one of the most common deformities that equine veterinarians deal with in newborns is contracted digital flexor tendons ...




Part II - Start Your Foal Out Right To Help Avoid Bone And Tendon Problems Later In Life (28 November, 2011)
- Dr Rensia Möller

In the earliest stages of life a foal's nutritional requirements are pretty much met with mare's milk and pasture, plus whatever the foal starts nibbling on, such as grain fed to the mare. However, once the foal reaches 2 months of age, his nutritional demands outstrip what the mare can provide with milk alone. It is at this stage that creep feeding can be a benefit...




Part I - Start Your Foal Out Right To Help Avoid Bone And Tendon Problems Later In Life (07 November, 2011)
- Dr Rensia Möller

Your foal is growing rapidly at his dam's side, and by outward appearance he is healthy and content. But it is important to ensure that he is receiving the correct levels of nutrients and that he doesn't grow too fast. Establishing an appropriate feeding program for foals can be difficult. Scientists have done a wonderful job...




Raising And Care Of Orphan Foals (24 October, 2011)
- Dr Sarah Seitz

The birth of a long-awaited foal is an exciting occasion. But what if something goes wrong - the mare gets sick, or doesn't produce any milk, or perhaps she dies. This article will discuss some of the options/considerations for caring and feeding of orphan foals.




Drinking and Eating Behaviour in Foals (10 October, 2011)
- Dr Rensia Möller

Now that we are in foaling season, let's consider drinking and eating behaviour in Foals.

Foals drink milk, but have you ever considered how much milk they drink, or when they start drinking water, or when and how much feed and hay they start consuming?




Quick & Clean Guide To Equine Abortion (19 September, 2011)
- Dr Sarah Seitz

There are many reasons for equine abortion. The more common causes that I will discuss include placentitis, viral abortion, and non-infectious causes of abortion such as twin foetuses and umbilical torsion.




The Use Of Body Condition Scoring In Broodmare Management (5 September, 2011)
- Dr Rensia Möller

It is generally considered that the mare's energy status is the major nutritional factor that influences her reproductive efficiency. Body condition scoring is a visual and hands-on method of estimating the amount of body fat your mare has, therefore it is a useful tool in establishing an individual's energy status.




Equine Dentistry - Part 1 (15 August, 2011)
- Carel Vosloo

Carel Vosloo, an Equine Dental Technician, explains that the teeth of a horse that are looked after from a young age will last longer, and the horse will probably maintain a better physical condition, even into a potential aged broodmare.






The Nutritional Demands of Lactation in Mares (1 August, 2011)
- Dr Rensia Möller

Mares must be kept at optimal body condition in order to nourish their foals properly and remain healthy throughout lactation. This is achieved by providing sufficient dietary energy in the form of a well-balanced diet throughout both early and late lactation.




Introduction to Equine Breeding Part II (18 July, 2011)
- Dr Sarah Seitz (Bsc DVM)

Last time, I gave a brief overview about seasonality and the oestrus cycle. This article will cover the basics of pregnancy, lactation and foaling. The average length of pregnancy in a mare is between 335 and 342 days (an easier way to remember this is 11 months, 11 days).




The GI Tract and Immunity (7 July, 2011)
- Dr Rensia Möller

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract not only digests food, it also protects the body against pathogens. Simply stated the GI tract has to sort through all the material and differentiate between good guys and bad guys and decide when it wants to attack something.




Introduction to Equine Breeding (27 June, 2011)
- Dr Sarah Seitz (Bsc DVM)

With the breeding season approaching in a few months, I thought my first two articles should be a brief introduction about the very basics of equine breeding. In this article, I will cover a little bit about seasonality and the oestrus cycle.