The Service Fee Dilemma

The setting of service fees in a time of global economic downturn has proven a difficult exercise this year with many studs still holding off, no doubt seeking to avoid the situation that occurred in the US last year when service fees were set by many farms and then had to be re-adjusted in the face of overwhelming discontent from breeders.

It’s a combination of racetrack results (or lack of them) and sale ring results that set service fees and in the table below we attempt to combine the two, showing the top 15 active Australian based sires by earnings up to April 18 and their corresponding ‘Majors’ sire averages over the last three years.

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Featuring the progeny of more than 100 different sires, the 2009 Inglis Autumn Yearling Sale in Melbourne starting this Sunday and running into Monday is the ultimate ‘liquorice all-sort’ sale, with the something for everyone tag well justified this year.

Last year’s sale was a tough affair with a clearance rate of just 73% and an average of $8,725, so given the current economic climate there can hardly be any great expectation for improvement this year.

That said, there are 373 horses catalogued and history shows us this sale can produce the odd gem such as Group One winners Pompeii Ruler, Lazer Sharp and Grand Journey, plus current Melbourne sprint star Secret Flyer who was snapped up from the Emirates draft for a modest $29,000.

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From the moment Manhattan Rain was foaled there has been an air of expectation about this half-brother by Encosta de Lago to Redoute’s Choice and at Randwick last Saturday he fulfilled the promise of his pedigree in capturing his first Group One and in so doing became the most sought after stallion prospect in the country.

An imposing individual that has improved markedly with racing over the last few months, Manhattan Rain is yet to run a bad race with two wins and two seconds from five starts and a third in the Group One STC Golden Slipper to go with his memorable victory in the Group One AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes.

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QUIZ

1/ Which stallion is currently leading the Australian general sires list by earnings?

2/ Reset had a stakes double last Saturday, can you name his stakes-winners?

3/ AJC Australian Oaks winner Daffodil is by which young son of Machiavellian?

4/ More Than Ready (USA) has had a service fee increase to $148,500, how much was it last year?

5/ How many Group One winners has celebrated broodmare Shantha’s Choice produced?


Answers are at the bottom of this page .