Up's and downs

This game we are all so addicted to has some really hard lessons, lofty highs and very gut wrenching lows be you a punter, owner, breeder, trainer or jockey.

I lost my first foal I bred today in a paddock accident, wrong place, wrong time and got a kick from a mare. After being the proudest breeder you've ever seen to heartbroken in 10 days. I dreamed of this moment for years and to have it turn out like this. This is one foal, I can't help think of the tragedy that occurred with George Scott not long ago losing almost his entire string. I can't even imagine how that must feel if I had to multiply how I feel today.

I can see why many prominent owners don't breed themselves the risks are ever present and can't be calculated. I'll persevere though (may be stupidity). Almost as bad (a kick while you're down) is paying a stallion fee for a foal that's gallivanting around somewhere in thoroughbred heaven.

If I ever have any success in racing however small I'd say remember the sad or bad luck moments to savor the good ones with humility (some people lack this last mentioned attribute).

P.S If I'm broke from trying to breed my winners anytime soon I'll auction of my belongings here on ABC or I'll maybe become bookmaker to those who say they never win?

Sad news JJ and a hard game at times, all the best for the future

Sorry to hear this:(

Sorry about your loss JJ.....Don't give up though as this game, as hard as it is, can be the most rewading endeavour you ever undertake!!!

Hope it turns the corner for you, I really do!!!

JJ, losing a young horse when you only have one...I would think it's hard to multiply the loss and disappointment. One of the hardest things to come to terms with is the apparent pointless loses, in an endevour which is just far, far more risky than most realize when they start. (Thoroughbreds are amoungst the most difficult domesticated animals to breed successfully). Heartbreaking too. I'll tell you that people who have bred thoroughbreds from passion, are amoungst the toughest people you will ever meet.

We should also spare a thought of the endless disappointment of decent horses who have gone wrong, sometimes never even getting a fair chance. I suppose it's because the whole game is so difficult, that success is such an achievement.

Hard luck JJ, I know excactly how you feel. I cried when my first foal died. I have had a slipped foal, and 2 dead mares since.

I haven't had the bravery (or the funds!) to breed a foal yet so can only imagine what it's like to lose the first one. Sad news indeed. All the best for the future foals.

Yes JJ it can be a very hard game and very rewarding the first one i bred won her first start and there is no better feeling than that.Hang in there things can only get better if you have more than one mare its also better good luck bud

Thanks for the positive words everyone.

Element - that is hard luck and really sad. I can't even imagine losing my mare having looked after her myself after racing and having ridden her for a while before sending her to stud when she was ready. In a sombre way it's comforting to be able to share these thoughts with people who have experienced the same things. Hope things have been better since.

Sabre - Don't know if it's bravery yet. Cost of keeping a mare, vet bills, transport and stallion fees over 11 months amounts to enough to buy a horse or at least a share in a more expensive one. Guess it's a sentimental thing for some and a challenge.

P.S Can one send private messages on ABC forums? Element I'd like to know more about your breeding endeavors.

JJ, I've only ever had small shares in two horses. Both were fillies and both won one race but, although the experience was rewarding in its own way, I wasn't completely satisfied. I think I want more involvement with my horses, rather than just paying the fees and seeing them run once a month or so. When I can, I'd like to try my hand at the breeding part of it.

The fact is there are countless ways to lose and only one way to win in the game. That is why it presents the biggest sporting challenge on the globe. And that is why, when you do finally achieve a goal, it feels so damn good.

This week my best female racehorse flipped on the wash rack and suffered 3 puncture wounds to its ankles and most likely will never race again.

A top broodmare of mine, after a difficult foaling, has been inert since delivering a foal and is on death's door.

These events happened on just ONE day!

We are dealing with animals.

That is the problem.

If its involvement you want I'd say breeding is it. Visits to the farm, choosing a stallion, researching bloodlines. Great fun and not so easy at times. Also get to meet a lot of great people. I spent a week in KZN visiting stud farms looking at stallions and foals and hearing a lot of conflicting comments from breeders, lots of laughs.

I wish I could own more mares (maintenance cost prohibitive), they are giving some quality mares away at good prices at each sale I go to. Breeding in partnerships is not easy, how many friends have been split up by failed syndications. Imagine ten members arguing about which stallion the mare should go to.

If I had to do it with partners maybe look for a decent foal on a weanling sale and have the option to sell (pinhook) it as a yearling or 2 year old or keep it for racing.

At least you've been in a winners' enclosure Sabre