Foaling Around

Welcome back! 

The current standings for foals on the ground is eight. This includes a considerable number of fillies (7) and just 1 lonely colt... We are eagerly anticipating another colt foal to arrive - hopefully soon.

We had a busy start to the week in the maternity ward. First up, during the early hours of Monday morning, was Emten. Foaling a big, strapping A’Ali filly, she waited all night – much to Shahid’s amusement – before deciding to finally foal down at approximately 6:30 am. Previously trained by Jamie Osbourne, this filly bred by Jamie has been bred to one day be very fast. Emten formerly finished 4½ lengths behind her eventual suitor A'Ali, when running a big race in the Norfolk on ground conditions she hated finishing 5th - and knocked on the door for a bit of black type on another occasion since.

It was then over to Crocus Rose - who’s an old hand when it comes to foaling. Walking her box, weaving, and beginning to sweat up from approximately 7 pm, Crocus Rose foaled down at a very sensible hour of approximately 8:30 pm. Very wise to the whole process, Crocus Rose had a textbook foaling, and her newborn filly by Cracksman hit every milestone in good timing. With this part done and dusted and out of the way, it’s then essential to keep a close eye on the mare for any post-foaling complications such as abdominal pain, especially in a mare like Crocus Rose who at the age of 18 is more at risk of any secondary complications. Thankfully it was quiet for the rest of the night. We can tell this filly will eventually turn grey one day by the few faint grey hairs surrounding her eyes – we call this eyeliner. The grey will progressively grow more and more obvious, until eventually the whole filly with turn grey, just like her dam. Owned by Ian Gosden who has had a fantastic week after his filly Golden Ace was once again in the winner’s enclosure, landing her second victory over hurdles. Winning in impressive style, all roads lead to Cheltenham for this daughter of Golden Horn, whom Ian Gosden previously hand-picked and purchased by himself at the Tattersalls July Sale - hats off!

On Wednesday, we had another mid-week weigh-in. This time it was our boys out-of-training who stepped their four feet onto the scales! We are lucky to have the facilities to barn our store horses and geldings over the winter, which keeps them off the mud and out of the wet and cold winters. Thankfully all the boys are looking well, weighed in at good weights, and are continuing to thrive over the winter months.

Mohaather colt out of Galileo mare Garabelle, sold by us as a yearling at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale now on the gallops with Marcus Tregoning.

---

We’ve also been very gratefully inundated with updates, photos and videos of Byerley Stud graduates who are currently being put through their paces in training. Most notably, three very exciting Mohaather colts with Marcus Tregonning. As well as forward fillies by Mehmas, Cotai Glory and Havana Grey in training with Rod Millman and Michael Dods.
 
The countdown is on for the 14th of February… With lots of mares lining up for a cover next week, we are ready and waiting for the first day of the breeding season.

​And finally, our sweet treats for the week came in the form of bacon, tomato, and cheese twists, excellently made by Vicky. These savoury snacks went down very well. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a picture quickly enough before they had all disappeared! But I have requested that the twists make a regular appearance in the yard throughout the rest of the season!

Tweet