BREEDERS are a resilient group of people, and with so many small breeders involved with thoroughbreds it is clear that for many of them it is either a passion, hobby or an adjunct to their main income.

For others, this is a serious business, one that they need to be successful and profitable. If not, their future participation at a professional level could be jeopardised. Breeding is always a risky business; hoping that stallions you use will be both successful and fashionable, which is not always the same thing. You need to invest in a mare that breeds correct progeny, and hopefully winners.