Aust Mares Served Down 10% After EI Crisis

Keeper Of The Australian Stud Book Michael Ford released figures showing that, following the equine influenza crisis, 679 stallions have covered 23,305 mares: down 13% on last year's 26,800 coverings. However Ford said he "expected the gap to be narrowed to 10% after late lodgements & paddock services were received later in the season". Ford added: "This is a remarkable response to the EI disaster, which the industry expected would wipe 15% off last year's coverings. He noted the better-than-expected figures are "due largely to the efforts of the Primary Industries Departments of NSW & Queensland & Thoroughbred Breeders Australia in controlling the containment of EI, plus Racing NSW & Queensland Racing in managing the vaccination program against it." Ford said the 5% improvement on estimates "could mean an additional 1,000 foals" above the 15,500 he & other industry spokespeople thought might result (compared to 18,000 usually born in a season). Ford explained: "A depleted foal crop will have an effect on racing in 2 years, lasting for several years. It also impacts on future foal crops in 6 years' time, when horses from that crop go to stud." However Ford warned foaling estimates "needed to be treated cautiously at this stage, in case more mares than usual did not carry their foal". (Jan 24)