Category Archives: Australian Thoroughbreds

where sky is the limit – Skyglider (AUS)

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Posted by in Australian Horse Racing, Australian Thoroughbreds, genotype breeding, race horse breeding

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As of October 2025, Skyglider’s sire Flying Artie (Aus) has overall winners-to-runners ratio of 62.1%. This statistic includes all seasons of his progeny’s racing performance. 

Total numbers: From 306 individual runners, he has produced 190 individual winners.

  • Stake-winners: An article from June 2024 notes that his first crop produced six stakes-winners, and his second crop produced 49 winners from 72 runners, including stakes-winners.
  • Success in Australia and New Zealand: Among his notable progeny is Fierce Flight, a six-race winner in New Zealand, and Coin Toss, a Listed winner in Australia and Singapore.
  • Sire-line reputation: While Flying Artie was a high-class juvenile, he comes from a sire line known for producing horses that mature and improve with age, a trait his progeny have demonstrated. 

Winners-to-runners ratio for Flying Artie has varied by season: 

  • 2024/25 Season: 46.9% winners-to-runners (147 total wins).
  • 2023/24 Season: 46.2% winners-to-runners (146 total wins).
  • 2022/23 Season: 48.8% winners-to-runners (138 total wins). 

ref – https://www.racingandsports.com.au/thoroughbred/stallion/flying-artie/83358

Flying Artie

He is noted as Group 1 sire, – Asfoora, winning 2024 King Charles III Stakes (GB)
2025 Nunthorpe Stakes & 2025 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp (Fr-G1,1000m,Lon – https://www.pedigreequery.com/asfoora & G1 performer sprinter, Artorius. https://www.pedigreequery.com/artorius8

@ Skyglider @ 2 for 2 wins

Pedigree discussions place a certain sire and tribe lineages – Almahmoud, Cosmah et al. These discussions are not critiquing better or for worse with ND; it is the scale of the thoroughbred’s ecological balance, his TB Sire Clade for that considered phenotype influence.

Northern Dancer was arguably the most successful stallion of the 20th century and his descendants have been the dominant sire lines in Australia and Europe for the last quarter century. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-57389-5

Topically @ Byerley Turk what remains to Byerley Turk male & his family line determinations gets ‘tragedy of the commons’.

Breeding must Identify…

Clear as day, the Byerley Turk has unique clade branch of the hybrid-Thoroughbred – the DNA sequences are the specific allelic variant being used to identify this genetic lineage.

Figure 1 Tables (link) the specific Tb-oB1 remembering the Tb-dW (Whalebone/Darley arabian) has deepened, escalated over 176 odd years of breeding. (The global spread of Oriental Horses in the past 1,500 years through the lens of the Y chromosome where Oriental (generic term) appears its of an ancient or of Wild origin extraction per brief & reference below)

Domestic horse lineages have an ancient origin. Thus, given the 6000-year origin suggested by the archaeological record, numerous matrilines must have been incorporated into the gene pool of the domestic horse. High mtDNA
sequence diversity of horses implies an unprecedented and widespread integration of matrilines and an extensive utilization and taming of the ‘wild horse’. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.291.5503.474

The complexes of what may determine the well-bred athlete goes by observing where elite pedigrees are clearly dosed with a # BT/St Simon male line crossed to the Whalebone clade. Take that famous mare Somethingroyal (dam of Secretariat & Sir Gaylord) by Princequillo, descendant of St Simon. With running approximated @ 1 – 2% of the population #BT St Simon male line is obviously an outstanding potent contribution to the racing thoroughbred, therefore, is the alone classic phenotype required.

Skyglider’s sire Flying Artie has 5×5 Better Boy. Octagonal My Babu/Klairon. The too-short siring life (3 years) of Dr Grace by Sir Tristram My Babu & Twig Moss (Fr) – all these are #BT factors.

Better Boy (IRE) sired something genetically extraordinary.

(As above by Better Boy), the brilliant filly, Better Draw for 10 wins – 2 at 2 from 1000m to 2,500m. (One wonders what speed aptitude has not yet ‘discovered’ to the Byerley Turks?)

Better Boy was a 4-time Champion Sire in Australia (1965-66, 1970-71, 1971-72 and 1976-77). Sire of 35 stakes winners – Champion Broodmare Sire in Australia 1978-79.

Flying Arties 3rd dam Better Fantasy – the dam of Better Loosen Up (8 G1 races including Japan Cup)

Cox Plate @ Better Loosen Up 🎇🎆🎇

In practice the breed today is almost entirely carried forward through the Darley Arabian’s male line @ 95%. It is subjectively purported commercial breeders place Darley Arabian alike descendants because it indicates the modelling of proven numbers.

Yet as sharply distinctive that a modern pedigree captures, refines necessary genotype and phenotype quality to the Byerley Turk integrity and its accounted brilliance.

Byerley Turk post 👉 who is Byerley Turk?

G 3 filly, Bridal Waltz and Genetic Diversity in Australian Racehorses

28 Monday Jul 2025

Posted by in Australian Horse Racing, Australian Thoroughbreds, race horse breeding

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Haplotype L4 classifies the numerous australian colonial family and with distaff family @ f.f. C6, this G3 winning filly Bridal Waltz belongs to these.

Female Family C6 @Haplotype L4 bases influences collectively @ 2 family, goes mentioned as Burton Barb mare, however by established ancestral, the Chestnut Thornton remains to this day enigmatic.

The home-bred filly by Snitzel out of an Lonhro unraced mare clearly expresses the true Australian blue-blood type. However never to be forgotten has 3x Star Kingdom son > 6×7 Todman 6th dam sire and again…additionally 2nd dam sire, seen to Rubiton. The other Star Kingdom male line is thru Redoute’s Choice, sire of Snitzel.

Todman’s distaff is f.f. 1-u Haplotype L3a1b, equivalent to f.f. 6-e that rings to Selene, thence profile encompasses 18x Hyperion. There the Todman incline to Northern Dancer >Nearctic b/m sire Hyperion. Recognizing f.f.6-e factors to Sir Tristram, male line to Lonhro. L3a1b also akin to family 8 & family 20 – Lonhro & Century.

Northern Dancer’s son Voodoo Rhythm may alight more so memories 25x G1 wins @Winx (Street Cry) her 2nd dam sire. Interestingly, the Winx 5-b distaff haplotype suggests @L3a1 screened to the dam The Giggler.

Voodoo Rhythm – 1 race as a two year old, defeating Key to Content over six furlongs. At three he won over a mile at Aqueduct (subsequently disqualified) and proceeded to two more wins at Belmonst over six furlongs. As a four year old he won over 1 1/8 miles at Belmont and was placed third to Engine one & MISWAKI over 6 furlongs.

It is with working pedigrees – profiling an integration @Byerley Turk bloodlines (or Godolphin Arabian/Barb male line for that fact) summons necessary integrity. Whilst narratives to these 2 formative TB sires falls to collapsed/extinct history ‘stayer’ T type, it appears science now engages a much finer determination why these gene carriers are so very important.

These bloodlines upgrade what modern breeding critique has likely overlooked heavily – placing dynamic sprinter speed ahead. (Selective breeding for speed in the racehorse has resulted in an unusually high frequency of the C-variant (g.66493737C/T) at the myostatin gene (MSTN) ref. 2012 https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms1644

 Horses of the CC genotype are most suited to fast, short distance racing, those with the CT genotype are most suited to middle-distance races and those with the TT genotype are more suited to longer races which require stamina. In far simple terms anaerobic versus aerobic.

In Thoroughbreds, the T allele at g.65809482T>C is associated with increased vasodilation, meaning the blood vessels widen more effectively. To the Thoroughbred the T-allele is the ancestral ‘wild-type’ variant.

Implications for Breeding & Testing

The SINE insertion likely underpins historical selection toward sprinting traits in modern Thoroughbreds, particularly post-20th century.

Commercial genetic tests using the MSTN SNP may miss the mechanistic basis of performance.✅✅✅Hello?

Commercial speed is excessive, and racing programs may very will contribute to regression.

This diverse T Type – still critical to the racing thoroughbred – a genetic diversity essential for the continuing adaptability and resilience in the face of global contraction. Though intangible, breeding the asset is development and where pedigree interfaces with racehorse science.

From human athletic function: The Hercules Gene is labelled the MTSN (myostatin) gene and it controls how much Myostatin your body produces. One of the reasons you may not have seen it take over is because as with most mutations when you get an advantage you also accept some negatives. The Hercules gene allows you to exceed normal muscle growth but at a cost of excess stress to your bone structure, reduced speed and stamina.

The Equine Myostatin

  • Myostatin and Vasodilation:The myostatin gene (MSTN) plays a role in muscle growth and development, but it also influences blood vessel function. In Thoroughbreds, the T allele at g.65809482T>C is associated with increased vasodilation, meaning the blood vessels widen more effectively. 
  • Performance Implications:This vasodilation is beneficial for racing performance because it allows for better oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles during exercise, particularly at shorter distances where bursts of speed are crucial. 
  • SNP Associations:The T allele at g.65809482T>C is not isolated. It’s associated with other SNPs within the MSTN gene, and these combinations can be used as genetic markers to predict a horse’s optimal racing distance. 
  • Speed Gene: the MSTN gene, is often referred to as the “speed gene” and is used to predict a horse’s optimal race distance.
  • Genetic Diversity:While the T allele is linked to speed, it’s important to note that other genetic factors also contribute to overall racing performance.✅✅ The C allele, has only become more common due to selective breeding for speed in Thoroughbreds. 

@ Bridal Waltz T allele’s are likely upon contribution @Rubiton #BT male line https://www.ttrausnz.com.au/edition/2023-02-10/who-was-i & Lonhro https://www.ttrausnz.com.au/edition/2023-08-15/analyse-this-august-sire-focus-on-lonhro.

The tools (selection) are as always, in the hands of breeders. A special home-bred filly Bridal Waltz is deserving. https://www.ttrausnz.com.au/edition/2025-07-27/saturday-summary-3-year-olds-shine-across-australasia-as-spring-looms

on sire duty – Broadsiding (Aus)

23 Wednesday Apr 2025

Posted by in Australian Thoroughbreds, genotype breeding, race horse breeding, Sir Tristram, The Thoroughbred Link, Zabeel

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Broadsiding – the remarkable Godolphin bred Australian thoroughbred – a four-time Group 1 winner, and crowned Australia’s Champion Two-Year-Old after securing victories Champagne Stakes and J.J. Atkins Stakes.

As a three-year-old, he continued his success with wins in the Golden Rose and Rosehill Guineas. He is now retired to stud. He stands at Darley’s Kelvinside Stud in New South Wales, with a stud fee of $66,000 for the 2025 breeding season.

Broadsiding is sired by highly esteemed Too Darn Hot, one of the world’s leading stallions, and his dam is Speedway, a mare by Street Cry.

We noted a few of his offspring when sold at NZ Bloodstock sales, and whether colt or filly, they were a great deal at any price since his genetics will stay strong.

One may conduct an overview genetic survey to any of Broadsiding’s back-lines; all simply excel superb, and it is also evidenced by the lineage of Australian and New Zealand predecessors that exhibit equally robust genetic attributes.

It is here, the ‘good’ Eye goes with powerhouse 5th dam – 1977 New Zealand mare Gold Hope. https://www.pedigreequery.com/gold+hope – 1st Railway H (NZ-G1), Hawke’s Bay Challenge S (NZ-G2), Racing Personalities S (NZ-L)
3rd NZ Thoroughbred Breeders S (NZ-G2)
1982:
1st All Age S (AUS-G1), Doncaster H (AUS-G1), NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ S (NZ-G2), QTC Katie’s Cup (AUS-G3)

These are the supreme bloodlines and should readers taken Cyllene‘s influences (link here) to recognitions of G Haplotype and exactly why it services the elite racehorse performer. It is exploitable when to realize it is these listed as genetic glue responsible – Cyllene, Selene, Teddy, Bay Ronald influences banded. (new to add Hermit, see further below)

Importantly the prime genetic sequences make horse competitive

The G haplotype in Thoroughbreds has been studied in relation to the EPA18 gene sequence, which is located on chromosome 18. This region is significant for traits like muscle composition and performance. Research has identified specific SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) within this region that are associated with racing ability and other phenotypic traits.

– @distaff Gold Hope saturated with Cyllene through 3x Fairway. The Cylleen/Fairway male line to John’s Hope by Wilkes – Pharis 4×4 Cyllene – Nizami (Fr) >Cyllene + Bay Ronald – Donatello – Honeyway – Sabaean Fairway, distaff Selene – Bay Ronald.

Through our recent TBL posts, comments the built-in Type band revolves to itself. 3rd dam of Danzig, Steady Aim (G) (3×4 Cyllene + 2x Carbine ie Martha Lynn/Clemence) where Danzig (sire of Danehill) maintains the framework observing Northern Dancer tail-male to Phalaris – Native Dancer inclusive of Fair Play (ie family 9e @ G Haplotype) – Bay Ronald through Mahmoud – where Natalma is 5×5 Fair Play + Spearmint by Carbine.

It can raise a question what compels other classic and recognizable influences on pedigree. It cannot be directly answered, however curiously we found by Haplotype co-affinity branch through Polymelus (Cyllene) to Hermit (Newminster) (Credit Reference below… see Figure 2 –

https://www.academia.edu/13021482/The_genetic_origin_and_history_of_speed_in_the_Thoroughbred_racehorse

In this scientific light, we find the great influences @ Hermit to Brueleur dam Basse Terre (Fr). Brueleur is the grand-sire of #BT Byerley Turk male line Tourbillon, sire of Djebel whose dam Loika (Fr) has Bay Ronald/Teddy/Ayshire 2x Martha Lynn. Further fun fact: Zabeel’s sire Sir Tristram to Princequillo/Selene through Minoru is Cyllene x Hermit daughter, dam Mother Siegel.

Now to line up Delsey 3rd dam of Too Darn Hot. Delsey 4×5 Tourbillon – 3x Teddy – 5×5 Pharos tail male to Cyllene. @ Broadsiding, to Mr Prospector @4×5 Teddy also of the Sickle from Selene male line. In Distaff Zabeel by Sir Tristram 5×4 Princequillo to 4th dam by Minoru by Cyllene/Hermit – 5×4 Sunny Boy by Jock, a Teddy male line, 3x Bay Ronald – 3rd dam by Friar Marcus/Cicero/Cyllene. Broadsiding distaff as discussed above re Gold Hope (NZ).

Broadsiding has a pedigree that simply Explodes! It will be a very exciting future for this young sire and equally rewarding to watch how his progeny cast an excellent type into the racing world.