Of broodmares, budgets and happy endings

Ah, Mother's Day.  Last night, as my two daughters and I sat down to dinner at a little Italian restaurant near my home (the "old man" came along, too), the dominating topic was, not too surprisingly, our horses. 

Yesterday morning, my broodmare Malibu Miss was bred to millionaire Sir Shackleton, who stands at Dana Point Farm in Lenhartsville, Pa.  Apparently all went smoothly, and it was the first van ride for her 2-month old filly by Partner's Hero we've named Heroic Heart.  To me, there is so much excitement, anticipation and questions surrounding a planned breeding - will the mare be checked in foal 15 days hence?  If so, will she carry the foal to term?  Will she have a safe delivery?  Will it be a colt or filly?  Will it be born correct?  And most importantly, will it be able to run 3 years down the road? 

My youngest daughter and Malibu Miss

Recently, I read a profile of Maryland trainer King Leatherbury, and while he dabbled in some breeding through the years, he advocated the claiming game as a quick return on investment.  While that may be true, I don't think there is a greater feeling of pride and satisfaction than to have a homebred do well at the racetrack, despite the time and money invested.  And with Pennsylvania's breeding program so rich thanks to slots, the return on investment can be very, very rewarding.

Which brings me to my next topic - the Pennsylvania state fiscal budget for 2010-11.  After state revenue officials revealed last week that the state budget deficit has swelled to more than $1 billion, it is understandable if those in horse racing are again worried that legislators could look to tap into the percentage of slots revenue flowing to the industry, specifically the Breeding Fund, as they did during the last budget crisis.  While at this juncture no mention has been made of horse racing by Gov. Rendell or state legislators, many are wondering just how the $1 billion deficit will be plugged.  To make matters worse, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), chairman of the Senate Appropriations committee, estimates that the deficit could balloon to $1.5 billion by the end of the current fiscal year on June 30.

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Have you treated your thoroughbreds with the Pfizer drug Excede?  The antibiotic is indicated for the treatment of lower respiratory infections, but we have heard of several negative reactions to it.  If you have, drop us a note at linda.dougherty1@gmail.com and let us know of your experience.

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Our 3-year-old filly continues to train well at Philadelphia Park, and was asked for her first speed work this past Saturday, which she passed with flying colors.  She possesses a smart mind and a competitive drive, so we're hoping for the best when she finally faces the starter later this year.

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And in closing, we were happy to find out after doing some extensive detective work that the former Pennsylvania stallion Satchmo's Band, a well-bred son of Dixieland Band, has found a new home with Stacy Rawlings of Brogue, Pa.   Poor Satchmo had been sold on the back lot of New Holland in early February, then shipped to the Camelot auction in Cranbury, N. J., where he was tagged for the trip to the slaughterhouse.  Thanks to the intervention of a number of kind souls, Satchmo is now a much-loved member of Rawlings' family.  You can read the entire story in the next issue of The Horse of Delaware Valley, which will be in the mail early next week.