Slow start to breeding season discussed with Byk

Discussion instigated by Sue Finley’s must-read piece in Wednesday’s TDN

By Sid Fernando

Sue Finley, publisher of TDN, wrote an illuminating article about the slow start to the breeding season in Wednesday’s paper. It’s an essential read about the struggles of major stud farms this year to attract mares to their stallions, and Finley quoted several important sources, including Bret Jones of Airdrie Stud and Ned Toffey of Spendthrift, among others, to give it heft. She also dispelled certain notions and provided valuable statistical data. Fresh off an Eclipse Award-winning season, Finley is poised with another journalistic contender in 2025. Read it here.

The piece generated a discussion between me and Steve Byk this morning on his “At the Races with Steve Byk” radio show that took the subject to other areas and framed it within a historical context. It starts at the 1:18 mark. Listen here.