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STALLION BOOK LIMITS AND FREE RETURNS – AUSTRALIA
Stallions registered for service in Australia are limited to 150 mares bred per season. No limit applies in New Zealand.

In a change to the rules in April 2024, HRA have amended the rules relating to free returns following significant lobbying from breeding bodies, including the Australian Standardbred Breeders Association lobbying on behalf of its member bodies.

Free returns will now be in addition to this number, and no longer included in this number. However a restriction remains on the free returns – they must be used on the same mare, and only the next season.

We will continue to work to “free up” the rule. It isnt always appropriate to return the same mare – she may have been injured, died, no longer deemed suitable (foal size for example) or no longer of a suitable breeding age.

However, the rule change is a positive step and will assist some breeders, along with helping stud owners better manage their books for their stallions.

BREEDING INFORMATION RESOURCES
We have various information and resources listed on our “Links” page. WASBA strongly encourages the use of recognised and recommended breeding agistment farms or studs. If this is not possible and you wish to carry out your breeding tasks yourself, be very aware of the high risks involved. While there is no guarantee that everything will go smoothly with a professional establishment, it should significantly reduce the risk and result in skilled resources being available on hand. You should at the very least do the following:

  1. Make contact with your local veterinary practice and make sure they have appropriate equine expertise and can attend in an emergency, or find someone who can
  2. Make sure you have taken the appropriate precautions. Check with your vet regarding strangles and tetanus vaccinations, and appropriate worming products and timing. There may be other vaccinations relevant to particular States (for example, herpes virus or salmonella) that you should ask your vet about.
  3. Make sure you have (useful) assistance on hand or readily available
  4. Be aware of the mare’s last service date and anticipate the expected foaling period (rule of thumb is one year forward, plus 4 days, less one month). Be aware mares can foal early or late.
  5. Ensure an appropriate feeding regime is applied, especially in the last 4 months of the pregnancy when the nutritional requirements increase markedly.
  6. Do not overfeed pregnant mares.
  7. Preferably rent or hire a foaling alarm if you are expecting a foal within the next month
  8. Make sure you know if the mare has been caslicked and seek professional advice at least a month before the foal is due or at any signs of a problem.
  9. Learn to recognise discharges or other signs of infection, stress or unusual behaviour or aggressiveness
  10. Do NOT take the breeding process lightly.
  11. Do not “cut corners” – the costs can be high both emotionally and financially.

Links to a selection of Veterinary resources are at the base of the Links page. These resources are a sample only but do not replace local expertise from knowledgeable, skilled practitioners.

WASBA 2024 STALLION TENDER
The 2024 Stallion Tender is open with some exciting stallions available – Captain Ahab USA (Captaintreacherous USA), Downbytheseaside USA (Somebeachsomewhere USA), Lous Pearlman USA (Sweet Lou USA), Shockwave (Mach Three CA), Soho Tribeca (American Ideal USA), Ultimate Sniper NZ (Bettors Delight USA), Vincent (Art Major USA)

Tenders close on 15 September 2024. Click here to download the flyer and the Tender Form

Thank you to everyone who participates in this year’s and previous year’s Stallion Tenders.

To thank those participants in either the 2024 Stallion Tender or Stallion Raffle, WASBA is drawing 10 $500 stallion service fee vouchers for use on any stud that supported us in either the Stallion Tender or Raffle.

To be eligible, you must have been a financial member of WASBA at 31 August 2024, and paid your 2024 membership (membership year commencing 1 September 2024) by 20 September 2024, and either purchased a ticket in the 2024 WASBA Stallion Raffle or submitted a Tender in the 2024 WASBA Stallion Tender.

You can complete the online membership form to pay securely by credit card after you have submitted the form (please have your credit card details ready!) or complete the form and subsequently pay your membership by EFT. You can also forward a cheque or catch us on course and pay cash. If you prefer you can also download a membership form, fill in all the details (including credit card information if you are paying that way) and send the form to us (details on the form). If you are paying by credit card but would rather provide that information over the phone, you can do that also.

Dont forget, some studs will offer multiple mare discounts. You can also check out the service fee discounts offered to WASBA members.

NEW HRA STALLION LEVY FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2022
All stallions whose chilled, fresh or frozen semen is to be used from 1 September 2022 need to be registered directly through Harness Racing Australia (HRA) and not through State Controlling Bodies. The registration fee for all stallions is $500 excluding GST. Additionally, any stallion not domiciled in Australia (not resident for 240 consecutive days) and where fresh or chilled semen is used, will incur a 8% levy (8% of the advertised service fee) payable by the stallion owner for each live foal. Any stallion not domiciled in Australia and providing frozen semen will be levied at 15% (of the advertised service fee) per live foal, payable by the stallion owner.

The fees have been introduced to provide funding for the new $2 million TAB Eureka Slot race which will be run at Club Menangle over 2300m, for 3 years starting September 2023.

There will be 10 slot holders who will contribute 50% of the stakes – each will pay $100,000 per year for 3 years (although they have apparently been asked to provide an additional contribution due to the impact of the levy on breeding numbers). The race will be restricted to 3YO and 4YO “Australian born” male and female pacers, with Australian born defined as the mare served in Australia and the foal born in Australia.

Additional income to support the race and ancilliary activities has been derived from the retention of all import fees collected by HRA for the purpose of supporting the breeding industry (and previously distributed to states in proportion to the number of imported horses).

The breeding bodies of WA, NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania do not support either the levy or the retention of import fees by HRA. WA extensively surveyed its members and breeders to arrive at this position.

THE DEFINITION OF A “BREEDER”
For mares served after 1 September 2011 the breeder of the resulting foal according to the Australian Harness Racing Stud Book regulations is the registered owner or lessee of the dam at the time of the last date of service ( In the case of a foal which is the result of an embryo transfer, the breeder is the registered owner or lessee of the donor mare at the time the embryo is flushed from such donor mare and impregnated into a recipient mare).

There is NO “transfer” of a breeder. A mare owner who does not have their paperwork in order will not be retrospectively recorded as the breeder. PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT OWNERSHIP IS REGISTERED FOR THE MARE BEFORE SHE IS SERVED – OTHERWISE YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO COLLECT ANY BREEDER BONUSES FOR YOUR WESTBRED WHEN WINNING OR PLACED.

Note that foals born outside of WA are NEVER eligible for any Westbred Bonus, regardless of where their owner is located.

ONLINE FOAL REGISTRATION PROCESS AVAILABLE
From September 2024 an Online Foal Registration process is available to managing owners of mares where the managing owner has a Harnessweb account. This process is only available to managing owners or studmasters – you can request your studmaster complete the registration on your behalf but payment is necessary.

Anyone who does not have a Harnessweb account can apply for one – click here for a link to register for an account.

Commencing with foals of 2024/25 (served in 2023/24) most states have implemented the online foal registration system to make it easier for the managing owner to submit a registration – and easier and more timely for them to process. This is an extension of the Transfers, Leases and Naming functions that are also available online but again, only if relevant parties have Harnessweb accounts. Otherwise you still need to submit the Certificate of Service.

In most states there is a tiered fee system – so the earlier you get your foal registration in (paper or online) the cheaper it is and the sooner your foal can get microchipped.

A YouTube tutorial of the online foal registration can be accessed here.

States will still issue Certificates of Service for those who prefer to submit the information in this manner.

MICROCHIPPING AND FOAL REGISTRATION PROCESSES HAVE CHANGED IN WA
Commencing with foals of 2021/22 served in 2020/21) HRA has determined that microchipping will be the sole method of identification of standardbreds in Australia. Consequently, freeze-branding has ceased in most states.

When you register your 2021/22 or subsequent WA born foal, the registration fee now includes the microchipping and DNA component (instead of the freeze-branding costs). Registration can now be done either online or using the standard stallion service forms – you will need to request one from your state body, not the state body where the stallion is standing.

A new tiered fee structure applies to registration of foals born in WA after 1 August 2022. The fee structure is significantly reduced for notification within 35 days of birth. For the new fee structure go to the new RWWA website (also under https://racingwa.com.au/ under Industry Essentials etc) at the lower right of the Home Page, then select Forms and payments which will take you to the new website and then select Harness which will take you to the page with the “Harness Fee Schedule”, or click here if you dont have a spare hour.

RWWA has arranged for a veterinary service to undertake the microchipping process, in a similar manner to the former freeze-branding process – you register your foal and RWWA will then advise the microchipping service provider.

For the July 2021 Microchipping Circular to Industry with the details, click here or go to the RWWA website under Registrations and Forms at the top of the Home Page, then select Harness > Breeding & Naming.

In WA, microchipping can only be carried out by a vet, or by a suitably qualified person in the presence of a vet.

Please note – all foals born in previous seasons in WA will require a freeze-brand (if not done already) AND they still require a microchip to be inserted by a vet if that process is yet to be completed. Please contact RWWA Registrations on 9445 5507 if you need assistance with understanding the requirements and need either a freeze-brand or a microchip or both for your foal born from 2017/18 to 2020/21.

If you just need to arrange a microchip for your 2017/18 to 2020/21 foal, then for a current list of Approved Veterinarians click here .

NEW AND RELOCATED STALLIONS IN 2O24
NEW OR RELOCATED stallions to/from Western Australia recently include:

ADVANCE ATTACK NZ (In The Pocket USA out of Advance Debra NZ by Vance Hanover USA) multiple Group winner and Group 1 producer. Standing for the first time in Albany WA Live Cover or FROZEN SEMEN at Murray River Vets WA. Contact Adrian Shanks (0416 523 817). Advance Attack is a full brother to champion racehorse and sire Courage Under Fire NZ. Advance Attack is a noted sire of high speed colts and fillies from small crops.

BONAVISTA BAY (Rustler Hanover USA out of Our Lady Rena by Troublemaker USA) multiple Group 1 winner and winner of the 2009 Golden Nugget, is standing in WA at Kevin Spurr’s “Spurrs Stud” in Wagin (0429 104 145). Rustler Hanover is a half brother to Rocknroll Hanover and Our Lady Rena is a half sister to Our Sir Vancelot. Bonavista Bay’s oldest small crop in WA are 4yo in 2024

CAPTAIN AHAB (Captaintreacherous USA out of Acquavella USA by Western Ideal USA) 1:50.4 $143,309 winner of his first 7 race starts as a 2yo. His oldest crop will be 2yo in 2025. He will stand for Westbred Pacing at Murray Veterinary Services, West Coolup WA. Acquavella is a full sister to Artspeak USA 1:47.8 $1.8M. For bookings contact Kellie Simmonds at admin@westbredpacing.com or 0435 059 777.

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE (Mach Three CA out of Three Eagles by Falcon Seelster USA) Multiple Group 1 winner and NZ 2YO of the Year, now a highly successful sire, is standing at Allwood Stud Farm in Bullsbrook (Mick Holtham 0421 331 586). His oldest WA crop are 5yos in 2024 and include Wonderful To Fly.

GOODTIME SAMMY (Somebeachsomewhere USA out of Graces Beach by Beach Towel USA) unbeaten in four starts as a 2yo before injury curtailed his career. Relocated to WA in 2023/24, contact Kevin Spurr at Spurr’s Stud 0429 104 145.

RENAISSANCE MAN (Art Major USA out of My Ami Lee by Safely Kept USA) top racehorse and successful sire from limited opportunities. Group 1 winner. Full or half brother to multiple Group 1 winners. Relocated back to WA in 2022/23, contact Mike Hackett 0423 703 779.

SHOOBEES PLACE USA (Artsplace USA out of Shoobeedobeedo USA by Jate Lobell USA) Dam a multiple stakes winner, granddam is Blue Horizon, dam of champion sire Panorama USA and same family as Grinfromeartoear and Safely Kept. High percentage of winners to foals. Sire of Better Be The Best. Standing Live Cover in his 5th season in WA in 2024/25. Check the HRA website for the details.

ULTIMATE SNIPER NZ (Bettors Delight USA out of Reality Check NZ by Armbro Operative USA) Inter Dominion Champion, unbeaten in 2019 series and the first 4yo since 2000 to win the Inter Dominion. Retired as NZ Horse of the Year. Dam has produced 3 Group 1 winners. A gem of a maternal line. Oldest crop is Relocated to WA in 2023. Oldest crop will be 2yo in 2025. Standing at Allwood Stud Farm in Bullsbrook (Mick Holtham 0421 331 586).

STALLIONS OUTSIDE WA FOR 2024
REFER TO THE HRA WEBSITE FOR THE FULL LIST, or go to our links page for many of the offerings from the Australian and New Zealand studs. The following are relatively new (mostly pacing) stallions, or have relocated – it is not a complete list. Click on the stud name to go to the stud website !:

  • A ROCKNROLL DANCE USA (Rocknroll Hanover USA – Wichita Hanover USA – Cams Card Shark USA) 1:47.4 US$2,441,164 has relocated permanently to Somerset Farms in Queensland
  • ALL BETS OFF USA (Bettors Delight USA – Armbro Penelope USA – Dexter Nukes USA) 1:48.0 US$3,097,707 Available by FROZEN from Tourello Standardbreds in Tasmania
  • ALWAYS B MIKI USA (Always A Virgin USA – Artstopper USA – Artsplace USA) 1:46.0m US$2,715,368 is standing at Alabar in Victoria.
  • BETTORS WISH USA (Bettors Delight USA – Lifetime Star USA – Western Ideal USA) 1:47.6m US$2,781,240 – an early leading first season sire in the US. FROZEN Semen is available from Cobbitty Equine Farm in NSW.
  • BLING IT ON (American Ideal USA – Alldatglittersisgold NZ – Caprock USA) 1:50.2 $1,833,597 is standing at Cobbitty Equine Farm in NSW
  • BULLDOG HANOVER (Shadow Play USA – BJs Squall – Artsplace USA) 1:45.4 US$2,789,271 available for the first time in the southern hemisphere by FROZEN SEMEN from Empire Stallions Vic
  • CANNIBAL (Sweet Lou USA – No More Losses USA – A Rocknroll Dance USA) 1:48.1 $785,040 is standing his debut season at Cobbitty Equine Farm in NSW
  • CAPTAINTREACHEROUS USA (Somebeachsomewhere USA – Wordly Treasure – Artsplace USA) 1:47.1 US$3,148,657 available for his fourth season by FROZEN SEMEN from Empire Stallions in Vic
  • CATCH THE FIRE USA (Captaintreacherous USA – Dream Out Loud – Bettors Delight USA) 1:46.8 US$1,494,434 is standing at Somerset Farms in Queensland
  • CATTLEWASH USA (Somebeachsomewhere USA – Road Bet – Bettors Delight USA) 1:46.8 US$1,345,637 available as FROZEN SEMEN from Yirribee Stud (under new ownership) in NSW
  • CONFEDERATE (Sweet Lou USA – Geothermal USA – A Rocknroll Dance USA) 1:46.1 US$2,077,554 is standing his debut season at Cobbitty Equine Farm in NSW
  • DOWNBYTHESEASIDE USA (Somebeachsomewhere USA – Sprig Hanover USA – Allamerican Native USA) 1:48.6 US$2,179,558 is standing at Woodlands Stud NZ
  • FOLLOW THE STARS (Art Major USA – Smyrna Duruisseau USA – Cams Card Shark USA) standing at Medowie Lodge NSW
  • GUARANTEED (Artsplace USA – Jadah Rose – Totally Ruthless USA) 1:50.4 $856,316. Available from Goodtime Lodge in Victoria
  • HUNTSVILLE USA (Somebeachsomewhere USA – Wild West Show USA – Western Hanover USA) 1:47.8 US$1,802,162 is is available by FROZEN SEMEN from Cobbitty Equine Farm, NSW
  • FORECLOSURE NZ (Rocknroll Hanover USA – Pleasing Package – Fake Left USA) 1:48.8m US$807,746. Available as FROZEN SEMEN from KTC Bloodstock in WA
  • KING OF SWING NZ (Rocknroll Hanover USA – Twist And Twirl – Artsplace USA) 1:47.9 $3,390,546 three times Miracle Mile winner and Grand Circuit Champion standing his third season at Cobbitty Equine NSW
  • LATHER UP USA (Im Gorgeous USA – Pocket Comb USA – In The Pocket USA) 1:46 US$1,735,623 a Woodlands Stud stallion who will stand at Northern Rivers Equine/Llowalong Farms in Victoria.
  • LAZARUS NZ (Bettors Delight USA – Bethany NZ – Christian Cullen NZ) 1:46.0m US$4,423,372 is standing for Alabar at Nevele R in New Zealand for NZ based mares only.
  • LENNYTHESHARK (Four Starzzz Shark USA – Botswana – Albert Albert USA) 1:49.2 $3,007,585 Available from Tourello Standardbreds in Tasmania
  • LOU’S PEARLMAN USA (Sweet Lou USA – Lucy’s Pearl USA – Well Said USA) 1:47.4 US$1,262,271 Available from Tourello Standardbreds in Tasmania
  • PEBBLE BEACH USA (Downbytheseaside USA – Santa Rosa – Western Ideal USA) 1:48.2 US$1,971,975 is standing his first southern hemisphere season at Alabar in Victoria
  • POSTER BOY (Somebeachsomewhere – Aston Villa USA – Artsplace USA) 1:49.1 $803,310. Successful first season sire, is standing at Llowalong Farms/Northern Rivers Equine in Victoria
  • RAGING BULL NZ (Christian Cullen NZ – San Sophia USA – Artsplace USA) 1:56.6s $115,581 is standing his second season at Llowalong Farms/Northern Rivers Equine, Victoria
  • RESTREPO (Art Major USA – Shes Innocent – DM Dilinger CA) 1:52.4 $527,118 is standing at Tipperary Equine in NSW
  • RIDE HIGH (Art Major – All The Magic – Live Or Die USA) 1:49.0 $289,427 is standing his 3rd season at Alabar in Victoria
  • STAY HUNGRY USA (Somebeachsomewhere USA – My Liittle Dragon – Dragon Again USA) 1:47.6 US$1,303,709 available for his fourth season by FROZEN SEMEN from Empire Stallions in Vic
  • SUMMA CUM LAUDE USA (Somebeachsomewhere USA – Western Graduate USA – Western Hanover USA) 1:50.2 US$551,275. Available by FROZEN SEMEN from Tourello Standardbreds in Tasmania
  • SWEET LOU USA (Yankee Cruiser USA – Sweet Future USA – Falcons Future USA) 1:47.0 US$3,478,894 is standing at Woodlands Stud New Zealand.
  • TALL DARK STRANGER USA (Bettors Delight USA – Precocious Beauty – Art Major USA) 1:47.2 US$2,020,195 available by FROZEN SEMEN from Empire Stallions in Vic
  • THE STORM INSIDE (Rocknroll Hanover USA – Spirited Storm USA – Artsplace USA) 1:50.7 $311,125 is standing his 4th season at Alabar in Victoria
  • TIGER TARA NZ (Bettors Delight USA – Tara Gold NZ – Dream Away USA) 1:49.8 $2,375,065 is standing at Medowie Lodge NSW.
  • ULTIMATE MACHETE NZ (Bettors Delight USA – Reality Check NZ – Armbro Operative USA) 1:51.9 $823,896 is standing for Alabar at Cobbitty Equine Farm, NSW.
  • WARRAWEE NEEDY CA (E Dees Cam USA – Great Memories USA – Apaches Flame USA) 1:46.8 US$1,255,384. Standing at Yirribee Stud in NSW
  • YANKEE ROCKSTAR (Rocknroll Hanover USA – Aston Villa USA – Artsplace USA) 1:52.2 $329,048 Available from Northern Rivers Equine, Victoria.

PLEASE CHECK THE STATE BREEDING SCHEME TO CHECK ON ELIGIBILITY FOR THE VARIOUS SCHEMES.

Dont forget the stallions in WA, including ADVANCE ATTACK NZ, BONAVISTA BAY, CAPRICORN COMMANDER, CAPTAIN AHAB USA, FLY LIKE AN EAGLE, GOODTIME SAMMY, RENAISSANCE MAN, SHOOBEES PLACE USA, ULTIMATE SNIPER NZ and WESLEY

1 SEPTEMBER START TO THE BREEDING SEASON
The start of the breeding season in Australia is 1 September. The change to Rule 92 was made in 2016. A further update to Rule 92 has occurred to accommodate the change to the racing season in Australia

Rule 92.  (1) … , provided that the service date of the foal is on or after 1st September the age of a horse shall be reckoned as beginning on 1st January in the next but one racing year.

This means that if your mare is ready for early service, she can be served from 1 September. Please ensure you DO NOT allow your mare to be served before 1 September, regardless of whether the service is AI, paddock or hand services. As long as your mare is served after this date, your foal will be treated as being born on 1 September if he/she is actually born prior.

NOTE: The racing season has changed to a calendar year in Australia. This does not impact the breeding season dates.

THE WESTBRED BONUS AND FIRST WIN BONUS – GO RACING!
Following reviews in 2014 AND 2017, the Westbred Bonus Scheme conditions applying from 2022 onwards are:

  • payment of a Westbred Bonus on ALL 2 and 3yo races under $22,000. Yes, that includes all 2 and 3yo races which are under $22,000 in stakes. The Westbred Bonus is paid to the racebook owners;
  • You also receive DOUBLE THE WESTBRED BONUS on the 2 and 3yo races under $22,000 if your Westbred WINS the race and is Westsired – ie sired by a Western Australian based sire (at the time of service of the mare);
  • A First Win Bonus of $3,000 is paid to the registered breeders and the same payment is also made to the owners (as recorded in the racebook);
  • The country (race stakes now less than $6,500) Westbred Bonus is $3,750, and is split between 1st to 4th place;
  • Commencing with 2yos racing in calendar year 2023, the Westbred Bonus is now $5,000 where race stakes are $6,500 to less than $15,000. For older crops it remains at $3,750, all split between 1st to 4th place;
  • Commencing with 2yos racing in calendar year 2023, the Westbred Bonus is $7,500 where race stakes are $15,000 to less than $22,000, ie metropolitan race stakes. For older crops it remains at $6,250 and is also split between 1st to 4th place;
  • All Country Council Derbies are now eligible for payment of the Westbred Bonus where they are under $22,000 in stakes;
  • Breeders continue to receive the equivalent of 12 1/2 % of any Westbred Bonus paid, which is additional to the Westbred Bonus paid to the racebook owners ;
  • Trainers and drivers continue to receive their percentage of the Westbred Bonus received by the racebook owners
  • AND if your Westbred horse has his or her first lifetime win in WA and that win occurs when he/she is 4yo or older, the full Westbred Bonus payment is applicable!
  • AND in a brand new initiative commencing 1 January 2023, Westbreds having their first career start will receive $500, payable to the racebook owners.
  • For a quick summary of the payments and benefits – click here

What does this all mean?? It means you benefit from racing a 2YO or 3YO Westbred eligible horse in races in their respective age groups. You still benefit if your 2yo or 3yo doesnt win until it is 4 years old or more, when the First Win Bonus and First Win Breeder Bonus and Westbred Bonus is still paid, regardless of age. And your Westbred will earn a minimum of $650 ($500 for its first career start and $150 if unplaced) on its first career start commencing in 2023.

This has been a win win win win – trainers, drivers, breeders and owners all get a benefit from racing Westbreds. If you Westbred doesnt win at 2 or 3, he or she is still eligible for the First Win bonuses regardless of the age at which they win their first race.

EPONA CREDITS
In WA, racing mares earn a credit equal to 10% of their winning stake (this amount is over and above the stake money earned) as a breeding credit, known as an Epona Credit. From 1 January 2023 a filly or mare can earn a maximum of $10,000 in Epona Credits (previously $5,000), which can be used to fully or partly pay for a stallion service fee when the mare goes to stud. The credits are not transferable.

Please contact RWWA if you have any queries about claiming your EPONA credits for your mare. To see the conditions and list of mares with credits, please click here

STALLION SERVICE FEE DISCOUNTS FOR WASBA MEMBERS

Some of the studs will offer discounts for multiple mares – always check with the stud before booking your mare/s in.

We are currently negotiating discounts for 2024. Sincere thanks to Cobbitty Equine and Alabar for their support for WASBA members in 2023.

BREEDING SERVICES IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Allwood Stud (Mick Holtham in Bullsbrook),  Global Breeding Farms (Mike Hackett at Mundijong), Hollywood Park  (Debra Lewis in Hopeland near Serpentine) and other establishments will be able to assist you with looking after your mares leading up to the start of the new stud season and beyond. Click on the name to go to either their website or an email address. Some of the farms offer a full range of services from breeding to an on farm stallion and importing semen, foaling down, weaning foals, halter breaking, sales preparation, pre-training, paddock agistment and individual irrigated paddocks for race horses.

STALLIONS OR MARES FOR SALE OR LEASE
If you are a WASBA member, contact WASBA if you have a mare or stallion that you are trying to lease out or give away, or acquire for breeding purposes, and we will try to assist you. There are often mares available for breeding if you find you need a mare for your breeding activities.  Send an email to info@wasba.com.au .   Any prospective buyers/lessors must deal directly with you.  We can also provide information in our Newsletter, or look to other options after discussing with you. 

There is also a Facebook page that many WA breeders, owners and trainers use to advise of horses that they are relinquishing or looking for – WA Harness Racing Trader

Please check out our Links page for information on stallions and other relevant breeding information. The full list of stallions is available on the HRA website (many listed on our Links page) and is updated as information comes to hand. Please note our sponsors on the right (click on the ad to go to the website) who are all providing support for the breeding industry in WA.

PAYMENT OF STUD FEES AND SERVICE CERTIFICATES
Studs are offering various fee structures for Breeders, including pay on positive test, pay on live foal and other time related fees and incentives. Please check with the studs to see what best suits your situation.

Some studs will also charge a working fee on top of the Service fee, and may also charge for the transport of semen. Please check with the stud/service provider what all the costs are before finalising your arrangements.

Online foal registration is replacing Service Certificates, unless you request one.

Service Certificates are generally made available from May to July, provided the relevant service fee is paid. If you have paid your service fee, please contact the stud concerned if you have not received your Service Certificate at least a month before your mare is due to foal.

If you have not (in WA) received your requested Service Certificate before your foal is born, contact RWWA with some details about the foal (date of birth, colour, sex, parentage) within 35 days of birth and as long as you follow up with the completed Service Certificate as soon as you receive it, they will apply the lower registration fees. However, in most cases the online foal registration system will be the preferred way of operating.

The RWWA Fee Schedules can be found on the Registrations & Forms Page or at the following link: https://www.rwwa.com.au/industry/registrations-forms/

VETERINARY FEES AND DRUGS ON PREMISES
Breeders are being charged a variety of veterinary fees – some veterinarians operate on contracts for the entire season, some operate on a fee for each cycle. PLEASE CHECK WHAT VETERINARY FEES WILL APPLY BEFORE YOU BOOK YOUR MARE IN. If you are not satisfied please discuss this with the stud or provider. to determine what best suits you, the breeder. There WILL be alternatives.

Not sure what drugs you can keep on your premises if you are a breeder or you have mares foaling and you train as well? While some drugs simply cannot be kept, there are other drugs which can be kept on your premises under certain specific conditions. Contact Judith Med at RWWA to confirm the requirements.

PAST WASBA STALLION RAFFLES AND TENDERS
A big thank you to all the Studs that have kindly donated a stallion service at reduced cost for either the annual raffle or stallion Tender, to enable WASBA to raise valuable funds that we can put back to you for stakes, breeding incentives, awards etc and rehoming initiatives. The current expenditure on these initiatives is over $30,000 per year.

We use part of the proceeds from the Stallion Raffle and Stallion Tender for our rehoming support. Each year, around $3,000 is provided to rehomers and in sponsorship for Off The Track activities. WASBA strongly supports responsible ownership, responsible breeding and rehoming initiatives. To receive any funding, you MUST be listed on RWWA’s website as an approved rehomer.

WASBA also donates funds to emergency bushfire support through our sponsor Budget Stockfeeds and other mechanisms.

WASBA would like to sincerely thank all the studs Alabar Bloodstock, Allwood Stud Farm, Cobbitty Equine Farm, Egmont Park Stud, Global Breeding Farms, KTC Bloodstock, Medowie Lodge, Northern Rivers Equine/Llowalong Farms, Soho Standardbreds, Westbred Pacing and Woodlands Stud for their current and past generous support for breeders.

HARNESS RACING LEGENDS FOR HALL OF FAME
The West Australian Racing Industry Hall of Fame honours the champions of WA’s rich racing history from across the three racing codes: thoroughbred, harness and greyhound. Inductees are nominated from the elite of our racing history. The induction of nominees generally takes place every two years and commenced in 2017.

The 2022 inductees were Royal Force (horse), Jim Hand and Andy Sheahan (trainer and/or driver) and Rob Bovell and Alan Parker (Associate)

Other nominees were:

  • Horses –  The Falcon Strike.
  • Trainers – Bob Pollock, Charlie Thomas, Bernie Cushing.
  • Associates – NIL. 

The previous inductees were:

Horses – Jack Morris and Norms Daughter (2019), Im Themightyquinn and Frosty Nelson (2017), Kola Girl and San Simeon (2014).

Trainers – Gary Hall Jnr (2019), Lyle Lindau and Harold Richter (2017), Gary Hall Snr, Max Johnson and Alan Woodworth (2014).

Administrators/Associate – John Hunt and Mick Lombardo (2019), Sir Frank Ledger (2017), Ray Holloway and Ken Casellas (2014)

The 2012 inductees were champion pacers from the past in Interdominion winners Binshaw and Preux Chevalier (Binshaw was the first WA bred winner), trainer/ drivers Fred Kersley Senior and Trevor Warwick, and administrator J P Stratton. For the full story and some history about these fantastic champions of the sport go to the Hall of Fame website www.waracinghalloffame.com.au . See the full list of inductees here .

HARNESS HISTORY ….

Did you know?

(A quote from Globe Trotting) The Standardbred is the world’s fastest harness horse and was developed in America in the late 18th and early 19th centuries after a Thoroughbred stallion called Messenger was imported from England. Messenger was a ‘flat racer’, not a trotter, but he sired many successful harness racers who were bred to horses with Cleveland Bay, Thoroughbred, Arab, Barb, Norfolk Trotter, Hackney, Morgan and specialised American pacing bloodlines. Messenger’s great grandson, Hambletonian 10, is considered the foundation sire, and all existing Standardbreds can be traced back to him. Born in 1849, Hambletonian 10 was a big and powerful horse, with huge hindquarters, a deep, thick chest and a croup 2 inches higher than his withers. This ‘downhill’ conformation made him an exceptional pacer and proved a strong gene, resulting in great harness racing success for both him and much of his 1,335 offspring.

The Standardbred breed registry was established in 1879, with all breeding stock required to pace a mile in less than 2 and a half minutes. This racing ‘standard’ is how the breed got its name.

Click here to read some interesting WA facts!