{"id":12549,"date":"2018-02-23T12:15:46","date_gmt":"2018-02-23T12:15:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/etims.net\/?p=12549"},"modified":"2018-02-23T11:20:03","modified_gmt":"2018-02-23T11:20:03","slug":"the-norwegian-blue-thoroughbred","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etims.net\/?p=12549","title":{"rendered":"Drop the Dead Donkey"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a galaxy not so\u00a0far far away…<\/em><\/p>\n

A man walks into Tattersals Horse Sales and approaches a salesman.<\/p>\n

“I’m looking for a thoroughbred, optimum age, 2-4 years and a proven record over quality track and distance.”<\/p>\n

“Arent we all Sir” says the smiling Salesman. “Well we have lots of thoroughbreds on offer this weekend, what sort of level are you talking here?”<\/p>\n

The man pauses, thinks and says “Well I will be mostly running it in local handicaps but I dream of winning a Group race here and there and to be honest, I\u00a0aspire to\u00a0win a Group 1!”<\/p>\n

“Wow” says the salesman suddenly thinking of his commission. “May I enquire, what sort of budget are you talking?”<\/p>\n

“100 thousand guineas perhaps, could maybe even stretch to 200?”<\/p>\n

“I beg your pardon? stammers the salesman. “You expect a quality thoroughbred which can perform to optimum levels and meet any professional pressured demands against highly priced and developed peers for pin money?”<\/p>\n

“Well, could I maybe borrow one then?” utters the man.<\/p>\n

“Sir, Im sorry but your wasting my time, and may I say your own in this current\u00a0pursuit. You either have to invest a large amount to acquire true quality or you need to lower your performance expectations and work within realistic frameworks”<\/p>\n

“But Im good with yearlings!, and I’ve won a few local point to points too, I can\u00a0win the big races, Im sure I\u00a0can!” says the man.<\/p>\n

“Yearlings are fine up against other yearlings sir or down\u00a0in the\u00a0lower grades but you have to\u00a0remember their range is always limited” said the Salesman. “A good yearling can give you thrills over one season over certain distances\u00a0but if you dare\u00a0try running it against truly proven hardened quality over and over again\u00a0in the really big races then it will simply\u00a0crash and burn.\u00a0Yearlings are a long term project, you need time, technique, facilities and of course\u00a0patience and understanding, always\u00a0knowing where and when you should be\u00a0running them!” said the salesman.<\/p>\n

“Really?..I\u00a0just run mine everywhere, what’s the problem” asked the man?<\/p>\n

“Im sure that\u00a0it can feel\u00a0great parading them in the big ring but if you put too much demand on them too soon you will only set them back both physically and mentally . They need gradual exposure for progression. They need guided with encouragement not exposed to constant ridicule. Its\u00a0slow and steady not sink or swim. ” suggested the salesman<\/p>\n

“Yeah yeah okay!” sighed the man. who then pleaded “What about some old thoroughbreds that have been there, done that. Are there any of them going for sale?”.<\/p>\n

“There’s always a few old crocks kicking about to be picked up. They have the pedigree sure and the ribbons and\u00a0might well seem decent value but you have to\u00a0remember the very high maintenance costs, the concentration lapses and then\u00a0they have already plateaued so you then have the constant decline and ultimately you will be writing off any investment. ” suggested the saleman.<\/p>\n

“But I thought\u00a0an Oldie or two\u00a0could help with schooling my yearlings” said the man.<\/p>\n

“Of course they\u00a0can assist here and there\u00a0but that sort of thing is\u00a0usually best just\u00a0left to your trainers in truth. You do have a team of good experienced high level\u00a0trainers I assume?” asked the salesman.<\/p>\n

“Well” sighed the man.<\/p>\n

“Tell you what” said the salesman scanning a nearby brochure, “There is a selling plate race race tomorrow up at Perth, perhaps you could pick up a few cheap deals there..no real class but hey, you never know eh..you might just get lucky!”<\/p>\n

“Yeah, maybe I might” said the man, who turned up his collar to the approaching\u00a0cold wind and slowly turned to head towards the exit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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