ON the invite of breeder Alfred Mathie and the urging of others, Trackside ventured to Mercedes Stud and Farm on Sunday last to see what he had on offer to potential buyers.

The invitation was taken up for more than one reason. Firstly, Trackside had never set foot at Mercedes before and, secondly, upon quiet observation over the years, Mathie has noticeably bred some decent horses, good earners, from what Trackside would consider decent stock.

Horses such as QUIET GIANT, DIM SUM, LITTLE OCHI, QUEST FOR GOLD, OPEN COUNTRY and BISTRO are high on Mathie’s resume.

In addition, the stallion IRISH QUEST, who sired runners such as DISTINCTLY IRISH, ROYAL COMMAND and QUIET GIANT was owned by Mathie.

Therefore, a quick scan of Mathie’s clients suggested, to Trackside, he was somewhat respected by horsemen as a breeder and should be worth the time.

Trackside was right because sometime after 1:00 p.m. the likes of Jamaica Racehorse Owners Association (JROA) president, Laurence Heffes arrived, followed by the likes of Francis Barnett and Louis Lyn of GOOD PROSPECT fame, Louis Phillips, Jamaica Racehorse Trainers Association (JRTA) president Vincent Edwards and other noted horsemen.

BURNING MARQUE, a well-built chestnut, who Mathie said, got 63 mares while he stood at HAM Farms, got more admiration from onlookers than the other two stallions on show, SKIPPING and CODED WARNING.

However, Mathie believes SKIPPING, who was bred in Britain and raced on both sides of the Atlantic after being sent to the United States in 2001, could be the classic sire.

“If it’s the build people are looking for, BURNING MARQUE is an excellent looker,” said Mathie.

“He’s from an exceptional female family and he could run. He’s tough and durable with 1:28.0 for seven and a half-furlong at Belmont as one of his best times.”

The big chestnut, foaled in 1996, certainly looked impressive with a high rear end and intelligent-looking head to go, the hallmark of a good galloper.

With 13 wins from a lifetime 42 starts, earning $270,856, BURNING MARQUE has several local admirers and should get his fair share of mares, adding to the 63 he served while across the road at HAM Farms.

SKIPPING was quiet looking but has rich credentials, didn’t race on lasix and placed a close second in a 1:34.0 mile.

“He’s a multiple Graded Stakes performer and was third in the Man O War Stakes,” Mathie pointed out.

Trackside was pleased another breeder is toughing it out, trying to improve the stock in addition to providing well-needed competition, which can only enhance the entire industry.

Mares were also on show and AWESOME POWER, owned by Carl Anderson of Mercedes Stud and Farm, literally stood head and shoulders, even in foal, over her impregnated peers.

Mathie pointed out his mares were all foreign-bred with decent lineage and should make their mark soon.   

The breeder told Trackside he formerly operated from a farm in Highgate, St. Mary but had to move to Port Henderson Road, St. Catherine to get closer to the action.

He’s actually making a comeback, having left the industry four years ago.

“Sometimes you get a little frustrated,” he said. “What you put in, if you’re not at certain farms you don’t get anything for what you produce but this is a game of the heart and you’ll be back in it,” he added.

Mathie believes quality horses will always have buyers.

“There’s always a market for quality horses,” he pointed out.

“I hope to breed quality horses and with the perception out there that what you get from bigger farms is ‘what left’, I hope to be perceived as a truly independent breeder. People will feel they’re getting the best I have to offer.”

See other Articles by Jimmie

Jan 28, 2006 'Taking Racing Seriously'  -   Jan 21, 2006 'No Fax No Facts'