Racehorse TALK

In these tough economic times, with many mare owners "looking to leave their mare empty as the financial crisis bites deep," nominations manager Marco Pierluigi at Western Australia's North Dandalup-based Touchstone Farm (whose 2009 stallion roster includes Flying Pegasus, Natural Blitz, Redoute's Dancer & Vital Equine) announced "an innovative move" to "offer foal shares to approved mares to any stallion standing on our farm". Pierluigi explained: "Not only does this show our faith in our own stallions, but it also enables broodmare owners to upgrade to a stallion normally out of their price range. Even with service fees lower this season, it is still a large financial commitment when you are looking at the recent sale prices around Australia. By offering a foal share, it gives the opportunity to have broodmare owners commit to a top quality stallion without the huge financial risk. As the economy improves & market confidence returns to the sale ring, anyone with a quality weanling or yearling will be in a good position to maximise their investment."