August 4, 2014
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Thirty-five current and prospective owners and breeders met at Fasig-Tipton in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. to expand their knowledge on pedigree and conformation of the Thoroughbred. Jeff Cannizzo, executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., gave the opening remarks before Dr. Scott Hay, DVM provided an overview on conformation. Dr. Hay’s presentation was the perfect preface to the live conformation evaluations of select yearlings on the Fasig-Tipton sale grounds.
Tom Gallo and Bill Mott discuss the owner/trainer relationship
Pat Costello of Paramount Sales, Suzanne Smallwood of Equix and Mark Taylor of Taylor Made Farm each provided their own unique perspectives of various yearlings’ conformation that morning. Attendee Patty Lavelle of Windhorse Thoroughbreds, LLC said she “enjoyed every one of the speakers” and indicated that “the Fasig-Tipton facility was just perfect.”
The remainder of the day was spent at Keeneland with a private lunch in the Eclipse Room and an afternoon of racing. The clinic participants had the opportunity to network with each other and share experiences within the Thoroughbred industry.
Each player in the Thoroughbred industry may have a different perspective of conformation. To add to the perspectives of consignors and bloodstock agents mentioned above, the clinic then moved to Kenny McPeek’s training barn at the Saratoga Oklahoma Track. This unique experience gave clinic participants a new insight on how a trainer views and manages conformation.
The clinic wrapped up with a pedigree theory discussion by Jamie Hill of McMahon & Hill Bloodstock, as well as pedigree research and resources by Kyle Degener of Equineline.com.
TOBA’s seminar and clinic program, sponsored by The Blood-Horse, is open to anyone with an interest to learn more about a variety of aspects of the Thoroughbred industry. Topics include pedigree and conformation, breeding, and Thoroughbred ownership. Click here to learn more and register for an upcoming clinic.