Mating figures for the 2011 southern season were significantly lower than those for the 2010 season.

To January 27, the Australian Stud Book reported 21,550 mares were mated for the 2011 covering season which officially commenced September 1.  There were 24,140 mares mated in 2010 and 24,610 in 2009.  

The Keeper of the Australian Stud Book, Michael Ford, said he expected the 2011 numbers to increase after late reports are lodged for a total of 22,500 mares that were covered by 700 stallions.

“The indications are that the breeding industry will not return to the pre-global financial crisis days when over 26,000 mares were mated year after year but I don’t see this as being detrimental,” Ford said.  ‘There are sufficient coverings to produce enough foals for racing purposes.”

A total of 45 shuttle stallions covered 4,356 mares or 20% of the 21,400 reported matings compared with 4,566 (20%) in 2010 and 4,238 (17%) in 2009;

Only one stallion, Fastnet Rock with 224 mares and standing at Coolmore, covered more than 200 mares.  In 2008, six stallions covered more than 200 mares so what was perceived as a worrying trend then has now diminished;

There were 66 stallions with more than 100 matings in 2011 compared with 77 in 2010;

442 or 68% were Australian-bred stallions, the same percentage as in 1990 when 2,500 stallions covered 35,500 mares. USA stallions are favoured next at 16%;

17 of the top covering 20 stallions were Australian bred, continuing the vote of confidence in the local product;

47% of mares were covered in NSW (up 2%), 24% in Victoria (up 1%), 15% in Queensland, 10% in Western Australia, 3% in South Australia and 1% in Tasmania.

Leading stallions by mares covered

224  Fastnet Rock
198  Bon Hoffa
192  Sebring
187  High Chaparral
180  Not A Single Doubt

166  Oratorio (Ire)
163  Blackfriars
162  Magic Albert
160  Choisir
158  Excellent Art