Iowa: Native Ruler expected to have positive impact in 2012

This year’s survey of the Midwest stallion market and the corresponding broodmare population reflects the pragmatic attitude regional breeders have adopted since the nation’s economic downturn that preceded the 2009 breeding season. While returns at the major Thoroughbred sales this year are registering increases compared with the last several years, stallion and mare populations in the Midwest have remained constant, even in states where purses are supplemented by added gaming revenue.

The population of Iowa Thoroughbreds reversed a 12-year pattern of decline in 2011, when 190 mares were bred in the state, up from 174 the previous year. The state’s broodmare population had been in a steady decline since 1998, when 903 mares were bred in Iowa. There were no significant changes to the racing program at Prairie Meadows for its upcoming season, though plans were announced to offer account wagering later this year in addition to the March opening of an attached hotel complex to the racetrack’s existing casino.

Wild Gold led the Iowa stallion ranks for the third consecutive year with progeny earnings of $456,653. A 22-year old son of Wild Again, he stands at Madison County Thoroughbreds in Macksburg for a $2,000 fee. Second in the state’s stallion rankings in 2011 was Added Edge, a son of Smart Strike who stands for a $1,500 fee at Special K Stables in Runnels.

The state’s stallion ranks should feel the impact of a local favorite in the next few seasons as Native Ruler enters stud in 2012. Campaigned by Iowa native Maggie Moss, Native Ruler won 17 races, including 10 stakes, in a career that spanned 41 starts in six years. A son of Elusive Quality, Native Ruler will stand for a $2,000 fee at Abraham’s Equine Clinic in Cedar Rapids.

Also entering stud in 2012 is Rock the Rock, the only son of seven-time Grade 1 winner Rock of Gibraltar to stand in North America this season. Rock the Rock, who was bred in Ireland, will stand at Iowa State University in Ames for a private fee.

Transferring to Iowa this season is Woke Up Dreamin, a son of Holy Bull who will also stand at Madison County Thoroughbreds for a $2,000 fee.

New to state for 2012

New stallions for 2012