At the close of my article on post-barren mares, it seemed appropriate to mute that it is arguable that a first foal is also post-barren, for it is the produce of a “fallow” mare. If one can reason, acceptably, that a mare “not bred” is a barren mare, then the argument is sustainable. And a general acceptance of this premise, could prompt an insatiable clamour for first/post-barren foals.
Granted that some/all may find this logic wanting, nonetheless, in parallel, first foals, like post-barren foals, have made an incalculable impact on the breed of the thoroughbred.
Historically, first foal – “firstlings” – were anathema to breeders and buyers alike, an insidious rejection which became implanted in the collective mind of those in racing, and grew through from the early years of the breeding of the thoroughbred to a standard response… first foal – begone
A reason for this prejudice has never been articulated, but it would not be unreasonable to suggest that it resulted from of the hand-me-down learning, observations and experience of earlier generations. Then men, closer to Nature than we now are, saw that this innate power, this regulator, would invariably lend assistance to a mare with her first-born, generally moulding a smaller individual within the womb, making the birth easier. And watchful eyes, aware that stature was a significant attribute, noted that “firstlings” were disadvantaged alongside companions born from “experienced” mares – weedy, undersized runts, pigmys… animals to be avoided… It was never allowed that Nature might compensate the Lilliputian’s size. Many a “generous donation” was made as owners gratuitously gave away these foals.
And why not ? This deeply held scorn for these animals was the writ of the day, and come yearling sales time, they, smaller, less eye-taking propositions than those foals from experienced mares, confirmed the righteous belief. . What the eye saw, conjured in the mind a prejudice. It was without substance in fact, but broad opinion took hold, corrupting rational thought and ignoring all reason… it was/is a concept, an idea which bit, and still bites, deeply. In 1914, describing Aleppo’s victory in the Chester Cup, the correspondent wrote: “He is by the Marco horse, Beppo and the first foal of Chere Reine, a mare by Florizel II out of Isoletta, by Isonomy – a `rare’ staying pedigree. Isoletta (a first foal) is also the grandam of Bayardo and Lemberg. So many first foals have been doing well on the Turf lately that the prejudice against “firstling” ought to be considerably modified.”
It was a cry unheeded, and 35 years later, the Italian correspondent for “The Bloodstock Breeders’ Review”, reported that: ”Mignard (1946), is the first foal of his dam and this is the reason why Tesio did not enter him in the Derby Italiano.”
Now, and another 50 years on, the prejudice persists. Is it a valid reason for their repudiation? In the past, conceivably, yes. Without central information sources for reference, each man charting his own course, the bigger picture was not there to look at.
In fact, historically, first foals, despite the antipathy towards them, held, and hold, distinguished place in the development of the Thoroughbred. Melbourne (1834), eminent stallion, sire of the first winner of England’s “Triple Crown”, West Australian, among the host of top-class animals he sired, was a first foal; the 14.3 hands, Pocahontas (1837) dam of Stockwell, King Tom and Rataplan, of whom, Charles E Trevathan, writing in his book “The American Thoroughbred”, said of her: “Pocahontas became the most wonderful broodmare in all English history. Her three great sons have been among the greatest sires which the English have known”; 118 years later, in 1955, another Pocahontas, and again a first foal, was bred in America. Following a useful racing career, she bred Tom Rolfe; the modern taproot mare, Queen Mary (1843), whose descendants are a veritable “Who’s Who” of class, was a first foal; the sire line stallion Hampton (1872) was a first foal; as was Carbine (1885), who established himself facile princeps of all the horses to race in the southern hemisphere, and rests securely among the great thoroughbreds of all time; and the diminutive Rock Sand (1900), a winner of England’s “Triple Crown” – all carried Cain’s mark.
But, in this day and age, repudiation of the first foal is akin to a superstition, and the result of ignorance and unreasoned prejudice. Scientists, agronomists, nutritionists, all with the aid of research, have compensated so much, not only for first foals, but for all foals. Only in size (and not always that) can prejudice be levelled at the first-born foals – and we have examples aplenty of “small packages” where ability has counterbalanced any lack of height and bulk.
Nonetheless, I am reliably informed by breeders that this prejudice remains, if not prevalent, a nagging negative in the mind.
Within “Peerage of Racehorses”, I sought to number each entry as “A first foal… A second foal” etc. Of course, without the Stud Books of the world at my command, it is incomplete. Nonetheless, I pursued the aim, and certainly from those books that I command, I have “numbered” several thousands among the 50,000 plus horses embraced
Thus a flick through “Peerage” (the database), seemingly countless names lit my screen. The “A’s” proffered Alleged, Alpenkonig, Ardross, Athens Wood, Aureole etc… etc… the “B’s” Bald Eagle, Bella Paola, Black Helen, Buchan… the “C’s” Coronation V, Court Harwell… Skimming down the pages, Ela-Mana-Mou… Flaring Top… Goodbye Halo, Green Dancer…
Alleged (1974) was dual winner of Longchamp’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – and syndicated to stud for $16 million… Aureole (1950), conceived when Hyperion was nearing dotage, proved this mighty stallion’s best racing son… Bald Eagle (1955) included among his dozen victories, dual wins in Laurels’ Washington International Stakes… Bella Paola (1955), was the winner of three Classic races, and would have to figure among the top ten fillies to have raced in England in this 20th century… Black Helen (1932), an undersized filly who dominated her generation in America… Coronation V (1946), winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe… Court Harwell (1954), at stud, following a useful racing career, rose to head the list of Leading Sires in England in 1965… And leaping the alphabetical table, first foals number among their host Kris, Machiavellian, Mahmoud, this latter the winner of Epsom’s Derby Stakes in a record time which held for some 60 years; and was the Leading Sire in America, in 1946; the 15.1 hands Prince Bio (1941), a sterling competitor despite his lack of inches, who at stud rose to become the Leading Sire in France in 1951; and the sire of three sons to head the list of Leading Sires in three countries; Pawneese (1973), winner of Epsom’s Oaks Stakes, Chantilly’s Prix de Diane, Ascot’s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes… Unconvinced ?..
Then what of Dahlia (1970). The most international of racehorses, who contested and secured ten victories at Group One (no handicaps) level in five countries, including, in France, Longchamp’s Prix Saint Alary and Grand Prix de Saint Cloud, in Ireland, the Irish Guinness Oaks Stakes, in England, Ascot’s King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2),York’s Benson & Hedges Gold Cup (2) in America, Laurel’s Washington International Stakes and Belmont’s Man O’War Stakes, and in Canada, the Canadian International Championship Stakes…. She was a first foal. Or…
Riverman (1969), winner of Longchamp’s Poule d’Essai des Poulains; and the Leading Sire in France in 1980 and 1981; in 1980, syndicated for $18,000,000. Or…
Seattle Slew (1974), winner of the American Triple Crown among his 14 victories from 17 starts; and the Leading Sire in America in 1984.
Again this is not a northern hemisphere phenomenon. In this part of the world, first foals have made similar impact… remember Horlicks (1983), who focussed international attention on the southern hemisphere when she won Tokyo’s Japan Cup; and what of Luskin Star (1974), who failed to find a buyer (was this first foal prejudice?) at the Sydney Yearling Sales, before going on to win 8 of his 9 juvenile starts, including a seven lengths victory in the STC Golden Slipper Stakes; Lunchtime (1970), a winner of Newmarket’s Dewhurst Stakes before becoming a leading sire in this part of the world; Last Tycoon (1983), a sprinter of the highest class, who stretched himself to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita, before going on to make a name for himself as a stallion; and what of Rancher (1979), a winner of 8 of his 9 juvenile starts, and 9 of his 12 career starts, annexing multiple Group One victories; and the outstanding racemare, Emancipation (1979), a winner of 19 career victories, and “Australian Horse of the Year, 1984.”
Of course, all of the ignorance apropos first foals, swept aside by the foregoing, could and should have been redressed in myriad column inches in the racing press concerning the lives and careers of Northern Dancer and his son, Sadler’s Wells. But, never is there a mention that each is a first foal.
The omnipresent Northern Dancer, who threatens to sweep aside other sires lines, was the first foal of his dam. In stature, he measured just 15.2 hands, fulfilling Natures bargain. Sire of 633 foals, he was not just the world’s Leading Sire, but is also the world’s leading Sire of Sires. His sons include Nijinsky (1967 – 847 foals :152 stakes winners); The Minstrel (1974 – 510:58); One for All (1966 – 490:30); Viceregal (1966 – 397:35); Vice Regent (1967 – 597:93); Danzig (1977 – 601:112); Nureyev (1977 – 465:91); Storm Bird (1978 – 457:47); El Gran Senor (1981 – 230:34); Sadler’s Well’s (1981 – 541:77); Secreto (1981 – 396:29); Lyphard (1969 – 780:107). And his sons or their offspring, at stud, are myriad. In the American Bloodhorse Stallion Register for 1997, in excess of 300 stallions have Northern Dancer at their first second or third removes – almost a third of the catalogue.
Now, Sadler’s Wells (1981), like his sire, continues the dominance of Northern Dancer in the northern hemisphere (European sphere), where he already is five times the Leading Sire in Britain, and once in France – and heading towards a sixth British title.
All of the above, as with post-barren foals, is of passing notice… observation applied to a known prejudice to the first born… and again it is highlighted that breeders may rightly point out that one may ignore the first foal to their regret… and to alert buyers, who dismissively overlook first foals, they likewise, may suffer lean years of regret.
Assuredly, it is undeniable that the impact of post-barren/first foals, in concert, is immeasurable – and for the good of the breed.
