Photo: Supplied
This week in Dunstan Horse Feeds Meet the Breeder we catch up with Pete and Chrissie Algie who co-bred group one winner Jimmysstar (along with many other stakes winners) in partnership with Little Avondale Stud.
Tell us the story of Jimmysstar?
Star Guest was the first mare we owned and all her foals to race have been winners. Anniesstar is the first foal out of Star Guest and Jimmy is Annie’s third foal, full brother to Charms Star and In’Kantosstar. We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Sam and Catriona at Little Avondale Stud for many years now, they have also retained ownership with Jimmy. As a yearling he had a couple of issues with his legs, and we all decided that he needed time. He had a lovely time enjoying river rides and pre-training with Rebecca Sargent before he went to Guy Lowry and that is where the fun begins. He is named after my dad who would have loved him as much as we do, he’s a pocket rocket with the heart of his mother Annie, who sadly passed away last year from a paddock accident.
How many mares do you breed from?
We have five mares we are breeding from now.
What else do you have in your bloodstock portfolio? (foals, racehorses, stallion shares etc)
We have three foals for the 24 season, two Time Test fillies and a Noverre colt, two yearling colts by Time Test and Ace High, a three-year-old Proisir filly, a Shocking filly and Puccini gelding. We have retained shares in the three with Ciaron Maher.
Do you breed to race or breed to sell? If sell, how do you decide on what to retain and what to sell?
Both, it’s a hard decision sometimes, as they may not all be ready for the sales, we like to retain a filly or two to race and breed.
Do you seek advice on your breeding decisions?
Yes, we do, as we are certainly not experts!
Best breeding advice you have received?
Listen, learn, take advice and do your research.
What do you love about the thoroughbred breeding industry?
The Passion, the excitement, The Joy, the wonderful people you meet.
What advice would you give someone entering the industry as a breeder?
Have patience, try not to do it all on your own. Form partnerships and research your goals enjoy the journey.
Proudest moment as a breeder?
Watching the first foal you have breed win a race.
Finish this sentence: The best part of being a thoroughbred breeder is… seeing your first foal from your treasured mare, being part of a community who are passionate in what they do.
