The Billabong's Thoroughbred Program

Our excitment for Thoroughbred racing comes from the respect and admiration we hold for the supreme equine athletes who compete in the sport. We hold the horses in the highest regard and aim to breed quality horses of sound mind and body who will not only be competitive on the racetrack but also have solid careers (and therefore good homes) after racing. In addition to breeding, we kicked off Lousiana Racehorse Partnerships (LRP). Under Louisiana Racehorse Partnerships we are able to offer our home-bred horses the very best start in their racing career because we retain management control over the horse through it's racing career. The partnerships allow others to share in the cost and excitement of ownership, and are a way of introducing newcomers to the sport, which is what our industry needs - more fans.

Why do we offer partnerships in our horses? Let me tell you a story. We got into this business when the demand for Thoroughbreds was high. By the time we had poured blood, sweat and tears (and lots of money) into our first foal crop, the market had taken a dive. When it came time to sell our yearlings, things were at rock bottom. We had a new foal crop on the way and a fresh crop of weanlings on the ground, and had to sell those yearlings. We worked for three months to prepare the fillies for the sale - grooming and primping them, teaching them to stand, load, and walk. When it came time for the sale, our fillies were spectacular. They were calm and confident and well-prepared. The sale barn was teaming with people and horses but it soon became apparent that we were all there for the same reason - to sell, not buy. There were empty seats all over the bidding area. Most consignors hoped to get their stud fees back.  Our first filly was early in the sale - hip 19. I took a place in the bidding area while Frank walked her around the back and waited for it to be her turn in the ring. Horses were selling for $100.00 and some not even selling. It remember it being like a movie-everything in slow motion. I took stock of the buyers. The filly entered the ring. A hand went up. The auctioneer's drone was a blur. My face was hot with addrenaline. The highest bidder was a character I don't want to describe here, but I couldn't bare to see her fall into his hands. The hammer was about to fall and I jumped in the air, waiving my hands, shouting 'Hey! Over here!' to raise the bid. I bought that filly from myself at the sale and brought her home. I couldn't afford to do the same for the next filly who went through the ring. Fortunately, she is in good hands today. I left that day owing the sales company money instead of receiving proceeds. After that sale, it was clear that in order to stay in the business we had to determine a method for putting our horses into the best training hands that money could buy. Hence, Louisiana Racehorse Partnerships was born.

In addition to breeding and partnerships, we offer mare care and boarding for youngstock. We love to board mares - they are our passion. The mares are the matriarchs of the business - to us, the most important element in the equation. Your mare is not a number on our farm, but an individual. She will receive the best care available while in our hands. Most importantly, we love to meet the people involved in the industry and hope that if you're not already part of it, that you will explore it for a while.