The Jockey Club rescinds cap on mares bred per stallion

The Jockey Club announced Monday that it is rescinding the following italicized language in Rule 14C of The Jockey Club’s Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Studbook that addresses limitations to the total number of mares bred per stallion:

The total number of broodmares bred per individual stallion whose year of birth is 2020 or thereafter shall not exceed 140 per calendar year in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The Jockey Club shall limit the number of Stallion Service Certificates for such stallions to a maximum of 140 per calendar year.

A similar rule was first proposed in September 2019 before being adopted in its current form by the board of stewards in May 2020, following extensive public comment.

“The Jockey Club board of stewards is rescinding this rule as it is concerned that the reaction to the rule may divide the industry at a time when there are many important issues that need to be addressed with unity,” said Stuart S. Janney III, chairman of The Jockey Club. “We are taking this action for the greater good of the entire industry.

“The Jockey Club remains committed to the sustainability and welfare of the breed and will continue to invest in programs and research that will bolster and support the industry in the years to come.”

The Jockey Club will continue to maintain the Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Studbook in keeping with its mission to ensure the health of the Thoroughbred breed.