Some interesting statistics reported by Mark Smith on RaceNet today:

"The 2005 Easter Yearling Sale catalogue emphasizes the strangle hold of the Hunter Valley powerhouses on the top end of the market. Stallions standing at Coolmore, Arrowfield, Darley, Widden, Woodlands and Vinery account for 491 (82%) of the 598 yearlings catalogued.

"Coolmore stallions alone contribute 228 yearlings, 38% of the total offered. In fact that figure blows out by a further 26 yearlings when stallions owned or part owned by Coolmore that stand at different studs are added in.

"When 60 yearlings by New Zealand based sires are factored in, it leaves slim pickings for the vast majority of Australian stud farms."