I spotted an interesting new multimedia site from the US the other day (created as an interactive news site for the Kentucky Derby). A series of podcasts and video segments are available for download to allow you to experience the lead-up to the races via a series of behind the scenes interviews, plus all the action of the Big Day. The crisp, clean layout of the site is also well worth noting.

Speaking of podcasts, here's another website offering them: The Lexus Equine Forum. Formerly known as “From the Backstretch to the Winner’s Circle”, the program is the longest continuously airing radio program on Thoroughbred Racing in America, spanning more than 17 years. You can listen to the show live on the radio, via the Internet (live streaming) or at a time that suits you via downloading onto your iPod.

Barbaro's tragic breakdown in last weekend's Preakness Stakes was a horrific outcome for both the horse and his connections and also to the millions who followed the race worldwide. Not surprisingly, the result has also prompted the time-old debate about racehorse soundness.

There was a very interesting article in the The American Eagle that people may be interested in. The article goes on to state:

"Arthur Hancock, who bred Kentucky Derby winners Gato del Sol and Fusaichi Pegasus and owned Derby winner Sunday Silence, said there's another factor at work: the use of legal drugs in thoroughbreds that race in the U.S.

Veterinarians commonly administer drugs such as the anti-bleeding drug Salix, formerly called Lasix, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as phenylbutazone, commonly known as Bute, a pain reliever.

"We're breeding a chemical horse," said Hancock, who owns Stone Farm in Paris, Ky. "Nobody really knows the long-term effect of what those drugs will do. ... It's weakening the breed and it's dangerous".

This blog has just had its longest period of silence since it began 18 months ago but there is a reason for it. I've been offered a role at Summerhill Stud in South Africa so after 5 and a half years in Hong Kong, I will be moving to a new part of the world on June 30. This blog will then cease (Athlone's merchandising arm will continue however as we've spent way too many years building up relationships with the Chinese factories to let them go!) and you will also still see my name attached to the Dubai International Racing Club blog in future months. There will also be a blog attached to the Summerhill site in the coming months (perhaps not surprisingly!) - but the news will be South African rather than Australasian in focus.

Writing this blog has been an incredible journey - both in terms of knowledge I've acquired and also contacts - and I will miss it as it's been a refreshing medium to work from and I've enjoyed the skills it has taught me. Nevertheless, change is an inherent part of life and I am greatly looking forward to the next chapter in my life.

Once the next blog site is established I will post the URL for those who wish to look it up.

With best wishes
Katrina Partridge
Managing Director
Athlone & Associates Ltd.