“We are experiencing the unknown. This is much worse than last year. We are finding it especially tough in Ontario where breeding numbers would be 60-70 per cent down, and 20 to 30 per cent down in the U.S,” Bell told Harnesslink.
He believed the population of harness racing participants was dwindling.
“There are not the same amounts of people involved and those that are breeders are holding their money until they see what happens in Canada and other jurisdictions.
“Money is tight these days and people are holding on to it for as long as they can,” Bell said.
He said of the farms’ almost 40 stallions Badlands Hanover (Ontario) and Shadow Play (Ontario) were holding their own, but were far from being fully booked.
“They would be our most popular stallions so far this breeding season but even then they have both got plenty of bookings left.
“It appears that unless you have the top five to 10 stallion like Somebeachsomewhere, Cantab Hall, Well Said and say Bettor’s Delight, then the breeders don’t seem to be interested,” said Bell.
He was quick to point out that owner Joe Thomson was not doing anything out of the ordinary to warrant the decrease in numbers.
“Joe is the greatest guy in the world to work for. He is so passionate about the industry. He loves the sport. I think what’s happening is sadly just a sign of the times.”
“In saying that people will always want horses, and we will always provide them,” Bell added.
He said all of his stallions were currently herding but was still confident lots of future winners would still come from Winbak farms in 2013.
“Our stallions are fairly priced and everyone knows about the very good and wide ranging selection of horses we have."
“You only have to look at a not so popular stallion like Giant Hit. His book is small compared to some but he has a 70 per cent win-rate and you know that if you go to him you are almost guaranteed a winner."
“This breeding season is out of the ordinary. We have got what people need but they are holding off for some reason."
“We just have to grin and bear it,” Bell said.
Founded in 1991 by Joe and JoAnn Thomson, Winbak Farm specializes in standing, breeding, raising and selling some of the best Standardbred horses in the industry. Winbak’s flagship farm is located on 2,000+ acres of lush Maryland farmland, with operations extending into Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Canada.
Since 1998, Winbak Farm horses have earned over $184 million in purses and won over 19,500 races. Winbak Farm is the industry’s largest single family owned and operated breeding farm.