Jane Thomas, owner of the Far End Stables will be bringing one of the largest drafts and most high-quality drafts in the 2019 Emperors Palace Ready To Run Sale. Thomas has owned Far End since 1988. She held a trainer’s license from 1990 for a decade but preferred to continue with her true passion for pre-training and spelling while raising her sons.
The Impact team chats with Thomas about her 2019 draft and much more:
Q: Please tell us more about your large draft and tell us in a bit greater depth about the pedigree, type, physical attributes etc about your highlight lots.
A: I have a great draft. 13 colts and 21 fillies. I have something for everyone. Standouts are my Dynasty colt lot 55,(he has one of the best actions I’ve ever seen on a baby), my Flower Alley filly lot 102, high-quality specimen, a full sister to a winner first time out, and the Master Of My Fates Lot 62 and 74, very quick. I have some very nice Elusive Forts Lots 1, 52, and 70 ( lovely actions and temperaments)and the first season sires Coup De Grace (Lots 13 is a half-sister to African Warrior, highest rated 3 yr old in the country, and 100 who is really quick.) Futura, (48 amazing strides) Legislate(139 well-grown and tough) and Flying The Flag (61 massive actions)are looking very promising. The lesser commercial lots made up for it in their gallops, Lots 33, 53, and 138. I also have smart lots by the evergreen Querari (96) and constant stakes earners Oratorio (114) and Var (15 and 86)and a tough good hind quartered Pomodoro filly Lot 140
Q: How did you handpick horses? Could you please tell us more about your process? If the horses are bred by you how do you plan
the matings/ pedigree cross?
A: I visit all the studs each year and see the babies well before sales time, at the sales I pick individuals who can be forward, sound and ready for the Breeze Ups. I take a chance on new season sires and hope they run as they look they might. This year I think I have made the right decisions!
Q: How did you get involved in the thoroughbred breeding industry? Please tell us more about the history and the size & facilities of your farm. If you hadn't chosen to breed as a career what else would you have done?
A: I have owned this farm since 1988, held a trainer’s license from 1990m to 2000 and since then I have been pre-training and spelling. I have been lucky enough to work with some really smart horses. Far End Farm is my home and I have brought up my sons, Mzo, 28 and Luke 24 here, horses have always been my love and it is probably the only career I’d have been any good at!!
Far End is 314 ha I have 100 stables trotting and exercise tracks totalling 7k. Plenty of turn out paddocks and experienced staff.
Q: Please tell us about the most expensive horse you ever sold? When you sold him was the horse sold to people who knew you and realised these were great horses? If not, what happened?
A: I have bought nice horses for people including Group 1 winner Afrikaburn and Cape series winner African Night Sky.
Q: Could you please tell us more about your successful graduates from the Ready 2 Run sales; you have participated in during the last few years?
A: Red Barrel won the Ready to Run Sales Race a few years ago and ended up being an 8 or nine-time winner, Zodiac Ruler also did very well GR 2 at 2 and second in the SA Derby, also from my draft.
Q: And finally which is your favourite horse and why is he special?
A: I am not allowed favourites! I love them all!! Its My Turn, last years champion stayer is a special boy though. I pre-trained him and then he came back to Far End with a very bad injury and after his time with me won, the KZN Derby, the Gold Bowl and the Gold Cup all on the trot!!.