The Jockey Club has released the latest thoroughbred breeding statistics for 2011. The figures reflect a continued downward trend. So far this year, 1,935 stallions have covered 36,504 mares in North America. Kentucky remains the top state for thoroughbred breeding, but the number of mares bred in the Bluegrass is down 9% from last year.Thoroughbred crops have declined across the country since 2006 as horse farms struggle through the down economy.
According to the Jockey Club, 11-year-old stallion Congrats is the top stallion of the season. He stands at Vinery Stables in Lexington with a stud fee of $15,000.
