Click here to read Duncan Grimley's full calculations.

It has been an open secret in the covering sheds of commercial studs that mare bookings have been on the decline, but now there are numerous reports of covers being almost 20% down compared to this time last year. It's time for a reality check on our industry's trajectory.

Stark reality check for future race fields as covering numbers drop again

Mare Numbers

Held in a single session on November 2, the 2026 Fasig-Tipton November Sale promises a star-studded evening of elite Thoroughbred offerings, with nearly 60 Graded stakes winners or producers represented in the catalogue.

Fasig-Tipton November Sale: Highlight Hips for the Australian market (Part 2)

Fasig-Tipton November Sale

Cosmic Crusader turns back the clock, Surfin’ Bird looks primed for another Group 1 tilt, and Proxima Dea continues her unbeaten rise. Nic Ashman analyses the sectionals behind a big weekend at Flemington and Randwick.

Sectionally Speaking: Shades of Super Impose in Cosmic Crusader Cox Plate triumph

Sectionally Speaking

Coolmore Ad

From a Kyneton maiden to a stakes victory at Flemington, Caddington’s rise is carrying the memory of Nicole Strang, with the Liam Howley-trained filly uniting family, friends and racing in support of breast cancer awareness.

A special filly, an enduring legacy and a Flemington fairytale

Caddington

Arrowfield Ad

The Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale got off to a solid enough start, with strong interest from international buyers across global racing markets driving competitive trade on highlighted lots. 


Solid opening to Tattersalls HIT Sale as Hong Kong and Australian buyers flex muscles

Tattersalls HIT 

Keeneland Ad

Play TTR Aus NZ Trivia!

Wednesday Trivia 

Quiz

Job Board

Foal Showcase

2026 Announced Stallion Fees

Daily News Wrap

Daily wrap-up

Looking Ahead - October 28

Looking Ahead

Social

Debutants

2YO & 3YO Winners by Sire

Winners By Sire

First Season Sire Runners & Results

1st Season Sires' Tracker

Second Season Sire Runners & Results

2nd Season Sires' Tracker

NSW Race Results

VIC Race Results

QLD Race Results

Australian General Sires' Premiership

Australian Sires' Premiership

Thanks for reading!

The Final Say

Daily Edition, Wednesday 28th October 2026

Home

Editions

Content

TDN

Contact

Social

Foal Showcase

Editions

Content

TDN

Contact

Social

Social

Home

Editions

Content

TDN

Contact

Social

Never miss an edition

Sign up to the TTR AusNZ daily edition

Foal Showcase

Editions

Content

TDN

Contact

Social

Social