ONE of Tasmania’s most prominent standardbred broodmares Barrington Lass made her way into the Australasian record books recently when one of her progeny Bymarjac won a race in Launceston.
Bymarjac was her 15th individual winner and put her equal with a mare whose progeny dominated in NSW for almost two decades.
Barrington Lass has been at stud since 1986, so at the age of 27 she has joined NSW mare Lovely Dawn who produced 15 individual winners during her time at stud during the 1950s and 60s.
Barrington Lass is owned by prominent Tasmanian trainer-breeder Barrie Rattray who bred Barrington Lass from Ann Byrd, a mare that he purchased in foal to Torado Hanover and that foal went on to become Swishinova that won 35 races.
Barrington Lass was Ann Byrd’s next foal but injury denied her a full racing career so she was sent to stud where she has excelled.
The mare’s 15 individual winners have produced 166 wins between them with two of her progeny, Gorse Bush and Bar Ron proving to be champion broodmares in their own right.
While none of Barrington Lass’s offspring have set the world on fire, Rattray maintains they have been “good bread a butter horses”.
Although Barrington Belle made quite a name for herself in the US where she won many races and clocked a mile rate at Meadowlands of 1.51.6.
Barrington Lass’ winners have been Alby Albert (19), Alla Breve (11), Barrington Belle (33 wins), Bar Ron (16), Barringtonboutique (10), Bymarjec (1), Christa (9), Beau Barrington (2), Gee Double You (10), Gorse Bush (10), Jay Double Ar (11), Kon Yak (9) , Mac Rat (4), Portrayal (7) and The Fat Controller (14).
Barrington Lass has slipped her past two foals by Art Major but Rattray is hoping she can retain the next foal but whether they try and get her pregnant will depend on the mare’s condition at the time.
Rattray says he still has an unraced four-year-old from Barrington Lass (x Tinted Cloud) named Atlarak that might get the mare the record.
“We are still playing around with Atlarak (4yo) and she gives the impression she might yet make it to the races and if she does she might just be the one to give Barrington Lass the record,” Rattray said.