CHAMPIONS OF THE MATCHEM AND HEROD SIRE LINES
Unfortunately, very few Thoroughbred bloodlines other than Eclipse now remain. They represent a precious source of genetic diversity. Matchem breeding is useful for increasing bone substance and adding galloping power. Herod breeding tends to
add height, neuromuscular coordination, and a better-defined, longer shoulder. Almost all American-bred Matchembreds descend through Man o’ War, although it is still possible to find
broodmares that trace directly to West Australian. Ksar is an excellent individual whose sire line frequently shows up in Grand Prix jumpers, but there’s no lack of speed in his
pedigree, and this line too could add strength and “pleiotropic serendipity” to modern flat-track racing. The Tetrarch is another reliably fast—and tough—sire line that should be more frequently used.