Keystone: ARCH

noun \ˈkē-ˌstōn\

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keystone

Definition of KEYSTONE

1: the wedge-shaped piece at the crown of an arch that locks the other pieces in place — see arch illustration

2: something on which associated things depend for support <determination, a keystone of the puritan ethic — L. S. Lewis>

3: a species of plant or animal that produces a major impact (as by predation) on its ecosystem and is considered essential to maintaining optimum ecosystem function or structure

The Donn Handicap result has been very much on my mind, HYMN BOOK's sire, ARCH, is the keystone of our breeding and racing operation. In fact, my dad hasn’t stopped singing the praises of ARCH since we purchased his daughter ARRAVALE as a yearling. Dad has since built his bloodlines around this stallion and this morning I was reminded of just how solid that keystone is.  My first set of the day is with two of ARCH's daughters; a half sister to ROAN INISH, Ardara, and Lisvernane, the genuine filly who placed second in the Princess Elizabeth. Lisvernane was injured at the beginning of the 2011 season, but has recovered well.  The qualities of these two fillies are amazingly similar.  I have found them both to be well focused. They need patient hands, but they are happy-go-lucky in nature and are eager to train regardless of aches and pains. They want to please and, like ARCH himself, they keep trying with a ‘never say die’ attitude.  

In the next few days INISH GLORA  (REGAL CLASSIC) will produce an ARCH foal, and her daughter ROAN INISH (ELUSIVE QUALITY) will be bred to him in the coming weeks.  We have great hopes for these youngsters.

Nancy O, our  2yo filly out of ARRAVALE (ARCH) by PIVOTAL is a thrilling prospect simply because ARCH’s broodmare-sire statistics are so much to be envied.

ARCH has become a keystone to our Canadian breeding and racing operation.

Carolyn