With more or less an 11 month gestation period for mares, foals start to arrive the next year in the month of August.
While foaling dates can be a bit misleading, an August (early) foal can be an advantage if preparing for the yearling sales, as opposed to a late (November/December) foal. This is more or less as the early foal has about a three month growth advantage over his/her younger contemporary. Having said that, it doesn’t mean it will hold anyone back at a later stage. Like humans, horses grow at different rates; some earlier than others.
For example, in the past twenty years VRC Derby winners and Elvstroem (2003) and Lion Tamer (2010) both won the VRC Derby having been born on 14th and 24th November respectively. This technically made them both 2YOs when they won Flemington’s most challenging race for 3YOs.
Similarly, So You Think was born on 10th November, 2006 making him still a 2YO when he won the 2009 W.S Cox Plate. He won the Cox late at only his fifth start.
Of foals born in August two of Australia best gallopers to be born in August include Black Caviar (18th August, 2006) and Kingston Town (31st August, 1976). Both scaled the lofty heights in Australian Racing history and are etched in Australian racing folklore; Black Caviar, a three time Champion Australian Racehorse of the Year Title Holder (2011, 2012 and 2013) and Kingston Town, a three time W.S Cox Plate winner and 1979/80 Champion Racehorse of the Year. Both are inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
