"Although re-typing the breed has been a massive undertaking, the switch to DNA is a sound investment," said Carpenter. "Not only is integrity of the Stud Book enhanced to a level never before possible, but every breeder will benefit from the simplicity and cost savings associated with pulling a mane hair root sample instead of calling in a veterinarian to draw blood."Breeders have a year from the foaling date to register their foals and The Jockey Club must have a DNA sample on file for the sire and dam in order to have the foal's parentage verified.
The Jockey Club reports that it has registered the first foal from the 2001 crop, making the filly by Eskimo--Home Together, by Homebuilder the first to be issued a certificate by using DNA to certify its parentage.Bred by John Franks, the filly was foaled Jan. 6 at her owner's Franks Farm in Ocala, Fla.Replacing the former blood-typing system with DNA has been a major project for The Jockey Club, according to executive vice president and executive director, Gary Carpenter,
