Dr. William Gray and Jill Gray

Dr. William Gray and Jill Gray are longtime members of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

Q: When and how did you first get involved in the Thoroughbred breeding industry? How does your professional background influence your Thoroughbred breeding plan?

 

A: My first experience with breeding began in 1969 with my father, Wesley Gray in New Mexico.  We hauled an old mare in a one-horse trailer pulled behind our car to a small farm south of Albuquerque.  We unloaded the mare, she was in heat (apparently), bred the mare, paid the $100 stud fee, loaded her back up and took her back to the pasture.  She had a colt 11 months later.  It was easy money!

 

Now, 45 years later, I am a practicing veterinarian, running a multi-doctor practice and a small breeding/racing operation.  Now I have to deal with problem mares, sick foals, lame and colicky horses.  Many days I wish I could go back to that one-horse trailer, $100 dollar stud fees, and my dad paying for the gas!  The problem is that my wife Jill and I love our horses, veterinary practice, and clients.  We haven’t been able to find anything that is as life challenging, exciting or rewarding.

 

Q: What has been the highlight of your career in the industry, and what are your ultimate goals?

 

A: In 2001, we were involved with a mare, Collect Call, multiple stakes winner and ultimately ran third in the Kentucky Oaks.  Our neighbor, friends, and clients, Rod and Lorraine Rodriquez, let us share in the mare’s campaign.  It was a great experience.

 

Of course, as a breeder, having one of your babies win the Cal Cup is pretty tough to beat!  We got pretty close with Iced Out (3rd) in 2006, so it was a real sweet win.

 

My ultimate goal is to raise horses that are sound, have long careers, and compete at those levels.

 

Q: If you could make one change to the industry what would it be? How do you think it would benefit both your business plan and that of others?

 

A: Change?  In a perfect world, I would eliminate all medication 5-7 days prior to racing and have zero tolerance for infractions.  I would like to see veterinarians paid for their diagnostic skills and less for their pharmacological ingenuity.  We would also find out which trainers had the horsemanship skills to keep horses sound.  It would put integrity back at the top, champion the horse, and give the gamblers confidence in the sport, i.e. increase the handle!

 

Q: In five years, do you anticipate having more, less or the same degree of involvement in the industry, and please explain why?

 

A: We will continue to participate at our current levels as long we remain healthy and can produce good sound horses.

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