Sue Greene is secretary of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and past president.
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: I was introduced to Thoroughbred racing in 1968 after I convinced my Dad to buy the horse I was competing with in endurance racing. We completed the Tevis Cup 100 mile one day ride that summer and in order to continue competing I had to have a job to pay the expenses. I went to the track with a friend I rode with and got my first race track job cleaning stalls for Skip Retherford. I left the track to attend Cal Poly but returned after graduation and spent 12 years on the track. I purchased my first farm with Mr. Retherford. We stood the stallions Mr. Airstream and Battle Call. I have built two farms since, beginning a career in the breeding end of the racing industry. I have brought the knowledge gained at both the race track as well as Cal Poly into my everyday life on the farm.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career in the industry, and what are your ultimate goals?
A: I think one of many highlights was watching Autism Awareness win the El Camino Gr. 3 with my good friend who has an autistic daughter. Many tears of joy fell that day! I have had the honor to have raised one of California’s millionaires, Somethinaboutlaura, as well as G2 winner Mistical Plan. I have also been surrounded by some wonderful enthusiastic owners. I have been honored to serve on the Board of Directors of CTBA with, in my opinion, people who have devoted their lives to this industry. I am honored to have been chosen by the Board to serve as the President of CTBA for the past few years. My ultimate goal has always been to own several great broodmares, breed to the best I can afford and sell outstanding yearlings each year. I take extreme pride in the yearlings we offer each year at public auction and it is very rewarding to watch their racing careers unfold at various race tracks. I am just as proud of the lower claimers who try every time as I am of the stake horses I have raised.
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: I think that California currently has one of the better breeding and incentive programs in the country. If I could change one item I would like to consider looking at breeder awards for winners without restrictions as well as winning out of state. Unfortunately without some outside addition or added increase to our struggling purse structure I don’t believe our revenue could support such a thought. If our breeder awards could return to previous percentages we would encourage new breeders, mares and stallions into our program. We are capable of raising great race horses in California. We once had the richest racing in North America. We are currently working tirelessly to secure a new source of revenue in Internet poker. If we reach that goal our purses most definitely will reflect an increase and that will also translate to bigger incentives for breeders. We have great opportunities to run Cal Breds in stake races restricted to only Cal Bred or Cal Sired off spring with purses starting at $100,000 I don’t think other state breeder programs offer such opportunities! I love the phrase “It Pays to Own a Cal Bred!”
Q: In five years, do you anticipate having more, less or the same degree of involvement in the industry, and please explain why?
A: I plan to be breeding mares for many more years! I was extremely fortunate to be able to share in a winning Breeders Cup moment two years ago. That wonderful feeling only makes me work harder and strive to capture that moment with one of my own! I have worked hard as a Board member of CTBA to help keep our breeding programs alive and prosperous. Our industry is facing tough issues, trying times, declining fan base and yet when I have been able to witness bringing new people to the races or farms to see new born foals my faith is renewed that we are a viable industry worth fighting hard to protect. We face ever increasing costs with rising hay, grain, veterinarian, vanning, training, etc that make it harder and harder to succeed. Then when an Autism Awareness, purchased for a mere $1,000. can win two G2’s it makes you realize that dreams can come true! To that I say don’t give up, keep working hard to improve your stock, get involved with the associations that are working hard to protect racing. Be a voice for the horses we all love and enjoy watching romp in fields as foals and run and win at the tracks! Like them I love what I do, I can not imagine any other job I would rather devote my time and energy! I love this business!!