Nicking
SOURCE: Frank Mitchell, Nicking: proven formula fails more often
than not, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred, February 2000
If it worked for them, it will work for me. That pretty much sums up
nicking - the theory of copying the mating of a successful horse to
produce another successful horse. Nicking theorists believe there is
a benefit to the crossing of certain horses or sire lines and
successful crosses can be repeated. The most popular nick in recent
times has been the Mr. Prospector/Northern Dancer nick.
An example of the Mr. Prospector/Northern Dancer nick is Fusaichi
Pegasus.
Like all breeding theories, nicking has its supporters and
detractors. Supporters argue it is an indispensable part of their
breeding program while detractors say it is but a small piece of a
much larger puzzle. The principles of breeding to type, considering
conformation faults, and balancing attitude and racing character
should carry equal, if not more, weight than nicking statistics.
Common sense and good horsemanship should play a larger role than
theory.
