By Mike Dillon
Peter Walker has racing's most wonderful problem - whether to mate Tycoon Lil with Zabeel or Danehill.
"I haven't had a chance to come to terms with the decision yet," Walker said yesterday, "I've only just come to terms with the fact she is now a broodmare instead of a group one racehorse."
Walker decided to retire Tycoon Lil after the outstanding mare broke a small bone in her knee while paceworking at Takanini on Monday.
The South Auckland owner said many factors come into the equation of whether to choose New Zealand's headliner Zabeel or Danehill, who shuttles to Australia each year from the Northern Hemisphere.
"For example, what type of horse I want to end up with. Tycoon Lil's best distance was 2000m. Zabeel would probably stretch that distance while Danehill would be more inclined to bring the distance back in the type of horse he would get.
"Then there is the economics. Would it be better to market a Zabeel in Australia, or a Danehill here, or the reverse way round?
"Then, you have to worry about getting a maiden mare in foal early. If we had a very bad winter she might not get in foal until late, whereas warmer weather in the Hunter Valley might allow her to conceive earlier over there.
"There is a lot to think about and I won't be doing it lightly."
Whatever decision is made, Zabeel's co-owner and manager Patrick Hogan will be part of the process.
"Patrick is my advisor," Walker said. "I won't be doing anything without talking it over with him."
A Zabeel-Tycoon Lil or a Danehill-Tycoon Lil colt or filly would turn every head in town at the 2002 Karaka sale.
Horse Racing: Tough decision for Walker
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