Info & Resources
I am interested in having a racehorse – how do I go about buying one?
A Blandford Bloodstock agent is always happy to have an initial explanatory conversation with an individual or a group of people wishing to become involved in racehorse ownership. We suggest that you make contact with our office and start up a discussion where we can understand more about what you would like to get out of racehorse ownership. This will allow us to help you make a plan that can hopefully deliver on your requirements.
Further information
BHA Guide to Ownership
BHA Interactive Brochure to Racehorse Ownership
Weatherbys Ownership Registration Forms
Can an owner come to the sales and help with selection?
For many owners, attending the sales is as exciting as attending the races. The buzz around an auction and the thrill of securing a horse that will, all being well, go on to run in your name almost matches the satisfaction of seeing it win at the racecourse. So, we certainly encourage prospective owners to visit the sales. The catalogues, especially for the major yearling sales, can be quite daunting, but it is our job to identify the best entries that match your requirements and budget. We would happily then inspect them with you, discussing each in turn. Alternatively, if you are unable to attend, we consider it very important to update you from the sales ring, if necessary, to take instruction.
Who does the bidding in the sales ring?
While an individual can register with respective sales’ companies, we recommend that you use a bloodstock agent to bid on your behalf. The sales-ring environment can bring its own unique challenges and it is best perhaps left to experienced agents to act for you.
Further information
BBM Sales Fact Pack
Federation of Bloodstock Agents – Code of Practice
What are the main sales?
It is hard to be specific as it depends on what type of stock the client may be looking to buy. However, the two major yearling sales in the Northern Hemisphere are at Keeneland (America) in mid-September and at Tattersalls (October Yearling), Newmarket. Other key auctions in the UK are the Horses In Training (Tattersalls, late October) and the December Sales (Tattersalls). The first week of this sale sees foals selling and the second week is primarily breeding stock. Europe’s premier breeze-up sale is the Craven, which takes place each April at Newmarket’s race meeting of the same name. From a worldwide perspective, Blandford’s agents are usually represented at all the major sales. If you are wishing to attend an auction and want to ascertain that an agent from the company will be present, please do not hesitate to make contact with us.
Further Information
Where should I have my horse in training?
Considering this from a UK and Irish perspective, this is again a decision for the client, but one which we are more than happy to advise you with. Tom, Richard and Stuart know many of British and Irish racing’s top trainers very well and will discuss, in line with your requirements, which one may be best suited to the horse you have bought. The key training centres in Britain are Newmarket, Lambourn and Middleham, so it may be that the nearest one to you will work out best if you wish to visit your horse’s stables on a regular basis. Once you have chosen a trainer, he or she will help you register with Weatherby’s, who administer racing in the UK for the British Horseracing Authority. The strong international network of contacts that Tom, Richard and Stuart possess also allow them to advise on training operations in Northern America, South Africa and Australasia – among other possible locations.
Further information
National Trainers Federation: UK Trainers Directory
I am more interested in breeding than racing horses – what’s next?
Similar to the terms of engagement ahead of a yearling purchase, it is important to approach buying mares with a plan. There are so many different aspects to bear in mind when buying breeding stock that an initial consultation with an agent is essential for a person or partnership moving into this field. For example, do you buy an older mare with a good pedigree and race her progeny with a view to the long game? Or instead do you buy an unproven broodmare prospect who has shown ability on the racecourse but may not have such a strong ‘page’ in the catalogue in terms of her extended family.
Further information
My horse has won a race or races and I am considering selling – what are my options?
If your horse has enjoyed a successful season it can often be very helpful to have it independently valued. This may give you the chance to consider selling it – hopefully for a profit – either at the Horses in Training sale, where it can be entered with a reserve, or privately. Blandford’s experienced agents can assist with any part of the process, including a brokering a private sale on your behalf. Their expertise in the bloodstock industry and their strong worldwide contacts mean they are perfectly placed to help with such matters.
I am looking for professional advice with the management of my bloodstock interests – what are my options?
Blandford’s agents offer a full management service, both of horses in training and breeding stock. Tom and Richard have worked for many clients, updating them on the progress of their purchases. Their excellent working relationships with the majority of Europe’s top trainers allow them to attend the stables to watch horses at exercise enabling the agents to provide full and detailed bulletins to owners. Similarly, with broodmares and young stock: Tom, Richard and Stuart can rely on the high regard in which they are held in their profession to visit studs and farms in order to help them supply reports to their clients.
I am established in Europe but I am keen to explore the options in emerging international markets – what should I do?
The bloodstock industry, indeed the business landscape, is always evolving with new initiatives and developments unfolding. Tom, Richard and Stuart always monitor the bigger picture and can help you identify emerging opportunities through their global knowledge of the racing/breeding world and international contacts.