Paul Dewey Bloodstock

Racehorse Buyers Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

I am interested in having a racehorse – how do I go about buying one?

 

Paul Dewey Bloodstock 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 via our "Contact Us" page 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.

 

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 the auction ring 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 us to bid on your behalf. The sales-ring environment can bring its own unique challenges and it is best, perhaps, left to us to act for you.

 

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 major yearling sales in Europe are at DBS (Doncaster) & Goffs (in Ireland) in 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. There are also key yearling sales in Deaville in August run by Arqana and in Germany by BBAG details of all the major sales dates can be found in our website.

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.

 

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. Paul Dewey Bloodstock 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.

 

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 of our company 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?

 

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. Paul Dewey Bloodstock can assist with any part of the process, including brokering a private sale on your behalf. Their expertise in the bloodstock industry and their strong contacts mean they are perfectly placed to help with such matters.