The sales at OBS in Ocala are a pivotal time for young thoroughbreds. Not all thoroughbreds come through a two-year-old in training sale, but it is a great place to showcase the precocious fillies and colts. Two-year-old-in-training sales allow potential buyers to scope out a large group of horses and do a lot of homework before placing a bid. But buyers don’t do everything alone. From consigners to bloodstock agents, there are experts to help every step of the way. Having a few things in mind before attending the sales at OBS is helpful. Let’s look at this top 10 list for potential buyers.
1. Find or Have an Agent
Having a bloodstock agent by your side is like having a secret playbook for thoroughbred sales. These experts understand the thoroughbred market like a stockbroker understands the financial markets. They guide you through the maze of pedigrees and auctions with knowledge and finesse. They’re not just advisors but your partners in curating a robust horse portfolio.
2. Establish Credit with the Sales Company
Establishing your financial footing by setting up credit with OBS is crucial. By securing credit in advance, you position yourself as a serious contender in the auction arena. It’s the savvy investor’s way of showing they’re ready to run with the big horses, allowing you to focus on the race for the perfect thoroughbred rather than fumbling with financial hurdles. Visit the OBS credit applications page to learn more.
3. Have a Budget
Just like any good investment, you want to have a budget. Venturing into sales without a clear budget is like galloping blindfolded; you might end up off-track or, worse, in financial quicksand. It helps you avoid getting caught up in bidding wars and making impulsive decisions that could lead to buyer’s remorse. Remember, the goal is to find a thoroughbred that matches your aspirations without breaking the bank.
4. Have Trainers in Mind
Having a trainer or a roster of trainers in mind before you raise your hand at the sales is akin to scouting the track before race day to decide where to place your $2 bet. It’s a strategic move that sets you up for victory. Trainers are the architects behind a thoroughbred’s success, crafting customized training programs that hone a horse’s natural talent and turn potential into prizes. By engaging with trainers early in the buying process, you ensure you’re setting yourself and your horse up for success by matching the horse with the right trainer and program.
5. Consider the Track
When considering the purchase of a thoroughbred at the sales, you may want to consider whether you would like to be close to the track to visit. Opting for a track close to home has its perks, offering the convenience of frequent visits to see your horse train and race, and keeping you connected to their development and well-being. On the other hand, casting a wider net without concern for distance opens up opportunities to compete in more prestigious races or to work with top-tier trainers, regardless of location.
6. Develop a Post Sale Plan
After the excitement of the sale settles, it’s time to consider your thoroughbred’s next steps with a solid post-sale plan. Sending your new equine athlete straight to the track or opting for a stint at the farm isn’t a decision to take lightly. Coming out of a two-year-old-in-training sale can be harder on some horses than others, and listening to the horse is essential. If evaluation on pedigree and physical seems to say that this horse may want a later start of racing, you may want to consider some time at the farm before moving to the racetrack. On the other hand, if your new two-year-old seems to be the precocious type, then heading straight to the racetrack may be in your favor.
However, for many young or newly acquired thoroughbreds, a farm offers a serene environment to acclimate, recover, and receive tailored training away from the racetrack’s hustle and bustle. This period can be crucial for building strength, refining skills, and ensuring your horse is mentally and physically prepared for the challenges ahead. Whether you choose the immediate thrill of the track or the nurturing path of the farm, the goal is the same: setting the stage for a successful and healthy racing career.
7. Understand Breezing
The breeze show, a pivotal showcase of thoroughbred speed and agility, is your front-row seat to potential racing excellence. Understanding what you aim to achieve for your horse during this display is crucial. Are you looking for raw speed, stamina, or a glimpse of competitive temperament? Your goals should be clear. This is where leaning on your bloodstock agent or trainer becomes invaluable.
8. Assemble a Team
Embarking on the thoroughbred ownership journey doesn’t mean you have to ride solo. Entering the fray as part of a syndicate or a group of like-minded owners can shift this experience from individual to team sports. Pooling resources can open doors to higher-caliber horses and opportunities that might be out of reach individually. If horse ownership seems daunting, consider rallying a crew.
9. Evaluate the Horse
Visiting the sales to see a horse firsthand is an invaluable step in making an informed purchase. During show days, when horses are presented at the barn, it’s your opportunity to play detective, scrutinizing the horse’s physical conformation, such as its build, balance, and overall athleticism, and observing how it handles the bustle and pressure of the environment.
10. Choose a Colt or Filly
Choosing between a colt or a filly at the sales often hinges on your aspirations, both on the track and beyond. Colts carry the allure of glory and, potentially, lucrative stud careers after their racing days are over. They can offer a return on investment through stud fees if they perform exceptionally well in their racing careers. On the other hoof, fillies might catch your eye if you’re considering the long-term potential of breeding. A successful racing filly can become a prized broodmare, passing on her superior genetics to future generations of champions.
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