Buying a Thoroughbred

Owning a racehorse can be a truly exhilarating and rewarding experience, and one of the first steps to its success is to become an informed buyer. (more)

New buyers are encouraged to ask questions from the many industry members who are eager to share their knowledge and provide a clearer understanding of the workings of the horse racing industry.

The Jockey Club of Canada holds regular seminars for new owners and has published “A Guide to Thoroughbred Ownership in Canada ” for those considering the purchase of their first racehorse. http://www.jockeyclubcanada.com .

When looking to purchase a Thoroughbred, new owners should seek assistance from a trainer and/or a bloodstock agent who is paid a commission to buy and sell horses. Determining your level of financial commitment and choosing the right trainer are the two most important steps in purchasing a racehorse. A trainer that suits your style can be invaluable in sorting through various ownership options as you will have to decide whether you want sole ownership of the horse, share an interest in one with other people through a partnership, or an investment in several horses through a syndicate.

Once you've done your homework, the next step is purchasing your racehorse, which can be done in any of three ways: through an auction sale , a private sale or a claiming race.

How to Buy at the CTHS ( Ontario ) Yearling Auction

Auction sales offer buyers not only the widest selection of quality bloodstock, but also an inexpensive way to purchase that winning racehorse. Any individual or group can attend an auction; however, new buyers usually prefer to work with a knowledgeable trainer or agent. Any individual or group can register to bid and new buyers should register the month before the auction as registration involves a credit approval process.