Pedigree Query

Was wondering if folks have had much success selling weanling(s) privately (i.e., ads in Blood Horse, or Thoroughbred Times) versus selling at public auction? What are your thoughts on the pros and cons of each? Many thanks

If you plan on selling privately, it really helps to know some bloodstock agents or so forth to spread the word. I'm not sure how effective an ad in a magazine is. If you know someone that does alot of selling then private might be the way to go.
If the horse isn't going to bring much money in a sale then its probably not the worth the fee of the sales prep, consignor fees, etc.

Thanks Urai - we don't really know alot of bloodstock agents since we are fairly new to the business - we have them scheduled to go to the Nov sale but am worried about their placement in that sale - these are the first foals from these mares and they are by first crop sires. Thanks for the input! It is appreciated.

clh,

with private sale I would want to be confident in my selling price. There was a thread not too long ago discussing the value of a filly selling at starquine. The ad was asking for 100K and there were a lot of opinions ranging from considerably less to they might get it. The filly ended up in auction and sold for 96K (something like that). The point is that seller knew to within a small percentage the value of this filly.

If you know the value of your prospects and can get it in private sale then you should. If you dont know the value of your prospects then you may not be taking all the credit for your hard work as a breeder or you may be thinking you are Midas and everything you touch turns to gold.

JonR

clh, although it seems counter-intuitive, the offspring of first year sires are much sought after at the sales. Also, buyers love to purchase the first foal from a mare. So neither of those two things will hurt your placement. What the auction house will take into consideration is the strength of the mares' pages (families) and who you have consigning your entries.

Again, thank you for the input. Guess we'll end up going to the auction but would much rather sell privately - so anyone interested in a couple of colts let me know (ha). Anyone have good success with a particular consignor or bloodstock agent?

Holly Valley Thoroughbred Farm
917 Hutchison Road
Paris KY 40361
Joe Riggs Proprietor 859-707-0881
Rachel Assistant Mgr 859-322-1639
[email protected]

These folks assisted me last winter in purchasing a mare at the January. I know in conversation they were prepping 25+ horses for the F-T sale in February. They were great to deal with, but you would need to call them to find out what services they provide.

JonR