Watching prices soar at the Keeneland Yearling sale is a good sign that the economy is recovering and that the thoroughbred horse racing industry is strengthening. With the move from quantity to quality in the past few years the number of horses has shrunk but demand has remained steady. These are all good things for the industry as a whole, and especially if you are a seller. Unfortunately, if you are a buyer, for example managing a thoroughbred horse racing syndicate, prices have increased significantly and value is now even harder to come by.
Looking back at 2013 it is pretty evident that success on the track for Blinkers On Racing Stable has had a significant impact from its two California Bred thoroughbreds. In 2012 Blinkers On saw that it was a sellers’ market and knew that one time breeders who would race their best Cal Breds, realized that the prices they could get at auction were too good to pass up. With that in mind, Blinkers On attended its first yearling sale, the Barrett’s October Yearling Sale.
Not only were breeders’ more likely to sell with average prices rising but the State of California had just introduced increased purse incentives in the state of California for CA Bred horses. Blinkers On saw this as an opportunity and came away from the Barrett’s Yearling sale with a Tribal Rule colt, Red Outlaw, for a purchase price of $40,000, at a sale where the average was $23,000. A sizable purchase when looking at average but overall a very modest price compared to what is typically spent at 2 year old in training sales. Granted, 2 year old in training sales allow the buyer to see the horse run, so overall there is generally less risk of getting a horse to the races.
In addition, Blinkers On purchased a Cal Bred filly, by Decarchy, Stole a Kiss and syndicated her for $30,000. Once again, another slightly above average purchase, but quite modest compared to 2 year old prices. As both Red Outlaw and Stole a Kiss progressed with seemingly no issues along the way our horse racing syndicate was rewarded handsomely when Red Outlaw made his first start at Hollywood Park on June 9th, and won by a convincing 2 ¼ lengths first time out in a CA Bred Maiden Special Weight race. The purse was $52,000 and the thoroughbred partnership also received a maiden bonus for winning as a CA Bred of $17,500. The grand total Red Outlaw won that day was a $48,200, well over his purchase price in his first career race.
In addition, Stole a Kiss has run 3 times to date and ran 4th, 3rd and 1st respectively with total earnings of, including the CA Bred Maiden bonus, $74,620. In just about 4 month of racing this CA bred filly has more than doubled her syndication price and has given her partners the thrill of a lifetime, just like Red Outlaw has done. Stole a Kiss is now pointed to the CA Bred Juvenile Fillies Stakes on Breeders’ Cup Friday at Santa Anita, running for a $200,000 purse. What a thrill it would be if should get the job done there! Red Outlaw is on his way back from a short lay off and looks to keep his undefeated record intact when he returns. We expect big things for him in his future.
Reflecting on last year’s decision to buy a couple CA Bred yearlings it is clear to see it has definitely paid off. Not only financially, but it has also allowed new partners to join our thoroughbred horse racing syndicate that otherwise may not have been able to just based on price point. Blinkers On is now gearing up for another successful year after purchasing three new yearlings. We purchased a full sister to our MSW winner Stole a Kiss who will be running in the upcoming Cal Bred 2 year old filly stakes on Breeders’ Cup day. This filly by Decarchy is very well put together and looks like she will be fast. We also purchased a very athletic colt by first crop sire The Pamplemousse. This colt was one of the best looking horses on the ground and we are happy to have purchased him at such a good value. Our final purchase of the sale was a very nice filly by Awesome Gambler, she has a great frame that she is just now starting to grow into. We can’t wait to see her all filled out in the next few months. And what a steal she was at the sale! Owning a California bred is a great way to get involved in thoroughbred horse racing. All our new offerings will be available on our website in the next week.
Blinkers On
Blinkers On Racing Stable, a leader in thoroughbred horse racing partnerships, brings together the finest in thoroughbred horse racing expertise with the best in business know-how, and above all, a team of people you can trust, to manage your investment. We are committed to helping you experience the joys of thoroughbred horse ownership. For more information on thoroughbred partnerships visit our website or request an information package about our partnership. Keep up with horse racing in California by reading our Blog, finding us on Facebook, following us on Twitter, checking us out on LinkedIn, or visiting our YouTube Channel!
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