Thoroughbred auctions are commonplace both in the U.S. and abroad, and play a major role in the marketplace of Thoroughbred race horses. However, a recent auction in the U.K. saw the sale of several Thoroughbreds for a very different purpose.
A new type of Thoroughbred auction has emerged, thanks to the U.K.-based organization, Retraining of Racehorses (ROR). ROR organized the first public auction of Thoroughbred retired race horses for second careers on March 20. The auction, held by Brightwells at the Three Counties Show Ground Malvern, offered 30 catalogue entries, 12 of which were sold for prices ranging between about $920 and $1685, according to a release on the ROR website.
Notably, British Olympic eventer Jeanette Brakewell will have a new face in her barn thanks to the auction. According to Horse and Country, six-year-old gelding Barton Blount (Beat All – Katie Savage) was bought for $1685 by Jill Sackett for Jeanette to ride.
Each horse that is sold, both via ROR’s online sale and live auction, is sold with a non-racing clause attached to its papers. Launched in April 2000, ROR is British Horseracing’s official charity of the welfare of retired racehorses. ROR hopes to continue the sales for Thoroughbred race horses seeking a second career as demand for both buyers and sellers continues.
Seventeen-year-old Carolyn Rice, a high school junior from Johns Creek, Georgia, has spent the last 10 years riding at Willow South Riding School—the very place where she first sat on a horse. What started as a casual introduction quickly became a lifelong passion.
A field of top veteran riders is entered in this year’s Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, a US Equestrian Open Eventing Series Qualifier, at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, which returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.
Trainers are some of the most important people in our lives. They develop our skills, ensure that our horses receive quality care, and look out for our best interests as equestrians.
The USEA is saddened to hear of the passing of Margaret Joyce Good of Leesburg, Virginia. Margaret passed away peacefully Thursday, February 27, 2025. Born October 8, 1929, in Clay Township, Iowa, she was the daughter of the late Clark and Jane Pfiefer.