To inexperienced persons buying and selling Thoroughbreds, the role of
the bloodstock agent can be of vital importance. An experienced agent
should be able to assist his client in establishing goals and
objectives. The agent can analyse the sale catalogue, bearing in mind
his client’s budget, goals and in what part of the country the owners
horse will race.
The extent of the agents role will vary depending with the owner’s
needs. He can simply place a bid as the owners representative, or act as
investment advisor – studying the sales catalogues, making first hand
inspections of likely prospects and offering recommendations on which
ones to buy. An agent will generally receive a commission of 10% of the
horses purchase price.
It is crucial that the agent and client communicate precisely and
that all terms of their relationship are clearly understood. Bloodstock
agents should be licensed and as in any business endeavour, it is
important to investigate the qualifications and reputation of the agent
before engaging their services.
Once you have purchased your horse - no matter what quality of horse
you buy - the only thing you have actually purchased is flesh, bone and
potential.
Not all Thoroughbreds proceed to become racehorses. Approximately 75%
of all Thoroughbreds actually do make it to the races. From these
racehorses, approximately 75% will earn prizemoney.
No guarantees can ever be implied or given when buying a Thoroughbred
as to what level of ability and racetrack success an individual horse
shall reach.
Although few equine athletes actually reach “Stardom,” each year
approximately 1,600 (8%) of all Thoroughbreds will show a profit (often
substantial) on investment.
The horse’s success (and your success) will depend largely upon the
caliber of the professional services you rely upon from start to finish.
Dynamic Syndications Director and Responsible Officer - Dean Watt –
has been a leading Bloodstock Agent since 1986. Dean is a long standing
member of the Bloodstock Agents Federation of Australia. Members of the
Federation are bound by a code of ethics.
Dean has been has been a licenced trainer, and has been syndicating horses with great success for many years.