Uniform Policies Set for Horse Sales

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Photo: Anne M. Eberhardt

The four major U.S. sale companies – Barretts, Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland, and the Ocala Breeders’ Sales – have issued a set of uniform policies that will govern medication, prohibited practices, riding crops, and horseshoes, effective with the Feb. 17 OBS selected sale of 2-year-olds in training.

According to a statement from the four auction companies, the policies “address the use of therapeutic medications, exogenous anabolic steroids, and other prohibited practices and substances. Permitted medications may only be administered at or below manufacturers recommended dosages.”

The policy on riding crops (whips) being used during under tack shows states they will be restricted within one-eighth of a mile of the finish line and beyond. As previously announced, front toe grabs are prohibited, in accordance with the recommendations from The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Safety Committee.

“The sale companies have spent considerable time and effort developing these parameters,” Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning said in the release. “We are optimistic this will further the confidence buyers and sellers have in the auction process.”

The sale companies consulted with various organizations and buyers and sellers before drafting the policies, Browning said.

In the release, Mike Mulligan, president of the National Association of Two-Year-Old Consignors, said: “The NATC is pleased to work with the major sale companies on these new policies. Graduates of 2-year-old sales continue to win the finest races in the world and these changes will further increase buyer confidence.”

Download the uniform policies here (PDF format).

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