Barretts and Fairplex Park Combine

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Barretts Equine Limited and Fairplex Park have been combined and renamed Barretts Sales & Racing. The Thoroughbred auction house and racetrack name change is effective immediately and will encompass equine auctions, the racetrack, the live race meet held each September, the pavilion, and the barns.

"This is very exciting news for equine business at Fairplex. Barretts Sales & Racing will gain more momentum in the horse industry along with a strong message that if it's equine, it's Barretts," said Jim Henwood, president and CEO of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, in a release. "The new name, logo, and brand offer a cohesive identification of the various equine businesses and capitalize on the already strong Barretts reputation in the racing industry."

To be referred to as Barretts Race Meet at Fairplex from now on, Fairplex was the first track in Southern California to allow fans to bet on racing when pari-mutuel wagering was legalized in 1933. The track boasted a 7.95% increase in handle in 2012 and will be celebrating its 75th race meet Sept. 6-22.

Barretts was formed in 1989 and opened with its inaugural March Sale of select 2-year-olds in training the following year. The auction company plays host to six sales annually, including the paddock sale at Del Mar, which this year will be July 21, and the recently added winter paddock sale at Santa Anita, scheduled for Dec. 28. Barretts' first sale of 2013, the January mixed sale, surpassed 2012 figures with gross sales up 56% and showing across-the-board gains.

"This is a brand that resonates within the industry and strongly unites equine sales and horse racing under the Barretts umbrella," said Kim Lloyd, general manager of Barretts Sales & Racing. "Barretts is well known and respected throughout the equine industry and this move shows our commitment to horse racing. The new name clearly represents our business and our dedication to excellence in equine sales and horse racing."

The announcement coincides with the 24th Barretts Sales & Racing's March Sale of select 2-year-olds in training, March 4. Visit www.barretts.com for more information.