Twenty-nine prospective and current owners gathered at historic Keene Place at Keeneland April 18 for a Thoroughbred Ownership Seminar, hosted by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and sponsored by The Blood-Horse.
After inspirational opening remarks from David Switzer, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, the attendees hopped a Keeneland shuttle to the training barns of Ken McPeek and Barclay Tagg for a unique "virtual ownership" session. McPeek called out instructions to his exercise riders as they walked out of the barn and to the track for the morning workouts. He then took the seminar attendees trackside where he discussed his training philosophies while monitoring his horses' works. Afterward, the group visited Barn 25 where Tagg shared his extensive knowledge and experience as a trainer. As they listened to Tagg, they were immersed in his stable's race-day preparations.
Attendees then returned to Keene Place for various educational discussions on the owner/trainer relationship, racehorse acquisition, legal issues, accounting and tax information, online resources for owners, and Thoroughbred retirement. Speakers included Bill Casner, Mike McMahon, Kellyn Gorder, Dr. Craig Van Balen, Matthew Delehanty, Rick Nunnelley, Jen Shah, Susan Martin, Gary Falter, and Erin Crady.
Besides the wealth of information provided by each expert speaker, the attendees received valuable take-home materials related to the topics covered.
"This was our second TOBA seminar and we have enjoyed both very much," said attendee David Hilborn. "The mix between classroom lectures, [barn] visits and talking to various people in the business was perfect."
The seminar wrapped up with lunch and racing at Keeneland on the sunny Friday afternoon. The attendees were invited to exclusive access inside the paddock and walking ring in preparation for Race 3, followed by an insider's view of the race from the winner's circle. By coincidence, one attendee was close friends with the winning owner of the allowance race and joined him in the winning photograph.
"The Thoroughbred Ownership seminar is an excellent venue to gain exposure to all facets of racehorse ownership," said attendee Greg Goforth. "The time spent attending the ownership seminar is time well spent."
This seminar was also available by live webcast on BloodHorse.com. Dozens of viewers across the country tuned into BloodHorse.com to expand their ownership knowledge. An extended recording of this webcast video will soon be available for purchase at toba.org for $25.
TOBA's seminar and clinic program, sponsored by The Blood-Horse, is open to anyone with an interest to learn more about a variety of aspects of the Thoroughbred industry. Topics include pedigree and conformation, breeding, and Thoroughbred ownership. Go to the TOBA website to learn more and register for an upcoming clinic.