De Renzo and de Meric said the NATC started looking into the format change because members sensed a growing feeling among consignors that they needed to reduce the stress on the young horses that they train. Surveys were sent to more than 300 consignors and approximately 450 buyers.
Sellers want to reduce the number of under tack shows prior to juvenile auctions, based on a survey conducted by the National Association of 2-Year-Old Consignors. By a 2-1 margin, they voted for a one-show format over the two-show schedule that is used for select auctions conducted in Florida, Kentucky, and California, said NATC president Dean De Renzo and board member Nick de Meric. The organization is now conducting a survey of juvenile buyers to determine what format they prefer."We need to add the buyers' opinions because without them, we don't have a business," de Meric said. "What they want is every bit as important as what we want."The goal is to find out if there is a consensus in the industry for change, according to De Renzo. If there is, the NATC plans to talk to sale companies about the issue.