Clear Mountain Fairview breed and care for thoroughbred winners in the beautiful Darling Downs region of Queensland. We know champions and we know how to develop them. Make sure you contact us with any enquiries and we’ll help you trot through the process.
We build legends in our stables and allow them to roam free across our expansive grounds. We’d love to work with you to help you identify the pedigree choices within our stud. We have so many beautiful horses just waiting to be snapped up by the savvy buyer. Read on to find out everything you need to know about buying (and owning) a racehorse in Australia.
How to Buy a Racehorse in Australia (for beginners and old-timers)
On the surface, this may appear to be a complex process. Forging partnerships with professionals, and seeking advice from breeders and studs, will allow you to better navigate this pathway as you aim to procure the best possible return on investment you can. Buying a racehorse in Australia allows you to become part of racing history – you could, with love and patience, welcome a champion into your stable portfolio.
Horse auctions allow you to view catalogues that hold within them everything you need to know about a particular yearling or adult horse. These also contain conditions of sale. Pedigree, family history, veterinary information – it’s all there for you to peruse and will help you make the most informed decision possible. The big names that you’ve heard of in the racing circles all had to start somewhere – and it’s at these particular auctions that you might just find yourself becoming part of the proud Australian tradition of racing winners.
Why Should I Buy a Racehorse?
Making the decision to purchase a racehorse, be it individually or as part of a cohort, is one that should not be taken lightly. There is a lot to consider from spelling to pre-training to training itself that needs to be taken into account.
When it comes down to brass tacks, this is a serious investment of both cold hard cash and time and patience. Winners are not born overnight but they can be crafted if you choose the right people to be on your team.
Buying a racehorse could well be the best decision you ever make.
How Can I Buy a Racehorse?
You will most likely find yourself at an auction. This is the most common path towards racehorse ownership. More than 5,000 yearlings are sold at auctions throughout the year around Australia. They have not yet been broken in so this is where the training (and your trainer) are of the utmost importance. At the auction, you will be able to assess the horse prior to its racing ability coming to light further down the track.
Be forewarned, there is no ‘set’ common price for purchasing a racehorse. You could find yourself paying anywhere from a few hundred to a few million dollars depending on pedigree and projected possible earnings and potential.
These are public auctions and, as long as you have the capital finance behind you, you are permitted to bid on any horse. Horses will be able to be shown to you personally so you can thoroughly inspect them (we recommend you get a professional to take over from you here).
The Pedigree Legend
Here is the information you will be presented with when it comes time to make your decision to purchase.
- Colour and sex of horse
- Foaling date
- Brand of horse
- Year of birth
- Pedigree and lineage
- Projected potential of yearling
- Wins (if any)
- Stakes placed
- Name of the stud or individual offering horse for sale
- Four generation tabulation
- Stable and box location of horse
- Sire’s racing record and progeny
- Racing records of siblings
- Mare’s producing record
It is of vital importance that you obtain as many facts as possible. There are no secrets to be kept here. Clear Mountain Fairview is a completely transparent operation and we pride ourselves on being as upfront about our beautiful animals as possible.
Investigate our services to see what else we can offer you when it comes to management of your soon-to-be investment.
How Much Does it Cost to Own a Racehorse in Australia?
The purchase is not the end of the line. You will need to keep investing in your chosen horse in order to breed a true champion. Training costs change considerably depending on where you are located and you’ll also need to factor in registration, insurance, spelling, breaking-in, nominations and track fees – to name but a few. This is a long-term investment that has the potential to pay great dividends if you are willing to put in the time and effort required.
Interested so far? Contact us at Clear Mountain Fairview on (07) 4697 1198 or email us directly at admin@clearmountainstud.com.au
Why Should I Purchase a Queensland Racehorse?
Our pedigrees and bloodlines are of international quality and are inclusive of high quality bloodlines from around the racing world.
There are a wealth of opportunities for local (or further afield) owners to be in the potential prize pool for a great deal of money as these are horses that have outstanding success records. They are bred and trained for success – and you can be part of it. Australia has the third highest potential prize money in the world, at an average of $14,600 per race (totalling $308 million).
Australian bloodstock has seen a total export increase by almost 100% since 1997. Nationally, import numbers are decreasing as the true potential of the homebred hero is coming to light.
There are state-based incentive schemes on offer that help distribute millions of dollars nationally. The Queensland Thoroughbred Incentive Scheme (QTIS) is designed to maximise market interest in home-state horses and increase track earnings.
How do I become a horse racing owner?
The first thing you need to do (and if you’re reading this you are already on your way) is your research. Investigate where you need to start from. The building of relationships is far more important initially than just showing up to an auction and throwing your money around.
Get in contact with breeders early on to start feeling your way around the market. Research trainers, studs and spelling facilities. Read all you can and reach out to those in the know for help. Everyone has to start somewhere, you included. Together, with your champion horse, you have the potential to make a name for yourself in the industry.
Magic Millions is a great place to start. You can also talk to Bloodstock Agents and trainers directly for advice and assistance. The catalogues will provide your jump-in opportunity that will take into consideration any budgetary concerns that you may have. Working together, you will be able to come up with shortlists that you can carry out veterinary inspections on.
Owning, Not Just Buying – What’s the Difference?
This is a sport. It’s not just a business.
Owning a racehorse is a lot different to just putting money on a pony and walking away once it has raced. This truly is the ‘sport of kings’ and it has that reputation for a very good reason.
You are buying into a lifestyle. This is an intense commitment that, if you’re willing to take it on, has the potential to be life-changing.
If you’re wondering how to buy a racehorse in Australia, Clear Mountain Fairview can help. Contact us today on (07) 4697 1198.