A group of Ohio breeders have banded together to create a new fall mixed sale with the goal of creating what they hope will be a more successful option than the auction offered by Formerly operated Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association.
The new sale announced on June 11 is called the Buckeye Classic Thoroughbred Sale and is set for October 17 at 2pm ET at the Delaware County Fairgrounds north of Columbus.
“It seemed like OTBO sales had become a viable source for both sellers and buyers after a 13-year hiatus, but over the past three years under their new leadership, it has going in the wrong direction”. for the organization under the stewardship of chief executive officer Mike Annechino. “Our input was often ignored and he seemed more concerned with entry fees instead of putting in the effort to bring top breeders to the sale.”
The OTBO Fall Mixed Sale lasted three solid years before ending last year. Sales grossed $426,050 in 2020, $427,900 in 2021 and $540,150 in 2022. Last year, the number of horses offered was reduced to 59 from 110 in 2022 and the total Revenue fell to $173,250.
Annechino, who was hired in 2020, said sales were helped in 2021 and 2022 by dispersal but even without those offerings it was still a well-performing location for Ohio horsemen sell their wares. The main reason for the decline in numbers in 2023, he said, is because those who favor new sales are not importing horses.
“We have made our sales affordable and provide a platform for everyone, even if you only have one horse,” he said. “We listened to a lot of suggestions and really improved the logistics of sales. We’re doing a lot better.”
Annechino added that he was disappointed to see the new sale form and said competing sales would ultimately hurt the Ohio market. OTBO is planning to hold its annual mixed sale on October 16 at Mahoning Valley Race Course in Youngstown.
Duncan agrees that the Ohio market is not large enough to effectively support two sales but believes the Buckeye Classic will prove to be the best venue.
One benefit, he said, is returning the auction to the Columbus area.
“That’s huge,” he said. “It’s centrally located and there are concerns about strangleholds, it’s not smart for owners and breeders to take horses to the racetrack.”
Another benefit is support from the Ohio Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, which is helping to underwrite operating costs.
“An endorsement from the Ohio HBPA will go a long way,” said Duncan, the representative. I am confident that the farms committed to this sale will bring quality, well-prepared horses to show their support.” two-time Ohio stallion of the year dominate and Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Fort Larned In addition there is also Mobile phone , Corfu And Air strike .
Horses sold at the Buckeye Classic will be eligible to compete in the newly named $50,000 Buckeye Classic Thoroughbred Stakes to be held at Mahoning Valley in the fall along with horses that qualify through previous OTBO sales.
Discounts are available for yearlings, weanlings, newborn mares and 2-year-olds. The early registration deadline for the Buckeye Classic Thoroughbred Sales is July 15. You can obtain a consignment contract at [email protected].
