Expert Tips on Securing a Best Value Mare

Securing a mare with great value involves a strategic approach and an understanding of key factors that influence the mare’s future potential and marketability. It’s not the faint hearted – mares can break your heart but finding a mare that produces the goods can be a walking ATM. Here are some expert tips to help you secure a best value mare:

Prioritise Proven and Exciting Sires

When buying a mare, one of the first things to look for is a good cover by a sire that is either proven or particularly exciting. The goal is to have a resulting foal that, in an ideal world, can pay for the initial investment in the mare. It’s not easy but with diligence it can be done. A sire’s reputation and success can significantly boost the value of the mare’s progeny.

Focus on Strong Pedigrees

We place a strong emphasis on pedigree when selecting mares. While physical attributes are important, pedigree often provides a more immediate selling point when bringing the progeny to the sales ring. We believe in the importance of strong, deep pedigrees with numerous black type performers throughout. A good rule of thumb is to look for mares with immediate family members that have attained black type in the first dam. This provides a strong foundation for the resulting progeny’s marketability.

Importance of Broodmare Sires

The broodmare sire plays a crucial role in the value of the resulting progeny. It’s essential to consider how the broodmare sire performs in the marketplace. Preferred broodmare sires include prominent names like Sea The Stars, Frankel and Galileo and historically, Pivotal, Sadler’s Wells and Darshaan. These sires contribute significantly to the pedigree’s appeal and can enhance the market value of the foal.

Finding Value in Smaller Sales

While it can be challenging to acquire fillies by leading sires in major sales, value can often be found in smaller sales. These venues sometimes offer excellent opportunities to purchase quality stock at reasonable prices, especially if the horse is without reserve. It’s important to be constantly on the lookout for such opportunities. 

Leveraging Leading Vendors

Leading vendors such as Juddmonte, Godolphin, and the Aga Khan regularly put their horses into auction with no reserve. This means the market dictates the price, providing a real opportunity to buy at value prices. While these horses can still fetch hundreds of thousands, the absence of a reserve makes it a bit easier to secure their stock at a fair value.

Conclusion

Securing a mare with great value requires a strategic approach, focusing on proven and exciting sires, strong pedigrees, and reputable broodmare sires. By exploring smaller sales and leveraging opportunities from leading vendors, you can enhance your chances of finding a valuable mare. We adhere to these principles to buy the best possible value every time we enter a mare sale.