TABA Arabian Racehorse Auction

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Darley Stud Management

TABA expresses great appreciation to Darley Stud Management who donated proceeds from all their 2009 Auction consignments to the Texas Arabian Breeders Association. Darley was recognized as leading breeder in the USA for the years 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008. Contact Denise Gault, RaceStreet Management Inc, for more information.

TABA Sale 2009 Results
We should have known better. Or not?

The TABA Racehorse Sale was held Saturday, April 25 at Retama Park. Although the results of the TABA sale were less than desirable in terms of horses sold, the horses that did sell went for some respectable prices. The high seller was $10,000. Most owners chose to hold onto horses that did not receive reasonable bids, prefering to race or breed them rather than sell them for lower than acceptable prices.

Despite difficult economic times for a majority of Americans, TABA elected to hold the annual auction again this year, fully aware of the possible outcome. TABA remains committed to hold the not-for-profit sale every year as a service to both buyers and sellers, and for the benefit of the Arabian racing industry.

"It's a sign of the times. We'll do it next year," TABA Auction Manager Jon Wales said without concern.

"The sale this year had many phone bidders, but many calling in said they'd bid $1,000 or $1,200 on this or that, obviously looking to pick up steals. But owners weren't willing to give their horses away."

Perhaps this will change the way buyers look at the sale in the future.

Todd Moak settled for $10,000 for the mare he consigned with foal at side by Burning Sand, although his reserve was $15,000. The mare sold to Warren Shelley.

Moak said, "it was a real bloodbath, but it is what it is."

Moak himself bought a 4 year old gelding for $2,700. The horse is being put into a racing partnership with Walt Frazier and Roger Lang.

Nancy Blewett sold one horse at the auction, but had consigned several others that she did not sell. Although she did not get the price she hoped for on Shotgunn Willie, Nancy was pleased this winning gelding went to a racing owner to continue his career. Blewett had also boarded and sale prepped many horses for other consigners. One of the guest horses at the Blewett farm was Calucie, consigned by Dianne Waldron.

Calucie did sell for over her reserve and brought $6,800. Owner Dianne Waldron said, "I knew it was going to be tight, because money is tight. A lot of nice horses were in the sale, but everybody is feeling the economy. I knew she <Calucie> might not bring what she was worth, but I wanted to support the sale. Nancy did a wonderful job taking care of the filly, all the TABA people go above board and do things right. Although I could have gotten more for Calucie, I'm pleased with the outcome. I commend everything that Texas does because it's always optimistic and upbeat, and TABA works hard for the industry. I want to be involved with that. Everybody needs to step up now to support the sport that we love, and we'll make it."

Jane and Ray Teutsch consigned the Monarch daughter Mags Royal Pride and received bids up to $3,200, but had a higher reserve.

Jane Teusch said, "This sale has been going on for years, and buyers have always gotten good prices. But this time there just weren't enough buyers. I don't know if it was a bad time, or if enough people didn't know enough about the sale. It's pretty dismal. But we are still breeding like crazy, and it will sure also help when VLTs come to Texas because then people will be looking for horses. It's going to get better."

Toskhara Arabians took home one of their consignments, but sold the Line Dancer son Hickory Nut for $6,000, and also sold the Virgule son Hot Rule.

"A lot of people weren't willing to let them go very cheap. I really firmly believe there is a decent market for these horses, and everything is going to be just fine," stated Todd Moak.

Owner Darla Ripley shares another opinion, "It's a hard thing to take. Faith in the industry is an issue. This is not a TABA issue, and it's not just the economy. It's difficult to fight this battle. We just have to keep persevering with a clean and honest sale. Some continue to try and undermine the TABA sale, those who view it as competition for their own individual sales. Many of the TABA sale horses are just as good or better than private sale horses available, and buyers are assured of paying a fair price. But even saavy buyers are not immune from the doubt planted in their minds by self promoters."

Dan Woods coordinated the sale barn as he has for many years for the TABA Sale, and he appears to have the system down pat. Auction manager Jon Wales also had five people lined up that did nothing but groom. Auctioneer Virginia Chapmin was taking extra notes day before the sale, calling for additional information and tips to present each horse in its best light. Despite the bear market, the sale did step up to receive kudos in the management arena.

Consignor Michelle Morgan texted in messages during the sale for this report, and the first simply said, "Sale not going well," which was an understatement. Later along with total results she concluded, "The results don't look good. But I have to say it was the best run sale ever done. When I got there everything was ready, I had people coming up to me asking if I needed help. They watered my horse. When I got there this morning someone had already brushed my horse."

Morgan added a suggestion for future sales, "I think we need fewer numbers, 15 cream of the crop, and sold at the Darley function or some other big event were we already have people attending that are having fun."

A Waldron comment sums up the concensus, "I'm sorry the sale didn't work out better for everyone, but there's always next year. In the meantime, we all have to enter races and run! We need to keep the horses doing what they love to do, and it will all work out."




Lot 2, Shotgunn Willie



Lot 13, TA Zeus