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After a crash in the Thoroughbred market in 2008, many breeders opted for temporary retirement for the less well-bred broodmares under their care. These mares had produced excellent sales prospects over the years, but had been somewhat less successful than their peers, with lower average prices for their offspring.

This narrowing of the breeding population led to fewer foals presented for sale, a factor that generated strong bidding as national and international buyers tried to acquire the best young horses for themselves or their clients. Sales of breeding stock have also seen solid interest in broodmares with desirable pedigrees in foal to successful stallions.

While Thoroughbreds are sold at many locations, the state of the horse industry in Kentucky seems to be a good barometer for the rest of the nation and the world. A number of international owners and breeders have invested in Bluegrass property in recent years, including some farm owners who are new to the Thoroughbred business.

Established Kentucky breeding farms have also come up with new incentives to bolster their future stallion books, such as offering guaranteed lifetime seasons to a young stallion if a breeder sends multiple mares in the freshman sire’s early career.

Because it takes four to five years for trends in breeding and sales to show results at the racetrack, there is no quick way to judge the extent of the Thoroughbred industry’s recovery after the recent recession. However, signs indicate an upswing is in progress.

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