Buying a Racehorse – UK Guide to Auctions, Sales & Bloodstock Agents
Whether you're looking to buy a flat racing yearling, a National Hunt store, or a horse in training, the UK has some of the world's finest bloodstock markets. Below you'll find our curated guide to the major UK bloodstock auctions, private sales platforms, overseas sale houses and the best bloodstock agents for flat and jump racing.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buying a Racehorse
How much does it cost to buy a racehorse in the UK?
Prices vary enormously. A point-to-pointer or modest National Hunt horse can be bought for £5,000–£20,000 at auction. A flat yearling at a mid-tier sale might cost £15,000–£80,000. Top-quality Classic-bred yearlings at the Tattersalls Book 1 Sale regularly sell for hundreds of thousands of guineas, with the best lots reaching seven figures. Annual training fees typically add £25,000–£45,000 per year on top of the purchase price.
What is a bloodstock agent and do I need one?
A bloodstock agent is a professional who helps you find, evaluate and buy racehorses — at auction or privately. They assess conformation, pedigree and value, advise on the veterinary process and bid on your behalf. For first-time buyers especially, a reputable agent is strongly recommended. Agents typically charge a commission of 5% of the purchase price. Look for members of the Federation of Bloodstock Agents (FBA) for regulated, professional advice.
What is the difference between a yearling sale and a horses-in-training sale?
A yearling sale offers unraced one-year-old horses, bought as a prospect for future racing — higher risk but potentially higher reward. A horses-in-training (HIT) sale offers horses that have already raced, with a known form record and often an established handicap mark. HIT sales are generally lower-risk and a good starting point for new buyers. Tattersalls and Goffs UK both hold major HIT sales in autumn and spring.
What is Tattersalls and why is it the most important sale?
Tattersalls in Newmarket is the oldest and largest bloodstock auctioneer in Europe, founded in 1766. Its October Yearling Sale is the most prestigious yearling auction in the world outside Kentucky, with the top lots commanding millions of guineas. Tattersalls also holds major Breeze-Up, HIT and breeding stock sales throughout the year. Essentially, if you want to buy a top flat horse, Tattersalls is where you start.
Where is the best place to buy a National Hunt horse?
The best National Hunt horse purchases are typically made at Goffs UK (Doncaster) — which holds the world's largest NH sale — Brightwells (Cheltenham), and Tattersalls Ireland. Point-to-pointers are also excellent value as NH prospects and can be found at specialist sales and via private purchase. A specialist NH bloodstock agent such as Tom Malone or Highflyer Bloodstock can be invaluable in sourcing the right horse.
