The Sales
In Australia thoroughbreds are auctioned off at all different stages of life. However, the most sought after age to buy thoroughbreds for racing is yearlings, as trainers begin training horses between 15 and 18 months of age.
Ages of horses sold
'Weanlings': thoroughbreds sold prior to turning one year old.
'Yearlings': thoroughbreds being auctioned that have turned 1 year old.
''Breeze ups': unraced 2 year olds that are auctioned.
'Tried racehorse': horses that have already raced.
'Broodmare'; mares that are used for breeding.
The two largest public auction companies of racehorses are 'Magic Millions' and "William Inglis', with an excess of 40 public thoroughbred auctions per year collectively. Ex racehorses will often end up at regular saleyards, where they are often purchased by knackeries.
Horses are led into arenas for perspective buyers to observe the 'form' of the horses. Attendees may place bids on horses they have deemed desirable. This process is extremely stressful for young horses.
