12 January 2018 | Gary Crocker, Chairman, Allwood Stud Farm 2018 SA Yearling Sale Committee
The Allwood Sale, which will take place at the Magic Millions Sales Complex, Morphettville, SA on Sunday the 11 February, is promising to massively change Harness Racing as we know it in this country and many lots may find homes with people that haven’t been active in yearling sales for years.
Below are some tips that may help prospective buyers understand and enjoy, what many people believe will be a very exciting event.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
First and foremost, lock in your accommodation. The sales site is located at Morphettville, places like Oaks Plaza Pier, Stamford Grand Adelaide, Comfort Inn Haven Marina and many more are located in the beautiful suburb of Glenelg, which is very close to the sales centre.
A great move would be to contact Oliver Bolt at OBott@saharness.org.au or get to the sales day office nice and early to register for a bidding number. Oliver will also be able to set up a bidding system ( by phone) if you can’t attend the sales day.
Setting your goals is important to prepare yourself for this very exciting venture. Try and get all the information you can around the three different race series, this could help you narrow the selections down to Colts or Fillies
SHOULD I SEEK A TRAINER?
SA BOTRA & HRSA are of the view the use of a skilled and experienced professional trainer when buying any Standardbred horse can be of great value to the buyer. It is wise to investigate credentials and experience before you choose that trainer. Trainers are generally very helpful in purchasing young racing prospects and by you seeking their advice and experience may add real value.
THE SALES CATALOGUE
This very appealing auction has a world class catalogue which has been produced with the help of Alan Parker and brought to you, compliments of
The catalogue devotes a page to each horse which is allocated a lot number and provides a three generation pedigree as well as a description of race record where applicable. The family of, eligibilities and preparer details are printed under the pedigree of each horse. The consignor is solely responsible for the accuracy of the information published in this catalogue. The purchaser is responsible for any future stake payments once ownership is transferred.
CAN I INSPECT THE HORSES BEFORE I BUY?
Absolutely. When you arrive at the sale, we strongly suggest and recommend that you and your advisory team inspect as many yearlings as possible, especially the yearlings you are interested in bidding on… The horses are available for inspection from 9am on the sales day.
Be thorough in your inspection as once the horse is purchased he is yours to keep. Check the horse’s sex, conformation, and soundness. SA BOTRA & HRSA have arranged for representatives from Adelaide Hills Equine Centre to be on hand, so that any prospective buyer can engage their services for a discounted fee.
WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS BEFORE THE SALE BEGINS?
Once you have made your inspections of any potential purchases, you are ready to bid. If this is your first visit, introduce yourself to the friendly team from HRSA. If you need any advice or help please contact the chairman of the sale Mr Gary Crocker on 0408 945 755.
Remember, we are there to help, so do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have as we want you to bid with confidence.
WITHDRAWALS
Withdrawn horses will be clearly marked at the sales office.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE THE SALE STARTS?
The horses are offered for sale individually in lot number order at a rate of about 15-18 per hour. Before entering the sales ring, the horses are shown in the walking ring where potential bidders have a final chance to inspect them before bidding. When the horse enters the sales ring, the auctioneer introduces the horse by lot number, sex, and parentage. It is very important to listen to the entire Auctioneer’s introduction as he will also read any relevant announcements, alterations and updates to the catalogue. A brochure may also be circulated at the sale containing important updates and errors or omissions to the official sale catalogue. Please pick up your copy at the Sales Office.
THE AUCTIONSTARTS AT 12.05PM
The Auctioneer asks for an opening bid. A Minimum bid of $4,000 will be the lowest starting point at this sale, bids are made either to the Auctioneer or to the Bid Spotters in the sale ring. The Auctioneer will advance the bids at a level he feels appropriate. Unlike other auctions, no bidding numbers are used at this “The Allwood” sale and all bids are made using various gestures.
Located above the auctioneer is the electronic bid board. Current bids are displayed on the bid board.
“SOLD!”
The highest bidder is the buyer that is confirmed by the fall of the hammer. The Auctioneer announces that the current horse is “Sold” and verifies the sale and the price. The fall of the Auctioneer’s hammer denotes the passing of ownership. Payment is due at the Sales Office within 30 minutes of the fall of the hammer.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF PURCHASE
Immediately following the fall of the hammer, the successful buyer will be presented with an Acknowledgement of Purchase form by a HRSA representative. The buyer’s signature confirms the lot number, the price of the yearling . If you think a mistake has been made, speak up prior to signing, as the Auctioneer may reopen the bidding in some rare circumstances.
WHEN DO I PAY FOR MY HORSE?
Payment is due within 30 minutes of the fall of the hammer. The horse may not be removed until paid for, unless credit arrangements have been made with Oliver Bott of HRSA. To avoid any embarrassment or misunderstandingsmake credit inquiries before bidding at this Sale.
DO I NEED TO INSURE MY HORSE?
HRSA has arranged for HQ Insurance to be on hand for anyone to take up the option to effect a insurance policy.
CARE OF YOUR HORSE
Once the sale of your horse is final, the seller’s responsibility ends. He/she will deliver your horse back to its stall. After that, you must ensure the horse is fed, watered and generally cared for until travel. The seller will remove any tack other than the halter and you must provide feed and water for yearling until the pass out is issued and the yearling is removed by it’s transport company or representative.
WHO CAN TRANSPORT MY HORSE?
Unless you have come to the sale with your own float, you will need to make arrangements to transport your horse to a new home. If you are with a trainer, he will most likely organize transport or recommend a number of transport companies that are credible and trustworthy. There is usually a transport company representative at the sale to organize trucking. Your horse must leave on the day of sale.
PASSOUTS
For the horse to exit the sale grounds, HRSA must issue an official release form obtained at the Sales Office. This form must be presented to security / steward before exiting the sales complex. Remember to leave the release forms / passouts with your driver so that he can leave the premises with your horse.
Let’s not forget the Harnessbred.com state of origin 3YO series, which has race stakes north of $70,000 for just the 16 fillies that walk into the ring in SA on February the 11th plus the additional 18 fillies from the Shepparton Harness Racing Club.
This very prestigious event that’s jointly hosted by the SHRC and HRSA will have two $10,000 heats, one to be hosted at Shepparton and the other in South Australia.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
