Article by APGTV’s Dean Baring.
The 2019 APG Sydney Sale, which will take place at Warwick Farm, Sunday 3 March 2019, (commencing at 11am) is promising to be a massive opportunity for buyers looking for yearlings at affordable prices. 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 world’s best sale site is located at Warwick Farm. Staying at the http://riversidestables.com.au/ complex will only add real value to your experience over the sales weekend. The opportunity to stay alongside the sports leading breeders and consignors shouldn’t be missed. Setting your goals is important to prepare yourself for this very exciting venture. Try and get all the information you can around the different race series and the 1.8 million dollars on offer. This could help you narrow the selections down. Researching the yearlings pedigrees with a ranking system should be well and truly completed before you arrive at the complex.
SHOULD I SEEK A TRAINER?
This writer believes in the use of a skilled and experienced professional trainer when buying any Standardbred horse, and 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 during the sale itself. I’m also of the view that engaging the services of an industry professional like Virginia Brosnan is money well spent.
THE SALES CATALOGUE
This very appealing auction has a world class online catalogue which has been produced with the buyer in mind. The catalogue devotes 2 pages 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 and many successful buyers view the yearlings on farm before the sales each year. 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 the Friday afternoon which is two days before the sale commences.
Be thorough in your inspection as once the horse is purchased he is yours to keep. Check the horse’s sex, conformation, and soundness.
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 in the APG sales office . If you need any advice or help please contact John Coffey on 0418 500 211. 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 20-25 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 AUCTION STARTS AT 11AM
The Auctioneer asks for an opening bid. Bids can start at many different levels, 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 the APG sales 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 APG representative. The buyer’s electronic signature confirms the lot number, the price of the yearling. This is point in which decision around eligibilities, insurance and scoping must be made so please take them seriously. 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 minutes of the fall of the hammer. However APG have serval options available to people who have applied for credit prior to the sales day. The horse may not be removed until paid for, unless credit arrangements have been made with APG. To avoid any embarrassment or misunderstandings make credit inquiries well before the sales weekend..
DO I NEED TO INSURE MY HORSE?
APG’s insurance partner is HQ Insurance, they will be on hand for anyone to take up an insurance policy option.
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 the yearling until the pass out is issued and the yearling is removed by its 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 organise transport or recommend a number of transport companies that are credible and trustworthy. There is usually a transport company representative at the sale to organise trucking. Your horse is expected to leave on the day of sale.
PASSOUTS
For the horse to exit the sale grounds, APG 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 exciting new purchase.
HELP
The APG office team are the best in the land. Speak up if you need any assistance as Louise and her team are there to help.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
