Thoroughbred Horses For Sale in the UK | Horsemart (2024)

FAQs

How much does a racehorse cost in the UK? ›

The typical purchase price of a racehorse can vary hugely from several thousands of pounds to millions. The price depends on their pedigree, physique and, if they've raced already, performance. It's common for owners to pay an initial purchase price of between £10,000 and £20,000 or more for a thoroughbred in the UK.

BUT HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? It's the question we get asked the most – – and here's the answer. Championship quality thoroughbreds cost between $100,000 and $300,000 to purchase and about $45,000 a year in expenses. Of course, buying a thoroughbred is competitive and purchase prices can easily exceed $300,000.

Breed origin: One of the best-known horse breeds in the world, the Thoroughbred was developed in England by crossing native English mares with Arabian, Barb and Turkoman (today's Akhal-Teke) stallions to create the Thoroughbred that we know and love today.

In the UK, the initial purchase of a horse can range from £1,000 for a young or untrained horse, to £15,000 and far beyond for a well-bred, well-trained horse with potential for competing in events and competitions.

In 2022, a total of 2,110 horses were slaughtered in England and Ireland. Of those victims, 1,165 (55%) held passports from the racing industry. In Ireland, 256 horses with Weatherbys passports were aged three or younger when they were sent for slaughter.

Thoroughbred Horse Lifespan and Health Issues

The average life expectancy of a Thoroughbred horse is 25 to 35 years. Due to inbreeding, some Thoroughbreds may be more prone to health issues such as: Abnormally small hearts.

Due to their exceptional performance potential on the racetrack, Thoroughbreds often have higher price tags compared to other breeds. Additionally, Thoroughbreds can excel in various equestrian disciplines such as jumping, eventing, and dressage, making them sought after by competitive riders.

The most expensive horse ever sold is a Thoroughbred named Fusaichi Pegasus. He was sold to Coolmore Ireland in 2000 for $70 million. Next is the Totilas, a Dutch Warmblood sold for €11 million in 2010.

1. Winning Brew - The Speed Queen. Born in the world of horse racing, Winning Brew earned her name, setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest speed ever achieved by a racehorse. This Pennsylvania-bred Thoroughbred reached an incredible speed of 43.97 mph in 2008.

It is run at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey on the first Saturday of June each year, over a distance of one mile, four furlongs and 10 yards (2,423 metres), or about 1½ miles. It was first run in 1780. It is Britain's richest flat horse race, and the most prestigious of the five Classics.

What horse is faster than a Thoroughbred? ›

Fastest and slowest times were removed and the 3 remaining times averaged. Results: Quarter Horses averaged faster speeds than Thoroughbreds even when Thoroughbreds were raced at a distance (402 m) similar to Quarter Horse races. Both breeds were substantially faster than Arabians.

Common Health and Behavior Problems

Because they're often pushed to physical extremes on the race track, the rate of health complications and accidents—such as life-ending fractures—for thoroughbreds is high. In terms of behavior, many thoroughbreds are too spirited and energetic for beginning equestrians.

Then, when Seabiscuit began to win, the stud fee went up to a solid $250. After Seabiscuit took the East by storm in 1937, winning race after race, Hard Tack's amorous engagements earned his owners about $500.

Costs of keeping a horse on a livery yard vary depending on the type of livery offered. Grass Livery can be expected to cost in the region of £20-£25 per week. DIY Stabled Livery can be expected to cost around £30-£40 per week. Full livery can be expected to cost in the region of £100-£150 per week.

Leger Stakes. The Epsom Derby is run over a distance of 1 mile 4 furlongs (2,423 meters) and is the richest and most prestigious race in the United Kingdom. It is typically held on the first Saturday in June and is attended by thousands of spectators, including members of the royal family.

For a horse to race in your name, the name of a Company, or for a Partnership, Syndicate or Racing Club, these details should first be registered online with the BHA. If you are wishing to register as a Sole or Company owner these registration forms can be accessed via this page.

The most expensive horse ever sold is a Thoroughbred named Fusaichi Pegasus. He was sold to Coolmore Ireland in 2000 for $70 million. Next is the Totilas, a Dutch Warmblood sold for €11 million in 2010.