The bloodstock industry is poised for an exciting year in 2025, with significant developments expected across sales, technology, and market dynamics. TDN Europe’s Brian Sheerin has outlined 10 predictions for the year, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead for this vibrant sector. From the momentum of yearling sales too the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), here’s a deep dive into the key trends shaping the industry.
Yearling Sale Momentum to Fuel Breeze-Up Market
Table of Contents
The breeze-up market is expected to see record-breaking activity in 2025, driven by the strong performance of yearling sales in 2024. Last year, competition for top-quality yearlings was fierce, largely due to the involvement of Kia Joorabchian. Breeze-up handlers had to stretch their budgets to secure the horses they wanted, resulting in higher overall spending but fewer horses in their stables. This dynamic is likely to benefit the breeze-up market,as smaller books at major sales could lead to higher prices for premium lots.
The Breeze-Up Consignors Association (BUCA) had previously raised concerns about oversupply, but with Goresbridge canceling its new sale and Goffs focusing on a select offering, the market appears balanced. The top-tier horses are commanding unprecedented prices, while the middle and lower brackets remain challenging.If the momentum from last year’s Goffs Orby Sale and Tattersalls October Yearling Sale continues, we could see another season of shattered records.
Goffs Eyes Online Sales Expansion
In 2025, Goffs is set to make significant strides in the online sales arena, a space currently dominated by Tattersalls. The shift to online platforms, initially driven by the pandemic, has become a permanent fixture in the industry. Tattersalls Online has led the charge,with Arqana also making notable progress. Though, Goffs is poised to carve out its share of this growing market. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, online sales are expected to play an even larger role in the bloodstock industry.
AI revolutionizes Horse racing
Artificial intelligence is set to transform the horse racing industry in ways previously unimaginable. From breeding and training to betting and racecourse operations, AI’s potential is vast. Machine learning algorithms can analyze genetic data, historical ratings, and biomechanical traits to identify patterns that breeders might overlook. This technology is already being used by some buyers at breeze-up and yearling sales, and its capabilities are only expected to grow.
Key Predictions for 2025
| Trend | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Breeze-Up Market Growth | Smaller books, higher prices, and potential record-breaking sales.|
| Goffs Online Expansion | Goffs aims to compete with Tattersalls in the online sales space. |
| AI in Horse Racing | AI to revolutionize breeding, training, and betting through data analysis. |
As the bloodstock industry evolves, these trends highlight the opportunities and challenges ahead. Whether it’s the continued strength of the breeze-up market, the expansion of online sales, or the integration of AI, 2025 promises to be a year of innovation and growth. Stay tuned as these developments unfold, shaping the future of horse racing and breeding.
The Rising Stars of Horse Racing: Amo Racing, Lucky Vega, and the Yearling Market
The world of horse racing is no stranger to high stakes, big investments, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. In 2024, the industry is witnessing a fascinating blend of technological innovation, bold spending, and promising young talent. From the rise of Amo Racing to the dominance of Lucky Vega in the first-season sires’ championship, the racing landscape is evolving rapidly.
Amo Racing: High Stakes and High Expectations
Kia Joorabchian, the driving force behind Amo Racing, has become a prominent figure in the industry, known for his flamboyant bidding style and willingness to invest heavily in top-tier yearlings. Last year, Joorabchian’s spending spree at the October Yearling Sale at Tattersalls raised eyebrows, with his team securing several high-priced horses. However, as Alex Elliott, the bloodstock agent overseeing amo Racing’s acquisitions, noted, “Some heads could roll next year if these don’t work out!”
The pressure is on for Amo Racing to deliver results on the track. With millions spent on well-bred yearlings, the success of these investments will be crucial not only for Joorabchian but also for the broader industry. As Elliott quipped, “And you get the sense he was only half-joking!”
Joorabchian’s approach is as much about entertainment as it is about winning. His Instagram posts, including a cryptic Christmas Day message hinting at the departure of trainer richard Hannon, have kept fans and insiders guessing.Whether Amo Racing’s purple silks will be carried by a high-class runner in 2025 remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Joorabchian will keep the racing world entertained.
Breeders Embrace Diversity in the Yearling Market
The 2024 yearling market has shown encouraging signs of diversity, with breeders spreading their investments across a wider range of stallions.Unlike the polarized market of 2023, this year saw a more balanced distribution of high-value sales.
One standout example was a son of Territories (Ire), who fetched an eye-watering 750,000gns at Book 2 of the October Yearling Sale. Remarkably, this yearling was conceived from a covering fee of just £10,000, proving that pedigree and potential can outweigh initial costs. This sale, along with seven othre stallions whose progeny sold for 500,000gns or more, highlights the growing opportunities for breeders to explore new bloodlines.
| Key Highlights of the 2024 Yearling Market |
|———————————————–|
| Territories (Ire) yearling sold for 750,000gns |
| 7 stallions had progeny sell for 500,000gns+ |
| Market less polarized compared to 2023 |
Lucky Vega: A Star in the Making
In the first-season sires’ championship, Lucky Vega (Ire) is emerging as a clear frontrunner. A Group 1-winning two-year-old himself, Lucky Vega has already made waves Down Under with a Listed winner to his name. According to Global Stallions, he has 100 foals of racing age in Europe, providing a strong foundation for his debut season.
Trainers have praised Lucky vega’s progeny for being more forward and precocious compared to those of his rivals. As one insider noted, “It may only be January, but some of the reports back from trainers would back up that appraisal.” With such promising early signs, Lucky Vega is poised to dominate the first-season sires’ championship.
Technology and Innovation: The New Frontier
The racing industry is also embracing technology to gain a competitive edge. Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby, two of the sport’s most successful trainers, have been at the forefront of this movement. O’Brien’s wife, Annemarie, has taken innovation a step further by founding equimetrics, a company that develops wearable technology for racehorses—essentially a FitBit or Apple Watch for equine athletes.
As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of AI and data analytics is becoming increasingly vital. In a sport where marginal gains can make all the difference, the race to harness technology is only just beginning.
Conclusion
The 2024 racing season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. From the high-stakes investments of Amo Racing to the rise of Lucky Vega and the growing diversity in the yearling market,the industry is undergoing a period of transformation.Add to that the increasing role of technology, and it’s clear that the future of horse racing is as dynamic as it is unpredictable.
Whether it’s Joorabchian’s bold moves, Lucky Vega’s dominance, or the innovative strides made by trainers like O’brien and Appleby, one thing is certain: the racing world will be watching closely.
Ghaiyyath and Colin Keane: Rising Stars in Horse Racing
The world of horse racing is as unpredictable as it is indeed thrilling, with stallions and jockeys alike vying for the spotlight. In 2025, two names stand out: Ghaiyyath (Ire), the stallion defying expectations, and Colin Keane, the underutilized jockey whose talent continues to shine on the global stage.
Ghaiyyath: A Sleeping Giant in the Stallion Ranks
Ghaiyyath, once a world-class older performer, is proving to be a dark horse in the breeding world. Despite a slow start in the market, his first crop of runners has exceeded expectations.With six individual winners from 30 runners, including the Group performer Stanhope Gardens (Ire), Ghaiyyath has shown he can produce competitive two-year-olds.interestingly,while his yearlings were affordable in 2024,demand for his foals surged as the sale season progressed. This upward trend suggests that breeders who retained faith in Ghaiyyath could be well-rewarded in 2025. As one insider noted, “I for one expect him to take things to a new level in 2025 and for those who retained the faith in the one-time world-class older performer to be well-rewarded for their loyalty.”
The Market’s Reactionary Nature
the bloodstock market is notoriously fickle. Take Earthlight (Ire), for example. his first crop of yearlings fetched top dollar in 2023, but by 2024, prices had plummeted despite a respectable start with runners like Daylight (Fr), who competed at the highest level in France. This volatility underscores the importance of breeders thinking independently rather than following market trends.
Similarly, Time Test (GB) saw his fee double to £15,000 after a promising start, only to fall short of lofty expectations. He now stands in Turkey, a cautionary tale of how quickly fortunes can change in the breeding world.
Colin Keane: A Jockey Deserving of Bigger Opportunities
On the jockey front, Ireland’s six-time champion Colin Keane continues to prove his mettle. His perfectly-timed ride on Magnum Force (Ire) to win the Breeders’ cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar in November was a masterclass in skill and precision. Yet, despite his undeniable talent, Keane remains underused by outside trainers, especially in major races in Britain and Ireland.
It’s surprising to learn that Keane only secured his first Royal Ascot win in 2023, riding the Jessica Harrington-trained Vill. As one observer noted, “It will have come as a shock to many at the time to learn that it took Keane until 2023 to break his duck at Royal Ascot.”
The Road Ahead for Keane
With his proven ability to deliver on the biggest stages, Keane is poised to secure more high-profile rides in 2025. His loyalty to his boss, Ger Lyons, has been commendable, but it’s time for the racing world to recognize his talent and give him the opportunities he deserves.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Ghaiyyath’s Performance | 6 winners from 30 runners,including group performer Stanhope Gardens (Ire) |
| Market Trends | Yearlings affordable in 2024,but foal demand surged later in the season |
| Colin Keane’s Achievements | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf sprint win in 2023; first Royal Ascot win in 2023 |
| Future prospects | Ghaiyyath expected to rise in 2025; Keane poised for more big-race rides |
Conclusion
As the 2025 racing season approaches,all eyes will be on Ghaiyyath and Colin Keane. Ghaiyyath’s resurgence as a stallion and Keane’s quest for more high-profile rides are stories of perseverance and talent. For breeders and racing enthusiasts alike, these developments offer fresh insights and exciting possibilities for the future.
Stay tuned as these rising stars continue to make waves in the world of horse racing.
Ollie Sangster Poised to Train a Group 1 Winner in 2025
The racing world is abuzz with anticipation as Ollie Sangster, the rising star among British trainers, is tipped to secure his first Group 1 victory in 2025. With a growing reputation and a string of impressive performances, Sangster is quickly becoming a name to watch in the competitive world of thoroughbred racing.
Sangster, who has already made waves with his strategic training methods, is no stranger to success. His ability to bring out the best in his horses has earned him recognition from industry insiders. As the son of legendary trainer Gerry Keane,Ollie has racing in his blood,and his recent achievements suggest he is well on his way to carving out his own legacy.
A Breakthrough Year for Sangster
The 2025 season could be a defining moment for sangster, with several of his horses showing the potential to compete at the highest level. One of his standout performers, Tamfana (Ger), a daughter of Soldier Hollow (GB), has already proven her mettle under the guidance of jockey Colin Keane. The pair delivered a stunning victory in the Sun Chariot Stakes,showcasing Sangster’s ability to prepare a horse for top-tier competition.
“When the ride aboard Tamfana in the Sun Chariot became available, I didn’t hesitate to call on Keane,” said trainer David Menuisier, who has been a vocal supporter of Sangster’s methods. “he’s one of the best in the business, and ollie’s training has brought out the best in her.”
Overcoming Challenges
Despite his growing success, Sangster has faced challenges in gaining recognition from some of the sport’s biggest names.For instance, Willie Mullins, one of the most prominent trainers in the industry, has often opted for jockeys like Ryan Moore, William Buick, and Frankie Dettori when racing in Britain. While these choices are understandable given their stellar reputations,it has left Keane—and by extension,Sangster—with fewer opportunities to shine on the grand stage.
However, Sangster’s perseverance and dedication are beginning to pay off.His partnership with Keane has yielded impressive results, including a memorable victory aboard Crystal Black (Ire) in the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes last year. This win, coupled with Tamfana’s success, has solidified Sangster’s reputation as a trainer capable of producing Group 1 contenders.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches,all eyes will be on Sangster and his stable of talented horses. With a proven track record and the support of key figures in the industry, he is well-positioned to achieve his first Group 1 victory.
“Perhaps this will be the year that Keane is recognised as one of the best practitioners of his craft,” said Menuisier. “And with ollie’s training, I believe we’ll see more people come to their senses and recognize his talent.”
Key Highlights
| Key Point | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Trainer | Ollie Sangster |
| Notable Horse | Tamfana (Ger) |
| Recent Victory | Sun Chariot Stakes |
| jockey Partnership | Colin Keane |
| 2025 Goal | First Group 1 win |
Conclusion
Ollie Sangster’s journey to the top of the racing world is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the sport. With a strong stable of horses and a growing list of achievements, 2025 could be the year he cements his place among the elite trainers in thoroughbred racing.
For more updates on Ollie Sangster’s journey and the latest in thoroughbred racing, stay tuned to Thoroughbred Daily News.
—
What are your thoughts on Ollie Sangster’s potential to train a Group 1 winner? Share your predictions in the comments below!
Ollie Sangster Poised for Group 1 Breakthrough as Ballydoyle Fillies Shine in 2024
Ollie Sangster,the rising star of the training ranks,is on the cusp of a long-awaited Group 1 victory.After narrowly missing out on top-tier success in the past two seasons,the young trainer is persistent to make 2024 his year.
sangster’s journey to the pinnacle of horse racing has been marked by near-misses. In 2023, his filly Shuwari (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) put up a valiant fight but was edged out by Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket. later in the season,Simmering (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) came agonizingly close to victory in the moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh,only to be bested by Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}).
“Sangster has been consistently knocking on that Group 1 door. It’s only a matter of time before it opens,” notes a racing insider. With such consistent performances, the breakthrough seems certain.
Ballydoyle’s Fillies Dominate the Spotlight
While Sangster’s quest for a Group 1 win continues, the focus at ballydoyle this season is firmly on its exceptional fillies. A glance at the ante-post markets for the Classics reveals a stark contrast between the fillies’ and colts’ divisions.
The colts’ barn lacks the star power seen in previous years. City of Troy, the standout colt of 2024, has set a high bar, but there appears to be no successor of similar caliber this season.
In contrast, the fillies’ division is brimming with talent. Fairy Godmother (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), who dazzled in the Albany stakes at Royal Ascot, is one to watch. Lake Victoria (Ire) (frankel {GB}), the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner, is another standout. Add to that list Giselle (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and Minnie Hauk (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), and it’s clear that Aidan O’Brien’s fillies are the ones to beat this year.
Key Fillies to Watch in 2024
| Name | Sire | Achievements |
|———————-|————————|———————————————–|
| Fairy Godmother (Ire)| Night Of Thunder (Ire) | Albany Stakes winner |
| Lake Victoria (Ire) | Frankel (GB) | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner |
| Giselle (Ire) | Frankel (GB) | Promising performer |
| Minnie Hauk (Ire) | Frankel (GB) | Highly anticipated for the season |
The Road ahead
For Ollie Sangster, the 2024 season represents a golden opportunity to cement his place among the elite trainers. With a string of talented horses under his care, the long-awaited Group 1 victory could be just around the corner.
Simultaneously occurring, Ballydoyle’s fillies are set to dominate the headlines. As the racing world eagerly anticipates the Classics, all eyes will be on Fairy Godmother, Lake Victoria, and their stablemates to deliver unforgettable performances.
stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds. Will Ollie Sangster finally break through? Can Ballydoyle’s fillies live up to the hype? Only time will tell.
—
For more insights into the world of horse racing, explore the latest news and updates on coolmore’s stallions and the legacy of Frankel.
trong> (Sea The Stars {Ire}) finished a close second in the Prix Marcel Boussac at Longchamp, further highlighting Sangster’s ability to prepare horses for elite competition.
Ballydoyle Fillies Lead the Charge
The 2024 season has brought renewed optimism for Sangster, with his Ballydoyle fillies showing exceptional form. Shuwari (Ire), now a three-year-old, has returned stronger and more persistent, while Simmering (GB) has continued to impress in her outings. Both fillies are being primed for Group 1 targets, with the 1000 Guineas and the Epsom Oaks high on the agenda.
“shuwari has always been a special filly,” said Sangster. “She’s matured beautifully over the winter, and I believe she has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Simmering, too, has shown tremendous progress, and I’m excited to see what she can achieve this season.”
Support from Industry Leaders
Sangster’s rise has not gone unnoticed by some of the biggest names in the sport. Legendary trainer Aidan O’Brien has praised Sangster’s work ethic and attention to detail,stating,“Ollie has a natural talent for training.His horses are always well-prepared,and he has a luminous future ahead of him.”
Jockey Ryan Moore,who has partnered with Sangster on several occasions,echoed these sentiments. “Ollie’s horses are a joy to ride. They’re always in top condition, and he has a great understanding of what it takes to win at the highest level.”
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Sangster and his stable of talented fillies. With the support of industry leaders and a proven track record of success, Sangster is well-positioned to achieve his long-awaited Group 1 breakthrough.
“This could be the year,” said Sangster. “We’ve come so close in the past, and I believe we have the horses to get the job done.It’s all about staying focused and making the most of every chance.”
Key Highlights
| Key Point | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Trainer | Ollie Sangster |
| Notable Fillies | Shuwari (Ire), Simmering (GB) |
| 2023 Near-Misses | 2nd in Fillies’ Mile, 2nd in Prix marcel Boussac |
| 2024 Targets | 1000 Guineas, Epsom Oaks |
| Industry Support | Aidan O’Brien, Ryan Moore |
Conclusion
Ollie Sangster’s journey to the top of the racing world is a testament to his skill, determination, and passion for the sport. With a strong stable of fillies and the support of key figures in the industry, 2024 could be the year he cements his place among the elite trainers in thoroughbred racing.
For more updates on Ollie Sangster’s journey and the latest in thoroughbred racing, stay tuned to Thoroughbred Daily News.
—
what are your thoughts on Ollie Sangster’s potential to train a Group 1 winner? Share your predictions in the comments below!
