Gulfstream Sale Canceled; OBS March to Move Forward

While Fasig-Tipton and The Stronach Group have canceled The Gulfstream Sale, Fasig-Tipton's select sale of 2-year-olds in training at Gulfstream Park, in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Ocala Breeders' Sales March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training will go on as scheduled.

The OBS Board of Directors determined that going through with the sale is the proper course of action after careful consideration of the coronavirus situation and consultation with consignors and prospective buyers.

"We are mindful of the nature of the situation and continue to monitor circumstances that may force a change in our position," OBS president Tom Ventura said. "Certainly, there is heightened awareness of the importance of proper hygiene, and we are taking steps to follow recommended sanitary protocols."

Steps taken by OBS to ensure the well-being of all March sale patrons include increased cleaning schedules and protocols. Doors not required to be locked for security will remain open to eliminate the use of handles, and all OBS employees will be instructed to follow sanitary procedures and to stay home if sick.

For prospective buyers unable to attend the March sale or unsure about traveling at this time, OBS will increase phone bid capacity.

The Gulfstream Sale scheduled for April 1 in Hallandale Beach, Fla., is the second 2-year-old sale in the United States to be canceled because of concerns over COVID-19. The announcement came March 13, one day after the cancellation of The April Sale, Keeneland's select 2-year-olds in training sale.

The decision also comes following Gulfstream Park's precautionary announcement late Thursday that the racetrack will conduct live racing without spectators indefinitely.

"While disappointing, canceling the Gulfstream sale is the most prudent and responsible decision we can make in light of the rapidly changing circumstances associated with COVID-19," Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning Jr. said. "With the facility closures at Gulfstream, it prevents us from conducting the auction. The health and welfare of all sale participants, both human and equine, is always our highest priority."

"Difficult times call for difficult decisions, but this one was relatively easy," said Aidan Butler, the chief strategy officer for The Stronach Group. "For the health and safety of our horsemen and women, facility access is limited to essential personnel to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19. We are grateful to our partners at Fasig-Tipton for understanding these unique circumstances and look forward to hosting sales in the future." 

Fasig-Tipton's contingency plan is to add the horses cataloged for The Gulfstream Sale into the company's Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, scheduled for May 18-19 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Md. Fasig-Tipton also plans to add a second Midlantic auction in late June at that same facility to provide an additional sale venue for horses, consignors, and buyers. 

"This is certainly a unique set of circumstances, but we will always strive to make the best decisions that we can for the marketplace and our customers," Browning added.

In France, the Osarus Breeze-Up Sale has been pushed back five weeks and is now set to take place May 12-13, according to a report from Ollie O'Donoghue of Racing Post. The sales company cited the increased number of COVID-19 cases in France, along with subsequent travel restrictions, as reasons for the postponement.

The auction—topped last year by the €90,000 Anodin filly Night Of Love—was originally scheduled for April 8-9. 

Osarus said in a statement: "Due to the rising number of cases of coronavirus in France during the past few days and subsequent travel restrictions, the La Teste Breeze-Up Sale, originally to take place on April 8 and 9, has been postponed. 

"The sale will now take place on May 12 and 13, sanitary conditions permitting."