Goffs are delighted to announce that purchasers of horses with Royal Ascot engagements at Goffs London Sale, in association with QIPCO, will be facilitated to change ownership in time for the race thanks to a unique agreement between Goffs, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and Weatherbys.
Previously it would not have been possible to transfer ownership at such short notice but a special Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by all parties which enables those horses bought at the Sale with entries for Royal Ascot to run in the colours of their new owners.
Goffs London Sale, in association with QIPCO, takes place on Monday 16 June, the eve of Royal Ascot, at The Orangery at Kensington Palace and will feature a select number of Breeze Up Horses and Horses in Training, with several expected to be offered with engagements at the Royal Meeting.
Prospective purchasers must ensure that they are registered as an owner in Britain or in another registered racing jurisdiction in advance of the sale and that the intended trainer holds a valid licence in a registered racing jurisdiction. For example, an American trainer who is therefore licensed by another registered racing jurisdiction will be able to attend, buy and run the horse in their name that week. In the case of any last minute joint ownerships and racing partnerships being formed, BHA and Weatherbys will use reasonable endeavours to process registrations in time for the horse’s engagement at Royal Ascot. All overseas colours will also need to be registered with BHA.
Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby commented:
“Part of the unique appeal of Goffs London Sale for buyers is the dream of purchasing a horse that is, quite literally, ready to run that week at Royal Ascot. This idea has been greeted with great excitement by international owners and trainers, and we are very grateful to BHA and Weatherbys, who have agreed to facilitate the transfer process so that these horses can run in the name and colours of their new owner. Under normal circumstances it would not be possible to change ownership or trainer as quickly”.
Ruth Quinn, Director of Racing for BHA added:
“BHA were happy to work alongside GBRI, Goffs and Weatherbys to facilitate the Memorandum of Understanding. Enabling horses bought at the sales to fast-track any subsequent registrations in order to reflect the new connections at Royal Ascot will hopefully stimulate wider interest in the sale and further international investment.”
Weatherbys’ Assistant Director of Racing Services, Nick Wilson said:
“Royal Ascot is the most prestigious race meeting in the world and Weatherbys are delighted to offer their administrative support for this new venture which can only serve to bring further focus to this unique event”.
A Weatherbys representative will attend the London Sale and work with the Goffs team to assist buyers and manage the processing of transfer of engagement and the registration of colours forms.
Full details of the Goffs, BHA and Weatherbys agreement are available along with all information for Goffs London Sale in association with QIPCO.