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Estimated Profitability of Thoroughbred Yearlings Sold in Auctions in the United States, 2001–2018

Author

Listed:
  • Jenna Bryant

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

  • C. Jill Stowe

    (Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA)

Abstract

Yearling auctions constitute the most common means of trading prospective Thoroughbred racehorses. The main objective of many equine operations is to breed yearlings to sell at these auctions, and therefore, the ability of breeders to consistently realize positive returns is paramount to their long-term participation in the market. In this article, we investigate the estimated profitability of Thoroughbred yearlings sold in auctions from 2001–2018. According to our estimates, less than 50% of transactions were profitable, with negative median profit in all years under analysis but two. In addition, the likelihood of realizing a positive return diminishes as the quality of sire decreases. Our results suggest that the long-run sustainability for many breeders, especially breeders that may lack the capital to invest in high quality stallions, is questionable.

Suggested Citation

  • Jenna Bryant & C. Jill Stowe, 2020. "Estimated Profitability of Thoroughbred Yearlings Sold in Auctions in the United States, 2001–2018," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:2:p:463-:d:306223
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Vinzant, Patrick L. & Neibergs, J. Shannon, 1999. "Maximum-Likelihood Estimates Of Racehorse Earnings And Profitability," Journal of Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics Association of Georgia, vol. 17(1), pages 1-12.
    2. Karungu, Peter & Reed, Michael R. & Tvedt, Douglas D., 1993. "Macroeconomic Factors And The Thoroughbred Industry," Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, vol. 25(1), pages 1-9, July.
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