Starting the Year Informed: Key Sales in the First Half of 2026
Some may slow-roll the start of their year, but in the Thoroughbred industry we hit the ground running. Whether you’re an experienced owner or exploring ownership for the first time, understanding the sales calendar early creates clarity, confidence, and better decision-making long before sale day arrives.
The first six months of the year include several major sales, each offering different opportunities depending on goals, timelines, and comfort level. Knowing what’s ahead allows time to prepare financially and strategically without pressure.
Key Thoroughbred Sales | First Half of 2026
Ocala Breeders’ Sales – Winter Mixed Sale
January 27
This sale offers a broad range of Horses of Racing Age, broodmares, and short yearlings, and may serve as an early indicator of market activity for the year ahead.
Fasig-Tipton – Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale
February 9
A key early-season sale featuring broodmares (and foals, if you’re lucky), along with other offerings that often set the tone for the spring market.
OBS – Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale
March 4–12
Kicking off the two-year-old sales in Ocala, this sale typically offers some of the most precocious horses of the crop. With an under-tack show prior to the sale, prospective buyers are able to evaluate the horses further.
OBS April Sale – Two-Year-Olds in Training
April 5–17
Also held in Ocala, this is the largest of the two-year-olds in training sales and offers a wide variety of horses for all levels of prospective buyers.
Keeneland Sales – April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale
April 24
Held promptly after the Keeneland Spring Meet, this sale showcases proven racehorses and ready-to-run prospects.
Fasig-Tipton Midlantic – Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale
May 12–19
Held in Maryland, this sale is a significant spring opportunity—particularly important for the regional market and for prospective owners evaluating two-year-olds.
OBS June Sale – Two-Year-Olds & Horses of Racing Age
June 9–18
The final two-year-old sale of the year held in Ocala, this is the last opportunity to evaluate young horses in an under-tack show before purchase.
In addition to the sales listed above, other important opportunities take place throughout the spring:
Fasig-Tipton – Digital Sales – Offering flexibility and access to a wide range of horses for owners at different stages of involvement.
January is when the right questions get asked:
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What are my goals this year?
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What level of involvement makes sense for me?
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What budget feels responsible and realistic?
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Bloodstock Advisory Services
At horseOlogy, we believe the best sale experiences are built on preparation not impulse. horseOlogy offers bloodstock advisory services designed to guide owners through the sales process with clarity, providing evaluation, insight, and support before, during, and after the sale. Every horse brings a unique combination of strengths and potential. Taking time to understand fit and expectations early makes the ownership experience far more rewarding.
Whether you’re seasoned in the industry or just beginning to explore ownership, horseOlogy is here to guide you every step of the way.
For those planning to attend the OBS March Sale, we also welcome scheduled farm visits – a great opportunity to see where the groundwork happens long before a horse ever enters the ring.
Ready to Get Involved?
Interested in participating in upcoming sales or learning which opportunities may be right for you?
👉 Join our Exclusive Waitlist:
Have questions or want to talk through options?
📧 Contact Teona directly: Teona@horseOlogyinc.com
Starting the year informed sets the tone for a thoughtful, rewarding journey ahead.