We just updated our Astar Thoroughbred website for 2016. We have also had requests for access to the analysis we conducted related to the 2015 Minnesota Auction results, and a brief we sent to local horse breeders related to Minnesota breeding. Both summaries are now on the website in pdf formats. You can access them at your pleasure. 

The upshot of the Auction analysis is that the 2015 auction was certainly a buyers market. A decline in prices per purse seemed to coincide with past decisions to move the auction site away from Canterbury Park, which diminished synergistic marketing/promotion efforts. I noticed recently that a decision has been made to move the 2016 auction back to Canterbury Park, which is consistent with one of the recommendations in the analysis.

The upshot of the Minnesota breeding brief was that the Minnesota Breeders Fund payments have been very solid and competitive in both 2014 and 2015. Unfortunately, efforts to market the MN breeding program, and rules changes that would allow for marketing payments as a percentage of purses, are still a concern as foal populations per earning potential are low compared to other states.

The Auction Analysis is under the Owner tab, while the Breeding Brief is under the Breeding tab. 

Whether you are an owner, breeder or handicapper, I hope you enjoy the updated site.