Though 536 horses have been entered for the sale, the actual number that will arrive at the parade rings will be far less. With leading establishments like Usha Stud Farm, the Poonawalla Stud Farm, the Nanoli Stud Farm having sold almost all their produce off the shelf in private sales at the stud farm itself, the quality of horses on view will be significantly poor. The high sales tax on horses sold through the auction ring has deterred most from bringing the horses to the auction ring and as such, private sales for undisclosed sums are the order of the day. To encourage more horses to actually come to the ring, the Royal Western India Turf Club will be framing some exclusive races for horses sold during the auction sale.
With all the excitement that this event unfailingly generates Pune will really be the place where horse lovers would like to be after the running of the Indian Derby on Sunday. Though there is a decline in the number, the auction sale has been eagerly looked forward event because it is one occasion which brings the entire breeding industry, the race horse owners, the professionals and the bystanders together for a few days and allows for greater interaction among the fraternity. The sales which used to be held at the Mahalaxmi race course in the past has since 1998 been held at the Pune Race Course due to logistical reasons. More details can be had from The Registrar, Indian Stud Book or through email at indianstudbook@vsnl.net
