How to Transfer Ownership of a Thoroughbred

You can now transfer ownership of a thoroughbred either online or on paper. Be sure to follow all appropriate steps below to ensure a complete and legal transfer of ownership of your thoroughbred. Jockey Club procedures are addressed below, but some states and countries have unique additional requirements.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Visit the Jockey Club Registry website to sign up for online Interactive Registration, or request hardcopies of Transfer of Ownership forms by calling the Registry at [phone].

2. Provide new owner information, including full name and contact information, the horse's registered name and pedigree and date of purchase.

3. Record the transfer of ownership using the blank spaces provided on the back of the Certificate of Foal Registration before the thoroughbred changes hands.

4. Complete a health inspection and brand inspection if required for your state. Contact your local Department of Agriculture for further details.

5. Complete a bill of sale or transfer for your own records including the thoroughbred's registered name and number, date of purchase/transfer and signatures of both previous and new owners.

6. Inquire about any additional requirements for transfer of ownership particular to your state or country.

Tips & Warnings

• If the thoroughbred's Jockey Club registration is still in progress and papers have not issued, transfer ownership simply by supplying the correct ownership information in the spaces provided on the Live Foal Report and Application for Registration forms.
• If the thoroughbred is not registered with the Jockey Club and you have no intention of racing or breeding the horse, you need only complete the bill of sale, health inspection and brand inspection.
• Complete all paperwork before the thoroughbred changes hands.
• It is not recommended that you breed unregistered thoroughbreds.

Resources

• Jockey Club Registry