The BBAG Yearling Sale in Baden-Baden is a key event for sourcing classic middle-distance contenders, attracting a growing number of international buyers eager to find the next Group 1 winner. Industry experts such as trainer Joseph O’Brien and Liberty Racing’s Lars-Wilhelm Baumgarten emphasize the sale’s strength in deep German bloodlines and well-bred, stamina-laden horses, contrasting with other European sales that often focus on precocious types. Despite challenges like the absence of a flagship German stallion following the loss of Adlerflug and Soldier Hollow, there is optimism around emerging sires like Torquator Tasso to fill the void and sustain German breeding’s future.
Participants praise the sale’s unique qualities, including the natural physical development of the horses, comprehensive veterinary checks, and the strong temperaments of German-bred yearlings. First-time consignor Bartek Radzikowski and seasoned buyers alike highlight the sale’s accessibility and the opportunity to acquire quality staying types at competitive prices compared to larger markets. With more international buyers than ever before, competition is expected to be fierce, but the consensus is that the BBAG Yearling Sale remains a fertile ground for discovering valuable racehorses and supporting the revival of German racing and breeding.
