Transfer of Ownership amnesties announced for end-of-year-foal sales

The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (TBA), Weatherbys and the Great British Bonus (GBB) have collaborated to facilitate Transfer of Ownership amnesties during the following foal sales:

• GOFFS UK – British National Hunt Breeders’ Showcase, Friday 1 November 2024

• TATTERSALLS – December Foal Sale, Tuesday 26 – Saturday 30 November 2024  

Foals purchased during the above sales by British and Irish based-owners will be eligible for free of charge Transfer of Ownership updates with the General Stud Book (GSB), when submitted on a Defra change of ownership form along with the paper passport, to the on-site Weatherbys office at Goffs and Tattersalls, during the duration of that respective sale.  

Timely compliance with legislative requirements, such as Transfer of Ownership and deceased reporting are vital to the thoroughbred sector in facilitating lifetime traceability of the thoroughbred. Whilst, maintaining correct ownership records with the GSB at each of the GBB registration stages, is also required to ensure that that any bonuses are being paid to the worthy recipients, i.e. those who own the filly and are making the payment at each registration stage.

Victoria Murrell, Equine Health and Welfare Manager at the TBA said: “We are grateful to Weatherbys and the sale houses for accommodating these amnesties. Traceability of our thoroughbreds is fundamental to the sector in demonstrating transparency through the administrative processes we have in place and gives greater accountability to those who are responsible for their care. Transfer of ownership is a legal requirement, and we hope this financially incentivised amnesty is well received”.

Charlie Newton, Operations Manager for GBB added: “Keeping ownership details up to date is crucial for proper traceability and documentation, but GBB provides an extra reason to stay on top of it. If you own a GBB filly and fail to update ownership records, you risk up to £4,000 being paid to the wrong individual. Once stage 2 registration is complete, 10% of future bonuses are allocated to the registered owner at that time, so there is a significant financial incentive to keep on top of your admin."

Additionally, passports for any deceased thoroughbreds can also be returned to the Weatherbys site office at either Goffs or Tattersalls on the selected dates with a notification of the date of the death. 

Breeders are reminded that it is a legal requirement to notify the GSB within 30 days of a Transfer of Ownership taking place, or a fatality occurring.

The TBA thanks all breeders for their thorough record-keeping, which is crucial for under-pinning the industry’s traceability efforts and allowing the sector to have accurate data to be able to account for thoroughbreds at all life stages.