RESPECT FOR OWNERS

by John Fulton

Recently, I brokered the purchase of a high profile horse in South America. Within minutes of closing the deal, I saw press releases, tweets, messages on Facebook and texts with many of those stating the price of the horse and the name of the buyer. There were a lot of different prices quoted and a few of different buyers. All were wrong in what they sent out. It was well known by these pundits that I was the agent in this transaction but none contacted me for details. As news started to spread, some of the major industry publications contacted me asking for details and I confirmed that the horse had been purchased but did not give out any information on the buyer or the sale price. That is the way that my client wanted it handled and I was his representative in this transaction and, therefore, I am obligated to respect his privacy. 

While it is understandable that people in the industry want to know details about the sale of an important horse, I believe that we must always respect the wishes of the owners who are the ones who, along with the bettors, fund our sport. I find it reprehensible when those who apparently want to show that they are the first to know what is going on throw out names and numbers based on speculation. Giving out information, or not, on a purchase of any horse is the decision of the person who is putting up the money. We must give those owners the privilege of making the announcement the way that they want to or to keep it private if that is what they chose to do. To infringe on the right of privacy of any owner in this business is a total lack of respect for those who spend fortunes while trying to come up with the next superstar. 

I was acting as an agent and, in doing so, I am responsible to the person who is paying for my services and to no one else. I understand the frustration of the people of the press when they can’t get more detail immediately, but all of us who are fortunate make our living in this game must always respect the ones who fund it. Eventually everyone will know who is the purchaser but that will happen at his discretion and that is the way it should be. 

The serious publications that contacted me have all shown proper respect in publishing reports of the sale. But, there are many who, in their desire to show that they are privy to inside information, continue to send out non-verified information that is a total lack of respect to both buyer and seller. Private transactions are just that: private.

John Fulton is a bloodstock agent living in Argentina. He came up under Horatio Luro, and trained from 1973 through 1988. He has been doing business in South America since 1983, and his business encompasses Chile, Brazil, Peru and Uruguay as well as Argentina. He is the Breeders’ Cup’s representative in Latin America.

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