11 April 2008
£7m racehorse facility opened in Doncaster to lure big-spending buyers

A £7m million state-of-the-art thoroughbred racehorse facility was opened this week by England footballer Michael Owen. The facility is owned by Doncaster Bloodstock Sales (DBS), auctioneers of some of the world’s top racehorses including 12 Grand National winners. Designed by leading international architects RMJM, the DBS facility represents the largest one-off investment by a European auction house.

It is located next door to Doncaster Racecourse and features more than 500 stables and a luxurious, custom-built 250-seat capacity sales arena. The new complex also houses bar and restaurant facilities, specialists shops, and veterinary facilities.

DBS enjoys an enviable reputation in the racing world, with some of the world’s richest men – including Sheikh Mohammed, Ruler of Dubai – buying racing thoroughbreds from the DBS stables. Sales are booming – the company recording growth for 10 consecutive years for the three-day St Leger yearling sale. Last September’s sale topper was a colt purchased by the Sheikh for £194,250.

DBS Managing Director Henry Beeby said the new facility would fuel growth further.

Mr Beeby commented: “The dream is now a reality. After years of talking and planning we have made it and I am delighted with what we have achieved. I genuinely believe this will herald the start of a new dawn for DBS. The new complex is a first-class facility and we have focused on making it both horse and customer friendly. The personal service that is the hallmark of DBS will only be enhanced from our new address and the seamless transition from the Sales Paddocks means we have every opportunity to continue our growth.”

RMJM project director Conor Pittman said continued investment in horseracing facilities was important if the UK wanted to retain its competitive international advantage in this field.

Mr Pittman commented: “The thoroughbred industry is a massive money spinner for the UK – more than £900m per year in exports. It’s the large investment from customers from the Middle East and, more recently, Japan who have been influential in the development of what is currently a very strong market for racing and breeding stock. It’s important that there are world-class facilities in place where the business of buying and selling horses can take place in an environment where the likes of Sheikh Mohammed can feel at completely at home.”

He added: “It’s not just the horses that we will be exporting – potentially there’s a very vibrant market for RMJM to build similar bespoke racehorse breeding facilities throughout the Middle East and Asia.”



Doncaster Racehorse Facility Architect : RMJM

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