Bills of Sale and Papers
Gateway OTTBs will prepare a written Bill of Sale which will be signed digitally by both the buyer and the seller. This will be delivered to you via email, and a completed copy will also be emailed to you once both parties have signed.
Jockey Club Papers & Lip Tattoos
For Thoroughbreds, birth certificates are their Jockey Club Certificate of Registration, or “Jockey Club papers.” A horse's Jockey Club papers allow them, among other things, to be sold at public auction, race in sanctioned events, and be bred to other Thoroughbreds to produce the next generation of the breed.
After Dec. 31, 2019, only electronic registration papers will be issued, and the physical ink-based lip tattoo will be officially replaced with a microchip.
More information is available at https://www.registry.jockeyclub.com/registry
As a buyer, you may request a copy of your horse's digital certificate. We may be able to get it for you. Sellers may also be willing to transfer the digital registration certificate to your Jockey Club Interactive Registration account.
Retired From Racing Rule
What is Sold as Retired from Racing?
If an owner desires a Thoroughbred to be considered retired from racing, the completion of a Sold As Retired From Racing allows the owner to retire a Thoroughbred from racing without affecting its breeding privileges.
Within 60 days after the date of sale, the Seller and Purchaser of a Thoroughbred are to complete a Sold As Retired From Racing form. Both signatures must be notarized.
The Certificate of Foal Registration, four (4) color photographs (front, both sides and rear views) must also be submitted to the Registry. Upon receipt in the registry office within 60 days from the date of the sale and compliance with all requirements, the Certificate of Foal Registration will be stamped "Retired from Racing" and returned to the purchaser.
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You may be required to complete this form. This may not be negotiable.