For owners in the USA
European racehorses, bought for American owners
Kentucky, New York, California, Florida or anywhere in between: we find, check and buy the right horse at the British, Irish and French sales or privately, and hand it to your licensed US trainer. You stay home. The jet lag is ours.
Who this is for
- American owners who want a European-raced or European-bred turf horse for US racing.
- Buyers of horses in training who want a horse with form, not just a pedigree.
- Breeders looking for fillies and mares from European families.
- Americans who race in the Gulf, aiming at the Saudi Cup meeting in Riyadh or the Dubai World Cup meeting at Meydan. We are based in Dubai, so that part is home ground.
Why European turf horses interest American owners
Europe races almost entirely on grass, so its horses learn turf from day one: different tracks, different ground, left- and right-handed. Many American owners like that grounding for US turf races. European families also bring stamina and toughness that some breeders want in a mare.
We say this plainly: none of it is a promise. A horse can win, lose, or simply dislike its new home. Our job is to give you the best chance of a sound, well-chosen horse at a fair price, and to tell you when a horse is not worth it.
What we do for you
- Shortlists. 3–5 horses that fit your budget, your trainer and US racing, with form, pedigree notes, video and our honest pick.
- Catalogue and vet review. We read the catalogue pages, inspect on the ground and arrange independent X-rays and a wind scope. You get every report.
- Bidding to your limit. At Tattersalls (Newmarket), Goffs (Ireland) and Arqana (Deauville), in your name, never above the price you set in writing.
- Private purchases. Some of the best horses are never in a catalogue. We negotiate quietly with owners and trainers.
- Shipping to the USA. We coordinate with specialist horse shippers: export papers, insurance, the flight and the quarantine booking.
- Placing with your trainer. Licensed trainers train. We hand the horse to your licensed US trainer, or help you choose one.
See all the sales we buy from, and how we work at Tattersalls from overseas.
Import and licence basics (checked 22 Oct 2026)
Import: horses arriving from Europe need a USDA import permit and must go into quarantine at an APHIS-approved facility. Intact mares and stallions from countries with contagious equine metritis (CEM) must test negative before entry and then go through extra CEM testing and quarantine in an approved state; geldings are exempt from the CEM steps. Source: USDA APHIS, importing equines.
Owner licence: each state's racing commission licenses owners, for example the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation and the New York State Gaming Commission. Your trainer will know the local steps. Medication rules in the US also differ from Europe, so your vet and trainer should see the horse's records early.
Currencies
Tattersalls sells in guineas: one guinea is £1.05 (Great British Racing International). Goffs and Arqana sell in euros. Our fee is always quoted in US dollars, so you know where you stand, and you pay the sales company in the sale's own currency through your bank.
Time zones
We are in Dubai (GMT+4), so your morning coffee meets our evening, which is good timing for both. Email is best and gets a reply within 24 hours, usually the same day. Video calls are booked at US-friendly times, Eastern to Pacific. On sale days we keep you updated by email and on the phone while your horse is in the ring.
Fees
5% fee (min US$5,000), agreed in writing. You pay the seller directly; your money never goes through us. If we are ever paid by both sides, both are told in writing first. Budgets from US$50,000 per horse. Vetting, insurance, shipping and quarantine are quoted before you commit. Full details: fees and process.
Questions American owners ask
Can I buy at Tattersalls, Goffs or Arqana without flying over?
Yes. We inspect on the ground, send you the vet reports and videos, and bid in your name up to the limit you set in writing. You pay the sales company directly.
What does the USDA require when a horse is imported from Europe?
In general, a USDA import permit, official health papers and quarantine at an APHIS-approved facility on arrival. Intact mares and stallions from CEM countries need extra testing and quarantine; geldings are simpler. We and your shipper check the current rules for every horse.
Do I need a licence to race my horse in the USA?
Yes. Owners are licensed by the racing commission in each state where the horse runs. Your US trainer can guide you; we cannot apply on your behalf.
How much do you charge?
5% fee (min US$5,000), agreed in writing. You pay the seller directly; your money never goes through us. If we are ever paid by both sides, both are told in writing first.
Looking for a European horse?
Email Sami first: your state, your budget, the horse you want and your trainer. He reads every message himself.
Phone +971 52 311 2385 (Dubai, GMT+4). WhatsApp as backup: +971 52 311 2385.