The British Bloodstock Marketing and Tattersalls hosted a reception for Indian breeders in Bangalore on Saturday which was attended by the leading lights of Indian racing industry. With the restrictions on importing breeding stock from England having been lifted, the Tatersalls afford s excellent opportunity for Indian breeders to supplement their stock qualitatively.

The Indian breeders having been buying big from Goff’s pregnant mares sales held during November as this was the only place from Indians could buy following the ban of movement horses from other countries due to CEM related problems. Indians were to have bought in a significant way from Tatersalls last year but the Government of India order lifting the ban came only in the month of May this year. The National Horse Breeding Society of India played a crucial role in facilitating the decision of the Agricultural Ministry in lifting the ban.

Jason Singh of Tattersalls said that December sales afforded a variety of choice for Indian breeders as they could make their pick from about 850 horses available for sale. ''We hope to have a big Indian contingent in view of the strength of the rupee. The prices of horses also would be quite affordable. The quality of horses on sale have been borne out by the results, ‘’ he added. The Tattersalls would help the prospective buyers with certain concessions which included helping out in the VISA formalities as well, he explained.

Anna Powell, the BBM representative highlighted the role of the marketing body in facilitating the sale of British bloodstock and hoped that this year there would be a big presence of Indian buyers.

Leading trainer Padmanabhan who also runs a bloodstock agency (Radiant Bloodstock) coordinated the well attended function. Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, Ms Ameeta Mehra, Khushroo Dhunjibhoy, Shyam Ruia, Sultan Singh and Nirmal Singh who are traditionally big buyers abroad were present on the occasion.