How Much Does a Thoroughbred Horse Cost? [2026]

The Thoroughbred is the king of horse racing—bred for speed, heart, and athletic ability. But how much does a Thoroughbred cost, and what determines their price?

Quick Answer: Thoroughbred Prices Vary Wildly

What Makes Thoroughbreds Special

Physical Characteristics

• Size: 15.2-17 hands typically
• Build: Lean, athletic, long legs
• Speed: Can reach 40+ mph
• Colors: Bay, chestnut, black, gray most common

Temperament

• Hot-blooded and sensitive
• Intelligent and bold
• High energy level
• Brave and competitive
• Forms strong bonds

Versatility Beyond Racing

Retired Thoroughbreds excel in:

• Eventing (they dominate this sport)
• Show jumping
• Dressage
• Fox hunting
• Polo
• Trail riding

Understanding Thoroughbred Pricing

Racing Market

Yearling Sales

• Keeneland September Sale: Premier yearling auction
• Average prices: $50,000-150,000
• Top yearlings: $1,000,000-35,000,000+
• Breeding determines most of the price

Two-Year-Old Sales

• Horses in early training
• Breeze shows demonstrate speed
• Premium for proven ability

Claiming Races

• Any horse in race can be “claimed” for set price
• Claiming prices: $5,000-100,000
• Lower-level racing

Off-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs)

The most affordable way to own a Thoroughbred:

• Directly from track: $0-3,000
• From retraining programs: $1,000-5,000
• Partially retrained: $3,000-10,000
• Fully retrained for new career: $8,000-25,000

Factors Affecting Racing Prices

1. Pedigree

• Sire (father) reputation most important
• Dam (mother) race record
• Siblings’ success
• First foals from hot sires = premium

2. Conformation

• Correct leg angles
• Good bone
• Athletic appearance
• X-rays showing clean joints

3. Race Record

For horses already racing:

• Graded stakes wins = premium
• Recent form matters
• Earnings indicate quality

OTTB Prices by Second Career

Eventing

• Green prospect: $5,000 – $15,000
• Training level: $10,000 – $25,000
• Prelim/Intermediate: $25,000 – $75,000
• Advanced: $50,000 – $200,000+

Show Jumping

• Prospect: $5,000 – $15,000
• Showing 1.0-1.10m: $15,000 – $40,000
• Showing 1.20m+: $30,000 – $100,000+

Dressage

• Training/First Level: $8,000 – $25,000
• Second/Third Level: $20,000 – $50,000
• FEI Level: $40,000 – $150,000+

Trail/Pleasure

• Retrained OTTB: $3,000 – $10,000
• Well-trained pleasure horse: $8,000 – $15,000

Adopting an OTTB

Where to Find OTTBs

• Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance programs: Accredited rescues
• New Vocations: Major retraining program
• CANTER: Direct from tracks
• Local TB rescues: Regional programs

What to Consider

• Racing history (soundness)
• Temperament fit
• Retraining time needed
• Veterinary exam essential

Ongoing Costs

Note: Thoroughbreds are often “hard keepers” requiring more feed than other breeds.

The Bottom Line

Thoroughbred prices range from adoption-fee OTTBs at $500 to multi-million dollar racing prospects. For sport horse purposes, expect $5,000-$25,000 for a quality OTTB that needs retraining, or $15,000-$50,000 for one already retrained for a second career. Their athleticism, heart, and trainability make them excellent partners for experienced riders willing to invest time in their transition from the track.

Sources: The Jockey Club, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Keeneland Association