The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS) 2-Year-Old Sales are a cornerstone of West Point Thoroughbreds’ acquisition process and an exciting opportunity for Partners to experience the industry’s premier juvenile marketplace firsthand. Whether you’re attending your first sale or returning for another season, this guide is designed to help you plan your trip, navigate the OBS grounds, and understand how West Point evaluates, selects, and ultimately purchases future runners.

Below you’ll find key sale dates and locations, travel and lodging recommendations, dining and area highlights, and a behind-the-scenes look at West Point’s buying process—so you can arrive informed, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the full sales experience alongside our team. 🐎

 

📍 Sale Dates & Location

Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS)
1701 SW 60th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474

2026 Key Dates:

• OBS March Sale: March 10–12, 2026 (Breeze Show March 4–7)
• OBS April Sale: April 14–17, 2026 (Breeze Show April 5–11)

OBS Facility Map

 

✈️ Travel & Transportation

 

✈️ Airports

The most convenient major airports for OBS are:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO) – ~80 miles southeast of Ocala.
• Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) – ~45 miles northeast of Ocala.
• Tampa International Airport (TPA) – ~100 miles southwest of Ocala.

🚗 Getting Around

Car rental is highly recommended.
Uber/Lyft options exist but are limited in Ocala’s more rural, thoroughbred-centric areas. Renting a car at the airport gives plenty of flexibility when navigating heavy Central Florida traffic!

 

🏨 Hotel Accommodations

OBS provides a recommended hotel list featuring special OBS rates during sales — these are designated with an asterisk on the list.

Helpful tip: When booking, aim for hotels in Ocala proper or the I-75 / Silver Springs Blvd corridor

• We recommend booking early as rooms fill up quickly during sale time
• Some time-tested favorites for horsemen during the sale are:
  • Hilton Ocala – a staple location within minutes of the OBS grounds
  • Courtyard Marriott – similar to the Hilton Ocala, prime location and reasonable rates
  • Springhill Suites – better suited to longer stays, with larger accommodations than the standard hotel room
  • The Equestrian – a luxurious option located in the World Equestrian Center
  • The Riding Academy – the more budget and family-oriented sister to The Equestrian

 

🍽️ Restaurant Recommendations (Ocala, FL)

Ocala has a thriving local food scene. Here are popular options for Partners:

Local Favorites

• Brick City Southern Kitchen – classic Southern cuisine.
• La Cuisine French Restaurant – upscale French fare (their souffles are a specialty!)
• Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille – Louisiana-inspired dishes.
• Stirrups and Yellow Pony – Fine dining and casual pub options at WEC.
• Mark’s Prime – The classic Ocala steakhouse with a strong horse-industry presence.
• Horse and Hounds – A casual local favorite where trainers often gather.
• Remington’s Prime – Locally owned and a new dining option located close to WEC.
• Carrabba’s – A WPT favorite for a quick bite (and peach sangria) after the sale.
• McAlister’s – Another WPT tradition, great lunch option with delivery to OBS.

 

🎯 Area Attractions

Ocala and central Florida offer activities beyond the sales:

• Ocala National Forest – scenic springs and nature trails.
• Silver Springs State Park – glass-bottom boat tours and wildlife.
• World Equestrian Center – a mecca for equestrians of all disciplines.
• Historic Downtown Ocala – galleries, cafés, and shops.
• Ocala Training Centers – arrange a visit to see your horses at the training centers in Ocala.

 

🐎 West Point Thoroughbreds Buying Process Overview

West Point’s acquisition process at OBS typically includes the following key steps:

1. Pre-Sale Video & Breeze Analysis

• Breeze videos from the Under-Tack Shows are reviewed carefully to assess:
• Movement at speed
• Stride quality and balance
• Attitude and willingness

These videos are available online – streaming via the OBS website during the breeze shows, with replays available throughout the sale.

2. Physical Inspection On-Site

On the OBS grounds, Partners have the opportunity to join the West Point team to evaluate candidates in person for:

• Conformation and athleticism at the walk
• Conditioning and demeanor
• Response at the sales grounds and during breeze previews

The team receives a “shortlist” of horses from our bloodstock agent, David Ingordo, who has already identified a list of targets specifically tailored to WPT. These horses have passed the first two phases of inspection – visually impressive in their sale breeze, and demonstrating sound conformation and a good mind at the consignment. 

3. Pedigree & Performance Potential

Studying bloodlines and pedigree strength is a key part of the shortlisting process.

• We analyze historical sales results and known sire/crop performance, integrating data from pedigree and conformation alongside sales metrics as we work through our shortlist of horses. To dive deeper into this data, keep an eye out on Chatter for the “AuctionEdge” publication, shared before each sale.

4. Veterinary Evaluation

Each horse is required to pass a physical exam by their attending veterinarian on the sales grounds, prior to breezing during the Under Tack Show. Each horse entered in the sale must also have a complete set of radiographs of the lower joints (knees, hocks, stifles, and ankles) in the sale repository. An endoscopic exam video is optional. Both radiographs and scopes must be submitted to the repository after the horse breezes.

• Pre-purchase vet checks are the industry standard – this is the most important piece of due diligence for buyers.
• Veterinary exams consist of physical exams, radiograph and scope evaluations, and occasionally further diagnostics such as scans or additional radiographs.

5. Final Shortlist/Bidding

Horses who have passed the physical inspections, and subsequently passed their pre-sale vetting, are typically added to the final shortlist.

The WPT team consults with David Ingordo to hone in on athletes with both pedigree appeal and value opportunity.

Standing at the back ring during the bidding process is one of the most exciting moments of the sale, when the comprehensive prep work culminates for the team. Partners are welcome to observe and join the celebration when WPT adds a new individual to the roster!

 

📌 Tips for Sale Days

• Be prepared for full days — each session begins between 10 – 11am, and can run into the late afternoon with large catalogues.
• Bring sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and grab a catalog on your way in.
• Lunch recommendations include the cafeteria at OBS, McAlister’s Deli, or head across the street to Elevation 89 located in the Ocala Airport.
• Familiarize yourself with the Facility Map above to easily navigate the grounds when planning to meet with the team.
• Make sure you have access to all WPT sale communications, including shortlist texts and pre- and post-sale webinars.

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