What is a desktop report?
A desktop report is a common method used in the thoroughbred industry to provide an initial assessment of a horse’s value without a physical inspection or veterinary check. This type of report is typically requested by breeders, buyers, and sellers to gain quick insights into a horse’s pedigree, race performance, and sales history. Importantly, it is also used by professionals outside of the horse racing world, such as lawyers during divorce proceedings or other legal cases, where a quick valuation of a thoroughbred is necessary for asset division.
Unlike a comprehensive appraisal, a desktop report is conducted remotely, relying solely on available data, performance records, pedigree analysis and understanding the current market and trends. This makes it a cost-effective solution for initial valuations when a full inspection might not be immediately necessary or feasible.
How Does a Desktop Report Work?
A desktop report evaluates key data points including:
- Pedigree analysis: Reviewing the lineage of the horse to assess potential breeding value.
- Performance records: Past race results, speed figures, and other relevant performance metrics.
- Sales history: Previous auction results or private sale data of the horse in question or other family members.
- Market trends: Understanding the current state of the market and any trends that are relevant.
Because no physical inspection or vet checks are conducted, the report doesn’t account for physical attributes such as conformation, soundness, or temperament. This makes it ideal for an initial review but less suitable for determining the full health and potential of the horse.
When is a Desktop Report Useful?
Desktop reports are frequently used within the bloodstock industry for appraisals during sales or purchases. However, they are also valuable in situations where a horse’s value needs to be quickly estimated, such as:
- Divorce proceedings: Lawyers may request desktop reports to assess the value of thoroughbreds as part of the asset division process.
- Estate settlements: In cases where thoroughbreds are part of an inheritance, desktop reports can provide a quick valuation to aid in estate planning.
- Insurance assessments: Owners may use desktop reports to determine the insurable value of their horses.
- Receiverships: Receivers and administrators request desktop reports to assess the value of the thoroughbreds that have been repossessed and how best to sell them.
- Ownership disputes: In cases when the owners of a thoroughbred(s) cannot agree and one of the partners is wishing to buy the other partner out of the horse.
These reports offer a fast, convenient way to get an estimate without the need for hands-on evaluation, making them a versatile tool for both industry insiders and professionals like lawyers who deal with horse ownership in legal contexts.
