New breeder Evan Sandhu expressed his enthusiasm when discussing how the Ontario Thoroughbred Improvement Program (TIP) Mare Purchase Program (MPP) enabled him to expand his Amplified Stables by acquiring three European broodmares. Sandhu utilized a total of $37,000 from the MPP, which has allocated its entire $400,000 budget for the 2025-26 fall/winter sales season.
In 2022, Sandhu’s family bought the former Ballycroy Bloodstock property in Loretto, Ontario, leading to the establishment of Amplified Stables. Since then, Sandhu has been steadily growing his operation. “This is my first time using the MPP program, but it won’t be my last. I have gained valuable industry knowledge and insight into ranch breeding programs,” Sandhu said. He appreciated the program’s generosity, highlighting the benefit of getting 50% of the mare’s purchase price returned as a significant boost to his farm’s buying power.
The MPP helped 16 buyers purchase 23 foals, bringing them to Ontario as foals. The mares sold for a total of $1,724,000, averaging just under $75,000 each, with the program reimbursing eligible applicants 50% of the purchase price up to $25,000 per mare. During Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale, Sandhu bought Girl on Film (France) for $30,000 and Lady de Perron (UK) for $20,000, among others. Some of the mares have already produced offspring, with more due soon.
Sandhu credited mentors like Dave Anderson, Glenn Sikura, Jesse Corona, and ranch manager Terry Brooker for encouraging him to upgrade his broodmare band. Jesse connected him with TIP program coordinator Ashley Douglas, who explained the funding opportunities. This support allowed Sandhu to double his original budget for the November sale, thanks to the generosity of Ontario Racing and the MPP.
Specifically seeking turf bloodlines, Sandhu emphasized acquiring the strongest female stock he could afford. He noted, “I took a Warren Buffett approach: the book value has to be greater than market value,” referencing Lady de Perron’s yearling price compared to her current sale price. He acknowledged the risks involved but believed the bloodlines had promising potential to produce racehorses and even stakes winners.
As he anticipates meeting the foal from his new mare, Sandhu is enjoying his family’s foray into horse racing. He mentioned his father’s farming background and his executive experience with an agricultural company in India as inspirations for this hands-on venture, which connects them to the growth and humility inherent in working with animals.
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Fan Take: This news highlights the vital role of supportive programs like TIP’s MPP in helping new breeders enter and grow within the thoroughbred industry. By making quality bloodstock more accessible, it not only strengthens Ontario’s racing scene but also promises a future of competitive and exciting racehorses for fans to enjoy.
