Mentee Moments - Joseph Macklin
Joseph Macklin and his mentor, Catherine Hartley
Welcome to another installment of Mentee Moments, Amplify’s series highlighting the voices of our mentees as they share what it’s like to step into the world of Thoroughbred racing.
In this post, Joseph Macklin reflects on an unforgettable experience at the Saratoga Yearling Sale with his mentor, Catherine. From the fast-paced atmosphere of the sales ring to quiet lessons in horse evaluation, Joseph takes us along as he discovers the excitement and detail that goes into Thoroughbred sales.
I wasn’t totally sure what to expect before going to the Saratoga Yearling Sale. I’d heard about yearling sales before, but being there in person was something else entirely. The place was full of energy—horses being walked out, shown to prospective buyers, and barns buzzing with activity.
With Catherine, I got to experience it firsthand. She introduced me to a veterinarian she works with, and I tagged along as they inspected horses up close. Watching the vet check legs, movement, and ask all the right questions was eye-opening. He explained as he went, and I realized how much detail goes into evaluating a young horse before it even sets foot on the racetrack.
“I’m so grateful to Catherine for taking me along. The Saratoga Yearling Sale was one of those experiences that reminds you how much there is to learn and how exciting it feels to be part of it, even in a small way.”
The sale ring was another level of excitement. Numbers climbed higher and higher with each hip, and it felt like everyone there knew they were part of something important. Even after going through hundreds of horses, one stood out to me: a filly, half-sister to Preakness winner Journalism. She stepped out into the sunlight and immediately commanded attention—it was a moment I won’t forget.
I even went back the next day on my own, just to keep learning. Going barn to barn, looking at the nearly 300 horses on offer, gave me a deeper appreciation for how much is involved in this side of the industry.
I’m so grateful to Catherine for taking me along. The Saratoga Yearling Sale was one of those experiences that reminds you how much there is to learn—and how exciting it feels to be part of it, even in a small way.”
