Equine Fertility Unit’s equipment goes under the hammer

Equipment from Newmarket’s Equine Fertility Unit is going under the hammer on 1 December.

The world-famous Equine Fertility Unit (EFU) is dividing a diverse range of equipment into 300 lots and putting them under auction by Cheffins.

Among the lots for auction are stable equipment, tack, tractors and grass-care machinery, specialist veterinary and related fertility equipment and a five-horse transporter.

Mary Crawford of auctioneers Cheffins said: “We are well-known for holding diverse on–site auctions, however this particular sale offers a truly unique range of equipment. It’s a sale with an incredibly broad appeal to those in the equine world.”

The EFU was forced to close when the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association withdrew their financial support.

Set up in 1970, the Unit has since produced Europe’s first test-tube foal and has been the primary driver in increasing fertility rates in thoroughbreds.

Professor Twink Allen, who headed the facility for more than 30 years, spoke of the closure as “a stupid and short-sighted decision,” suggesting that: “By losing the EFU, we’ll lose our ability to adapt to changes in the breeding world, to tackle problems and explore new developments.”

The auction starts at 10am at Mertoun Paddocks, Woodditton Road, Newmarket. Catalogues are available from Cheffins on 01223 213777 or on www.cheffins.co.uk

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