Broodmares aged 18 years and older will no longer be sold by the world’s major bloodstock auction houses, following the adoption of new rules by the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA).

Magic Millions and Wm Inglis have adopted the guidelines that were introduced during the latest SITA annual general meeting in England.

SITA has also decided that members will not generally sell mares who have been barren for three consecutive years, though discretion will be allowed in the case of significant dispersal sales.