 Historically, most race horses have been bred and raced by their owners.Beginning after World War II, the commercial breeding industry became significantly more important in North America, Europe and Australasia, the result of which being that a substantial portion of Thoroughbreds are now sold by their breeders, either at public auction or through private sales.Additionally, owners may acquire Thoroughbreds by "claiming" them out of a race (see discussion of types of races below).