RACEHORSE OWNERSHIP
“Racehorse ownership is an experience like no other. Some might call it a passion, others an obsession.”
Over time, and to enable more people to become involved in the sport, different levels of ownership have evolved. The following outlines the main options.
Sole Ownership
The horse is owned outright by one person. A personal form of ownership where the owner has a one-to-one relationship with the trainer. All aspects of the horse’s training are discussed between the owner and Venetia. The initial purchase of the horse and all training expenses are the responsibility of the owner. Training fees are paid monthly and are vatable which is reclaimed. Sole owners choose the colours of their own silks and, in some cases, the name of the horse. Stable visits are at the owner’s convenience, and during training Venetia and her staff will keep owners updated on their horse’s progress. When a horse runs, owners are entitled to six Owners Badges and have access to all owners’ facilities at race meetings. On race days, owners discuss race tactics with Venetia and the jockey in the Paddock, confer at the end of the race and celebrate in the Winners Enclosure when the horse wins.
Partnerships
A group of friends or colleagues, generally up to 6 people, can get together to create their own partnership. A nominated partner is usually elected to take overall responsibility of the group and the same benefits apply as with sole ownership. Individually or collectively, owners can have as much involvement with the horse as they choose. Communication with Venetia can be with all partners or one designated person. Stable visits can be at any time and owners are encouraged to visit the stables as often as possible. At race meetings partnership owners receive the same benefits as sole owners. In some instances we will help create a partnership if we have a number of individual people seeking this form of ownership. This adds a social dimension to joining a partnership. All training costs are shared equally and all prize money is distributed likewise.
Syndicate Ownership
This is a social form of ownership offering all the privileges and benefits received by sole owners but at a fraction of the price. For most people, syndicates provide a more accessible way to be involved in horseracing. An initial one off payment covers all costs for the duration of the syndicate. This includes the purchase price of the horse, all training fees and management fees. There are no further costs or hidden expenses. Most syndicates run for two years (with an option to continue for additional seasons if all members are in agreement) after which time the horse is sold and all sale proceeds and prize monies are distributed equally among the members. Syndicates are formed with a group of 10 to a maximum of 20 people. With this number of owners, the social side of syndicate ownership takes on an important role. Members are offered opportunities to get together at the races, stable visits and other social events. Joining a syndicate is an ideal way to learn about horseracing. The more involved you are, the more you will be able to participate in the exhilaration, drama and excitement that is National Hunt racing.
Some of the Benefits of Racehorse Ownership:
Regular updates: Keeping you informed about your horse in training is an important part of ownership. You will receive regular emails including photographs and videos of your horse, along with details of entries and declarations.
Regular stable visits: Spend time with your horse and watch him on the gallops; see the other horses in training and spend time with Venetia and her team at the stables. Organised stable visits are arranged for syndicate owners; all other owners can visit at their convenience.
Owners Badges at race meetings: When your horse is running you will be entitled to an Owners Badge. The whole racing experience is greatly enhanced when you have use of the owners’ bars, lounges, grandstand and car parks, especially on busy race days.
Paddock and Winners Enclosure at Race Meetings: Before the race join Venetia for the saddling of your horse and meet the jockey in the paddock to discuss tactics. When your horse wins, celebrate with them in the Winners Enclosure.
Information about Racing: Syndicate owners, and any sole owners new to racing, will receive regular emails about horseracing. This could be anything from understanding the racecard, or how to unfathom the handicapping system to learning about veterinary matters.
Prize Money and Sale Proceeds: Syndicate owners receive prize money at the end of the syndicate term, together with the sale proceeds of their horse. All other owners receive prize money when their horse wins.
Racehorse ownership is primarily an entertainment opportunity, not an investment.