Racehorse ownership

Are you convinced the thrill of owning a racehorse is something only the wealthy can enjoy? Well think again! It has never been easier to get a share of the action and who knows... you might end up being the toast of the town as the proud owner of a champ.

With multiple ownership now a widely-accepted part of the racing scene, it has never been as easy for people to have direct slice of the action - action which encompasses not only the tingling excitement of seeing your own horse in a race, but all the related activities that come with it:

• buying - and often naming your horse;
• choosing your colours;
• visiting your trainer to discuss the horse's program and plan its campaign;
• watching your horse at the races;
• standing in the enclosure before the race as your horse is led around, then legging-up the jockey;
• or losing, welcoming your horse back from the battle on the track;
• Never a dull moment and limitless fun - that's modern racehorse ownership.

The basic types of Ownership are:

Sole Ownership

You will be the owner of the horse and as such any costs and profits will be yours alone. You will have a close involvement with any of the decisions regarding the horse and you will feel a great sense of personal pride in its achievements.

Co-ownership & Partnerships

Why not race a horse with a group of friends? Groups of up to 20 people can join together in racing a horse, spreading the costs of buying and training your thoroughbred and sharing any prize money.

Racing Clubs & Syndicates

A popular way to get involved in racing, racing clubs offer the benefit of paying a small membership fee to belong to the club and having the excitement of following a number of different horses.

Leasing

This is an option if you don't wish to take on the full expense of ownership straight away. You can lease a horse from an existing owner or breeder, during which time the horse will run in your name. Under such an agreement you meet the training fees and associated costs and receive prize money won by the horse in return for a rental to the owner (commonly one third of prize money).

For a first timer probably the best way to go is to buy into a syndicate - that way there is a syndicate manager and trainer who can help guide you and make decisions based on their extensive knowledge of the industry.