Living The Dream

Julian Broughton & All On Red

For Julian Broughton, the rewards of racehorse ownership were instant. “All On Red won her first race – and that was only 10 days after I first saw her,” he says.

“I wasn’t even sure I’d get to the race, at Brighton, but I managed it and then she came in first! It was one of the best moments of my sporting life, if not my life. It stands out by a mile.”

For Julian, the next moments passed in a blur as he made his way from the stands towards the winners’ enclosure. “I didn’t know what to do. The horse was getting excited as I led her in, I was worried I might get kicked – and I hadn’t come dressed to collect a trophy,” he adds.

Julian, an international tax consultant in his 30s, was introduced to the joys of horse racing by friends. He became involved in syndicates through the BetfairClub ROA, which offers young people (aged 18-32 years) an affordable first step into racehorse ownership.

He then decided to take the plunge and buy a horse in conjunction with Newmarket trainer Toby Coles. “I’d been involved with syndicates with him and I like the fact he was always honest with us,” says Julian. “I also liked the idea of supporting a young trainer.”

A busy working life, and the fact he trusted Toby’s recommendation, meant Julian didn’t see his filly until she was installed at Toby’s stables. “She’s lovely looking. I just thought “Wow! What a cracker,” Julian says.

The name was a topical reference to his job. “I’d been working with a client who’d opened a new casino so when a friend suggested All On Red as a name, the roulette link appealed,” he says.

He had arrived at his burgundy, white and blue silks by default because when he agreed to be a syndicate’s registered owner, the colours had already been chosen. “They wouldn’t have been my choice but then we had a few wins and there was no way I was parting with them!” he says. “I also like the white cap because it makes it easier to spot my horse.”

Julian has to travel a lot with his job and finds racehorse ownership a good way to keep in touch with friends. “They all back my horse and when she wins it’s lovely because I get 30 emails and 30 texts and 10 missed calls,” he says. “I also get regular updates from Toby, so it’s great to be able to check my iPad when I’m travelling.”

One of the perks of owning All On Red was that Julian was able to take a group of friends to Royal Ascot to see her run. “It was a wonderful experience – they looked after us incredibly well,” he says. “To be in the pre- parade ring as an owner is something I will never ever forget. It was a very special experience.”

All On Red didn’t win her race (it later became apparent she had a cold) but that didn’t dampen Julian’s day. “I’ve been to Ascot and Royal Ascot before, as had my friends. It’s always a lovely day out but we all agreed that to go there as an owner or associated with an owner was wonderful,” he says.


Although Julian has swept to great heights with All On Red, he advises people considering racehorse ownership to start small. “I’m glad I started off in syndicates because I saw how they’re run and the way different trainers operate. I’d advise people to get involved in a small way at first to see what you think before you make the big financial commitment,” he says.