Overview

There are four easy steps to becoming a racehorse owner. First of all, consider what kind of owner you want to be - do you want to own the horse outright or jointly? You can join a partnership or a syndicate with some friends, or even become a member of a club and get a taste of what being an owner is all about.

Then you'll need to think about the horse you're buying, where to find help and what to look out for when you choose. Then you'll need to pick the right trainer for you and your horse - and weigh up some of the costs involved. Finally, have some fun choosing a name and selecting the colours that everyone will see on the racecourse. The horse's name might reflect your interests, your family - and your sense of humour. And your colours - your silks - will be special to you and, who knows, could become part of racing folklore.

Now you're all set for the ride of a lifetime as part of a special body of people for whom racing is more than just a day at the races. 

What's In A Name

One of the most exciting things about owning a racehorse is picking the name. What should it convey about you? Are you a Native Dancer? Dodging Bullets? Or do you think Lucy’s Perfect?

Some owners choose names to reflect a horse’s lineage; Red Rum’s sire was Quorum and his dam, Mared. Kama Sutra was the product of Pursuit of Love and Notebook.

Others pay tribute to their favourite television show (Downton Abbey), a Royal occasion (Jubilee Diamond) or personal hero. Racehorse Usain Colt is remarkably similar to Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt. Prince Harry was so impressed that he bought a share in it.
 
If a horse has already run or its name has been registered, you cannot change it, but yearling horses, for example, are usually not named. There are restrictions to bear in mind. Names must not be:

•    More than 18 characters, including spaces

•    Insulting, obscene or liable to cause confusion

•    Unacceptably close to one already registered

•    The name of a public person – unless you have written permission

•    Product or company names – unless you have written permission

•    The name of a Classic winner (e.g. the Derby, the St Leger)

A name can be reserved even before you have a horse and used at a later stage.

To check whether a name has already been registered, ring the Weatherbys Names Team on 01933 440077. If you’re a registered owner or trainer, you can use the BHA's racing administration website (password needed).




Racehorse Name Generator
Simply click on the Generate Name button below and we will come up with suggestions of what to call your racehorse.
 
The Other Runners...

Famous and Funny Names

Naming your horse is part of the fun of ownership; you can spend many an hour coming up with just the right name.

 

A sense of humour is often
a major part of the process.
But spare a thought for the poor
racing commentator struggling to
pronounce the name at speed.


Prospective names have to go through administrative bodies Weatherbys and the British Horseracing Authority. They eliminate any likely to cause offence – or blushes among racing commentators.

Names which fell at the first hurdle include: My R’s, Chit Hot; Anita Bath; Llareggub (try it backwards) and Hucking Fell. 

Some slip through the net to become every commentator’s worst nightmare – and cause chuckles at betting shops throughout the land. Examples include Buddy Marvellous, Bear Behind, Blank Czech, Passing Wind and Peony’s Envy.
 
To check whether a name has already been registered, ring the Weatherbys Names Team on 01933 440077. If you’re a registered owner or trainer, you can use the BHA's racing administration website (password needed).


Colour Combinations

Your dreams of owning a racehorse probably feature the colours flashing past the winning post on your horse’s jockey. What combination will you choose? Whether eye-catching or elegant, once registered they’re unique to you.

Silks are a tradition dating back to the mid 1700s, so that racehorse owners could spot their horses during a race. Some cherished colours are passed down from generation to generation, while companies may even use them to reflect their brand.

Other people select a colour or combination that means something to them. Jockeys racing for successful owner Jim Lewis, a devoted Aston Villa FC fan, wear maroon and light blue stripes, for example. 

There are 18 basic colours to choose from. They can be deployed in various jacket, sleeve and cap designs (see Choose Your Own Colours). Once you have chosen your preferred combination, consult the BHA's website on colours to see whether they’re available, before registering them with Weatherbys.

You can also buy racing colours at auction – a good way of getting hold of particularly attractive or unusual designs or shades. Sales are held periodically, administered by Weatherbys. For more information, contact Weatherbys on 01933 440077. 


Silks Generator - Check Availability

Sorting the Paperwork

Even the paperwork can be exciting when you’ve bought a racehorse. Putting together official pieces of the ownership jigsaw brings a thrill at every step.

Owner registration is done through Weatherbys. You can register online and will need a specific type of registration form, depending on which type ownership you’ve decided to take out. There are also registration charges, however, you may obtain discounts on the registration fees if you choose to join the ROA. Find out more here or at the Racehorse Owners' Association website.

If you have any queries or need further help with the process, phone Weatherbys’ ownership desk on 01933 440077 or mail ownershipdesk@weatherbys.co.uk.

While you’re in the paperwork zone, consider taking out Third Party Liability Insurance for any damage or injury caused by your horse to a third party. This might not be covered by your trainer’s insurance. To find out about the Racehorse Owners Association’s automatic Third Party Liability Cover for all members then please click here.

We also recommend that you have a formal training agreement drawn up with your chosen trainer. The ROA has information and guidance here.



NEXT

Living The Dream >

It is not the sole preserve of the rich and famous, and you can
join their ranks by becoming a racehorse owner

The Ultimate Thrill >

From the moment you sweep into the owners’ car park, your first
day at the races will be an emotional ride - and leave
you hooked on the whole experience


Anticipation... Own a RaceHorse
Set your Heart Racing!