Find A Horse To Suit Your Pocket

Sole Ownership or Co-ownership

The ultimate dream is probably to own your own racehorse. It’s the most expensive option - but you’re in control. The excitement of choosing the horse, the name and the silks is yours alone.

You’ll choose the trainer, help select when and where your horse runs, as well as the jockey. There’ll be no rotating of race day owners’ privileges and the spotlight will be on you in the Winner’s Enclosure. You’ll benefit in the horse’s appreciating value - and of course there’s all that prize money you won’t have to share!

For more information, visit the Racehorse Owners' Association website.

Syndicate/Partnership

If you choose to share the cost, there’s no reason for that to dilute the thrill of racehorse ownership. Sharing the pleasure, anticipation and drama with others can make the experience even headier!

Partnerships and Syndicates are a popular way to get involved in the delights of ownership. There’s no better way to cement bonds between friends or colleagues – or to make new friends among other racing fans.

You can choose Joint Ownership, consisting of between 2  and 12 people, or a Racing Partnership, consisting of between 2 and 20 people.

Many Racing Partnerships and Syndicates are managed by trainers, who usually become co-owners themselves. They deal with the hassle of paperwork and the day-to-day upkeep of the horse – leaving you free to enjoy the fun! For more information on the different ways that co-ownership can be registered please visit the ROA website or call the Ownership helpdesk at Weatherbys on 01933 440077.

You could also join a professional partnership, which charges a management fee for carrying out all the administration.

For information about joining an existing partnership, go to the British Horseracing Authority’s relevant website page or visit the Racing Syndicates and Clubs Association website.

If you are thinking of setting up a Racing Partnership then the ROA has more information here.

Company Ownership is where the horse is owned by the company’s shareholders, with a registered agent acting on its behalf. The horse could even run in the company’s colours and under a company name!


Leasing

If you’re unsure about whether the long-term commitment of racehorse ownership is for you, leasing might be the answer. It allows you to sample the buzz of an owner’s life without the initial outlay of buying a horse.

You can lease a horse for just one race or for a set period. You’ll pay for its running costs during that time and, in return, you receive an agreed share of the prize money.

It’s important both sides are clear (in writing) about the precise lease period, the split of any prize money, what happens if the horse’s form disappoints and any exceptional costs. At the end of the lease period the horse returns to the legal owner.

• The Racehorse Owners' Association runs a free lease exchange in conjunction with the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association. You have to be a member of one of the organisations to be put in contact with owners who are offering their British consigned/owned horses for free lease. Email info@roa.co.uk for further information.
• For further information on leasing, and guidance for preparing a lease agreement, click here.



Join A Club

If you fancy the perks of racehorse ownership - like visiting the horse’s stables and watching it run - but aren’t so keen on the cost and responsibility, Racing Clubs could be ideal.

They’re a great introduction to racehorse ownership, because you receive all the benefits of being involved with the horse, but the day-to-day decisions are taken by a racing manager.

You won’t necessarily be the owner, as that ownership stays with the Racing Club, but you may receive a share of any prize money. You usually pay a one-off annual fee. For more information, go to the Racing Syndicates and Clubs Association website.