Since I started telling people that I had bought a share in my first racehorse, I have had so many questions about how it works. My partner even asked if it’s like when you sponsor a penguin at the zoo… So I thought I would create a post explaining a bit more about horse racing syndicates and how they work.
Why do syndicates exist?
Owning racehorses is incredibly expensive. Many trainers charge £400+ a week for having the horse in training. On top of this you have; farrier costs, vet fees, insurance etc. This makes it difficult for people to own racehorses by themselves. Around 60% of British racehorses are owned by multiple people, whether it be a company, partnership, syndicate or racing club.
What is a syndicate?
A racing syndicate is when a group of people all own a share in the racehorse and split the costs. A syndicate can be run by an individual or by a company.
How do syndicates work?
Different syndicates work in different ways. Some are short term with no obligation. So you would pay a one off fee for a year with the option of renewing at the end of the year. Or you can have a fixed share where you continue to contribute until the horse is sold or you sell your share.
How expensive is a syndicate?
This varies on how many shares are available. Syndicates with more shares will be cheaper as the costs are spread further than a syndicate with a smaller number of shares. You could pay anything from £40 a year to £400+ a month. It completely depends on what you want and can afford.
What are the benefits of being in a syndicate?
The benefits will vary between syndicates, but typically you can expect some if not all of the following benefits:
- Shares in any prize money
- Updates on the horse
- Visits to the horse
- Owners badges when the horse is racing
- A say in the future of the horse
The smaller the syndicate, typically the more benefits you will have. Especially when it comes to things like owners badges. Many racecourses only have space for 6 owners for each horse. So in a big syndicate you may have to take turns etc.
My Syndicate
My syndicate is run through the Owners Group company. They manage the syndicate and we simply buy shares. They send us updates, arrange stable visits and let us know when our horse is racing. Since it is a big syndicate, owners badges are balloted to people who want to go to the race that day. But even if you don’t get an owners badge, there is nothing to stop you heading to the racecourse! You just won’t be allowed in the parade ring.
I hope this answers any burning questions you have about horse racing syndicates. It is just the basics to hopefully help you understand the situation a bit better. But if you have anymore questions please do let me know and I will try my best to answer them!
Last Updated on 10/08/2020
I’m with owners group as well with 22 horses with them. I’m lucky enough to have Pentland hills but I love all the horses
Oh that’s amazing!
Great, was looking for some information like this for a while. It good to get clarity, I been trying to understand so I can get involved. I would love to speak with anyone who can educate. thanks.
Is it normal to be asked for top ups during your horses syndication and would u expect to have received some prize money if a horse has won 2 races and placed 2 and 4th in 7 starts.
Interested to hear your comments
Madmags.healy@gmail.com
Mrs Margaret Healy
I think it really depends on the syndicate you are in. They all have different models. Owners Group you pay once a year with nothing else in between. Some syndicates with bigger shares available you pay a fee upfront followed with monthly fees. It really does depend on the set up and all these things should be made clear in the terms and conditions of the syndicate.
You should get your share of any prize money. Some syndicates wait until the end of the year before sending the money. Some syndicates might keep the money and instead reduce the fees. But they should be transparent with whatever method they use. Challenge them if you are not sure where it is going.