8 Great Things About Owning a Racehorse

Being a racehorse owner brings with it many benefits. In years previous, racehorse ownership was reserved for the wealthy and privileged. By owning a racehorse you can enjoy the rich tradition of horse racing. There are numerous perks which come with owning a racehorse. The enjoyment you get out of seeing your horse develop is a joy in itself. For many, it is a life long dream to own a racehorse. Involvement in this side of racing brings great satisfaction. Also, the excitement of seeing your horse come charging down the stretch is simply incomparable. Few other sports can compete with the adrenaline rush that horse racing brings to the owner.

Owning a thoroughbred is made easier these days by different ownership avenues available to racehorse owners such as horse racing partnerships. They can choose between sole ownership or co-owner of the horse. Owning a share of a racehorse is far more affordable than sole ownership which means more people can enjoy the benefits which come with racehorse ownership.

Racehorse ownership can also bring other benefits. One is the huge amount of cash prize the winning horse stands to receive. Some competitions award prize money to the first six. However, the prize money could also only be awarded to the first three. The owners also receive commemorative trophies for their winning horses.

The second benefit of racehorse ownership comes on the race day itself. When your horse is racing, you will get entry badges for easy access to the course, use of exclusive facilities, access to viewing areas, entry to paddock and an enclosure for the winning horse.

The third advantage is the appearance money. It is not unusual for you to be paid appearance money to encourage you to run your horse in certain races or on certain racedays. In 2008, appearance money amounted to £1.5m.

Racehorse owners can enjoy the benefit of VAT reclamation on certain fees incurred through the upkeep of the horse.

The Racehorse Owners Association (ROA) Badge Scheme provides 2500 racehorse owners with free entry to 800 race fixtures each year, so even when your horse isn't running you can enjoy a day at the races for nothing.

The sixth benefit of racehorse ownership is sponsorship. You are allowed to seek sponsorship for your horse. In return for publicising the logo or business which sponsors your horse you will receive money.

Naming your racehorse is the seventh benefit. Most weanlings, yearlings or two year olds in training are unnamed. The owner has the privilege of coming up with a name for the unraced horse. Including spaces, the name can not be any longer than 18 characters. The name must not be used before.

Lastly, the selecting your racing colours or “silks”. Every horse must race carrying the distinctive colours of their owner. Your racing colours should not duplicate anything which is currently registered. This will allow race watchers to distinguish the runners. The racehorse owner must register the colours with the British Horse Racing Authority.

Your Questions About Buying a Racehorse Answered Here

Investing in a racehorse represents a thrilling method of participating in the world of horse-racing. Owners can make their first time owning a racehorse successful by learning how to pick the right horse and create a program for training it. Experience isn't a prerequisite to success or enjoyment at horse racing - as long as you locate a good horse and utilize an adequate racehorse trainer.

What is the first step to buying a racehorse?

The initial step is for a buyer to determine whether he must get professional assistance in the selection of a good horse. A bloodstock agent can be commissioned to help determine a horse's confirmation, pedigree and experience. It is best to find a bloodstock agent with solid references to ensure that they are well qualified. Maintain a budget by realizing the horse's initial cost, as well as all expenses for training, stabling, shoeing, transporting, race entries, supplies, and veterinary care.


What are the different ways of buying a racehorse?

A racehorse purchase can happen several ways. Buyers can find untrained horses, horses that have started training, and horses who already have racing experience. In claiming races, the prices are set before the horses race, after the race new owners can claim their horse at the agreed price. At an auction, the bidder will be provided with details such as the pedigree of the horse and its age, in order to evaluate it. When purchasing a horse, buying direct is by far the best route, since it will then be possible to get a complete veterinarian exam to be sure of the health of the horse and the determination of the likely possibility of any problems arising in future racing. Alternatively, customers can share their interest in racehorses through horse racing partnerships. Syndicates offer a way for them to buy a stake in multiple racehorses. Through one of these, it is possible to learn the horses' pedigrees, their ages, and the track records of each in order for a prospective investor to learn of their potential.

How do you go about finding a perfect racehorse trainer?

Regardless of inherent talent, a horse needs a qualified racehorse trainer in order for it to realize its true potential. The trainer should have a solid record with the horses he or she has trained. It is important that the other horses he trained exhibit good results. A racehorse trainer who is good at his job, will also be good at dealing with people in general and able to have good communication with his client as well. Proper trainers have the ability to design an adequate regimen for achieving the horse's peak condition and readying it for all of its races. He will also be able to select the appropriate races for each horse and know how much time to leave in between races.

The purchase of a racehorse is an undertaking that is often filled with excitement. By enlisting the right people to help select and train the horse, beginners will receive a successful introduction to the racing world. As they gain experience, they will develop a sense for which horses they want to buy and train and will find that racing is a highly rewarding game.