INVESTING IN RACEHORSE SYNDICATES

[teapot]

I have a share with Old Gold - have had some money back but nothing to shout about. I’m not in it for that though. I enjoy seeing a horse progress both at home and on course from a leading NH yard without the associated costs.

Hoping to get a visit at some point but not for the selfies. I think (could be wrong) that the yard in question limits numbers far more than perhaps others do. I can understand Elf’s experience of yard visits having seen the multiple posts about it. Cheap(er) shares/syndicates do attract a certain type of human sadly, aka those who see horses as a machine etc. I’ve had to bite my tongue many a time re FB comments.

My second horse was sadly lost over the summer in a field incident. Fair play to Old Gold though - excellent comms about it, including sending most of the PM report over for those interested and refunded part of the initial purchase cost, which I used to renew the one above.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

In addition to my above reply, in light of others having had a great time, I just bought another share in an unremarkable but older horse, with some unremarkable form, but form nonetheless. He is running at Newcastle on Friday!

I have half a mind to apply for a badge! How do I watch Newcastle racing? Is it online?

Would you have ever considered going to the races as a day out if you did not own part of the horse?

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I have a share with Old Gold - have had some money back but nothing to shout about. I’m not in it for that though. I enjoy seeing a horse progress both at home and on course from a leading NH yard without the associated costs.

Hoping to get a visit at some point but not for the selfies. I think (could be wrong) that the yard in question limits numbers far more than perhaps others do. I can understand Elf’s experience of yard visits having seen the multiple posts about it. Cheap(er) shares/syndicates do attract a certain type of human sadly, aka those who see horses as a machine etc. I’ve had to bite my tongue many a time re FB comments.

My second horse was sadly lost over the summer in a field incident. Fair play to Old Gold though - excellent comms about it, including sending most of the PM report over for those interested and refunded part of the initial purchase cost, which I used to renew the one above.

The yard visits we cope with because we do them for various things a couple of times a year. It just makes me laugh when they rock up wearing nice shoes and trainers and then have to walk along a short muddy track to get to the gallops it's kind of our wee bit of payback as stable staff for interrupting our day

It's at the races I hate the most. Only X amount of people are allowed into the paddock as owners (it differs from course to course) so that's OK. Its when the horse wins it seems to turn into a bit of a free for all and everyone ends up in the winners enclosure which leaves no space for the horse to walk round, Apapple will end up kicking someone one day. Trying to get them all in for a picture too! Herding toddlers on a sugar rush would be easier! It's far easier to get the humans into picture perfect pose and then bring the horse in at the last second as they don't like standing still straight after a race. But people don't get that. And they all want to be the one next to the horse. I've had people try to grab the reins off me, demand I stop and stand with them for a selfy with the horse etc. I just get very blunt with them. Sod them. The horse is my priority not over 200 picture takers. I get it, they are excited their horse has just won but a lot of them do forget the horse is not an inanimate object nor a toy.

As for people in Killy - I've just got to the yard she is at so I will get you a pic

If anyone is looking for a cheap share then we have a syndicate in the yard called Claymore Racing, their horse is King Of Answers and he runs tomorrow at Bangor for the first time for us.

 

[Aperchristmas]

I just know as someone horsey who owns a field, I'd end up with it full of failed racehorses

I can't tell you how hard it is not to offer to take one every time one of the Owner's Group horses my family member has shares in comes up for retirement - I genuinely kid myself every time that I could offer a good home to a retired racehorse. Thankfully my logical brain points out that I've never retrained a racehorse, I'm certainly not a good enough rider to guarantee I could do a good job of retraining one so chances are I'd end up with an ill-adjusted & stressed nutter, and also that only some ex-racehorses would thrive on the routine that I keep mine in (out 24/7 and we have clay). But wouldn't it be oh so lovely to give one of "their" horses a forever home?

 

[toppedoff]

syndicates are a hobby rather than an investment imo

 

[TheMule]

I can't tell you how hard it is not to offer to take one every time one of the Owner's Group horses my family member has shares in comes up for retirement - I genuinely kid myself every time that I could offer a good home to a retired racehorse. Thankfully my logical brain points out that I've never retrained a racehorse, I'm certainly not a good enough rider to guarantee I could do a good job of retraining one so chances are I'd end up with an ill-adjusted & stressed nutter, and also that only some ex-racehorses would thrive on the routine that I keep mine in (out 24/7 and we have clay). But wouldn't it be oh so lovely to give one of "their" horses a forever home?

I've got one…. he's a lovely boy, he's just an easy going happy hacker, living out 24/7 very happily

 

[Clodagh]

I can't tell you how hard it is not to offer to take one every time one of the Owner's Group horses my family member has shares in comes up for retirement - I genuinely kid myself every time that I could offer a good home to a retired racehorse. Thankfully my logical brain points out that I've never retrained a racehorse, I'm certainly not a good enough rider to guarantee I could do a good job of retraining one so chances are I'd end up with an ill-adjusted & stressed nutter, and also that only some ex-racehorses would thrive on the routine that I keep mine in (out 24/7 and we have clay). But wouldn't it be oh so lovely to give one of "their" horses a forever home?

There’s always plenty of complaints on the OG pages that they didn’t get a chance to rehome one of ‘their’ horses. The rehoming policy seems random but I have to believe they do their best by the retirees.

 

[toppedoff]

Don't think the yard I'm at does syndicates, but I know we got a major owner here I think he owns all the two year olds (turned away not ridden) and a couple of the youngsters.

Though when owners of the other racers turn up its just 1 or 2 of em, I can cope with that 3000 though? No thank you

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Don't think the yard I'm at does syndicates, but I know we got a major owner here I think he owns all the two year olds (turned away not ridden) and a couple of the youngsters.

Though when owners of the other racers turn up its just 1 or 2 of em, I can cope with that 3000 though? No thank you

We cap it to 150 people. We don't let 3000 turn up to the yard. Racecourses will only give out x amount of owners badges and then give a discount to any other members who want to buy a ticket into the races for the day.

 

[Maddie Moo]

I was previously involved in Elite Racing as well as The Thoroughbred Club. I never managed to get a race day ticket with Elite Racing but I had a very nice day out at Stratford as an owner with TTC.

Sadly TTC no longer exists, it was aimed at those under 25 and as well as being an ‘owner’, there were other benefits such as industry guidance and every year I would receive a free copy of Thoroughbred Stallion Guide which is normally £25. It was being set up whilst I was uni, so as students on a degree with a strong racing focus, we had input into the logo and other aspects of it.

I‘m hoping to get involved with Old Gold at some point in the future.

 

[Aperchristmas]

There’s always plenty of complaints on the OG pages that they didn’t get a chance to rehome one of ‘their’ horses. The rehoming policy seems random but I have to believe they do their best by the retirees.

Oh they absolutely do - some friends actually took one of the horses my family member had a share in and the horse is living a life of riley.

 

[Clodagh]

I was previously involved in Elite Racing as well as The Thoroughbred Club. I never managed to get a race day ticket with Elite Racing but I had a very nice day out at Stratford as an owner with TTC.

Sadly TTC no longer exists, it was aimed at those under 25 and as well as being an ‘owner’, there were other benefits such as industry guidance and every year I would receive a free copy of Thoroughbred Stallion Guide which is normally £25. It was being set up whilst I was uni, so as students on a degree with a strong racing focus, we had input into the logo and other aspects of it.

I‘m hoping to get involved with Old Gold at some point in the future.

I’ve got… a few with Owners Group and recently bought into Picks Lad with Old Gold. Their updates are excellent but I hate the chatty mate speak. I’m old fashioned!

 

[Maddie Moo]

I’ve got… a few with Owners Group and recently bought into Picks Lad with Old Gold. Their updates are excellent but I hate the chatty mate speak. I’m old fashioned!

Old Gold are currently doing free shares in one of their horses, Secret Scripture who is a PTP horse but currently on a rest before heading back into training. I’ve signed up to it to see if I like their approach, if not I think I’ll look at Owners Group instead.

I do the look of Running The Game who is available on Old Gold at the moment though…..

 

[Clodagh]

Old Gold are currently doing free shares in one of their horses, Secret Scripture who is a PTP horse but currently on a rest before heading back into training. I’ve signed up to it to see if I like their approach, if not I think I’ll look at Owners Group instead.

I do the look of Running The Game who is available on Old Gold at the moment though…..

Good idea. I got SS as a freebie when I got Pick’s Lad. I like Harry Derham and PL has white socks, win win!
I’m not sure he’s going to be a world beater but if he runs in the West Country that’ll do me.

 

[SantaVera]

Does "investment" and "horse" belong in the same sentance?

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Does "investment" and "horse" belong in the same sentance?

Yes if you end up with a Triple Crown winning Colt - the stud fees will roll in. The chances of this happening? Nigh on zilch Any other kind of horse? No

 

[AdorableAlice]

I enjoyed many days out with the Elite Racing Club, the most enjoyed was visiting the studs, Kirklington was a highlight. Seeing Soviet Song was eye opening, the worst feet I have ever seen on a horse. Ffestiniog a prolific brood mare looked like a New Forest pony, she was tiny.

The visit to Henrietta Knight was also interesting as was Henry Daly. Venetia Williams set up was fascinating, all hers go out every day regardless of conditions, those grooms had their work cut out to say the least.

I think the syndicates give many people a lot of pleasure and interest. I had a lovely gift for xmas with a share in an owners group hurdler who ran today. I enjoy the newsletters too. It is fun, not a money making activity.

 

[teapot]

I enjoyed many days out with the Elite Racing Club, the most enjoyed was visiting the studs, Kirklington was a highlight. Seeing Soviet Song was eye opening, the worst feet I have ever seen on a horse. Ffestiniog a prolific brood mare looked like a New Forest pony, she was tiny.

The visit to Henrietta Knight was also interesting as was Henry Daly. Venetia Williams set up was fascinating, all hers go out every day regardless of conditions, those grooms had their work cut out to say the least.

I think the syndicates give many people a lot of pleasure and interest. I had a lovely gift for xmas with a share in an owners group hurdler who ran today. I enjoy the newsletters too. It is fun, not a money making activity.

The share I lost was with Venetia, out in a herd of 30 odd for the summer.

There's a video on her social media showing the lot of them following a deer across this vast expanse of space

 

[J&S]

I had a phone call from my son last night and I asked him as a by the by, did he keep up either of his owners group horses and he has kept one, Maximillian, he is looking forward to seeing him run again this season.

 

[Orangehorse]

There is always a limit on numbers for stable visits, you have to apply, so not all 3000 could turn up. Of course if your horse is running, but you can't get an owner's badge, you can still go to the races and watch as a normal racegoer.

One thing that annoys me at the stable visits is that people still go and stroke the horses, even if they are told not to. If I was the trainer I would be screaming at them - but I suppose they would reply that they don't own a horse so there isn't a chance of any disease transfer and I guess that many have been owners in the past, so hopefully not too much danger of being bitten.

 

[Clodagh]

There is always a limit on numbers for stable visits, you have to apply, so not all 3000 could turn up. Of course if your horse is running, but you can't get an owner's badge, you can still go to the races and watch as a normal racegoer.

One thing that annoys me at the stable visits is that people still go and stroke the horses, even if they are told not to. If I was the trainer I would be screaming at them - but I suppose they would reply that they don't own a horse so there isn't a chance of any disease transfer and I guess that many have been owners in the past, so hopefully not too much danger of being bitten.

Apparently it’s only owners group that insist on no contact. With the National racehorse week visits recently I went to Jane Williams and Chris Honors and at both you could touch the horses. Also with Old Gold, so I’m told.
Although if they say don’t touch the horses then I don’t.
I had an owners badge to see Paris Dixie at Newton Abbot this year, it was great. And I didn’t insist on a selfie and gave the groom £10 so I doubt she hated me that much.
Elf you’re an old misery!

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

Apparently it’s only owners group that insist on no contact. With the National racehorse week visits recently I went to Jane Williams and Chris Honors and at both you could touch the horses. Also with Old Gold, so I’m told.
Although if they say don’t touch the horses then I don’t.
I had an owners badge to see Paris Dixie at Newton Abbot this year, it was great. And I didn’t insist on a selfie and gave the groom £10 so I doubt she hated me that much.
Elf you’re an old misery!

I just don't like people My priority is the horse, always has been, always will be.

People try to hand me money all the time and I always refuse it telling them to use to bet on the horse the next day and we will split the winnings so in theory I should have a few grand to collect off of people after Aintree ...

We also don't mind you touching the horses and will tell you if there are any to be avoided. Though we did stop people going down into Apple's barn this year. She got very scared by it all last year and it took us 2 weeks to get her settled and happy in her stable again.

 

[Clodagh]

I just don't like people My priority is the horse, always has been, always will be.

People try to hand me money all the time and I always refuse it telling them to use to bet on the horse the next day and we will split the winnings so in theory I should have a few grand to collect off of people after Aintree ...

We also don't mind you touching the horses and will tell you if there are any to be avoided. Though we did stop people going down into Apple's barn this year. She got very scared by it all last year and it took us 2 weeks to get her settled and happy in her stable again.

I saw Apple was out of bounds, they have to be prioritised.
Why don’t you take the offered tips?

 

[reynold]

I went to Henderson's in March with Old Gold and Nicky H. was very explicit that we were NOT to touch any of the horses - he said "I know what's wrong with each of them so don't touch them". We only saw the ones in the main courtyard and obviously Constitution Hill was crowded. I was pleased to see Buzz as I loved watching him race and he was retired shortly afterwards.

On that visit we didn't get to the gallops or schooling ground as it had been too wet but we saw 'our' horse and all the well known Nicky H. stars on the covered ride. There's a ballot for a visit to Henderson's in Nov. but I haven't applied as I think it would be unfair to take a slot that someone else could use who hadn't been there at all.

We wanted a horse with a Lambourn trainer so that it would possibly run at tracks down south that we could go to - although I did succumb to a 2nd Old Gold horse that is with Donald McCain and has had time off but is back training now.

I don't bet at all so that side doesn't interest me but I enjoy watching all the racing on ITV and some on Sky and pick a selection to cheer on for each race.

 

[Elf On A Shelf]

I saw Apple was out of bounds, they have to be prioritised.
Why don’t you take the offered tips?

Because we work as a team on the yard. Derek, Pat or Mulqueen rides the horse out every day, many people on the ground look after her on a daily basis. I just happened on the chance to lead her up at Kelso, Doncaster and Aintree. Plus I do find people like the idea of putting the money back on the horse in the future as it gives them a few seconds to chat about the horse. These are normal people enjoying a hobby that would normally be beyond their means. I would far rather they put that money back into racing in someway. Plus the main owner of Old Gold (whatever the guys name is) gives us a decent bonus when she wins for the yard. Big owners I will happy take money off of

 

[Clodagh]

Because we work as a team on the yard. Derek, Pat or Mulqueen rides the horse out every day, many people on the ground look after her on a daily basis. I just happened on the chance to lead her up at Kelso, Doncaster and Aintree. Plus I do find people like the idea of putting the money back on the horse in the future as it gives them a few seconds to chat about the horse. These are normal people enjoying a hobby that would normally be beyond their means. I would far rather they put that money back into racing in someway. Plus the main owner of Old Gold (whatever the guys name is) gives us a decent bonus when she wins for the yard. Big owners I will happy take money off of

That’s ok then. Don’t turn down cash from Mr McM!
I always put money in the bucket at stable visits.

 

[Andie02]

In addition to my above reply, in light of others having had a great time, I just bought another share in an unremarkable but older horse, with some unremarkable form, but form nonetheless. He is running at Newcastle on Friday!

I have half a mind to apply for a badge! How do I watch Newcastle racing? Is it online?

If you are on Virgin you can watch Sky Sports racing on 519

To watch race meetings on tv covered by RUK (when not on ITV ) on Virgin it is on channel 536, but to watch this you need the package that covers it i.e. paid for.