I suppose this is mainly aimed at those that have owned/still own horses in some form, but would still welcome thoughts and opinions please. Just recently, I seem to have noticed more offers on having a share in a horse for a year from as little as £49 a year. This is a one off payment. The syndicate - if I've read it properly - consists of 3000 people. Is it worth it for a year just to have the experience of being part of a syndicate and any perks you might get from it, or is it best to sit back and save my £49 for when my daughter is skint ?
It depends on what you want from the experience, if you want a horse to follow for the year and be entered in draws for tickets for when they run, then it’s fine way of getting an interest. If you want a “proper” owners experience then I’d suggest that isn’t going to happen from such a small stake in a horse, but it’s horses for courses. Ownersgroup have had a brilliant year and who could think that for 49 quid you could say you owned a triumph hurdle winner!!
Interesting post Resurgam as I've had similar thoughts following Pentland Hills winning at both Cheltenham and Aintree. I'm pretty sure that was a similar set up - 3000 or so syndicate members at £50. The problem for me though is that you're an owner in name only really. I suspect you get put into a ballot for race day attendance which you'd have to be extremely lucky to get drawn and similarly very little access to see the horse at it's stables or doing work. I suspect you'd get a monthly email update on training and that would be about it. If I owned a horse or was part of a syndicate I'd want to be able to go to the yard and see it work and also there be no question of my attendance on race days. Each to their own but that's my view. However if your daughter is anything like mine you've probably given her enough of your dough. So I'd spend that £49 on a nice curry and a few beers.
The ‘Owners Group’ is a subsidiary or affiliate if you prefer, of The Elite Racing Club and Axom based in dear old Devizes. They have got a number of horses in seriously top, top yards (including The Lieutenant’s and Mr Nicholls) and for the price I don’t think what they are offering can be faulted – especially if you buy into another Pentland Hills. When purchasing though check the exact date that the syndicate will run to.
I recently purchased a share in a horse and am part of a syndicate as many know on here.. When I was considering options I looked at a number of opportunities where the investment was very minimal (along the lines as you say of £50 a month) and also looked at leasing options. Having thought long and hard about it i decided i wanted to own a percentage of a horse but not in a syndicate where there are 100s or 1000s of other owners. Our syndicate is roughly around 14 at present and I have attended all meetings where our horse has been entered for free with food and soft drinks included. I have also attended at the yard on about 6 times. And our final visit is this weekend as our horse is being put out in the field..so we are visiting and then being taken out to lunch at a local pub. We have also been able to source some free tickets for other events at Cheltenham racecourse (snooker and darts). I had to put in quite a lump sum for the ownership percentage but for say 100 to 200 quid a month thereafter its good value and you meet like minded folk.There are quite a few options to get involved in ownership when committing to that monthly payment. Initial investment can fluctuate.. So in conclusion I would recommend if it's not too much of a financial burden. Less numbers means almost certain to get a free ticket. My wife has also been able to attend when she has wanted to for free..
I've a share in Pentland Hills. For my £57 initial cost I get weekly email reports on "my" horse and a monthly magazine which gives updates on all the Owners Group horses etc. I've access to the website too and can view regular videos. I'm not too bothered about getting to the races or stable visits as living north of the border and in full time work I'd have to do a bit of planning and travelling. However I can now say I have a dual Grade 1 winner! For me it was £57 well spent. I do have shares in other Owners Group horses, not quite such superstars but I still enjoy them. I'm also a member of Elite Racing Club. Different offering. Having been a member for several years my membership fee this year is less than £100. Not only are there a number of horses in training (mainly on the flat) but there are several broodmares and youngstock. For my fee I get a fortnightly full colour magazine and in the intervening week an email report on all the horses (including breeding stock). I've been on a number of club visits to stables etc (they quite often do a couple of days in Newmarket). The first time I went to Newmarket the visit included an afternoon at Dalham Hall where I saw Lammtarra and Singspiel amongst others. Really depends on what you want from a racing club/syndicate but I can tell you there is nothing quite like seeing a horse run in "your" colours
I should go on to say getting access in to the owners and trainers enclosure and watching your horse run in your colours as Janabelle says is worth £50 alone! Let alone if it wins...
Very true Chan..you pay for what you get and all that. Depends on what you want and I wanted to always have the opportunity to see the horse run and visit the yard on occasions.... I would recommend it to anyone though as its great fun and you learn about how it all works. If you want to pay between £100 to £200 a month and don't mind just leasing the horse for a season or two too then you won't have to pay a lump sum for any ownership percentage as obviously won't apply. You get all the other benefits such as share of prize money etc... you just don't own any of the racehorse.
The Don would be in an even better one! Without wishing to sound mean guys....the horses are not running in your colours! Those are syndicate silks. Having said that, the experiences a few of us have had on here are nothing short of amazing. As owners we have been a very lucky bunch. I have now been involved in five. I have to say that the bigger your share the more you actually feel like an owner. I wouldnt be into the mass torte style syndicates, its a lot nicer to turn up on the gallops or at the races and be recognised. I would not put anyone off starting small, baby steps and all that.
