Owning a racehorse is not just for the wealthy few, but open to all. There are a number of decisions that you need to make before becoming a racehorse owner.
- The type of ownership in which you wish to engage, individual, partnership, syndicate, racing club or company ownership.
- The type of horse you want to race – Flat or National Hunt.
- The amount of money you are willing to invest.
Gains:
- Possibility of substantial prize money to be won, increased by 13m in 2001, thanks to the Irish Government, with the minimum value of all races increasing significantly in 2001.
- Success will mean your horse’s value increasing significantly.
- Tremendous social side to racing to be enjoyed.
- Ideal vehicle for entertaining business clients.
- The privileges available when watching your horse race.
- The thrill of a lifetime which is owning a racehorse.
Different Types of Ownership:
Individual Ownership
- Most popular form of ownership in Irish racing.
- Individual option enables single owner to decide upon such issues as registration of colours and the horse’s name, etc.
- When wishing to get involved in individual ownership, one must complete the registration process with Turf Club.
Partnership Ownership
- Consists of 2 to 4 people.
- All partners must be registered as owners.
- Can run in the name of all the partners.
Syndicate Ownership
- Consists of 2 to 20 members.
- All members must sign the Registration of Syndicates form.
- The horse is leased to one member of the syndicate, who must be a registered owner.
- This person is considered the registered agent for the syndicate and is regarded as the sole owner for racing purposes.
Company Ownership
- Give your employees a day out.
- A company may own and run a racehorse in its name and carry logo on paddock sheet etc.
- This approval must be gained through application to the Turf Club.
The company must appoint a registered agent, ideally a company director or company
- secretary.
- This is tax efficient.
- The agent must sign the necessary registration forms on behalf of the company.
Racing Club
- May own and run a horse, or horses, and can consist of unlimited members.
- All the above come with unrestricted visitors to see your horse at home and working on the gallops. Party of up to 100 catered for — morning brunch etc.
- N.B. — There’s no guarantee that a horse will WIN!