Imagine walking into the parade ring on Raceday with the trainer of the horse that you own, waiting for the jockey to appear from the jockey room, and then chatting to him and the trainer regarding how they think your horse will run in the race. Going to watch the canter past and then up to the trainers’ suite to watch the race.
Your horse jumps well from the starting stalls, is at the back of the field at the midway stage of the race, and then puts in a sustained run down the middle of the course getting up in the last strides to win the race after which the owner leads the horse into the winners’ enclosure. A pipe dream you say, Maybe Not?
How do Horse Racing Syndicates Work – Horse Racing syndication is currently the most popular option for new racehorse owners to become engaged in the industry. A licensed syndicator will sell shares in horses that they own, with people purchasing various percentages of the horse. Thoroughbred syndication is one of the most cost-effective and efficient methods for consumers to engage in thoroughbred racing with others who share their interests.
Certified Horse Syndication
One of the primary advantages of employing a certified horse syndicator is that it makes it easier for non-experts to enter the racing profession. The syndicate operator will manage many of the day-to-day concerns and keep you informed of your horse’s development. This is also an excellent chance to understand the ins and outs of the racing business while being coached by seasoned professionals.
Various syndicates are looking for owners, but you should thoroughly research the racehorse syndication before deciding to invest. If you’re contemplating buying racehorse syndication shares, you should try and do as thorough due diligence as you can, because we can’t all be as lucky as Mike King.
Documentation that a Syndication should provide
Any syndicated racehorse should be accompanied by a Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the necessary partnership agreement/deed, both of which should contain the following information.
- Details about the horse (pedigree)
- Where it was purchased and at what cost, as well as a current worth
- A summary of fees (including ongoing monthly fees)
- The number of available shares and the price per share
- Who will train the horse as well as details about the trainer.
- Veterinary report (fit for syndication letter)
- Payment Specifics
A qualified syndicator, particularly one who operates in your best interests, will give all required papers. Before investing in a syndicate, it is prudent to enquire about and properly read the product disclosure statement.
The permit holder agreement requires approved syndicators to set up a trust account for each horse. This ensures that any money deposited into the trust account when purchasing a horse share cannot be utilized in any other manner by the syndicator which allows the Syndicate shareholder to hold the Syndicate accountable for every penny spent.
This protects investors who have made a good-faith investment in a racehorse and have been offered a part of the earnings. Purchasing via an approved syndicator affords the owner a good night’s rest safe in the knowledge that the Funds in the Syndicates coffers are being utilised correctly.
The Syndicate – Expenses
Many people do not realise all of the financial demands that go into owning a Racehorse. The key expenditure categories are outlined below.
The initial share price varies according to the syndicator, but it often includes an acquisition cost, transportation, training, pre-training, vet fees, scope registration, and other related expenses.
There will be several ongoing monthly costs associated with racehorse ownership.
- Trainers Fees
- Veterinary charges
- Transportation costs
- Fees for farriers
- Fees for preliminary training
Furthermore, many syndicators charge a management fee, which is often proportional to the quantity of service offered. The syndicator will assess the amount of money needed for continuing expenditures.
The Syndication – Unexpected expenses
Unexpected expenses, like with any investment, may be a drag on your wallet. Unexpected expenses are commonly associated with accidents and illnesses, as well as the required veterinary treatment, which cannot be predicted.
If your horse is chosen for a race that demands extensive travel or flights, you may be surprised by the added costs. However, if your horse is traveling, there is a high probability that the reason for that travel is because the horse has shown enough ability to be nominated for a high-stakes race.
The Syndication – Race Day
All named shareholders of a licensed syndicator the Syndicate Members are entitled to a member’s pass, a guest pass, and a parade ring pass, as well as free access to the racetrack where your horse is running.
Syndicate members are also granted access to the Owners’ Enclosure or the Trainers Suite, where food and beverages are often offered at no cost to the owner.
The Syndication – Information about your Horse
Each syndicator will have a different degree of communication, this should be confirmed with them when acquiring the owners’ shares in the Syndication. As part of their service, some syndicates will provide video, audio, and text updates from the trainer and/or jockey.
Others just handle the purchasing procedure and will be the responsibility of the Member to contact trainers and other care providers on the horse’s growth. Keep in mind that being a shareholder in the absence of a specialized communication expert to handle horse information is cumbersome, especially if you consider that we live in the technological age of Social Media and therefore constant, almost real-time feedback is a necessity.
The Horse Racing Syndication – The ultimate decision is Yours
Many people select syndication as a form of ownership since it is straightforward and affordable, but as you are one of many, the decision making of the Horses journey, races to run in, and how the horse is to be ridden in those races will not be Syndicate Member’s decision, but the Certified Horse Syndication decision-makers.
Therefore do the research and the due diligence. Understand what questions to ask to receive the greatest value add once you decide that Syndication is the way forward. Then make the purchase and receive the advantages of being a Racehorse Owner.