Owner Sponsorship

Since its inception in 2004 over 60,000 ROA-sponsored horses have run in races under its various guises. The benefit is valued by members as it allows them to register for and reclaim the VAT charged on the purchase price of their horse and many associated fees. This can represent an annual VAT recovery of over £4,700 for each horse, benefiting owners to the tune of £7.5m each year.

Since 1 January 2020 the Scheme has operated under the banner of the Tote and we’re delighted they are continuing to support this year. The Tote has three logos that can be carried on owners’ silks highlighting the Tote’s most popular bet and its digital platform: TOTE, TOTE PLACEPOT and TOTE.CO.UK. These three logos will be available on a rotational basis as horses join the Scheme.

Should I be sponsored?

• Owners who secure sponsorship for their racing activities can register for VAT.
• Owners can reclaim VAT on the purchase price of their horse (if applicable) and this can be claimed up to four years after the purchase of the horse if owned 100%.
• Owners can also reclaim VAT on their racing expenses – including training fees, transport costs, veterinary fees and jockeys fees – backdated up to six months. This can represent an annual recovery of over £4,700.

If you are not already registered for VAT, just think of the savings that could be made!

Does the ROA provide sponsorship?...

YES!

• The ROA runs the Tote Owner-Sponsorship Scheme.
• This will provide sponsorship for horses in training which are wholly owned by ROA members.
  • In the case of a Racing Club or Syndicate, then all club/syndicate managers need to be ROA members in order for the horse to be eligible for the scheme.
  • Where the horse is owned in a Partnership, all owners need to be ROA Members.
• A sponsorship payment of £100 per horse is made to the owner entity once the particular scheme their horse is sponsored under has closed. This is paid into their Racing Account.
• There are four schemes running throughout the year - January, March, July and September.
• Each scheme runs for a full 12 months.
• Sponsored horses will need to carry a Tote logo on the chest and collar of the owner's colours. There are no provisions for branding on attendant's clothing or horse rugs.

How do I  apply for the scheme?

Download the Owner-Sponsorship Agreement Form and send it to the ROA office either by post or email [email protected]

• Call the office on 01183 385680, or
• Complete one of the forms below

Mar 2025 Tote-ROA contract to owners.doc

 

Mar 2025 Tote-ROA contract to owners.pdf

 

Membership Name *

Membership Number

Postcode *

Name of Horse to be sponsored *

Phone Number

Email *

I agree to the terms and conditions of the scheme *

I agree

Get Sponsored

If you have any questions on the Tote Owner-Sponsorship scheme please contact 01183 385680 or by e-mail to [email protected]

Need logos?

Should you require Tote logos please contact John at Horse Requisites on 01638 664619 and pay the required fee (£22 + VAT).

Horse Requisites also offer a stitching service for new silks requiring logos, which is an additional charge.

Please allow time for postal delivery.

Further information

 

For more information on sponsorship, members should refer to the BHA Sponsorship Framework for Racehorse Owners (SFRO).

 

Full Terms and Conditions for the Tote Owner Sponsorship Scheme:

1. Horses must be registered in the owners’ name (‘Owner’) and listed as in full training with Weatherbys to qualify.
2. Qualifying horses must carry the Tote logo (Tote, Tote Placepot & Tote.co.uk) as provided on patches fixed to the chest and collar of the Owners’ silks each time they run in Britain during the Sponsorship period with the exception of any named races excluded as detailed in the Racing Calendar.
3. Upon being accepted onto the scheme for the Sponsorship period, the Owner will receive a payment of £100 per horse (plus VAT if applicable) as the Sponsorship Fee payment once this scheme has closed (1^st January 2024).  No refunds shall be payable to an Owner who elects to terminate the arrangement prior to the expiry of the Sponsorship Period.
4. Should Tote logos be required the Owner agrees to contact John at Horse Requisites on 01638 664619 and pay the required handling and postage fee (£20+ VAT). The logos conform to the size as detailed in the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) Code of Conduct.
5. A fee in accordance with Schedule (A)1 is due to the BHA at the time of registration.
6. The sponsorship agreement must be signed by the Owner or one of their representatives and the Owner confirms that it has full title and authority to enter into this Agreement and is not bound by any previous agreement which adversely affects this Agreement.
7. Sole Owners of participating horses must be members of the ROA. In the case of a Syndicate or Racing Club, all Syndicate or Club managers need to be ROA members in order for the horse to be eligible for this scheme. Where the horse is owned in a Joint Partnership, all Owners need to be ROA Members.
8. For joint-owned horses, Sponsorship Fee payments are split among partners or be paid into the partnership account, according to how the ownership is set up.  Any change of ownership during the Sponsorship Period must be notified immediately to the ROA.
9. It is intended by the ROA and Tote that no jockey who is below the age of 18 years of age shall bear the Tote and World Pool logo’s in the manner set out in this Agreement.  All terms of this Agreement remain unaffected should a jockey below the age of 18 be instructed to ride without the Tote logos being displayed.
10. During UK World Pool race events any Tote logos will be automatically replaced with a specific World Pool logo for display and will be provided on each raceday within the Weighing Room, with no action needed by Owners or Trainers.