Types of Ownership

Who can become a new owner?

Anyone over 16 years of age (applicants aged 16 or 17 require a personal guarentee from a currently registered owner) can apply. Every applicant will be subject to identity and credit checks and have to be approved by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

Register as an owner

• Owners can register to be an owner online via the BHA website here.
• Or the Weatherbys website here: 

Types of Racehorse Ownership:

Sole ownership

This is when you are the only person involved in the ownership of the horse and you have a 100% share in the animal. The horse will run in your name and colours. Any costs or profits will be yours alone.

Company 

A company can register as an Owner, owning horses 100%. The horse will be in the sole ownership of the company and the company's shareholders. Companies can also be an entity within a Partnership or Syndicate. The company must appoint a registered agent to act on its behalf.

Partnership 

For two or more people who want to share the ownership of one or more horses, and where all members of the Partnership are registered owners. Partnerships allow owners to define the percentage of each horse they own and split costs and winnings in accordance with ownership share.

If you’re already a registered owner, log onto Racing Admin to set up your Partnership. If you’re not a registered owner, apply above.

Syndicate 

For people who want to share the ownership of one or more horses. A Syndicate is managed and administered by the Syndicator/s. Only the syndicator/s must register as a Sole/Company owner. It isn’t necessary for members of the Syndicate to register as owners.

If you’re already a registered owner, log on Racing Admin to set up your Syndicate. If you’re not a registered owner, apply above.

Racing Club 

For people who want to pay a subscription to experience racehorse ownership. A Racing Club is managed and administered by the Club manager/s and it is the Club itself, as opposed to its members, that owns the horse/s.

Members pay a fee to be part of club and to enjoy some of the benefits of racehorse ownership. Only individuals who want to set up or administer a Racing Club must register as a Sole/Company owner. It isn’t necessary for members of a Racing Club to register as owners.

If you’re already a registered owner, log onto Racing Admin to set up your Racing Club. If you’re not a registered owner, apply above.

Find out more about Shared Ownership on our Syndicates and Racing Clubs page.

 

Upcoming changes

The growth of shared ownership is essential for the future of British racing. To support this, the Racing Digital platform must simplify administration for syndicators and address regulatory risks associated with the increasing number of syndicates. Key changes include:

Simplified Syndicate definition

Starting from spring 2024, syndicates will be redefined as commercial entities where members own or lease racehorses, and syndicators receive compensation for their role or use methods to attract public participation. Racing clubs, on the other hand, will remain entities where members do not acquire ownership rights.

Syndicate Member Shares

Syndicators will be required to declare the percentage shares of horses owned by their members. This promotes transparency and allows members to better understand their ownership interests. Syndicators can update member details and shares easily.

Syndicator and Club Manager Licenses

In mid-2024, a new license will be introduced for those managing syndicates or racing clubs. This is aimed at bolstering consumer confidence in shared ownership and ensuring compliance with the Rules of Racing, promoting business competence, advertising, and financial sustainability. Both new and existing syndicators and club managers will require this license.

Partnership Enhancements

Partnerships - a form of shared ownership for family and friends - will become more accessible on Racing Digital. They can join other partnerships to form new ownership groups, and the cost of registering a new partnership will be reduced. Individual owners can also register free of charge.

Click here for more information.

 

Leasing

Leasing involves ownership of a racehorse for a set period of time. Costs that the horse incurs become the responsibility of the lessee for the lease period and in return the horse will run under the ownership of the lessee. At the end of the lease agreement the ownership of the horse returns to the lessor/the legal owner.