Ownership Types
Sole Ownership
Anyone aged 16 or over can apply to become a Registered Owner. Applicants aged 16–17 must provide a personal guarantee from a currently registered owner. All applicants are subject to identity and credit checks and must be approved by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
Sole Owner
A sole owner has 100% ownership of a horse. The horse runs in the owner’s name and colours, and all costs and prize money belong solely to them.
Do I need to be a Registered Owner? Yes
How to Register: Apply online via the BHA or Weatherbys websites.
Company Owner
A company can own a horse outright, with ownership held by the company and its shareholders. Companies may also form part of a partnership or syndicate. A registered agent must act on the company’s behalf.
Do I need to be a Registered Owner? Yes
How to Register: Apply online via the BHA or Weatherbys websites.
Shared Ownership
Shared ownership allows multiple people to split costs and enjoy the experience together. There are many different ways this can work:
Partnerships
A partnership is for two or more Registered Owners sharing one or more horses. Ownership percentages, costs and prize money are divided according to each partner’s share.
Do I need to be a Registered Owner? Yes
How to Register: Apply online via the BHA or Weatherbys websites.
Syndicates
A syndicate allows members to own or lease shares in one or more horses in return for a financial contribution. Members typically share training, veterinary and travel costs and may receive a share of prize money, badges when the horse runs, sale proceeds and breeding rights, depending on the agreement.
Syndicates are managed by a syndicator, who oversees administration, finances and promotion.
Key Definitions
- Syndicator: A person responsible for managing, promoting or administering a syndicate. Syndicators must be registered owners and hold a Racing Club/Syndicate Manager Licence.
- Syndicate Member: Anyone holding a share in a syndicate-owned or leased horse.
Do I need to be a Registered Owner? Only the Syndicate Manager
How to find a syndicate: Visit the In The Paddock website
Microshares
Microshares make racehorse involvement more accessible by allowing hundreds of people to buy very small interests in a horse at low cost.
Members can still enjoy many ownership-style benefits, including:
- Stable visits
- Trainer updates
- Ballots for raceday tickets
Do I need to be a Registered Owner? Only the SyndicateManager
How to find a Microshare Club: Visit the In The Paddock website
Racing Clubs
Racing clubs provide a lower-cost introduction to racehorse involvement. Members do not own the horse but pay a membership fee for benefits such as:
- Chance to have Owners’ badges when the horse runs
- Stable visits and Social events
- Updates from the trainer on the horse
- Potential prize money shares
Key Definitions
- Racing Club Manager: A person responsible for managing, promoting or administering a racing club. Managers must be registered owners and hold a Racing Club/Syndicate Manager licence.
- Racing Club Member: Someone who pays for club benefits without acquiring ownership rights.
Do I need to be a Registered Owner? Only the Racing Club Manager
How to find a Racing Club: Visit the In The Paddock website