Portraying the stories at the heart of the sport

"I am really looking forward to Ascot, but I am sad too. Maybe we’ll find another one. That would be nice, wouldn’t it?” Janice Mariscotti’s words, spoken as she looked ahead to Zavateri’s final racecourse appearance, will resonate with many owners. The anticipation of another day at the races sits alongside affection for a horse whose career has become part of your life. Even as one chapter  approaches its end, thoughts turn to what might come next. 

That connection is at the heart of ’Be A Part Of It’, a four-part video series developed jointly by the ROA and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, supported by the British Horseracing Authority and  funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board. 

The sole ownership episode features ROA owners Ian Jones, and Mick and Janice Mariscotti. Through their experiences, it explores the relationships, decisions and everyday involvement that make ownership rewarding, alongside the ambitions that keep people involved. Zavateri’s journey from a 35,000-guinea yearling to Group 1 winner provides an exceptional story. His move from racing to life as a stallion also brings the relationship between ownership and breeding into view: a horse whose on-track exploits have meant so much to his owners will now begin a new career, with future generations to follow. 

Whilst few horses may reach those heights, the feelings expressed by the Mariscottis are familiar. Owners will recognise the pleasure of watching a horse develop, discussing plans with a trainer and  wondering what the next run might bring. 

There is a practical reason for telling these stories together. More than 4,000 registered owners in Britain have between one and ten active racehorses. This segment alone contributes over £227 million annually in training and racing costs, excluding horse purchases. It is also a group where retaining involvement deserves particular attention. Understanding what sustains these owners’ commitment to  racing, and helping them see a future in the sport, matters enormously. 

Ian Jones offers another important ownership perspective. Having entered through a syndicate, he now owns horses outright and is beginning his own involvement in breeding. His experience shows how  confidence and ambition can grow with participation. Shared ownership can provide friendship, knowledge and an accessible introduction; for some, it also opens the door to a different level of involvement. 

These stories sit alongside practical work to help people find their way into ownership and support them once involved. Our 2026 Shared Ownership Days, delivered in partnership with the Racehorse  Syndicates Association, give racegoers the opportunity to meet syndicate and racing club managers, ask questions and explore options suited to their interests and budget. 

For those considering sole ownership,or thinking about the next stage of their involvement, the BHA and ROA’s Owner Relations work provides guidance and support. At the ROA, our Head of Ownership,  Kate Freeman, is a port of call  for owners seeking help with their journey, whether they are taking their first steps or considering how to continue. 

Our collaboration with the TBA extends that support into breeding. Owners and  breeders share many of the same hopes, and the decisions made at the end of a racing career can shape what follows.  

For an owner with a suitable filly or mare, breeding may offer a rewarding  way to continue that connection. Having  clear guidance on suitability, costs and  responsibilities can help owners consider retaining a mare for breeding alongside the option of selling. 

The TBA’s new free telephone consultation service with Joe Grimwade, delivered in collaboration with the ROA, provides a practical starting point. 

Alongside educational resources and  advice, it can help owners explore whether breeding is right for them and their horse. Further films will examine shared ownership and the move into owner-breeding, including a National Hunt perspective. Together with these opportunities for advice and support, they aim to make the next steps easier to understand.

As Janice’s words remind us, an ending can also prompt a new beginning. Helping owners find that next chapter is an important part of our work. 

Please watch and share Be A Part Of It: Sole Ownership at www.beapartofit.co.uk/gb where three further episodes will follow.