Member of the Month: Paul Clayton

From watching the Grand National with his grandfather to dreaming of Classic success, Paul Claydon’s interest in racing has developed into a longstanding involvement in ownership. Since 2007, he has combined owning horses outright with shares in Kennet Valley Syndicates. 

Now, Night In Vegas – known at home as ‘Elvis’ – is giving him plenty to look forward to. Paul reflects on finding the right ownership model, a memorable day at Royal Ascot, and his hopes for next season. 

How did you first become interested in racing and what prompted you to become an owner? 
Like a lot of people, I first became interested through watching racing on television with my grandfather, particularly the Grand National. I entered ownership in 2007 and have enjoyed both owning horses  outright and being involved through syndicates. Over time, I found that shared ownership was a particularly good approach on the Flat, allowing me to spread my involvement across several horses. 

How did you find Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds (KVT)? 
I was looking at a few trainers and went to a lunch at Paul Cole’s yard, where I happened to sit at the same table as Nick Robinson, who founded Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds back in the 80s. We got talking, and it developed from there. 

What makes shared ownership the right fit for you? 
Until retiring my last jumper, I combined shared ownership with sole ownership. However, on the Flat, shared ownership means I can have an interest in shares in several horses for the same amount I might otherwise invest in one horse. It also suits me because I work full time, and the team at KVT take care of the administration making things much easier. 

What made you decide to get involved in Night In Vegas? 
We’d had a good year with Calendar Girl, who won a big sales race at Doncaster, so I had some credit in the bank to reinvest. I decided to take shares in three horses, and Elvis was the third. I’d never had a horse with Eve Johnson Houghton before, and I was looking for a two-year-old and he seemed the right fit.  

When did you first think you might have a particularly special horse? 
I’m a member at Ascot, so it was lovely that his first race was there in May. Eve said we would find out a lot about him that day, and he won rather nicely and we were all very taken with him. From that first racecourse appearance, we felt he could be something special, and Eve and [jockey] Charlie Bishop’s views reinforced that feeling.  

What has been your highlight of his racing career so far? 
They’ve all been great days, and this might sound strange, but my personal highlight was the Coventry Stakes, even though he didn’t win. Having a runner in such a prestigious two-year-old race, against one of the best horses around, was tremendously exciting. It was his toughest test, and he ran a great race to finish fifth. Signing off for the season with victory at Ascot on Champions Day was another fantastic occasion.  

Do you get many opportunities to visit Elvis at home? 
Working full time means I’ve sadly been unable to attend the yard visits, but I intend to put that right when I retire! However, KVT is very good on that side. It’s a social operation and they arrange some lovely visits at the trainers’ yards. The opportunities are there; I just need more time to enjoy them. 

How will you manage the anticipation over the winter as you look forward to Night In Vegas’ three-year-old campaign? 
On those long, dark, miserable days in January, Elvis and his anticipated reappearance as a three-year-old will certainly give me something to look forward to. We’ll see what happens, and I will try and keep a lid on that, but fingers crossed for next season!