Member of the Month: Juliet Noel

ROA member Juliet Noel’s ownership journey began in 2017 with Powerstown Park, trained by Sam Thomas. She has since increased her involvement and enjoyed her biggest win to date when Ryan’s Rocket struck for the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate at Aintree. 

How did you first get involved in ownership?  
I went to the Lambourn Open Day in 2017 and had a look at Sam Thomas’syard and saw a horse I liked calledPowerstown Park. I ended up buying a share in him. Ryan’s Rocket is my first horse with Noel Fehily Racing – I gotinto the syndicate as I saw him at thesales and he’s a half bother to Powerstown Park. When he was sold, I found out who bought him and the rest is history.  

What do you remember about your very first runner?  
My first runner, Powerstown Park, was very exciting, as I never thought I would own a share in a horse – it was a dream come true. We had great fun with him and his claim to fame was he won three races in eight days as well as winning over fences.  

How did it feel to watch Ryan’s Rocket win at the Grand National Festival? 
Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend Aintree, but I was screaming at the TV and jumping up and down in my living room!My father, who is sadly no longer with us, loved horses and racing. His birthday was on April 9 and Ryan won on this date – my father would have been over the moon!  

Is there a horse who has meant the most to you? 
All three horses that I have had shares in mean the world to me: Ryan’s Rocket, Powerstown Park and Cote D’Ange, who is a youngster in training with Sam Thomas. He recently came fourth in a hurdle race at Ffos Las, which was very exciting.  

What do you enjoy most about being involved in a syndicate?  
Ownership and being in a syndicate provide a lot of fun and excitement. I love visiting the yards and seeing how each trainer does something different. But it’s also about the camaraderie with the other members – it’s so nice to share a day at the races with other people along with the sociability of it all.  

What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved in a syndicate?  
Go for it! And, if you’re an owner or member of a syndicate/racing club, join the ROA. The ROA team has been so helpful to me and fellow syndicate members when we have had a question, particularly when starting out – they are always there to hold your hand and help you get started.