Member of the Month: Chris Boreham

This month’s Member of the Month is Chris Boreham, who is preparing to return to the saddle for the Property Raceday Charity Race at Ascot in July in support of youth and community charities. 

How did you first get involved in racehorse ownership? 
I always wanted to be a jockey as a kid and I started point-to-pointing in the 1980s and so my first horse was when I was riding at that time. Then there was a bit of lull while I got on with life things – I got back involved with Richard Bandey and started  riding out for him and it went from there. I have now been involved with Richard for 14 years, firstly with pointers and now under Rules. 

What do you remember about your first runner and that day? 
I was first involved with Richard in a pointing syndicate – the Plantation Picnic Club – when we had Elyaqim. His first race was a maiden point-to-point which he won as four-year-old – it was  very exciting! 

My first runner under Rules was Hors Guard, who needed plenty of time and when he eventually had his first run over fences at Worcester he was incredible – he flew home and won! It was a fantastic day I will never forget, as Richard’s assistant had  put so much work into him. 

Can you describe you most memorable day as an owner? 
I own half of Master Dancer, who won first time out for Richard – and what a great day we had. We then went to Cheltenham, and he came third at the November meeting. What a feeling it was – little us! – at Cheltenham in the parade ring. It was a day I shall always treasure. Master Dancer is also a very special horse as he now runs on the Flat. I often ride him out at Richard’s. 

Is there a horse who has meant the most to you and why? 
In amongst of all the wonderful horses I have been lucky enough to own, I had a fifth share in Diesel D’Allier, who he won the cross-country race at Cheltenham’s December meeting, which was just fantastic. He won by nostril – if he had shaved that morning, he wouldn’t have won! So, he does have a very special place in my heart, as a winner at Cheltenham is something you never forget. 

Tell us about your charity race ride at Ascot in July…
I’m taking part in a charity race at Ascot on July 10 as part of the Property Raceday. I previously rode in the race in 2017 and managed to finish third. With a big birthday coming up this year, I thought, why not give it another go? It felt like a fitting way to celebrate it. I’m hoping to ride Master Dancer, although we wouldn’t run him on fast ground, so I may still be on the lookout for a ride if any generous owner would like to offer me a mount! 

Over the years the raceday and charity race have raised more than £3.4 million for youth and community-based charities, and I’m delighted to be fundraising again. My JustGiving page is justgiving.com/page/chris-boreham-6. 

What advice would you give to someone considering getting involved in ownership? 
Ownership brings moments of huge excitement and joy, but you also have to be prepared for the lows – it really is a rollercoaster. I remember leaving the races one day thinking of Rudyard Kipling’s If and the line, “If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster,” which felt a rather fitting way to describe ownership. 

I’m also fortunate to ride out regularly for Richard, something I’m very grateful to him for. It keeps me fit while also allowing me to stay closely connected to both the horses and the team, which is bit of unique situation.

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