Guide to Ownership

Registration

If you wish to own a horse in your own name or as a company, you are required to register as an owner. All partners in a partnership also need to be registered as an owner. Similarly, all Partnerships, Syndicates and Racing Clubs are required to register and appoint a manager who will need to register as an owner.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has created a flow-chart to assist you in deciding which type of ownership best meets your needs. Once you have identified which route into ownership you wish to progress with, you will need to complete the registration process

Registration process

1. Complete the Application Form
2. Set-up a BHA Direct Debit Arrangement or Weatherbys Account.[KB1] [RB2] 
3. Register your colours
4. Register an Authority to Act

 

Sole Owners, Company, and Partnerships

The first step in the process is to complete the application form. All completed application forms are reviewed by the BHA. This process can be approved on the same day or can take up to two working days.[SH3] [RB4] 

 

Once approved you will be able to manage and administer your ownership via the

Racing Admin System. All sole owners and company owners will receive instructions on how to access this, once their application has been approved.

 

Guidance notes are available to help you with the application process

To complete the Registration process, you are required to set up a Racing Account. This is a requirement to allow the BHA to pay any prize money won in an efficient, secure, and timely manner. It also allows for automatic payment of entry, jockey, and future registration fees.

There are two available options;

• BHA Direct Debit Arrangement
• Weatherbys Bank Account

 

Syndicates – only the syndicator (or syndicate manager) is required to be a registered sole/ company owner.

Racing Clubs - only individuals who want to set up or administer a Racing Club must register as a Sole/Company owner.

 

Registration Fees*

Sole Ownership	£114.90
Company Ownership	£1085.90

*subject to change. Fees are correct as of 1 January 2023.

Registering Colours

Once you have completed the owner registration process, you need to register your colours. For many new and existing owners, this is a fun part of the process.

This can be done via the Racing Admin System or the BHA website. Racing colours are required if you intend to run a horse in your own name or a company name. In Partnerships, Syndicates, and Racing Clubs colours may be shared or alternatively registered to the entity itself.

There are three options available:

• Standard Colours – you can design your colours using the 18 different shades and 25 different patterns available.
• Bespoke Colours – you can build your colours from scratch (this option is only available through the BHA website and a premium fee is applicable).
• Vintage Colours - All vintage silks have been registered for over five years and are normally auctioned by the BHA when they become available.

You can use an online tool to design, check for availability, and register a set of racing colours.

 

Register an Authority to Act

An Authority to Act authorises another individual - most often a licensed trainer (or their appointed sub-agent) - to carry out various administrative tasks on your behalf, including adding horses into your ownership, completing registration forms, and making entries and declarations.

An Authority to Act is registered via the Racing Admin System.

 

Shared Ownership

Shared Ownership is a valuable introduction to ownership. To get the most this setup, you should consider the following

• Do your research to understand what arrangement will work best for you
• Identify your budget
• Read the Syndicate agreement carefully, to ensure you are clear on all aspects of costs (including administration costs), fractional interests, duration of the syndicate, liability, and management.
• Check whether the horse you are involved in is insured (against all risks of mortality). Some owners choose not to insure, but members of syndicates can usually insure their proportion of ownership if they wish.
• Establish the frequency and method you can expect to receive updates, and who your point of contact will be.
• Ensure you have some form of third-party liability insurance cover. Owners may be vulnerable to claims even when their horse is in someone else’s possession.
• Establish if you are you entitled to a share in the ownership of the bloodstock interest of the horse/s, or does the club or manager retain the ownership in the horse/s.

 

	ROA: with owners at every step The ROA has created sample syndicate templates which you can use. There are separate versions for single or multiple horses.

 

 

Unless you are a breeder there are several routes to explore to source your horse;

 

Trainers and Agents

The majority of owners source their horses with the help of their trainer. Many trainers will already have horses in their care for owners to purchase.

 

Another option is to work with a bloodstock agent, who will source a horse on your behalf. Unless you have received a recommendation, the best place to find an agent is via the Federation of Bloodstock Agents or the National Trainers Federation.

It is important to remember that bloodstock agents tend to take a commission of 5% on any sale they participate in. Be sure to check your agent’s rates before you enter into an agreement with them.

All bloodstock agents are also now bound by the Bloodstock Industry Code of Practice, This code has been introduced to protect vendors and buyers alike and provides participants with a new independent legal facility in the event of complaints.

 

Claiming Races

Owners can also source their horse from a Claiming Race. This means you can purchase horses directly out of the race at the advertised set fee. All horses running in the race will be available for purchase after the race and the advertised price can never be exceeded. The horses will have proven form to base your decision on and offers owners a source of horses that are ready to run. Claims can be made through your trainer, or you can do this yourself if you are a registered owner. Further information can be found in the Protocol of Claimants.[KB1] [SH2] 

 

Public Auction (Sales)

The two main sales houses in the UK and Ireland are Tattersalls and Goffs. Tattersalls and Goffs also stage online auctions for specific sales. Specific online sales houses such as ThoroughBid also can be a valuable way to source a horse.

 

To make the most out of visiting the sales it is recommended that you employ the assistance of a trainer or bloodstock agent who can help you gain a better understanding of the pedigree and physical attributes of the horse. They will also be able to assist you by working within your budget and with the purchasing process.

 

All racehorses in Britain are trained under the care of a British Horseracing Authority licensed racehorse trainer who is responsible for the care and preparation of the horse for the races. They will plan where the horse runs and make entries on your behalf.

 

There are training centres spread across the country – with Newmarket in Suffolk, Epsom in Surrey, Lambourn in Berkshire and Malton and Middleham in Yorkshire being the most famous. These locations offer communal gallops. Trainers operate from their private facilities which include gallops, whereas some trainers are based out of the main centres.

 

Many owners select a trainer based on location, to allow them to visit their horse with relative ease. It is important to understand your desired level of involvement, with many trainers encouraging owners to visit the yard and get to know the team who are responsible for the health and well-being of your horse. Before deciding upon your trainer you should find out how this works on their yard. Many trainers are proactive in providing updates relating to your horse. You should try and identify a trainer whose approach is aligned with your expectations in terms of accessibility, involvement, and communications.

 

Some trainers in the UK use digital platforms and apps to communicate with owners, such as The Racing Manager which is a digital hub containing updates, videos, and important information.

 

Training Agreements

To ensure that everyone understands what to expect from the Owner / Trainer relationship, it is important to have a written agreement in place between yourselves. The BHA website sets out the Rules of Racing and the trainer code section provides further information relating to fees and payment terms.

We strongly advise you to have a training agreement in place with your chosen trainer. This agreement should include:

• The basic training fee;
• Other regular expenses (such as gallop fees, shoeing costs and the like)
• Any additional charges or expenses (such as veterinary fees)
• The time and method of payment by the owner

 

 

 

ROA: with owners at every step

The ROA and National Trainers Federation (NTF) have worked together to
create a template agreement.

 

It is recommended that this version is used, however another version can be used so long as the minimum requirements detailed in the Rules of Racing are covered.

 

 

Now all the paperwork has been completed, it’s time to enjoy what ownership is all about – the build-up and race day itself.

 

Race Planning

 

Trainers generally take the lead in deciding the right race for your horse, but they regularly consult with their owners. Most trainers outline their racing 'plan' at the start of the season and should collaborate with owners on key racing targets, but this does often change as the season progresses.

 

Entries

• A 6-day entry cycle applies for all non-early races apart from those staged on a Saturday, for which a 5-day cycle operates. Declarations – the final commitment to run in a race – are now 48 hours for both codes.
• An entry fee or take is usually required to enter a race and will be debited from the owner’s account. This is paid regardless of whether or not the horse is declared, unless the horse is declared and then balloted out.
• Owners can use the Racing Admin or Racing Post websites to view details of entries.
• Balloting out: occasionally a race may be oversubscribed and exceed the racecourse’s field size safety limit. Sometimes these races will divide, and two versions of the race will be run (with the prize-money remaining the same for both editions). However, in cases where a race cannot divide, a draw will be made at Weatherbys to reduce the number of runners in the race to the required size.
• Once you have declared you can only pull out if the ground (‘the going’) materially changes between declaration time and the day of the race, or due to injury (that has been confirmed through a vet’s certificate or through trainers who can ‘self-certify’). If a horse is withdrawn under a self-certificate, it is not allowed to race for the next six clear days.

RACEDAY	ENTRIES	CONFIRMED WEIGHTS	DECLARATIONS
Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Saturday
Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Sunday
Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Monday
Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Tuesday
Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Wednesday
Saturday	Monday	Tuesday	Thursday
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Friday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Certain races have an early first entry date and these are termed Early Closing races. These races usually have an initial entry payment and then one or more forfeit stages known as ‘Scratching’ deadlines. Unless a horse is scratched out by the deadline, further amounts will be payable by connections. The first entry stage and any subsequent scratching deadline for Early Closing Races is usually noon on Tuesdays unless otherwise specified.

 

• Some races may provide Supplementary entries, which allows for late entries to be made by a specified date, closer to race day, at a higher entry cost.

 

 

Definition of Different Race Types

 

Races are classified into seven classes on the Flat (1-7) and six classes (1-6) on the Jumps.

 

• Maiden - Races restricted to horses that have never won a race under that specific code – that is, on the Flat or over hurdles.

 

• Novice - Open to maidens but also to winners of either one or two races. The winners usually have to carry extra weight (a penalty) according to the race conditions. Horses are no longer eligible for some novice events once they have raced more than a specified number of times.
   
• Handicaps - the weights are adjusted by the handicapper to equalise horses’ chances of winning. A horse usually runs three times in non-handicap races before it receives its handicap mark and therefore is allowed to run in a handicap race. On the Flat, non-handicaps would typically be ‘Maiden’ races (for horses that have never won). Over Jumps, they would typically run in ‘Novice’ races.

 

The rating is the expression in weight (in pounds, expressed as lbs) of the handicapper’s assessment of a horse’s relative ability. This is continually reassessed during the season. The rating is a measure of the ability of a horse on a scale starting at zero and going into three figures. On the Flat, a top horse is usually rated in the 130s and then in the 180s over the Jumps. For more information see the BHA guide to Handicapping.
 

• Nurseries – This is a handicap race restricted to two-year-olds.
• Claimer - In a claiming race each horse's weight is determined by the price placed on them by connections. The lower the claiming price, the lower the weight. Horses can be ‘claimed' (bought) by other owners/trainers for the specified price after the race. The Rules of Racing Protocol for Claimants sets out how to claim (buy) horses from claiming races, relevant Rules, procedures, and payment details. Be sure to read the Protocol for Claimants to find out more details on claiming races.
   
• Seller - This can be a handicap or a non-handicap. The key element is the winner is offered for auction in the winner’s enclosure post-race. All beaten horses in a seller are available to claim via the same methods outlined for claiming races.
• Conditions races - Contests in which the weights carried are dictated not by a horse’s handicap mark but according to the race conditions. These allocate weight according to the weight-for-age scale, the gender of the runners, and via penalties for those that have won races of a certain value so that they must concede weight to less successful rivals. 
• Apprentice & Conditional Jockey races - Handicaps or non-handicaps restricted to particular categories of jockeys who are not yet fully qualified. Apprentice races take place on the Flat; conditionals races over Jumps. These races can be further limited to jockeys who have not yet ridden a specified number of winners.
• Amateur Races - Handicaps or non-handicaps restricted to jockeys who are not licensed professionals. 

• National Hunt Flat races (Bumpers) - Races designed to provide usually late-maturing, Jumps-bred horses with racecourse experience before they embark on a career over hurdles or fences. Restricted to horses that have not previously raced in any type of race except other bumpers (although you can run in a bumper having already run in a point-to-point). From the 2023/24 season, a horse can only run in a maximum of three bumpers (unless they are Championship races) and any horse over six-years-old will no longer be eligible to run.

• Hunter Chases -These races are restricted both to amateur riders and horses that are currently issued with certificates to show they have been taking part in hunting. These races provide a developmental opportunity for inexperienced riders and horses but also those in the veteran stage of their careers. Once a horse has run in a Hunter Chase, a horse under the care of a licenced trainer may not run in any type of  chase that season .  

 

Entry Fees

An entry fee is payable when you enter your horse into races. Entry fees often vary depending on the Total Prize Fund (TPF) of the race (the more valuable the race the more the entry fee costs). In addition to the entry fee, you will also be required to pay an entry handling fee. The cost of the fee depends on how the entry is made, with a higher fee payable if the entry is made over the phone as opposed to online. Full details on how much entry fees cost can be found in the race conditions. For big races, there are several different entry stages which incur costs.

 

For each entry made you will also pay an additional £1.20 to the Equine Infectious Diseases Services and £1.25 towards the welfare of former racehorses

 

Once your horse is entered and the appropriate fee is paid, there are no further fees to declare your horse to run. If you’re horse is eliminated, however, your entry fee will be refunded. The only exception to this rule would be in sales races and you are advised to read the race conditions carefully before entering your horse.

Jockey Remuneration

The riding fee for jockeys is set depending on code and the fees can be found here

You will also pay an additional sum (13% of the riding fee) to the Professional Riders Insurance Scheme.

Any jockey who has been declared to ride a horse but whose horse is subsequently made a non-runner after 9.00 am on the day of the race will receive 40% of their riding fee.

 

1. VAT

 

HMRC operates the Racehorse Owners VAT Scheme. Through this scheme, racehorse owners are potentially eligible to reclaim VAT on their racing expenses.

You can apply for VAT registration under the scheme if you’re registered as an owner at Weatherbys and you either:

• own a horse or horses covered by a sponsorship agreement registered at Weatherbys
• own a horse or horses covered by a trainer’s sponsorship agreement registered at Weatherbys
• can show you have received, and will continue to receive, business income for example from appearance money or sponsored number cloths (SNCs) from your horse racing activities

 

 

ROA: with owners at every step - Owner Sponsorship Scheme

 

Owners who have secured sponsorship, qualify to register for the HMRC Scheme. To assist in finding a sponsor the ROA runs the ROA / Tote Owner Sponsorship Scheme.

 

The sponsorship is available for horses in training  owned wholly by ROA members. In the case of a racing club or syndicate, the managers need to be members. Where a horse is owned by a partnership, all registered owners need to be members.

RECLAIMING VAT

Once sponsored eligible owners can reclaim their VAT on racing expenses. The ROA has a dedicated VAT Solution service, offering over 20 years of experience. The team can undertake the process of reclaiming VAT on your behalf. They are equipped to provide an end-to-end solution, from the outset registering for VAT and on through to the quarterly VAT submissions. Each quarter we will remind you that your VAT return is due and then ensure that all VAT submissions are submitted accurately and on time, in line with HMRC’s deadlines.

 

The VAT refund is paid directly into your nominated account, and you will then be invoiced for the ROA VAT Solution fee at the point the claim has been submitted to HMRC.

 

 

ROA: with owners every step – Help with your VAT

Find out more about the ROA VAT Solution service to understand how they can provide invaluable assistance, helping you maximise your VAT Return

 

 

1. GOING RACING WITH A RUNNER

 

The Raceday Experience

For most owners, the raceday experience is the pinnacle of the ownership experience, the enjoyment of racing, and the thrill of watching your horse run. From the moment you make a plan with your trainer and the entry is made, through the declaration stage, analysis of the going and the opposition, the anticipation grows day by day until raceday itself.

There are 60 racecourses in Great Britain, each offering a unique experience. Ahead of your horse’s fixture, it is worthwhile checking what facilities are available to owners. Different racecourses have varying offerings for owners when they have a runner. What you can expect to receive will normally be outlined in an entry letter/email, but if you have any questions about what is available you should contact the course directly for clarification. 

 

 

ROA: with owners at every step of the way

The ROA has compiled an Owners Guide Racecourses, here you will find important information relating to each individual racecourse and facilities for owners.

 

 

Some racecourses post out or email pre-raceday letters at entry stage setting out their facilities for owners, and any specific dress requirements should the day require it. The latest general news from each racecourse is generally posted on Twitter and on their own websites.

 

Badge Allocation

 

As a racehorse owner, you are entitled to an allocation of owners’ badges on days when your horse is racing. To find out further details relating to the badge allocation number and process, please refer to the ROA’s Owners Guide to Racecourses.

 

When you have a runner you can arrange your badges before getting to the racecourse via the RCA’s Privileged Access Swipe System (PASS). Owners can gain online access to the PASS concierge system where they will be able to arrange and allocate owners’ badges.  New owners will be sent login details upon entry of their first runner. This system enables badges to be pre-booked online for both owners and their guests, who may arrive independently and at a different time to the owner. These tickets are collected from the Owners’ and Trainers' entrance at the racecourse.

 

Badge allocations vary from course to course. It is important to note that courses will often agree to provide additional badges, and/or a reduced rate for extra badges if a horse is owned by a large syndicate. This should always be arranged in advance of the raceday.

 

For further details on each course's standard allocation of complimentary lunches, and for details on how to use the PASS system, visit the Owners Guide to Racecourses.

 

 

 

Safety and Parade Ring Etiquette

Watching your horse in the parade ring should be a pleasurable experience for any owner. Owners with runners are permitted entry into the pre-parade and parade ring. In the interests of health and safety, racecourses have a no-children policy in the parade ring. The minimum age restriction will vary from course to course but is likely to be between 12 years to 16 years. It is best to check with the individual track or nominate one of your party who can supervise children outside the paddock if necessary.

 

Celebrating a Winner

On a raceday, winning connections will be invited to receive a trophy or memento in a presentation made by the racecourse directors, executive, or race sponsors. This is then followed by an invitation for a celebratory drink, usually away from the winner’s enclosure, so that connections can enjoy their celebrations together, and enjoy reviewing the race – perhaps several times! At some racecourses access to this or a similar facility showing a race review is also extended to owners of placed horses.

 

A trophy or memento should be of an appropriate standard and something that an owner can cherish. Some racecourses also provide innovative add-ons which are presented to winning connections as a gift, such as locally sourced produce. Where a race has a prize fund of over £6,000, an optional trophy may be offered as part of the race conditions. That is to say, the trophy is at the option of the winning owner. In this situation, if the owner accepts the trophy, the trophy value will be deducted from the winning prize-money, unless the trophy is returned to the racecourse executive within seven days of the race. Owners will be invited to accept the trophy on the day.

 

There are a small number of races where the total prize fund is over £25,000 that carry a non-optional trophy. In this situation, a deduction for a trophy will be made from the winning prizemoney, without a 7-day return period.

 

Photographs

Each racecourse usually has at least one official photographer on duty, who will take photos of races, race finishes, and presentations to winning connections.

 

 

ROA: with you at every step

 

The ROA website contains a list of official racecourse photographers. Many have online galleries for you to view the images of your horse.

 

 

Where a photo finish is called, an image is usually available for viewing on course by the weighing room/stewards’ room. Images are uploaded on the BHA website and photo finishes can be viewed for several weeks.

 

Rules and Regulations

The BHA website has a dedicated section detailing all the pertinent rules and regulations relating to racehorse ownership.[KB1] 

 

Prize money

The total prize fund (TPF) for each race is detailed in the race conditions which can be accessed via the Racing Admin system and in the racecards on the day of the race. The TPF is the total amount of prize money available for all places and connections in the race.

 

Prize money allocated depends on where your horse finishes, how many prizes are being paid, the class of the race, and whether it is Flat or[SH2] [RB3] [4]  Jump.

 

Irrespective of the number of prizes on offer in a given Flat or Jumps race, the share of the TPF received by the owners, trainers, jockeys, and stables remains the same. On the Flat, owners will receive 80% of the TPF, while over Jumps they receive 78.25% (the variation is owing to the increased risk, with Jump jockeys receiving 1.75% more than their Flat counterparts at the expense of owners)

 

	Flat (%TPF)	Jump (%TPF)
Owners	80	78.25
Trainers	7.85	7.85
Jockeys	5.77	7.52
Stable	4.75	4.75
Industry Causes	1.63	1.63

 

The distribution of prize money among placed horses differs with both code and class. The full distribution of prize money can be found here.

 

Your prize money will be paid directly into your racing account 15 days after the race. This is to give time for any post-race samples to be analysed to ensure there has been no breach of the Rules.

 

In Great Britain, there are a number of bonus schemes in operation. These tend to offer an incentive in specific races, adding money to the amount the winner receives. The ROA has a dedicated page detailing how each of the different schemes operates.

 

Sponsorship
There are two types of sponsorship in operation where payments can be made to owners:

Race sponsorship: a race sponsor may include their logo on the saddlecloth for the race, and in some cases also on your silks. Payments for these will be made automatically and races included will be published in the Racing Calendar.

Owner-sponsorship: Owners who secure sponsorship for their racing activities can register for VAT. There are minimum values to which a sponsor will pay the owner to use their branding on your silks. These are outlined in the Sponsorship code of conduct.

1. EQUINE WELFARE

Horseracing in Britain is among the world’s best-regulated animal activities.

Responsibility for the care of horses rests with everyone in the sport. From the people who independently govern and regulate racing, through to racecourses, the sport’s participants, and the thousands of stable staff whose role it is to care for the 20,000 + horses who race over the course of a year, British horseracing is run by people with a deep love of horses.

Our common objective when it comes to welfare is for a British racing industry with agreed, transparent, world-leading standards of equine care for the whole life of our horses; a commitment to innovate and make ongoing, measurable improvements based on clear evidence; delivered through a coherent, proactive strategy with the full engagement of our sport.

The BHA has published a fact sheet that contains important information, facts, and figures about the high welfare standards that exist within British racing.

All owners have a duty of care to their horses not just during their racing careers, but ensuring that following this their welfare remains a priority. Owners pay £1.25 per race entry for the welfare of former racehorses - Rule (F) 106 - which equates to almost  £250,000 per year.

All Thoroughbred foals must be microchipped within 30 days of birth, meaning that horses can be tracked and identified throughout their life.

Safety

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) is responsible for the safety of jockeys and horses at races in this country. British racing has a strong safety record and this continues to be an area of focus. The entire sport continues to look for ways to improve safety and welfare standards.

BHA has a dedicated section outlining how the industry is making horseracing safer.

THE HORSE WELFARE BOARD

 

The Horse Welfare Board published a five-year strategic plan: 'A Life Well Lived' for the welfare of horses bred for racing. The strategy focuses on the ambition that every horse bred to race should lead – and be seen to lead – “a life well-lived”. The strategy includes traceability for horses bred for the sport, a strong focus on safety and wellbeing, a more confident and proactive approach to communications, and one of the industry’s biggest-ever data projects.

 

A Life Well Lived contains 20 recommendations and 26 specific projects, which have been endorsed by bodies across the sport, including participants, racecourses, and the BHA.
 
It focuses on four key outcomes:

 

• Best possible QUALITY OF LIFE, relating to the encouragement and furthering of best practices in all aspects of health, care, husbandry and disease control.
• Collective LIFETIME RESPONSIBILITY, incorporating, for example, traceability across the lifetimes of horses bred for racing, and initiatives fostering greater understanding, encouragement, and effective enforcement of responsibility.
• Best possible SAFETY, the understanding and analysis of multiple risk factors, and the continuing reduction of reasonably avoidable injuries and fatalities. 
• Growth and maintenance of public TRUST.

 

 

RETIREMENT

British racing’s duty of care to its horses extends beyond their racing careers.

After a horse’s racing career is over, many of the best horses will be retired to stud to breed the next generation of racehorses. However, for geldings or fillies whose racing record and pedigree are not strong enough to warrant a place in breeding, this is not a viable option. But they can go on to have many years of active life in a second equine discipline.

Thoroughbreds are versatile, highly intelligent animals that can adapt well to retraining outside racing. Many have long and successful careers in Showing, Eventing, Dressage, Polo, and Show Jumping, whilst many others happily take part in Riding Club activities and hacking. Testament to their adaptability is the fact that former racehorse Blackfoot Mystery competed at the 2016 Rio Olympics in three-day eventing and was part of the gold medal-winning Team GB at the 2018 World Equestrian Games.

Retraining of Racehorses (RoR)
The RoR is the sport's own charity, they aim to help create a demand for second careers for racehorses after their racing careers are over and ensure the welfare of any vulnerable former racehorses.

The charity promotes the versatility and adaptability of racehorses for other equestrian activities following their retirement from racing. It also protects horse welfare through a nationwide ‘safety net’ that is available to assist any former racehorse considered ‘vulnerable’. In such cases, the charity provides funding and expert care before suitable rehoming.

How do I decide if my horse is suitable for retraining?
The best person to ask this is your trainer – they will be able to tell you if the horse is physically sound enough to be retrained, and of a suitable enough temperament. They may also be able to suggest people they know are looking for a suitable horse to retrain or rehome, and will have an idea as to what sort of discipline may best suit your horse.

Non-Racing Agreement
It is always advisable to sign a 'Non-Racing Agreement' with a new horse's owner when you decide to retire your racehorse. This prevents any further race entries from being made for that animal.

Get references
An owner should only give or sell their horse to a responsible person. If they are not known to you, ask for a written reference from a vet or someone else you trust. Sometimes a horse can be sold or given away in good faith, but the new owner's circumstances may change, or they may decide to sell. To avoid such a situation, an owner may consider drafting a sale contract. This can give a seller a right of refusal on any future sale, but it should be borne in mind that such a clause might be difficult to enforce.

Check Insurance
Check that the new owner has public liability insurance, to minimise the risk of any claim for liability reverting to you. Likewise, you might recommend veterinary insurance cover is in place for the horse. RoR can advise on competitive insurance providers.

Register a change of ownership
It is a requirement under the Horse Passport (England) Regulations to register a change of ownership with the relevant Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) within 30 days of acquiring a horse. The change of ownership form can be downloaded from Weatherbys click here. When this process is complete, the passport will need to be handed over to the new owner of the horse.

 

About Us

At whatever stage you find yourself in the ownership journey, the ROA is here to help. Our aim is to promote and protect the interests of racehorse owners in Great Britain. We are a world-class membership organisation that provides outstanding benefits for owners and helps bring the passion of racehorse ownership and racing to life. We want to help shape a modern sport with a bright future.

We operate with a clearly defined strategic intent, which provides a roadmap for our future underpinned by five strategic pillars;

• Building foundations for growth
• Collaborating across the sport
• Inspiring ownership
• Elevating the ownership experience
• Delivering Racing’s future

 

The ROA is formed by a team of experts who are encouraged and empowered to drive change, innovate for growth, and execute with excellence.

Membership

By joining the ROA you will be at the heart of ownership, combining forces with like-minded racehorse owners committed to making the ownership experience even more rewarding

The ROA is a major player in British horseracing ensuring that the interests, needs, and requirements of ownership are at the forefront of industry discussions. Our remit includes representing owners on the delivery of the industry’s key strategic pillars including governance, prizemoney, race programming, and human and equine welfare. Be part of the conversation as part of the collective voice of owners, helping shape the future of the sport and enjoy a range of exclusive benefits

Benefits

As an ROA member, you will have access to a range of exclusive benefits.

Ownership	BHA Fee Discounts – members receive a 20% discount on most annual BHA registration and re-registration fees.  VAT Solution – we have a dedicated team in place to register and recover racing-related VAT with HMRC ROA Owner-Sponsorship – horses owned by ROA members can be sponsored under the ROA sponsorship scheme with Tote.
Insurance Schemes	Third-Party Liability Insurance  – members receive automatic cover of up to £10 million under the ROA scheme. Racehorse Owners Compensation (ROCS) (extra cost for this) Raceday Curtailment Compensation – if the meeting your horse is entered at is abandoned before the race, a payment of £100 will be made. Terms and conditions apply.
Raceday	Complimentary Race Entry for when you don’t have a runner Car Park Label allowing you access to the Owners and Trainers Car Park at most UK fixtures (some exceptions apply)
Media	The Owner Breeder magazine – ROA members receive a complimentary copy of this leading industry monthly publication Racing Post – 25% discount on ultimate member annual subscription Racing TV – complimentary day passes when you have a runner
Industry and Events	Supporting Owners – The ROA represents owners at an Industry level, influencing and effecting change. Member Events – The ROA offers its members special discounts and exclusive packages to events on and of course, including major festivals and meetings.

Working on behalf of owners

The ROA works to ensure all owners have the best experience possible on a racecourse, win, lose, or draw. We administer two schemes that aim to drive up the standards owners should expect when going racing with a runner:

The ROA Accreditation Scheme

The pinnacle of racehorse ownership is going racing with a runner. The raceday experience should be an enjoyable one, and many racecourses offer owners with a runner an unforgettable day. The ROA Racecourse Accreditation Scheme was introduced in 2019 and rewards racecourses that achieve a minimum standard of performance. 

The ROA Racecourse Accreditation Scheme is assessed by AA Hospitality Services, who provide an independent and objective assessment of the raceday experience across all racecourses (Newmarket Rowley Mile and July courses are assessed separately).  The assessment measures over 50 aspects of the raceday. A league table is produced at the end of each year, which can be found on our website here.

Gold Standard

The ROA Gold Standard has celebrated racecourse performance since 2006, rewarding and recognising those tracks that provide an excellent experience to owners with a runner on the day. 

The Gold Standard Award focuses on the more subjective aspects of the raceday experience; those elements that “surprise and delight” and are truly memorable.  It also looks at how all ownership types and levels of involvement are treated - from the syndicate member to the sole owner.[KB1] [RB2] 

Racecourses achieving an accreditation score of over 80% will then be considered for the ROA Gold Standard Award, which adds to feedback received from Owners. So if you have been racing with a runner recently, make sure you give your feedback here.

Fees
The ROA offers single (£261) membership or joint membership, for two people living at the same address (£435).