How much of the horse will I own?

You will own the % share in the horse advertised at the time of purchase. Initially we are only offering 6 x 10% shares in our horses but other share options may be available in time. Shares available will always be the same % in a particular horse though multiple shares can be purchased if you wish.

How much does it cost?

The initial share price varies depending on what we paid to purchase the horse. The price of a share will always be more than a direct calculation of the % of the published purchase price. This is because the initial share price also includes sales commissions and costs (including travel, vetting etc) as well as some up front maintenance fees. For this reason you won’t be asked to start paying your monthly maintenance fee immediately as the initial purchase will cover the first two months of fees. In addition we charge an up-front management fee of £200 that is added to the initial purchase price. 

Do I get access to the Owners & Trainers areas when I go racing?

Yes. You will receive at least one Owners & Trainers (O&T) badge when your horse runs. There will likely be occasions where not all shareholders can attend so the additional badges will be made available to those who may want to bring a guest. It’s also often possible to purchase additional O&T badges should you want to bring a guest and we can arrange this on request. There are some top meetings such as Royal Ascot where O&T badges may be limited and in such circumstances we may not be able to accommodate all shareholders with O&T access but we will certainly make sure at the very least you have the opportunity to be at the track should you wish. The meetings where this may happen are detailed on your contract.

Do I get to visit my horse at his training yard?

Yes. We will organise yard visits during the term of your ownership. In addition we will try to accommodate shareholders who want to visit their horse at the stables outside of these organised events where possible but we will need prior notification to arrange this.

Will I receive regular updates about my horse?

Yes. Keeping you up to date with the progress and plans for your horse is extremely important to us. We have excellent relationships with our trainers and have regular contact with them so whenever there’s an important development you’ll be informed. We’ll also notify you about running plans as soon as possible. You’ll receive regular video footage of your horse on the gallops along with pictures and audio messages so you get the full inside track on your horse. 

Do I pay a management fee?

Yes. A management fee of £200 is charged when you buy your share. This fee is included in the advertised price of the share.

How long am I committed to the horse for?

Until the horse is sold. We usually operate on a timescale of 6-18 months and campaign our horses with a view to gaining a maximum return. If a horse is becoming disappointing on the track then we will try to minimise the financial impact and move them on quickly. Remember, we are retaining a significant share in the horses and are motivated to get value for money and maximum enjoyment from them. If you wish to leave the syndicate at a date sooner than when the horse is sold then this can be done but you will forfeit your ownership in the horse when doing so and won’t receive any renumeration or previous prize money earnings when doing so. 

Do I receive prize money?

Yes. You will receive prize money in line with the % share you own. Unlike some syndicates we don’t take a cut of your prize money. There are some instances when if your horses is particularly successful and entry fees increase significantly due to competing in higher-class races that some of your prize money earnings are spent on these fees. You will be notified in advance if this happens and there is further information in your contract.

Do I receive proceeds from the sale of the horse?

Yes, you will receive a % of the sale price in line with the size of your share. This will include deductions for sales entry, costs and commissions. Further details are in your contract.

Is my horse insured?

No. We have never insured our horses. It is possible for you to insure your own share of the horse should you wish.

Do I get an input into the decisions about who trains the horse, who rides it and where it runs?

Too many cooks spoil the broth is how the old saying goes so we’re afraid the answer is no. We’ll always welcome the views of  shareholders but we have managed to campaign our horses with a good amount of success by working together with our trainers previously and feel this is the best way to continue to achieve our goals. Therefore, The Horse Watchers management are responsible for the decisions made in the campaigning and selling of the horse.

Do I sign a contract?

Yes. We have a contract and will send you a copy to read, sign and return upon purchasing your share. An example of our contract can be found here.

Can I sell my share?

No. The share is non-transferable and must not be sold on to someone else without the prior permission of The Horse Watchers management.