FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Question: How much will it cost?
Answer: First of all there’s the initial cost which includes all purchase costs. Such items as GST; insurance; agistment; nominations to all eligble major 2YO races & relevant bonus schemes. All other holding costs till the specified date / formation of the partnership are usually included in initial purchase price.

Question: What are the on-going costs?
Answer: Training costs as well as veterinary; farrier & any other expenses associated with the upkeep of your horse are payable to the Trainer.

Question: How often will I need to pay?
Answer: After your initial purchase, you have payments for your share of costs to maintain your steed. On average, you should allow say $3,500 p.a for a 10% stake. This amount will depend on the number of members in your partnership but as a guide a 10% stake would cost on average $270 per month when your horse is in work. When spelling, it's on average for a 10% stake say $70 per month. Prizemoney is paid direct to you via the Government Racing authority in each state.


Question: How is our trainer selected?
Answer: Our Trainer is selected from our short-list of preferred trainers. You’ll find that these people & their staff are without peer in their field. We encourage all syndicate members to have a say in who becomes their trainer.

Question: How often do horses train & how long till they race?
Answer: Trainers mostly train their horses early in the mornings. This is partly due to tradition & mainly due to the raceclubs need to prepare facilities for racing. Also with the hectic schedule of racedays we now have it’s important to get the hard work done early. Of course some trainers have their own facilities & aren’t restricted in their training times. This can be an important asset as horses don’t have to be rushed in their work. Most horses once they come into the stable from the paddock take around 8-12 weeks to prepare for a trial. After that it is usually 2-3 weeks before they race. Juvenile horses are usually trained in short spells & spelled more frequently whilst they are growing. Their attention span is also shorter & this helps them prepare mentally as well as physically for the rigours of racing. All horse are individuals & take varying amounts of time to prepare. Patience is absolutely critical on the owners’ behalf whilst this is happening. Plenty of good horses have been ruined before their career even starts.

Question: Where will my horse race?
Answer: Our horses can race anywhere we decide. Usually the trainer will start off somewhere nearby to his/her stables & progress from there. They are placed wherever they are best suited. If they’re good enough they’ll race in the capital cities for the better prizemoney.

Question: When will my horse be named & do I have a say?
Answer: Once all the shares have been sold the horse will be registered & names will be submitted. We encourage all of our owners to contribute in this process & come up with a name. Unfortunately there can only be one name & WCB will be the final arbiter. In fact the Registrar of Racehorses has the final say on what name is accepted.

Question: When can I see my horse?
Answer: We encourage you to visit your horse as often as possible. However , we do ask that you contact the office first to organize a suitable time for security reasons.

Question: Will I be informed of my horses’ progress & how often?
Answer: Owners are provided with regular updates on their horses via phone, e-mail; newsletters & of course our world class website

Question: What colours will my horses’ jockey wear?
Answer: Owners can race their horses in WCB colours or they can register their own colours through the Thoroughbred Racing Board.

Question: Who chooses our jockey?
Answer: Usually most jockeys are booked by our trainers. Some trainers have their preferences. These days the jockey ranks are very strong & it also depends on who is available at wherever we decide to race. Our policy is to book the best available jockeys. If owners have a preference we’ll endeavour to satisfy their requests for a jockey.

Question: What happens when my horses' racing career is over?
Answer: What happens when my horses’ racing career is over? Our horses’ futures are reviewed regularly & owners will be advised of our horses abilities & aptitude for racing. If our horse is not performing at their best & the needs of our syndicate are not being met we shall advise at the appropriate time to sell our horse. The decision to sell will be taken on a majority syndicate vote. The horse would be sold at public auction & all proceeds would be divided amongst shareholders less any expenses incurred in disposing of our asset. If the syndicate decides to race on & you wish to sell your share this is O.K. Its value & sale of your share would be dependent on prevailing market conditions.
Of course we love nothing better than to see our horses finish their careers fit & healthy. We shall endeavour at all times to find them a good home whenever possible.

Question: What raceday privileges will I be entitled to?
Answer: As an owner you shall be afforded all of the the raceday privileges associated with ownership. You will receive complimentary passes to enter the members area of raceclubs enabling you to mix with the rich & famous. You will be able to enter the saddling enclosure & listen & chat with your jockey as last minute pre-race instructions are issued. Hopefully you’ll be there to greet your horse in the winners stall & sip free champagne in the bar.

Question: How many horses can I own?
Answer: As many as you like. Unlike some other countries, ownership is unlimited in Australia.

Question: Can my horse race in the big races (Group 1 races)?
Answer: Yes! if it is good enough. There is no barrier to participation as long as it qualifies for the conditions of that race.

Question: What about Prizemoney?
Answer: Prizemoney is paid out as it is accrued to shareholders.
Under the rules of Racing 10% is deducted for the trainer & 5% for the jockey.
The balance is distributed to shareholders.

Question: "Smoke & Mirrors"
Answer: Beware of the "smoke & mirrors". Check all the facts carefully before committing to anything & compare "apples with apples" so to speak.
*Add the share price (& quality) of your horse with "all of the costs" (hidden & visible) before comparisons are made.