Horse racing Syndicates are a huge part of Horse Racing in this day and age, and they are becoming even more popular within the sport still. It offers people the chance to experience racehorse ownership at a fraction of the cost compared to owning a horse outright. Although at first, they weren't exactly that loved within the sport due to the big owners around, now they are a huge part of it and can prove valuable for trainers as we are seeing syndicates start to purchase better horses and win those major races. The ever-growing costs to outright own your own horses are increasing year by year. Therefore, Syndicates appear to be the thing of the future that can play a crucial role in keeping the sport flowing. 

When Did Horse Racing Syndicates Originate

The tradition of British horse racing dates back to the days of the Roman Empire, when Roman Soldiers invading the isle organised the first tournaments on horseback around 200 AD. Now, obviously, the sport has had to grow into the phenomenon it is now, as horse racing is firmly one of the most popular sports around. In fact, it is the second most popular spectator sport in the UK, only behind football, and with the ever-growing presence of syndicates, it will only increase year by year as more and more people will be able to get involved. 

Syndicates within horse racing have been around since the late 20th century but have really taken off over the last 10 to 15 years or so due to the ever-growing popularity amongst the younger generations. Horse racing ownership was always seen as a rich man's game, the sport is often referred to as the sport of kings, and that might still be the case amongst people who don’t know too much about the sport. However, the invention of Syndicates into the sport has opened new opportunities for the average working person to get involved with a racehorse in an ownership capacity, something they might never have dreamed could be a reality. 

The Impact Of Syndicates Within Horse Racing

You get to be fully involved in everything the horse does, for just a fraction of the cost, whether that being up-front payments (which is a bulk payment of the share) or the monthly training fees, which are substantially cheaper than if you were to pay the fees for a racehorse outright by yourself. Syndicate horses winning big races is getting more and more popular, with some owners having to pay £80 all in to watch their horse go and win at the Cheltenham Festival, or to watch them win a Group/Grade 1 race (the highest level of race that can be won). To just have a runner at these big meetings is an incentive in itself, but to have winners would be incredible. With the growing popularity of Syndicates, we are starting to see this happen much more frequently within the sport.

The most recent Syndicate successes have been Pentland Hills winning the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in 2019 and another Grade 1 race at the Grand National meeting a month later. 

Another superb Syndicate story to come in recent years is the owners of Corach Rambler, who paid around £3000 each (this is around the higher mark of what you would pay, there are many cheaper options to join a syndicate) and have since gone onto Cheltenham Festival glory twice, as well as being Grand National winning owners. A race that even some of the very best and most recognisable figures in racing have not won before, whether that being owners or trainers. 

The most recent success of syndicates involves Racing Club's Farceur Du Large, who won both the Grand Military Gold Cup and Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown in 2024 for trainer Jamie Snowden. 

The recent success of Syndicates within the sport is incredible to see, and as mentioned we are seeing syndicates with some of the very best races that the sport has to offer, meaning they get to celebrate with the rest of the syndicate crew. It inspires the younger generation to get into the sport, as it is made more affordable for them and their friends. Inspiring the new generation into the sport is key to keeping horse racing afloat and ensuring it continues to be successful as the years go by. And with the emergence of syndicates, they are a huge step in helping with that.   

Advantages Of Joining A Racehorse Syndicate

Ownership benefits

• Regular updates via photos and videos on your horse/horses

• Most Syndicates offer framed pictures and other merchandise when you take shares in their horses. For example, scarves, key rings or cuff links with the syndicate's colours on

• A hands-on experience watching your horse grow and mature as they embark on their racing careers.

• Chances to speak with personnel within racing, for example, the trainer who will look after your horse and the jockeys who will ride them at the races

Social and camaraderie 

• Arguably the most important advantage of joining a Syndicate is the fact that they are a much more affordable way to live your dream and become an owner of a racehorse.
  

Our Syndicate Recommendation

If you are looking to join a Racing Syndicate, we recommend joining Racing Club, who have shares available from just £25 and includes plenty of benefits to joining, including:

• Regular stable visits to see the horse, and the yards' other stable stars (most yards have an open policy, therefore if you get a yard visit pencilled in then you can also check out the rest of the horses whilst you are there)

• Regular Updates on your horse

• Join a community WhatsApp group

• Regular opportunities to attend stable visits

• The chance to see your horse race as an owner

• The opportunity to enter ballots to win hospitality tickets at O2 Arena London, Wembley Stadium, various racecourses and football stadiums. 
   

You can view more about Racing Club by clicking HERE.