Introduction for new owners


Welcome to the world of racehorse ownership


Introduction for new owners

New to racehorse ownership?

Horse racing captivates the imagination of millions of people across the world and, unlike many other sports, you can be right at the heart of it by becoming a registered racehorse owner.

From purchasing your horse at the sales, through naming and choosing your very own racing silks, arriving at the track to see your horse run, to leading them into the winners enclosure, owning a racehorse is a remarkable journey.

There are over 13,500 registered owners in the UK, all of whom play an influential role in supporting this great sport which we love. You can be become one of them in a matter of days.

Becoming a new owner

This may seem daunting but it’s a simple process, one Weatherbys can guide you through every step of the way.

Whether you want to register yourself a sole owner, or to set-up a Club, Syndicate or Partnership, we can help. It is also possible for Companies to register as owners.


Who can become a new owner?

Anyone over 16 years of age (applicants aged 16 or 17 require a personal guarantee from a currently registered owner) can apply. 

Every applicant will be subject to identity and credit checks and have to be approved by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).


How long will it take?

The majority of applications are completed within two working days.


What are the different ownership types?

  • Sole ownership - For people who wish to own a horse outright.

  • Company – For organisations wishing to own a horse under the name of a company or business. 

  • Partnership - For two or more registered owners that wish to own a horse together. Partnerships are likely to comprise family or friends and allow owners to share in the responsibilities of racehorse ownership.

  • Syndicate – For a group of people coming together to own a horse, but who do not have to be sole owners in their own right. The ownership is managed and set up by a syndicator who is responsible for the syndicate. The syndicate can be formed as a result of a public offering and often comprises a larger number of people than a partnership. 

  • Racing Club – For a group of people coming together to experience the thrill of racehorse ownership. The club manager will be responsible for the racing club, but unlike in a syndicate, members of a racing club do not own the racehorses. Instead members are likely to pay a subscription in order to enjoy some of the benefits of racehorse ownership. 


Applications can be completed online by clicking here;
For further information you can call Equine Services on +44 (0)1933 304808.

We also have a dedicated email account for ownership enquiries, so please feel free to send any questions you may have to [email protected].


Weatherbys Racing Bank

Weatherbys Racing Bank provides a range of racing-related financial services for racehorse owners all under one roof. These include: a choice of bank accounts specifically designed for racing and bloodstock activity; a market-leading VAT return service; and competitive foreign exchange.
 
To assist with all the necessary admin required when becoming a new owner, Weatherbys Racing Bank have created a New Owner Guide, which along with more information about all the services they offer, can be found on their website by clicking here.


Privileged Access Swipe System

Weatherbys has been working closely with the Racecourse Association (RCA) to improve the owners' experience at racecourses since 1997, when the Privileged Access Swipe System (PASS) was first introduced, it has since been modernised and re-launched in November 2016.

Still an important part of racedays, the PASS system streamlines the entry process for complimentary and official admission to racecourses - for owners and metal badge holders (trainers, jockeys, nominated press and industry officials), it also prevents fraudulent entry to unauthorised personnel.  

The PASS system is in operation at 51 racecourses and uses information taken from the overnight declarations stage to enable connections of any horse(s) declared to run, to gain complimentary admission.

 

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