Buying a Racehorse | FAQ, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, Newbury, Berkshire UK
Frequently asked questions
We put together racing syndicates i.e., small groups of people to share in a number of horses.
How many people are there in each syndicate? 
This varies, usually from 10 to a maximum of 20 people (30 in a NH syndicate).
John Warren buys all of HTR's horses alongside HTR's Managing Director, Harry Herbert. John is one of the most respected bloodstock agents in the world and is also bloodstock adviser to Her Majesty The Queen.
How successful have John and Harry been?
Extremely. HTR has raced four champions and has consistently been the leading syndicate company since 1994. In addition, Motivator, who was bought by John and managed by HTR for the Royal Ascot Racing Club, won the 2005 Vodafone Derby. He was also named BHB Horse of the Year and Champion Three Year Old.
This differs from syndicate to syndicate but generally ranges from £10,000 up to £30,000 (or from £3,950 in a NH syndicate).
When are the new syndicates launched?
In June of each year. Most shares are sold before our Yearling Parades which take place in mid-October at Highclere Stud.
What does the price of share include?
The price of a share covers all expenses including the purchase and training of the horses up to the end of their two year old year. A smaller additional sum, which is clearly stated on the agreement form, is due for the second year.
Most of HTR's horses are sold by the end of their three year old careers. Some are kept to race at four years old, provided it is thought that they can increase their capital values and win good prize money. (This is different for the NH horses).
Yes. VAT is charged on each share but is reclaimed by HTR and paid back to the shareowners.
Can HTR ask for more money other than that stated on the agreement form?
Absolutely not. Any deficit is borne by HTR and not the shareowner.
HTR only employs leading trainers:
Sir Michael Stoute, William Haggas, Richard Hannon, Michael Bell, Mick Channon, Ed Dunlop, Richard Fahey, Brian Meehan, John Gosden, Luca Cumani, Nicky Henderson, Michael Jarvis, Jeremy Noseda, Andrew Balding and Paul Nicholls (for The Royal Ascot Racing Club).
When do shareowners first see their bloodstock?
At the Yearling Parades held at Highclere Stud in mid-October.
Can owners see their horses being trained?
Yes. At any time that suits them and this is organised through the HTR office. In addition, HTR organises regular stable visits to Newmarket, where owners are able to stay at the historic Jockey Club Rooms, and to the other trainers in Berkshire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Yorkshire.
How do I know when my horse is running?
Owners are kept fullly informed as to the progress and running plans of their bloodstock. This is done through email, fax and, most importantly, by personal communication on the telephone.
HTR organises for two owners' badges to be collected from the owners' entrance. Owners have access to the paddock before the race as well as access to the Owners' and Trainers' Car Park.
HTR owners also have the use of the Highclere Box at Newbury racecourse, which is situated just above the winning post with a fantastic view of the track.
What makes HTR different to other multiple ownership groups?
The consistent success of our horses at the highest level combined with a highly personal and professional service to our owners.
We take a management fee charged on each share. This can vary from syndicate to syndicate but is clearly stated on the agreement form. The company also takes 10% of the sales price of any horse selling for more than twice its purchase price.
What is the most money that an HTR horse has sold for?
Petrushka was sold to Sheikh Mohammed in 2001 for a then world record $5,250,000. Other Highclere millionaires include Tamarisk (£3,500,000), Lake Coniston (£2,500,000) and Highest (£1,700,000).
Has HTR ever won a Classic race?
Yes. Motivator, who was bought by John Warren for the Royal Ascot Racing Club and managed by HTR, won The 2005 Vodafone Derby.
Also, Petrushka won The Kildangan Stud Irish Oaks in 2000 and became the first ever syndicate owned Classic winner.
Horses managed by Highclere have now won or been placed in all five of the English Classics.
Why join a HTR syndicate versus racing my own horse?
The short answer is that it will be more fun, more cost-effective and will give you far greater chance of racing success at the highest level.
It currently costs over £25,000 a year to train, insure, travel and vet one horse. In addition, the average price of a yearling in the 2009 Tattersalls October sale was 1114,000 guineas. For the same money that it costs to train one horse for one year, a Highclere owner can enjoy three 100,000 guinea animals with all training fees paid through to the end of their three year old career.
What is HTR's involvement with the Royal Ascot Racing Club?
The Royal Ascot Racing Club was launched in 1997. The Club's horses are managed by HTR and have enjoyed considerable successes with Brancaster (Horris Hill Stakes (Gr3)), Bannister (Gimcrack (Gr2)), Revenue (Windsor Castle Stakes) at Royal Ascot, Supremacy (Windsor Forest Stakes (Listed)) and Metaphoric (Fenwolf Stakes (Listed)).
Most recently, the Club has triumphed with Motivator in The Vodafone Derby (Gr1) at Epsom in 2005. Motivator also won both the Racing Post Trophy (Gr1) at Doncaster in 2004 and The Totesport Dante Stakes (Gr2) at York in 2005.
How did Highclere's horses perform last season?
Highclere produced 21 winners last season and our horses featured at the key festival meetings, including Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood.
Should I regard my involvement with Highclere as an investment?
Absolutely NOT. Each shareowner acknowledges that participation in the syndicates is for the purpose of sharing in the enjoyment of the horses and not for investment.