What to expect - Aushorse

More than likely, your horse won’t race straight away

Depending when you buy a share in a racehorse, there is a chance you may have to wait awhile to see it on the track.

Most horses are sold at yearling sales (generally between 18 – 22 months of age) and before they have ever been ridden, so there is an education and maturing process they need to go through before getting to the racecourse.

Your horse’s breeding and physical conformation often dictates when it will be ready to race. Some horses are bred to be early types, this generally indicates that they are suited to the shorter, sprinting distances and they may make it to the track as a two-year-old.

Other horses require more time to mature and develop, and although they will come in and out of the racing stable for several preparations as part of their education, they often don’t have their first start in a race until aged three or even four.

When thinking about buying into a horse, it is important to consider whether it is likely to be early or a later maturing type.

Your horse will take part in jump outs and barrier trials before racing

Think of these as dress-rehearsals. Jump outs and barrier trials are an important part of the educational process for younger horses. It gets them used to the barriers as well as racing with other horses. Most horses either work alone or in pairs, so it’s important that they get used to having a field of horses around them. For an older horse returning from a spell, barrier trials are a valuable way to improve fitness.

You’ll receive updates and progress reports from your trainer

Most trainers will send updates of your horse while it’s in work. These are usually done by email and you’ll often receive a photo or video so that you can see their progress.

Some trainers communicate more regularly than others and, as our survey of racehorse owners found, the level of communication received from a trainer can be a frustration for some people. Before selecting a trainer or syndicator, we recommend you check what level of communication they provide and make sure you are satisfied with this.

You can visit your horse

Trainers are generally happy for you to visit their stables but always call ahead to arrange a suitable time. A lot of the bigger trainers and syndication companies also hold special open days for their owners which are a great opportunity for you to get to meet the other clients in the stable.

As an owner, you’ll get special privileges on race day

Owners receive complimentary race day tickets. These will give you entry to the members’ area for the day, and depending on individual race clubs, access to the mounting yard before your race to watch your horse parade and talk with the trainer and jockey.

The exception to this is micro ownership or syndicates that have more than 20 shares.