Becoming a Racehorse Owner

1. What does becoming a racehorse owner involve?

Owning a racehorse means you can follow your horse through training and enjoy the excitement of race days.

We like to keep our owners involved with regular updates, yard visits and discussions about future plans.

2. Do I need previous knowledge of racing?

No, not at all.

We are very happy to welcome first-time owners and will help explain everything as we go along.

3. Is racehorse ownership suitable for first-time owners?

Yes, absolutely.

We really enjoy introducing new people to racing and helping them experience everything that comes with owning a racehorse.

4. What ownership options are available with Patrick Owens Racing?

There are several options.

You can own a horse outright, own with friends or family, join a syndicate, purchase a smaller share when available, or join our Racing Club.

Patrick can talk you through the different options and help you decide what suits you best.

5. Can I own a horse outright?

Yes.

We train for sole owners and Patrick can also help you find and purchase a suitable horse to train.

6. Can I own a horse with friends, family or business partners?

Yes.

This is a great way to enjoy racing together while sharing the costs of ownership.

7. Can I purchase a smaller percentage share in a horse?

Yes.

We have opportunities to purchase shares in selected horses, which can be a great way to get involved without owning a horse outright.

8. What is the difference between sole ownership, a partnership, a syndicate and a Racing Club?

A sole owner owns the horse themselves.

Partnerships and syndicates allow people to share ownership of a horse.

Our Racing Club is different, as members enjoy the Club benefits and follow the Club horse but do not legally own a percentage of it.

9. How quickly can I become an owner?

It can happen very quickly if we have a suitable horse or share available.

Patrick can also source at the sales or privately and purchase a horse for you to have in training with us.

10. What is the first step in starting my ownership journey?

The best place to start is simply to speak to Patrick.

We can have an informal chat about what you are looking for, your budget and how involved you would like to be.

Buying a Horse

11. Can Patrick help me find and purchase a racehorse?

Yes.

Patrick regularly attends the sales and can help you find and purchase a horse that suits your budget and that he would be happy to train for you.

12. How does Patrick select horses at the sales?

Patrick spends a lot of time looking at horses at the sales and will only recommend one that he genuinely likes.

He looks at the horse, its pedigree, whether it looks athletic and how it moves, as well as whether he feels it represents good value and is a horse he would like to train.

13. Can Patrick inspect a horse before I purchase it?

Yes.

Patrick can inspect horses for you and give you his opinion before you make a decision.

14. Can Patrick recommend a horse based on my budget and ambitions?

Yes.

Patrick will talk to you about your budget and what you would like to get from ownership, then look for a horse he feels would suit you and that he would be happy to train.

15. Do I need to attend the sales personally?

No.

You are very welcome to come along if you would like to, but Patrick can inspect horses and act on your behalf.

16. Can Patrick purchase a horse on my behalf?

Yes.

We would agree your budget beforehand and Patrick can purchase on your behalf.

17. What information will I receive before deciding whether to buy?

Patrick will talk you through the horse, its pedigree, his assessment of it, the likely price and why he likes it.

We want you to feel comfortable with the decision before purchasing.

18. Can I buy a horse privately rather than through an auction?

Yes.

Horses can be purchased privately as well as through the sales, and Patrick can help with both.

19. Can I send a horse I already own to Patrick for training?

Yes, absolutely.

If you already own a racehorse and are looking for a trainer, please contact Patrick or Amy.

Patrick would be very happy to discuss your horse, your plans and what you would like to achieve.

20. Are there any horses currently available to purchase?

This changes throughout the year.

Please contact Patrick or Amy to find out about our current horses and shares available.

Ownership Costs

21. How much does it cost to buy a racehorse?

Racehorses can be bought across a very wide range of prices.

You do not have to spend huge amounts to become an owner, and Patrick enjoys trying to find horses that represent good value.

22. How much are Patrick Owens Racing’s training fees?

Our training fees are competitive for a Newmarket yard.

Patrick or Amy will be happy to talk you through our current training costs and explain what is included, so you have a clear idea of the costs before deciding to go ahead.

23. What is included in the training fee?

The training fee covers the normal day-to-day care, training and management of your horse.

We will explain what is included before you make any commitment.

24. Which costs are charged separately?

Some costs vary from horse to horse.

These can include veterinary treatment, farrier costs, transport and racing-related expenses.

We will explain these costs to you beforehand.

25. Are veterinary fees included?

No.

Veterinary costs are charged separately when required.

26. Are farrier fees included?

No.

Farrier costs are charged separately.

27. Are transport and race-entry fees included?

No.

Transport is charged separately when your horse travels in the horsebox.

Racing expenses are charged through your BHA/Weatherbys account.

Patrick or Amy will be happy to explain how these costs work if you are new to ownership.

28. Will I receive a detailed monthly invoice?

Yes.

Owners receive a detailed monthly invoice showing the charges relating to their horse or share.

Our payment terms are 14 days from the date of invoice.

29. Are prices inclusive or exclusive of VAT?

Prices are exclusive of VAT.

30. Is there a minimum financial commitment?

This depends on the type of ownership you choose.

Owning a horse outright is different financially from joining a syndicate or Racing Club, so we are happy to talk through the different options with you.

31. Can ownership costs be divided between several partners?

Yes.

Partnerships and syndicates allow the costs to be shared between several owners.

32. What budget should a first-time owner realistically consider?

There is no one answer, as there are different ways to become involved.

We would much rather have a private conversation about what you are comfortable spending and then explain the options available.

33. Will all expected costs be explained before I make a commitment?

Yes.

We want owners to understand the likely costs before getting involved and are always happy to answer any questions.

Communication and transparency are very important to us.

34. Can I arrange a private conversation about my budget?

Yes.

Patrick is very happy to have a private and informal conversation about your budget and what might suit you.

Training and Horse Development

35. Where will my horse be trained?

Your horse will be trained at The Authorized Yard, St Gatien Stables, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8HP, at the heart of British Horseracing.

36. What facilities are available at The Authorized Yard?

We have spacious boxes, a covered horse walker, an all-weather trotting ring and access to a range of equipment and treatments.

We use the excellent Jockey Club Estates Training Grounds in Newmarket.

37. Which Newmarket gallops will my horse use?

This depends on the horse and what Patrick wants to achieve with its work that day.

We have access to the world-renowned Jockey Club Estates Training Grounds, covering around 2,500 acres with 50 miles of turf gallops and 14 miles of artificial tracks, giving Patrick plenty of options when planning each horse’s training.

We are based on Bury Side in Newmarket, close to Warren Hill, the Al Bahathri and the Limekilns, so we have access to some fantastic gallops all year round.

38. How does Patrick create an individual training programme for each horse?

Patrick treats every horse as an individual.

Training will depend on the horse’s age, temperament, fitness, development and how it responds to its work.

39. How does Patrick decide when a horse is ready to race?

Patrick looks at the whole horse, including its fitness, development, work at home and how it is feeling.

We do not believe in rushing horses just to get them to the racecourse.

As well as using his own experience and judgement, Patrick uses Arioneo heart-rate monitors to help monitor fitness and training.

40. How is a horse’s preferred race distance identified?

Pedigree gives us an idea, but we also learn a lot from the horse’s training and racing.

Patrick will get to know the horse and work out what distance he feels suits it best.

41. How does Patrick choose suitable races?

Patrick uses the BHA Admin Site and race planner to look at the races available and choose what he feels will suit each horse best.

He will consider the distance, ground, race conditions and the individual horse before making a plan.

42. Can owners contribute to discussions about race plans?

Yes.

Patrick will talk through his thoughts with you and explain why he feels a particular race may suit your horse.

We like owners to feel involved in the plans.

43. How frequently do horses normally race?

It depends entirely on the individual horse.

Some horses race more regularly than others.

44. What happens if my horse needs more time to develop?

We give it the time it needs.

Patrick believes patience can be very important and every horse develops at a different rate.

45. Does Patrick train both young and experienced horses?

Yes.

46. What types of horses does Patrick specialise in training?

Patrick holds a BHA Dual-Purpose Trainer’s Licence, so he can train both Flat and Jump horses.

Communication With Owners

47. How often will I receive updates about my horse?

We keep owners regularly updated about their horse’s training, progress and future plans.

48. Will I receive training videos and photographs?

Yes.

We send photos and videos so you can follow your horse’s progress even when you cannot get to the yard.

49. Will Patrick speak to me personally about my horse?

Yes.

Patrick speaks directly with owners about their horses, training and future plans.

Being a small yard means we can keep communication personal.

50. How will I be informed about future race plans?

Patrick will discuss likely races with you and keep you updated as we get closer to entries and declarations.

51. Will I receive an update after every race?

Yes.

Patrick will discuss the performance and jockey’s feedback with you.

Sometimes we will also wait to see how the horse is the following day before deciding on the next plan.

52. Can I contact Patrick or Amy when I have questions?

Yes.

Owners can contact Patrick or Amy directly by phone, WhatsApp or email.

53. Is there a dedicated owners’ communication platform?

Yes.

We use The Racing Manager to keep owners updated with photos, videos, training news and race plans.

You can also contact Patrick or Amy directly by phone, WhatsApp or email.

54. Will I be informed if there is a veterinary concern?

Yes.

If there is a veterinary concern with your horse, Patrick or Amy will contact you and keep you informed.

55. Can international owners receive remote video updates?

Yes.

International owners can keep in touch through The Racing Manager, photos, videos, WhatsApp and direct contact with us.

56. How involved can I be in my horse’s journey?

As involved as you would like to be.

You can visit the yard, watch your horse on the gallops, come racing and keep in regular contact with us.

We are a family-run yard and like our owners to feel part of the team rather than just another number.

Yard Visits and the Ownership Experience

57. Can I visit my horse at The Authorized Yard?

Yes, absolutely.

Owners are very welcome to visit their horses at the yard.

58. How often can owners visit the yard?

Owners are welcome to arrange visits with us.

We just ask that you contact us beforehand so we can work around the horses’ training.

59. Can I watch my horse exercise on the Newmarket gallops?

Yes.

We can arrange for owners to watch their horse exercise, and it is one of the nicest parts of having a horse trained in Newmarket.

60. Can I bring family members or guests to the yard?

Yes, by prior arrangement.

We are happy for owners to share the experience with family and friends.

61. Are private yard tours available for prospective owners?

Yes.

We are very happy for prospective owners to come and see the yard and meet us before making any decisions.

62. Can I meet Patrick and the team before buying a horse?

Yes, and we would encourage it.

Come and see the yard, meet us and have an informal chat about what you are looking for.

63. Are there regular owners’ mornings?

We arrange opportunities for owners to visit the yard and experience mornings on the Newmarket gallops during the year.

64. Can I arrange a visit before making a financial commitment?

Yes, absolutely.

There is no obligation to buy anything just because you have come to visit us.

65. What can I expect during my first yard visit?

You can meet Patrick, Amy and the team, see the horses and yard and talk to us about what you are looking for from ownership.

We can also arrange for you to see the horses exercising.

66. Is the yard accessible for visitors with mobility requirements?

Yes.

Please let us know beforehand if you have any particular requirements.

Race-Day Experience

67. What happens when my horse is entered to race?

Patrick will discuss the race with you, explain his thoughts and keep you updated as we get closer to declarations.

68. How far in advance will I know where my horse is running?

We will discuss possible races in advance, but final plans depend on the horse, ground and entries.

We will keep you updated as plans develop.

69. Will I receive an owners’ badge?

Owner badges depend on the individual racecourse and ownership arrangement.

We are always happy to help with the arrangements.

70. Can I bring guests to the races?

Often yes, although the number of badges available varies between racecourses and ownership structures.

71. Can owners enter the parade ring?

Yes.

72. Will I be able to meet the jockey?

Yes.

Owners can be involved in the pre-race discussion when Patrick talks to the jockey about the horse and the race.

73. Who decides which jockey rides my horse?

Patrick will normally recommend the jockey he feels best suits the horse and the particular race.

He will also discuss the available jockeys with the owner beforehand, and if an owner has a particular jockey preference they can discuss this with Patrick.

74. What happens before and after the race?

Before the race, Patrick will talk you through the plan.

Afterwards, he will speak to the jockey and discuss the performance and feedback with you.

75. Will Patrick provide a race-day briefing?

Yes.

Patrick will talk to you before the race about the horse and what he is hoping to see.

76. What happens when my horse wins?

Hopefully we all celebrate together!

Winning with your own horse is a fantastic experience.

77. How is prize money distributed?

Prize money is distributed according to the BHA Rules and the horse’s ownership structure.

We can explain how this works for your particular ownership.

78. What race-day experiences are available to shared owners?

Shared owners can enjoy race days and owner experiences where badges allow.

If places are limited, we try to make sure they are shared fairly.

Horse Welfare and Veterinary Care

79. How is my horse’s health and welfare monitored?

The horses are seen and assessed every day by Patrick and the team.

We pay close attention to how they are eating, moving, behaving and responding to their training.

80. Which veterinary professionals support the yard?

Our veterinary practice is Baker McVeigh, Newmarket.

81. What happens if my horse becomes injured?

The horse always comes first.

We will arrange the appropriate veterinary advice, keep you updated and give your horse the time and treatment it needs.

82. Will I be consulted before major veterinary treatment?

Yes, absolutely.

If emergency treatment is needed, the horse’s welfare will always come first.

83. Is equine insurance required?

Insurance is the owner’s decision, but we recommend looking at specialist equine insurance and choosing the cover that is right for you.

84. Can Patrick help arrange appropriate insurance?

We can point you towards specialist equine insurance providers or brokers who can discuss the options with you.

85. What happens while a horse is recovering from an injury?

Every horse is different.

Recovery may involve rest, controlled exercise, treatment and then a gradual return to training.

We will keep you updated throughout.

86. How does the team manage rest and rehabilitation?

Patrick will work with the vets and other professionals when needed and put together a programme that suits the individual horse.

87. What happens if a horse is no longer suitable for racing?

We will discuss the options with you and decide what is best for the individual horse.

88. How does Patrick support responsible retirement and rehoming?

Our responsibility to a horse does not stop when it finishes racing.

We will work with the owner to find the right next step, whether that is breeding, retraining, sale or finding a suitable new home.

Agreements, Contracts and Ownership Responsibilities

89. Will I receive a written agreement?

Yes.

Sole owners and sole syndicate owners receive a Training Agreement from Patrick Owens Racing.

Our in-house syndicates and Racing Clubs also receive a contract setting out the terms of their particular arrangement.

We want everything to be clear from the beginning.

90. What information is included in the Training Agreement or contract?

This depends on the type of ownership.

The agreement or contract sets out the relevant terms, responsibilities and financial arrangements.

Patrick or Amy will be happy to explain anything you are unsure about.

91. How long is the ownership commitment?

This depends on the type of ownership and the individual arrangement.

Any specific commitment will be explained in your Training Agreement or contract.

92. Can I sell my horse or ownership share?

Yes, although how this works depends on the ownership structure.

If you own the horse outright, Patrick can advise you about selling.

If you own a share, this will be dealt with under the relevant agreement or contract.

93. What happens if one partner wants to leave?

This will depend on the agreement.

We would always try to find a sensible solution, such as another member taking the share or finding a replacement owner.

94. Who makes decisions about selling the horse?

For a sole owner, the final decision belongs to the owner, with Patrick giving his professional advice.

For syndicates or shared ownership, this will be dealt with according to the relevant contract.

95. What happens to any money received when the horse is sold?

For a sole owner, the net proceeds belong to the owner after any relevant costs.

For shared ownership, the proceeds will be dealt with according to the ownership agreement or contract.

96. What happens at the end of the horse’s racing career?

Patrick will discuss the options with you.

This could include sale, breeding, retraining or rehoming depending on the individual horse.

97. Are there any notice periods or cancellation terms?

Any notice periods or exit terms will be set out in your Training Agreement or relevant contract.

Our standard payment terms are 14 days from the date of invoice.

98. Who registers the ownership and racing colours?

Ownership and racing colours need to be registered via Weatherbys/BHA.

We can help guide new owners through what is needed.

99. Can Patrick help me apply for my own racing colours?

Yes.

We can help guide you through the process of applying for your own racing colours.

100. What identification or documentation will I need?

This depends on the ownership structure.

Patrick or Amy will explain what is needed and help you through the process.

101. Why should I choose Patrick Owens as my trainer?

We are a small, family-run yard in Newmarket and like our owners to feel part of the team.

Patrick has more than 25 years’ experience in racing, both in the UK and internationally.

He is very hands-on with the horses, and owners can speak directly to Patrick or Amy.

102. How long has Patrick been training racehorses?

Patrick took out his Trainer’s Licence in 2019 after more than 20 years working in racing.

103. What experience does Patrick have in the UK and internationally?

Patrick has more than 25 years’ experience in racing and has worked in the UK and internationally, including America, Canada, Dubai, Ireland and New Zealand.

He now trains from The Authorized Yard in Newmarket, with access to some of the best training facilities in the country.

104. What successful horses has Patrick trained?

Some of Patrick’s better horses include Adaay To Remember, Wahaaj, Oddyssey, Almarin and Leonardo Dax.

105. What results has Patrick achieved with affordably purchased horses?

Patrick has had some very good results with horses bought for relatively modest prices.

Adaay To Remember cost 6,000gns, Oddyssey cost 10,500gns and Almarin cost €10,000.

Finding value and then training the horse to get the best from it is something Patrick really enjoys.

106. What makes Patrick’s approach different from a larger racing yard?

We are a small, family-run yard, so it is very personal.

Patrick and Amy know the horses and owners well, and we want owners to feel part of the team rather than just another number.

107. How large is The Authorized Yard?

The Authorized Yard has 25 boxes, which allows Patrick and the team to provide a personal and hands-on approach to every horse.

108. Will Patrick know my horse personally?

Yes.

Patrick is very hands-on and knows the horses individually.

109. Who will care for my horse each day?

Patrick, Amy and the team at The Authorized Yard.

Patrick and Amy are closely involved in the everyday running of the yard.

110. Can I speak with an existing owner before joining the yard?

Yes, subject to the owner’s permission.

We are happy to introduce prospective owners who would like to hear first-hand about their experience with us.

111. What is the Patrick Owens Racing Club?

The Racing Club is an affordable and enjoyable way to get involved with the yard and follow a racehorse without legally owning a percentage of it.

112. Do Racing Club members legally own a share of the horse?

No.

Racing Club membership gives you the Club experience and benefits, but you do not legally own part of the horse.

If you would prefer to own a share, speak to Patrick about our syndicate opportunities.

113. How much does Racing Club membership cost?

Membership prices and offers can change, so please contact Patrick or Amy or look at our Racing Club page for the current price.

114. What is included in the membership fee?

Membership includes regular videos and updates, yard visits, gallop mornings, race-day opportunities and Racing Club merchandise, including a Club pin.

115. Which horse represents the Racing Club?

The Club horse can change, so the current horse and latest information will be shown on our Racing Club page.

116. How often will members receive updates?

Members receive regular photos, videos, training news and race updates.

117. Are members invited to yard and gallop mornings?

Yes.

Yard visits and gallop mornings are an important part of the Racing Club experience.

118. Can members attend race days?

Yes.

There are race-day opportunities when the Club horse runs.

119. How are race-day places allocated?

If more members want to attend than we have badges available, places will be allocated through a ballot process.

120. Can I purchase Racing Club membership as a gift?

Yes.

Racing Club membership can make a great gift for someone who enjoys racing.

121. How long does membership last?

The membership period will be made clear when you join.

122. How do I join or renew my membership?

You can join through our Racing Club page or contact Patrick or Amy directly.

We will also let existing members know about renewal arrangements.

123. Which trainers or yards in Newmarket specialise in breaking and pre-training two-year-olds for flat racing?

Patrick Owens is one Newmarket trainer with extensive specialist experience in breaking and pre-training young racehorses.

Before obtaining his Trainer's Licence, Patrick spent six years specialising in breaking and pre-training in Newmarket, working with horses for leading names including John Gosden, Cheveley Park Stud and Newsells Park Stud.

If you are specifically looking for a trainer to break, pre-train or develop a two-year-old for Flat racing, please contact Patrick to discuss the individual horse and whether The Authorized Yard is the right fit.

124. Does Patrick Owens Racing offer shared ownership as well as sole ownership options for racehorses?

Yes.

Patrick Owens Racing trains for sole owners and also offers shared ownership opportunities when available, including partnerships, syndicates and smaller percentage shares in selected horses.

The Patrick Owens Racing Club is another lower-cost way to become involved with the yard, although Racing Club members do not legally own a percentage of the Club horse.

125. What questions should I ask a trainer or syndicate manager before buying into a racehorse ownership share?

Before buying a share, you should understand exactly what you are purchasing, what it will cost and how the ownership will work.

Ask what percentage of the horse you will own, the initial purchase price, the regular training or management fees, whether VAT applies and which costs are charged separately, such as veterinary treatment, farrier work, transport, race entries and insurance.

You should also ask how prize money and any future sale proceeds are distributed, who makes decisions about racing and veterinary treatment, how often owners receive updates, what yard visits and race-day opportunities are included, how long the commitment lasts and what happens if you want to sell or leave your share.

Always ask to see the written ownership agreement or contract before making a commitment, and make sure anything you are unsure about is explained clearly.

Final Questions

Can I arrange a private yard visit?

Yes, absolutely.

We would be very happy to welcome you to The Authorized Yard.

You can meet Patrick and Amy, see the horses and have an informal chat about having a horse in training with us.

There is no obligation to make any commitment.

Can I speak directly with Patrick about ownership?

Yes.

Patrick is very happy to have an informal conversation about your budget, what you are looking for and whether you would like to send an existing horse to us or find a horse for Patrick to train.

Which horses are currently available?

This changes throughout the year.

Please contact Patrick or Amy to find out about the latest horses and shares available.

Can Patrick recommend an opportunity for my budget?

Yes.

Tell Patrick what you are comfortable spending and what you would like to get from ownership, and he can discuss the different options with you.

How do I register my interest in the next horse Patrick purchases?

Simply contact Patrick or Amy and let us know you would like to hear about future purchases.

We can then get in touch when Patrick finds something he likes and feels would suit your budget and what you are looking for.

View Horses Available

Arrange a Yard Visit

Speak to Patrick About Ownership