I think that every horse racing enthusiast has dreamed about owning a racehorse, and now might be the perfect time for the dream to come true. But why now? Well, there are a few reasons, but the main one is that investing in the Sport of Kings has become more available than ever before.
Looking back, owning a racehorse was only reserved for the elite and rich people who could spend hundreds of thousands of dollars. Nowadays, things are different and there are many different areas in the horse racing industry you can invest in. After all, it’s not only about owning a racehorse.
You can invest in trainers, jockeys, horse racing betting, stables, horse management, and care, equine technology, and much more.
But despite having more options, it is not as easy as investing some amount of money and waiting for your paycheck. As the horse racing industry became more available, it also became more competitive.
Therefore, investing in the Sport of Kings requires extensive research and knowledge in order to make some profits.
That’s why we’ve decided to create a horse racing investing guide, just to get you started.
Understanding the Landscape
We all know that horse racing isn’t just about the thrill of the race – there’s also a significant business aspect too. After all, there is a reason why many millionaires are drawn to this sport, and in most cases, it doesn’t have to do with passion for the sport.
Everywhere you look in the horse racing industry, you’ll see money symbols. From the prize purses to breeding rights and ticket sales.
However, don’t get too excited after seeing a million-dollar prize win at some of the biggest horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby. It might sound great, but people involved in the horse racing industry know that it is very unpredictable and there are huge costs that go into preparing a horse for a race, which eats away most of the profit from the prize purse.
Plus, we are talking about a racehorse winner. What if your horse ends up in 7th place? I assume that you’ll lose money on that race.
So, despite the eye-watering sums of money, horse racing can very easily go downhill, which is why you have to be prepared before investing.
Different Ways to Invest
1. Buying a Racehorse
Most people go with the traditional route of purchasing an entire racehorse, which isn’t bad, but it is quite difficult for newcomers since a racehorse can cost up to $200,000 or more. Plus, you have to worry about recurring costs that range from $30,000 to $50,000 annually just for maintenance and training.
In other words, you need to have a lot of money on the side just to be able to purchase a racehorse. There is just too much risk involved, especially for beginners in the horse racing industry.
2. Racehorse Shares and Syndicates
But what if you don’t have a pile of cash lying around? Well, you can still get involved in the horse racing industry through syndicates or fractional shares.
Syndicates allow you to buy a share of a horse, that can be as little as 2.5% or as high as you like. This makes racehorse investing much more affordable, and you can still enjoy the perks of ownership like visiting the stables or attending the races.
On the other hand, we have racehorse shares and fractional ownership, which is kind of similar to syndicates. There are already platforms like MyRacehorse that allow you to buy fractional shares in a horse for as low as $100.
This makes investing affordable, you can still brag to your friends about being a racehorse owner. However, it is important to understand that the profits that your horse makes are evenly distributed across the members so don’t expect to make a lot of money on a $100 investment.
Steps to Buying Racehorse Shares:
1. Attend Yearling Sales: Identify potential horses at yearling sales, where thoroughbred yearlings are showcased.
2. Selection Criteria: Look at pedigree, physical attributes, and health.
3. Veterinary Assessment: Ensure the horse meets health criteria.
4. Purchase Shares: Contribute to the purchase price and own a percentage of the horse.
5. Training and Management: Horses are trained by professionals and syndicates handle day-to-day management​​.
3. Investing in Trainers
Some prefer to back a successful trainer financially, helping them enhance their facilities and hire better staff. This method can yield long-term profits and doesn’t require you to own a horse directly​​.
4. Betting Investments
For the more thrill-seeking investor, betting on horse races can be lucrative if done wisely. After all, there are different types of horse bets and you can create your own strategy. Early bets on major races can offer better odds, but it’s a high-risk venture suited to those who understand the nuances of horse racing.
Risks and Rewards
The Good News
• Potential for High Returns: Winning horses can bring in significant purse prizes.
• Tax Benefits: Depending on your location, there may be tax advantages to owning a racehorse.
• Social Perks: Owners often enjoy VIP access to races and events, plus bragging rights.
The Not-So-Good News
• High Costs: Training, veterinary bills, and maintenance can add up quickly.
• Unpredictability: Horses can get injured or underperform, making returns far from guaranteed.
• Market Fluctuations: The value of horses can vary dramatically based on performance and pedigree.
