My journey into racehorse ownership began when I moved to Louisville, Kentucky, in March 2017. Unfortunately, I didn’t know very much about horse racing. I realized horses ran fast, turned left and sometimes got ornery at the starting gate. Yet, it didn’t take me long to fall in love with horse racing and start my thoroughbred ownership adventure.
I went to the 143rd Kentucky Derby with a friend from Seattle and was instantly hooked. I found myself at Churchill Downs every weekend, not to gamble, but to watch the magnificent horses and stand in awe of their power. Within a few short weeks, I realized I was no longer content to merely observe horse racing from the grandstand.
I found myself daydreaming of owning a horse, admiring him in the paddock, and hopefully having our photo taken in the winner’s circle. Once I learned that typical 9-5ers like myself can own a racehorse, I researched everything I could to understand how to buy a racehorse and how to choose an affordable thoroughbred syndicate. But, why do I want to buy a racehorse in the first place?
I want to learn about racehorse ownership and the racing industry
I want to learn everything there is to know about raising and weaning foals, breaking yearlings to ride and training two-year-olds to become champions. Racehorse ownership gives me a chance to understand what experienced horsemen look for at auctions and how bloodstock agents analyze pedigrees.
I thought all racehorse owners and trainers were insanely wealthy. I thought the only way I could learn the insides of the industry was to take a minimum wage job shoveling poop out of the stables. When I discovered horse racing syndicates, I also discovered an opportunity to learn about the thoroughbred industry without quitting my day job. Now, I realize that owning a share in a racehorse will not make me a horse expert overnight, and I will not be 100% hands-on training and caring for my horse. However, racehorse ownership gives me a unique opportunity to learn all about the racing industry.
Thoroughbred ownership will open doors to industry insiders and experts. Will I ever make a career in racing? Maybe, maybe not, but the point is I can if I so choose. Owning a racehorse gives me a chance to dip my feet in the horse racing world without quitting my day job and spending a fortune.
I want to compete at the highest level of sport
I love competing in everything, especially sports. But, let’s face it, at 230 lbs, my hockey days are long behind me. Maybe I could play first base, but astigmatism makes it hard to judge the depth of a baseball. I do not have the strength to push defensive lineman around, and I most certainly cannot afford to buy a sports franchise. I figure my two best chances of competing in the top level of any sport are curling and horse racing. While I could throw a mean skip for our Monday night rink in Fargo, the nearest curling club is still two hours away in Cincinnati.
Owning a share in a racehorse gives me the opportunity to potentially own a piece of a GI stakes winner. Every single thoroughbred owner has Derby dreams. While most of us realize the unlikelihood of our own horse winning the Kentucky Derby, it technically could happen! Every owner I have spoken with has told me the same thing: when their horses win, no matter how small the race, they feel like they just won the Kentucky Derby.
I want to share my racehorse ownership adventures with you and teach you something along the way
I love introducing people to new experiences and want to share my journey into racehorse ownership with you. Learn from my mistakes and determine whether owning a racehorse is for you, before you drop a few hundred hard-earned dollars. I don’t claim to be an expert, yet, but I will always be honest about my experiences.
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