'Their engagement is outstanding' - so, what's it like to be part of RaceShare?
Our new weekly series on racing syndicates returns. We meet those involved, get their take on ownership experience and outline the key details should you wish to join. This week: RaceShare
The lowdown
How much does a share typically cost? RaceShare100 horses have 100 shares for between £700 and £1,100, while shares in RaceShare horses start at £34.
What does it get you? Owners buy a share of the horse and get the opportunity to apply for raceday badges and stable visits, for which RaceShare100 owners are guaranteed a place. RaceShare also provides a monthly show featuring Oli Bell, as well as a livestream raceday programme called RaceTime.
How many others are there typically in each horse? RaceShare100 horses have 30-50 owners. RaceShare syndicates are larger with around 1,000-2,000 owners.
Do syndicate members get tickets every time their horse runs? RaceShare100 owners almost always receive a badge or, if not, a discounted ticket offer. There is usually a ballot for RaceShare runners. Managing director Lucy Delaney says: "We've been extremely proactive in securing deals with racecourses to accommodate a large team of owners with either free badges or a reduced price offer."
How do they communicate with members? There is a weekly update on email and Telegram, as well as frequent additional updates during the week, particularly before and after a run.
How often do members see their horses at home? At least two stable visits a year for each horse and in most cases, it is possible for an owner to bring a guest. The visits are filmed and sent to all owners.
Which type of horse does the syndicate like to buy? “We've an outstanding record at sourcing high-quality horses for Flat and jumps”, says Delaney. "Our purchasing is headed by racing investor, Patrick Veitch, who needs no introduction. His record is unparalleled."
What success has the syndicate had? Despite starting with five horses in March 2023, they have had regular runners at big meetings. Scampi won at York's Dante meeting, then Ascot’s Shergar Cup, and Treasure Time won at the 2024 Ebor meeting.
Is there any chance of a return on investment? If a young horse were to scale the heights, then a significant profit could be made, but RaceShare stresses that ownership is primarily about entertainment. Delaney says: "Our owners seem to prefer seeing big-race runners in our colours."
How many horses and members do you have? "We have 11 horses, but we’re planning to expand at the breeze-up sales," Delaney says.
Where is the syndicate based? RaceShare's team works remotely across London, Wiltshire, Cheshire and Yorkshire.
Which trainers does RaceShare use? RaceShare’s horses are with William Haggas, Andrew Balding, Charlie Johnston, John and Sean Quinn, Stuart Williams and Eve Johnson Houghton on the Flat, and Tom Lacey and Jamie Snowden over jumps.
The experience
RaceShare syndicate member Paul Dalton, aged 59, from Essex
When did you first become involved in the syndicate? My nephew made me aware of them around Christmas 2022. I bought some packages for my boys as presents and I quickly realised I needed to be part of it too, so bought myself a bundle a month later.
How many shares have you had with them? I've 11 shares covering seven horses. It's become a whole family affair as my wife, mum, sons and my nephew all have shares too. There are 50 shares between us.
What's been the biggest highlight on the track? Treasure Time's win at the Ebor meeting. The feeling when he passed the post in front was like no other and I was lucky enough to have an owner's badge, so I got the experience of leading in a winner.
And biggest disappointment? The retirement of Jolly Nellerie. He was RaceShare's first jumps horse and was sadly diagnosed with a heart condition and wasn't able to race anymore. He was the first one I saw on the track at Haydock. It was the right decision but showed you all sides of ownership.
What do you like about the way they do ownership? Their communication and engagement is outstanding. We get video updates each week and for those who can't get to the track, the raceday show helps really engage throughout the whole experience no matter what. At the course, if you don't get an owner's badge, they always provide hosts for a meet-up before and debrief after. They make sure everyone is looked after.
How do you find sharing ownership with strangers? Over a period of time you see the same like-minded people who share your passion. We've met some really great people who've become friends and opened up new horizons.
How can racecourses improve the experience for syndicate members? There are more syndicate rooms now and I hope that continues, as owners' and trainers' bars are not necessarily built for us. Sometimes when there are small fields, I'd love racecourses to be more flexible about how many people are allowed in the parade ring, as the more people they can give that experience the better. Haydock did it once, which was really good of them.
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