Be assured, owning a racehorse has a special fascination all its own. If it's something you haven't done, you will have no conception of the new, and often overwhelming delights it will bring you.
Generally speaking, the majority of owners delight in going to the track for early morning exercise. There's a lot more to a racehorse's life than competing in the afternoon; while most of us are still asleep in bed, racehorses are working, getting hot walked, washed down, fed and groomed. Standing close to the rail while watching your spirited youngster romp past provides a thrill you have to experience to truly understand. Finally, after exercise is finished comes the carrot feeding routine which indulges the owners almost as much as their horses!
The reality is: owning a racehorse - even a small percentage in a partnership - brings a whole new dimension to your life. A lot of owners set aside a substantial chunk of their life and devote it to enjoying their horse, often going to the track a couple of times a week, pouring over racing journals and genning up on form and pedigrees.
Of course, investing in a racehorse as the sole owner is a huge financial commitment, both in the initial outlay and paying the many monthly bills. Thankfully, there is an easier and much more affordable solution: racehorse partnerships.
Purchasing a percentage in a thoroughbred partnership will usually give you exactly the same rights and perks as a full owner, although some partnerships will require a minimum five percent stake before they qualify you for an official State Owner's License. An owner's license is mandatory for visits to the backstretch, free entrance to the track as an owner, using owners' parking, etc.
When you start looking, you will find a lot of thoroughbred racing partnerships to pick from. Plainly the most important issue will be that they have shares available in an equine housed at a racetrack in your general location, without this your morning trips will be out of the question. An additional concern is the type of animal they have available: a claiming partnership usually categorizes a more mature racehorse, already well raced, but with a possibility of being claimed away again, so the partnership you are considering could be brief. On the other hand, a younger, still unraced horse could be a more durable prospect. The beginning of his racing career could be months away, but this will provide you with lots of time to familiarize yourself with your investment and follow and savor his progress.
Request documented information, brochures, etc., from several partnership companies, or trainers who put together partnerships. Contact the managing partner or trainer personally (after 10:30 a.m. when morning training is finished) and judge how accessible and communicative he/she is. Even if you purchase the smallest share available in a horse you will be an owner and you should expect to be treated as such.
Try not to purchase shares in a horse you've not seen. A significant quota of your ownership entails your personal dealings with the horse in the backstretch. Every racehorse is different with its own behavior traits, so you really need to feel comfortable around your purchase. If you have no experience with horses you would be advised to enlist the help of a knowledgeable owner, at least on your first visit.
Follow these suggestions and your dreams of racehorse ownership really will come true.