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What is Horse Syndication?
Horse syndication involves the process of selling shares in a racehorse such that ownership of the horse is split between two or more part-owners. The syndicator or their appointed Bloodstock agent has the responsibility for selecting the horse, finding the owners and finalizing the paperwork required for registration or transfer of ownership. Therefore, one of the advantages of buying into a syndicate is having all the hard work done for you.
Who Governs Australian Racehorse Syndication?
Racehorse syndication is strictly governed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). Syndicators who have met ASIC requirements are granted an Australian Financial Services (AFS) Licence. Only Licensed Syndicators and authorised representatives are allowed to offer shares available in horses on the Bloodstock.com.au Syndication platform. For more information on ASIC please revert to their regulatory guide.
How does Bloodstock.com.au’s Syndication Platform Work?
Horses offered for Syndication via the Bloodstock.com.au Syndication platform are only horses offered by Australian registered Syndicators or authorised representatives. This service allows you to browse through a number of horses that are for sale and compare each horse and contact the syndicator directly via email or telephone to register your interest. You can search by syndicator, trainer, price, location and sire.
What is the difference between a partnership and a syndicate?
A partnership consists of two to ten people who register a share in a horse in their own name. Their name will appear in the race book, i.e. Mr J Blow, Mr H Finn etc. The first named person is the manager and responsible for the administration. In most cases, a registered owner will receive two tickets to the members section of the race track and two parade ring passes. A syndicate is a group of people registered with the authorities under a syndicate name, i.e. “Bloodstock.com.au Thoroughbreds Syndicate” which can be one person up to a maximum of twenty. The syndicate manager is then responsible for all administration of the horse. In most cases a limit of twenty member's tickets applies to the horse and guest passes are not available.
The purchase price of a thoroughbred racehorse can vary widely from a few hundred dollars to a million dollars or more. The initial share price comprises several components. These include but are not restricted to:
1) Purchase price (based on pedigree and market fluctuations at the time of purchase)
2) Veterinary inspections, x-ray examinations and scoping
3) Transport from sales venue to agistment property / stables spelling
4) Breaking in (if applicable prior to syndication)
5) Pre-training / training fees (if applicable prior to syndication)
6) Race nominations and acceptances for eligible horses
7) Veterinary consultations
8) Advertising and promotion
Ongoing Management
Racehorse syndicators can vary in their management fees. Some syndicators are very much “hands off”. Once the horse has been syndicated they let the newly formed syndicate make the management decisions after talking to the trainer themselves. They allow all bills to be sent directly from the supplier (trainer, vet, etc) to you and for you to pay the trainer, etc directly and they do not charge an ongoing management fee.
Other syndicators are more involved on a day to day basis and charge a monthly management fee that manages all aspects of your investment including looking after your horse's welfare, paying of bills, communicating with key personnel, arranging stable visits, as well as organisation of open days and race day arrangements. It should be noted that the standard monthly fee usually does not include major race nomination and acceptance fees and major vet work (eg. major race injuries etc.) which must be considered as non-standard fees. These are generally much higher than standard race-related charges. Inglis suggest that you contact the syndicator who is selling a horse that you are interested in to see what their ongoing management costs are.
What are the ongoing training costs involved?
Most syndicator’s charge a management fee and in turn take on all of the administration, billing, and overall management of each horse you will generally receive one invoice per month. Typically Included in the monthly costs associated in owning a share in a horse are the following:
1) Training fees- the daily fee charged by the trainer for having your horse in his or her stable
2) Spelling fees - when your horse needs a break (approx. $20 - $30 per day per horse)
3) Pre- Training fees - Improvement of fitness before heading to the trainer (approx. $60 per day per horse)
4) Vet fees - as needed to ensure the well-being of your horse (fees vary according to need)
5) Transport charges
6) Dental/Chiropractic charges
7) Track fees
8) Shoeing fees
9) Nomination and acceptance fees
10) Administration/ Management fees
11) Insurance fees (see Insurance)
By electing to race in a syndicate, you are sharing the above costs according to your percentage of ownership as well as the prize-money, etc.
Should I insure my share?
Most, if not all syndicators, insure their horses for mortality from the time of purchase up to the time of syndication and sometimes (not always) this is built into the cost of the share. It is something worth checking on.
Once the horse comes up for renewal partners are generally extended an invitation to re-insure. All subsequent invoices and payments are handled directly between the insurance company and the owner. Inglis offer very competitive insurance rates for racehorses. If you are interested in having Inglis quote for the insurance please contact the team today.
What Are the Risks?
Horse racing is highly speculative. Not all horses that race will win, place or even earn any prize money. Whilst it is the purpose to race for a financial return, no guarantee from any syndicator or any party can be made that your horse will race and be successful on the track or will even make the track. Your racehorse may be injured on the track or even in the paddock and require long periods of recuperation. Your horse may even break down never to race again. However should you be lucky enough to own a good one, get ready for the ride of your life.
Who names the horse and what names are allowed?
In most cases, all the owners suggest a name and a vote is taken with majority rules. The availability is checked with the Registrar of Racehorses and a maximum of twenty characters, including spaces, is allowed.
What are owner privileges on race day?
Owners will receive complimentary Member's entry tickets and parade ring passes for your race. Partnerships receive two tickets per registered owner and the syndicate receives a maximum of 20 tickets per horse.
What prize money do I receive?
The regulations of the racing industry provide for both trainers and jockeys to receive a share of all prize money earned. Trainers receive 10% and jockeys receive 5% and this is deducted prior to payment to respective owners. Other deductions are negotiated between trainers and owners by agreement, such as stable fees for bonus payments to the foreman and strappers. It is also the practice of the industry for trainers and jockeys to receive an additional share of prize money for Group race successes.
Disclaimer
Inglis does not accept liability for the contents of any Product Disclosure Statement contained within the Inglis Sharemarket. It is the responsibility of the Promoter to comply with the requirements of an Australian Financial Services License issued by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission.
