SYNDICATE CONNECT: Top Tips for First-Time Racehorse Syndicate Members

There's nothing quite like the thrill of watching your horse thunder down the final furlong, the jockey's silks flashing in the sunlight as the crowd roars. But for many racing enthusiasts, the path from fan to owner seems paved with question marks and pound signs.

At Syndicate Connect, we've helped hundreds of first-time owners navigate their entry into the exhilarating world of racehorse ownership.

Along the way, we've collected wisdom that we wish we'd known from day one – insights that can make the difference between a frustrating experience and the adventure of a lifetime, we have combined that depth of knowledge alongside feedback from our current members to generate The Syndicate Connect Top Tips for First-Time Members.

Early mornings have new meaning when you have involvement in a racehorse.

Understanding What You're Getting Into

Before you jump in headfirst, let's get clear on what racehorse syndication actually means. A syndicate is essentially a group of people who collectively own shares in a racehorse, splitting both the costs and the excitement.

"I spent years watching racing from the sidelines before realising ownership was actually within reach," says Benji, a Syndicate member since 2022. "The day I got my first owners badges to watch one of the horses, I knew I had made the right call."

Here's what makes syndicate ownership different:

• Shared costs - Ownership expenses are divided among members

• Community experience - You're part of a group sharing the journey

• Professional management - Experts handle the day-to-day decisions

• Accessibility - Entry-level shares make ownership possible for more people

Tip #1: Know Your Financial Commitment

Perhaps the most important tip for new syndicate members is to fully understand what you're signing up for financially. With Syndicate Connect, we pride ourselves on transparent cost structures, but it's still crucial you know what to expect.

Initial Purchase Cost

When you buy a share through Syndicate Connect, you are paying a clear, one-off cost for the period outlined for the horse. There will be an option to extend the period, should the trainer feel the horse warrants it, but you will have the choice of staying involved, or dropping out, If you remain involved, the cost will be in the same structure, of a clear cost for a clear period, with a guarantee of nothing else to pay.

That initial one-off cost, includes everything for the period, and entitles the member to a share of any prize-money won.

Not all syndicates operate the same, and some will offer an upfront cost, and then an ongoing fee, usually monthly. for the duration of the period the horse in with the syndicate.

This upfront cost varies widely depending on: 

• The horse's breeding

• Previous racing performance (if any)

• Age and potential

• Who trains the horse

• What additional costs the syndicate manager decides to add, or not,

For example, a 5% share in a £50,000 horse would cost £2,500 initially, but the actual cost to get involved could be significantly higher depending on which syndicate you choose.

Ongoing Expenses

This is where many first-timers get caught out. Syndicate Connect offers the all-inclusive price to protect members from shocks, and to enable them to understand what their outlay is from the get-go, but not all syndicates operate like this.

Owning a racehorse comes with monthly expenses that continue regardless of whether your horse is racing or not;

The costs can add up, and it is not uncommon for syndicate members to get a surprise when their monthly bill arrives! The list below is most of the common monthly costs, but there can be any number of additional costs that can be required to ensure the well-being of the horse.

• Training fees

• Veterinary care

• Insurance

• Farrier

• Physio

• Transportation

• Racing entries

• Jockey fees

At Syndicate Connect, we use utilise the experience built up over the years, and negotiate a monthly fixed cost with the trainers, inclusive of the additional costs to ensure the fee paid at the beginning covers what members need it to do.

"Having no monthly payment was key for me," explains Sarah, who joined in 2024. "It's like any subscription – I budget monthly and as there is no monthly bill from Syndicate Connect, I can enjoy all the benefits without surprises."

A great experience, so much better when shared as part of a syndicate

Tip #2: Choose the Right Ownership Structure

Not all syndicate structures are created equal. Before entering any agreement, understand exactly what type of ownership you're buying into.

At Syndicate Connect, we offer several ownership options:

• Connect Premier - Enhanced ownership experience with additional privileges, commonly known as a "micro-share" but with significantly less people involved than the 3000+ that most Micro-share syndicates offer.

• Syndicate Connect Racing Club - An umbrella which covers all the horses in Syndicate Connect at any given time. Not the same level of involvement as the Connect Premier option, but Racing Club members can enjoy discounts if they choose to take a deeper involvement with Connect Premier.

• Full Syndicate Membership - Traditional syndicate experience with larger share percentages

There are any numbers of models available across the Racehorse Syndicate landscape as varying companies try to battle for market share, and create something different.

Essentially they are very similar, they have to be as Syndicates are regulated and the level of regulation is due to be increased.

You will find variations around the number of potential members, the benefits offered, the chance of owners badges or stable visits, the amount of information offered and how, whether the horses are leased or owned (can have a huge impact on costs and possible returns) and the level of input invited from members.

Each model offers different levels of involvement, cost, and potential return. Take note carefully of what is on the agenda if you get involved, and ensure it meets your requirements as closely as possible. There is a lot of choice out there and your ideal syndicate will exist, whether that it is on Syndicate Connect or not!

Tip #3: Understand the Management Structure

One of the biggest "I wish I'd known" moments for new owners involves decision-making. Who decides when the horse races? What happens if it needs surgery? How are trainers selected?

With Syndicate Connect, the decisions sit directly with the trainer, as we believe it always should. If you don't have complete trust with your trainer, you need a new trainer.

We do have a process in place where members can offer ideas, opinions and feedback and we also will hold votes on whether the syndicate will remain involved at the end of a period, but the key decisions around training, race planning, horse well-being, jockey plans etc, are the domain of the trainer.

We recommend asking these questions before joining a syndicate as not all are transparent.

• Who makes day-to-day training decisions?

• What decisions require syndicate member approval?

• How are conflicts between members resolved?

• What's the communication process for updates?

"The regular updates through the Syndicate Connect app completely changed my ownership experience," notes Mike, a member since 2022.

"I feel connected to my horse even when I can't be at the stables. The transparency around plans and the "why" each decision has been made, removed any need for me to feel like I needed to get involved, I could just enjoy the experience without making decisions on factors I am not an expert in."

Tip #4: Connect With Your Trainer

The relationship between owners and trainers is crucial to enjoyment of racehorse ownership. At Syndicate Connect, we partner with established ambitious trainers who understand the importance of owner communication. We do specialise in working with emerging trainers who can be more accessible than some of the "celebrity" trainers for this exact reason.

We recommend that to embrace and maximise your experience, that you take time to:

• Attend stable visits when possible

• Ask questions about your horse's progress

• Follow your trainer on social media and support them when possible

• Don't be afraid to say hello, if you see them at the races

• Understand the training approach

• Learn about upcoming race plans

• Celebrate their successes, and support them when those successes are sparse.

You can get to know some of our trainers through our Q&A series with professionals like Adrian Wintle and Susan Corbett.

Tip #5: Set Realistic Expectations 

Perhaps the most important advice we give new members: adjust your expectations about racehorse ownership.

The Racing Reality of Horses owned by Racehorse Syndicates

Even the best-bred, most expensive horses don't win every race. In fact:

• Most racehorses win fewer than 10% of their races

  • Some don't win at all

• Injuries and setbacks are common

• Development takes time, especially with younger horses

• Race selection is a careful science

"I came in expecting my horse to win right away," admits David, who joined in 2023. "What I didn't expect was how thrilling it would be just to see him improve race by race, even when he wasn't winning."

The true joy of ownership often comes from the journey – the stable visits, the pre-race excitement, the community of fellow owners, and watching your horse develop.

Tip #6: Take Advantage of Owner Privileges

One of the most overlooked benefits of racehorse ownership is access to areas and experiences closed to the general public. As a Syndicate Connect member, you can app[y for an Owners Badge when your horse runs, and while we never guarantee you will receive one, the chances are significantly better in one of our syndicates in comparison to a 3,000 member syndicate.

Owners Badges will entitle you

• Free access to the racecourse and free VIP parking

• Access to the parade ring, where you can meet the trainer, jockey and other members

• Entry to the owners' and trainers' bar

• A food voucher, or a complimentary meal in the Owners Restaurant

• Should your horse win, you will be able to be there for the trophy presentation, the winners photographs, and usually an invite to the VIP lounge for a glass of bubbly and a rewatch of the race.

"Walking into the parade ring for the first time with my owner's badge was incredible," says Emma, who joined in 2024. "I'd been going to races for years but never experienced that side of it."

---

Starting Your Ownership Journey

Getting started with racehorse ownership doesn't have to be complicated. At Syndicate Connect, we've streamlined the process to make it accessible for everyone:

1. Browse available horses and shares on our platform

2. Add your choices to your basket

3. Purchase your share and receive your digital welcome pack instantly

4. Download our app and join our owner community

5. Receive regular updates through our app

6. Enjoy special owner experiences at the races

"The digital side of Syndicate Connect made everything so much easier," notes Peter, who became a member in 2021. "From getting updates on running plans, pre-race notes and post-race debriefs and even watching videos of morning gallops – it's all in one place."

Final Thoughts

Racehorse ownership through a syndicate can be one of the most exhilarating experiences for racing enthusiasts. The key to enjoyment is understanding exactly what you're signing up for, managing expectations, and embracing all aspects of the journey.

At Syndicate Connect, we've built our entire business around making ownership accessible, transparent and enjoyable for everyone – whether you're a seasoned racing professional or taking your first steps into ownership.

Ready to experience the thrill of watching your horse race?

Visit Syndicate Connect today to explore current ownership opportunities, or contact our team with any questions about getting started.

After all, the winner's enclosure is waiting – and there's always room for one more.