Hello Friend
I hope you had a great weekend.
You’re receiving this email as someone who opted in to my ‘syndicate’ email list and who wanted to be kept updated with progress. I thought i'd best get in touch.
In this email I share where we’re up to at the moment and what’s to come in the next few weeks.
All being well our plan is for the Racing To Profit Syndicate to be live from September 1st
We will aim to make you an offer for your consideration before the end of July/early August.
We’ve been busy crossing the Ts and dotting the Is with all things BHA & ROA registration and have been in discussions with Amy Murphy (Southgate Stables, Newmarket) about horses and options for the 12 months ahead.
For year 1 of our brand new syndicate, it’s likely we will ‘lease’ a horse (or possibly two) from Amy that can run in our colours. This option lowers costs and risk, while ensuring we can deliver all the main benefits of ownership.
Our aim is to make your all-round experience the best in the business.
I’ve been rather lucky with my initial foray into ownership, and the small shares I had firstly in Blessed To Empress and latterly with Really Super. Both superbly trained by Amy.
There are moments and memories that will live with me forever, mainly built on relationships, whether with a horse I’ve come to know and see progress, or with the people I’ve met, including Amy and fellow shareholders (some of whom are now very good friends) – it’s always fun spending time with others who share a passion for racing and the horse.
I vividly remember being present at Chelmsford when Blessed won her second race for us back in May 2018, on the ninth run of her life. As she walked around the paddock she looked stunning in her coat, ready for battle. The rest didn't look up to much.
There was a big group of us that day and as she crossed the finish line, heads up heads down, grown men and women were jumping around like lunatics. Mobiles flying, the regulars looking on perplexed.
‘Photo, Photo’ … it was closer than we had thought, caught up in the moment. That wait was agony, staring at the racecard, hoping, praying her number would be read out first. And it was. We got to celebrate all over again!
We got to greet her in, re watch the race in the winners’ room, champagne flowing, much joy had by all. Annie, her lass, who has kept her post retirement, was overwhelmed. Amy in great form as always. The merriment continued in the owners' bar.
This was a class 6 at Chelmsford, prize money a pittance. But it didn’t matter a jot. I suppose it helped we’d all had a nibble at 16s, the cherry on the cake. It felt like we’d won the biggest race around. When a horse you have an interest in is running, the excitement and adrenaline is indescribable, whatever the level.
We want you to be able to feel that elation, to experience those great days at the track with new friends, cheering your horse across the line.
I also remember Really Super’s first win as if it was yesterday, back in August 18 at Worcester. She’d come an agonising second on her previous start, looking a bit green. We were still unsure if we had a proper race horse as she was still a maiden, we were still hoping, and dreaming. It’s a game for dreamers.
Again she looked a picture pre-race and had a determined look in her eye. That sounds silly I know, but you get to know the horses and when they may be in the mood, or not. She led 3 out that day and just kept rolling.
Even more jumping around ensued, post-race jubilation, Jack Quinlan's excited debrief, prize giving, photos, more champagne courtesy of the racecourse, enjoyed while watching a replay again, and again.
Sadly due to covid I couldn't make her Summer Plate triumph or her run at The Cheltenham Festival. That didn’t stop us having some fun. I trekked to a pub in Ipswich with a fellow shareholder, told the local patrons she was worth £5 EW at 25/1 and duly watched her hack up. I can’t say we expected that but Amy reported she’d been flying at home and was in the best form she’d had her. I didn't have to buy another drink that day.
At Cheltenham a group of us connected via Zoom which was great fun, all watching from home, but excited chat through the afternoon. That run didn’t quite work out but provided the horse and jockey come back safe, that’s all that ever matters.
There's much fun to be had even when the race doesn't go to plan. There’s always another day, another memory made.
It helps that Amy and her team are exceptionally good with owners.
A couple of us went for an impromptu walk around the yard the other week. They’re always happy to accommodate if getting in contact a few days before to double check. This relaxed, open atmosphere is one of the reasons I don’t think we’d have horses elsewhere, certainly not anytime soon. It does help she’s a bloody good trainer who gets the best out of her horses, whether a C6 5f sprint or a G3 3m handicap chase.
We will be working hard to create an offer and an ownership package that brings you as close to the action as possible, that gives you opportunities like those above, both at the races as an owner and sat at home.
Our aim is to run a horse in our colours who is hardy, still has some upside potential but who has the constitution to hit the race-track plenty over the course of the 12 month agreement. To give you the most opportunities to get to see them in action.
The pinnacle of the ownership experience is obviously the race-day. But there is plenty more than that.
They’ll be a clear communication plan including regular updates as to how the horse is training, taking you closer to the yard and the lads and lasses who look after these magnificent beasts.
We will discuss plans, share race previews, reviews and much more.
Here we will provide various regular content only accessible to you, as well as the chance to interact with fellow owners, both in your owners' area, but also WhatsApp etc.
We’re also keen to ensure that it’s part ‘social club’ – sharing experiences with likeminded racing fans – trips to the races (even when our horse isn’t running), social meet ups, yard visits, owners open days, zoom chats, tipping competitions etc… and of course a Racing To Profit scarf – which obviously is the main selling point!
We're determined to make this syndicate the best around, to make your experience as enjoyable and fulfilling as it can be. To make memories that will last a lifetime. And maybe even some new friends along the way.
If that excites you, just sit tight, and keep opening these emails :)
There’s over 150 of you on the ‘interested’ email list and with any luck our offer will be popular, on a first come first serve basis.
In the next email I further flesh out the offer and put some meat on the bones. With any luck I'll introduce you to a horse or two, explain how it will all work and the costs to you. It will be a 12 month commitment, no longer, and it’s best thinking of it as a reasonable members’ fee to a very exclusive club.
I can't wait for the journey ahead,
Until then, thanks for reading,
Take care,
Josh
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