FAQ

What does Global Bloodstock Business do?

We offer shares in racehorses

Who buys the horses ?

Global Bloodstock Business collaborates with, an elite team of industry experts renowned for their exceptional skills and proven track records, ensuring a formidable presence in the bloodstock industry;
– Mick Murphy and Sarah O’Connell of Longways Stables
– Ted Durcan of Durcan Bloodstock 
–  Richard Knight of Richard Knight Bloodstock Agent

How many owners are in each syndicate?

We limit the number of owners per horse, ensuring a personalized experience with an average of 8-16 owners per syndicate.

How long is the contract for?

The contract runs from the date that cleared funds are received and is for a minimum of 12 months. After that point, we require one month’s notice to cancel. The contract ends when the syndicate sells the horse or agrees to the retirement of the horse which can happen at any point after the contract start date.

Can I leave the syndicate at any time?

You have the option to release your share and exit the syndicate once the 12-month period concludes, but keep in mind that the initial payment will be forfeited.

What does the upfront payment cover?

The upfront payment includes the purchase price of the horse, vetting at the sales, The Great British Bonis( GBB) registration (if applicable), sales house commission (5 – 7.5% of the auction price), agents commission (typically 2.5 – 5%), transportation to your horses’ trainer, the breaking in of the horse and pre-training, plus training fee’s up to the month that the monthly payment begins. Upfront payments do not include ‘Sales Race’ or any entries prior to start of the monthly payments. We will not ask for an additional purchase price payment for any of the horses’ additional years, you just continue with the monthly payments if you continue your contract.

What does the monthly payment include?

The monthly payment ensures comprehensive coverage of all training-related costs, encompassing veterinary treatment, blacksmith services, breaking in, training, transportation to and from the racecourse, food and living expenses, as well as all associated administrative tasks. Additionally, the payment covers the jockey’s riding fee and provides badges for the race meeting, with the number depending on the percentage of the horse that is owned. Your monthly fee will remain unchanged even if other members of the syndicate decide to exit.

What does a share include?

By holding a share, you gain ownership equivalent to the percentage of your chosen racehorse’s total value. This encompasses your share of all prize money, potential resale value, and grants you complimentary access to the owners and trainers’ enclosure at the racecourse whenever your horse runs. You’ll receive invitations to stable visits, and we handle all the necessary paperwork and administration for each race, ensuring a seamless experience for you at the races. Additionally, you’ll be extended invitations to Elite Network Events.

What are the benefits of buying a racehorse share?

At Global Bloodstock Business, we bring together small groups of individuals who appreciate the thrill of horse racing at its finest. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or professional, our offerings cater to individuals like you who seek the exhilaration and prestige associated with top-quality racehorses around the world.

Exclusive Social Events: Horse racing events offer more than thrilling races; they are renowned for their vibrant social atmospheres and excellent networking opportunities. As a shareholder in our racehorses, you may receive invitations to attend exclusive events such as race days and horse auctions, granting you access to valuable networking experiences.

Elite Network: Horse racing has long been associated with wealth and prestige, attracting high net worth individuals from various backgrounds. By offering horse racing shares, Global Bloodstock Business provides you with an opportunity to connect and network with other successful individuals who share your enthusiasm for this exceptional sport.

Shared Passion: When you invest in horse racing shares, you become part of a community that shares a common interest and passion for this exciting sport. This provides a natural foundation for building connections and fostering networking opportunities with like-minded individuals.

Business Synergies: Horse racing extends beyond the track and can open doors to valuable business partnerships and collaborations. As a participant in the world of horse racing, you may encounter individuals who share your entrepreneurial drive and have the potential to become future collaborators or investment partners.

Are there any extra charges for racing fees?

Race entries exceeding £50, as well as entries for races outside the UK (inclusive of all entry costs and forfeit stages), along with transportation expenses for overseas races, are billed at the actual cost and then proportionally allocated to your share. These costs are deducted from your share of the prize money earned by your horse. However, if, over the course of the horse’s lifetime, the earnings from prize money or sales do not suffice to cover these entry-related expenses, any negative balance will not be invoiced to you.

Will the monthly payments stay unchanged?

There is a 5% annual increase in monthly training fees.

What payment methods are available?

The upfront share cost can be settled through either direct bank transfer or by cheque. For those who opt not to pay the monthly training fees upfront, these can be conveniently paid through direct debit.

Is it possible to insure my share?

While the horse is not automatically insured when you acquire a share, you have the option to independently insure your share. If you prefer, we can also assist you in the insurance process. Please provide written confirmation if you would like us to facilitate the insurance for your share. Additionally, we may periodically contact the syndicate to inquire whether you wish to insure the horse at a specified value, particularly for ‘pattern’ race performers.

What happens if not all shares are sold?

The lack of full share sales does not impact the share costs for other shareholders or the racing plans for the horse. In the event that not all shares are sold by the start of a horse’s racing career, Global Bloodstock Business will retain the remaining shares.

Can I visit my horse at the stables?

Our primary aim is to create the most exclusive and independent business platform, with your horse serving as a unifying element. We schedule year-round open mornings at each trainer’s yard, whether it’s during the racing season or the off-season. This provides numerous chances for you to have a close and personal experience with your horse, hear insights from the trainer, and connect with fellow syndicate members. A considerable number of owners opt to be part of the team, engaging in racing discussions over lunch.

How frequently will my horse participate in races?

The well-being of the horse is of utmost importance, and the approach to managing and racing the horse is always contingent on the advice of the trainer and, if necessary, the veterinarians. Our commitment lies in treating each horse as an individual rather than just a number within our overall string. Consequently, the number of starts during a season can vary from one syndicate to another. Some horses thrive with regular racing, while others benefit from intervals between starts. Global Bloodstock Business maintains regular communication with each trainer to ensure ongoing oversight of the well-being, race planning, and strategy for every horse.

Do I receive an Owner’s badge when my horse races?

Certainly. Upon your purchase, you will be provided with 2 complimentary race-day badges. When your horse is declared to run (48 hours prior), an email will be sent to you containing the race card and an inquiry about your attendance preference. It’s important to note that there is a deadline for this request, and we also request the full name(s) of those applying for a badge. Please be aware that at major race festivals, we may not always guarantee badges for all owners who wish to attend, as some racecourses impose limitations on the number of ‘Owner and Trainer’ badges per horse at such events.

Can I take friends and Family along to the races?

We dedicate significant efforts to collaborate with racecourses and owners to maximize the availability of badges for owners and their guests. Nevertheless, achieving this is not always feasible at major racing festivals like Royal Ascot, The Epsom Derby meeting, the Qatar Goodwood Festival, etc., as these events strictly impose limitations on specific enclosure badge numbers, as mentioned earlier.

Is it possible to purchase a share as a gift?

Certainly, this is not an issue. We will make every effort to ensure your gift is truly special.

What information will I receive about my horse?

Throughout the racing season, you will receive regular updates via email or audio email messages regarding your horse’s progress, race plans, entries, and declarations. Upon each declaration for a race, you will receive a race preview and a subsequent review once Global Bloodstock Business obtains the race report from the trainer. Additionally, we will send you photographs and videos of your horse whenever they are available. During the off-season, updates will be less frequent, especially if your horse is out of training or on a break. However, we still organize stable visits to see our horses out of season and will keep you informed of any noteworthy news.

How are choices made regarding the sale of horses?

At the conclusion of each season, Global Bloodstock Business conducts a thorough review of each horse, and you will be kept updated on any plans. The decisions are influenced by factors such as performance, rating, estimated value, and potential returns for the owners, either through anticipated future racing success or resale value. We strive to recommend selling at opportune times, and input from all owners is sought to assist in the decision-making process. We make use of reputable ‘Horses-In-Training’ sales conducted throughout the year at the primary sales houses.

What happens with offers on “Pattern” race performers

Offers are sometimes made during the season from buyers for our horses, these are usually ‘Pattern’ race performers. We will inform you of such an offer. The syndicate vote has to reach 65% for the offer to be accepted. If your horse is sold, rather than retired, you will receive your percentage of the selling price. Commissions and fees will be due, such as sales house or sale agent, trainer, Global Bloodstock Business etc. Note that if your horse is withdrawn from a sale, there will be a withdrawal fee payable.

How is the distribution of prize money handled?

Differing from other syndicates, you will receive your entitled share of the prize money if your horse achieves a placing or emerges victorious. For instance, if you possess a 5% share, you will be awarded 5% of any prize money garnered by owners. The ‘Gross’ prize money, visible at the top of race cards on the Racing Post website, encompasses all prize money allocated among owners, trainers, and jockeys. The ‘owner’s percentage’ stands at approximately 78% for a win and fluctuates between 83-87% for a placing, depending on the specific position achieved. It’s important to note that Global Bloodstock Business imposes a 10% commission on the gross prize money earned. Payments are typically disbursed in December.

How can I collect payments?

Owners’ statements are generated on a yearly basis in December, providing a summary of each owner’s financial account. If an account involves the proceeds from the sale of horses through sales houses, payments are dispatched once the sales proceeds have been received. This process may take a minimum of 6 weeks for the payments to be sent and cleared.

Am I liable for VAT payments?

No, payments made by owners to Global Bloodstock Business do not incorporate VAT. Global Bloodstock Business handles any necessary VAT payments on behalf of owners and subsequently seeks reimbursement if applicable.

Do owners receive winners’ prizes?

Certainly. Global Bloodstock Business manages the allocation of winners’ prizes among the present winning owners at the racecourse. Our goal is to ensure equitable distribution of trophies, photos, champagne, and race DVDs among owners within each syndicate throughout the season. The assignment of ‘Pattern race’ trophies is at the discretion of Global Bloodstock Business, with some being perpetual and required to be returned to the racecourse.

What occurs upon the retirement of your horses from racing?

Decisions regarding retirement are collaboratively made with the trainer, prioritizing the best interests of the horse. When a horse retires from racing, it is expected that owners will retain ownership until a suitable home is identified. We, along with our trainers, have established connections with reputable ‘Retraining of Racehorses’ organizations to facilitate the transition of these horses into caring homes, ensuring they enjoy a fulfilling life after their racing career. If a horse sustains a career ending injury, there is a duty of care attached to the horse by the owners. After the horse has received the treatment and recuperation it requires, Global Bloodstock Business will then endeavour to find the horse, a happy home to spend its retirement from racing, as soon as possible.

Is it possible to register ownership under a company name?

Certainly, it is allowed.

What are the risks of buying a share?

Horses are living, breathing, fragile animals and no guarantees can ever be made about the outcome of an investment in bloodstock, racehorse ownership. Most investments lose money, some break even, a few are profitable, and a select few are extremely profitable. We are here to provide a marketplace to make investing safe, secure and fun, but we are not removing the risk from bloodstock, racehorse ownership.

Who can buy shares?

Anyone over the age of 18 from a qualifying jurisdiction can purchase shares, as long as their investments do not exceed 10 % of their annual income or 10 % of total assets.

Can I buy more shares in a horse once I’ve already invested?

Yes, if there are still shares available, you’re welcome to purchase more. The only limit is that your total active investments through Global Bloodstock Business should not exceed 10 % of your annual income or total assets.