So, what's it like to be part of Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds?

In our new weekly series on racing syndicates, we meet those involved, get their take on the ownership experience and outline the key details should you wish to join. This week: Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds.
The lowdown
How much does a share typically cost? Brownsbarn does equity shares and a typical share purchase is around ten per cent. For example, buying into its horse Batal Dubai, who has 25 per cent shares available, you can buy 10 per cent for £4,750 and monthly fees are £400 per month.
What does it get you? You get owner's badges and the syndicate also runs events including a Cheltenham preview night and a Breeders' Cup party. If you own a bigger share, you can add your name to the racecard.
Typically how many others are there in each horse? Syndicates vary from six to 20 people. "We like to keep them personal," one of its co-owners George Allen says. "We want everyone to know each other so we can have a good bit of camaraderie. It's like a big family."
Do syndicate members get tickets every time their horse runs? The syndicate has never had issues getting tickets.
How do you communicate with members? Each horse has its own Whatsapp group where voice notes and videos will come from the trainer. Another co-founder Charlie Allen also previews the race alongside video comments from jockeys post-race.
How often do members get to see their horses at home? They have an open door trainers policy, but message George, Charlie or Thomas Allen [other co-founder] with a couple of days' notice. They also run private tours for people wanting to get involved.
Which type of horse does the syndicate like to buy? "With those in training, we want to find an improvement angle and where there might be a bit of upside," Allen says. "With yearlings we look at ones that look lovely physically and we can have a bit of fun with."

What success has the syndicate had? A fair bit. Each horse they have had with James Owen won, including Ballytechno over hurdles at Ascot in October, while Flat horse Batal Dubai won at Lingfield on New Year's Eve.
Is there any chance of a return on investment? "We always tell people they buy into a leisure hobby investment," Allen says. "We want to take people on a racing journey."
How many horses and members do you have at the moment? 50 owners and five horses currently.
Where is the syndicate based? Newmarket, but hopes to have horses in Ireland too.
Which trainers does Brownsbarn use? "We've horses with Harry Eustace, James Horton, James Owen and Jack Morland. We try to focus on ambitious trainers who are very accommodating," said Allen. They have also used George Boughey and Kevin Philippart de Foy and would do so again.
More information can be found at www.brownsbarnthoroughbreds.com
The experience
Brownsbarn Thoroughbreds syndicate member and owner of the Sheephaven Bay pub, Camden, Pat Logue, 62

When did you first get involved with the syndicate? I met Charlie a couple of years ago through work and he said to me he'd set up a syndicate and asked if I was interested. After a while I decided to take the plunge.
How many shares have you had with them? I've five shares in all of the horses and had a further three before, and I was involved in all four of the winners for James Owen.
What's been the biggest highlight on track? Lifting the trophy at Ascot with Ballytechno was fantastic and another one with James Owen was when Coolnaugh Haze was leading coming down the hill at Cheltenham. He didn't stay, but it was a thrill.
And biggest disappointment? When Coolnaugh Haze retired. It was sad because the boys thought a lot of him, but disappointments don't last – you get up and go again.
What do you like about the way they do ownership? It's very intimate and hands-on. You're treated the same way no matter what percentage you own. For me, I took some of the regulars to the races and even old boys in the pub look out for your horse. We'll all go back to the Sheephaven Bay afterwards, win, lose or draw!
How do you find sharing ownership with strangers? I'm a publican mixing with real estate agents and farmers. It doesn't matter which walk of life you're from, we all have the same goal of enjoying watching the horse running and having a great time.
How can racecourses improve the experience for syndicate members? For bigger syndicates, the one thing I'd like to see is if members can't get into the owners area, then they should get a discounted entry in the racecourse.
Read more from the Join The Club series. . .
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