Ascot celebrates racehorse syndicate ownership across two-day meeting

Syndicate ownership will be celebrated at Ascot on Friday and Saturday during the inaugural Discover Racehorse Ownership weekend.

A parade of horses from Middleham Park Racing, Heart of the South Racing and Dare to Dream will take place at the Berkshire course on Saturday morning, with a total of 20 syndicates advertising what they offer at stalls.

They include Kim Bailey Racing, which sponsors the introductory hurdle (2.05) on Friday, a race in which the Andoversford trainer runs smart prospect Mr Grey Sky.

Peter Kerr, partnership manager for Kim Bailey Racing, said: “We’re really looking forward to being part of this new initiative at Ascot. Racehorse ownership comes in so many different ways and it’s important for the industry to educate those engaged in the sport and those who may want to take that interest further by becoming an owner.

“Not only will we be exhibiting over both days and sponsoring a race, we will also parade our exciting unnamed three-year-old Schiaparelli gelding on Saturday who is being syndicated.”

Kim Bailey: runs Mr Grey Sky in a race sponsored by the trainer's racing clubCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Racehorse Owners Association has designated races on each day, while the penultimate race on Friday – the inthepaddock.co.uk Handicap Chase – references Great British Racing’s guide to shared ownership.

Charlie Liverton, chief executive of the ROA, said: “Syndicates are very important to the health of British racing, not just today but in the future. The benefits shared ownership bring to the industry are well known and understanding how we can meet the expectations of syndicate members is crucial.

“Importantly we know from our research that if the syndicate experience is positive, then these tentative steps normally result in owners owning more shares in more horses.

Syndicates in the spotlight – news special

“The popularity of the two days at Ascot shows many syndicates are determined to be transparent, inclusive and find enjoyable ways of allowing people to experience the unique thrill of ownership.”

Ascot open its Sunflower Lawn – a quiet, alcohol-free space on the Grundy and Bustino Lawn – at the meeting with the Animal Health Trust, Injured Jockeys Fund, Racing Together, Racing Welfare and Retraining of Racehorses also represented at the course.

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