Most people can not afford to buy a decent race horse and keep it in training and racing. However, the thrill of owning a race horse and see it winning is something that many would like to enjoy. An affordable way of joining the racehorse owning elite is by either forming or joining a racehorse syndicate. This essentially involves buying a share in a particular racehorse or racehorses. Some syndicates own and race more than one racehorse. As with everything, there is a risk involved but at least the risk is spread amongst a number of shareholders. There are advantages and disadvantages of joining a syndicate rather than buying a racehorse on your own.

• Spread your risk
• Most syndicates offer all inclusive membership fee which means that you won't have unexpected extra costs like huge vet bills
• Still enjoy the benefits of owning a race horse such as the member's only tickets reserved for the elite and racehorse owners
• Share any prize money won by the syndicate's horse or horses
• Share of sales price if horse is sold or stud fees
• Entry to open days where you can see the horse and meet the trainer and staff
• Excellent way of making contacts within the racing fraternity
• Access to proprietary information as when the horse has a good chance of winning or likely not to win (for betting purposes)
• The thrill of seeing a horse in which you have a share race, and possibly win
• Good way of learning before making the plunge of owning a racehorse on your own

• The horse won't run in your own unique racing silks
• Can't individually name a horse as the syndicate will decide upon the name
• In the hands of the syndicate management who will decide which horse(s) to purchase
• The management/trainer will decide when and where to race the horse - lack of control
• Sharing might not be everyone's cup of tea