Question 1

How do you choose your horses?

Accepted Answer

Every horse is handpicked by Mark and the team, from Australia's major yearling sales (Inglis and Magic Millions) and sometimes privately from breeders. Before we bid, each one must pass our own checks: a detailed pedigree analysis, an assessment of conformation and movement, and a full veterinary inspection, including x-rays.

We buy only five or six horses a year, chosen to race in the city, and each goes to the leading stable that suits it best. Every PDS includes an independent veterinary report on the horse.

Question 2

What does a share cost, and what's included?

Accepted Answer

Shares are offered in 2.5% portions, and you can take one share or more. The price is different for every horse, and each horse's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) breaks it down line by line, so you can see exactly where your money goes.

The share price covers your portion of the purchase price, the costs of buying and syndicating the horse, its keep from the sale until the syndicate starts, insurance for the first year, and registration fees, all including GST.

Ask us for the PDS of any horse you're interested in.

Question 3

How do I buy a share?

Accepted Answer

Start with a conversation with Mark about the horse and whether it suits you. We'll then send you the horse's PDS and a share application form.

To apply, complete the form, provide proof of identity and pay the share price by bank transfer. Your money is held in a trust account until the syndicate is fully subscribed.

Once your application is accepted, you have a 14-day cooling-off period, during which you can change your mind for a full refund.

Question 4

Can I share a share with family or friends?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A share can be held jointly, for example with your partner or a few friends. Joint holders may need to register as a small syndicate, with one person named to represent the group and look after its share of costs. We'll walk you through it.

Question 5

What are the ongoing costs?

Accepted Answer

As a guide, allow about $150 a month for a 2.5% share. This covers your share of the horse's training and upkeep: the trainer's fees, vet, farrier, transport and race entries. Costs vary from month to month, depending on whether the horse is in work, spelling or racing.

Regal Bloodstock invoices you directly, with every training and upkeep cost itemised, so you can see exactly what you're paying for.

Some costs fall outside the guide, such as entries for Group races and major vet treatment or surgery. After the first year, insurance is optional. Each horse's PDS sets out its estimated costs in full.

Question 6

How is prizemoney paid?

Accepted Answer

Prizemoney and owners' bonuses are paid straight to your nominated bank account by the racing authority, such as Racing Victoria, in proportion to your share, usually within a few weeks of the race. Regal takes no percentage of prizemoney.

Our horses are also entered in bonus schemes, such as Super VOBIS and the Inglis Race Series, which can add valuable extra payments to a win.

Question 7

Do I pay tax on prizemoney?

Accepted Answer

For most people who own a share as a hobby, prizemoney isn't taxed and costs can't be claimed as deductions. That can change if racing is run as a business, and capital gains tax may apply in some cases. Everyone's situation is different, so please speak with your accountant before buying a share.

Question 8

How often will I hear about my horse?

Accepted Answer

Every week while your horse is in work, and regularly while it's spelling. Updates come by email and phone, with photos, video and audio from the trainer, plus a pre-race briefing before every run and a full report afterwards.

We also post trackwork and trial videos on our dedicated YouTube channel for racehorse updates, and you can call Mark any time to talk about your horse.

Question 9

Can I visit my horse and go to the races?

Accepted Answer

Yes. On race day, the race club provides owners' tickets, usually up to 20 per horse, with mounting yard access before and after the race. When a club limits tickets, we ballot them fairly among the owners planning to attend. Owners of 5% or more are also named in the racebook.

You're welcome to visit your horse at the stables. Just let us know and we'll arrange a time that suits the trainer, and we hold owners' stable mornings from time to time. We also ask that questions about training come through Regal, so everyone gets the same information and the trainer can focus on the horse.

Question 10

Can I help name the horse?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the horse is unnamed when the syndicate starts, every owner can suggest names, and owners vote on a shortlist. Mark has the final say, and the name must then be approved by Racing Australia's Registrar of Racehorses.

Question 11

What colours will my horse race in?

Accepted Answer

Regal horses race in our emerald and gold silks: emerald green with gold epaulettes, armbands and cap, the Regal logo, and an emerald pom-pom.

Question 12

What happens if my horse is injured or dies?

Accepted Answer

Injuries are part of racing. If your horse is hurt, the trainer and vets look after it, and it may be given time off to recover before returning to work. We'll keep you informed at every step. If a horse can no longer race, it's retired and rehomed as described below.

Every horse is insured against death for its first year, and the cost is included in the share price. After that, insurance is optional. If an insured horse dies, the insurance payout is shared among owners in proportion to their shares, and the syndicate is wound up.

Question 13

Can I sell my share?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your circumstances change, tell us the price you'd like and we'll offer your share to the other owners first. If none of them takes it, we'll help you find a buyer, and you can also sell it yourself. You remain responsible for your share of costs until it's sold.

You can pass a share to your spouse, children, family trust or company without needing our approval.

Please keep in mind there's no guaranteed market for racehorse shares, and Regal doesn't buy shares back, so a sale may take time or be at a lower price.

Question 14

What happens when a horse retires?

Accepted Answer

When the time comes for a horse to stop racing, whether because of age, form or soundness, we talk it through with owners. Major decisions, such as selling or retiring the horse, go to an owners' vote under the syndicate agreement.

A horse may be sold to race on elsewhere or, for a colt, to stand at stud. The proceeds are shared among owners in proportion to their shares, after any costs. Regal takes no percentage of the sale price.

Horses that retire from racing are rehomed into a suitable second career or a comfortable retirement. We work with the trainer, retraining specialists and programs such as Racing Victoria's Off The Track to find the right home. Costs such as agistment and retraining are shared by owners until the horse is rehomed, and the syndicate then winds up.

Questions owners ask.

Before you buy