There are around 14,000 registered racehorse owners in Great Britain ranging from royalty to small Syndicates and Partnerships. Being a racehorse owner is a thrilling experience and there are five different options for those wanting to become an owner.
The five types of ownership in Britain:
For a horse to race in your name, the name of a Company, or for a Partnership, Syndicate or Racing Club, these details should first be registered online with the BHA.
To ensure there is an option for everyone, there are five different kinds of ownership and, before registering, it is important to understand which one is right for you. Below you will find a brief description of each ownership type and how to register. A flow to help you decide which ownership is right for you can also be accessed here.
If you are wishing to register as a Sole or Company owner these registration forms can be accessed via this page. Alternatively, if you are wishing to set up a Partnership, Syndicate or Racing Club these registrations can be accessed (via the links below) on the Racing Admin system. To be partner in a Partnership, or to set up a Syndicate or Racing Club you will first need to be registered as a Sole or Company owner.
In addition, any person or company with ultimate responsibility for the finances, promotion and/or management of a Syndicate or Racing Club that advertises publicly or for which they are paid to administer will need to ensure they have been approved for a licence to manage Syndicates and Racing Clubs. The application form can be accessed here.
All existing syndicators and club managers will need to ensure they have a valid licence in place by no later than 1 January 2026, however, from 1 January 2025, no new Syndicate or Racing Club application will be approved by the BHA unless the person responsible for its ownership is a fully licenced syndicator or club manager. The application form can be accessed here along with more information here.
Sole Owner
For anyone wishing to own or lease a horse outright, set up or join a Partnership or register a Syndicate or Racing Club.
Company
For companies and studs who own or lease a horse under the name of a company or business. Companies can own horses outright or within a Partnership or Syndicate.
Partnership
For two or more people who want to share the ownership of (or lease) one or more horses, and where all members of the Partnership are registered owners. Partnerships allow owners to define the percentage of each horse they own and split costs and winnings in accordance with ownership share.
If you’re already a registered owner, log onto Racing Admin to set up your Partnership. If you’re not a registered owner, apply here.
Syndicate
For people who want to share the ownership of (or lease) one or more horses. A Syndicate is managed and administered by the Syndicator/s. Only the Syndicator/s must register as a Sole/Company owner. It isn’t necessary for members of the Syndicate to register as owners.
In addition, any person or company with ultimate responsibility for the finances, promotion and/or management of a Syndicate or Racing Club that advertises publicly or for which they are paid to administer will need to ensure they have been approved for a licence to manage Syndicates and Racing Clubs. The application form can be accessed here.
If you’re already a registered owner, log on Racing Admin to set up your Syndicate. If you’re not a registered owner, apply here.
Racing Club
For people who want to pay a subscription to experience racehorse ownership. A Racing Club is managed and administered by the Club manager/s and it is the Club itself, as opposed to its members, that owns or leases the horse/s. Members pay a fee to be part of club and to enjoy some of the benefits of racehorse ownership. Only individuals who want to set up or administer a Racing Club must register as a Sole/Company owner. It isn’t necessary for members of a Racing Club to register as owners.
In addition, any person or company with ultimate responsibility for the finances, promotion and/or management of a Syndicate or Racing Club that advertises publicly or for which they are paid to administer will need to ensure they have been approved for a licence to manage Syndicates and Racing Clubs. The application form can be accessed here.
If you’re already a registered owner, log onto Racing Admin to set up your Racing Club. If you’re not a registered owner, apply here.
