Things to ask yourself before investing in a horse
If you love horse racing, then the idea of owning a racehorse is something that you have always dreamt about. Not only do you get to attend fixtures in the horse racing schedule, but you can win financial gain, should your horse win the big races. It is the ultimate gamble for a horse racing fan, where you are investing money into a solitary horse as opposed to backing favourites in various races. Basically, is like owning an NFL team, instead of betting randomly on results that don’t depend on yourself.
But, while the thought of owning a racehorse is unique, much like any bet; the essential aspect before deciding to invest is research. What issues should you look at before making the life-changing decision?
Preference
Every punter is different, and every race racing enthusiast has their preference. Some people prefer jump racing, while others prefer flat racing. The money in the latter is far superior; which in turns means that buying into a syndicate is much greater also. Jump racing is still a lucrative option, but there is also an element of danger since falling horses could run the risk of breaking a leg; effectively ending their career on the spot. The owner benefits are usually the most important factor that you should ask yourself before deciding.
Flat horses run at least twice as much as jump animals do; while the events that the best equine’s over jumps are more high-profile. For instance, horse racegoers in the United Kingdom frequently attend the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals every year, whereas the flat calendar could involve more travelling to countries such as Australia, South Africa and the USA depending on how good the horse is.
Check History
While trainers can often be taken at their word, it is also worth doing your own research to be sure that you won’t be disappointed if the horse isn’t as good as it was promised to be. You should also be prepared to check previous issues, veterinary records and claims; to ensure that the horse can reach the optimal levels that you’re hoping for.
While the vast majority of the horse racing industry is a reliable field, there are some that look for a quick income and will sell horses that have been doped to hide behavioural problems. If a horse is being sold cheaply, despite looking good on paper, there will be a reason for this, and you should try and ensure that you find the answer to this question before investing.
Be Realistic
The most important factor that potential investors should be aware of, is that nothing is guaranteed, and you shouldn’t expect immediate results. Unless you’re prepared to spend top dollar and invest in one of the leaders already in the field; then it could take a few years before you see the best from the horse that you’re investing in. You can’t expect that your horse will immediately win the Grand National or the 2000 Guineas. In truth, your horse may never even reach the standard that is required to win a race of that caliber.
Much like buying a house, the same questions need to be asked before investing in a horse. Should you want to be living the high life, and you’re buying the horse for an immediate return; then you will be looking at the top end of the market.
However, most horse racing fans are happy just to have a foot in the door of the business, and this is the perfect way to see if you are satisfied with what you get. Starting by investing small into a young up and coming horse, you will immediately gain owner privileges such as attending events; from here, you can decide whether you would like to invest further in the future.
Author: Alex Dudley
