I take my hat off to owners...

One of the regulars at the rooms has a share in a horse in PE. I took at look at owning horses many years ago and decided I could have more fun wasting my money on wine women and song, not necessarily in that order. This guy was telling us that he now pays a pro-rata portion of SIX THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED RAND and that is just for keep on his horse! I was amazed. The ratios have got worse since I had a look at this ownership in the mid Eighties. I take my hat off to the many owners out there, it does seem that fools and their money are easily parted! Anyone of sane mind would run a hundred miles. Vanity does not know its price it seems!

It's a fair comment and if you included the vets and go the breeding route be prepared for "open wallet surgery" that u may never recover from.

Dave I forgot to say that the Vat still needs to be added. You are right, after the "extras" are added he says there is little change from eight grand. And that is without any problems! All the best to owners, I cannot see how these prices can be justified.

Over the Air wrote: Dave I forgot to say that the Vat still needs to be added. You are right, after the "extras" are added he says there is little change from eight grand. And that is without any problems! All the best to owners, I cannot see how these prices can be justified.

there is no greater feeling in the world than when your horse crosses the line first and the joy and happiness it brings lasts for a very long time ,,,

[/quote] there is no greater feeling in the world than when your horse crosses the line first and the joy and happiness it brings lasts for a very long time ,,,[/quote]

Pirates this feeling must have magical effects when I see the number of owners around. Good luck to them, who am I to question what they do with their cash? With two kids at varsity any aspirations I may have had of owning a horse are dead, but at that price I would keep my hands in my pockets!

If you do not have a Jooste, van Niekerk, Shirtliff type owner in your yard it must be tough for trainers to survive. I cannot see a waiting list of owners at current prices, maybe I am wrong?

to look after a horse "properley" costs money, they need the best of care and that is expensive... dont go looking for deals

It is a privilige to own a racehorse and should not be entered into lightly

Bob Brogan wrote: to look after a horse "properley" costs money, they need the best of care and that is expensive... dont go looking for deals

It is a privilige to own a racehorse and should not be entered into lightly

Bob my post is not saying the costs are not valid. I am saying how do you justify them? For a video and a photo on the wall?

Over the Air wrote:

Bob Brogan wrote: to look after a horse "properley" costs money, they need the best of care and that is expensive... dont go looking for deals

It is a privilige to own a racehorse and should not be entered into lightly

Bob my post is not saying the costs are not valid. I am saying how do you justify them? For a video and a photo on the wall?

would it cost less to train an olympic athlete ? or up keep a rally car?

most owners are in it for the love of racing,the buzz of a win is the most incredible feeling.

Yes Pirates I did forget to mention it's like a line from trainspotting regarding a high " take the best sex you have ever had multiply 10 times and you are not even close" or something along theses lines .

I hear what you say OtA. But in my case, I don't have children, I love horses, grew up with horses, but don't have time to really look after one.

This is besides the fact, that indeed, if your horse finishes 1st (or even just in the top 3), or you even have a change to go into one of the big races, it gives you a feeling you never ever had before.

I spoke to a parent the other day whose kid ownes a horse and the kid rides it twice a week. I promise you, we came very close to that R 8,000 as well.

And in this case I haven't even mentioned the networking through horseracing and the friends I got because of this silly game...

Just a thought....

Over the Air wrote:

Bob Brogan wrote: to look after a horse "properley" costs money, they need the best of care and that is expensive... dont go looking for deals

It is a privilige to own a racehorse and should not be entered into lightly

Bob my post is not saying the costs are not valid. I am saying how do you justify them? For a video and a photo on the wall?

Remember if it were not for the owners there would be no Racing so if they wish to buy a horse for prestige or if just because they love the thrill of competition without that group(and obviously also the punters) we would all be card sharks I think. It is an expensive hobby but if you can afford it and limit your exposure by trying to buy into syndicates then I say please bring on more owners.

OTA, truth is that all stabling centres are full. ....
Look, Owning Racehorses has always been for the rich, not for the middle classes. It's about the passion, winning,competing, dreaming of that Champion. It either bites you or it doesn't.

As Mr.H says, syndicates and shares in horses makes it affordable to more than just the rich. And the more Owners the better for Racing.

No disgrace to admit it if the Ownership bug hasn't bitten you.