`OWNERSHIP`
The majority of horses trained by Bart Cummings are home-bred or selected by himself as young horses at the yearling sales. As a trainer with his own self-managed property, he is then able to control their diet, exercise and education while they mature to racing age.
Do you own a rising star ?
Why not give it every chance in town by sending it to Bart Cummings. You are welcome to have your horse trained by Bart once it passes his rigorous examination of pedigree, conformation and past performance. Bart was able to improve Rogan Josh from a 2nd in the Perth Cup to a Melbourne Cup winner in 1999, his 11th Melbourne Cup in 34 years.
What type of horses are available ?
Bart Cummings offers horses for sale which are sourced from the major auctions or bred through his own Princes Farm program. The horses are ready for sale as yearlings or two-year-olds, and older experienced racehorses are also available from time to time. See our Horses Available section. All of the horses available pass veterinary inspections, both x-ray and clinical.
Three main avenues of ownership:
Sole ownership – you may wish to purchase a horse outright, this is most commonly done by thoroughbred breeders who wish to maintain ownership beyond the racetrack, or by families who wish to race a horse together.
Partnerships – can be created when a group of people choose to race a horse together and divide the 100% ownership into various percentages, or by creating a syndicate when the number totals more than ten people, i.e. “The Green & Gold syndicate”. Many stable clients join together to race horses together to share the costs as well as the fun and prize money.
Syndicates – are available when shares are offered by a licenced person as per ASIC and racing regulations, which form a structured partnership to protect the individuals who may meet for the first time. This is a popular method in owning a share in a racehorse which reduces your costs as well as the administration and selection of the horse being managed for you. See www.kingthoroughbreds.com.au for horse syndicates trained by Bart Cummings.
What are our ongoing costs for training a racehorse ?
Once an interest in a racehorse has been procured, the owner is then responsible for the ongoing costs of his or her interest. Training costs are calculated on a monthly basis and generally include training fees, agistment or spelling fees, farrier, dentist, veterinary and medication fees, transportation, staff, track fees, supplements etc. The monthly fees can vary depending on the stage of training, for example, two-year-olds usually cost less in the first year while horses contesting races incur the most fees. We recommend budgeting $3,000 per month (or $300 per 10% interest) in the first year, and $4,000 per month (or $400 per 10% interest) in the following years, all costs averaged over the year.
What returns can I expect from owning a racehorse ?
Prize money is paid out as per ownership percentage, less the standard deduction for the trainer and jockey, which is 10% and 5% respectively. Sydney and Melbourne Metropolitan races are typically worth $65 - 70,000 in total, with 60% to the winner, 20% for 2nd placing, 10% for 3rd, 5% for 4th and 5th with a $200 rebate for unplaced horses in NSW. Bonus schemes operate in most states and pay prize money on certain races, which is in addition to the prize money paid by the clubs. For example, BOBS in NSW pays two and three-year-olds $25,000 for a Metropolitan win, $12,500 for a mid-week and $5,000 for a provincial win, with 80% paid to the owners. Super Vobis in Victoria pays two, three and four-year-olds for a Metropolitan win $30,000 which is divided between 1st, 2nd and 3rd place-getters, with 45%, 13% and 6.5% respectively paid to owners.
The residual value of a racehorse will depend on the sex and age of the horse when it has finished racing, and of course it's racing record and pedigree. A filly or mare will have broodmare residual and the options will be for the owners to breed from her themselves, arrange a private sale or sell her through the monthly sales auctions. The owners will receive a greater return by ensuring she is in foal before selling. A gelding's options may include a future racing career in the country or overseas, or alternatively, a future in equestrian arena as thoroughbreds are in great demand for the sport. A stallion may have a career at stud in Australia or overseas.
We are available to answer any further questions you may have on 02 9662 4511 or racebart@bigpond.net.au and ask for Veronica.
