Oct_110_ROA_Forum_Owner 19/09/2013 16:21 Page 76
ROA FORUM
Do you know owners who aren’t ROA members? If so, they could potentially be missing out on saving thousands of pounds through the various money-saving benefits of ROA membership. Last month’s issue referred to the ROA’s owner-sponsorship scheme, supported by Satellite Information Services (SIS), which allows members to reclaim an average of £4,000 of VAT for each horse sponsored. But the savings don’t stop there. As well as
members saving an average of £60 per year on their BHA registration fees, they can also save money by making use of the Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners (offering qualifying members* free admission to over 1,300 fixtures per year), free owners’ car park label and automatic third party liability insurance* (up to £10 million liability). They can also access exclusive
News on the move Members can keep up to date with ROA news and offers online via Twitter, by following @RacehorseOwners and @OwnerBreeder. Other ROA recommendations to follow on Twitter: @AtTheRaces and @Racing_UK @BHA Press Office – official news feed of the British Horseracing Authority @BreedersCup – racing’s world championship at Santa Anita on November 1 and 2 @ChampionsSeries – news from QIPCO British Champions’ Series @PA_Stables – news powered by the Press Association @RaceHorseTrader – commission-free way to buy and sell horses online @RacingPost – all the latest racing news and comment @RCAGoingReports – official going reports posted by 7am for that day’s racing @RPBloodstock – bloodstock news from the Racing Post
discounted hospitality packages at some of the biggest meetings in the racing calendar as well as ad hoc discounts on various other racing-related products and services. Not only that but they could even have their membership fee refunded in full if they decide to take out a household insurance policy with Hiscox through Weatherbys Hamilton. Further details on all of the money-saving benefits of membership can be found at racehorseowners.net. Therefore, if you know an owner who may benefit from membership but who is not currently a member, then the ROA would urge you to recommend them to join the association that represents their interests. If you recommend a friend, and they join, you will be sent a bottle of wine as thanks, as will the new member. To arrange delivery of your free wine please email info@roa.co.uk quoting ‘Friend’, your membership number and the name of the new member whom you have recommended to the ROA. *Full terms and conditions at racehorseowners.net
The dos and don’ts of buying at sales 1 Don’t work alone. Having the opinion of a bloodstock agent who understands the market as well as the racehorse trainer who will train the horse is invaluable. Apart from their expert advice, it is always good to have a second/third opinion. 2 Discuss your budget prior to going into the sales ring and try to stick to it. Remember, the race is out on the racecourse and there are no prizes for being first at the auction. 3 Make sure you watch him/her again in the pre-sales ring before you bid. By then your conformation notes should all be complete, and this last look is to ensure you are happy that the horse’s temperament is coping with the whole occasion. 4 You don’t have to be a fashion follower. In the vast majority of cases a stallion’s first crop of foals are by far the most expensive he will ever have. A first-season sire is very popular because no one has bought or trained a loser by him yet! That situation will soon change. 5 Don’t go for a drink in the bar until after you have bought your horse!
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EMMA BERRY
Anthony Bromley, co-director of Highflyer Bloodstock, suggests the following tips for an owner going to the sales this autumn/winter:
Anthony Bromley (right) has sound advice for members
ROA members can rest assured when purchasing yearlings and older horses at the sales that the ROA’s automatic third party liability insurance provides cover if a horse they buy causes damage or injury to a third party or their property. Cover is effective from fall of hammer, provided the intention is to start preparation for training, i.e. breaking in, following the sale. Full details and policy wording are detailed at racehorseowners.net
THOROUGHBRED OWNER & BREEDER INC PACEMAKER