The ROA Trainer Pack Keeping owners owning longer
Contents Foreword Owner Registrations Syndication Leasing Sponsorship & VAT Discounted BHA Fees Raceday Owners Jackpot Owner Communications & Attracting New Owners Member Offers & Discounts Retiring Your Horse
Keep your owners for longer Registered owners that are ROA members stay in ownership for 6.5 years, compared to 4.7 years for non-members*
Why? ● ● ● ● ●
20% discount on over 30 BHA fees Owner-sponsorship scheme Free racecourse admission schemes for ALL owners Automatic third party liability insurance scheme Weekly £2,000 Owners Jackpot to be won by members
Read on to quickly learn how you can save your owners money and keep them longer.
*National Racehorse Owners Survey, 2016
Do you want to know how to keep your owners for longer? Foreword
Let’s face it, it’s in everyone’s interests to keep owners as owners. That’s why we’ve worked with trainers and the NTF to put together a practical guide to improve owner retention. You’re busy so the guide is designed to be unashamedly ‘no-nonsense’ and easy to read. Publication of this ROA Trainer Pack follows the largest ever survey of racehorse owners, conducted 2016 as a joint project between the Racehorse Owners Association and the British Horseracing Authority. You may have already seen some of the fascinating findings, especially those relating to trainers. Interestingly, poor trainer experiences were second only to inconsistent racecourse experience as the top reason for owners leaving the sport. As the representative body for racehorse owners, we plan to tackle this head-on by supporting trainers to deliver the best possible ownership experience for all. Another key statistic to take away from the survey was that the average ownership duration for an ROA member was 6.5 years compared to 4.7 years for a non-member. Racehorse ownership provides unrivalled enjoyment for several thousand individuals, and a core aim of the ROA is to maximise that experience for all owners, whether in sole or co-ownership. We hope this ROA Trainer Pack provides you with the tips and tools to support us on our joint-mission to keep owners in ownership. I trust this pack proves to be a valuable resource in your office, and hope that you will encourage your owners to join the ROA in an effort to keep them involved in the sport for many years to come. Thanks to the NTF and all those trainers who submitted feedback on the pilot version of this Pack. We view this Trainer Pack as a working resource and therefore welcome any additional feedback from you and your staff. Please do contact us if you have any suggestions on ways that we could further support you and your owners.
Charlie Liverton ROA Chief Executive
roa.co.uk Foreword
Foreword
Owner Registrations 1 V2
What do we do? The ROA provides resources such as downloadable document templates, leaflets and information packs to aid the initial registration and ongoing administration processes between trainers and their owners. It is often down to the trainer not only to sell racehorse ownership but to undertake the majority of the initial administration on their owner’s behalf. Owners currently have the following registration options: ● Sole Ownership After registering as an owner that person will own their horse 100% and it will run in his or her name and colours. All costs and profits will go to that sole owner. Register as an owner at britishhorseracing.com/regulation/ownership/become-an-owner ● Company A company can register as an Owner, owning horses 100%. The horse will be in the sole ownership of the company and the company’s shareholders. Companies can also be an entity within a Partnership or Syndicate. The company must appoint a registered agent to act on its behalf. ● Partnership For two or more people who want to share the ownership of 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. Register a partnership via www2.racingadmin.co.uk ● Syndicate For people who want to share the ownership of 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. Register a syndicate via www2.racingadmin.co.uk ● 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 the horse/s. 1.1 V2
Owner Registrations
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. Register a Racing Club via www2.racingadmin.co.uk Contact Weatherbys on 01933 440077 or email ownershipdesk@weatherbys.co.uk for assistance when registering any types of ownership.
Racing Admin New and existing owners now have access to the enhanced Racing Admin system, where a newly designed, intuitive ownership portal enables them to manage their ownerships online. It also facilitates free access to a number of enhanced features such as the ability to search the race programme. New registrations, including syndicates, sponsorships and colours, are handled through the portal which will not only mean the process is more user friendly, but also ensures swifter turnaround time between submitting the forms and the approval of applications. Owners should visit www2.racingadmin.co.uk and login with their email address and password (created at the time they registered as an owner). There is also an online suite of help, the Owners’ Toolkit, which provides answers to a host of frequently asked questions for new owners. The toolkit can be accessed at britishhorseracing.com/regulation/ownership/become-an-owner
Did you know?
Re-registration fees for new and existing owners have been realigned to one date per annum. This reduces the drip feeding of charges and correspondence received by owners throughout the year.
Owner Registrations
1.2 V2
So ownership registration is complete, now what?
Authority to Act Your owners need to give you Authority to Act to enable you to complete tasks such as entering and declaring a horse on their behalf. This authorisation is normally completed as part of an initial owner registration, but can be completed separately via the Racing Admin website.
Sponsorship & VAT registration Check if your owners are VAT registered so that they can reclaim their VAT through sponsorship for their racing activities. See the Sponsorship and VAT section for further information on how to register.
Colours If your owner(s) do not have racing colours already registered then they can register their chosen design via the Racing Admin system. Once an application has been accepted their colours can be ordered from several suppliers. ROA members receive a discount on racing colours from some suppliers, see page 9.2 for further information. For details of registration fees, which are discounted by 20% for ROA members, see the ‘Discounted BHA Fees’ section.
1.3 V2
Owner Registrations
Training Agreement As part of the initial ownership registration processes the ROA recommends that owners and trainers discuss in full the costs that are associated with having a horse in training. This discussion should cover what is included in the basic training fee and what the extras are, amongst other terms and conditions. From this discussion a Training Agreement should be drawn up and signed by both parties. The Rules of Racing require that there is some form of contract between the owner and trainer setting out the terms agreed by both parties, the agreement must cover at least the following: ● The basic training fee (expressed as an amount payable by week or by calendar month); ● All other regular expenses (such as gallop fees, shoeing costs and the like); ● The extent of the Licensed Trainer's authority to incur any additional charges or expenses for the account of the owner (such as veterinary fees); ● Provision for variation to be made as to any of the matters specified in Paragraphs 3.1 to 3.3 and for proper notification of variation; ● The time and method of payment by the owner; ● Any provision for a Trainer's lien; ● Any matter as to training agreements which is required by a code of conduct issued under Rule 87; ● And such other matters as the Authority may from time to time direct. We appreciate that thinking about this may feel like the last thing you or your owners want to think about in the midst of their excitement of acquiring their first racehorse. However, a document that is agreed and signed by both parties can safeguard the interests of both parties and provide transparency on what is expected on both sides. The ROA template has been drawn up in conjunction with the National Trainers Federation (NTF) and complies with current BHA rules. It can be downloaded from roa.co.uk.
Did you know? A new version of the ROA/NTF Training Agreement was released in August 2017. Download the latest template from roa.co.uk/templates
Owner Registrations
1.4 V2
1.5 V2
Owner Registrations
Syndication 2 V2
What do we do? Provide information resources and syndicate agreement templates for owners looking to join or set up a racing syndicate. We also provide automatic Third Party Liability Insurance as a benefit of ROA membership, which covers any ownership interest, however small.
An increasing number of trainers are now offering their owners the option to get involved in managed syndicates or racing clubs, making ownership more accessible and affordable for a wider range of people. Syndicate ownership can enhance an owner’s enjoyment of racing as, for a more limited financial investment when compared with sole ownership, members can often have a heightened social experience with their co-owners without the administrative hassle. The ROA is currently working with the BHA to create guidelines to assist syndicate managers. Further information will be published later in 2018.
Did you know?
More than 60% of racehorses trained in Britain are raced in some form of co-ownership.
The current co-ownership options are: ● Partnership ● Syndicate ● Racing Club For further details on how to register these types of ownership please see the ‘Owner Registrations’ chapter.
2.1 V2
Syndication
Did you know?
All new Partnerships, Syndicates and Racing Clubs need to be registered via the recently upgraded Racing Admin system at www2.racingadmin.co.uk
Syndicate Agreement The ROA recommends that members of a syndicate sign up to a syndicate agreement, to ensure all members are clear on all aspects of costs, factional interests, duration of the syndicate, liability and management. Template agreements, guidance on points to consider and a list of solicitors with racing industry knowledge can be found at roa.co.uk. Your owners can find further information on the different types of ownership, and the pros and cons of each, within the ROA’s Guide to Ownership at roa.co.uk
Syndicate Code of Conduct During 2017 the BHA introduced the Syndicate Code of Conduct, which has now been subsumed into the Rules of Racing (Rule 73E). The Code applies to all registered syndicates where either: a) The syndicate is managed or administered by a Syndicator who receives payment in relation to their role, and/or b) the method(s) of attracting participation in the syndicate include invitations to the public, whether by way of advertisement or otherwise Please see Rule 73E, Schedule 6, for full details of the Code. The Rules of Racing can be accessed via rules.britishhorseracing.com
Syndication
2.2 V2 16
In The Paddock At the end of 2016 a new website was launched by Great British Racing (GBR) to promote the thrill of co-ownership. The website offers a range of search functions to find UK based shared racehorse ownership options to suit all pockets. Visitors are able to search for racing clubs and syndicates to suit them using the search function which filters results by cost and payment terms, location, their jump or flat preference, as well as the average number of club members and the numbers of horses in training. They are then able to view the club or syndicate’s unique online profile where they can find out more about what is offered and get in touch with the Syndicator directly. For more information visit inthepaddock.co.uk
2.3 V2
Syndication
Leasing 3 V1
What do we do? Provide information resources for owners who are interested in leasing a racehorse.
Owners who do not want the financial outlay of a horse purchase, but who would like the enjoyment of seeing a horse run in their colours over a set period of time may consider leasing. This can have benefits for the legal owner/ lessor too, as the lessee takes on the costs of the horse during the lease period. It is important that an agreement is made between the lessor and lessee with regard to the lease period, prize money split, if any, and any exceptional costs that may remain the lessor’s during the period. ‘Points to consider and an example of a lease agreement can be found at roa.co.uk
Did you know?
Owners can take out a Single Race Lease enabling a horse to run in their colours for one race only, perhaps for a special occasion. Registration of the agreement must take place before the horse is declared to run, a registration form can be obtained from Weatherbys.
3.1 V1
Leasing
Sponsorship and VAT 4 V2
What do we do? The ROA provides sponsorship for members’ horses under the SIS Owner-Sponsorship Scheme, making members eligible to register for and reclaim VAT on their racing expenses. We also provide help and advice which allows owners to maximise the benefits of the valuable owner-sponsorship scheme.
How much can be saved? With the cost of keeping a horse in training in the region of £18,500 to £23,000 a year, an owner can expect to reclaim around £3,700 to £4,600. This doesn’t take into account the VAT element on a horse’s purchase price. VAT can be recovered on most types of racing expenditure, including: ● ● ● ● ●
Purchase price of the horse(s) Training fees Transport fees Veterinary fees Jockey fees
This is just a small selection of common expenses incurred, many more expenses can be claimed for. Contact the BHA VAT Helpdesk at Weatherbys on 01933 440077 or email bhavathelpdesk@weatherbys.co.uk if you have a query about expenses.
Did you know?
Results of the ROA Ownership Costs survey for horses-in-training during 2015 can be viewed and downloaded from roa.co.uk
4.1 V2
Sponsorship and VAT
Where to start? Before the owner can register for VAT (see more on page 27), their horses must be covered by a sponsorship agreement. ● The sponsorship agreement can be the owner’s own company, a yard sponsorship or another third party. A minimum sponsorship payment of £300 (+ VAT if applicable) per horse per annum must be received by the owner. If more than 10 horses are covered by the agreement, the payment must be a minimum of £100 (+ VAT if applicable). ● If the owner is a member of the ROA they can apply to have their horse sponsored by the SIS Owner-Sponsorship scheme, or you can apply for the scheme on your owner’s behalf. The sponsor’s logo will need to be displayed on at least one of the following owner’s sites: ● Owner’s colours (chest and/or collar) ● Attendant’s clothing (jackets, t-shirts, caps) ● Rugs and sheets It is a BHA requirement that logos are displayed on AT LEAST one branding site. Sponsors may request that logos are worn on more than one site. Owners and trainers should refer to their sponsorship contract to be clear where they are expected to display the logos. Please refer to the Sponsorship Code of Conduct on the ROA website for details of branding sites and their dimensions. The ROA/SIS Owner-Sponsorship Scheme provides sponsorship for any horse in training that is owned 100% by ROA members. So for a horse to be covered it has to meet one of three qualifying criteria: ● Be owned in Sole Ownership by a current ROA member ● Be owned in a registered Syndicate where all named Syndicators are ROA members ● Be owned in a Partnership where all owners are ROA members The sponsorship period will be one year, and once accepted the horse will need to carry the SIS logos on the chest and collar of the owners’ colours every time the horse runs. It’s as simple as that – SIS will pay the £100 payment* to owners once their horse is accepted onto the scheme, saving trainers and owners’ businesses money!
*£10 paid upon acceptance onto the scheme, remaining £90 paid at the end of the Sponsorship Period providing the horse has run at least once in Great Britain.
Sponsorship and VAT
4.2 V2
Renewing sponsorship Sponsorship contracts should cover a minimum period of 12 months, up to a maximum of five years. A fee will be applied to the owner’s Weatherbys or BHA account at the time an agreement is renewed. ROA members receive a 20% discount on this fee, please see the Discounted BHA Fees chapter for further information.
Did you know? Trainers who offer their own yard sponsorship will be liable for sponsorship payments to owners of at least £100 per horse, per annum (for 10 or more horses, fewer than 10 horses on a sponsorship scheme will incur greater sponsorship payments). By encouraging your owners to make use of the ROA’s SIS Owner-Sponsorship scheme, you could save money!
4.3 V2
Sponsorship and VAT
Registering for VAT In order for owners to recover their VAT, they must first become VAT registered. The process is slightly different depending on the type of ownership that the owner is involved in.
1. Individuals Individuals will need to register for VAT as a Sole Proprietor. They must own at least 50% of any horse they wish to reclaim VAT for. If an individual owns less than 50%, they must join with another part-owner to have a combined minimum share of 50% (see ‘Partnerships’, below). Forms to be completed: ● D1 ● VAT1
2. Companies Companies must own at least 50% of any horse they wish to reclaim VAT for. A company may register under the Racehorse Owners VAT Scheme, or extend their existing VAT number to include their horseracing activities. Forms to be completed: ● D1 ● VAT1 (if registering) OR ● A copy of the Company’s VAT Registration Certificate will be required along with the D1 in the event of an extension of an existing VAT number.
3. Syndicates Syndicates need to register for VAT using the same Syndicate name that is registered with Weatherbys. They must own at least 50% of any horse they wish to reclaim VAT for. Forms to be completed: ● D2 ● VAT1 ● VAT2
4. Partnerships Owners in a Partnership may join together, but must own a combined minimum share of at least 50% of any horse they wish to reclaim VAT for. For Example: Mr Smith, Mrs Smith and Mr Jones each own 33.3% in a horse. At least two of them must register for VAT together e.g. Mr and Mrs Smith. Forms to be completed: ● D2 ● VAT1 ● VAT2 The relevant forms must be completed by the owner(s) themselves. In the case of D2 applications, one of the registered syndicators or owners must complete the forms, and ALL partners involved in the application must be declared on the D2. Each of these partners will be required to sign a section of the VAT2. Sponsorship and VAT
4.4 V2
Completing the D1/D2 and the VAT1 forms 1.
Request a D1/D2 form from the BHA VAT Helpdesk at Weatherbys on 01933 440077, or email bhavathelpdesk@weatherbys.co.uk 2. The owner, or syndicator, should complete the D1/D2 form and post back to Weatherbys for authorisation. 3. Weatherbys will return the authorised D1/D2 to the owner, or other stated address, along with the relevant HMRC forms. 4. The owner, or syndicator, should complete the VAT1 form as follows:
Question No. Answer 1
Sole Proprietor: Name of individual registering. Partnerships: The Syndicate or Partnership name (or names of owners if less than 100%)
2
Leave blank
3
Leave blank
4
Leave blank if NOT registering as an individual. Tick ‘no’, if registering as an individual.
5
Complete the owner’s contact details, or contact details for the Syndicate (normally first registered syndicator).
6
The business activities are ‘Racehorse Ownership’
7
Tick ‘yes’ if the owner is involved in any other business in the UK and complete the business details, including VAT number. This applies for ALL partners involved in a D2 registration.
8
Complete the bank details where VAT payments should be made.
9
Tick ‘No’
10
Leave blank
11
Leave blank
12
Leave blank
13
Tick ‘yes’ then tick ‘My turnover is below the current registration threshold but I want to register now’. The ‘date you wish to be registered from’ should be entered as the date stamped by Weatherbys on the D1/D2 form.
14
Leave blank
15
Leave blank
16
Leave blank
17
Leave blank
18
Leave blank
19
Tick ‘yes’ and write ‘Due to the nature of racehorse ownership’.
20
Write £5,000.
21
Tick ‘no’
22
Tick ‘no’, and ‘no’.
23
Complete the details of the applicant (the person who completed the D1/D2).
24
Applicant signature and date. Capacity: D1 – proprietor, D2 - partner
4.5 V2
Sponsorship and VAT
5. The completed VAT1 form should be sent, along with the completed D1 or D2 (and VAT2) to: HM Revenue & Customs Crown House Birch Street Wolverhampton West Midlands WV1 4JX If the owner is located outside of the UK, and has no UK VAT agent, their application should be sent to: HM Revenue & Customs Ruby House 8 Ruby Place Aberdeen AB10 1ZP The applicant will receive a certificate of VAT registration, detailing their VAT number, once the registration has been processed by HMRC. The owner can then submit quarterly returns via the HMRC website. Weatherbys require a copy of this Certificate of Registration, to allow for VAT to be correctly applied to the owner’s account. Owners should keep copies of ALL invoices and receipts, for a minimum of four years, should HMRC require them for auditing purposes.
How much does it cost? To register for VAT owners will be charged a one-off fee of £27.83 + VAT (D1), or £55.75 +VAT (D2). There is also an additional, annual charge of £39.25 + VAT which is applied to all owners/partnerships for the administration of VAT on elements such as prize-money, entry fees etc. These fees are discounted by 20% for ROA members.
Weatherbys Services Weatherbys offers advice on all elements of the Racehorse Owners VAT Scheme. Weatherbys Bank also offers a VAT accountancy service, where they will submit VAT returns to HMRC on your owner’s behalf. If any of your owners take up this service it is worth noting that copies of your monthly training invoices will need to be forwarded to Weatherbys. Contact them on 01933 440077 to find out more.
Sponsorship and VAT
4.6 V2
4.7 V2
Sponsorship and VAT
Discounted BHA Fees 5 V2
What do we do? ROA members benefit from a 20% discount on most BHA registration fees, representing an annual saving of around £75 for an average owner, with trainers likely to benefit further due to increased registrations in their name. How to obtain the discount ● ROA membership must be held under the same name as the registered ownership at the time the registration fees apply - discounts cannot be applied retrospectively. ● Syndicates receive the full discounts provided that 51 per cent or more of the named syndicators are members of the ROA. When a registration fee is incurred by an ROA member, or a Syndicate where at least 51% of the named syndicators are members, the 20% discount will be automatically and immediately applied to that member’s Weatherbys or BHA account. The discounted fees for 2018 include: Registration
Full fee
Discounted fee
Authority To Act
£63.90
£51.12
Partnership
£240.00
£192.00
Sole Owner
£98.80
£79.04
Syndicate
£373.60
£298.88
Colours (1 year)
£65.90
£52.72
Company
£933.80
£747.04
Horse Name
£103.10
£82.48
Sponsorship Agreement
£34.50
£27.60
VAT Admin
£47.10
£37.68
(per registration) (annual fee)
5.1 V2
(inc. VAT)
(inc. VAT)
Discounted BHA Fees
The table overleaf is just a small selection of over 30 fees which are subject to the 20% discount, for a full list go to roa.co.uk.
EXAMPLE 1:
New owner and ROA member with 100% of a horse-in-training Registration as a sole owner: £79.04 Registration of Authority To Act: £51.12 Registration of Colours for 1 year: £52.72 Registration of Horse Name: £82.48 Registration of Sponsorship Agreement: £27.60 Registering for VAT: £26.72 VAT Admin: £37.68
TOTAL SAVING: £89.34 EXAMPLE 2:
Syndicate where two syndicators are ROA members and are already registered Sole Owners Registration of Syndicate: £298.88 Registration of Syndicate colours for 1 year: £52.72 Registration of Sponsorship Agreement: £27.60 Registering for VAT: £53.52 VAT Admin: £37.68
TOTAL SAVING: £117.60 EXAMPLE 3:
Registered Companies A company CAN become an ROA member. The savings on BHA fees by a Company can be significant, as the following example illustrates: Registration of a Company: £747.04 Registration of Colours (1 year): £52.72 Registration of company agent: £53.52 Registration of Horse Name: £82.48 Registration of Owner Sponsorship: £27.60 Registering for VAT: £26.72 VAT Admin: £37.68
TOTAL SAVING: £256.94
(more than the cost of 1 years’ ROA Membership!)
Discounted BHA Fees
5.2 V2
Most owners who are members save around £75 per year and cumulatively owners save £500,000 during the year.
Trainer Venetia Williams confirmed:
“The 20% discount on over 30 registration fees is one of the really useful benefits in the ROA package. It’s also great to have someone on the end of a phone in the ROA office to help with questions” 5.3 V2
Discounted BHA Fees
Raceday 6 V2
What do we do? The raceday experience should be an enjoyable one, and through our dedicated Raceday Committee, made up of ROA Board and staff members, we work closely with all 60 racecourses to further improvement in facilities and provisions for your owners. We provide information and resources for owners who are planning a raceday through the Owners’ Guide to Racecourses, and we administer the ROA Gold Standard Award which recognises excellence in the owners’ raceday experience. We also manage the Raceday Curtailment Scheme, which compensates owners affected by race abandonments.
Owners’ Guide to Racecourses The full, comprehensive Owners’ Guide to Racecourses can be accessed for free via the ROA website. The Guide provides information regarding badge allocations, facilities for owners, contacts (including the racecourse photographer) and even links to a 5-day weather forecast and live traffic news for the area around a particular course.
6.1 V2
Raceday
Racecourse PASS System A new PASS system was introduced at the end of 2016, which has increased benefits for owners and their guests when they go racing, such as allowing owners to manage their complimentary badge allocation in advance, including providing passes to any guests who may be arriving independently and at a different time to the owner. The system also enables owners to communicate more effectively with the racecourse in advance of the raceday so that they can help to answer any questions and ensure the owners experience on the day is slicker. Owners are required to provide log in information for the new online services and an e-mail address. Owners e-mail addresses will not be used for any other purpose without their permission. Owners who choose not to take advantage of the online services available will continue to be able to collect the relevant allocation for each day when they present their PASS Card at the O&T entrance.
A condensed list of racecourse contacts is provided here to facilitate communications with racecourses on your owners’ behalf. Badge Allocation
Owners’ & Trainers’ Contact
Single Owners
Partnerships
Aintree
6
6
Carly Goodall 0151 522 2959 carly.goodall@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Ascot
6
6
Olivia Hills 01344 878529 olivia.hills@ascot.co.uk
Ayr
6
8
Jean Kerr 01292 294990 jkerr@ayr-racecourse.co.uk
Bangor
6
6
Jeannie Chantler 07968 963664 jchantler@bangorondeeraces.co.uk
Bath
6
8
01225 424 609
Beverley
6
6-20 (subject to availability)
Raceday
Lorna Harrison hello@beverley-racecourse.co.uk
6.2 V3
Brighton
6
8
Judy Welsh 01273 603580 jwelsh@brighton-racecourse.co.uk
Carlisle
6
6
stacey.reynolds@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Cartmel
6
6
015395 36340 info@cartmel-racecourse.co.uk
Catterick
6
6
Emma Binnian 01748 811478 info@catterickbridge.co.uk
Chelmsford City
6
8
info@chelmsfordcityracecourse.com
Cheltenham
4
4-6
Victoria Bowen-Jones victoria.bowen-jones@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Chepstow
6
6-8
Sarah Bell ownerstrainers@chepstow-racecourse.co.uk
Chester
6
6
Jeannie Chantler 07968 963664 jchantler@chester-races.com
Doncaster
6
8
Mark Edwards markedwards@doncaster-racecourse.co.uk
Epsom
6
6
Petra Gough 01372 464348 Petra.gough@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Exeter
6
6
Jade Foyle 01392 832599 jade.foyle@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Fakenham
4
6
David Hunter 01328 862388 ext 23 or mobile 07767 802206 david@fakenhamracecourse.co.uk
Ffos Las
4
6
Hanna Jones hjones@ffoslasracecourse.com
Fontwell
6
8
Henrietta Hughes 01243 543 335 hhughes@fontwellpark.co.uk
Goodwood
6
6
Nick Swannell nick.swannell@goodwood.com
Hamilton
4
6
Reception 01698 283806 enquiries@hamilton-park.co.uk
Haydock
6
6
Vikki Mason 01942 402 609
Hereford
6
8
cesling@hereford-racecourse.co.uk 01432 273560
Hexham
4
6
Lauren Dobson 01434 606881 or mobile 07807 923590 laurendobson@hexham-racecourse.co.uk
Huntingdon
6
6
Laura Pierce 01480 453373
Kelso
4
6
Fran Marshall 07771 911259 info@kelso-races.co.uk
6.3 V2
Raceday
Kempton
8
8
Beverley Frith beverley.frith@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Leicester
4
6
Nicola Freeman info@leicester-racecourse.com
Lingfield
6
8
01342 831718
Ludlow
4
6
mail@ludlowracecourse.co.uk
Market Rasen
6
6
Lisa Padbury 01673 843434 lisa.padbury@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Musselburgh
6
6
Jane Walker jwalker@eastlothian.gov.uk
Newbury
(req in advance)
(req in advance)
10
Alice White 01635 40015 or ownerstrainers@newburyracecourse.co.uk
Newcastle
6
8
Sheila Richardson ownersandtrainers@newcastle-racecourse.co.uk
Newmarket
6
8-10
Newton Abbot
6
6
Pat Masterson 01626 353235 pmasterson@newtonabbotracing.com
Nottingham
6
6
Lisa Kirkham 0870 8507634 nottingham@thejockeyclub.co.uk
Perth
6
6
Jane Young 0738 551 597
Plumpton
6
8
Linda Lawrence 01273 8903 owners@plumptonracecourse.co.uk
Pontefract
6
(req in advance)
(req in advance)
10
Richard Hammill 01977 781307 or mobile 07808 965402 richard@pontefract-races.co.uk On raceday: Polly Rodgers 0771 258 2263
Redcar
6
6
01642 484 068
Ripon
6
6
James Hutchinson 01765 530530 info@ripon-races.co.uk
Salisbury
6
6
01722 326461
Sandown
6
6
Petra Gough 01372 461219
Sedgefield
6
8
Carla Beasley and Sheila Richardson 01740 621925
Southwell
6
8
01636 814481 southwell.reception@southwell-racecourse.co.uk
Stratford
6
6
01789 267949 info@stratfordracecourse.net
Raceday
8
Sara Rose sara.rose@thejockeyclub.co.uk
6.4 V2
Taunton
6
6
Lucy Waldron info@tauntonracecourse.co.uk
Thirsk
6
6
Di Pickersgill 01845 522276
Towcester
4
8
info@towcester-racecourse.co.uk
Uttoxeter
4
6-8
Warwick
6
6
01926 405565
Wetherby
6
6
Danielle Walton 01937 582035 danielle@wetherbyracing.co.uk
Wincanton
6
6
01963 435 840
Windsor
6
8
Claire office@windsor-racecourse.co.uk
Wolverhampton
6
8
Lesley Gross 01902 390009 lesley.gross@wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk
Worcester
6
8
01905 25364
Yarmouth
6
6-8
York
6
6
Charlie Moore 07764 255500 cmoore@uttoxeter-racecourse.co.uk
Christine Colby 01493 842527 (racedays only) www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk Jane Richardson 01904 683932 jane.richardson@yorkracecourse.co.uk Owners’ Liaison Raceday after 10am: Rachel Blizzard 01904 709246 jane.richardson@yorkracecourse.co.uk
Gold Standard The ROA Gold Standard Award for racecourses was established in 2006 to recognise excellence in the owners’ raceday experience, and it has been assisting in driving up standards at racecourses across the country ever since. From the beginning of 2015 the number of Gold Standard Awards given annually has been capped at 12 tracks. These have been divided into Large and Small/Medium size racecourses, with 6 in each category being awarded the accolade. At the ROA Awards in December one course from each category will be crowned Large or Small Racecourse of the Year, with the current holders of these accolades being Bangor-On-Dee and Musselburgh (joint winners of the Small/Medium Racecourse of the Year, 2017) and Cheltenham (Large Racecourse of the Year, 2017). For further information about the Gold Standard Award see roa.co.uk 6.5 V2
Raceday
We want your owners’ feedback! Feedback from owners is essential to shape the ROA Raceday Committee’s progress with racecourses. Please encourage your owners to submit their feedback via the ROA website whenever they have a runner. Alternatively they can contact Sarah Holton on sholton@roa.co.uk or call 0207 152 0200.
Raceday Curtailment Scheme The Raceday Curtailment Scheme provides payments of £100 to any ROA member who owns at least 51% of a horse that had been due to run at a meeting that is abandoned after at least the first race has taken place. This benefit of membership was introduced with the aim of reducing the financial blow to an owner who is left disappointed that their horse is unable to race but still has incurred transport costs, both for the horse and, often, themselves. Members do NOT need to apply for this Scheme. As long as the affected owner’s ROA membership is up to date the payment will be made automatically. Full terms and conditions are available on the ROA website.
Hospitality facilities for ROA members Exclusive hospitality facilities for ROA members are available at some of the most popular race meetings in the calendar including: The Cheltenham Festival, day one and two of the Grand National Meeting at Aintree, Royal Ascot, British Champions Day and Glorious Goodwood. Details of how to book can be found at roa.co.uk
International racing Not only do we strive to improve the racecourse experience for owners in the UK, we also endeavour to assist owners with arrangements for racedays overseas. Owners going racing abroad, either with or without a runner, are encouraged to make contact with the ROA if they are unsure of arrangements such as access to the racecourse and on-site facilities for owners Information relating to specific race meetings will be posted on the ROA website. For details of hospitality facilities or special arrangements for ROA members at overseas meetings see roa.co.uk or email info@roa.co.uk Raceday
6.6 V2
6.7 V2
Raceday
Owners Jackpot 7 V2
What do we do?
The ROA runs the ROA Owners Jackpot, in association with the Racing Post, which supports grassroots racing by allocating a bonus prize of £2,000 to one Class 4, 5 or 6 race per week. Every week one Class 4 - 6 horse race in Britain will be allocated a £2,000 bonus. If the winning horse belongs to an ROA member, the extra payment is made on top of the prize-money on offer from the racecourse. As an extra bonus, all qualifying runners in an Owners Jackpot race will earn their owners a bottle of champagne!
How to qualify for the Jackpot ● Sole owners must be members of the ROA ● If the horse is registered in a Partnership at least 51% of the registered owners must be ROA members ● If the horse is registered in the ownership of a Syndicate, all named Syndicators must be ROA members Owners must have joined the ROA prior to their horse’s race being run. Jackpot prizes cannot be awarded retrospectively.
Jackpot+ In 2017 the Owners Jackpot was enhanced further to include a quarterly Owners Jackpot+ race, offering enhanced owner benefits in addition to the £2,000 bonus including: ● Travel expenses of £250 for every qualifying ROA-owned runner in the Jackpot race ● Hospitality for ROA members with or without a runner in a racecourse facility, with a complimentary drink and light refreshments (limited availability, must be booked in advance). 7.1 V2
Owners Jackpot
Did you know? During 2018 there will be an added bonus to the quarterly Jackpot+ scheme. If the trainer of a qualified Jackpot+ winner is an ROA member, a payment of £500 will also be awarded to the yard. How to enter a ‘Jackpot’ race Races that have been allocated the ROA Owners Jackpot prize will have ‘ROA Owners Jackpot’ in the race title, making them clearly identifiable when choosing races in the Racing Calendar or when making entries via the Racing Admin website. You can also check the ROA website, Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder magazine and NTF communications for details of upcoming Jackpot and Jackpot+ races. Full terms and conditions and a list of upcoming races can be found at roa.co.uk. To check a horse’s eligibility please call the office on 0207 152 0200 or email info@roa.co.uk Owners Jackpot
7.2 V2
7.1 V2
Owners Jackpot
Owner Communications and Attracting New Owners 8 V1
What do we do? The ROA provides online resources and offers advice to aid communications between trainers and their owners. We also offer promotional and advertising opportunities for trainers looking to reach more owners.
Communicating with owners The results of the recent National Racehorse Owners Survey (2016) have shown that communication with trainers is a major contributor to owners becoming involved with the sport, as well as leaving racehorse ownership.
The survey found that owners who are ROA members remain in ownership for an average of 6.5 years, compared with 4.7 years for non-members. So by encouraging your owners to become members of the ROA you could be increasing their time as an owner with you! In addition, the survey drew the following conclusions relating to owner/trainer communication: ● The most influential steps to ownership are speaking to a trainer or other owners ● Owners want more information on costs and trainers ● Trainers are approachable, but could communicate information more regularly ● Although costs and prize-money are primary lapse reasons; racecourse and trainer experience is crucial
Did you know?
29% of lapsed owners cited a poor trainer experience. (National Racehorse Owners Survey, 2016)
8.1 V1
Owner Communications and Attracting New Owners
How can you improve your owners’ experience? 1. Social It is clear that many owners get involved in horseracing to enjoy the social elements: going racing, visiting the yard, discussing plans with their trainer and other owners. You are key to enhancing this experience, and ideas for ways in which to do this include: ● Owners Events: invite your owners to events such as annual BBQ’s or get-togethers at the yard, horse parades (which can be good for selling horses too), celebration parties, racecourse functions and sales visits. ● Encourage your owners to share contact details and keep in touch with each other. ● Try using the internet and social media to communicate with your owners and to market yourself to potential new owners. Use your website and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to communicate the latest news from your yard. You could even try setting up a blog, encouraging your existing owners to follow and share your news for you. (TIP: If you are not sure where to start, or you simply don’t have time to keep social media up to date, perhaps your staff can help you?)
2. Horse Updates It goes without saying that owners should be kept in the loop, and be the first to know, of any developments or setbacks with their horse’s training program. Updates don’t have to be confined to phonecalls and emails about the latest entries, declarations or vet bills, you could try: ● Picture messages e.g. the horse enjoying a pick of grass or standing up for a weekly inspection. ● Video clips e.g. doing a piece of work on the gallops or having a wash down on a hot day. ● Text messages e.g. sharing a funny anecdote or incident. It’s important to determine what type of communication is preferred by each owner, and how often they expect to hear from you so that you can match or exceed your owner’s expectations.
Did you know? Weatherbys offer a text messaging service which can alert owners to important information relating to their horse(s). Owners can opt to receive a message when an entry is made, or their horse’s rating changes. Content can be tailored according to personal preferences, e.g. going changes, race time changes, advising of forfeit stages. A free trial period of this service is available for ROA members, for further information see roa.co.uk. Owner Communications and Attracting New Owners
8.2 V1
Attracting New Owners The ROA is always keen to support trainers who are looking to attract more owners to their yard, especially those trainers who mutually support the ROA.
Online We recommend that all trainer websites should have some information to guide and assist prospective new owners. Template information is available to download from roa.co.uk and all trainers are invited to post this onto their websites. Trainers are also encouraged to refer owners to the ROA website for further information where necessary.
Social Media Social media can be a great way to promote yourself and attract new owners. Please follow the ROA on Twitter (@RacehorseOwners) and Facebook (@RacehorseOwnersUK) for our latest news, and copy us in to your posts about racehorse ownership.
Open Day support The ROA can provide support to trainers who arrange Owner Open Days. In particular, we will support trainers who are members of the ROA, and those trainers who encourage their owners to join the ROA, when they arrange an Open Day for owners. The ROA can do this by providing support as follows: ● ● ● ● ●
Advertising in an Open Day brochure or programme Including details on the ROA website Promoting the event on social media Offering tips and suggestions on how to make the day a success Where possible, we will arrange for an ROA representative to attend
8.3 V1
Owner Communications and Attracting New Owners
Other advertising Other ways to reach more ROA members could be through paid-for advertising in publications such as:
Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners Participating Fixtures booklet This booklet is sent out to over 4,000 ROA members and current racehorse owners at the beginning of each calendar year. It is a valuable member resource, and one that many members keep and refer to it over the course of the year for information on fixtures that they may attend through the Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners. Trainers may book pages within the booklet to be used to advertise their yard and training services.
Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder magazine This popular publication is sent out to all members of the ROA as well as all members of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association (TBA) and independent subscribers. Current circulation is certified at an average of 9,500 copies per month. Trainers may book advertising space within the magazine. Trainers who are members of the NTF can book advertising in these publications at a discounted rate. For further information please contact Giles Anderson on 01380 816777 or email ga@anderson-co.com
Owner Communications and Attracting New Owners
8.4 V1
8.5 V1
Owner Communications and Attracting New Owners
Member Offers and Discounts 9 V1
What do we do? We secure discounts and offers on several products and services in the horseracing industry on behalf of members.
As well as the 20% discount on BHA registration fees there are a number of other money-saving offers that are available to ROA members, including:
● Members Club (Ultimate) – 12 months for the price of 9
(£195 save £65)
● Racing Post for iPad Daily Edition – 12 months for the price of 9
(£269.91 save £89.97)
● Racing Post Photos – 33% off prints and gifts
● One-third off for new subscribers to the channel
● Free trial of the Owners’ Text Messaging Service, plus a 10%
discount for new subscribers
9.1 V1
Member Offers and Discounts
Colours ● 5% discount off racing silks ordered through Allertons and Treehouse Sporting Colours
● 500 free Rewards 4 Racing points To find out how to claim these discounts visit the Members’ Area at roa.co.uk or email info@roa.co.uk
Did you know?
We regularly send out details of one-off special offers and promotions to ROA members via our email bulletin service. To subscribe please email ebulletins@roa.co.uk
Member Offers and Discounts
9.2 V1
9.3 V1
Member Offers and Discounts
Retiring your horse What should your owners do when their horse is heading for retirement? Consider the following questions: ● Is the horse physically sound? ● Does it have a suitable temperament for a future career outside racing? If the answer is YES then the horse may respond well to retraining by a competent and experienced person either as a riding horse, for eventing, dressage, show jumping, showing or polo. Contact Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) on 01488 648998 for advice on suitable options for your horse.
Did you know?
A portion of all entry fees is set aside to go to Retraining of Racehorses (RoR). Find out more at ror.org.uk.
Paperwork to consider ● Non-Racing Agreement: by registering this document with Weatherbys you will ensure the horse does not race under Rules again. ● References: consider obtaining written references from vets or someone else you trust before selling or giving your horse away to a new owner. ● Change of Ownership: a change of ownership will need to be lodged with Weatherbys within 30 days of your horse being rehomed. The horse’s passport will then need to be handed over to the new owner. See roa.co.uk for further information and advice on racehorse retirement.