Your Questions Answered
FROM THE FUN OF THE OCCASION TO THE CHEERING OF THE UNDERDOG, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT HORSE RACING THAT IS FUNDAMENTALLY AUSTRALIAN – INCLUDING THE FACT THAT ANYONE CAN GET INVOLVED!
That’s right! Whether you purchase and race your horse 100%, or own a 5% or 10% share, there are numerous opportunities to become involved in racehorse ownership and the time has never been better!
Queensland’s best value yearling sale kicks is to be conducted on March 21 and March 22 at the Magic Millions complex on the Gold Coast and, regardless of whether you can attend the sale or not, there are some terrific opportunities to become involved in this great industry.
Below are the most commonly asked questions by people wishing to become involved in the industry for the first time, however please feel free to contact Stacey Silver from the Qld Thoroughbred Breeders Association at any time should you have any other queries or would like further direction. Stacey can be contacted on either info@queenslandbreeders.com.au or on mobile 0412 026 540.
Q - WHAT DO I DO TO GET STARTED?
A – Magic Millions, Racing Qld and the TBQA have organised an information day on Sunday March 19 at 1pm where the general public will have the opportunity to engage with trainers and syndicators in a forum designed to explain everything that is involved. If you are unable to attend, then contact Stacey who will be able to personally direct you for what best suits your wishes and situation.
Q – HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A HORSE?
A – Yearling prices vary greatly and can range from as little as $5,000 through to $150,000 or a touch more. Last year’s Magic Millions QTIS Sale in March averaged $28,000 and there were many terrific bargains amongst them. The majority of horses that are bought from this sale are split up into ownership percentages – so it is not necessary to own the horse 100% yourself. We can help put you in touch with a trainer or a syndicator that can cater to your needs.
Q – WHAT ARE THE ONGOING COSTS OF OWNING A RACEHORSE?
A – Like all livestock, racehorses have daily requirements and that means daily costs. Breaking in, training fees, farrier, vets, registration fees etc. are all part of the reality of owning and racing a horse. These costs vary slightly from year to year, however it would be pretty accurate to say that most horses cost their owners between $25,000 and $33,000 per year. That means that if you own 10% – then you will need somewhere between $2,500 and $3,300 each year.
Q – WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I BUY A HORSE AT THE SALE IN MARCH?
A – If you own the horse 100%, then you will need to be in contact with a trainer and someone to break the horse in. If you would like an introduction to any trainers we will be happy to arrange that for you. If you are part of a syndicate of owners, then your trainer or syndicator will send you updates as to how the horse is progressing. It will need to be broken in (which usually occurs within 2-3 months of the sale.
Q – WHEN COULD I EXPECT MY HORSE TO RACE?
A – Just like humans, horses mature at different rates. Some mature faster than others and these are more likely to be competing in the early 2YO races than the ones who will need more time. Up here in Qld, 2YO races begin in early October 2017 for any yearlings purchased from this years’ March Sale. Queensland has more 2YO races than any other state and the money these QTIS youngsters race for is nothing short of phenomenal. Every week in town, fillies race for almost $77,000 to the winner and colts compete for nearly $65,000 to the winner. Unquestionably this is the best week-to-week returns to be found anywhere in Australia and it gives owners an amazing opportunity to earn incredible prizemoney in a very short period of time. QTIS races are applicable for the entire 2YO and 3YO racing years of every qualified horse – so whether or not your horse matures early and is racing later this year, or takes a little longer to find their way to the races, there are plenty of opportunities to race for the big money.
Q – WOULD MY HORSE QUALIFY TO RUN IN ALL THE BIG MAGIC MILLIONS RACES?
A – All yearlings purchased at the Magic Millions Sales are eligible to be paid up to race in the big $10 million Magic Millions Race Day. Pay ups for this are normally $4,950 per horse, however any yearling purchased from the 2017 Magic Millions March QTIS Sale will be required to pay only $3,300 to be part of this wonderful race day. This pay up qualifies the youngster to compete in the $2 million 2YO Classic to be run in early 2018, as well as all other races on the card in future years. Additionally, there is a $1 million Race for QTIS only horses of all ages and this year’s winner, Madotti, is herself a graduate of the 2014 March QTIS Sale.
Q – HOW DO I STAY UPDATED AS TO WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH MY HORSE?
A – Most trainers and all syndicators now do a wonderful job in keeping their owners well informed as to how their horse is progressing. Voice and vision messages via email and text are now commonplace and you should know how your horse is going at all stages.
Q – WHAT IS THE NEW $250,000 RACE THAT HAS JUST BEEN ANNOUNCED?
A – Racing Qld has introduced a $250,000 race for 2YO’s to be run in March each year that will be restricted to QTIS horses only. This means, that any yearling purchased at the March Sale this year will be one of a select few who are eligible to compete in this quarter of a million dollar race – and that’s a very exciting prospect indeed!
IT IS AN INCREDIBLY EXCITING INDUSTRY AND THERE IS NO FEELING TO COMPARE WITH CHEERING HOME A HORSE YOU OWN! IT’S A WORLD THAT EVERYONE DESERVES TO ENJOY AT SOME STAGE OF THEIR LIVES!
REMEMBER – THIS IS EASY AND WE ARE HAPPY TO HELP!
CONTACT US IF YOU REQUIRE ANY MORE INFORMATION. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON THE GOLD COAST ON MARCH 19, REGISTER HERE NOW.
