What does Firstholme Thoroughbred Management do?
We have been organising and managing racing partnerships, syndicates and clubs since 1987. Our objective is to introduce high class thoroughbred racing to everyday Australians. We like to think we allow people to “test the water” as far as racehorse ownership is concerned at a minimal cost but still enjoying world class horses with some of Australia's best trainers. We specialise in multi horse syndicates for groups of people up to 500. With our trainers we select a package of horses to be raced by each group of owners. We then prepare all the legal requirements such as a prospectus for circulation to potential shareholders. We then publicise the concept and look for club members/shareholders. When all club memberships or shares have been placed we provide on going administration of the syndicate including reporting to the shareholders on a weekly regular basis the racing programs of the horses, organise race day ticketing, special shareholder functions, administering the syndicate’s funds such as account paying, collection of prize money etc. etc.
Who buys the horses?
For the past 20 years we have been using a group of equine vets, bloodstock agents and our own company directors to select horses we race. As we provide all the on going management for the life of the syndicate its in our best interests to provide well grown, correct types. If we start off with a bunch of cheap duds then its not a pleasant role as syndicate managers. The horses we race are generally purchased at public auction after an exhaustive inspection process by our selection panel and all yearlings are thoroughly checked by our veterinary consultants. As our core business is formation and on going management of your thoroughbred investment we do not add on or inflate the auction price of yearlings. There is no mark up or profit on the price you pay for shares in the respective yearlings.
How successful is Firstholme Thoroughbred Management ?
Firstholme has been managing winners since 1987, we generally get 80% of our horses to the races and 70% win prize money with about 20% being winners. Most of our racing clubs have successfully run for 5 and 6 years when the shareholders only had to contribute 1 payment at inception which included the first 2 years and the success of horses funded the further 4 years racing.
How much does a share cost and include?
This differs depending on the cost of the horses. Generally shares are $1950 which is all inclusive for 2 years. That works out at less than $19 a week over the initial 2 years. We provide a payment plan for all shares based on 50% deposit and balance over 6 monthly payments.
When are the new syndicates launched?
We start off each syndicate from August 1 when our horses turn 2 years and are eligible to race.
What does the share cost include?
The initial share cost includes purchase, training and racing, administration and management. In the case of Partnerships and Syndicates the share cost is inclusive for the first 12 months; for Racing Clubs it includes all costs for 2 years.
How long do the horses race?
Some yearlings never get to the races, others race until they are 6 or 7 years. We select well developed yearlings and take proper precautions in the early stages of education and training and find we manage to get 80% of our selections to the races. There are always exceptions where accidents can and will happen.
Who trains the horses?
With 20 years experience in selection and management of racehorses in Queensland we have developed a network and association with successful trainers based at major tracks. We are always looking for the opportunity to encourage some of the newer brigade of trainers as well.
What costs are involved in Training a racehorse ?
Costs are broken down into 2 categories - acquisition costs and on-going costs. Acquisition costs are what you pay to acquire the horse, generally the auction price and other sale related costs incurred by the buyer. On going costs include daily maintenance, additional work like farrier, vet, chiropractor, vitamin supplements, training costs plus, plus. There are 3 stages of a horse's racing - it has a rest period called spelling (6-10 weeks) then goes from a spelling paddock to pre-training or basic fitness work (4-6 weeks) and this is most times done away from the actual training track then on to the trainer for further finishing fitness and eventual racing. The average a daily rate for spelling (varies $17-$28), pre-training ($35-$45) and training ($55-100pd). There is little additional work while spelling apart from hoof dressing and worm control. In pre-training the feed ration increases, more farrier and vet work and during training additional costs increase like constat vet surveillance, feed supplements, fees to use tracks, race nomination costs, floating, teeth. All up it generally costs $35,000 to train a horse in Sydney and Melbourne and about $30,000 in Queensland and South Australia.
How do I know when my horse is running?
Shareholders are kept fullyinformed as to the progress and running plans of their horses either by email, recorded information service or web site updates. For example when a horse is racing Saturday, we email the race nominations on a Monday, the race weights Tuesday and final fields on Thursday. We also provide a Late Mail service from your trainer on race day.
What happens on race day?
We organise owners' tickets to be collected from the owners' entrance. Owners have access to the paddock before the race as well as access to the Member’s Stand. The number of tickets and passes depends on the level of ownership and the conditions set down by host race clubs. We can arrange a Private Box for days when your horse races so all the shareholders can enjoy a day at the races with your own runner or you can invite all your friends along to share the thrills and spills. On a rotational basis we arrange Saddling Paddock tickets so you can meet the jockey a be there when our trainer gives him his race instructions and be there after the race to celebrate the win in the winner's stall !
What makes Firstholme different to other syndicators ?
Firstly we have been active in the Australian racing industry for 20 years, there are only a handful of us still around these days. We are the only management company which establishes and manages multi horse syndicates with horses spread through different trainers throughout the State. We don’t mark up or profit from the sale of the horses which shareholders purchase and race. The consistent success of our horses at the highest level combined with a highly personal and professional service to our owners is what makes Firstholme different. We don’t take any percentage of eventual horse sales or prize money won and we don’t discount the trainers monthly accounts for prompt payment.
How is Firstholme Thoroughbred management remunerated?
We charge each shareholder a daily fee, generally less than $1.00 a day, to provide on going syndicate administration and management. This can vary from syndicate to syndicate but is clearly stated on the agreement form.
What are the chances of success ?
We don't hesitate to tell you racehorse ownership is a speculative experience. Some horses never race due to breakdowns, accidents, sickness or just too slow ! By selecting the right individual, providing constant management of its racing career, use of the experience we have gained through 20 years successful selection and management you can greatly increase your chance of success.
Like more info on the 2009 Firstholme Racing Club click here
