Owning Horses - What Would Make You Buy (Or Return)?

I am a couple of weeks away from having no horses at all in my ownership. Although it was never my expectation that I would actually profit from owning horses the current scenario makes it financially reckless to continue. Unfortunately for racing I need stakes (or the possibility thereof) rather than spin to keep matters manageable.

Despite the above there are (and have been) in recent months plenty of opportunities to acquire decent looking horses at very attractive prices. But as any experienced owner will tell you - Write off the acquistion cost as soon as it leaves the sales ring. But beware the costs of keep.

So what would encourage me to return?

It's actually quite simple : Using a maiden plate as the base I would re-consider if the gross stake figure for a maiden race was immediately increased to a minimum of R150k in the major centres. All other races would thereafter need to be proportionately increased off that base.

What would motivate other clanners to buy their first horse or return to ownership?

Garrick, I couldn't agree with u more. I am currently on my last horse ( share ) & am in NO rush to get involved in another - at this stage. I too have had ample opportunity to get involved in ANOTHER horse again.... but i thought about it rationally.............. with stakes as they are ( & we ALL know why they are shite right now ) it does NOT make sense to get involved further...

My current horse is battling to get a place cheque after his maiden win ! that says it all.

For me to be TEMPTED to put my hand in my pocket....... I would have to see STAKES AT LEAST DOUBLE - to what they are right now.... I don't want to hear the bullsh!t that 6 months, 9 months or even 12 months - stakes will be GOOD.

NOT good enough for me....... IF / WHEN they return to a respectable amount - I may be tempted to get involved again.. I will keep on renewing my colours........ my punting too has DIMINISHED 90 % since lock down & with no local racing..... the fire is just not there anymore :sick:

......although the MOD have come to the rescue the future is far from certain.....I would like to think that jumping in while horses are going cheap.....they actually are not.....my picks at the last sale landed up going for far more than if things were back to normal and if they are not above average they will drain a well moneyed mogul even if stakes were increased.....:whistle:

.....we await a peek of the bigger picture before the now further delayed 2year old and CTS RTR....but again the better ones will still go for better prices to better moneyed people......a ZAR1OK horse costs the same as ZAR1BAR to keep...:S

Garrick, you and Elvis are very lucky fellows indeed.

I relinquished ownership of my horses at the beginning of this year.
Unlikey I will own another anytime soon.

I didn't have any real transparency from the trainers I had been associated with.
Perhaps due the fact that I was a small owner.

It had always been a passion of mine to own but you quickly burn your fingers if not advised correctly.

The astronomical stabling fees coupled with the inflated vet bills gave me headaches.

I still can't wrap my head around a R10k monthly training fee.
To race for a R40k maiden-winning stake.
(Will be whittled down to R30k after bonuses)

How difficult is it to own a winner?
You need to win 3 races and run a few places to break-even ever year.
Highly unlikey if owning a horse in CPT or JHB.

PE is the best value for money center.
Race regularly, field sizes are good and you have the bonus of not losing a meeting if weather is bad.

It's a scary state at present but hopefully new blood and ideas can reinvigorate a crippled industry.

one would hope that a cheaper hard knocker may eventually start earning in PE.....but what of the future of PE racing....I believe that this Phum asset is on the MOD for sale list.....:huh:

Muhtiman wrote: one would hope that a cheaper hard knocker may eventually start earning in PE.....but what of the future of PE racing....I believe that this Phum asset is on the MOD for sale list.....:huh:

Mhuti is that confirmed by good source or not? If that’s the case I must cut at least 6 this month down there because right now it’s just throwing money down a big hole then.

Muhtiman wrote: one would hope that a cheaper hard knocker may eventually start earning in PE.....but what of the future of PE racing....I believe that this Phum asset is on the MOD for sale list.....:huh:

Hope that is not true? Imagine that - Telling the owners and trainers in PE to suck it up and race for small stakes but full cost over this period, but then saying, actually, when things recover, you won't be given the chance to earn normal stakes again.

Cutting PE would be catastrophic for SA racing. it is the best racing area in my opinion.

back to Garrick. Disclaimer: right now i cant afford a hair on the tail of a horse but would say

1. VET monopoly needs to be scrapped
2. less aggressive Merit rating system. allow progresive horses the chance to win a few races. dont panel beat the horse after one good race.
3. make all decisions owner focused.

Muhtiman wrote: one would hope that a cheaper hard knocker may eventually start earning in PE.....but what of the future of PE racing....I believe that this Phum asset is on the MOD for sale list.....:huh:

Muhtiman wrote: one would hope that a cheaper hard knocker may eventually start earning in PE.....but what of the future of PE racing....I believe that this Phum asset is on the MOD for sale list.....:huh:

Is this now another conspiracy theory coming out of some stupid fool's arse?????? .... ffs .... because even the guys of MOD doesnt know about it.... so who is the source proclaiming this nonsense??????
Please put a name to who spreading this kak!!!!
I moved to PE on one of the Directors of MOD's advice and he aint no bullshitter

....ooops sorry for the scare..:oops: ...but where is the attachment the BRP did with the MOD vs Betfred..:huh: ...they therein tabled the sale of properties Kimberley and unbelievably the other PE racecourse which I thought was already sold....and still listed as an asset....

Muhtiman wrote: ....ooops sorry for the scare..:oops: ...but where is the attachment the BRP did with the MOD vs Betfred..:huh: ...they therein tabled the sale of properties Kimberley and unbelievably the other PE racecourse which I thought was already sold....and still listed as an asset....

So you basicly thought it out yourself? Because Arlington racecourse lies dormant and abandoned for over 7 years and no use and generating no income to phum you decide to post PE racing is in jeopardy although FAIRVIEW is where we all train and race ??????

No man ffs , you old enough not to make such statements , come now

And yes , i train 9 horses of Oscar and what you initiated with PE racing closing is not cool.

The last ever winner at Arlington was owned by Oscar ....
www.sportingpost.co.za/2013/12/arlington...rewell-to-arlington/