Aushorse mentors aspiring owners

The Australian-first program provides aspiring owners with the opportunity to attend race meetings and spend time with trainers and syndicators to experience the passion and excitement ownership brings.

Leading trainers from around the country have pledged their support to the initiative including Gai Waterhouse, David Hayes, Mick Price, Darren Weir, Anthony Cummings, Kris Lees, Tony McEvoy, Stuart Kendrick, Simon Miller and Tony Gollan.

The program is part of a new brand launched by Aushorse called Racing Connections. The initiative includes a dedicated website aimed at educating and empowering would-be owners, with a focus on providing accurate information and encouraging people to seek good advice and set realistic goals before investing in a horse. Aushorse is the official marketing body of the Australian Thoroughbred industry, proudly promoting Australian breeding and racing both internationally and domestically.

Racing Connections comes off the back of the most extensive ownership survey ever undertaken in Australia. Nearly 1800 people responded to the questionnaire, with almost half of them keen racing fans who had never owned before. Despite being regular race-goers with a positive view on ownership and what it involved, fans felt that there were huge entry barriers to ownership. Only one in 10 of those surveyed knew where to start when buying a horse. Furthermore, they said that there were few places to go to get unbiased information on ownership and that unless they knew someone in the industry whom they trusted, they wouldn’t get involved.

Speaking at the official launch, Aushorse chief executive, Tom Reilly, said the survey had provided valuable insight into why racing fans were reluctant to take the next step and become owners. “These people are deeply engaged in racing but feel they lack the knowledge and confidence to become owners. Racing Connections will create a trusted source of information and provide support for would-be owners, so that they feel confident investing in the industry for the first time. We also want to help build connections between would-be owners and trainers and syndicators through Stable Mates,” he said

People can register for Stable Mates at racingconnections.com.au, where they will be asked to complete a short questionnaire aimed at identifying their expectations and preferences regarding ownership. Aushorse will then work alongside trainers and syndicators to identify suitable opportunities for participants to attend the races and experience the world of ownership.

Topics covered by the Racing Connections website include different types of ownership, costs, rewards, bloodstock sales, health and wellbeing, and the welfare and retirement of racehorses. There is also a section dedicated to racing which provides handy information for novice racegoers, including how to read a race book and tips for enjoying a day at the races.

FORMER Glenlogan Park Stud stallion Bradbury's Luck added a black type success when 5YO mare Elegant Composure (Bradbury's Luck/Marsh Harrier) scored for trainer Chris Anderson in the $100,000 Listed Colin McAlpine AM Memorial Classic (1200m) for fillies and mares at Eagle Farm on Saturday, November 26.

This was the maiden stakes victory for Elegant Composure who advanced her impressive record to seven wins from nine starts. Having only taken out his trainer’s license five years ago after working in the liquor and hotel industry, Anderson bought the yearling filly privately from Glenlogan Park after she was passed in for $19,000 at the 2013 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

Elegant Composure didn’t start until she was a spring 4YO due to a couple of paddock accidents but it was well worth the wait as the mare won her maiden on the Sunshine Coast before reeling off a further five straight victories, including two in town. Elegant Composure is a direct descendant of celebrated blue hen Fanfreluche – ancestress of Group 1 winners and star Australian sires Flying Spur and Encosta De Lago.