New helpline for aspiring racehorse owners

A free helpline has been launched to provide advice for aspiring racehorse owners.

Potential owners can ask questions via phone or email. Ownership advisor Matt Budden, who has 20 years’ experience of racehorse ownership, will manage the service and act as intermediary between potential owners and racehorse trainers or syndicate managers.

Great British Racing, with the support of the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), has set up the dedicated enquiry service, which is being promoted through Own1.co.uk — a website for aspiring owners which already receives more than 1,000 visitors a month.

Richard Wayman, ROA chief executive, said: “Racehorse ownership can be the ultimate thrill our sport has to offer, but it can seem an intimidating journey for first-timers.

“This new service aims to provide expert assistance and impartial advice about the full range of ownership options, while also suggesting solutions to suit different pockets.”

Great British Racing’s Rod Street said: “Buying a first racehorse is, for the majority of owners, a ‘considered’ purchase, so any help we can provide has to be of value.”

The service is free for users, and is being part-funded by the British Horseracing Grant Scheme, in conjunction with the Department for Culture Media and Sport.

Email enquiries@own1.co.uk or call Matt Budden (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), tel: 07884 866607.

Martha Terry

H&H features editor

Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on dogs of all shapes and sizes. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs, one a street dog from Gambia who was abandoned at three weeks old. Now, her constant companion, whether by her feet at her desk or walking cross-country courses, is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.