Michael O’Callaghan - Michael o’callaghan racing club

As well as syndicates, racing clubs are starting to pop up throughout the industry as an even cheaper alternative to get involved in racehorse ownership. Michael O’Callaghan talks about the concept below.

Why is it a good time to have a horse in training in Ireland?

Irish racing is the most competitive in the world. This makes the talented animals much more valuable. The prize money is very good. For example, we had a two-year-old filly win at Naas this week and the owners had actually forgotten she was running. Now along with a lovely surprise of €22,000 in prize money have the option to sell this filly as a very valuable animal.

Are there better opportunities on the flat or over jumps in your opinion?

I am a 100% flat trainer, so I feel I don’t have much of a say in comparing both. However, I do feel it is so difficult to win on the flat. We have had 25 seconds this year and most of them have been beaten by only a head.

What is the typical investment needed to join your club or syndicate?

We offer many different packages. The racing club is a nice cheap way of anyone becoming involved in horse racing without having any equitable stake in a horse. With over 240 members in the first two months, the club idea has taken flight.

We have become successful with syndicates over the last few years. Syndicates can be set up with people only owning a small percentage, such as 5% to 10%, or members taking a bigger share and owning up to 25% to 33%. I typically try to bundle a couple of horses together as essentially it gives you a better chance of having a winner. Syndicates allow people to spread the risk and to meet new people.

What do members get in return?

With the club membership it is an annual membership package. There are many opportunities when you become a member. These include attending the races several times during the year. We have held yard visit where over 50 members had an inside viewing. They met the horses and staff and were delighted to get the opportunity to see the horses working on the gallops at the Curragh. The feedback has been very positive and current members have already informed us that they are planning to rejoin next year.

What is the biggest turnoff for potential owners in Ireland?

The dominance of the bigger stables is probably a potential turnoff for new owners, however I don’t think it should be. Irish racing is competitive and it is misconception that the bigger owners dominate completely.