British Racing's Most Successful Horses Owned by Syndicates 

A horse racing syndicate is a group of people who pool their resources and invest in a horse. Their money goes towards its training and upkeep. If it is lucky enough to win races, they also take a share of the profit. Throughout British horse racing, there have been several successful horses owned by syndicates. We discuss some of the most successful below. 

Penzance

Penzance had one of the most triumphant Cheltenham festival wins in 2005 and was owned by a syndicate. It scooped the JCB Triumph Hurdle, ridden to glory by the jockey Robert Thorton. The race was fancied by many to belong to Akilak, who was part-owned by former footballer and TV pundit Alan Shearer. However, Penzance was fortune's preferred candidate, powered on, and took the race for itself. 

Luckily, you don't need to be a Premier League footballer or television pundit to buy into a racehorse in today's digital age. Online platforms have opened racehorse ownership to a wider audience, allowing them to buy shares for lower entry prices. They are kept up to date with the horse's activities through online portals and even get to share in the winnings it makes. It can be a great way to get more enjoyment from racing or just a fantastic gift for someone who loves horses. 

Dream Alliance

Dream Alliance is a real-life fairytale, albeit one based on horse racing. The horse was bred by Janet Vokes, who had a background in dogs and pigeons. She and her husband found a mare that had been injured by barbed wire and got its price down from £1000 to £350. They then bred it with a stallion named Bien Bien and used the foal to open a racehorse syndicate. 

The horse came fourth in his first race, then third, second, and eventually first. A slump followed, but he then won the Perth Gold Cup and picked up another injury. Almost put down, his treatment and rehabilitation were paid for, and he began retraining. His crowning glory was winning the 2009 Welsh National. 

His amazing story has not gone unnoticed. A documentary about the horse has been made, and even a fictionalised account was created titled Dream Horse and played at the Sundance Film Festival. 

Marie’s Rock 

One of the most recent horses owned by a syndicate that has brought repeat success for its syndicate was Marie’s Rock, proving once and for all that you don't need a Grand National winner to make money from a syndicate. Marie’s Rock is a top-level horse that, in 2023 alone, won the Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown, the Mares Hurdle at Cheltenham, and second place in the Group Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. 

Essentially, horse racing syndicates are integral to the sport. If you are looking to join one, then set out a budget and consider what you want out of it. Do you want a horse that works with a local trainer so you can visit them? Or would you prefer to have a horse on the global stage that is stabled a long way off? Whatever you decide, being in a syndicate is sure to enhance your enjoyment of horse racing.