About Us

The Racehorse Owners Association promotes and protects the interests of racehorse owners in Britain. The level of membership has risen dramatically in recent years, from 4,500 in 1998 to the current level of more than 7,500 members.

Read our guide to the 10 things you need to know about racehorse ownership

Aims of the Association

The function of the Racehorse Owners Association is to promote and protect the interests of racehorse owners

To bring about a dramatic improvement to the financial structure of British racing, thereby enhancing the quality of our sport and allowing British-trained horses to compete more effectively on the international stage.
To obtain a much-improved recovery of keep and training costs from net prize-money.
To work towards reducing entry fees to 5 per cent of total prize-money.
To encourage all registered owners to become members of the ROA.
To support and expand an appearance money scheme.
To help owners obtain sponsorship so they are able to register for VAT and recover VAT on purchase and training costs.
To pursue the aims of the Gold Standard Awards, thereby improving facilities for owners, horses and stable staff at racecourses.
To re-invigorate the Owners’ Premium Scheme when funding permits, thereby incentivising the purchase of British-bred horses.
To work with the Horsemen’s Group and racecourses to develop and commercially exploit UK racing’s rights for the purpose of increasing
prize-money.
To support a humane and compassionate approach to the treatment of Thoroughbred racehorses and encourage positive developments in equine veterinary science.

Prize-money

Read a special report on prize-money published in the March 2008 edition of Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder magazine

The ROA Council

The ROA has a Council of 20 members who meet once a month. ROA Council members serve an important function on many of racing's boards and committees including the BHA Main Board as well as the BHA’s Race Planning, Industry and Finance committees

Any member of the ROA can put themselves forward to be elected onto the Council. Elections are held each year as places become vacant. A vote amongst all ROA members determines the successful candidates. The term for Council members is four years and current members must put themselves forward for re-election at the end of this period if they wish to continue on the Council. The results of these elections are announced at the Annual General Meeting of the ROA which is held in London in June. Further information on Council members and the boards and committees they sit on may be found on our web page ‘The ROA Council’.

Benefits of Membership

Benefits of membership of the Racehorse Owners Association include:

Third Party Liability Insurance - Members receive automatic Third party Liability insurance (up to a limit of liability of £10million) against potential damages if a racehorse they own causes damage or injury to a third party.
20% Discount on most BHA Registration Fees - Including discounts on registering colours, names, authority to act and various ownerships.
Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners - Free racecourse admission at 1,300 fixtures is available to qualifying members who are registered owners, have 50% of a horse in training and apply for the scheme.
Free Owners’ Car Park Label - Enables free access to Owners’ and Trainers’ car parking facilities at most fixtures during the year.
Subscription to the monthly magazine, Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder - All members receive a copy of the must read magazine, which includes interviews and profiles of the leading lights in racing, analysis of sales, big race pedigrees and prize-money tables.
Totesport Owner-Sponsorship Scheme - Members have the opportunity to join the Totesport sponsorship scheme, enabling owners to register for and reclaim the VAT on their costs of racehorse ownership.
Email Bulletins - Our special email service bulletins provide regular news updates, membership information and special offers for those who sign up.
Private Hospitality Marquees - Members can purchase tickets for marquees at the Paddy Power Gold Cup Day and the Cheltenham Festival.
Regional Receptions - A chance to meet ROA Council members and staff at receptions held around the country.
Glorious Goodwood Ticket Service - An opportunity to purchase Richmond Enclosure badges for the five-day summer spectacular.
Annual General Meeting and Lunch in June - Members are invited to ask the Council questions at the AGM, and can purchase tickets for the champagne reception and lunch which follows.
Annual Awards Dinner and Dance in December at the Hilton, Park Lane - All members have the opportunity to vote for their horses of the season and owner of the year, and can purchase tickets for the glittering awards ceremony in London.
Advice for Owners - Help and advice on all aspects of racehorse ownership from our London office.

Please see our web page ‘Benefits of Membership’ for further details.

The annual subscription to the ROA is £195 a year.