About the ROA

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 7,200 members.

Aims of the Association

To bring a dramatic improvement to the financial structure of British racing.
To obtain a much-improved recovery of keep and training costs from net prize-money.
To reduce entry fees to a maximum of 5% 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 work with the Racecourse Association to continue to improve the facilities for owners at racecourses.
To work with the TBA to enhance the Owners’ Premium Scheme thereby incentivising the purchase of British-bred horses.
To work with the Horsemen's Group and racecourses to develop and commercially exploit all of UK racing's rights for the purpose of increasing prize-money.
To work for unity among all associations of the British racing industry.

Prize-money

Read a special report on prize-money by ROA chief executive Michael Harris, published in the March 2007 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 BHB Main Board as well as the BHB’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 – all ROA members will receive automatic liability insurance cover against potential damages if their horse causes injury to a third party or their property.
Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners - FREE entry to over 1,200 fixtures a year for qualifying members.
20% discount on most BHA registration fees.
Totesport owner-sponsorship - Enables owners to register for, and reclaim, VAT on ownership.
Owners' car park label - Allows free parking at almost every race meeting.
Thoroughbred Owner & Breeder - Our exciting and informative MONTHLY magazine.
Advice - On all aspects of racehorse ownership and veterinary care 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.