10 things you need to know about racehorse ownership

1. Third Party Liability Insurance
   Owners are currently vulnerable to claims even when their horse is in somebody else’s possession, so it is strongly advisable to ensure that you are covered for your interest in a racehorse. Find out more about the ROA’s automatic Third Party Liability Insurance Cover.

2. Training Agreement
   The Rules state that it is a requirement that a signed training agreement exists between any owner and their trainer. Download a BHA endorsed training agreement, drawn up together and recommended by both the ROA and NTF.

3. BHA Registration
   All owners need to register with the BHA for a variety of ownership elements such as registration as an owner and registration of colours. Members of the ROA are entitled to a 20% discount on most of these fees. Find out which registration fees are discounted for ROA members.

4. Implementation of sponsorship in order to reclaim VAT
   Owners who secure sponsorship for their racing activities can register for VAT and reclaim VAT on the purchase of a horse and racing expenses such as training fees. Find out more about the ROA’s Totesport owner-sponsorship scheme.

5. Car parking at racing fixtures
   When owners have a runner on the day, the racecourse where their horse is running at will typically provide them with a car parking label. However, upon application, members of the ROA are entitled to an annual car parking label that will afford them access to most Owners and Trainers car parks across the racing calendar, even when they don’t have a runner on the day. Find out more about the ROA's car parking label.

6. Free entry for racing when you don’t have a runner on the day.
   Members of the ROA, who have 50%  or more of a horse in training, are entitled, upon application to the Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners, to gain free admission to more than 1,300 racing fixtures a year. Find out more about the ROA’s Racecourse Badge Scheme for Owners.

7. Keeping up-to-date on all industry news
   With a significant investment to protect and support, it is in any racehorse owner’s interests to make sure that they keep fully informed on all relevant news within the sport. Members of the ROA receive the industry ‘must-read’ Thoroughbred Owner and Breeder magazine monthly. Find out more about this publication, or subscribe.

8. Racehorse Owners Compensation Scheme (ROCS)
   It is possible for owners to ensure that they have financial compensation for their racehorse should it become injured, either permanently or temporarily, the costs of treating the horse at a top veterinary clinic, or the value of the horse if it dies. Together with the renowned bloodstock insurance broker Lycetts, the ROA has enabled ROA members to purchase a unique and exclusive form of insurance called ROCS.

9. Advice on Ownership
   Got any questions relating to racehorse ownership? Members of the ROA are entitled to free, impartial and confidential advice from its experienced staff from the organisation’s head office in London. Why not call us on 020 7152 0200.

10. Prize-money - know the score
    The ROA works tirelessly, via participation on central horseracing boards and committees, and through the work of its democratically elected Council members, to secure the best possible prize-money for owners. Find out more about this, and the many other ways in which the ROA works to promote and protect the interests of racehorse owners in the UK.

ROA membership costs just £195 a year.
Join the ROA now
Or to find out more call 020 7152 0200