Thoroughbred costs
What it costs to own a thoroughbred
How much you spend is completely up to you. You can spend as little as $5 a day to have a racehorse ownership experience!
I'm just a teacher with two kids - it's the cost of a lotto ticket... but far more exciting!
- Danielle Pratt (Owner)
The cost of a racehorse is less than what you think
Horse racing is often thought of as an expensive sport. You’ll be surprised to discover that owning a thoroughbred is more within reach than you may have initially thought.
- A daily coffee
- A weekly lotto ticket
- A monthly gym membership
- A yearly Netflix subscription
While each horse is unique and many variables exist, we have provided an approximate guide to assist with understanding the costs of upkeep and training of a thoroughbred racehorse.
Training Fees:
This includes the feed, stabling, and training of your racehorse. In WA, an average training fee is between $70-100 a day depending on the class and location of the trainer. If you own 5% of a horse in a stable that charges $70 per day, you would expect to pay $3.50 per day – the cost of a small coffee.
Farrier Fees:
Your horse will need new shoes every 4-6 weeks. This can cost anywhere between $150 - $180 for a new set of shoes, including a trim and check-up.
Vet & Health Wellbeing:
Fees to keep your athlete in optimum health. These may include vitamins, medications, or simply a check-up. A healthy, sound horse is a winning horse. Ensuring your horse is at optimal health is a priority for their wellbeing.
Your trainer will be responsible for the care of your horse, but it is good to note that they are big animals and expenses around treatments can vary. Your trainer will alway keep owners informed of any treatments if required.
Fees to transport your horse to the races, trials, or agistment.
Agistment:
Your horse will need a holiday after a racing campaign and will relax in a paddock for approximately 4-6 weeks. This fee covers the daily feed and care of your horse during this time.
If you part-own the 5% with mates, you can split the $190. In return, 5% of all prizemoney won is returned to your group. The more percentage owned, the more prizemoney received, but for many first-time owners, it can be beneficial to spread their interest across multiple horses in lesser shares to enjoy 100% of the fun.
Split the costs with friends and form a syndicate
Can you spot the jockey? The rise in popularity of syndication is booming in Australia. More and more racing fans are joining a syndicate to share the buzz of the occasion, and thrill of the win with friends and family. This way owners can pay less per month for their horse but still enjoy exclusive access and 100% of the thrills.
Small Investment - Big Race Involvement
Almost 40 years after completing high school at Aquinas College a group of class mates had joined forces to get behind exciting sprinter, Red Ora.
Red Ora was bred by Mungrup Stud’s Gray Williamson who races the gelding with a bunch of ex-students from the class of 1979.
The deal was sealed at a reunion in Albany and the group’s involvement had stunningly exceeded their wildest dreams. Red Ora retired from racing with 10 wins and over $670,000 in prizemoney and bonuses. His biggest wins included the Listed Bunbury Stakes, Listed Scenic Blast Stakes and the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy.
How much does thoroughbred ownership cost?
Use our ownership calculator to estimate your expenses.
Please note that these costs are estimates only. While the estimate includes all the typical costs outlined underneath the calculator, it excludes major nominations and additional veterinary treatments required. The cost estimate generated is indicative only and due consideration should be given to your specific circumstances.
Yearly Expenses
Training Fees
$20250
Farrier Fees
$1050
Vet & Health Wellbeing
$2700
Transport
$2700
Agistment
$2700
What's your % share?
Estimated Cost of Ownership per
$8 / daily