UK horse racing media outlet Racing TV has entered the syndicate space via a partnership with RaceShare, an initiative led by former Racing Post executive Lucy Delaney.
The agreement will see RaceShare – a company that allows members of the general public to own shares in racehorses via shared syndicates – give Racing TV viewers the chance to join the syndicate in raising stud Lir Speciale.
Daleney, who is MD of RaceShare, remarked: “RaceShare is delighted to be partnering with Racing TV on their first members’ syndicate horse. Hopes are high that Lir Speciale, and his trainer Stuart Williams, will take members on an exciting ownership journey in 2024 and beyond.
“As Racing TV members will be the actual owners of the horse, it’s an incredible concept that enables RaceShare and Racing TV to unlock the ownership experience for a large number of people with a love of the sport.
“We eagerly look forward to working with Racing TV to share an engaging and informative story about Lir Speciale and his career as a racehorse.”
RaceShare’s investment is led by champion owner and mathematician Patrick Veitch, renowned for identifying undervalued bloodstock, including his purchase of Manuela De Vega, Antonia De Vega, and Feliciana De Vega at the 2017 yearling sales – all multiple winners at Group and Listed levels.
By partnering with RaceShare, Racing TV exclusive syndicate offers its audiences a chance to opt in on the ownership of Lir Speciale, at no additional cost to their membership fee.
Ellie Welton, Head of Partnerships at Racing TV, said: “This initiative is another fantastic benefit of the Racing TV membership. It’s a great opportunity to get closer to the sport, whether this is by watching Lir Speciale’s progress at Stuart Williams’ Newmarket base or by enjoying the ownership experience on a raceday.
“It should be a lot of fun, and we look forward to sharing the thrill of ownership with as many of our loyal members as possible.”
Boosting engagement with racing has been a core objective of the sport’s organisers over recent years, with the sector suffering from declining attendances and audiences, something exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also of concern to racing stakeholders are forthcoming changes to British gambling legislation – as a result of the Gambling Act review – particularly affordability checks.
The sport is concerned that checks could affect bookmakers’ bottom line, which could subsequently affect racing due to the impact on the betting levy.
A petition on the matter will be debated by MPs on 26 February after amassing over 100,000 signatures, having been launched in November.
