Below are a selection of the unsolicited comments of members of The Racing Guild.

"I formed The racing Guild because, quite simply, I could find no other racing syndicate or club which met my needs. There are many commercial racing syndicates which are clearly profit-oriented for the 'owners' of the operation, but the members are not actually the owners. Some of these operations offer 'shares' in the syndicate but do not divulge the specific costs. I wanted to be able to see the accounts: Where does the money go, what are the true costs, who is getting what? I wanted to know who the other members were. Could I contact them? How much of a say did the members have in the running of the club/syndicate? In other words, could I be a true owner - and with full owners' privileges, including on race days? I wanted a club with a website where I could be kept up-to-date with everything that was going on with the racehorses, their training and their development.
I could have formed my own syndicate, or joined a private syndicate of true ownership. But the opportunities here were largely for shares in a single racehorse in a 'closed partnership'. I wanted something a little more open-ended. Something where many people could get together, share their ideas and views, and most importantly, build up a string of racehorses - thus sharing the risk, but enjoying the benefits of the most successful horses. I wanted a democratic club of members.
The Racing Guild was started with these things in mind - and has developed into very much more. I would like to see it grow in the future such that The Racing Guild becomes a major owner of bloodstock and has a strong say in the industry - representing the interests of the small owner and the racegoer alike." Derek Arnesen, founder member and current Racing Guild Secretary

"I feel the product is absolutely excellent. It gives a prospective owner with a small budget a wonderful way into the game. I have owned horses in various syndicates for over 25 years and this is by far the best run." Mel W, Lancashire

"The decision to join was based on 3 things: (i) The recent form of 'Guilded Flyer' (ii) The concept of ownership of a string of horses, and (iii) The high quality of the website. I believe this to be a powerful asset and is a great way for members to become 'involved'." Carl G, London

"The possibility of syndicate ownership arose when I went to Goodwood and saw an offer to join a Goodwood Owners' Group syndicate. The terms were £550 all-in for a 200th share in a yearling to be run over two seasons.... A web search produced various possibilities, and Lily [Lily of the Guild, one of The Racing Guild's string] was running at my home course. She won her maiden (sadly unbacked by me). I met Derek, Susan, Stuart and Judy, and realised this was a nice homely operation, where individuals count. The website and the general tone of what it said were crucial..." Stephen H, Hampshire

"My main reason for joining the Guild (apart from being mad keen on racing) is not particularly to go racing but to have an easy way, through the website, of keeping up to date with what is going on. The previous syndicate I subscribed to only had a phone-in service (50p a minute!! Each call was costing a bomb) and you didn't get anywhere near as much info we get from Stuart's diary [the website updates from The Racing Guild's trainer]." Thomas S, Yorkshire

"I have been looking to join a syndicate such as this one for some time now and the large first installment is the main thing that has deterred me. However, with the increased monthly payment option [over the first 2 years only] it makes it much more affordable for people to join." Darren S, Derbyshire

"The Racing Guild owns three horses at the moment, and joining means that we have a share in all of the horses. Because of this, I find that when I am over in England I spend most of my time at the races watching our horses run - but I am not complaining especially when you get free champagne when one of our lovely horses wins! The Guild is not a closed organisation, so with the increases in membership it will be exciting to have more horses and a lot more fun." Carol M, Sudan

"The guild is run by its Owners and so we all have an equal say in the club's affairs. This was one of the many reasons why I decided to join The Racing Guild and not one of the other horse racing clubs." Wendy S, Devon

"Becoming a member of the guild means that the Owners have special privileges when going to the races. I also like the unique relationship that we have with our trainer, Stuart, who gives us so much of his time, as well as his own expert views. The bloodstock selection team, with Stuart at the helm, has provided us with fantastic value for money - and without paying a penny for the services of a top bloodstock agent." Eoin M, Sudan

 

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