An Exciting 2024 for Syndicates

Features | 6th January 2025

We look back at some of the most inspiring syndicate stories of 2024, from the owners whose Royal Ascot dreams came true to the friends who became TV stars and the breeder who saw her foal land a big chase at Haydock Park for close friends.

Soprano Hits The Right Note for Highclere

The joy of cheering home a Royal Ascot winner eludes many of the biggest owners on the Flat but for one syndicate that dream came true back in June when Highclere Racing’s Soprano won the Sandringham Stakes.

Part-owner Isidore Carivalsi, who shares the three-year-old filly with 19 other syndicate members, described the experience as “beyond this stratosphere”.

“I was so close to the action as she came bursting through to win. I couldn’t believe it. It took a few moments to sink in. It was the greatest thrill. Just a feeling of huge euphoria,” he said.

Progress Comes in Leaps and Bounds for Tamfana

There was also Group 1 glory for Quantum Leap Racing when filly Tamfana won the Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket for trainer David Menuisier.

Following her two-length defeat of multiple Group 1 heroine Inspiral on the Rowley Mile, syndicate manager Eamonn O’Connor said: “We had 23 owners and guests at Newmarket and, as you can imagine, the celebrations were wonderful.”

ITV Exposure for Muffed Punt Partnership

Few owners expect to become the stars of a TV show after joining a syndicate but the members of the Muffed Punt Partnership became household names when ITV followed the progress of their gelding Showtime Mahomes – snapped up for a bargain £8,000.

‘It’s Showtime’ not only reflected on the success of the Grant Tuer-trained gelding on the racetrack but also spotlighted the close bond of friendship that developed between the syndicate, who are all regulars at the Railway Athletic Club in Darlington.

“It’s been unbelievable,” said Anth Freeman. “The reaction has been incredible. We’ve become local celebrities in the North East and everyone wants to talk to us about it when we go racing.”

Shared Ownership Offers Something For Everyone

Buying a share in a racehorse is a proud moment for any racing fan but becoming an owner took soldier Josh Bell completely by surprise when he won a Great British Racing competition to become a shareholder with Legacy Racing.

“I couldn’t believe my luck,” said Josh, 32, after his name came out of the hat at an Ownership Day at Ripon races in the summer, where Legacy were one of six companies promoting their syndicates.

Sensational Six For The Good Racing Company

Meanwhile dual champion Flat jockey Paul Hanagan was back in the winner’s enclosure despite hanging up his boots the previous year after launching his own successful syndicates.

Hanagan’s prolific filly Alfa Kellenic won six races in succession, including the Ayr Silver Cup for trainer Craig Lidster, while his work with The Good Racing Company – the organisation behind former Rugby League star Rob Burrow’s racing club – continued to raise vital funds for charity.

Bright Future Beckons For Trelawne

One group of owners celebrated the exploits of exciting chaser Trelawne some nine years after he took his first uncertain steps as a foal.

“I was completely overwhelmed,” said owner-breeder Sandra Steer-Fowler after her pride and joy won the Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase at Haydock Park for a group of close friends. It was the fifth win of the Kim Bailey-trained gelding’s 10-race career in the colours of The Real Partnership.

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