Horse Buying Missteps: Lessons from Our Less Successful Ventures

Even with the best intentions and expertise, not every horse acquisition is a success. Here are some lessons Syndicates.Racing has learned from less successful ventures:

Avoiding Hype

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype around certain stallions or bloodlines. However, thorough data analysis is crucial to determine if the horse is truly performing at the expected level. Sometimes, stallions whose fees have risen significantly may falter at higher levels, leading to costly mistakes.

Balancing Pedigree and Physical Traits

While pedigree is important, it’s essential not to be blinded by it alone. A combination of good physical attributes and a strong pedigree is necessary. “A page can’t run” is a common saying, emphasising the need to consider both aspects when evaluating a horse.

Choosing the Right Trainer

Selecting the right trainer is vital. Some trainers may be better suited for certain horses based on the horse’s temperament, stamina, or other traits. Syndicates.Racing pays close attention to trainer performance and invests in those who have been successful, while also supporting smaller trainers when possible to continue to grow our sport.

Conducting Due Diligence

Thorough due diligence is essential to avoid unforeseen issues. Working with a vet at the sales and having expert guidance can prevent problems that might arise later. Missing due diligence can lead to acquiring a horse with issues that could prevent it from racing.

Conclusion

Learning from missteps and continuously refining the acquisition process helps Syndicates.Racing minimise risks and improve success rates. By avoiding hype, balancing pedigree and physical traits, choosing the right trainer, and conducting thorough due diligence, they strive to make better-informed decisions.