SHARED OWNERSHIP REGULATION

The regulation of Syndicates and Racing Clubs is a key priority for the BHA.

Advice can be found on how to register a shared ownership here, along with a flow  chart to help you decide which ownership is right for you if unsure.

In addition, the BHA’s Shared Ownership Manual (a document which should be read before any new Ownership application) can be found here and below information is provided for Syndicators/Club Managers (and their members) regarding the regulation of Syndicates and Racing Clubs

Furthermore, following an industry-wide consultation on the regulation of shared ownership in 2020, the findings of which and measures to be implemented can be found here, also explained is how regulation is set to change in 2021/22 and how this will affect Syndicates and Racing Clubs.

SYNDICATES

Syndicates are a form of shared ownership where the Syndicate members own, or lease, an interest in racehorses. A Syndicate is managed and administered by the Syndicator(s) and only the syndicator(s) must register as a Sole/Company owner. It isn’t necessary for members of the Syndicate to register as owners.

As part of the registration process, Syndicators are asked to list all members of the Syndicate and this should be kept up to date throughout the life of the Syndicate.

In addition, any Syndicate which advertises for participation publicly or where the Syndicator is paid for their role must adhere to the Syndicate Code of Conduct.

The BHA also allows for the addition of Syndicate members who accumulate bad debt to the Forefit List. Further information on the process that should be followed by Syndicators should they wish to submit a report to the BHA is detailed in the Syndicate Code of Conduct.

In the case of a Syndicate receiving a significant amount of prize money, the BHA also requires Syndicators to outline how and when this will be paid to Syndicate members. For the avoidance of doubt, this shall not affect the time taken for prize money to be paid, and Syndicators will be contacted directly by the BHA when this information is required.

RACING CLUBS

Racing Clubs are a form of entertainment associated with racehorses, where the Racing Club Members acquire no ownership rights to, or lease an interest in, any racehorses but may acquire certain benefits such as the sharing of prize money. Instead, the horse is owned/leased by the Racing Club itself. A Racing Club is managed and administered by the Club manager(s). Only individuals who want to set up or administer a Racing Club must register as a Sole/Company owner. It isn’t necessary for members of a Racing Club to register as owners.

In addition, any Racing Club which advertises for participation publicly or where the Club Manger is paid for their role must adhere to the Racing Club Code of Conduct. This immediately applies to all Racing Clubs registered after 1st May 2021, with Racing Clubs registered before that date required to ensure their contracts are updated and in compliance ahead of 30th April 2022.

 

Upcoming changes for Syndicates

From mid-2022, Syndicators will be asked to record the % shares of their members with the BHA. This will be followed by allowing Syndicate members with ≥2% share access to view their ownership online. In addition, the BHA will also begin auditing a proportion of Syndicate contracts to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct and to confirm all mandated terms are covered.

Upcoming changes for Racing Clubs

From mid-2022, the BHA will also begin auditing a proportion of Racing Club contracts to ensure compliance with the Code of Conduct and to ensure all mandated terms are covered.