A new licence for racehorse syndicators and racing club managers, which aims to further strengthen the regulation of shared ownership, was introduced on Thursday by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).
The licence will apply to anyone wishing to manage a syndicate or racing club that advertises publicly or that they are paid to administer. This includes licensed trainers who run their own syndicate or racing club.
Its introduction follows a period of engagement with stakeholders, including an industry-wide consultation, to ensure that the regulation keeps pace with the increasing appeal of syndicate and racing club membership.
Existing syndicators and club managers will be required to have a valid licence in place by January 1, 2026, while anyone applying to set up a new syndicate or racing club after January 1, 2025 will need to ensure they have already been granted a licence.
The BHA has already contacted syndicators and club managers to help ensure the new licence is introduced as smoothly as possible, with step-by-step guidance to support the application process. Ongoing assistance will also be available via the BHA's ownership team.
Harry Williams, BHA head of participant services, said, “The continued growth of shared ownership is a key part of racing's long-term sustainable future, with syndicates and racing clubs giving more people the chance to experience the thrill of racehorse ownership in an affordable and enjoyable way.
“The vast majority of syndicates and racing clubs are operated to the very highest standards, but inevitably as the number of people involved in setting up, running and promoting them continues to rise, so do the associated regulatory challenges.
“By introducing this new licence, the BHA can take a more proactive approach to managing emerging risks and maintain consistent standards across the board. This will not only provide greater clarity for syndicators and club managers about their role and responsibilities, but also help maintain trust in shared ownership by ensuring those involved feel confident that they are sufficiently protected and supported.
“This is an important step forward as we look to retain racehorse owners here in Britain and attract the next generation.”
More information about the licensing process is available on the shared ownership page of the BHA website.
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