So, what's it like to be part of Old Gold Racing?

In our new weekly series on racing syndicates, we meet those involved, get their take on the ownership experience and outline the key details should you wish to join. This week: Old Gold Racing

The lowdown

How much does a share typically cost? First-time purchase is normally £60 for the first 12-14 months. After that members can renew their participation in the syndicate, typically for around £40 for the next 12-14 months. "It's less money in year two onwards because the member doesn't have to pay for their share of the capital cost of the horse again," says the syndicate's chief executive Ed Seyfried.

What does it get you? As well as "an ounce of the horse", members join a "lively community" and receive weekly updates from their trainer through email and an app. There is the opportunity to win owners' badges when the horse runs and those unsuccessful normally get a marked discount on the entry price. There are around five racecourse events a year – there were 500 members at an Old Gold event in a marquee at Cheltenham in December. Breakfast events are organised near trainers' yards with an invitation to the trainer to meet the members. Other benefits include discounts on holidays, hotels and fashion. 

Typically how many owners are there in each horse? Generally from 2,500 to 4,000, which is driven by cost or the value of the horse. "We try to give everyone the visceral experience of owning a racehorse," says Seyfried.

Do syndicate members get tickets every time their horse runs? There is a ballot system with each share in with a chance of winning a ticket. "On a weekday, there might be only about 100-150 entries for eight badges," says Seyfried.

How do you communicate with members? An email is sent out every Saturday at 11.30am with details about all the syndicate's entries, updates on specific horses and tips for the day's racing. These are on the app as well and there is a dedicated Facebook group for members to interact on.

How often do members see their horses at home? At least once a year. "If the visit is very popular, we run more than one," says Seyfried.

Apple Away: a star for Old Gold RacingCredit: John Grossick

What type of horse does the syndicate like to buy? Old Gold is about 70 per cent jumps and 30 per cent Flat, but they are looking to even that up. "We look for where we can get the best value and work closely with Anthony Bromley to get the best horse for the most reasonable price," says Seyfried.

What success have they had? Apple Away, the syndicate's flagship horse, has won six times, including at Grade 1 level in the Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree. Racingbreaks Ryder won four in a row and five in total and has taken members to Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood and York's Ebor meeting. The syndicate's win strike-rate sits at around 18 per cent.

Is there any chance of a return on investment? "We're an entertainment business. All the money raised in the syndicates belongs to the syndicate and any residue at the end of the syndicate term is returned to members, including if the horse is sold," says Seyfried.

How many horses and members do you have at the moment? About 30 horses in training and just under 30,000 members.

Where is the syndicate based? Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire.

Which trainers do you use? Lucinda Russell, Rebecca Menzies, Stuart Edmunds, Nicky Henderson, Evan Williams, Paul Nicholls, Charlie Longsdon, Ben Pauling, Fergal O’Brien, Billy Aprahamian, Charlie Hills, Tom Clover, Harry Derham, Jamie Snowden, Dan Skelton, Alex Hales, Gary Moore and Donald McCain.

More information can be found at oldgoldracing.com

The experience

Old Gold Racing syndicate member Emma Tye, 36, from Leicestershire

When did you first get involved with Old Gold? My partner and I are both involved and started about two and a half years ago.

How many shares have you had with them? I've got a share in three horses, Apple Away and Kingston James with Lucinda Russell and Kenmya with Dan Skelton.

Emma Tye (second right) with members of the Old Gold Racing syndicate at Doncaster

What's been the highlight on the track? I've been with Apple Away since the start and winning a Grade 1 at Aintree was phenomenal. I didn't come into this expecting to win and being part of a horse of the calibre of Apple Away has been fantastic. You can't ask for any more.

What do you like about the way Old Gold does ownership? I love being able to go to the track to talk to everybody – the trainer, jockey and other owners. We get weekly updates on the horses and you feel part of everything.

How do you find sharing ownership with strangers? It's really good, we're like a community. We've got a Facebook group, we wear the coloured scarves and we have annual gatherings. You get to meet and talk to so many different people.

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