Your Path To Becoming a Horse Owner

What would it be like to own a racehorse?

Whether you are exploring ownership for the first time or considering expanding your involvement in the sport, Churchill Downs is here to help you understand your options — and find the right path forward.

First, Let’s Level-Set: What Ownership Really Means

Owning a Thoroughbred is an unforgettable experience — but it is also a commitment.

Ownership involves:

• Purchasing an interest in a horse
• Ongoing training, veterinary, and care expenses
• Patience through development and racing schedules
• Celebrating wins — and navigating setbacks
• Our goal is not simply to help you buy into a horse. Our goal is to help you find the right ownership experience for you.

What Kind of Owner Do You Want to Be?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to ownership. Consider these questions as you explore your next step:

Are you exploring ownership for the first time? Many new owners begin through shared partnerships or racing clubs to learn the sport from the inside.

Are you looking for hands-on barn access or a social ownership experience? Some owners enjoy frequent barn visits, strategy conversations, and close involvement. Others prefer a streamlined, community-focused experience with managed communication and race-day access.

Are you interested in owning one horse — or being part of a racing portfolio? Traditional partnerships often focus on individual horses. Portfolio-style syndicates spread participation across multiple horses and racing campaigns.

Your answers help determine the structure that fits your goals, lifestyle, and level of involvement.

Ownership Pathways at Churchill Downs

Microshare Stakeholder  | Microshares are designed for fans who want to experience ownership in a simplified, accessible way.

• Shared ownership interests
• Managed training and racing decisions
• Behind-the-scenes updates
• Race-day access opportunities
• A community of fellow owners

It is an ideal starting point for first-time owners who want to learn the sport while minimizing individual risk and complexity.

Traditional Partnerships | Own shares in a Single Horse. Partnership groups allow you to purchase a percentage interest in a Thoroughbred.

This pathway may include:

• More direct involvement with trainers
• Access to the barn area
• Race-day paddock access
• Ownership communication and updates
• Partnerships vary in structure, size, and commitment level. Some focus on developing one horse at a time, while others specialize in specific racing circuits.

Multi-Horse Portfolio Syndicates | Diversified Participation for those looking for broader engagement, portfolio syndicates provide interests across multiple horses.

Benefits often include:

• Diversification across racing campaigns
• Exposure to different distances and surfaces
• Professional management teams
• Structured communication and reporting
• This approach can appeal to those seeking a longer-term ownership strategy within the sport.

What Does Ownership Cost?

Ownership varies widely depending on the pathway chosen.

Rather than focusing on a single number, consider:

• Level of participation
• Number of horses involved
• Duration of commitment
• Desired access and involvement
• Our team can help guide you toward options aligned with your goals and expectations.

Why Start Through Churchill Downs?

Churchill Downs is not a syndicate — we are your starting point.

We connect prospective owners with:

• Reputable partnership groups
• Established portfolio syndicates
• Educational resources to help you make informed decisions
• Our priority is supporting responsible, informed ownership within the sport.

Ready to Explore Your Path?

Tell us more about your ownership interests, and we will connect you with potential pathways that fit your preferences

Not ready to make a decision? Use the link to below to submit your preferences about potential Thoroughbred ownership.

HORSE OWNERSHIP INFORMATION FORM