Howard Hamilton - HORSE SENSE THE THOROUGHBRED industry is very competitive and highly speculative; from the birth of a racehorse through its racing career and into its formative years in the breeding shed.
Many persons bidding for and purchasing racehorses have substantially greater resources than those that will be available to the average owner; and many business ventures in the thorough-bred industry do not generate net profits. Nonetheless, the competition for horses remains fierce throughout its lifetime. Many of the factors that affect the prices paid for thoroughbreds are beyond the Owner's control.
Among these factors are the presence of purchasers who buy for speculative purposes, the relative 'strength' of both the local and overseas auction and private markets; the availability or unavailability of 'new' thoroughbred stock; the size and distribution of racing purses, and the influence of buyers from other Caribbean territories. In addition, the value of a racehorse can fluctuate dramatically based on its racing success and physical condition.
BENEFIT
The greatest benefit of any partnership is experience in the business experience that will allow an owner to be more successful and experience fewer setbacks. From setting goals to choosing horses and trainers, racing on a successful basis is the most complex, difficult task you may ever undertake.
To be successful requires finding and eliminating errors one after another. Many persons do not stay in the business long enough to do so. A partnership can shorten this learning cycle substantially. The goal of TOBA Racing Team is to build a loyal client base that is interested equally in success and fun. Enjoyment comes from the pride of owning a quality racehorse, wanting to participate and to compete and winning.
REWARDING EXPERIENCE
We believe that each and every one of its investors should have a memorable, rewarding experience that is as similar to owning their own horses as is possible. Success will be based on: "Selection of horses the uncanny ability to identify superior talent before it becomes apparent to its racing rivals. Development with the sole aim of maximising its potential. Realism being realistic in the evaluation and placement of horses.
"Knowledge indepth knowledge of racing, which includes where to get horses, what to do with them and where to run them.
"Competitiveness being intimately familiar with the competition and having the ability to honestly assess one's own horse.
"Winning running to win
Another great benefit of partnerships is to reduce the financial investment required and spread the risk in each horse among many. The majority of horses do not make money. One way to make money in Racing is to spread the risk over numerous horses, either simultaneously or sequentially, until you find the one that is capable of making a substantial income.
When you invest in TOBA Racing Team, you are guaranteed the following: "Participation in a highly respected national organisation with the interest of the industry as its primary focus;
"Ownership in top-class thoroughbred racehorses, trained by the best trainers in the sport;
"Management of your investment by respected industry leaders.
"Diversification of your Thoroughbred holdings;
"Access to photographs and video tapes of your winning horses;
"Quarterly Financial State-ments with full disclosure;
"Timely management response and open lines of communication
Success begins with selection.
QUALITY RACE HORSES
TOBA Racing Team will
be based on the acquisition of quality race horses at realistic prices, and developing them into good, tough racing prospects with top industry leaders; at the same time maximising the returns and enjoyment that comes with racing.
In order to be able to figure out what a horse is best suited to achieve in terms of distance and racing style, one must possess an understanding of physical characteristics as it relates to the pedigree of the horse. Selection criteria will be based on an evaluation of pedigree, conformation, athletic ability and 'value for money'.
HAND-PICKED
Horses will be hand-picked and placed within their capabilities in order that they receive the best possible chance of achieving success. During the career of the horse TOBA Racing Team will work constantly with its trainers in fine-tuning the developmental process of the animal, in order to make sure that its vision of how the horse should develop is being met. Each horse will be given an equal level of attention and opportunity in order that they do not get "lost in the shuffle." In next week's article we will look at the economics of owning Racehorses.
This series of three articles on the proposed TOBA RACING TEAM has been contributed by David Miller in association with HORSE SENSE and the Thorough-bred Owners and Breeders Association Ltd.
Howard L. Hamilton C.D. J.P. is a former Chairman of Caymanas Track Ltd. and is currently president of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Ltd. He can be reached at howham@cwjamaica.com.
