Buying and owning a racehorse: 20 questions answered

Straight answers to the questions owners ask us most. Can't find yours? Email us or call us.

Buying

What does a bloodstock agent do?

We find, inspect and buy racehorses for you: a shortlist to your brief, independent vetting, bidding or negotiating up to your written limit, then insurance, papers and shipping to your trainer. Read more →

How much does your service cost?

5% of the purchase price, minimum US$5,000, agreed in writing before we start. Travel for inspections is charged at cost. Read more →

What is the minimum budget?

We work with budgets from US$50,000 per horse. Read more →

Do I send you the money to buy the horse?

No. You pay the seller or the sales company directly. Your purchase money never passes through us. Read more →

Do you take commission from sellers?

No secret commissions. Our fee is agreed with you in writing, and anything else we receive is disclosed to you. Read more →

Where do you buy horses?

At the major European sales (Tattersalls, Goffs, Arqana and others) and privately from owners and trainers in Britain, Ireland, France and Germany. Read more →

Can I buy a horse without travelling?

Yes. We inspect the horse, share videos and independent vet reports, and bid in your name with your written authority. Read more →

Can you buy a horse that is not for sale?

Often, yes. Many proven horses change hands privately. We find out quietly whether the owner would sell. Read more →

What checks are done before I buy?

An independent vet examination, usually with X-rays, a wind scope and a blood sample, plus a review of race form and ratings. Read more →

Management

Do you train the horses yourselves?

No. Your horse is trained by a licensed trainer in the country where it races. We choose the trainer with you, agree the plan and supervise it for you. Read more →

What does racehorse management cost?

From US$2,000 per horse per month. Training fees, vet, farrier, entries and transport are billed separately at cost. Read more →

How will I know how my horse is doing?

Monthly reports with photos or videos and the next steps, plus updates after every race, in English or Arabic. Read more →

What does it cost to keep a horse in training?

It depends on the country and trainer. As examples: Newmarket owners pay a gallop fee of £165 + VAT per month (2025), and a British Flat jockey fee is £173.54 per ride (2026). We confirm every fee in writing. Read more →

Transport

How do racehorses fly to Dubai?

In special stalls on cargo aircraft with flying grooms. Most exports need isolation before departure and quarantine on arrival. Meydan has international quarantine stables. Read more →

How much does it cost to fly a horse?

It depends on the route, date and flight. We get a current written quote from licensed shippers for each horse. Read more →

Ownership

I have never owned a racehorse. Where do I start?

With a conversation about your goal and budget. We then give you a written plan: country, trainer shortlist, type of horse and timeline. Read more →

Should I own alone or with friends?

Alone gives you full control and your own colours. A small partnership shares costs and decisions. Put any partnership in writing. Read more →

Can I race in the UAE if I buy in Europe?

Yes. The horse can be imported and trained by a UAE-licensed trainer, who registers it with the Emirates Racing Authority, or it can stay in Europe and travel for big races. Read more →

Which race meetings should I aim for?

It depends on the horse and budget. Our owner's calendar lists the great meetings from the Breeders' Cup to Royal Ascot, with when to buy for each. Read more →

Is owning a racehorse a way to make money?

No. We never present it that way. Racing is never certain. Own a horse for the sport, the experience and the love of it. Read more →