JC / Railbird

Owners/Owning Archive

Loose Purse Strings Needed

Some racehorse owners make millions of dollars, others lose thousands upon thousands. “In other words, this is a speculative investment for people with substantial means. Don’t bet on horses to put the kids through college or fund your retirement plan. But those who have some money to play with and enjoy horses may find it enjoyable, and if they’re lucky, financially rewarding.” (Los Angeles Times)

Posted in Owners/Owning on October 10, 2004

Surprise!

Owning racehorses isn’t profitable — unless you’re in Argentina, the Middle East, or Hong Kong. Pity the Americans, though, who recover only 51% of the money spent on upkeep and training, and the Brits, who get a paltry 28%. (BBC)

Posted in Owners/Owning on October 7, 2004

A Reminder

Big prices can mean little: “The muscular $8 million Storm Cat colt sold at Keeneland last month doesn’t yet have a name, but other yearlings that have fetched stratospheric auction prices do.
“Seattle Dancer demanded a world record $13.1 million in 1985. He ran five times and won $152,413.
“Snaafi Dancer commanded $10.2 million in 1983. He never raced.
“Imperial Falcon went for $8.25 million in 1984. He earned $13,395 in three career starts.” (Courier Journal)

Posted in Owners/Owning on October 3, 2004

So Much Mystery

Who is the buyer of the $8 million Storm Cat colt? Could it be Japanese owner Fusao Sekiguchi, best known for owning the 2000 Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus? “Yes,” he said when initially asked by a DRF reporter. Then: “But Sekiguchi uncharacteristically declined to make any further comment himself or through a translator regarding where the colt would race or whether he had any partners in the purchase. After confirming that he had bought the colt … Sekiguchi was suddenly surrounded by three other members of his party. ‘This is not to be discussed,’ a female translator named Miki said. Asked if they wished to offer comment on any partners who might be involved in the colt’s ownership, the colt’s plans for racing, or his immediate destination, they consulted briefly in Japanese and then declined, repeating that it ‘was not to be discussed at all.’ Then the group, including Sekiguchi, left the pavilion.” (Daily Racing Form)
More: “Sekiguchi didn’t buy $8-Million Storm Cat colt, according to daughter-in-law” (Blood-Horse)

Posted in Owners/Owning on September 16, 2004