Cheering on a winner at the racecourse after putting a stake down on the runner is one of the biggest thrills available in sport. However, for some, they will look to go one step further and bid to won a racehorse that can compete for some of the biggest prices in the game. 

Racehorse ownership is the dream for many that are passionate about the sport, as you can watch your horse train in the stables, before getting all the perks on raceday, such as watching your runner being saddled and talking to the trainer and jockey about strategy. 

Of course, not every owner can be fortunate enough to own a championship-winning runner, but that doesn’t stop anyone from dreaming that it is impossible. 

But, could investing in a racehorse be a wise investment and what are some of the biggest factors that should be taken into account before making the decision to get involved in the sport as an owner?

Buying a Horse

Before even thinking about a race, potential owners must first put their hand in their pocket in terms of buying a runner. This is the first key consideration that must be taken into account, as an owner will likely get back as much as they put in. Before a horse gets into the list for Kentucky Derby contenders a lot of work, money and (to be honest) luck is put into the equine’s future. You can check out the contenders for this year here: twinspires.com/kentuckyderby/contenders/ 

If you’re looking for a horse that can compete at smaller stakes level then it could cost up to $100,000. However, a horse’s value will likely depend on what they have already achieved on the track, and their age. For those just looking for a bit of fun in the sport, smaller amounts can be paid to get a racehorse. 

However, if you’re looking to unearth the next Secretariat or American Pharoah, the prices could be staggering. Championship horses will cost at least $200,000 at the very least, with some notable runners in recent memory being sold for well over $1 million. 

What Will Be Paid Out?

After buying a racehorse, the next step to consider is the daily fees and monthly rates that an owner will need to offset for their horse in training. This will largely depend on the yard, which they are stationed at, with Hall of Famer Bob Baffert likely to ask for a much bigger fee than trainers with limited stakes success. 

For example, leading trainers in the California region will ask for between $85 and $90 daily to look after your horse. This will include a range of benefits for your equine, as they will get feeding and betting, as well as the supplies and vitamins that they require to be active as a thoroughbred. 

The day rate also takes into account the pay for employees such as grooms, exercise riders, and assistants. 

Vet & Medical Bills

Ensuring that your horse is fit and healthy is also vitally important. Therefore, extra expenses should also be taken into account when you’re budgeting for your horse. 

That includes up to $100 a month for a trip to the blacksmith, and $1,500 for vet bills and $75 per month for a trip to the dentist. As they are highly-tuned athletes, horses will also need monthly visits to the chiropractor, which could cost up to $100. 

Race Costs

Once your horse is prepared to finally run, there will be more outgoings to consider. This includes entry fees for races, and commissions that a trainer and jockeys will take for their work with horses. 

Some of the most prestigious races on the calendar will have massive entry fees, with an entry to the Breeders’ Cup Classic costing around $120,000. However, this fee could easily be claimed back if your horse picks up a share of the $6 million purse. 

Smaller stakes races will have a smaller entry fee, with a $200,000 stakes race costing around $3,000 per entry. It is generally regarded that an entry fee is around 2% of the purse. 

Why You Should Invest in a Racehorse?

Investing in a racehorse is far from a safe investment, as horses, like all living creatures, aren’t robots. Therefore, there is often the prospect of something going amiss in terms of an injury, which could ensure that the investment is already lost. 

However, the chance to own a racehorse is something that everybody one day dreams about doing. But, it will largely depend on what you’re looking to get out of the experience that will determine whether it is a wise investment. If you’re looking to make money out of the investment, then there could be far more reliable ways to achieve that. 

However, it may not be as much fun as the journey that you will go on with a racehorse. For many, owning a racehorse will center around the love of the sport and animals, and just getting the chance to be up close and personal with them will ensure that you will get your mon

Last Updated on October 5, 2025