While the jockey may take the glory when the horse speeds past the winning post, clinching victory is a team effort. This involves a lengthy process that also includes the trainers and crucially, the owners. There have been many influential ones over the years, well-known for other ventures, who have invested in horse racing. Below, we discuss the most well-known celebrity racehorse owners and the jockeys who rode for them.
Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson is known as one of the greatest football managers of all time. From 1986 to 2013 he was in charge of Manchester United and turned the club into the global brand it is today. He won 38 trophies with them, which included 13 Premier League titles, several FA cups, and two Champions League final wins.
He is often credited with investing in the youth section of the club. A particular highlight was his class of 92, who went on to be the backbone of one of his strongest squads and the glory period of the team. Yet Ferguson has managed to transfer this skill of spotting talent to horses. Now his managerial days are over, he can often be seen cheering on his horses which have included Protektorat, Clan des Obeaux and Monmiral.
Luckily, anyone who has an eye for spotting talent is now able to follow the same path and invest in racehorses. You do not need Alex Ferguson funds either. You can enjoy racehorse ownership for a relatively low entry point with online providers, and become part of a syndicate. Online platforms will provide you with stats and information on the horse until it is ready to race, where you will take a share in the profit if it wins.
Dame Judi Dench
Dame Judi Dench is a legend of theatre, film and television. Her most famous roles are playing M in the James Bond series and her work on the romantic comedy series As Time Goes By. Yet when she is not bagging awards for her work, she has a keen interest in horse racing and ownership.
Her most prolific winner has been Smokey Oakey. This managed to win seven times. This included the Lincoln and Brigadier Gerard Stakes. Another of her horses, As De Mee, was a six-time winner. Trained by Paul Nicholls, it won the Grand Sefton Chase and was in for Grand National contention before being ruled out by injury.
Liz Hurley
Liz Hurley sprung to the public’s attention in the nineties, when she attended a London premiere in a black Versace dress that made headlines. However, she is also a prolific actress appearing in Austin Powers and Bedazzled.
Her involvement in horses comes through the Highclere Thoroughbred Syndicate. This was founded in 1992 by Harry Herbert and John Warren. While the two run the operation, they allow people to invest and have a long list of celebrities which also includes Heston Blumenthal and Hugh Bonneville.
There are always celebrities at the races, and some of them like Alex Ferguson, have a great track record when it comes to picking winners. Watch the horses they own and you may just be able to pick out a future winner.
