Punters are under starter’s orders for jump racing’s Olympics and one of the biggest money-spinners in sport - the Cheltenham Festival.
The four-day festival, which begins on Tuesday, is big business. Many of the 200,000 attending the pinnacle of the UK jump racing season will be there to bet and drink in the occasion with liquid refreshment that flows throughout.
But real horse-racing fans would gladly swap their house for the chance to own a horse that romps home in one of the Blue Riband events.
With more than £600 million expected to be gambled over the four days in the UK alone and more than 25 races, excitement and nerves fight a close two-horse race at Cheltenham.
This is certainly the case for Worcestershire-based trainer Ian Williams who claimed that more people were now becoming involved in the sport despite difficult economic circumstances facing many turf enthusiasts.
Williams runs a racing club from his stables in Alvechurch giving punters a chance to sample ownership without the major outlay normally required to enjoy the business of racing.
Joining an ownership club costs a few hundred pounds and clients can see their horse compete without the continued and often excessive costs of full ownership. There is also an active social calendar for syndicate members, including stable visits and course days out.
“It’s a great opportunity for people wanting to dip a toe into the water of racehorse ownership,” said Mr Williams, who operates from the exclusive Dominion Stables near the Worcestershire village.
“It keeps the expense under control but you still get a chance to enjoy the benefits of being involved in the sport."
After dabbling with racing clubs or ownership syndicates, many punters want to extend the thrill to owning their own horse.
There’s no doubt it can be expensive, with costs reaching up to £100 a day for the well-heeled, but the Alvechurch trainer said astronomical bills for keeping a string of horses in a top stable should not put off anyone wishing to enter the sport of kings.
“It all depends of what you want to spend and putting that amount into context,” he added. “Some people like to spend outrageous amounts buying their favourite sports car or even purchasing a membership of a swanky golf club.
“But racehorse ownership can be rewarding and brings great pleasure.”
He explained that the sport is a very labour intensive pastime and he employs a small army of grooms, stablehands, farriers, vets, jockeys and a host of other support staff to keep his 70-plus horses fit for the track.
