'They make you realise how fun owning a racehorse is' - what's it like to be part of Pompey Ventures? - Racing Post 26.5.25
- PV Team
- May 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Recent article by Racing Post, on owning with Pompey Ventures. Featuring our very own Joe Hudson!
The lowdown
How much does a share typically cost?
"It varies. For example, a two and a half per cent share in a horse they had called Bob Mali cost £650, while the Lincoln runner-up Oliver Show for the same percentage was £1,016," says Pompey Ventures' founding partner Owen Haly.
What does it get you?
Regular work videos with trainer updates, pictures weekly of your horses, as well as race previews and reviews from both the syndicate and the trainer. You also get an owner's raceday badge and yard visits.
How many others are there typically in each horse?
"Again there is a variety. Some have just five owners, while flagship horse Oliver Show has 15 people involved. It all depends who is interested in what horse," says Haly. "With our syndicates we want to have a tighter-knit, exclusive feeling to it."
Do syndicate members get tickets every time their horse runs?
"We always try to guarantee a ticket, it's as simple as that," Haly says. "All our owners were up in the Royal Box and hosted really well when Oliver Show ran in the Lincoln."
How do you communicate with members?
"You get included in a tailored WhatsApp group or via email specific to your syndicate horse, although it depends how the owner prefers it," he says.
How often do members see their horses at home?
It's not an open yard policy, but Haly can organise personal visits if contacted. "Yard days are something we want to do more of," he says, "but this way you do get more one-on-one time with the trainer."
Which type of horse does the syndicate like to buy?
They have bought yearlings, breeze-ups and juveniles, but have thrived buying horses in-training like Oliver Show, Tuco Salamanca and Kranjcar. "We try to recruit horses we think can improve, or even go out to the likes of Bahrain in the winter," Haly says.
Oliver Show (second right) has been a standout for Pompey VenturesCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)
What success have they had?
Plenty, but Haly thinks Oliver Show "has been nothing short of a standout". He finished second in a Listed race in Bahrain before being beaten a nose in the Lincoln.
Is there any chance of a return on investment?
"We try to buy horses who either maintain or increase value," Haly says. They also retain a percentage in horses where possible. After Bob Mali was bought for €16,000, he was sold for £50,000.
How many horses and members do you have at the moment?
They have 15, but also bought a "highly recommended" Cotai Glory colt at the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-up Sale last week. They have around 135-140 members.
Where is the syndicate based?
Daly is based in Portsmouth but owners come from across the world.
Which trainers do Pompey Ventures use?
Ollie Sangster, George Boughey, Karl Burke, Michael Keady and a two-year-old in Ireland with Jack Davison.
The experience
Joe Hudson, 27, from Wigan
When did you first get involved in the syndicate?
I've been involved since its inception as I was friends with Owen beforehand. It all started with a jumps horse called A Dublin Job and I'm still going strong. They've done a huge amount in a short space of time.
How many shares have you had with them?
I'm one of their biggest supporters. I've been involved in the majority we've had, so it's probably over 20 horses. There's only been a handful I've not been involved in.
What's been the biggest highlight on track?
When Oliver Show won in the Racing League at Southwell last year. It was live on ITV and he chased it down late and won on the line. There was a big group of us and we went absolutely mental. If you could bottle up that feeling and sell it, you'd be a millionaire.
And biggest disappointment?
Oliver Show's defeat in the Lincoln. Honestly, it could be the biggest highlight as it's the best result we ever had, but the manner of it in such a prestigious race was heartbreaking.
What do you like about the way they do ownership?
They're very transparent. I never feel like I don't know where I stand as there's always someone there giving you everything you need. They make you realise how fun owning a racehorse is too.
How do you find sharing ownership with strangers?
A stranger is a friend you haven't met yet and everyone's become mates, and you always get excited to see them next time you go racing.
How can racecourses improve the experience for syndicate members?
Getting more space and seats, as the main struggle can be grabbing somewhere to sit or have something to eat in owners and trainers if you're in a big syndicate. Chester does it fantastically.
